Bunch of Grapes, SE1

I found this to be a rather bland Young’s pub that had four of their ales on during my visit along with a standard and premium draught selection. I found the staff to be friendly enough and they were reasonably good at spotting who was waiting to be served behind the selfish drinkers that were standing at the bar and not moving for anyone. Granted it was busy being the last working Friday before Christmas, but there wasn’t much Christmas cheer even though it was snowing outside. I was disappointed with the quality of my Guinness which was sub standard, especially for this area full of good beer pubs. This along with the lack of atmosphere will have me walking past next time I‘m in the area.

A Youngs pub close to London Bridge station having to compete in an area of high quality pubs. It is quite modern in décor internally having undergone a major Youngs makeover in 2007, but externally it's a grade II listed building and was apparently a pair of Victorian houses converted into a Freehouse and you can still see some signs internally of Victorian fittings which survived the ‘07 refurb throughout dark wood panelled ground floor bar. The homely upstairs bar area is like sitting in a cosy large front room, and out back there is a split level patio area on three levels which is a great way of providing a decent outside drinking area in a limited space. Usual Young's Ordinary, Special, and Waggledance on and CW Bombardier as guest. Have only visited on a evening for one before moving on to other establishments in the Borough area, but for a pint of Youngs Special, its always been alright for me.