Doggett's Coat & Badge, Southbank, SE1

A particularly ugly looking building on the south bank of the Thames, this is a large, split level Nicholson’s pub that isn’t likely to draw anyone in for it’s aesthetic appeal, but we were just looking for some sustenance after completing the nearby Bermondsey Beer Mile, and this chain can at least usually be relied upon to provide something half decent and nourishing. Inside it’s actually quite pleasant, with wood strip flooring and great views of the nearby Blackfriar’s Bridge. Paintwork was a mixture of a very dark green with some cream in places, with lighting provided by a mixture of spots, old fashioned style metal lamp shades and some rather unusual kitchen whisk style lights. A few TV’s were dotted around showing a sports channel, but the volume was off so this was not too intrusive. A few pictures were dotted around the walls, and it almost felt quite elegant in places, in stark contrast to the pub’s exterior. Beers on tap were their own Pale Ale, London Pride, Tribute, Doom Bar, Doom Bar Amber and Timothy Taylor Landlord, with Harvey’s Sussex Best apparently coming soon. Ciders meanwhile were Thistly Cross, Mortimer’s Orchard and Mortimer’s Orchard English Berry.

Ugly building in a nice location. Nicholdon’s pub with a multi level interior giving views across the river.

Awful looking pub saved by its location on South Bank and views onto the river. Unfortunately you pay for the privilege. On three different levels the seating is positioned to take account of the views. Outside seating as well. Nicholsons pub with 6 real ales.

I've walked past this large Nicholson's pub countless times, but never actually bothered to pop inside to see what it's like. Built in keeping with the Southbank's aesthetically challenging architecture, the pub looms over the Thames at a prominent spot adjacent to Blackfriars Bridge. The pub has been set out over a number of levels, but it is the ground floor that will be of most interest to drinkers, containing the main bar and a decent amount of seating. Entering from the riverside you pass through a compact front seating area with tables wedged into a couple of nooks either side of the entrance. The bar is immediately apparent, running down the right hand wall, with a reasonable amount of space left empty opposite to allow for queues and through traffic at peak hours. Beyond, a passageway runs down the left hand side of the building with a drinking ledge and high stools, before emerging into a good sized rear seating space. Walls here have been painted in dark shades and have a variety of pictures dotted around as well as a few bookshelves. Comfy button backed banquettes and lots of standard chairs make up a good proportion of the available seating options and there appeared to be some sort of work party taking place when we arrived, as a food platter had been laid out on some of the tables. We ate in this area as well, but stairs lead up to a first floor, street level, formal dining room with table service. It's not possible to sit here unless you intend to eat, so I didn't bother to explore. There are also two further floors with their own bars which are available for private hire. As you might expect, there was a mix of customers on a mid-week evening with the obligatory office workers and confused tourists clogging up the bar area. The pub has appeared in some recent editions of the Good Beer Guide and there was a healthy range of ales on offer on this particular visit, with the hand pumps dispensing Nicholson's Pale Ale, Sharps Doom Bar, Truman's Runner, Brains Rev James, Hop Back Winter Lightning, Harviestoun Old Engine Oil, Everards Tiger, Fullers Oliver's Island, Moorhouse White Witch and Black Sheep Bitter. I enjoyed a well kept pint of the Old Engine Oil, but there was a long wait at the bar and service was gruff and unfriendly. Despite the poor service, I thought this was a decent enough pub and one that compares favourably to some of the other establishments in this high profile part of the city. The extent of the beer range coupled with the fact they seem able to keep it in good condition, was probably the biggest plus point and, whilst I can't imagine settling down to a session here, I will certainly bear this place in mind when passing in the future.