The Raven, Bermondsey, SE1

This funny little bar is apparently Adnams’ only tied house in London and has entrances to the front and rear. A good number of pumps with Adnams’ full range plus some specials in decent nick but quite expensive (so much for economies of scale!) though the halves were served in very nice stemmed goblets. The interior resembles a mash-up between a wine bar and an Antic pub. It works after a fashion but I do wonder quite why Adnams use this as their London showcase venue. The décor is eclectic, with framed Top of the Pops LP covers, a huge metalwork clock behind the bar, red and purple walls and a large RAF amongst other things. A lot of it seemed quite new but perhaps that’s more down to a regime of constant upkeep? Clientele and ambience were a little more upmarket than I…if it wasn’t for the ale list I probably wouldn’t strive to give this one a second visit but seeing as it’s a quick trot from the nearby Dean Swift it makes for a decent stop for a quick half.

This Adnams pub is located just a few yards down the road from Tower Bridge and has seemingly decided to go for a modern bar/restaurant look, perhaps to lure in a few tourists, rather than any attempt at a traditional pub. The interior is all dark wood floor and white/pastel coloured walls with leather banquettes at the rear of the room set up for diners and only a few pews and tables at the front for those just wanting a drink. The menu is listed on blackboards along the back wall and there were lots of drinks detailed in a similar fashion behind the bar. I turned up quite late in the evening, so a lot of diners had probably left, but even then I didn't feel that comfortable sat there with just a pint and my paper. There were four handpulls all dispensing Adnams beer with Broadside, Bitter, Explorer (£3.50) and a new Royal Wedding beer available. My pint of Explorer was in decent condition and the bloke who served me was very friendly. As Adnams' only tied house in the capital, I thought this was a bit of a weird way to showcase the brewery. My overall impression of the place was that it was bland without being off-putting.