The Lord Clyde, SE1

Tris C left this review about The Lord Clyde

Date visited: 30th April 2022.

This pub dates from at least the early 19th century, possibly as the then Duke of Kent and was rebuilt in 1913. It’s grade II-listed and is cited on CAMRA’s list of pubs with historic interiors, this being of Regional Importance. The name of E. J. Bayling can be seen over the door, publican here from around 1910 until the early ‘20s. The place had been run by the same family for 60 years, but relinquished ownership in early 2020 to City Taverns (Best City Pubs).
I had saved this place for last on my five-pub SE1 crawl and was expecting fine things, given the heritage citation and reviews below. Turfing up mid evening, I could hear very loud music emanating from somewhere ahead of me. On arriving, I found to my horror that it was karaoke night, the place absolutely packed out with old-school locals, many who seemed really quite drunk, one witless fool arsing about to such an extent that he actually knocked a glass off the pot shelf. The noise was really too much, with loud pop songs and accompanying videos being played between participants; this was far from being a restful experience.
There were four ales, up to a point: Doom (coming soon), Landlord (coming soon), Pride (coming soon) then Wandle at £2.60 a half and in really rather poor condition, me barely finishing it.
For all the heritage, I’ve been here and seen it, but I’m highly unlikely to come here again.

Rated: 5.
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Date visited: 25th September 2024.

A return and now a far more restful experience, with a mix of locals, office workers and students.
The cask situation was greatly improved with the banishment of Doom, then Sussex Best, Proper Job, Hophead and Landlord, good nick but at an extremely stiff £3.20 a half.
This is a nice pub with the score up, but the prices have cost it a point.

Rated: 7.

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Another visit last Wednesday and obviously little has changed in seven days.
There were about six ales on and a decent representation too, but two halves of Landlord for £6.60 in a locals’ backstreet pub - that's 10p a half increase in seven days - is taking the p**s somewhat, 10p a half more even than the tourist trap round the corner that is the George!
A decent pub but the pricing is a joke and the unwatched football playing through the pub’s stereo at volume doesn’t make for a particularly pleasant experience, despite the darling exterior; this place is all fur coat and no knickers.
Another point docked.

On 10^th October 2024 - rating: 5
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