Doggett's Coat & Badge, Southbank, SE1

This modern Nicholsons pub has an ideal location overlooking the Thames next to Blackfriars Bridge and takes its unusual name from the prize of an annual river race instigated by actor Thomas Doggett in 1715 and which is now believed to be the oldest continuously held sporting event (it is still run every July). The pub is housed across 4 floors with the main bar situated just off ground level. It is quite plain with bare floors and feels a bit pokey in places, the bar itself not being particularly spacious. There are a few old pictures of the river and nearby docks but it is the river views to the front that are the obvious selling point. Some of the table layouts are rather awkward and the music can be also quite intrusive. Upstairs is a self contained Sports Bar with 2 pool tables, table football and more panoramic views. Continuing up there is a restaurant and a further private bar for functions. At the rear of the pub is a sizeable covered terrace with plenty of benches and there is also a limited amount of outdoor seating on the river front itself. The ale selection is pretty good and reflects Nicholsons growing reputation for guest beers. The 10 hand pumps in the main bar offered 5 usnusal guests (Purity Ubu, Thwaites Wainwright, Springhead Roaring Meg,, Daleside Morocco and Crompton Dutch Wink) alongside 2 more common (Doom Bar and Landlord) and London Pride (for some reason badged on 3 pumps). Prices are pretty reasonable but a bit bizarre with Landlord at £3.25 whilst the Doom Bar is a mere £2.70. The others are in the region of £3.10-£3.20 depending on strength. Beer wise I have no problems with this pub but it just doesn’t have enough character about it to make it a regular haunt even though the walk between London Bridge and Waterloo stations is a favourite of mine. It seems it will always just be a half way house for a quickie before venturing on

Doggetts Coat & Badge page at the Nicholsons site - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

Doggetts Coat & Badge page at the Nicholsons site - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

Whilst I was in the Doggetts Coat and Badge the downstairs toilet was flooding so I had to use that one on the 2nd floor. I'm glad that I had to go up there as I ended up sitting at the top of the pub admiring the views rather than sitting in the dark, mediocre bar on the ground floor. There were a few signs up asking people to keep the noise down as there were exams going on in some of the rooms – I wish I could have done my exams in a pub! I thought that the lager was spot and the service was up to scratch. The pub seemed to be advertising everywhere for the hiring out of floors for functions, which I would imagine being fantastic for a party.

Official site of the Doggetts Coat & Badge - www.doggettscoatandbadge.co.uk

The Stone Roses Bar is now called Sgt Peppers Indie bar

A multi bar pub, on 4 levels. Lift access to all floors, so very wheelchair friendly. Real ale sold in all bars. The top two bars can be booked for functions. My picture is of the Sports Bar. It has a garden terrace out the back and a roof top terrace, guess where, on the roof! Toilets are on all floors, so you wont have to try & run down the stairs with your legs crossed. There was also tables out the front by the river, which are not shown on the floor plan

Official site of the Doggetts Coat & Badge - www.doggettscoatandbadge.co.uk