The Horniman at Hay's, SE1

A large and expansive Nicholson’s pub alongside the Thames. There is limited seating around the perimeter at entrance level with the main bar area down a few steps, although this is a pleasant elevated position to sit and watch the rest of the pub. There are four large pillars at the front of the pub which makes negotiating the seating here slightly tricky. This main bar area is a large open space with four big chandeliers, an ornate plastered ceiling and an impressive wood panelled back drop to the bar with an integral clock built in to the top. There is a strip painting on the wall above the bar, and this continues around the side. The floor of the bar is tiled, with a couple of large inlaid brass plaques bearing an “HH” motif. I only spotted one plasma which was turned off, and discretely disguised with a brown leather surround to it! At the left hand end is an upper area with a good view of the bar, and below this another bar area that was crammed full of small square tables and chairs. There is also a good amount of outside seating adjacent to the river. Food offering seems to be a standard Nicholson’s affair, which nonetheless offers a good selection of “pub grub” at reasonable prices, although here the prices seemed to be a pound or so higher than some of their other outlets. I guess that’s the price you pay for a riverside setting. A queuing system seemed to have developed at the bar, with all punters waiting patiently to order at one of the two till points at the end. I’m not sure if this is always the case as I didn’t see any signs to this effect, but it worked well enough. There was an excellent choice of beers on tap as follows – Doom Bar, London Pride, Jaipur, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Butcombe Old Vic, Brain’s Milkwood, Coach House Gunpowder Mild, Caledonian Flying Dutchman, St. Austell Proper Job, Adnams Lighthouse and finally Honey Blond which is apparently brewed exclusively for them by Thornbridge. After this, the choice of ciders was slightly disappointing with just Aspall’s Suffolk.

This is a nice large One room modern Pub thats been built to look Old and its been done very well It has several seating areas but all were busy when we went in. I had a nice Pint that was in good condition and service was good Plus unusual for a very busy Pub the Toilets were Clean and spotless. I will have too return again and have a better look next time I'm in the area.

A faithful reproduction of a Victorian interior,I really enjoyed my visit to this Nicholson's house.You step down into the main body of the pub,and the sizeable bar extends along the far wall.The high ceiling has chandeliers hanging down,the bar has pleasing curves and there are internal seating galleries reached by short staircases.It is many years since my last visit,and Nicholsons have completely removed the modern bar fitments of it's first incarnation and introduced marble features and a traditional wooden bar back.Most seats were taken,but there is a lot of room for vertical drinking close to the bar. There was a wide selection of real ale ,and the Saltaire Triple Chocaholic I chose was in good order.The bar service was swift and efficient,and food service was equally quick. I will definately return for a closer inspection,and a more thorough pop at their ale range.

Randomness Guide to London - Horniman entry

Randomness Guide to London - Horniman entry

Official pages of The Horniman At Hays, contains menus and cask ale details - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

Official pages of The Horniman At Hays, contains menus and cask ale details - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk