The Roebuck, Borough, SE1

Big and busy on the night I visited but more eating than drinking.3 beers on handpump inc Trumans and Sunny Republic.Bit too far from the main Borough pubs but worth the occasional visit.

This is a very large Victorian Pub on a wedge shaped corner site. All the external features are present, including polished granite facings, Corinthian capital designs, imposing parapets, etc. But inside it’s completely stripped out, leaving a central island bar, and only the cast iron pillars to remind us of its former glory. The main bar area has scrubbed tables and a mish mash of assorted chairs. There’s another drinking area behind the servery with sofas, armchairs and the like. All the tables had a little sprig of flowers on them, and the horticultural theme is continued with a couple of very large potted plants in the corners. I didn’t see a pool table or dartboard. There are some picnic benches outside on the pavement. On the ale front they had Sambrook Pale Ale (£3.40 a pint); Purity UBU; and Truman Belt ‘n’ Braces. They do food at lunchtimes, but I didn’t get to see a menu as they were whisked away when the kitchen closed at 2.30. This is a typically large cavernous Victorian pub that has had its guts ripped out of it over the years. It was virtually empty when I was in, but when one punter had a conversation on his mobile ‘phone, and because of the high ceilings and bare floors his voice reverberated around the room. I bet it’s unbearably noisy when it gets busy. This pub is in the “OK” category. While the interior isn’t anything very special, the ale choice puts it a few notches above the average.

Seemed to have potential and kind of likeable, but just failing to deliver, I thought. On a Saturday evening, the music was playing at a reasonable volume, but the crowds had yet to arrive. A pint of Purity Ubu wasn't as good as it should have been, but an interesting keg selection included a good Meantime Wheat. I feel a need to return and judge the place again.

Official site of the Roebuck - www.theroebuck.net

Official site of the Roebuck - www.theroebuck.net

Rather disappointing I felt. Student type bar staff with a lazy attitude. Far too expensive too. I imagine it is far removed from what it once was. Sadly only visited in it's current state.