The Lord Northbrook, Lee, SE12

This pub has relatively recently been taken over by Fuller's, and it shows. There are no surprises on the ale front, with Oliver's Island, London Pride, and Gales Seafarers on. We had a mix of the three ales avalable, with five pints rocking up at £21.70, whch makes them around £4.40 a pint. I would regard that as top of the range pricing for an area like Lee. The available food was consistent with Fuller's upmarket makeover, with sandwiches like "grilled halloumi ciabatta", and "black cab croque monseur" on the menu. Main course were £11 upwards, and I didn't spot any pub grub. This place has been massively madeover. The bar counter and panelling is all painted light grey; there's some arty wallpaper; most of the tables were laid for diners; and there were plenty of sofas on the right. The conservatory at the back seemed to be just available for diners (but I didn't ask if that was the case), and a garden was at the back. It was well patronised during our late afternoon visit. It's a business model that seems to work, and who can blame a pub and brewery company like Fuller's for providing what customers appear to want? But I prefer a more traditional pub, although I'm certain that I'm in the minority.

Official site of The Lord Northbrook - www.thelordnorthbrook.co.uk

Official site of The Lord Northbrook - www.thelordnorthbrook.co.uk

Reverted to original name LORD NORTHBROOK