After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Knowing you, it could very well be diesel...
Not diesel. Look at that thick, organic, chocolatey quality
Diarrhoea from civet cats forcefed on coffee beans with added spice?
Closer. It is indeed tropical….
I wondered about sunbear bile but the colour seems wrong.
I think HYUFD is a good poster and often unfairly jumped on around these parts - but I also think he does unfortunately come across as a bit of a snob at times. And if something doesn't agree with how he has proceeded with life it almost doesn't compute in his head.
You see this with the exams, he's obviously a smart guy and has done well in his exams - but there are plenty of clever people that do awfully in exams.
I tend to consider myself somebody who exams don't reflect my ability. For example I got an A* in English Language because most of it was coursework but I did much more poorly in English Literature which wasn't
If you think I am a snob you should have seen Charles, late of this Parish. I am a mere oik in comparison to him!
You are unashamedly elitist in the nicest possible way. Don't undersell yourself when comparing yourself to other unashamed elitists. You run with the big snobs.
On class-ridden paper Boris Johnson is our feudal overlord worthy of us cap doffing to his every whim. If the last three years have taught you anything it is that high brow Conservative MPs can be unworthy scoundrels unfit to lick clean the boots of toiling serfs.
AAA if you have an A in computer science/computing
You are wrong!
The standard offer actually includes an A* and for most they will get an A* in Computer Science anyway if studying it
My son studied Computer Science at Cambridge where he is now doing his PhD. He did not do computer science at A level or GCSE and was not asked for a single A* by Cambridge in any subject. In fact Cambridge gave him his lowest offer of all the Unis he applied for. It might have something to do with him winning the Cambridge University Computer Science prize when he was in the lower sixth though.
And I expect he got mainly A* and As at GCSE and A level too didn't he?
If he got Cs and Ds he almost certainly wouldn't be at Cambridge.
The fact he won the Computer Science prize clearly put him in the top 10% for the subject he studied too didn't it!!
Yes you would be correct, but that wasn't the point was it. The point was you were wrong.
Yes that WAS the point.
My original point that virtually all Russell Group students are in the top 10% for the subject they studied was correct.
As you just confirmed for your own son too
The main point, as has been shown ever since you posted here, but abundantly over the last few days, is that when you make a mistake you can never admit it.
I make loads of mistakes. I have made them here quite a lot also. When I do I put my hands up. You never do. Instead you squirm around it and move the goal posts.
I don't know why you do it because you would get a lot more respect for doing so. It also often deflects from the point you are making as people will now home in on your mistake, just like I did, so it devalues what might be a good argument by you.
And as you can see people are making fun of you now so the point is lost.
Wrong on both counts.
I said to Horse earlier I made a mistake in terms of the requirement of A* entry grades for Russell Group courses. However my point virtually all Russell Group students are in the top 10% for the subject they studied stands.
Of course as I am one of the few loyal Tories on here still 'admit making a mistake' often really means follow the non Tory herd, which I won't do!
I went to what is now a Russell Group University. I was as much an idiot then as I am now, and they let me in, so I shoot your argument down in flames.
Yes you have some steadfast ideas on the elite politics of Universities, Grammar schools, private schools and faith, all your views on which I largely disagree with. Nonetheless when it comes to checking the political weather vane you can read it a lot better than many of PBs partisan Tories. Your views on polling when you analyse more than just your preferred poll are worthy of a read. Although I was critical of your reliance on the Autumn 2019 Yougov mega poll, however you and it turned out to be right.
Keep on flying the Tory flag. I suspect most who disagree with you also have a quiet admiration for your steely determination. I know I do. You do need to change your view of Boris Johnson however, he is a walking national catastrophe, and if he ever returns to power we will all regret it, especially the Conservative Party.
Anyone who thinks the Russel Group has any real proof of ‘being the best’ in terms of Unis is somewhat deluded. Certainly they tend to have medical schools, be research focussed etc and in general tend to be higher up the rankings. But so what? My employer, Bath, is consistently a top 10 uni in most lists and isn’t RG. It boasts some very well regarded departments nationally. It’s high on the employability lists for graduates. I despair when I see the RG used as shorthand for quality. It’s not. It’s a smug collection of universities who formed an alliance at the Russel Hotel.
Which have - with it has to be said unfortunate effects - been granted special privileges by the government based on that misunderstanding.
And employers….
You only have to look at the number of paid internships available for graduates - but only from RG universities.
At one job, years ago, I got to know HR quite well.
The lowliest job was filtering the CVs that came in
1) No degree - bin 2) U.K. non-Russell Group - bin 3) Not a 1st or 2.1 - bin 3) Foreign University - if on the “ok list” keep, otherwise ask someone.
The person given the job didn’t have a degree, herself.
Russel Group is a marketing exercise, it was setup for that purpose.
The 1987 or whatever the other group was doing better which is why they bribed a load of those unis to join.
Or you want to tell me that Queen Mary is a better university than say Hull or Leicester - really?
Or Hull and Leicester are better than Oxbridge, Imperial and UCL?
Most of the Russel Group though aren't those unis.
And it depends on the subject, Hull has/had one of the best Comp Sci departments in the country, not sure how it ranks now. I'd argue Cambridge's Comp Sci syllabus was a horrific course for anyone actually wanting to work in Software Engineering
I haven't done it for many years, but when I was recruiting graduates, I'd utterly agree with your last sentence - and I'm a fan of Cambridge.
Oddly enough, some of the best software engineers I've known had geography degrees, whilst physicists also made good engineers IME (although that makes more sense.)
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Knowing you, it could very well be diesel...
Not diesel. Look at that thick, organic, chocolatey quality
Diarrhoea from civet cats forcefed on coffee beans with added spice?
Closer. It is indeed tropical….
I wondered about sunbear bile but the colour seems wrong.
I’m off to watch telly in a minute, so here’s the answer
It’s a thimbleful of the world’s finest ayahuasca. Drank it in Menorca in December 2021. OOOOF
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
WINDSOR CASTLE NOTTING HILL???
You must be f**cking joking.
If you want a hoorah hangout then at least go for the Phene (much changed since the good old days but still one of the best pubs/gardens in London if you like red cords and striped shirts).
AAA if you have an A in computer science/computing
You are wrong!
The standard offer actually includes an A* and for most they will get an A* in Computer Science anyway if studying it
My son studied Computer Science at Cambridge where he is now doing his PhD. He did not do computer science at A level or GCSE and was not asked for a single A* by Cambridge in any subject. In fact Cambridge gave him his lowest offer of all the Unis he applied for. It might have something to do with him winning the Cambridge University Computer Science prize when he was in the lower sixth though.
And I expect he got mainly A* and As at GCSE and A level too didn't he?
If he got Cs and Ds he almost certainly wouldn't be at Cambridge.
The fact he won the Computer Science prize clearly put him in the top 10% for the subject he studied too didn't it!!
Yes you would be correct, but that wasn't the point was it. The point was you were wrong.
Yes that WAS the point.
My original point that virtually all Russell Group students are in the top 10% for the subject they studied was correct.
As you just confirmed for your own son too
The main point, as has been shown ever since you posted here, but abundantly over the last few days, is that when you make a mistake you can never admit it.
I make loads of mistakes. I have made them here quite a lot also. When I do I put my hands up. You never do. Instead you squirm around it and move the goal posts.
I don't know why you do it because you would get a lot more respect for doing so. It also often deflects from the point you are making as people will now home in on your mistake, just like I did, so it devalues what might be a good argument by you.
And as you can see people are making fun of you now so the point is lost.
Wrong on both counts.
I said to Horse earlier I made a mistake in terms of the requirement of A* entry grades for Russell Group courses. However my point virtually all Russell Group students are in the top 10% for the subject they studied stands.
Of course as I am one of the few loyal Tories on here still 'admit making a mistake' often really means follow the non Tory herd, which I won't do!
I went to what is now a Russell Group University. I was as much an idiot then as I am now, and they let me in, so I shoot your argument down in flames.
Yes you have some steadfast ideas on the elite politics of Universities, Grammar schools, private schools and faith, all your views on which I largely disagree with. Nonetheless when it comes to checking the political weather vane you can read it a lot better than many of PBs partisan Tories. Your views on polling when you analyse more than just your preferred poll are worthy of a read. Although I was critical of your reliance on the Autumn 2019 Yougov mega poll, however you and it turned out to be right.
Keep on flying the Tory flag. I suspect most who disagree with you also have a quiet admiration for your steely determination. I know I do. You do need to change your view of Boris Johnson however, he is a walking national catastrophe, and if he ever returns to power we will all regret it, especially the Conservative Party.
Anyone who thinks the Russel Group has any real proof of ‘being the best’ in terms of Unis is somewhat deluded. Certainly they tend to have medical schools, be research focussed etc and in general tend to be higher up the rankings. But so what? My employer, Bath, is consistently a top 10 uni in most lists and isn’t RG. It boasts some very well regarded departments nationally. It’s high on the employability lists for graduates. I despair when I see the RG used as shorthand for quality. It’s not. It’s a smug collection of universities who formed an alliance at the Russel Hotel.
Which have - with it has to be said unfortunate effects - been granted special privileges by the government based on that misunderstanding.
And employers….
You only have to look at the number of paid internships available for graduates - but only from RG universities.
At one job, years ago, I got to know HR quite well.
The lowliest job was filtering the CVs that came in
1) No degree - bin 2) U.K. non-Russell Group - bin 3) Not a 1st or 2.1 - bin 3) Foreign University - if on the “ok list” keep, otherwise ask someone.
The person given the job didn’t have a degree, herself.
I once read a Telegraph small and for a Sales Executive vacancy which required "only first class honours graduates or former students from a Headmasters Conference school need apply". I failed on both counts.
@CarlottaVance do you believe trans people deserve our love and compassion and do you think they are deserving of rights under the law?
Yes, and I’ve said so many times. They already have rights under the law.
The discussion is about a badly drafted Scottish Bill that could compromise women’s rights to single sex spaces established by the Equality Act which is a U.K. wide matter and the responsibility of the U.K. government.
What’s your view on the Scottish GRR Bill?
Yet every post you make seems to attack them.
Let's be honest, if the Tories were proposing this bill you'd be telling us how wonderful it was. You are the most partisan poster on this entire site, actually worse than HYUFD.
Show me a post where I have attacked trans people.
Once again, directly to ad hom.
Why is a position supported by Labour and SNP MPs a Tory one?
What do YOU think of the Scottish GRR Bill?
Or don’t you have an opinion?
I already posted my views on this topic days ago. I think the commentary on this bill from you and others is entirely cynical and not about safety or anything else. We know this because you keep saying about how this is Sturgeon's big failure, that is what this is really about.
This issue is incredibly complicated, there is no perfect solution or answer. But I start from the position of love and compassion, not trying to vilify people to score points.
So, no quote of an attack by me on trans people. No acceptance that the politician leading the proposed change is responsible for the problem, but you’re quite happy to vilify me to score points.
Nicola Sturgeon is not responsible for women using single sex spaces which is what you asked me.
Answer my question: if a man has transitioned completely to being a woman (gender), can they EVER use single sex spaces?
And if not, why not? What is the issue?
I asked your opinion on the Scottish GRR bill - which Sturgeon is responsible for. The answer to your question will depend on the law.
How many trans women do you think “completely transition” to having no male genitalia?
I agree with you in general but completely transitioning gender does not IMO require surgery to create fake genitalia. Gender is a matter of identity. This is what differentiates it from sex. If you argue in this way you are almost encouraging these surgeries aren't you?
I think the loo issue is a bit of a distraction from the main issue - we allow someone to change gender but must not allow this to be conflated with changing sex.
I agree - genital surgery is difficult, irreversible and has high complication rates - which is why in particular children should not have access to it, or be pushed onto a pathway that leads to it. The Swedish approach of “wait and see, pushing neither transition nor desistance” seems the most humane.
The issue we are then left with is that there are male bodied trans people and there are men who will exploit loopholes to gain access to single sex spaces.
In the discussion it is striking how often defenders of the GRR bill (which ignores the complication created by this issue) launch into hypotheticals about toilets rather than address the legal issues the bill raises.
I support the bill - specifically to make it easier and based primarily on self-id not psychiatric diagnosis to obtain a GRC. But I don't support gender identity always and everywhere replacing biological sex. The default in society should be trans inclusion but exclusion should also be possible. Currently the EA allows single sex exemptions if it's a 'proportionate means to a legitimate end'. It's important this continues and I expect it will. So, easier legal transition, default trans inclusion, with exceptions where properly justified - this is in my view the direction to go in and it's where I think we'll eventually get to.
The issue is the Equality act allows you to discriminate on the basis of sex for single sex spaces provided the discrimination is proportionate. So for example a woman’s refuge against male violence would be able to say to a man “you can’t come in.”
It does not allow you to discriminate on the basis of gender reassignment. So a trans person with a GRC could mount a legal challenge today to being excluded. While very few GRCs have been issued, and those that have have been subject to safeguarding this has not been a problem.
The concern is that removing the safeguarding entirely - which is what is proposed - will lead to a substantial increase in the number issued (numbers are debated, but the Scottish government argues simultaneously that “there is a pressing need for urgent reform“. AND “not many will be issued”) and with no safeguarding in place bad actors will get through. Small groups confronted by people with GRCs will either need to accept them or get legal advice - which many can’t afford.
This was pointed out repeatedly to ScotGov and waved away.
The EA does allow single sex service providers to exclude trans people (with or without a GRC) if it passes the 'proportionate means to legitimate end' test.
Cunningham’s evidence to the Select Committee yesterday that proportionate exclusion based on sex is much more straight forward (as it’s specifically mentioned) than on gender reassignment - hence the concern in an increase in the number of GRCs and removal of safeguarding.
Still, under the EA trans exclusion is ok if the 'proportionate legitimate' test is met. I've seen commentary suggesting the GRR bill makes single sex spaces illegal. This isn't the case.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
BTW I have been to two of those (not been to the one in Newton)
Here is someone who left school at 16 with crummy exam results & started work at Pfizer as a lab technician. She went to a school with low aspirations for the students. Pfizer then gave her study leave to get her degree part-time.
Here is someone who left school at 16 with crummy exam results & started work at Pfizer as a lab technician. She went to a school with low aspirations for the students. Pfizer then gave her study leave to get her degree part-time.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
I just meant your favourites. (The idea of some global order, or even a national order, is of course nonsense)
Edinboro Castle (which I know very well) is surely a makeweight. (Surely you know and prefer my Notting Hill suggestion - also local)
Many great pubs have gone though. I really liked what I think was called 'The Sun Inn' at the top of Lambs Conduit Street' for example
AAA if you have an A in computer science/computing
You are wrong!
The standard offer actually includes an A* and for most they will get an A* in Computer Science anyway if studying it
My son studied Computer Science at Cambridge where he is now doing his PhD. He did not do computer science at A level or GCSE and was not asked for a single A* by Cambridge in any subject. In fact Cambridge gave him his lowest offer of all the Unis he applied for. It might have something to do with him winning the Cambridge University Computer Science prize when he was in the lower sixth though.
And I expect he got mainly A* and As at GCSE and A level too didn't he?
If he got Cs and Ds he almost certainly wouldn't be at Cambridge.
The fact he won the Computer Science prize clearly put him in the top 10% for the subject he studied too didn't it!!
Yes you would be correct, but that wasn't the point was it. The point was you were wrong.
Yes that WAS the point.
My original point that virtually all Russell Group students are in the top 10% for the subject they studied was correct.
As you just confirmed for your own son too
The main point, as has been shown ever since you posted here, but abundantly over the last few days, is that when you make a mistake you can never admit it.
I make loads of mistakes. I have made them here quite a lot also. When I do I put my hands up. You never do. Instead you squirm around it and move the goal posts.
I don't know why you do it because you would get a lot more respect for doing so. It also often deflects from the point you are making as people will now home in on your mistake, just like I did, so it devalues what might be a good argument by you.
And as you can see people are making fun of you now so the point is lost.
Wrong on both counts.
I said to Horse earlier I made a mistake in terms of the requirement of A* entry grades for Russell Group courses. However my point virtually all Russell Group students are in the top 10% for the subject they studied stands.
Of course as I am one of the few loyal Tories on here still 'admit making a mistake' often really means follow the non Tory herd, which I won't do!
No they're not. For example, the top departments of economics in the land are first LSE (RG) and then Bath (non-Russell Group). The leading department of politics is at Aberystwyth, which is one reason why I went there. For many years one of the top ten history departments was Oxford Brookes.
Been the case for years decades.
When I was at Cowley Tech an engineer there admitted Hull had a better engineering department.
My anecdotal experience is that all unis have strong and weak faculties. At Aber, politics was excellent, History was OK, Welsh was a bit of a joke.
I think the difference is people make assumptions about 'top' unis wihtout burrowing down into the detail.
Even within the politics faculty the consistency of "teaching" was patchy to say the least. At Cardiff I was "taught" by the wonderful (failed Labour and SDP candidate) Barry Jones and the (in my opinion) woeful (failed Tory candidate) Dr Ann Robinson who soon after became the mouthpiece for the IOD, a role to which she was much better suited.
When were you at Cardiff MexP? I was there 83-86. I know Welshowl formerly of this parish was there 83-87 as well.
'86 to ''89. I went to work as a Sales Rep after A levels (mine weren't that fantastic) the desire for a new Ford Cortina 1.6L was too much to resist. It worked for me as I was then one of the few students with a decent car- a 1985 Ford Capri, which served me well with prettier students requiring lifts back to University Hall.
I wonder if old Uni Hall is still there. P22 was my room if I remember rightly. Then I moved down into digs on Marlborough Road and Donald Street. I hated that long walk back up from the University to Pen-y-lan Hill.
I think HYUFD is a good poster and often unfairly jumped on around these parts - but I also think he does unfortunately come across as a bit of a snob at times. And if something doesn't agree with how he has proceeded with life it almost doesn't compute in his head.
You see this with the exams, he's obviously a smart guy and has done well in his exams - but there are plenty of clever people that do awfully in exams.
I tend to consider myself somebody who exams don't reflect my ability. For example I got an A* in English Language because most of it was coursework but I did much more poorly in English Literature which wasn't
If you think I am a snob you should have seen Charles, late of this Parish. I am a mere oik in comparison to him!
The fact that you create that hierarchy with you significantly below him makes you a snob (although one who knows his place obviously).
As far as I am concerned I am no better and no worse than you or Charles. I bow to no one and no one bows to me. I call everyone by their first name to their face.
Just out of interest would you bow in front of the king?
I'm very happy to say that saying elderly people should die was extreme, didn't mean to cause any offence and it was clearly hyperbolic - but I really do stand by the fact we've been screwed over by these people and I think lockdowns were a big mistake when they're so ungrateful for it.
We'd have been much better off just letting nature take its course, that was what I was trying to say, although I went too far.
Younger people also contracted Covid, and died from it.
But so many people are now dying from ailments not caught during lockdown, or exacerbated by the pressure on hospitals because of lockdown, or because people are shunning A&E because of post-lockdown queues etc etc etc
Excess deaths are way up, across the world
@CorrectHorseBattery3 does not phrase it in a pretty way, but he has a point. Lockdowns were a grave decision and it is not at all clear to me that the 2nd and 3rd lockdowns in the UK were justified, given the economic cost, and now the cost in lives
Indeed, I am almost certain Lockdowns 2 and 3 were a catastrophic error, for which we will all be paying for many years. And all to protect the very old and the very fat (in the main). Tragic
There's an argument to be had that these lockdowns were a mistake.
But, that argument is not that it only affects the over 60's, who all deserve to die because they don't vote Labour.
The vast majority of deaths from Covid are in the over 70s, indeed the median age of Covid deaths in the UK is 83
It was a mistake to impoverish the country, indeed the world, to protect the very elderly
The vast mass of people, including the Labour Party, wanted more lockdown for longer. The alternatives, the road less travelled, are a bit like Brexit. The second lockdown proved to destruction that ‘firebreaks’ didn’t work. The third was around the time of the vaccination campaign starting. Both saved lives. Not doing both would have killed people, perhaps a lot of people. The great fear was not the unwell 80 year old, it was the 6 year old not getting treated in time for something serious but survivable, and dying. It’s nonsense to rewrite history now about lockdown. It was obvious that the cost would be eye watering. Lots went wrong. Cancers scammed the givernment, as chancers do. The last lockdown went on too long (but Starmer, Sturgeon, Drakeford wanted longer).
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
I just meant your favourites. (The idea of some global order, or even a national order, is of course nonsense)
Edinboro Castle (which I know very well) is surely a makeweight. (Surely you know and prefer my Notting Hill suggestion - also local)
Many great pubs have gone though. I really liked what I think was called 'The Sun Inn' at the top of Lambs Conduit Street' for example
Actually the Edinboro is a fantastic pub. I am lucky to have it as a local
It has good beer, decent wine, it is big and airy, and I hear that even the food is now tasty (used to be dire), it is very mildly upmarket without being pretentious. Good loos
It is also youthful without being insane, nearly always busy without being rammed, and it has one of the biggest beer gardens in north London (nicely heated with booths in winter). It’s a cracking boozer
Here is someone who left school at 16 with crummy exam results & started work at Pfizer as a lab technician. She went to a school with low aspirations for the students. Pfizer then gave her study leave to get her degree part-time.
I don't really go to pubs any more so a small list, all London based:
The Cock & Bottle, Notting Hill The Grenadier, Belgravia I'd give the Phene a go although its heyday was around 30 years ago The Enterprise, Walton Street - is that a pub still? The Eagle, Farringdon Rd The French House, Soho The Scarsdale, Kensington The Havelock Tavern, Brook Green Not the Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Nothing that Guy Ritchie owns or owned The Flask, Hampstead Any one of those pubs on the river in Hammersmith/Barnes
I don't really go to pubs any more so a small list, all London based:
The Cock & Bottle, Notting Hill The Grenadier, Belgravia I'd give the Phene a go although its heyday was around 30 years ago The Enterprise, Walton Street - is that a pub still? The Eagle, Farringdon Rd The French House, Soho The Scarsdale, Kensington The Havelock Tavern, Brook Green Not the Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Nothing that Guy Ritchie owns or owned The Flask, Hampstead Any one of those pubs on the river in Hammersmith/Barnes
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
I just meant your favourites. (The idea of some global order, or even a national order, is of course nonsense)
Edinboro Castle (which I know very well) is surely a makeweight. (Surely you know and prefer my Notting Hill suggestion - also local)
Many great pubs have gone though. I really liked what I think was called 'The Sun Inn' at the top of Lambs Conduit Street' for example
Ex-pubs I miss:
The Hope & Anchor, Upper St The Nashville, West Ken
My most fervent regret that it is no longer there, not a pub but badly missed:
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
I just meant your favourites. (The idea of some global order, or even a national order, is of course nonsense)
Edinboro Castle (which I know very well) is surely a makeweight. (Surely you know and prefer my Notting Hill suggestion - also local)
Many great pubs have gone though. I really liked what I think was called 'The Sun Inn' at the top of Lambs Conduit Street' for example
Actually the Edinboro is a fantastic pub. I am lucky to have it as a local
It has good beer, decent wine, it is big and airy, and I hear that even the food is now tasty (used to be dire), it is very mildly upmarket without being pretentious. Good loos
It is also youthful without being insane, nearly always busy without being rammed, and it has one of the biggest beer gardens in north London (nicely heated with booths in winter). It’s a cracking boozer
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
I just meant your favourites. (The idea of some global order, or even a national order, is of course nonsense)
Edinboro Castle (which I know very well) is surely a makeweight. (Surely you know and prefer my Notting Hill suggestion - also local)
Many great pubs have gone though. I really liked what I think was called 'The Sun Inn' at the top of Lambs Conduit Street' for example
Ex-pubs I miss:
The Hope & Anchor, Upper St The Nashville, West Ken
My most fervent regret that it is no longer there, not a pub but badly missed:
The Gasworks, New Kings Road.
Hope and Anchor is not an ex-pub, so far as I know.
I don't really go to pubs any more so a small list, all London based:
The Cock & Bottle, Notting Hillm The Grenadier, Belgravia I'd give the Phene a go although its heyday was around 30 years ago The Enterprise, Walton Street - is that a pub still? The Eagle, Farringdon Rd The French House, Soho The Scarsdale, Kensington The Havelock Tavern, Brook Green Not the Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Nothing that Guy Ritchie owns or owned The Flask, Hampstead Any one of those pubs on the river in Hammersmith/Barnes
That’s a classic list by a mildly posh person who used to go to pubs 25-35 years ago. I reckon I could have predicted more than half of your choices. I am surprised you missed out the Admiral Cod and the Anglesea
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
I just meant your favourites. (The idea of some global order, or even a national order, is of course nonsense)
Edinboro Castle (which I know very well) is surely a makeweight. (Surely you know and prefer my Notting Hill suggestion - also local)
Many great pubs have gone though. I really liked what I think was called 'The Sun Inn' at the top of Lambs Conduit Street' for example
Ex-pubs I miss:
The Hope & Anchor, Upper St The Nashville, West Ken
My most fervent regret that it is no longer there, not a pub but badly missed:
The Gasworks, New Kings Road.
Hope and Anchor is not an ex-pub, so far as I know.
Ah great but I bet The Damned don't play there any more.
I don't really go to pubs any more so a small list, all London based:
The Cock & Bottle, Notting Hillm The Grenadier, Belgravia I'd give the Phene a go although its heyday was around 30 years ago The Enterprise, Walton Street - is that a pub still? The Eagle, Farringdon Rd The French House, Soho The Scarsdale, Kensington The Havelock Tavern, Brook Green Not the Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Nothing that Guy Ritchie owns or owned The Flask, Hampstead Any one of those pubs on the river in Hammersmith/Barnes
That’s a classic list by a mildly posh person who used to go to pubs 30 years ago. I reckon I could have predicted more than half of your choices. I am surprised you missed out the Admiral Cod
That and the sloaney pony is just a pair of red cords too far.
You OTOH just come on, occasionally say that you know better than anyone else on this without ever engaging, smear and then flounce off.
Hey! That is MY job........
No. Your job is to talk about shoes. So that I too can talk about shoes. Shoes are very important to a happy and elegant life. When deciding on an outfit I often choose my shoes first.
Last week, for instance, I decided on rather natty purple suede shoes and the dress later for lunch with a handsome lawyer friend. Yesterday it was suede ankle boots for another lunch. And so on.
I wore a pair of shoes today that I bought 20 years ago in April.
Thrice resoled, and still doing good service.
I have well over 60 pairs of shoes, many bought years ago and well-looked after. Plus some very lovely handbags, again acquired years ago and well looked after. Plus lots of scarves, from silk to cotton to cashmere to the thickest wool. And gloves. As for coats .....
One can never have too many of such accessories.
One other tip - if you buy a coat or jacket, no matter how expensive, the buttons are usually cheap rubbish. Change them to nice stylish buttons. It lifts the garment in a subtle way and makes it your own.
@CarlottaVance do you believe trans people deserve our love and compassion and do you think they are deserving of rights under the law?
Yes, and I’ve said so many times. They already have rights under the law.
The discussion is about a badly drafted Scottish Bill that could compromise women’s rights to single sex spaces established by the Equality Act which is a U.K. wide matter and the responsibility of the U.K. government.
What’s your view on the Scottish GRR Bill?
Yet every post you make seems to attack them.
Let's be honest, if the Tories were proposing this bill you'd be telling us how wonderful it was. You are the most partisan poster on this entire site, actually worse than HYUFD.
Show me a post where I have attacked trans people.
Once again, directly to ad hom.
Why is a position supported by Labour and SNP MPs a Tory one?
What do YOU think of the Scottish GRR Bill?
Or don’t you have an opinion?
I already posted my views on this topic days ago. I think the commentary on this bill from you and others is entirely cynical and not about safety or anything else. We know this because you keep saying about how this is Sturgeon's big failure, that is what this is really about.
This issue is incredibly complicated, there is no perfect solution or answer. But I start from the position of love and compassion, not trying to vilify people to score points.
So, no quote of an attack by me on trans people. No acceptance that the politician leading the proposed change is responsible for the problem, but you’re quite happy to vilify me to score points.
Nicola Sturgeon is not responsible for women using single sex spaces which is what you asked me.
Answer my question: if a man has transitioned completely to being a woman (gender), can they EVER use single sex spaces?
And if not, why not? What is the issue?
I asked your opinion on the Scottish GRR bill - which Sturgeon is responsible for. The answer to your question will depend on the law.
How many trans women do you think “completely transition” to having no male genitalia?
I agree with you in general but completely transitioning gender does not IMO require surgery to create fake genitalia. Gender is a matter of identity. This is what differentiates it from sex. If you argue in this way you are almost encouraging these surgeries aren't you?
I think the loo issue is a bit of a distraction from the main issue - we allow someone to change gender but must not allow this to be conflated with changing sex.
I agree - genital surgery is difficult, irreversible and has high complication rates - which is why in particular children should not have access to it, or be pushed onto a pathway that leads to it. The Swedish approach of “wait and see, pushing neither transition nor desistance” seems the most humane.
The issue we are then left with is that there are male bodied trans people and there are men who will exploit loopholes to gain access to single sex spaces.
In the discussion it is striking how often defenders of the GRR bill (which ignores the complication created by this issue) launch into hypotheticals about toilets rather than address the legal issues the bill raises.
I support the bill - specifically to make it easier and based primarily on self-id not psychiatric diagnosis to obtain a GRC. But I don't support gender identity always and everywhere replacing biological sex. The default in society should be trans inclusion but exclusion should also be possible. Currently the EA allows single sex exemptions if it's a 'proportionate means to a legitimate end'. It's important this continues and I expect it will. So, easier legal transition, default trans inclusion, with exceptions where properly justified - this is in my view the direction to go in and it's where I think we'll eventually get to.
The issue is the Equality act allows you to discriminate on the basis of sex for single sex spaces provided the discrimination is proportionate. So for example a woman’s refuge against male violence would be able to say to a man “you can’t come in.”
It does not allow you to discriminate on the basis of gender reassignment. So a trans person with a GRC could mount a legal challenge today to being excluded. While very few GRCs have been issued, and those that have have been subject to safeguarding this has not been a problem.
The concern is that removing the safeguarding entirely - which is what is proposed - will lead to a substantial increase in the number issued (numbers are debated, but the Scottish government argues simultaneously that “there is a pressing need for urgent reform“. AND “not many will be issued”) and with no safeguarding in place bad actors will get through. Small groups confronted by people with GRCs will either need to accept them or get legal advice - which many can’t afford.
This was pointed out repeatedly to ScotGov and waved away.
The EA does allow single sex service providers to exclude trans people (with or without a GRC) if it passes the 'proportionate means to legitimate end' test.
It's not at all clear post the Haldane judgment that this will continue to work because of her ruling that sex in the EA includes someone with a GRC. If so their sex cannot be used as the basis for excluding them - under this exemption - because it will be the same as those you are seeking to exclude them from.
That is the problem both with the Bill and that judgment. Until it is resolved single sex providers are not going to exclude people and risk being faced with a discrimination claim. The legal and practical consequences of that judgment are not at all easy and deserve more attention - politically - than they are AFAIK getting.
Legally there has been a lot of commentary on it and it is hard to know how the courts in E&W will rule should similar arguments be made.
From a legal perspective the legal arguments are very interesting.
Haldane should not imo be read as a diktat that birth sex is replaced with gender identity for all purposes. The judge didn't mean it that way and I don't think that's how it would be interpreted in practice. The intention was to allow trans inclusion for the specific purpose of representation on boards. But if this area of gender vs sex needs clarifying in law - which I can see it might given the interplay between the GRA and the EA - then it needs clarifying, regardless of the GRR bill, which only changes the process for gaining a GRC.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
I don’t believe I have been to any of those (with the possible exception of The Swan)
Britain is fabulously blessed with amazing pubs, full of history, character - and characters. They are one of the best things about the UK and not really matched anywhere else in the world. Whenever I am abroad for long periods they are one of the big things I miss most. A grand old British boozer, big or small, rich or poor, gastro or narco
Long may they endure. The ancient British alehouse
I don't really go to pubs any more so a small list, all London based:
The Cock & Bottle, Notting Hillm The Grenadier, Belgravia I'd give the Phene a go although its heyday was around 30 years ago The Enterprise, Walton Street - is that a pub still? The Eagle, Farringdon Rd The French House, Soho The Scarsdale, Kensington The Havelock Tavern, Brook Green Not the Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Nothing that Guy Ritchie owns or owned The Flask, Hampstead Any one of those pubs on the river in Hammersmith/Barnes
That’s a classic list by a mildly posh person who used to go to pubs 30 years ago. I reckon I could have predicted more than half of your choices. I am surprised you missed out the Admiral Cod
That and the sloaney pony is just a pair of red cords too far.
Also I miss: The Roebuck on the King's Road.
The White Horse is now a really good place. (My election night choice last time)
The best pubs in my old neck of the woods are/were
The Scolt Head, N1 Duke of York, N1 Prince George, E8 Prince Arthur, E8 Spurstowe Arms, E8
I love pubs. The grungier the better. In my London adland days I used to love the foul decrepitude of the King’s Arms on Great Titchfield Street which I see has been turned into some bullshit “boutique hotel”.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
I don’t believe I have been to any of those (with the possible exception of The Swan)
Britain is fabulously blessed with amazing pubs, full of history, character - and characters. They are one of the best things about the UK and not really matched anywhere else in the world. Whenever I am abroad for long periods they are one of the big things I miss most. A grand old British boozer, big or small, rich or poor, gastro or narco
Long may they endure. The ancient British alehouse
If you're not sure if you've been to the Swan or not it probably means you have been.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
I don’t believe I have been to any of those (with the possible exception of The Swan)
Britain is fabulously blessed with amazing pubs, full of history, character - and characters. They are one of the best things about the UK and not really matched anywhere else in the world. Whenever I am abroad for long periods they are one of the big things I miss most. A grand old British boozer, big or small, rich or poor, gastro or narco
Long may they endure. The ancient British alehouse
New York pubs are shit. In fact most of them are “sports bars”.
Britain MUST protect its pubs. They are an indispensable part of its cultural patrimony.
The best pubs in my old neck of the woods are/were
The Scolt Head, N1 Duke of York, N1 Prince George, E8 Prince Arthur, E8 Spurstowe Arms, E8
I love pubs. The grungier the better. In my London adland days I used to love the foul decrepitude of the King’s Arms on Great Titchfield Street which I see has been turned into some bullshit “boutique hotel”.
You're estanged from pubs though aren't you? In LA or some such?
And you're a Kiwi I think - why did NZ never quite get pubs right?
You OTOH just come on, occasionally say that you know better than anyone else on this without ever engaging, smear and then flounce off.
Hey! That is MY job........
No. Your job is to talk about shoes. So that I too can talk about shoes. Shoes are very important to a happy and elegant life. When deciding on an outfit I often choose my shoes first.
Last week, for instance, I decided on rather natty purple suede shoes and the dress later for lunch with a handsome lawyer friend. Yesterday it was suede ankle boots for another lunch. And so on.
I wore a pair of shoes today that I bought 20 years ago in April.
Thrice resoled, and still doing good service.
I have well over 60 pairs of shoes, many bought years ago and well-looked after. Plus some very lovely handbags, again acquired years ago and well looked after. Plus lots of scarves, from silk to cotton to cashmere to the thickest wool. And gloves. As for coats .....
One can never have too many of such accessories.
One other tip - if you buy a coat or jacket, no matter how expensive, the buttons are usually cheap rubbish. Change them to nice stylish buttons. It lifts the garment in a subtle way and makes it your own.
I have six pairs of shoes - black shoes, brown shoes, going out trainers, working out trainers, walking boots and kilt shoes - and I already feel like that is at least three pairs too many!
I don't really go to pubs any more so a small list, all London based:
The Cock & Bottle, Notting Hill The Grenadier, Belgravia I'd give the Phene a go although its heyday was around 30 years ago The Enterprise, Walton Street - is that a pub still? The Eagle, Farringdon Rd The French House, Soho The Scarsdale, Kensington The Havelock Tavern, Brook Green Not the Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Nothing that Guy Ritchie owns or owned The Flask, Hampstead Any one of those pubs on the river in Hammersmith/Barnes
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
Coincidentally I am reading (I tend to have about ten books “on the go”) a true crime thing about some gay killer in the 80s who picked up a victim at Marie’s Crisis.
Seems like the piano thing has been going a long time; I assumed the place was long gone.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
The Old Forge was fully of hoorays when I was last there. Having been camped out for 3 days in the hills we seemed to be regarded as a bit of exhibit, which is definitely not in the spirit of the western frontier.
For the geeks, I reckon you have to include the Eagle in Cambridge and the Eagle and Child in Oxford.
I would have liked to add the Sligachan Hotel bar, but a) it isn't really a pub and b) Skye isn't what it used to be. So the Clachaig Inn it is (as long as you aren't a Campbell).
I don't really go to pubs any more so a small list, all London based:
The Cock & Bottle, Notting Hillm The Grenadier, Belgravia I'd give the Phene a go although its heyday was around 30 years ago The Enterprise, Walton Street - is that a pub still? The Eagle, Farringdon Rd The French House, Soho The Scarsdale, Kensington The Havelock Tavern, Brook Green Not the Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Nothing that Guy Ritchie owns or owned The Flask, Hampstead Any one of those pubs on the river in Hammersmith/Barnes
That’s a classic list by a mildly posh person who used to go to pubs 30 years ago. I reckon I could have predicted more than half of your choices. I am surprised you missed out the Admiral Cod
That and the sloaney pony is just a pair of red cords too far.
Also I miss: The Roebuck on the King's Road.
The White Horse is now a really good place. (My election night choice last time)
I wonder if we've ever met before, I spend some time there although prefer Arragon House round the corner
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
Coincidentally I am reading (I tend to have about ten books “on the go”) a true crime thing about some gay killer in the 80s who picked up a victim at Marie’s Crisis.
Seems like the piano thing has been going a long time; I assumed the place was long gone.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
I don’t believe I have been to any of those (with the possible exception of The Swan)
Britain is fabulously blessed with amazing pubs, full of history, character - and characters. They are one of the best things about the UK and not really matched anywhere else in the world. Whenever I am abroad for long periods they are one of the big things I miss most. A grand old British boozer, big or small, rich or poor, gastro or narco
Long may they endure. The ancient British alehouse
New York pubs are shit. In fact most of them are “sports bars”.
Britain MUST protect its pubs. They are an indispensable part of its cultural patrimony.
Yes, America just doesn’t do pubs the way Britain does. That’s why I always found Cheers the sitcom a bit ironic. Bars in America are not like Cheers. It would make much more sense in a UK context. A pub
There are great BARS in the USA of course. Famous, seedy, Irish, swish. Not the same tho, and not anywhere near as ubiquitous
Yes, the pub is as important to the UK’s patrimony as French cuisine is to France. Either country is unthinkable without this element
The best pubs in my old neck of the woods are/were
The Scolt Head, N1 Duke of York, N1 Prince George, E8 Prince Arthur, E8 Spurstowe Arms, E8
I love pubs. The grungier the better. In my London adland days I used to love the foul decrepitude of the King’s Arms on Great Titchfield Street which I see has been turned into some bullshit “boutique hotel”.
You're estanged from pubs though aren't you? In LA or some such?
And you're a Kiwi I think - why did NZ never quite get pubs right?
I am in New York. The pubs are mostly crap.
NZ did not get pubs right because of low density development. Pubs need a critical mass of local population who can stumble home.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
I don’t believe I have been to any of those (with the possible exception of The Swan)
Britain is fabulously blessed with amazing pubs, full of history, character - and characters. They are one of the best things about the UK and not really matched anywhere else in the world. Whenever I am abroad for long periods they are one of the big things I miss most. A grand old British boozer, big or small, rich or poor, gastro or narco
Long may they endure. The ancient British alehouse
If you're not sure if you've been to the Swan or not it probably means you have been.
I don't really go to pubs any more so a small list, all London based:
The Cock & Bottle, Notting Hillm The Grenadier, Belgravia I'd give the Phene a go although its heyday was around 30 years ago The Enterprise, Walton Street - is that a pub still? The Eagle, Farringdon Rd The French House, Soho The Scarsdale, Kensington The Havelock Tavern, Brook Green Not the Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Nothing that Guy Ritchie owns or owned The Flask, Hampstead Any one of those pubs on the river in Hammersmith/Barnes
That’s a classic list by a mildly posh person who used to go to pubs 30 years ago. I reckon I could have predicted more than half of your choices. I am surprised you missed out the Admiral Cod
That and the sloaney pony is just a pair of red cords too far.
Also I miss: The Roebuck on the King's Road.
The White Horse is now a really good place. (My election night choice last time)
I wonder if we've ever met before, I spend some time there although prefer Arragon House round the corner
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
I don’t believe I have been to any of those (with the possible exception of The Swan)
Britain is fabulously blessed with amazing pubs, full of history, character - and characters. They are one of the best things about the UK and not really matched anywhere else in the world. Whenever I am abroad for long periods they are one of the big things I miss most. A grand old British boozer, big or small, rich or poor, gastro or narco
Long may they endure. The ancient British alehouse
If you're not sure if you've been to the Swan or not it probably means you have been.
I don't really go to pubs any more so a small list, all London based:
The Cock & Bottle, Notting Hillm The Grenadier, Belgravia I'd give the Phene a go although its heyday was around 30 years ago The Enterprise, Walton Street - is that a pub still? The Eagle, Farringdon Rd The French House, Soho The Scarsdale, Kensington The Havelock Tavern, Brook Green Not the Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Nothing that Guy Ritchie owns or owned The Flask, Hampstead Any one of those pubs on the river in Hammersmith/Barnes
That’s a classic list by a mildly posh person who used to go to pubs 30 years ago. I reckon I could have predicted more than half of your choices. I am surprised you missed out the Admiral Cod
That and the sloaney pony is just a pair of red cords too far.
Also I miss: The Roebuck on the King's Road.
The White Horse is now a really good place. (My election night choice last time)
I wonder if we've ever met before, I spend some time there although prefer Arragon House round the corner
I don't really go to pubs any more so a small list, all London based:
The Cock & Bottle, Notting Hill The Grenadier, Belgravia I'd give the Phene a go although its heyday was around 30 years ago The Enterprise, Walton Street - is that a pub still? The Eagle, Farringdon Rd The French House, Soho The Scarsdale, Kensington The Havelock Tavern, Brook Green Not the Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Nothing that Guy Ritchie owns or owned The Flask, Hampstead Any one of those pubs on the river in Hammersmith/Barnes
Do you only go to posho pubs?
How on earth do you know that they are posho pubs?
@CarlottaVance do you believe trans people deserve our love and compassion and do you think they are deserving of rights under the law?
Yes, and I’ve said so many times. They already have rights under the law.
The discussion is about a badly drafted Scottish Bill that could compromise women’s rights to single sex spaces established by the Equality Act which is a U.K. wide matter and the responsibility of the U.K. government.
What’s your view on the Scottish GRR Bill?
Yet every post you make seems to attack them.
Let's be honest, if the Tories were proposing this bill you'd be telling us how wonderful it was. You are the most partisan poster on this entire site, actually worse than HYUFD.
Show me a post where I have attacked trans people.
Once again, directly to ad hom.
Why is a position supported by Labour and SNP MPs a Tory one?
What do YOU think of the Scottish GRR Bill?
Or don’t you have an opinion?
I already posted my views on this topic days ago. I think the commentary on this bill from you and others is entirely cynical and not about safety or anything else. We know this because you keep saying about how this is Sturgeon's big failure, that is what this is really about.
This issue is incredibly complicated, there is no perfect solution or answer. But I start from the position of love and compassion, not trying to vilify people to score points.
So, no quote of an attack by me on trans people. No acceptance that the politician leading the proposed change is responsible for the problem, but you’re quite happy to vilify me to score points.
Nicola Sturgeon is not responsible for women using single sex spaces which is what you asked me.
Answer my question: if a man has transitioned completely to being a woman (gender), can they EVER use single sex spaces?
And if not, why not? What is the issue?
I asked your opinion on the Scottish GRR bill - which Sturgeon is responsible for. The answer to your question will depend on the law.
How many trans women do you think “completely transition” to having no male genitalia?
I agree with you in general but completely transitioning gender does not IMO require surgery to create fake genitalia. Gender is a matter of identity. This is what differentiates it from sex. If you argue in this way you are almost encouraging these surgeries aren't you?
I think the loo issue is a bit of a distraction from the main issue - we allow someone to change gender but must not allow this to be conflated with changing sex.
I agree - genital surgery is difficult, irreversible and has high complication rates - which is why in particular children should not have access to it, or be pushed onto a pathway that leads to it. The Swedish approach of “wait and see, pushing neither transition nor desistance” seems the most humane.
The issue we are then left with is that there are male bodied trans people and there are men who will exploit loopholes to gain access to single sex spaces.
In the discussion it is striking how often defenders of the GRR bill (which ignores the complication created by this issue) launch into hypotheticals about toilets rather than address the legal issues the bill raises.
I support the bill - specifically to make it easier and based primarily on self-id not psychiatric diagnosis to obtain a GRC. But I don't support gender identity always and everywhere replacing biological sex. The default in society should be trans inclusion but exclusion should also be possible. Currently the EA allows single sex exemptions if it's a 'proportionate means to a legitimate end'. It's important this continues and I expect it will. So, easier legal transition, default trans inclusion, with exceptions where properly justified - this is in my view the direction to go in and it's where I think we'll eventually get to.
The issue is the Equality act allows you to discriminate on the basis of sex for single sex spaces provided the discrimination is proportionate. So for example a woman’s refuge against male violence would be able to say to a man “you can’t come in.”
It does not allow you to discriminate on the basis of gender reassignment. So a trans person with a GRC could mount a legal challenge today to being excluded. While very few GRCs have been issued, and those that have have been subject to safeguarding this has not been a problem.
The concern is that removing the safeguarding entirely - which is what is proposed - will lead to a substantial increase in the number issued (numbers are debated, but the Scottish government argues simultaneously that “there is a pressing need for urgent reform“. AND “not many will be issued”) and with no safeguarding in place bad actors will get through. Small groups confronted by people with GRCs will either need to accept them or get legal advice - which many can’t afford.
This was pointed out repeatedly to ScotGov and waved away.
The EA does allow single sex service providers to exclude trans people (with or without a GRC) if it passes the 'proportionate means to legitimate end' test.
It's not at all clear post the Haldane judgment that this will continue to work because of her ruling that sex in the EA includes someone with a GRC. If so their sex cannot be used as the basis for excluding them - under this exemption - because it will be the same as those you are seeking to exclude them from.
That is the problem both with the Bill and that judgment. Until it is resolved single sex providers are not going to exclude people and risk being faced with a discrimination claim. The legal and practical consequences of that judgment are not at all easy and deserve more attention - politically - than they are AFAIK getting.
Legally there has been a lot of commentary on it and it is hard to know how the courts in E&W will rule should similar arguments be made.
From a legal perspective the legal arguments are very interesting.
Haldane should not imo be read as a diktat that birth sex is replaced with gender identity for all purposes. The judge didn't mean it that way and I don't think that's how it would be interpreted in practice. The intention was to allow trans inclusion for the specific purpose of representation on boards. But if this area of gender vs sex needs clarifying in law - which I can see it might given the interplay between the GRA and the EA - then it needs clarifying, regardless of the GRR bill, which only changes the process for gaining a GRC.
Your first sentence is irrelevant . The case was not about changing birth sex to gender identity. It was whether the term "sex" included those with a GRC ie was sex in the EA a biological concept or a legal one. The judge ruled that it was the latter. The fact that the case was brought in relation to board representation does not mean that its ruling only applies to such instances. The ruling and the reasoning in it will - or could - apply more widely.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
I don’t believe I have been to any of those (with the possible exception of The Swan)
Britain is fabulously blessed with amazing pubs, full of history, character - and characters. They are one of the best things about the UK and not really matched anywhere else in the world. Whenever I am abroad for long periods they are one of the big things I miss most. A grand old British boozer, big or small, rich or poor, gastro or narco
Long may they endure. The ancient British alehouse
New York pubs are shit. In fact most of them are “sports bars”.
Britain MUST protect its pubs. They are an indispensable part of its cultural patrimony.
Pubs close all the time, especially outside London.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
The Old Forge was fully of hoorays when I was last there. Having been camped out for 3 days in the hills we seemed to be regarded as a bit of exhibit, which is definitely not in the spirit of the western frontier.
For the geeks, I reckon you have to include the Eagle in Cambridge and the Eagle and Child in Oxford.
I would have liked to add the Sligachan Hotel bar, but a) it isn't really a pub and b) Skye isn't what it used to be. So the Clachaig Inn it is (as long as you aren't a Campbell).
How about the Praban Bar at the Eiliean Iarmain (sp?)
And right at the other end of the country, the wonderful Turks Head in the Scillies, which on a warm day can feel like a brilliant British boozer transported to the Virgin Islands
The best pubs in my old neck of the woods are/were
The Scolt Head, N1 Duke of York, N1 Prince George, E8 Prince Arthur, E8 Spurstowe Arms, E8
I love pubs. The grungier the better. In my London adland days I used to love the foul decrepitude of the King’s Arms on Great Titchfield Street which I see has been turned into some bullshit “boutique hotel”.
You're estanged from pubs though aren't you? In LA or some such?
And you're a Kiwi I think - why did NZ never quite get pubs right?
I am in New York. The pubs are mostly crap.
NZ did not get pubs right because of low density development. Pubs need a critical mass of local population who can stumble home.
It sounds like a ghastly deprivation from the true meaning and sustenenace of the word 'beer'
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
I don’t believe I have been to any of those (with the possible exception of The Swan)
Britain is fabulously blessed with amazing pubs, full of history, character - and characters. They are one of the best things about the UK and not really matched anywhere else in the world. Whenever I am abroad for long periods they are one of the big things I miss most. A grand old British boozer, big or small, rich or poor, gastro or narco
Long may they endure. The ancient British alehouse
New York pubs are shit. In fact most of them are “sports bars”.
Britain MUST protect its pubs. They are an indispensable part of its cultural patrimony.
Pubs close all the time, especially outside London.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
I don’t believe I have been to any of those (with the possible exception of The Swan)
Britain is fabulously blessed with amazing pubs, full of history, character - and characters. They are one of the best things about the UK and not really matched anywhere else in the world. Whenever I am abroad for long periods they are one of the big things I miss most. A grand old British boozer, big or small, rich or poor, gastro or narco
Long may they endure. The ancient British alehouse
If you're not sure if you've been to the Swan or not it probably means you have been.
Special Branch kiddos went to the Swan to practise their Irish accents and air their backstories as plumbers etc. before the decision was taken on whether to send them up the Archway. Or so I've been told.
The best pubs in my old neck of the woods are/were
The Scolt Head, N1 Duke of York, N1 Prince George, E8 Prince Arthur, E8 Spurstowe Arms, E8
I love pubs. The grungier the better. In my London adland days I used to love the foul decrepitude of the King’s Arms on Great Titchfield Street which I see has been turned into some bullshit “boutique hotel”.
You're estanged from pubs though aren't you? In LA or some such?
And you're a Kiwi I think - why did NZ never quite get pubs right?
I am in New York. The pubs are mostly crap.
NZ did not get pubs right because of low density development. Pubs need a critical mass of local population who can stumble home.
Oz has a similar problem. Tho you can find some gloriously fucked up “hotels” in back woods towns, where everyone starts drinking at 8am
You OTOH just come on, occasionally say that you know better than anyone else on this without ever engaging, smear and then flounce off.
Hey! That is MY job........
No. Your job is to talk about shoes. So that I too can talk about shoes. Shoes are very important to a happy and elegant life. When deciding on an outfit I often choose my shoes first.
Last week, for instance, I decided on rather natty purple suede shoes and the dress later for lunch with a handsome lawyer friend. Yesterday it was suede ankle boots for another lunch. And so on.
I wore a pair of shoes today that I bought 20 years ago in April.
Thrice resoled, and still doing good service.
I have well over 60 pairs of shoes, many bought years ago and well-looked after. Plus some very lovely handbags, again acquired years ago and well looked after. Plus lots of scarves, from silk to cotton to cashmere to the thickest wool. And gloves. As for coats .....
One can never have too many of such accessories.
One other tip - if you buy a coat or jacket, no matter how expensive, the buttons are usually cheap rubbish. Change them to nice stylish buttons. It lifts the garment in a subtle way and makes it your own.
I bought a Valentino coat in 1979. It was £200 - a fortune to a student.
I still have it. I still get compliments. I had a big black guy serving me in M&S. "I so want that coat..."
And I was travelling back from London, getting off at Totnes. A distinguished Indian gentleman said to me "Love the hat. But, oh that coat...!"
It was Art Malik.
(Oh. and the buttons were just as Mr Valentino designed them. Perfect.)
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
I just meant your favourites. (The idea of some global order, or even a national order, is of course nonsense)
Edinboro Castle (which I know very well) is surely a makeweight. (Surely you know and prefer my Notting Hill suggestion - also local)
Many great pubs have gone though. I really liked what I think was called 'The Sun Inn' at the top of Lambs Conduit Street' for example
Actually the Edinboro is a fantastic pub. I am lucky to have it as a local
It has good beer, decent wine, it is big and airy, and I hear that even the food is now tasty (used to be dire), it is very mildly upmarket without being pretentious. Good loos
It is also youthful without being insane, nearly always busy without being rammed, and it has one of the biggest beer gardens in north London (nicely heated with booths in winter). It’s a cracking boozer
The beer garden at Edinboro Castle is one of the best in London, in the summer it is glorious.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
I don’t believe I have been to any of those (with the possible exception of The Swan)
Britain is fabulously blessed with amazing pubs, full of history, character - and characters. They are one of the best things about the UK and not really matched anywhere else in the world. Whenever I am abroad for long periods they are one of the big things I miss most. A grand old British boozer, big or small, rich or poor, gastro or narco
Long may they endure. The ancient British alehouse
New York pubs are shit. In fact most of them are “sports bars”.
Britain MUST protect its pubs. They are an indispensable part of its cultural patrimony.
Pubs close all the time, especially outside London.
My understanding is that pubs were enjoying a mini revival in the 10s, led by new micro-brewery and/or food-led pubs.
I imagine Covid and now energy prices has decimated the sector.
It breaks my heart. If I was dictator of the UK, I would find a way to protect them.
Some are saved via becoming an ACV (Asset of Community Value) where the local community bands together to run them. Same with some shops, especially in rural areas. But it is a big ask of the local community and these often tend to close not too long after they have been "saved".
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
I just meant your favourites. (The idea of some global order, or even a national order, is of course nonsense)
Edinboro Castle (which I know very well) is surely a makeweight. (Surely you know and prefer my Notting Hill suggestion - also local)
Many great pubs have gone though. I really liked what I think was called 'The Sun Inn' at the top of Lambs Conduit Street' for example
Actually the Edinboro is a fantastic pub. I am lucky to have it as a local
It has good beer, decent wine, it is big and airy, and I hear that even the food is now tasty (used to be dire), it is very mildly upmarket without being pretentious. Good loos
It is also youthful without being insane, nearly always busy without being rammed, and it has one of the biggest beer gardens in north London (nicely heated with booths in winter). It’s a cracking boozer
The beer garden at Edinboro Castle is one of the best in London, in the summer it is glorious.
The HS2 dudes wanted to knock it all down at one point. The entire pub and gardens all gone - so as to strengthen some shitty walls. Fuckers
You OTOH just come on, occasionally say that you know better than anyone else on this without ever engaging, smear and then flounce off.
Hey! That is MY job........
No. Your job is to talk about shoes. So that I too can talk about shoes. Shoes are very important to a happy and elegant life. When deciding on an outfit I often choose my shoes first.
Last week, for instance, I decided on rather natty purple suede shoes and the dress later for lunch with a handsome lawyer friend. Yesterday it was suede ankle boots for another lunch. And so on.
I wore a pair of shoes today that I bought 20 years ago in April.
Thrice resoled, and still doing good service.
I have well over 60 pairs of shoes, many bought years ago and well-looked after. Plus some very lovely handbags, again acquired years ago and well looked after. Plus lots of scarves, from silk to cotton to cashmere to the thickest wool. And gloves. As for coats .....
One can never have too many of such accessories.
One other tip - if you buy a coat or jacket, no matter how expensive, the buttons are usually cheap rubbish. Change them to nice stylish buttons. It lifts the garment in a subtle way and makes it your own.
One of my friends has a specific room to keep all her shoes. It's quite a sight. All there is is shelf after shelf of shoes a (rather nice) chair and a full length mirror.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
I don’t believe I have been to any of those (with the possible exception of The Swan)
Britain is fabulously blessed with amazing pubs, full of history, character - and characters. They are one of the best things about the UK and not really matched anywhere else in the world. Whenever I am abroad for long periods they are one of the big things I miss most. A grand old British boozer, big or small, rich or poor, gastro or narco
Long may they endure. The ancient British alehouse
New York pubs are shit. In fact most of them are “sports bars”.
Britain MUST protect its pubs. They are an indispensable part of its cultural patrimony.
Pubs close all the time, especially outside London.
My understanding is that pubs were enjoying a mini revival in the 10s, led by new micro-brewery and/or food-led pubs.
I imagine Covid and now energy prices has decimated the sector.
It breaks my heart. If I was dictator of the UK, I would find a way to protect them.
Some are saved via becoming an ACV (Asset of Community Value) where the local community bands together to run them. Same with some shops, especially in rural areas. But it is a big ask of the local community and these often tend to close not too long after they have been "saved".
Any decent village must have a pub. I would not consider moving to a village without a pub.
I would consider scrapping alcohol duty on rural pubs and things of that nature.
Special mention for the Black Heart in Camden, it's more a bar than a pub in the evenings but it is excellent for those of us of a more grungy vibe. Probably my fave pub in London overall but it's definitely not for everyone.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close. A The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
Halfway House is good also Jinglin’ Geordies next door, a good, old fashioned boozer. The Doric Tavern round the corner was an absolute haunt of mine for several years. My dad had a very ill advised share in the adjacent Hebrides bar last century. The Oxford Bar has been a bit Ian Rankin-Ed but still ok. I remember the glory days when it was Willie Ross’s; I think he would probably have qualified as genuinely anti English.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
I don’t believe I have been to any of those (with the possible exception of The Swan)
Britain is fabulously blessed with amazing pubs, full of history, character - and characters. They are one of the best things about the UK and not really matched anywhere else in the world. Whenever I am abroad for long periods they are one of the big things I miss most. A grand old British boozer, big or small, rich or poor, gastro or narco
Long may they endure. The ancient British alehouse
New York pubs are shit. In fact most of them are “sports bars”.
Britain MUST protect its pubs. They are an indispensable part of its cultural patrimony.
Pubs close all the time, especially outside London.
My understanding is that pubs were enjoying a mini revival in the 10s, led by new micro-brewery and/or food-led pubs.
I imagine Covid and now energy prices has decimated the sector.
It breaks my heart. If I was dictator of the UK, I would find a way to protect them.
Some are saved via becoming an ACV (Asset of Community Value) where the local community bands together to run them. Same with some shops, especially in rural areas. But it is a big ask of the local community and these often tend to close not too long after they have been "saved".
Any decent village must have a pub. I would not consider moving to a village without a pub.
I would consider scrapping alcohol duty on rural pubs and things of that nature.
It's business rates that's the killer. We just need to scrap it entirely and cut the government budget by that amount.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
I don’t believe I have been to any of those (with the possible exception of The Swan)
Britain is fabulously blessed with amazing pubs, full of history, character - and characters. They are one of the best things about the UK and not really matched anywhere else in the world. Whenever I am abroad for long periods they are one of the big things I miss most. A grand old British boozer, big or small, rich or poor, gastro or narco
Long may they endure. The ancient British alehouse
New York pubs are shit. In fact most of them are “sports bars”.
Britain MUST protect its pubs. They are an indispensable part of its cultural patrimony.
Pubs close all the time, especially outside London.
My understanding is that pubs were enjoying a mini revival in the 10s, led by new micro-brewery and/or food-led pubs.
I imagine Covid and now energy prices has decimated the sector.
It breaks my heart. If I was dictator of the UK, I would find a way to protect them.
Some are saved via becoming an ACV (Asset of Community Value) where the local community bands together to run them. Same with some shops, especially in rural areas. But it is a big ask of the local community and these often tend to close not too long after they have been "saved".
Any decent village must have a pub. I would not consider moving to a village without a pub.
I would consider scrapping alcohol duty on rural pubs and things of that nature.
As per the daily mash article, a village pub is one of those ideas that is of course a reality but quite often is an idyllic daydream of people who wouldn't dream of going to the pub usually.
As you say, over the past three years pubs have struggled. It is a constant challenge to keep themselves above water. I don't know the financial mechanics of running a pub but the ones I know (not in London) are forever trying to innovate to bring new customers in and there does seem to be a desperation in there also.
@CarlottaVance do you believe trans people deserve our love and compassion and do you think they are deserving of rights under the law?
Yes, and I’ve said so many times. They already have rights under the law.
The discussion is about a badly drafted Scottish Bill that could compromise women’s rights to single sex spaces established by the Equality Act which is a U.K. wide matter and the responsibility of the U.K. government.
What’s your view on the Scottish GRR Bill?
Yet every post you make seems to attack them.
Let's be honest, if the Tories were proposing this bill you'd be telling us how wonderful it was. You are the most partisan poster on this entire site, actually worse than HYUFD.
Show me a post where I have attacked trans people.
Once again, directly to ad hom.
Why is a position supported by Labour and SNP MPs a Tory one?
What do YOU think of the Scottish GRR Bill?
Or don’t you have an opinion?
I already posted my views on this topic days ago. I think the commentary on this bill from you and others is entirely cynical and not about safety or anything else. We know this because you keep saying about how this is Sturgeon's big failure, that is what this is really about.
This issue is incredibly complicated, there is no perfect solution or answer. But I start from the position of love and compassion, not trying to vilify people to score points.
So, no quote of an attack by me on trans people. No acceptance that the politician leading the proposed change is responsible for the problem, but you’re quite happy to vilify me to score points.
Nicola Sturgeon is not responsible for women using single sex spaces which is what you asked me.
Answer my question: if a man has transitioned completely to being a woman (gender), can they EVER use single sex spaces?
And if not, why not? What is the issue?
I asked your opinion on the Scottish GRR bill - which Sturgeon is responsible for. The answer to your question will depend on the law.
How many trans women do you think “completely transition” to having no male genitalia?
I agree with you in general but completely transitioning gender does not IMO require surgery to create fake genitalia. Gender is a matter of identity. This is what differentiates it from sex. If you argue in this way you are almost encouraging these surgeries aren't you?
I think the loo issue is a bit of a distraction from the main issue - we allow someone to change gender but must not allow this to be conflated with changing sex.
I agree - genital surgery is difficult, irreversible and has high complication rates - which is why in particular children should not have access to it, or be pushed onto a pathway that leads to it. The Swedish approach of “wait and see, pushing neither transition nor desistance” seems the most humane.
The issue we are then left with is that there are male bodied trans people and there are men who will exploit loopholes to gain access to single sex spaces.
In the discussion it is striking how often defenders of the GRR bill (which ignores the complication created by this issue) launch into hypotheticals about toilets rather than address the legal issues the bill raises.
I support the bill - specifically to make it easier and based primarily on self-id not psychiatric diagnosis to obtain a GRC. But I don't support gender identity always and everywhere replacing biological sex. The default in society should be trans inclusion but exclusion should also be possible. Currently the EA allows single sex exemptions if it's a 'proportionate means to a legitimate end'. It's important this continues and I expect it will. So, easier legal transition, default trans inclusion, with exceptions where properly justified - this is in my view the direction to go in and it's where I think we'll eventually get to.
The issue is the Equality act allows you to discriminate on the basis of sex for single sex spaces provided the discrimination is proportionate. So for example a woman’s refuge against male violence would be able to say to a man “you can’t come in.”
It does not allow you to discriminate on the basis of gender reassignment. So a trans person with a GRC could mount a legal challenge today to being excluded. While very few GRCs have been issued, and those that have have been subject to safeguarding this has not been a problem.
The concern is that removing the safeguarding entirely - which is what is proposed - will lead to a substantial increase in the number issued (numbers are debated, but the Scottish government argues simultaneously that “there is a pressing need for urgent reform“. AND “not many will be issued”) and with no safeguarding in place bad actors will get through. Small groups confronted by people with GRCs will either need to accept them or get legal advice - which many can’t afford.
This was pointed out repeatedly to ScotGov and waved away.
The EA does allow single sex service providers to exclude trans people (with or without a GRC) if it passes the 'proportionate means to legitimate end' test.
It's not at all clear post the Haldane judgment that this will continue to work because of her ruling that sex in the EA includes someone with a GRC. If so their sex cannot be used as the basis for excluding them - under this exemption - because it will be the same as those you are seeking to exclude them from.
That is the problem both with the Bill and that judgment. Until it is resolved single sex providers are not going to exclude people and risk being faced with a discrimination claim. The legal and practical consequences of that judgment are not at all easy and deserve more attention - politically - than they are AFAIK getting.
Legally there has been a lot of commentary on it and it is hard to know how the courts in E&W will rule should similar arguments be made.
From a legal perspective the legal arguments are very interesting.
Haldane should not imo be read as a diktat that birth sex is replaced with gender identity for all purposes. The judge didn't mean it that way and I don't think that's how it would be interpreted in practice. The intention was to allow trans inclusion for the specific purpose of representation on boards. But if this area of gender vs sex needs clarifying in law - which I can see it might given the interplay between the GRA and the EA - then it needs clarifying, regardless of the GRR bill, which only changes the process for gaining a GRC.
Your first sentence is irrelevant . The case was not about changing birth sex to gender identity. It was whether the term "sex" included those with a GRC ie was sex in the EA a biological concept or a legal one. The judge ruled that it was the latter. The fact that the case was brought in relation to board representation does not mean that its ruling only applies to such instances. The ruling and the reasoning in it will - or could - apply more widely.
I quite agree with your final sentence.
It's not irrelevant, it's the same point you make but expressed differently. If a person's "sex" per the EA is changed with a GRC it effectively replaces birth sex with gender identity for all purposes in that regard. I think it's clear the judgement wasn't intending this but this is your concern, right?
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
I just meant your favourites. (The idea of some global order, or even a national order, is of course nonsense)
Edinboro Castle (which I know very well) is surely a makeweight. (Surely you know and prefer my Notting Hill suggestion - also local)
Many great pubs have gone though. I really liked what I think was called 'The Sun Inn' at the top of Lambs Conduit Street' for example
Actually the Edinboro is a fantastic pub. I am lucky to have it as a local
It has good beer, decent wine, it is big and airy, and I hear that even the food is now tasty (used to be dire), it is very mildly upmarket without being pretentious. Good loos
It is also youthful without being insane, nearly always busy without being rammed, and it has one of the biggest beer gardens in north London (nicely heated with booths in winter). It’s a cracking boozer
The beer garden at Edinboro Castle is one of the best in London, in the summer it is glorious.
The HS2 dudes wanted to knock it all down at one point. The entire pub and gardens all gone - so as to strengthen some shitty walls. Fuckers
I never understood why they didn't consider doing what Thameslink does and run it all underground.
re the trans debate. "Sex" and "gender" are like infer and imply or sympathy and empathy - I have to go over carefully in my mind which is which and what each means.
I won't post it *again* but Nick Herbert's article on the matter seemed to be incontrovertibly sensible.
Oh ok here it is - should really end all debate on the matter AFAICS.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
I don’t believe I have been to any of those (with the possible exception of The Swan)
Britain is fabulously blessed with amazing pubs, full of history, character - and characters. They are one of the best things about the UK and not really matched anywhere else in the world. Whenever I am abroad for long periods they are one of the big things I miss most. A grand old British boozer, big or small, rich or poor, gastro or narco
Long may they endure. The ancient British alehouse
New York pubs are shit. In fact most of them are “sports bars”.
Britain MUST protect its pubs. They are an indispensable part of its cultural patrimony.
Pubs close all the time, especially outside London.
My understanding is that pubs were enjoying a mini revival in the 10s, led by new micro-brewery and/or food-led pubs.
I imagine Covid and now energy prices has decimated the sector.
It breaks my heart. If I was dictator of the UK, I would find a way to protect them.
Some are saved via becoming an ACV (Asset of Community Value) where the local community bands together to run them. Same with some shops, especially in rural areas. But it is a big ask of the local community and these often tend to close not too long after they have been "saved".
Any decent village must have a pub. I would not consider moving to a village without a pub.
I would consider scrapping alcohol duty on rural pubs and things of that nature.
It's business rates that's the killer. We just need to scrap it entirely and cut the government budget by that amount.
The existence of business rates is another bizarre feature of Britain’s tax system that seems expressly designed to crush entrepreneurship.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close. A The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
Halfway House is good also Jinglin’ Geordies next door, a good, old fashioned boozer. The Doric Tavern round the corner was an absolute haunt of mine for several years. My dad had a very ill advised share in the adjacent Hebrides bar last century. The Oxford Bar has been a bit Ian Rankin-Ed but still ok. I remember the glory days when it was Willie Ross’s; I think he would probably have qualified as genuinely anti English.
Edinburgh has some spectacularly brilliant and/or hostile pubs
i recall one just off the Royal Mile where you had to go down medieval steps into a kind of cellar. You expected it to be touristy but it absolutely wasn’t. Full of proper troglodytic drinkers. Superb
I don't really go to pubs any more so a small list, all London based:
The Cock & Bottle, Notting Hill The Grenadier, Belgravia I'd give the Phene a go although its heyday was around 30 years ago The Enterprise, Walton Street - is that a pub still? The Eagle, Farringdon Rd The French House, Soho The Scarsdale, Kensington The Havelock Tavern, Brook Green Not the Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Nothing that Guy Ritchie owns or owned The Flask, Hampstead Any one of those pubs on the river in Hammersmith/Barnes
Do you only go to posho pubs?
How on earth do you know that they are posho pubs?
Well in one of them on your list, the last time I was there a bloke with a plummy voice and brightly coloured corduroys tried to sell me a 'gorgeous little mews' which if I had a few minutes was 'just round the corner'. Thankfully I'd come out without my cards.
The best pubs in my old neck of the woods are/were
The Scolt Head, N1 Duke of York, N1 Prince George, E8 Prince Arthur, E8 Spurstowe Arms, E8
I love pubs. The grungier the better. In my London adland days I used to love the foul decrepitude of the King’s Arms on Great Titchfield Street which I see has been turned into some bullshit “boutique hotel”.
You're estanged from pubs though aren't you? In LA or some such?
And you're a Kiwi I think - why did NZ never quite get pubs right?
I am in New York. The pubs are mostly crap.
NZ did not get pubs right because of low density development. Pubs need a critical mass of local population who can stumble home.
I remember enjoying Jimmy’s Corner during an epic pub crawl in Manhattan a dozen years ago. Was immediately after hideously expensive drinks in the Algonquin which may have contributed to my enjoyment.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close. A The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
Halfway House is good also Jinglin’ Geordies next door, a good, old fashioned boozer. The Doric Tavern round the corner was an absolute haunt of mine for several years. My dad had a very ill advised share in the adjacent Hebrides bar last century. The Oxford Bar has been a bit Ian Rankin-Ed but still ok. I remember the glory days when it was Willie Ross’s; I think he would probably have qualified as genuinely anti English.
Edinburgh has some spectacularly brilliant and/or hostile pubs
i recall one just off the Royal Mile where you had to go down medieval steps into a kind of cellar. You expected it to be touristy but it absolutely wasn’t. Full of proper troglodytic drinkers. Superb
I don't really go to pubs any more so a small list, all London based:
The Cock & Bottle, Notting Hill The Grenadier, Belgravia I'd give the Phene a go although its heyday was around 30 years ago The Enterprise, Walton Street - is that a pub still? The Eagle, Farringdon Rd The French House, Soho The Scarsdale, Kensington The Havelock Tavern, Brook Green Not the Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Nothing that Guy Ritchie owns or owned The Flask, Hampstead Any one of those pubs on the river in Hammersmith/Barnes
Do you only go to posho pubs?
How on earth do you know that they are posho pubs?
Well in one of them on your list, the last time I was there a bloke with a plummy voice and brightly coloured corduroys tried to sell me a 'gorgeous little mews' which if I had a few minutes was 'just round the corner'. Thankfully I'd come out without my cards.
And the others? How do you know they are "posho pubs"?
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
I don’t believe I have been to any of those (with the possible exception of The Swan)
Britain is fabulously blessed with amazing pubs, full of history, character - and characters. They are one of the best things about the UK and not really matched anywhere else in the world. Whenever I am abroad for long periods they are one of the big things I miss most. A grand old British boozer, big or small, rich or poor, gastro or narco
Long may they endure. The ancient British alehouse
New York pubs are shit. In fact most of them are “sports bars”.
Britain MUST protect its pubs. They are an indispensable part of its cultural patrimony.
Pubs close all the time, especially outside London.
My understanding is that pubs were enjoying a mini revival in the 10s, led by new micro-brewery and/or food-led pubs.
I imagine Covid and now energy prices has decimated the sector.
It breaks my heart. If I was dictator of the UK, I would find a way to protect them.
Some are saved via becoming an ACV (Asset of Community Value) where the local community bands together to run them. Same with some shops, especially in rural areas. But it is a big ask of the local community and these often tend to close not too long after they have been "saved".
Any decent village must have a pub. I would not consider moving to a village without a pub.
I would consider scrapping alcohol duty on rural pubs and things of that nature.
It's business rates that's the killer. We just need to scrap it entirely and cut the government budget by that amount.
The existence of business rates is another bizarre feature of Britain’s tax system that seems expressly designed to crush entrepreneurship.
I'll see if I can get permission to send one of our internal research papers out (we don't tend to do it as we're a fairly politically neutral entity and if stuff like this gets out and shared widely we just get shit from everyone), I think you'd find it interesting because it does make a very compelling argument as to why the UK is not fit for investment, brexit doesn't even figure into it really, it actually gets to the real reasons why the UK seems like a bad place to invest money to generate capital growth and high taxes on production feature pretty heavily and a sense that "businesses and individuals are seen as nothing more than piggy banks to feed money into an unreformable public sector whose demands are forever increasing, further eroding the tax base" or something along those lines.
re the trans debate. "Sex" and "gender" are like infer and imply or sympathy and empathy - I have to go over carefully in my mind which is which and what each means.
I won't post it *again* but Nick Herbert's article on the matter seemed to be incontrovertibly sensible.
Oh ok here it is - should really end all debate on the matter AFAICS.
After avoiding this place all morning because of trans arguments and ChatPT/AI waffle, I had faint hopes a new thread would clear the decks. No, of course not, what Was I thinking. For the love of all that's holy, can we not just having a standing discussion thread for each of those and shunt them off there so non-obsessives can actually find the interesting topics.
You are one of the most boring, pointless, invisible posters on here. Why the fuck should anyone give a toss what you think?
Seriously. 306 comments, In total
You’re like a stranger bursting into a local boozer and shouting at the regulars: I DEMAND YOU STOP PLAYING DARTS
There is a world of difference to discussing things which are relevant to the thread and shoe horning your own agenda into every bloody discussion which is exactly what you do. You rarely engage with the thread subject but just bang on about you and your obsessions.
Did I mention I went to the FOURTEENTH BEST BAR IN THE WORLD, last night?
it’s such a cool bar, they serve you a free, welcoming “welcome to your drinks” drink. An aperitif aperitif. And it has an ice cube SHAPED LIKE A DIAMOND
Looking back, it might have actually been a diamond
Ironically, my lord, I have a diamond SHAPED LIKE AN ICE CUBE
Challenge accepted
The other day I went to the SEVENTY FIRST BEST BAR IN THE WORLD and they literally put silver leaf on my cocktail
I was staying in the hotel when they were awarded number 5 - and for that night their cocktails were $5. Memorable, well, as much of it as I remember, anyway.
OOOH. Value
“50 best bars in the world” is the most ludicrous list. It’s like saying “the 50 best places to have a nice sit down” or “the 50 best places to be at 3pm”
ALSO it didn’t include THIS, the best drink I have had these last several years. But what is it?
Didn't you start this? (14th best bar or some such?)
I did, and I was there, But I thought my capitalisation made it clear that I think this list is absurd. I mean, there is such a list, and it is significant to a small number of high quality cocktail bars around the world (especially in Asia, where status means so much) but the idea they have or can evaluate every bar in the world - and then rank them - is surreally daft
I do admire the UK PR group that started it all off tho. With “50 best restaurants”. It is now taken deeply seriously
They are doing the first “50 best hotels” this year
Ok, so best pub (or two) then?
Mine are;
Queens Head just outside Cambridge in Newton. (edit) Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Pig and Whistle, Kyoto
Even “best pub in the UK” is fairly daft, because - what are you looking for? Great beer? Great food? Great location? Great place to score drugs/sex/double top at darts?
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
My UK list would probably include -
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
I don’t believe I have been to any of those (with the possible exception of The Swan)
Britain is fabulously blessed with amazing pubs, full of history, character - and characters. They are one of the best things about the UK and not really matched anywhere else in the world. Whenever I am abroad for long periods they are one of the big things I miss most. A grand old British boozer, big or small, rich or poor, gastro or narco
Long may they endure. The ancient British alehouse
New York pubs are shit. In fact most of them are “sports bars”.
Britain MUST protect its pubs. They are an indispensable part of its cultural patrimony.
Pubs close all the time, especially outside London.
My understanding is that pubs were enjoying a mini revival in the 10s, led by new micro-brewery and/or food-led pubs.
I imagine Covid and now energy prices has decimated the sector.
It breaks my heart. If I was dictator of the UK, I would find a way to protect them.
Some are saved via becoming an ACV (Asset of Community Value) where the local community bands together to run them. Same with some shops, especially in rural areas. But it is a big ask of the local community and these often tend to close not too long after they have been "saved".
Any decent village must have a pub. I would not consider moving to a village without a pub.
I would consider scrapping alcohol duty on rural pubs and things of that nature.
It's business rates that's the killer. We just need to scrap it entirely and cut the government budget by that amount.
The existence of business rates is another bizarre feature of Britain’s tax system that seems expressly designed to crush entrepreneurship.
I'll see if I can get permission to send one of our internal research papers out (we don't tend to do it as we're a fairly politically neutral entity and if stuff like this gets out and shared widely we just get shit from everyone), I think you'd find it interesting because it does make a very compelling argument as to why the UK is not fit for investment, brexit doesn't even figure into it really, it actually gets to the real reasons why the UK seems like a bad place to invest money to generate capital growth and high taxes on production feature pretty heavily and a sense that "businesses and individuals are seen as nothing more than piggy banks to feed money into an unreformable public sector whose demands are forever increasing, further eroding the tax base" or something along those lines.
Very difficult to disagree with it.
I would be very interested. PM me please if necessary.
Conversely @TimS suggested he had some more optimistic analysis underway. Very keen to see also.
re the trans debate. "Sex" and "gender" are like infer and imply or sympathy and empathy - I have to go over carefully in my mind which is which and what each means.
I won't post it *again* but Nick Herbert's article on the matter seemed to be incontrovertibly sensible.
Oh ok here it is - should really end all debate on the matter AFAICS.
Comments
On class-ridden paper Boris Johnson is our feudal overlord worthy of us cap doffing to his every whim. If the last three years have taught you anything it is that high brow Conservative MPs can be unworthy scoundrels unfit to lick clean the boots of toiling serfs.
The lowliest job was filtering the CVs that came in
1) No degree - bin
2) U.K. non-Russell Group - bin
3) Not a 1st or 2.1 - bin
3) Foreign University - if on the “ok list” keep, otherwise ask someone.
The person given the job didn’t have a degree, herself.
Oddly enough, some of the best software engineers I've known had geography degrees, whilst physicists also made good engineers IME (although that makes more sense.)
But in the convivial spirt of PB here are my faves in Britain
The Pandora at Restronguet, Cornwall. The landlord is a tit and the food can be hit and miss but ohmyword the location
The Old Forge, Knoydart
The Coach and Horses, Soho (yes, a cliche but still)
The White Horse, Brancaster
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Edinboro Castle, Camden (my local. You have to include your local)
It’s a thimbleful of the world’s finest ayahuasca. Drank it in Menorca in December 2021. OOOOF
You must be f**cking joking.
If you want a hoorah hangout then at least go for the Phene (much changed since the good old days but still one of the best pubs/gardens in London if you like red cords and striped shirts).
https://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/people/dame-carol-robinson#tab-2633156
A remarkable story in its way ... almost as romantic as the farm-boy hired as a janitor who discovered Pluto.
Edinboro Castle (which I know very well) is surely a makeweight. (Surely you know and prefer my Notting Hill suggestion - also local)
Many great pubs have gone though. I really liked what I think was called 'The Sun Inn' at the top of Lambs Conduit Street' for example
It ends NASA's week of remembrance: over the years they lost Columbia, Challenger, and Apollo 1 crews in the last week of January and early February.
RIP.
As far as I am concerned I am no better and no worse than you or Charles. I bow to no one and no one bows to me. I call everyone by their first name to their face.
Just out of interest would you bow in front of the king?
"Kim Johnson: Labour MP apologises for calling Israeli government 'fascist'"
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64488473
It has good beer, decent wine, it is big and airy, and I hear that even the food is now tasty (used to be dire), it is very mildly upmarket without being pretentious. Good loos
It is also youthful without being insane, nearly always busy without being rammed, and it has one of the biggest beer gardens in north London (nicely heated with booths in winter). It’s a cracking boozer
The Cock & Bottle, Notting Hill
The Grenadier, Belgravia
I'd give the Phene a go although its heyday was around 30 years ago
The Enterprise, Walton Street - is that a pub still?
The Eagle, Farringdon Rd
The French House, Soho
The Scarsdale, Kensington
The Havelock Tavern, Brook Green
Not the Windsor Castle, Notting Hill
Nothing that Guy Ritchie owns or owned
The Flask, Hampstead
Any one of those pubs on the river in Hammersmith/Barnes
Kings Arms Wandsworth
Leather Bottle Earlsfield
Blue Anchor Hammersmith
Membership electing the party chairman makes sense.
Membership electing the party leader does not.
The Hope & Anchor, Upper St
The Nashville, West Ken
My most fervent regret that it is no longer there, not a pub but badly missed:
The Gasworks, New Kings Road.
If she had called them 'Nazis,' well, that would have been out of order.
But actually - Netanyahu *is* a fascist. A particularly revolting one.
So is his government.
As I was told by a number of Israelis while I was there.
And not all Hitler-era fascists were anti-semites, although it is true most of them were.
I am not sure that it is appropriate to force her to apologise here. Equally, I can appreciate why given the Corbyn era Starmer is a bit sensitive.
Skehans, Telegraph Hill - my local, one of the top 10 pubs in Britain according to Time Out and who am I to disagree. Possibly a victim of its own success now, arrive early to get a seat.
The Jigger Inn, St Andrews - I have a soft spot because they used to allow me and my mates to drink there despite being blatantly underage. Unlike most St Andrews pubs it hasn't changed beyond recognition in the last thirty years either.
The Halfway House, Edinburgh - only visited once but it made a big impression, a tiny pub on Flesh Market Close.
The Swan, Stockwell, London - if you've been you'll understand.
Special mention for Marie's Crisis in NYC - where a guy on the piano does show tunes requests and the whole bar sings along - what's not to like?
Also I miss: The Roebuck on the King's Road.
UK can rejoin EU ‘any time’, says Michel Barnier
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/02/01/uk-can-rejoin-eu-time-says-michel-barnier/
One can never have too many of such accessories.
One other tip - if you buy a coat or jacket, no matter how expensive, the buttons are usually cheap rubbish. Change them to nice stylish buttons. It lifts the garment in a subtle way and makes it your own.
Britain is fabulously blessed with amazing pubs, full of history, character - and characters. They are one of the best things about the UK and not really matched anywhere else in the world. Whenever I am abroad for long periods they are one of the big things I miss most. A grand old British boozer, big or small, rich or poor, gastro or narco
Long may they endure. The ancient British alehouse
The Scolt Head, N1
Duke of York, N1
Prince George, E8
Prince Arthur, E8
Spurstowe Arms, E8
I love pubs. The grungier the better.
In my London adland days I used to love the foul decrepitude of the King’s Arms on Great Titchfield Street which I see has been turned into some bullshit “boutique hotel”.
In fact most of them are “sports bars”.
Britain MUST protect its pubs.
They are an indispensable part of its cultural patrimony.
And you're a Kiwi I think - why did NZ never quite get pubs right?
Seems like the piano thing has been going a long time; I assumed the place was long gone.
For the geeks, I reckon you have to include the Eagle in Cambridge and the Eagle and Child in Oxford.
I would have liked to add the Sligachan Hotel bar, but a) it isn't really a pub and b) Skye isn't what it used to be. So the Clachaig Inn it is (as long as you aren't a Campbell).
There are great BARS in the USA of course. Famous, seedy, Irish, swish. Not the same tho, and not anywhere near as ubiquitous
Yes, the pub is as important to the UK’s patrimony as French cuisine is to France. Either country is unthinkable without this element
The pubs are mostly crap.
NZ did not get pubs right because of low density development. Pubs need a critical mass of local population who can stumble home.
Are you keeping well?
I quite agree with your final sentence.
https://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/why-are-all-the-pubs-closing-ask-people-who-never-go-to-the-pub-200903051623
One of the best views of any pub in Europe
https://eileaniarmain.co.uk/
And right at the other end of the country, the wonderful Turks Head in the Scillies, which on a warm day can feel like a brilliant British boozer transported to the Virgin Islands
https://www.turksheadscilly.co.uk/
I imagine Covid and now energy prices have decimated the sector.
It breaks my heart.
If I was dictator of the UK, I would find a way to protect them.
I never liked it.
Now the Pepys, back in the day...
Especially in Queensland and the Territory
I still have it. I still get compliments. I had a big black guy serving me in M&S. "I so want that coat..."
And I was travelling back from London, getting off at Totnes. A distinguished Indian gentleman said to me "Love the hat. But, oh that coat...!"
It was Art Malik.
(Oh. and the buttons were just as Mr Valentino designed them. Perfect.)
I would not consider moving to a village without a pub.
I would consider scrapping alcohol duty on rural pubs and things of that nature.
As you say, over the past three years pubs have struggled. It is a constant challenge to keep themselves above water. I don't know the financial mechanics of running a pub but the ones I know (not in London) are forever trying to innovate to bring new customers in and there does seem to be a desperation in there also.
I won't post it *again* but Nick Herbert's article on the matter seemed to be incontrovertibly sensible.
Oh ok here it is - should really end all debate on the matter AFAICS.
https://www.nickherbert.com/news/2022/4/9/royal-commission
i recall one just off the Royal Mile where you had to go down medieval steps into a kind of cellar. You expected it to be touristy but it absolutely wasn’t. Full of proper troglodytic drinkers. Superb
Very difficult to disagree with it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xGOZwZo1S8
He even uses the TRA preferred "assigned at birth" when a sex is "recorded".
Critics of the GRR Bill or "affirmative care" (sic) will now be labeled "Trump Supporters"....like JK Rowling, Joanna Cherry, Rosie Duffield....
PM me please if necessary.
Conversely @TimS suggested he had some more optimistic analysis underway. Very keen to see also.