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Pub Review: The Plume of Feathers

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The Plume of Feathers
19 Park Vista, SE10 9LZ

A slice of history

Trading on a 400 year legacy that makes it the oldest pub in Greenwich, the Plume of Feathers has obviously worked hard to maintain and market its quaint English charm. The result is a welcoming, traditional pub, short on space but big on character.

The green tiled exterior and hanging baskets create a pleasant aspect on one of the prettiest streets in the town, and it’s location off the main road gives it a less ‘city’ feel than other places in the area. Though brewery owned, it has the atmosphere of being family run, as the interior walls are covered with historical memorabilia: slightly dodgy painted plates, pictures of Greenwich old and photographs of what are presumably old landlords or notable Greenwich residents. All a bit random, but not totally out of place here.

There are a couple of real ales to choose from amongst an otherwise fairly predictable selection, and the service is efficient, if a little unsmiling. There is also food on offer, a surprisingly modern selection including vegetarian mezze and quesadillas as well as the obligatory burgers and chips. Somehow reading about stuffed vine leaves on a home made laminated menu is a little odd, but as a vegetarian I am grateful for the effort.

There is a lovely beer garden out back and the place is clearly family friendly. I did find it a little uncomfortable sat on bar stools that were slightly too large for the tables, but I guess it hasn’t changed a lot over the years and people were smaller then! One thing I will say is that although it is ‘oldie worldy’, the pub is very clean and that gives it a big tick in my book.

I stayed longer at the Plume of Feathers than I have at a pub for a while, so that’s a good indication of how comfortable I was in there. I would go again.

What they say: “Attracting locals, walkers and some tourists, the place gets packed and buzzes with a lively, congenial atmosphere.” Plume of feathers website

What you say: “I like that it isn’t totally full and has a wide selection of drinks, which is good as I drink Pernod!” Fellow Customer.

What do you think of the Plume of Feathers? Post your comments below…

Pub Review: Greenwich Union

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The Greenwich Union
56 Royal Hill, SE10 8RT
£3.50-£4.20 / pint.

It’s Ale About The Beer

If real ale is your thing then The Greenwich Union is a real treat.

The Union is the flag-pub of local beer academic Alastair Hook and his Meantime Brewing Company. Hook’s mission is clear: to give publicans more choice of real ales by local brewers and I’d say on that score The Union is a resounding success.

The beer is the real star of the show and definitely gives The Union an edge. The selection of Meantime ales is extensive, from wheat and raspberry beers on draught to unusual bottled beers such as chocolate and coffee. Be warned that anything mainstream is against Meantime’s religion so the wine and soft drink selection is merely adequate and don’t expect Carlsberg or cider on tap. But then again, ordering a Carlsberg here would be a bit like asking for a pot noodle at a gourmet Chinese restaurant, so I wouldn’t necessarily call its absence a failing.

From the outside the pub has an inviting glow and has both back and front beer gardens. The clientele are mostly professionals of all ages and with its ale focus its not one for the kids (so all the nicer for those without them!). The staff are friendly and service was quick but I did go midweek and The Union’s very small bar might make getting a pint in at the weekend a tad more difficult.

There is simple Gastro Pub grub on offer, so steaks, fish, lashings of chips and hearty puddings, boasting locally sourced produce at reasonable prices. However it’s not great for Vegetarian diners with only 1 or 2 suitable dishes.

What they say: “Our sole concern is to put before the consumer the most exciting flavours to be found in beer that we are able to create with the wit and technology at our disposal” – Meantime Website

What you say: “Brilliant Beer! The friendly staff said hello when I came in and recommended a beer to me as I wasn’t sure what to choose. I’d definitely come here again” – Fellow Customer

What do you think about the Greenwich Union pub? Post your comments below…