Wandsworth Common Beer Festival

 

I went here on the preview session on Wednesday 26th March. My first time visiting this beer festival and I was very impressed. Good beer choice and an interesting venue. I arrive at 1715 only to be told it didn't open until 1800. I had written the wrong time in my diary, so I had to wait and used the time to take some photos.

The festival takes place in courtyard of the historic Royal Victoria Patrotic Building organised by the Le Gothique Resaurant and Bar.

 A fine building. 

I was told about the other courtyard in the building and here are the photos

Some fish in the pond. Koi Carp?

And the beer festival before opening

Finally, people did turn up and drink some fine ales.

New brewpub in Exeter

15/3/14

My final and longest South West Trains cheap fare Winter Smiles trip was to Exeter. The £10 special offer only got me to Honiton, so a Honiton -Exeter return (with Network Card) was bought for £4.55 and as it was a long journey I decided to take advantage of a Weekend First £5 upgrade both ways. Still great value for a round trip of just over 300 miles.

First stop was the Great Western Hotel outside Exeter St Davids station for a half of Exeter - Avocet. Then to the Imperial (Wetherspoons) for a half of Hunters - Devon Dreamer.

The next stop was the Old Fire Station.

A half of Black Tor - Resolution was had here. By the time this was finished the van had moved so I got better photos.

On to the big church and a pub in Cathedral Yard called the Well House. A very quick half of Black Tor - Templar's IPA as the pub was crowded with people watching Rugby.

Then the Beer Cellar which only opened early this year. A Half of Tavy - Porter and Firebrand - Toasted Porter were both good in here

Two more Wetherspoons pubs next, George's Meeting House for a half of Dorset - Durdle Door and the Chevalier for a half of Adnams - Two Brewers Irish Stout.

Then I finally got to the Fat Pig brewpub.

A half of each of the 4 beers below was had

Some interior photos. I quite liked it.

The main bar:

and the back room

A quick half of Otter - Ale at the Angel opposite Central station completed this brief visit.

My train home arrives

The Red Lion in Egham

6/3/14

A little blog about a local pub. After being closed for about 15 months I received an invite to the launch evening.

new pub sign

The pub is leased from Punch Taverns and has undergone a serious refurbishment over the last month or so.

Outside the 2 corner doors on the high street have been replaced by one in the centre. As the building is listed restrictions are in place as what could be done.

still waiting for outside furniture to be delivered

new centre door with 2 new windows right hand side

I like what has been done. The bar has been moved. Nice wooden floor in place. Comfortable seating.

So what about the real ales? Six will be offered;3 bought direct from Punch and 3 from anywhere.
Last nights choices:

There is also a well stocked fridge full of bottled beers as well. I had the Portobello Star, Windsor & Eton Parklife and Dark Star American Pale Ale. All in top condition, a great start. Samples of the food menu were also sampled including chicken samosas and spicy thai fishcakes, very tasty.

Some friends of mine also decided to visit and we all agreed we would be back there again.

 
here are some pics of the inside.

the cellar entrance also a table

Cosy table for 2