Kingston
This tour took place on 10th April 20054, accompanied by Young's
regular Alex. Our traditional pre-tour football match was, on this
occasion, Wimbledon AFC vs. The Met. Lots of people watch AFC, so it
was a bit of a culture shock for us, used as we are to a few nutters of
the trainspotter persuasion, drinking bovril and haranguing
linesmen. Anyway. On with the
quest...
Albert Arms
This is near Norbiton Station, a little way up the aptly named Kingston
Hill. Stuff about Prince Albert on the wall. Not a big screen TV pub -
instead, a small portable which is switched off when there's nothing on
(hooray!).
For some reason, the Albert left no particular impression on me. I
think the bitter was a bit ropey, but not truly bad.
Grey Horse
Near the train station, in the grimy student area of Kingston, we found
the Grey Horse. On first impressions, there seemed to be something of
the Dog and
Handgun in the air. However, it soon became clear that this was merely
good-natured rowdiness from some regulars.
The Horse is actually a dingy venue for music, comedy and such like,
with a smallish bar area in front. The aforementinoed Blues is played
on regular occasions, and sometimes (whisper it quietly), jazz.
Although possessed of an authentic Young's feel, I must report that the
beer was of the suspicious sediment persuasion. Alex drank a
Waggledance, which is a bit of a challenge, even under optimum
conditions - it did not slip down too nicely.
In summary, worth knowing about for the gigs, but not boozing.
Bishop out of Residence
Saints alive! This isn't really a pub, but a waterfront trend-bar with
candlelit tables and chunky chipped rocket risotto food. Nothing wrong
with chunky chips, obviously, nor risotto - I don't like rocket much,
but it takes all sorts. However, the 'Fat Chips' cost £2.50, and
most meals are the thick end of a tenner. Coffee retails at £2.60
for a Latte, the sort of price that would make Starbucks blush.
Automatic 12.5% service charge.
Just in case you were thinking that the food might be worth paying for,
let me weigh in with a brief, restrained description of the furniture.
Sofas. Strange art on the wall, deliberately askew. Ridiculously small
ashtrays.
Clientele? Obviously, this is not the grimy student end of Kingston.
The whiff of South-West Rugby enthusiasts perching sunglasses on their
heads hangs heavy in the air. Well-heeled persons abound.
If any of the above sounds like fun to you, by all means visit the
place.
Spring Grove
Scuttling away from the Bish', casting venomous glares astern, we
wandered through rural Kingston towards the Spring Grove. This is
actually half-way to Surbiton, but then, Surbiton is quite near. About
10 minutes from the centre of Kingston, in other words.
Ah, what a relief. The Grove is a good friendly pub with a jukebox, big
sports screen, Young's beer, and so on. Seemed like bit of a family
meal place, but on the other hand, student types were also at large. The
jukebox is of the irritatingly expensive ilk, but did have enough 80s
horrors to sate our appetite. Alex put on 'Fanfare for the Common Man', for which I
will never forgive him.