What makes a good local?
For me a good boozer needs to have character. This probably means somewhere more traditional although I'm not a big fan of the instant old style pub covered in books, fishing rods and old style tennis rackets.
The mark of a great pub is the cross section of life it attracts. It should be equally welcoming to young, old, rich and poor. So long as you can afford a half or if not someone is kind enough to stand you a drink we are all equal and that's how it should be.
Having a good selection of draft beers and ciders not too overpriced, although the £5!!!! pint is on the horizon has probably already happened in London.
So this end I found my self with a couple of friends in The Porterhouse in Westbourne.
The pub fits the bill of a good local. It is fairly small but you can usually find a seat. There is a great cross section of people from regulars propping up the bar and a steady flow of all sorts passing through of an evening. It was particularly cool to see one of the barmen heading home after his shift with his long board.
If you fancy a game of trivial pursuit or chess the pub has a stack of games available.
So what did we drink. Well on recommendation I tried a new oaked cider on draft from Thatchers called Green Goblin (wasn't that a Spiderman villain). Anyway it was really nice and had a bit more depth than Thatcher's Gold which I also like. It also packs a bit of a punch so take it easy.
So a really good local because of the sum of its eclectic parts. Have decided to do a few more pub reviews so watch this space.
Do support your local pub. Drinking at home although a lot cheaper isn't the same and we'll miss them when they're gone.
