rev:text
| - This is one of the "Duke of" franchises that found the previously independent Duke of Kent and brought some smallish changes to the pub. One thing that has not changed is the sense of local flavour. The regulars who came in, blabbed about English and Scottish football ('soccer' for the Philistines among us), had a pint of whatever they fancied on tap, and carried on as long as possible.
Despite having been brought into the collective of pubs, there is still a strong sense of independence about this place. The menu has been taken over and franchised a bit (I'd never heard of "Bombay Curry Rolls" before, but I'm glad they're here now), the pictures of locals whose soccer teams have been sponsored have moved downstairs in favour of new British-esque iconography ("Oh, Goodness! My Guinness!"), but it's still a good place to hang out.
They have now opened the upstairs into provide more seating with a bar for direct service as well so you're not waiting for your pint to ascend the staircase. Admittedly this may have been there before, but to be completely honest I never ventured past the main bar on the first floor. No need, really. The place still feels homey, the food is now somewhat gentrified, but it's still a good place to meet up. The heart is still there.
|