Change. It’s all the rage at the moment. Sometimes it makes you want a constant - something that doesn’t yield to fads, fashions, globalisation, and all that jazz. That constant is beer. Along with it’s posh cousin wine, beer is one of the oldest and most global consumables.
Think about it, we have evolved - it used to be roasted doormouse and beer, now it is raw fish and beer. This week we tell you where to get the best beers in London.
Featured Recommendations
Zero Degrees, SE3
29/31 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath, SE3 0TJ
“Beer. Now there’s a temporary solution.” (Dan Castellaneta)
Zero Degrees is the old classic of a bar / pizzeria in Blackheath. The twist is that it is also a microbrewery, with the brewing equipment the centrepiece of the bar and pipes everywhere.
There is a full range of your classic ‘gastro-pizzas’ (Caramelised Pear and Gorgonzola anyone?) but more importantly, there is a selection of four different beers, all handmade on the premises. A pilsner (our favourite as soft lager drinkers!), a pale ale, a black lager (with strong coffee and chocolate flavours) and a wheat beer for the more Germanic amongst you.
A perfect place for a beer and pizza after a stroll on the heath. A Christmas treat.
The White Horse, SW6
1-3 Parson’s Green, SW6 4UL
“A horse is dangerous at both ends and uncomfortable in the middle.” (Ian Fleming)
We wouldn’t normally recommend the White Horse aka ‘Sloaney Pony’ as if you don’t know about it, then you probably don’t wear pink shirts with the collar turned up, don’t have lots of friends called Camilla and Rupert, and don’t know a bit from a bridle.
But, from Friday (November 28th) to Sunday (November 30th), the White Horse is hosting an Old Ale Festival with more than 50 award winning beers from around the world. There is also Morris dancing on the Saturday evening, live music on Friday and Saturday, pub games (Shove Ha’Penny and the like) and hog roasts.
Also, when you get used to the very polite clientele, this is a cracking pub with decent food, large heated outdoor area, and lots of little nooks and crannies.
The Lowlander Grand Cafe, WC2
36 Drury Lane, Covent Garden, WC2B 5RR
“Sell a man a fish, he eats for a day, teach a man how to fish, you ruin a wonderful business opportunity. ” (Karl Marx)
Tucked away on Drury Lane on the edge of Covent Garden, the Lowlander Grand Cafe is a true temple to beer drinking Belgian style. High ceilings, traditional “beer hall” bench seating and a menu stacked full of concoctions tipping the dangerous 10% mark.
What’s great about the Lowlander is that it suits all occasions, platters and croques monsieurs for a lunchtime drop in, good quality burgers for an excellent casual dinner, and if all else fails book yourself a Friday night, pull up a bench seat and start roaring out a few verses of….well whatever they sing in Belgium.
Stuff To Do
Discovering Latin America Film Festival, West End
Various Locations.Thurs 27th November - Sun 7th December
Now in it’s 7th year, this festival should again provide an interesting mix of unusual films. If you can’t take a full film, try one of the documentaries or short films. Then take your lady for a dinner and feel culturally smug.
The Colour Rooms Market, E1
Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, E1. Sunday 10am-5pm. Left before the entrance to Backyard Market
Brought to you by the people behind Sunday Up market and Backyard market, this should be a good hunting ground for some crimbo presents at bargain prices. Think of that friend who likes pretty stuff for christmas, but what she likes even more is that you thoughtfully picked it up as a bargain from an unknown sale. Sorted.
Dispersion at the ICA, SW1
Institute of Contemporary Arts, 12 Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH. 3 - 23, 27 - 30 Dec 2008, 2 Jan - 1 Feb 2009
Another easily accessible art exhibition for any of us with culturally leaning ladies to entertain. Includes mostly photography, film and video (tick) and moves between historical icons and internet pornography (tick).
Gigs & Tickets
Australia vs the Barbarians, Weds 3rd December, Wembley Stadium.
The home nations are unlikely to win a game against the tri-nations this autumn, but some of them might scrape a win in a stong Baa Baas line up to face Australia. A good midweek outing.
Masters Tennis at the Albert Hall, 2nd-7th December
Chance to see the great Pete Sampras in action. Sure he narrowly lost to the world’s current greatest player, but walkovers can be fun to watch! McEnroe, Cash, Edberg and the great Mansour Bahrami also in action.
Coldplay and Jay-Z
Tickets now on sale for recently added dates at Old Trafford, Hampden Park and Wembley in September next year.
‘Tube Watch.
After a few hard weeks of soul searching for our recently laid off ‘Tube surfer, but his mood has been lightened as the government proved that it’s not only bankers who show an appetite for taking theoretical gambles on things they don’t quite understand. This week he brings us the greatest “unseen” gridiron plays in history.
-
The “Greatest Catch Ever”.
-
Off his hand, foot, heel, backside, heel, through his legs and finally back in the pouch. Marvellous. (See 1m 5s).
-
Gridiron becomes rugby. Extraordinary!
Until next time Men. Fannies up!
