[quote="Matt Vinyl"]Well, it's my 30th next week and am planning a trip up town with a few buddies for an all-day sesh - both drinking and the occaisional coin, no doubt. ]
I always enjoy a "stroll" down the South Bank moving west from LB- there are three pubs between LB and Blackfriars that all have good river views from the outdoor areas. Unfortunately they dont open till 11ish. I have a feeling the Hoop & Grapes (exitvia Borough high Street)may open early doors and if not the pubs in/ around Borough market just over the road may be worth a try.
I am bad with names- first one on the South Bank run you get to is a Nicholsons (Thameside Inn) which has a quizzy and a couple of fruits but not sure what as last time in there was struggling to change my baby's sh*tty nappy in the disabled loo whilst making sure oone abducted the 4 year old. Then you have the Anchor (normally one outdated fruit) which has good outside seating area and then just before Blackfriars you have the Founders arms (A youngs pub). Just the other side of Blackfriars you have the Doggets Coat & Badge which has numerous levels, pool tables on the top and at least last I was in a variety of coin operated entertainment.
I would suggest those as a start as nice 5 min stroll between each and avoids heading into the city where all pubs will be rammed full of suited twats (like me) on a Friday lunch.
Ah, that sounds superb, Mr. Monkey! I'll be shedding my suit for that day, definitely! Do they still do the 'Ale Trail'? I recall completing two of them about 3 years ago - and when I woke up the next morning found myself with the female t-shirts. DOH! (Pity there was no female in them, but...)
"And do you ever contradict yourself, Minister?" "Well, yes and no..."