The Beaten Docket is a nice, big, clean, traditional pub. No music, just chatter! I like the layout - old-fashioned, lots of tables and booths and benches outside.
Go here for: CHEAP DRINKIEEEESSSSSSSSS! So cheap for London, and so cheap in general. Even cheaper than the Wetherspoons you find in Central London. Definitely make mine a double.
You can buy a good bottle of wine for pretty much cost price - for example you can get a bottle of Hardy's Nottage Hill Chardonnay for around £7 or £8.
As well as having an extensive selection of wine, spirits, beer, cider and perry, they also have a big selection of ale, including one's from local microbreweries. Ale, beer, lager - all of that - is not my thing at all, so I can't really go into much more detail!
They often have beer and wine festivals which are worth going along to, as you could try something new for cheap.
The food is definitely not fancy, but if you wanted a burger or fish and chips it will only set you back a few £££s (bear in mind, most of this stuff is probably just reheated). There are a number of meals on the menu for £2.99, and many of the options include a drink (alcoholic or non) in the price. They also have bargaintastic prices for meals such as lamb shank. No frills, but an option if you are counting the pennies, and still fancy a night out.
The staff are lovely and friendly. It is family run, with the exception of some of the staff (I think this might also be where they send new Wetherspoons staff for training?) and the patrons are mainly older (you can always expect lots of old Irish guys to be here, propping up the bar!)
For the last couple of years I have walked up here with my family for a stroll on Christmas day and had a drinkie (they open up for an hour or 2 around midday) and it gets pretty busy with regulars and locals. It's a nice atmosphere, and the landlord goes round with a tray of complimentary whisky, brandy and vodka shots and lets everyone choose a glass to toast Chrimbo. Nice touch.
I would give this place more stars for comfort and great value for money, the only reason I don't is because it is not the type of place I would go to on a weekend night, or a big night out because it's way more chilled and has an older clientele. I generally prefer to go somewhere with music and a funkier crowd. It's more of a 'let's pop out for a quiet drink and a game of cards' type place. read more