This was a recommendation from a colleague who lives nearby for good real ale and quality food that's not too expensive. Also recommended for its relaxing atmosphere.
My initial impression wasn't great: a couple of cigarette scuttled picnic tables slouched either side of the main entrance, suggesting a downbeat watering hole in a somewhat idyllic location. But after hanging around waiting for my dining companions to arrive, I noticed that the stream of clientele heading inside was pleasingly eclectic in terms of age, gender and cultural persuasion - a good sign.
Inside was pleasantly reassuring, if not surprising. The interior is poised somewhere between traditional, rustic and Irish. If nudged in the wrong direction it could be re-touched as an Irish theme bar, but those kinds of places usually lack the soul that abounds in Stubbing Wharf.
We sat down to clean tables in a semi-partitioned dining area with windows to the back and front and a fire-place set into one wall. The bar was but a short walk away and frequently crowded by affable punters generous with their manners. Just as importantly, it was stocked with some fine ales on hand pump. Black Sheep Bitter and Timothy Taylor's Landlord being the stalwarts of an impressive campaign, the interloping legions of which included representatives from the fantastic Phoenix Brewery and Copper Dragon. Hic!
It was good to see that the warm atmosphere and friendly attitude of the staff extended to visitors of the canine variety, providing such four-legged patrons are retained on a lead throughout their stay.
The menu was impressive with the accent on game. Unlikely stars of the culinary cabaret included breast of pigeon and the more obscure gamecock. Black Pudding made two cameos as starters which appeared to be distinguished by such subtlety as not to merit two separate inclusions on the specials board, but when sampled proved to be extraordinarily different dishes. We ordered a different one each and so sampled both.
Starters were around the £4 mark with mains ranging from £7 to about £10.
There were plenty of people drifting upwards towards the open mic night, but we didn't hear much in the way of music. But what more can you want of a pub? The Wharf has real ale in abundance, good food, friendly staff and clientele, it's in a good spot on the side of the canal, it has regular open mic nights, quiz nights, a highly informative website with video of the interior and a football team that claims to be the best pub football team in the world!
I, for one, would like to join. read more