Walked past countless times and always meant to stop in, finally made it. Cosy little pub with a good drinkers feel to it, very friendly bar staff as well which makes a pleasant change in London.
Beer
ABV
Score
Notes
Big Penny (formerly Truman's) as of late 2022 contract brewed - Runner
4.00
In top condition. One of my favourite best bitters of the moment, seem to be a dying breed.
Big Penny (formerly Truman's) as of late 2022 contract brewed - Swift
3.90
Not Tried
05 Mar 2015 (HSB)
14:00 A potential Heritage pub with a rebuilt date of 1935, but sadly apart from plaster cornices all the interior is modern. The pub itself was about a quarter full.
Beer
ABV
Score
Notes
Big Penny (formerly Truman's) as of late 2022 contract brewed - Attaboy
4.60
Described on the clip as a hoppy pale ale with real bite. No argument from me.
Westerham - British Bulldog "BB" (was 4.3%)
4.10
Not Tried
Westerham - Spirit of Kent XXX Pale Ale
4.00
Not Tried
Big Penny (formerly Truman's) as of late 2022 contract brewed - Blindside
4.40
Not Tried
Sharp's - High Five
5.70
Not Tried
Australasian IPA - single batch brew
17 Dec 2005 (Ian)
Located just south of Soho square, this is an odd pub. Half a dozen handpulls with normally a good selection of beers, but it feels just a little transitory
Beer
ABV
Score
Notes
Batemans - Rosey Nosey
4.90
Very malty. Lots of dry malt which is no bad thing, because I quite like that. Thin beige head. Really quite like this. Slightly dry on end and even a bit tarry. Good winter beer
Smiles - Holly Hops
5.00
Well it has come out of retirement thanks to Highgate. Red/chestnut colour with thin beige head. Tarry fruit with good malts. Fruit is a little sour in the mouth with dark cherries. Again, I quite like this, bit of liquorice hiding in that sourness somewhere too.
Theakston - Old Peculier
5.60
Not Tried
15 Oct 2005 (Ian)
Saturday lunchtime and it wasn't incredibly busy. Odd feeling in the pub. Could be quite good, but it had a bit of a temporary feel about it. Good beer line up though
Beer
ABV
Score
Notes
Marston's - Old Empire IPA
5.70
Hazy orange colour quite good hops, some nice fruit, quite fresh, but doesn't drink its strength
Eagle (formerly Wells & Young's, formerly Charles Wells, formerly Wells) - Young's Ram Rod
5.00
Dark copper colour, no head. Hop and dusty malt flavours, herby, don't like the yeast on it. Spicey finish, some alcohol burn
Adnams - Broadside
4.70
Not Tried
Gale's - Trafalgar Ale
4.20
Not Tried
Batemans - Victory Ale (superseded by 6% version)
5.90
Not Tried
About the Simmons (formerly Jimi Loves Gloria; Pillars of Hercules)
The pub is found in Soho, Central London, W1D 4DF.
Just south of Soho Square in Greek Street. OK pub which has 6 hand pumps. It was rebuilt in 1935 having formerly been the Hercules Pillars. Real ale discontinued here after a short period of closure in 2018. Renamed in 2021 with emphasise on being a cocktail bar and again in June 2022 when taken over by Simmons group.
We have visited this pub 4 times, seen 15 different beers and tried 6 of them.