Reviews
Ace Mica Hardware, SW17
Ace by name, ace by nature 
James H. says:
Fantastic local hardware/DIY shop with a huge range of stock for such a small shop from screwdrivers to paint to torches to hinges to nails to dustbins to compost to BBQ charcoal.
No need to venture to B&Q or Homebase, the prices here compare favorably and the service - as you'd expect - is far more personal and helpful.
The opening hours are the only thing that lets this place down. They were closed on bank holiday Monday when a lot of people were undoubtedly working at home and they close at about 5 in the evening. Other than that a great local business that should be supported by everyone living nearby.
The Mitre, SW17
Amazing transformation 
James H. says:
This used to be an outpost of the spectacularly awful 'Mr Q's' franchise and quite frankly I was too scared to even step through the door in those dark days.
However, (and although I never thought I'd see it in my lifetime) it seems that there is a degree of gentrification occurring in Tooting - The Tramshed, The Selkirk, Sprirt Bar etc. are other examples - and this new trendiness has even found it's way down Mitcham Road. In fact the transformation is so stark that this pub now appears way ahead of the game in these parts.
There's a hand pump usually dispensing Black Sheep, comfy seating and a fully refurbished and smart looking bar area. I've only been in during the week when it has been fairly quiet but the friendly bar person assured me that the weekend draws in a decent and lively crowd.
Outside there's plenty of seating with the obligatory parasols (and heaters for those partial to the Jamiacan Old Holborn) which is a pleasant change from the loitering drunks and dodgy looking flower stall of old. They have also just started offering a Monday night film club similar to that proffered by The Exhibit in Balham.
Not sure if they sell food but I know they still do accommodation which apparently has also been completely refurbished. It's very reasonable and handy if you have folk staying for the weekend.
All in all it seems this pub has been completely transformed and is infinitely better than it was. I recommend this pub wholeheartedly. Try it out.
Pets On Parade, OX2
Doggy Heaven
Simon R. says:
I went here to purchase some dog food for my pet Doberman (Diesel), I was very pleased with the advice provided by Mr Lorton (the owner) on which food would be best suited to my pet, a service you wouldnt receive at some other major chain outlets.
Yatess Wine Lodge, WC2H
Quality food, beer and service at a bargain price
James H. says:
Call me prejudiced but given the reputation of Yatess I would never have chosen to come here myself, however, I dropped in the other day to join my colleagues for lunch and was very pleasantly surprised. The food was good and reasonably priced, the service at the bar and table was attentive and courteous and the most surprising thing of all was the excellent pint of Fuller's London Pride I was served for possibly the lowest price in London - £2.30. It's nicely air-conditioned should you need a respite from one of those scorching hot summer days that we get in London...
This Yatess has recently been refurbished and is clearly set-up for night time drinking and dancing - glitter balls, dancing poles, numerous flat screens etc. but during the day they just show unobtrusive music videos. I'll leave commenting on the evening experience to another reviewer - I suspect it gets very busy with a lively young crowd from out of town - but for a spot lunch or a cheeky day-time pint I'd certainly recommend this particular Yatess - and I never thought I'd say that.
Kingston Arms, CB1
Top 5 all time pub!
James H. says:
Tucked away on a side street not far from Cambridge station this is one of my favourite pubs - and not just for their refusal to serve lager. It really does have everything.
The selection of beers is excellent including a good range of up to 10 local and micro-brewed ales and at least one hand-pulled cider. If you want to convert your lager-drinking friends to ale then this is the place to bring them.
The pub is justifiably renowned for it's food. A varied and interesting menu is offered for both lunch and dinner and the quality is excellent garnering positive comments from a variety of food critics. It's possible to make table reservations and order food in advance which is not a bad idea at peak times as the secret is pretty much out about The Kingston.
Unusually for a pub they offer free internet access for anyone buying a pint and there is also a quiet secluded garden for sunny days (with solar heaters for less than sunny days).
I have whiled away several afternoons and evenings at this pub and even missed a train back to London because I simply couldn't drag myself away from 'one more pint' in this gem of a local.
If you're in Cambridge a visit to The Kingston Arms is as essential as a wander around King's College or a punt on the Cam. Yes, that good!
