A convenient place for a pub
December 17, 2007 by knutalbert
Although Heathrow airport is less of a nightmare on arrival than on departure, the need for some refreshment when you arrive in more central parts of London is ofte acute. If you take the Heathrow Express train or the new slightly slower and a fair bit cheaper Heathrow Connect, you arrive at Paddington Station.
Before throwing yourself into the perils of the Undergound, you can enjoy a decent pub within the station itself. The Mad Bear and Bishop is not immediately visible, but two floors up via the escalators you find an inviting Fuller’s pub. The full range of cask ales from Fuller’s is available, plus a guest ale. St. Austell’s Tribute was on when I was there. They even had the bottled 2005 Fuller’s Vintage Ale, which is seldom to be found in pubs.
There is a food menu, too, though I have never eaten there. A convenient place for meeting people, a convenient place to catch your breath, you could wish for one in every railway station. Sure, there are places with more charm and tradition, even close by, but this one does well what it sets out to be.
Theres nothing I like better than beer, and talking about it comes a close second. Having been down to Cornwall 4 times since I arrived in the UK (May this year), I have a huge appreciation for Tribute, its delicious. Stupid question, I’m sure, but are St Austell/Fullers part of the same company?
Anyway its always good to know of another pub that sells one of my favourite brews, especially in the London area. The only ones I’ve foudn are the Swan near Hyde Park/Bayswater area, the Tup in Twickenham, and the Rooster (I think) in Oxford, although thats not in London, of course.
No, St Austell and Fuller’s are not the same company.
If you want more beer from St Austell’s, you should head for Covent Garden. There is a small pub on the floor avove the Cornwall Pasty shop where you can get their beers, but it might be awfully croded.