Southerner, Temple  

The frontage of this one is deceptive: from the outside, it looks like a large pub, but the meat of the pub is actually down one of two staircases into the basement adjoining Daly's bar. Some of you may remember this as the Hedgehog & Hogshead from many years ago. In a rather strange twist of fate, it became part of Daly's Bar and now has been claimed by a contingent from New Zealand who formerly ran the portakabin on top of Temple Station called Speight's. We say "claimed" in that it seems their mission to bring Speight's beer all the way around the world to the heathen masses in London Town, and frankly we're not complaining that they've established a beachhead here. If you're in the mood for proper beer, the Old Dark is particularly nice, with the Gold Medal a quaffable alternative. Okay, the rest of the place is still a bit Daly-ish, being more upmarket than the portakabin and a little soulless. The menu is also Daly's - the selection bears little resemblance to what you'd expect from a pub in New Zealand. All that said, it's still early days and the crowds aren't flocking here for the decor. Like the previous incarnation, there are tellies everywhere, screening sport from down under when possible and that's part of the attraction for its punters. Go here for the beer, the rest should follow - frankly it makes a far better stab at it than the nearby Walkabout.

reviewed:
8/5/2008

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