Gladstone Arms

Walking into "The Glad" (64, Lant St, London, SE1 1QN), I scanned the room looking for Leigh. At over 6'2 he should have been easy to spot. I was left wondering if I was in the right place. I was told it was "small, cool, little pub in Borough" and this certainly did fit the bill.

It was a busy Friday night and packed out with groups mainly seated. Turning to the barman I asked if there was a back room." This is it mate... smallest pub in London", was his reply with the hint of a smile. Now this is probably the standard line used a 1000 times so I didn't correct him on this point, as the claim for smallest and possibly best stocked pub goes to the nearby Rake Bar. Maybe it works with the tourists?

I take a seat and call to see if I am indeed in the right pub. "On my way" comes the answer. A few moments later and he's in, served and seated. With four staff behind the bar the staff to customer ratio was better than most. A quick couple of pints and I am heading for the tube, thinking that this is definitely one to head back to. A great find, albeit not mine, but I don't mind being introduced to a new pub by an Aussie only a month or two in London (well not much anyway!).