Apologies if it was a little harsh, but it's this kind of snobbery, and calling people norm core, whatever that means, IS snobbish, that ruins pubs and results in us all sitting a separate tables and not talking to one another. But I guess that's how some people prefer it
The best pub round here for that is the Blythe Hill Tavern, perhaps Pippa might prefer that, although there also quite a lot of non-quirky men in there too. But apologies if I've sounded harsh.

OK guys calm down....

back to the subject of this thread, the RT. I've been in there a couple of times now. The manager and staff seem very friendly and keen to please, the interior is nice, the place is clean.
However the food did leave something to be desired... we went for an evening meal and I wasn't overly impressed. The food was average and for the prices charged I would expect something more. The food and sides didn't come all at the same time, and the dessert was obviously frozen and bought in - and £5 for a slice....

The manager was very attentive so I can't fault that, but I think they are trying to go for an up-market menu, but not hitting the spot, probably not an experienced chef, or cutting corners on ingredients - just guessing here. I am not a food snob, personally I'd rather the menu was simpler and cheaper but nicer.

(I can't comment on the 'men at the bar' as I didn't have an issue - unlike a recent experience at the Hob.....)

So overall, the RT is nice inside, it's good to have another choice of pub, and I will definitely return again for a drink, but not for a meal.

PS and can you believe I actually just googled normcore. I am so out of touch.

I'm not going to be too offended by anonymous snarkers, quite frankly. I am familiar with how internet message boards work.
And I used the word 'normcore' in a *totally* ironic way, it's a completely stupid word! Jane, please forget you ever heard it haha!(These things sometimes don't come across too well in print.)
And yes, thanks AMFM, for noting that I haven't personally attacked anyone here on this board, and wouldn't say anything on here that I generally wouldn't be happy to say to someone IRL.
Is it worth pointing out again that there is such a thing as personal taste, which personal experiences may well inform? And that this is a fine and good and perfectly normal thing?
Luckily there's plenty of places in our lovely area for everyone to enjoy

"And yes, thanks AMFM, for noting that I haven't personally attacked anyone here on this board, and wouldn't say anything on here that I generally wouldn't be happy to say to someone IRL."

Really? Not sure the owners of Le Querce would feel the same...

"I don't like the maitre d' at all, I don't like the way he stares, and I disliked the way he treated his staff. And his son, who has served us twice, is a complete k*****d."

Let's all just step away from the keyboard. It is getting enormously dispiriting that almost every thread on this forum eventually seems to descend into unpleasantness.

This is positively mild compared to the east dulwich forum!

I agree though, let's keep this thread to the Railway Telegraph, the owner is trying really hard to get the pub right so I hope he is reading the feedback about the food as I'm sure he'll want to address any issues. I've always enjoyed the food there personally but there does seem to be a theme on more recent posts, although good reviews further back so maybe something has changed.

What is "Normcore"?

Anyway, back to the subject.

Went in for the first time on Tuesday off the back of this thread. Had some really nice food, chicken and chorizo burger and a mushroom and chestnut steamed pudding. Both excellent.

Everyone friendly, liked the decor, i'll definitely go back.

Pippi hope you didn't think I was snarking you! I just thought it was amusing I had to google a word. Showing my age. (I do know what snarking is though!)

Yes SE23.com doesn't usually get too offensive, which is what I like about it, as so many message boards seem to be full of trolls nowadays...hope it stays this way.

I always try to keep my reviews objective in the hope the owners will read it and use it to make improvements, as I genuinely do want these places to be successful! Otherwise, what happens is people have a bad experience, just don't return, and the place suffers.

I would though encourage people to go to places themselves and form their own opinions.

Has anyone eaten at the RT on a weekday evening AND for Sunday lunch? It seems like people are generally positive about the main menu but the Sunday lunch was disappointing. Am I right?

Also, I really think pubs need to up their game with desserts. Something that tastes like it came from a supermarket value range won't cut it. I suspect there are lots of reasonably local providers of freshly made cakes and desserts that could provide homemade products for the pub.

To Hannah D:

'.......to anyone *here on this board*', were the operative words.

I think people in the *public sphere / service sector* who provide a (insert your own description) service for which they charge over the odds (in my opinion)....are fair game. If you don't agree with that, I will respect your opinion.

Peace out, have a nice day everyone

coo this site is so educational! I had to look up "normcore" on wikipedia and it sounds like me I ususally wear fleece and jeans at the weekend (assume a hoodie is a fleece?)
I don't tend to drink in pubs locally, if I go out it's straight from work but my favourite pub locally is the Blythe Hill Tavern as it's a real pub and has a lovely garden for summer

Thought we might have heard from the Manager / owner by now?

He was a regular on here when he took over the pub And was fond

of telling us what he was and wasnt going to do with what is a local

pub ,No more ?

Same here - though it appears I am now highly fashionable. Had to happen some day...