Minor royalty at a price for the common man (The Princess Alice (Plumstead))

Member Name: blueboxoffroad

Product:	The Princess Alice (Plumstead)
Date:	13/08/09 (38 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good prices, decent food

Disadvantages: Not the best location, tight parking spaces

As the nearest pub to my office, it is a miracle that I have not been here before. A work colleague and I fancied trying out a pub near to work but not the usual (variety being the spice of life!) so we gave the Alice a go.

From the outside it looks dire. Not anyone (except the architect's) fault. Most of Thamesmead looks the same, and the pub IS a newish building and looks it. Stuck alongside the bypass towards Belmarsh High Security Prison, there is little appeal for passing trade which is a shame, as the inside is not as bad as the exterior would have you believe!

Don't expect inglenook fireplaces and cosy sofas - the inside is as modern as the exterior and treads perilously close to the "Plastic Pub" so loved by interior designers of the late 80's and early 90's.

The staff were friendly and helpful, the beer selection (3 ales on hand pump) good and the prices remarkable (all three ales well under £2.00 per pint!)

The clientele seemed to be mainly young and local - drawn, it seemed, by good prices for beer and a large, affordable menu in the rear carvery. On a return visit (always a good sign!) I took the family to try the carvery. The chef was charming and helpful, making our 4 year old daughter feel very special as she took up her plate Oliver style.

With a choice of gammon, turkey and beef, there was enough choice for all, with a good range of (slightly overcooked) veg to accompany the meat. Admittedly the food is unlikely to be in the Michelin guide, but at under £4 per person, it represented both good value and a tasty meal. I can see why there are so many families in the pub early in the evening.

All in all this is a pub worthy of support, possibly not as a regular local, but as an affordable family treat with decent beer and wine it is a good option.

Summary: Better than you'd expect!