[throwaway2562]

Rather a lopsided article that misses the point somewhat. Humphrey Smith may be an eccentric and unkind loon, but Sam Smith’s pubs in London are far and away the best chain in town, by some distance.

Beautifully maintained or restored interiors, good beer, low prices and no music so you can actually talk to mates while enjoying a pint.

Humphrey Smith is stepping down by the way, and according to the barmaid at my local, his son is taking over. He’s apparently cut from the same cloth, but if he keeps the pubs the way they are, I don’t mind a bit.

https://pubcurmudgeon.blogspot.com/2024/10/passing-on-torch....

[philipwhiuk]

His son runs the London ones already.

[stuaxo]

Ok, but measuring chain pubs is a low bar.

The beer is a bit weird, and I always would get a headache, and the wine selection is decidedly 1980s.