The Bricklayers Arms, Kingston Upon Thames

They had GKIPA and Flanker's Tackle on. The FT was OK (at £2.85 a pint) but for some reason still had that Greene King aftertaste to it. They've stripped this pub out since the last time I was in there. It was never very good, but they've managed to make it a bit more impersonal. Pop music being played too loud didn't help either (even if it was Billy Joel). Not really worth bothering to find, but if you find yourself passing it's OK for a swift pint as long as you are happy with Greene King ales.

Another pub I have revisited after an absence of about 5 years to find it has undergone a recent makeover (did someone in Kingston offer a job lot?). Situated on the edge of a large Estate, it is not destined to attract anyone other than a few locals but for all my infrequent visits over the years I have actually found it a fairly comfortable and generally welcoming pub. That said, I can't say that the recent makeover does anything for the place and it still appears to be just another edge of town, dull and plain local's pub, harmless but ultimately uninspiring. 3 hand pumps but just Greene King IPA available although quality was very good and it was almost a giveaway price (Pint & Mrs B's diet coke still left change from £3). It was good to see some traditional features like the piano and board games and the secure beer garden with its covered decking patio is a big plus when conditions allow. Overall another pub I had better memories of in the past and there seems to be some mixed feelings about the place. I may have been unlucky with the ale choices (I'll give it the benefit of the doubt) and, for now, would just about rate it as worthy of a quick pint if passing by but nothing to go out of the way for.