WE were unsure whether The Moon on the Hill was the right choice until we ordered our first ale. After that, we decided we should have come here earlier.

Even for a Saturday night, the Moon on the Hill is packed. There is hardly enough space to stand, and we push forward until we reach the bar. Once arrived, we are served immediately by a genuinely friendly barman. He recommends the ales, priced at £1.60 a pint. At length he explains the difference between them, and even gives a free tasting.

As there is no space to sit, we stand in a corner by the window. The crowd really seems to come from all backgrounds. Young, old, white, black - everyone is represented here.

At the table nearest to us, a group of twentysomethings are chatting lively over a few pints while one of them is crumbling what looks like a green, leafy substance into the tobacco of a cigarette he is rolling.

The bar is strict about last rounds, but no-one is evicted at eleven as it is done elsewhere.

Although the people do a lot to change this for the better, the pub's atmosphere is mediocre. It would already make a big difference if the lights were not as glaring.

Because the ales are so cheap, this could be a good place to get tanked up early for a good night out. On the other hand, it could also be a good place to finish your night off. Just don't get stuck in the middle, Bob.

PdB

July 11, 2002 18:00