O is for the Old Red Cow

A Thursday evening trip to the Old Red Cow for pub O. Situated between the Barbican Centre and Smithfields Market, everything we had heard about this pub pointed to it being a good one for us.

The Pub

View A to Z of London Pubs in a larger map
The Old Red Cow was smaller than I was expecting from the comments we had heard and the small amount of research I had done on their website. There were, however, a reasonable number of tables both upstairs and down, although all were occupied on arrival. We managed to commandeer a small standing space, which met our needs until we managed to pinch the end of a tall table later on.
The beer was perhaps a little expensive, but this is close to the City. The members of staff we dealt with were all helpful and informative, and clearly know their beer. The beer selection seemed a little out of season, with a larger number of 'summer' beers than was ideal for a cold evening late in November. The beers were also generally served a little on the cold side, which appears to be a storage/dispensing issue, which possibly can't be helped based on the logistics of the building. Food was available, and we were tempted by a sausage platter, but we chose not to partake this time. The toilets were sparse but clean and functional.

The Beer

• Windsor and Eton Windsor Knot - Floral, but seems to be a proper beer too. Dark but clear, and very enjoyable.
• Stiegl Goldbrau - Good lager, and a good receptacle. Amber in appearance, and fairly sweet. Something for other lagers to aspire to.
• Windsor and Eton Knight of the Garter - A heady, summery, amber ale which took a reasonable time to settle. Very bitter, with a long, lingering aftertaste. A good light ale.
• Harviestoun Bitter and Twisted - Citrus and punchy, but develops to a honeyed aftertaste. A beer for Lager Boy, and not just because it looks a lot like a lager. However, it is very summery, and not really for this occasion.
• Old Red Cow House Lager - Almost a wheat beer, this one was very active and maintained its head throughout. A pleasing lager.
• Sandford Orchards Devon Red - A delightful 'proper' cider in which the taste of apples was prevalent. Very well balanced, managing to be neither too sweet or too sharp. Reminded us, and our guest, a fellow Exonian, of summer days at Double Locks.
• Titanic White Star - Weird. Not sure what it's all about. Almost a metallic taste, but sweet. Wheaty at first, becoming much more bitter to finish. The most confusing beer.
• Windsor and Eton Canberra - Autumnal ale territory, in taste and colour. Rich and almost a little bit creamy, making it enjoyably smooth. A dessert beer, perhaps? We couldn't decide whether it reminded us most of Christmas pudding or chocolate cake. 
• Camden Pale Ale - Very floral and hoppy, definitely not seasonal. I could have several on the right summer evening, but there's not a lot more to say about this.
• Camden Ink Stout - Troubled by the aroma which, like the appearance, was reminiscent of river water. Tasted a bit earthy at first, developing into a smoky taste, almost leaving the mouth dry, but not unpleasantly. The odour faded, and we were left with thoughts of chocolate and barbecues.

The Verdict

A good little pub, with a good selection of beer, even if not as seasonal as might be preferred. Good staff, and not a bad location. A good amount of seating, perhaps at the expense of standing room, and a bar that shows off all that is on offer. Beer served a bit too cold, but could be overlooked on pretty much any visit.