The doormen only take vague notice of you as you stroll into the modern and recently renovated BrB.

The only hint that this is the oldest public house building in Pinner is given by the antique sign with a ship painted on it that reads "Victory" - the name that had been given to the pub in 1852. Before that, it had been called "The Ship".

Inside, house music is playing in a large hall divided by pillars, and a few comfortable sofas are arranged in squares around the tables. Decor is predominantly steel and glass, with a few retro elements.

A few people are sitting at the bar, having drinks or eating. The barman, in his twenties with spiky, gelled hair, passes us two Guinness and a Smirnoff Ice for £8.30. He looks puzzled when I ask him what "BrB" stands for.

Upstairs is another bar where it is quieter. Under the watchful eyes of two discrete bouncers, groups of yuppies are chattering lively at small tables.

We sit down on the terrace outside. Most tables are empty, although gas heaters drive away the chill. Next to us, a young couple in retro dress are eating pizza. "Beautiful! I can recommend it" the man exclaims when asked what the pizza is like. Long after 10pm you can still order a warm meal at BrB.

The second round is Hoengaarden - ice cold and bubbly, with a slice of lemon.

But at just a few minutes before11pm, we are ordered inside and our heater is turned off. Inside, the music stops a few minutes later. Fifteen minutes later, we are politely asked to please finish our drinks and leave.

The toilets are clean and well-kept, and are designed in the same style as the rest of the establishment.

BrB is the kind of place where you would go to "chill" with a beer or two. It is cosy, and the laid-back yuppie crowd, mostly in their twenties and thirties, create an atmosphere that is both stylish and bohemian. BrB is a good choice for a night out.

PdB

June 26, 2002 13:30