Great Western Coffee Shop

For those who fancy a pint at Paddington before boarding a train you may like to know the Mad Bishop & Bear is temporarily closing for refurbishment.

It will be shut from 12th August to the 17th September.

Will pub replacement cafe facilities be provided? ....

Perhaps a trolley service on the concourse ?

A time for a temporary "pop-up" bar at the gateline(s).

The SSP outlet 'The Beer House' already fulfills that function. Always has the appearance of being a temporary pub.

Some long-distance drinking sessions to or from the West of England or South Wales may be started from, or terminated at the Three Guineas at Reading Station....

... a much improved hostelry since Fullers took it over.

Agree, Fullers pubs are IMHO often better run than those run by other companies. They almost always have air conditioning.
When working in London, the "Melton Mowbray" in Holborn was my local, and another favourite was the "Barrow boy and Banker" near London bridge, regrettably much in the news due to a terrorist attack very nearby.
Also liked the Euston flyer, in the Euston road.

The Old Bank of England next to the Royal Courts of Justice by the Strand is worth a visit for the interior alone.

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/bank.jpg)

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Does anyone know why all the clocks in the pub are stopped at 12 minutes past 12?

Allegedly the time the last banking transaction took place.

Now. About the Ale & Pie Tasting Board... Mmmm...

Yes I was rather interested in the Ale & Pies but sadly didn’t have the time.

The Mad Bishop & Bear reopened on Monday 17th September after a month long refurbishment.

Chocolate and cream seems to be the theme.  The high bar stools and tables along the north-west wall have gone, as have the fruit machines.  Replacing them are more tables and a sub-dividing of the area to give more of an intimate feel.

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/mbb2.jpg)

The rest of the main floor has also been fitted out with new tables and chairs along with a small number of counters, suited for those on their own just having a drink.

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/mbb1.jpg)

The menu has been revamped and although pricey it is I guess on a par with most establishments immediately outside the station if you want something more substantial than a takeaway burger on the nearby Lawn.

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/mbbfood.jpg)

The usual range of Fullers Beers and guest ales are available and the 10% CAMRA discount helps to keep the price down.   The "upstairs" area to the left of the bar is laid up for those having a meal and seats can be reserved.  I wonder how well used they will be.  It could make the rest of the bar area quite crowded at busy times if those areas are kept for diners alone.

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/mbb3.jpg)

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I was there on day one and there certainly seemed to be more staff.  I was sitting in the downstairs area and a waitress still came to take my food order rather than having to go to the bar.  She also brought me a second pint on request.

The one surprise is the toilets (well the gents at least) have not been refurbished.

The real shame about the Mad Bish is the old GWR ornate wooden panelled Board and Committee Rooms were covered up (in a non destructive way) and are used as store rooms

That does look very much like the Three Guineas...