please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Visited here for the first time early on Thursday evening. I was surprised to find 4 ales. The regular ale is Fuller's London Pride. But they also had Twickenham Naked Ladies & Caledonian Golden XPA & Autumn Red. We tried both of the Caledonian beers and neither were in a particularly good condition. Didn't spend much time inside, as we sat outside on the patio at the front. But the interior did seem nice enough. Didn't inspire me sufficiently to attempt a return visit.
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Nicely refurbished and with some good beer (XPA), pizzas daily except Sunday when it's a Sunday roast. Garden is ok. Needs bicycle parking - perhaps that area round the side they haven't finished yet could have a bike rack in it?
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Currently closed for refurbishment, "opening soon" apparently.
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First visit to this wonderful pub on Sunday and certainly looking to return. There are now 5 real ales to choose from with a great selection ranging from the citrus/floral/golden ale end of the spectrum up to more malty offerings.
As mentioned below the welcome was fantastic - it felt that we had been coming here for years, not just moved into town. Both Peter and Jane are great hosts and Georgina has to be up for barmaid of the year award.
The food - well we had the Sunday Roasts and I think it would not be overdoing it if I said these were probably the best roasts I have ever had. I don't eat meat so just had extra veg and it was fantastic. I know it might seem odd to rave on about how well they were cooked but when you're a veggie well cooked vegetables are an absolute delight.
The pub has a garden in the front and back meaning that you can catch the rays and then move into the cool interior and flop over the sofas when it all gets a bit too much.
So, if you like a good range of ales, excellent food, and service from folks who really seem to care that you have a great experience then make the effort to visit - you will not be disappointed.
Oh yeah - Come On You Irons :-)
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Great food and very personal service from Jane and Peter. Interesting and varied specials board, the grilled duck was excellent and the accompanying stir fry was well presented and quite different. Three real ales on, none of which I'd had before, opted for the Theakstons Masham four and twenty., not disappointed. Will be returning and would recommend the pub. It deserves more support than it appears to be getting.
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Have been to this pub several times now,and cannot fault it. The owners make you wlcome and the food is a cut above the average pub and at sensible prices. Peter who is the cook does a first class job,his only fault is he is a West Ham supporter. Do give this pub a try it wont disapoint
Mista H
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Great to see a local pub so well run. The food is superb, always freshly cooked and hearty servings. Lovely location, cosy atmosphere and fabulous hospitality from the hosts. There are a number of pubs in the area but none surpass the Bloomsbury.
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Okay, so as far as Twickenham goes, The White Swan is now faceless and corporate, The Fox has gone all lah-de-dah ('another skinny latte whilst I park the pushchairs Felicity?'), The Bear is empty unless it's the weekend meat-market and The George, well you woudn't go in The George, would you?
I like The Barmy Arms depending upon the temper of the Landlord and The Sussex Arms is going with style, but not if you're a lager drinker and don't like their taste in music! And everyone loves The Rifleman (but don't lets all go at once or we'll never fit in)!
The one place which rather than be altered has simply grown it's reputation by doing what it does best is The Bloomsbury. Because it's half a mile up the Staines Road from Twickenham Green, for long enough it's been poorly patronised but by hard work, skill and the warmth of their (award winning) welcome the proprietors Peter and Jane aren't going for a 15 hand-pull gimic like the Sussex, or ditching their regulars for a new market like The Fox or The Swan.
I think they know what works best - you can have a drink and feel welcome and relaxed, you can have some great food (see below), or you can watch sport and listen to live music. That's because The Bloomsbury is big enough to properly be a boozer, a restaurant AND a venue. I think the great testament to getting it right is that any good pub should contain a healthy cross-section of the local community - families with children playing with the provided toys, business types avoiding the wife for a swifty on the way home, younger ones having a safe, stable place to respectfully have their fun, the older generation reflecting on times gone by and, well everyone really.
Have to mention the food, whch is (not mincing my words) the best of any pub in Twickenham. It's all produced fresh, in great variety and in great portions! The legendary sunday roasts - which you should re-book because they always run out due to demand - come in medium, large and 'oh my god'. Don't take my word for it... But my top three things they serve would be:
1: Sizzling Prawns - makes you feel like you've just been run over by a seafood truck carrying a cargo of ginger, garlic and chilli - WOO!
2: Liver & Mash - tender, tender calves or lambs liver in gravy with fluffy, buttery mash. Classic British done in style.
3: Fresh fish - depending on what they can get - why go to Loch Fyne and be disappointed both on your plate and in your pocket?
A new recent addition is a pizza oven - make your own topping, but I haven't tried that yet and the Burgers - lots of toppings, hand made onion rings, I guarantee you definitely won't need to eat again that day!
Well there you are. I'm now considering deleting this because I want The Bloomsbury to stay as it is and not be inundated by Strangers - sorry Pete and Jane!
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Fantastic local pub, serves a great pint of ale which at the time of typing is on offer at �2.50 a pint monday - thursday, choice of 3 ales that the Landlord Pete changes regularly although glad to say he keeps Wainwrights as a regular :) Rapidly becoming a very popular eatery, the sunday lunches are superb and I'd recommend starving yourself for a day beforehand or you will never get through it all, Had one of the best steaks ever the other night, Its rare to find anywhere that know how to do a proper blue steak, so often you get a lump of meat running with blood and cold in the middle.... not so here, Phoned ahead so Pete could move the steak out the fridge and allow it to come up to room temp ready to cook and it literally melted as I ate.... superb, One point to note though, if you are after one of their superb sunday lunches either book or get there in plenty of time, they have often sold out by late afternoon its so popular... Plenty of room for a quiet meal or relax and watch the sport on the large projector slumped in one of the comfy sofas.... Great Food, Great Beer and very friendly owners, Top Marks to Pete n Jane
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well still the same looks great but no one using it, this part of twickenham has five pubs all trying to get the same business
service7/10
value for money 7/10
house keeping 8/10
ambience 2/10
i feel the pub and restuarant needs sperating more good luck
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Sorry my last review was meant for the Cabbage Patch. Not sure how I managed to put this on here. Ooooppsss
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I have heard some rumblings that Fuller's are soon due to take over this establishment.
I have mixed feelings about this. I do like Fullers beer however this pub always had a few guest beers on. The likelihood is that Fullers will limit the beer range to their own tipples. I hope that at least squeeze in a few of the bastardised Gales Brews to give a bit of choice and variation.
I also hope they keep the pool tables as this pub works well as a no frills sports boozer.
Watch this space! ! !
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ivor beer
service 8/10
house keeping 9/10
value for money 9/10
hospitality 8/10
no change since my last visit , this pub is still trying hard to get more customers and in twickenham it is the only one bothered about there customers.
little bit out of town but wish them well
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clean, smart, a few real ales on pump.
the staff sadly outnumbered the punters.
some of the topics being discussed by the staff n local few were perhaps a bit marginal for polite conversation - so i'm a bit put off going, as it was similar last time i visited. it's still a business not a private living room with the mates round. be professional.
progress being made.
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peter and jane the landlord's are as friendly as you'd ever want from your local, the bar staff are friendly too, the food is great I had a full english there the other day and couldn't finish it, it was so big (and I'm a fat git).
really good place to be it's now gonna be my new local.:)
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The food here is fabulous always freshly cooked & not too long to wait the welcome is always good no matter what time you arrive & as a single woman really easy to walk into & have a glass of wine with no hassle & no-one looking at you strangely. The locals are friendly definitely an undiscovered jewel.
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I went here again the other day with friends for a bit of lunch. Again a great welcome. Had some lovely nibbles, prawns, chicken and meze all beautifully presented with generous garnish/extras. Crisp, hot and delcious and reasonably priced. We are going back with friends for dinner soon - landord/chef Peter does great speciality of Devilled Kidneys which may not be that popular with most people (going on their special steak night for friends) but can be ordered a day ahead. Its great to see innovative food made fresh not all brought in from brewery wholesale preferred suppliers! Garden out back and front is lovely. This is a super place.
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The previous reviews say it all. This is a superb pub run by really people who really know what they're doing. I hadnt been for many years as it used to be a bit of a dump. I popped in to meet friends the other evening and was really pleased to see what a great pub its become. The new owners have done a first rate job, and are genuinely welcoming. The menu is all fresh, reasonably priced, unpretentious but original and probably the best in Twickers.
Agree with the others - use it or lose it. Its a diamond pub.
Frodo's mum
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Having just moved into the area you're going to check out your locals aren't you? I get the impression with The Blucher that you have to have been going in there for years to get a hello and and I won't say anything bad about the Sussex for fears of my own safety...
My vote undoubtably goes to The Bloomsbury.
The pub is large and perfectly decorated (nice lampshades...) with seperate dining area, saloon and comfortable lounge with leather benches, sofas and chairs and a roaring fire for those chilly winter evenings. All the sport you need pops out of the plasma screens for the footie and rugby fans amongst you, but they don't get in the way if you just fancy a pint.
The drinks could be cheaper (�3.30 ish a pint) but I guess there's not much that can be done about that and it's pretty standard unless you really love the atmosphere in a Wetherspoons. Everything's spotless and never had a bad pint.
As for the grub, in my view The Bloomsbury serves the best pub food in Twickenham. There's nothing poncy or pretentious here, just spot on traditional fare.
Hearty, huge portions are presented piping hot and all made fresh. Melt in the mouth lamb shanks come out alongside enormous chargrilled burgers, but my favourite has been kidneys in gravy with fluffy, buttery mash and spring greens - you don't see that every day do you? Absolutley delicious and good value when you consider I paid the same amount for a miniscule ham sandwich in the Blucher.
There's also basket meals for bar food (�3.95?????!!) - freshly made (no, not frozen) chicken dippers and chips if you just fancy a quick bite. I'm looking forward to the warmer weather when they can fire the BBQ up regularly! They've got the space and the know-how to cater for larger groups so it's also a great option for groups to use it for business, birthdays or parties.
What The Bloomsbury is all about is effort and standards. Pete and Jane are putting their heart and soul into making this pub a real contender - most recently all of the front and rear has been newly decked ready for the summer and for a crack at defending their Pubs In Bloom title from last year.
For those of you bored with the same offerings in Twickenham, walk up past the green and be welcomed in The Bloomsbury.
Yes, this apparantly used to be a dodgy boozer called th Five Oaks. So??? Sometimes things in life change and get better? The ghost of the Five Oaks has been laid to rest, so let's all get over it and go and enjoy oursleves in The Bloomsbsury!
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this pub is now amazing, i would like to remind a select few people that its now 'The Bloomsbury' and not 'The Five Oaks.' it is now the complete opposite to how it used to be, people are struggling to come to terms with the change. There are no longer idiots in there, causing trouble and making the atmosphere feel uncomfortable. The staff are really good, the food is amazing & the actual pub is spot on. Just what a pub should be, i cant fault it. Its about time people gave it a chance, because the only thing thats stopping half of twickenham is the reputation the 'Five Oaks' had. If people cant get over that, then believe me they are missing out on a amazing pub..
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I hired half the bar for my engagement party over the weekend. I had a wonderful evening and many people commented on how nice it was. The outside seating was brilliant as we were lucky with the weather and provided a nice place for people to congregate. They serve Amstel, Fosters and Kronenberg on tap and a variety of real ale in bottles. Good prices and the food looked absoltely delicious. A real undiscovered jewel, and the staff were very very helpful, especially Jane. I will have to go back to try the food!
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Last October I went into this pub for the first time in ages, in fact at least 10 years. It was called the Five Oaks then. Now, as The Bloomsbury it is completely different. I was meeting my in laws who had booked it for a birthday gathering.
I have it say it was EXCELLENT. The staff were very friendly and efficient - nothing too much trouble. They made us very welcome. The food was first class, really very good. I stuck to Guiness as the only real ale was off, but never mind, I would recommend this place for a good meal.
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At only a 5 min walk further out of town from the Green, I'm surprised I'd never been in before. It's true to say it's had a -ve reputation in the past, which has to some degree put me off, but it looks neat an tidy from the outside, so I gave it a go.
A couple of locals sat by the bar, a few more on the pool table. Spacious bar area, with a few snug hide-aways too and cosy furniture.
They appeared to have only 1 real ale on, but, had a range of bottled real ale beers available to buy. A good idea, I don't know why more pubs don't do it!
If you don't get the turnover of bitter to make it worth buying a barrel, then don't disappoint/aleniate your real ale drinkers, get some bottles in like the Bloomsbury.
Well done for considering ALL your drinkers! I will visit again.
It's too far out of town to benefit from weekend crowds or rugby matches. There's a lot of houses in the cross roads area, and those people need to get over it's old reputation and start supporting this pub more, or lose it.
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the new managers of this pub are great they are very friendly . it is very clean the food is great the staff are nice and friendly,there is a garden at the back and tables out the front.the pub is a nice place now, since it has been done up and new managers pete and jane well done.
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From a local of this bar, the renovation has been delayed due to landlord/licensee being taken to court by the pub leaseholders, as the building was not properly insured. Shame, as anyone trying to run a new business needs a little luck.
anonymous - 17 Jan 2007 14:29 |
Burned down.....for the best really
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Still no sign of activity/rennovation since the fire.
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Mmmmm... now if only I wasn't a cynical and suspicious old bag!!!
To the owners, please, please no new hangover inducing wallpaper!
anonymous - 12 Jan 2006 13:26 |
Sad news, pub fire on 1st Jan 2006 at 10:30pm means pub is presently closed.
Many jokes could be made but its a shame, especially since so much effort has been made to turn a dog-ugly pub into a desirable location, all of this in an area which needs a decent watering hole (would you want to drink in the Chav-Central-Drug-Dealing-Pub called The Fountain or the Sussex "Slaughted-Lamb" Arms)?
anonymous - 3 Jan 2006 22:24 |
Went in there last week, damn glad i wasnt in there before the refit.
Half of the menu was crossed out, the other half unapealing. Strongbow was cloudy and the barman looked as if his whole world had collapsed in.
Miserable place, unlikely to go back there again.
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I have , this evening, been to The Bloomsbury - not the bloomsburys, as your last, presuably thick, reviewer stated. I found the staff helpful and knowledgable, the food - well that speaks for itself- Micheal Jackson, head chef of Austin's (owned by the same people and probaly the best restaurant in the west london area) Jackson, again pulls it off our food was fantastic- the service , whilst not the same as Austin's, was good . The pub itself was shit before , full of crap. now? the moaners should vist the David Hick's room or the Una Taylor inspired Flamingo room -pure class. The pub and restaurant areas are of the highest quility. i know the owner, James - he couldn't be rude if he tried. His staff are the same. please print my name.. withheld names are allways letters sent by the terminaly thick and jealous. well done Bloomsbury - so named after James Joyce's Ulysses - i live local and belive me, we all, the locals, are delighted with the efforts made to make this one of the best houses in the area and we all support it.. but then i suppose the complainers are the previous client's.
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This pub has been re-fitted and is very comfortable with an exotic garden at the front. The food is terrific as is the service.
anonymous - 11 Sep 2005 10:56 |
After much hype went in for dinner with friends not expecting a Faulty Towers experience!!!
Warm wine and beer, no ice or ice buckets to be found. Ordered a snack, waited 1/2 an hour, no food. Asked what was happening only to be told they actually didn't have it! Let it go as not to spoil the evening.Moved on for dinner, what a joke! Shambolic service, argumenative chef and aggressive owner when we (very politely) complained! Will not be going back!
anonymous - 22 Aug 2005 19:51 |
Now known as "Bloomsbury's" - I think it is obvious what type of refit has become this pub by that awful new name..
anonymous - 31 Jul 2005 21:36 |
Closed to be reopened soon under new management, promising a much more food orientated pub. Can only improve!
anonymous - 30 Jun 2005 13:03 |
Chavtastic. Has pool tables but the surrounding pikeys were too intimidating to risk suggesting a game. Went in here once and it was once too many times.
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Hell hole! Gave it more benefit that it deserved but still had to knock it on the head. Run by the pikey brickies that use it.
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