BITE user comments - GrahamH
Comments by GrahamH
Lat called by in April and decided to let the place settle down under the new regime. Called in today and was delighted to find the beer festival was starting at lunchtime. A truly SUPERB range/choice of beers. Marble, Thornbridge, Hopdeamon, Oakham and of course Dark Star. Still a bit chaotic and the food is nothing to get excited about, but where else could you find thyat beer range and knowledge. Good to see a strong supporting crowd in the pub. OK its not as slick as when Garret and Lynne ran the place but Susanna is a lovely person and its a very welcoming pub. No whingeing please, just support the place 'cos its in our own interests to do so!
26 Aug 2011 22:43
Old Town Hall Vaults, Whitchurch
What a fantastic pub. Walked in on the footpath from the canal (about 15 mins). Superb range of ales (seven, mostly micros) and the two we tried were in excellent condition - Joules brewery from Market Drayton and also Thornbridge. Very pleasant welcome from the locals and helpful bar staff. Good atmosphere and comfortable and cosy. Its tucked away off the high street just behind Barclays Bank - and WELL WORTH SEEKING OUT.
13 Jun 2011 14:38
Called in one evening early June. Got the history from the new landlord. A lot has been done to turn the place around after some bad experiences with past tennants that draggged the place down. Now has very interesting pictures on the wall (for sale but v pricey) and appealing gastro type food. Very comfortably fitted out, and nice welcome from the staff who were very helpful and attentive. Two guest beers from local micros. A lot a work has been done to get the place back on its feet; I hope it succeeds.
13 Jun 2011 14:31
The Nevill Crest and Gun, Eridge Green
This is a welcome find in the area. The refurb is very impressive; its a huge place but no expense spared. It's clearly a gastro pub but very well worth visiting. The beer range is exceptional. I been in twice in the past 2 weeks and quite a change in ales on hand pump. Seems always a Dark Star but also Whitsatble Brewery beers and Old Dairy, which is local. All in top condition and the staff are very pleasant. The food is delicious a,d includes some unusual dishes like faggots or pigs cheeks! These and other mains ahve been tried and all very well received. Generous portions (oh and the beef pies are wonderful). It's not cheap, but even so I rate it as value for money.
10 Apr 2011 16:45
The Lathkil Hotel, Over Haddon
Stayed here with 3 friends for a long weekend earlier this month. We were bowled over by the friendliness of the staff and locals, the quality of the food, the FANTASTIC view from the dining room and, by no means last, the stunning beer range. The breakfasts are legendary, and many of the dishes on the evening menu use locally sourced food. Every night was a treat. They have struck the right balance of keeping a styliish reataurant alongside a traditional unspoiled bar. I don't know anywhere else in the area which has that range and quality of real ales - mostly micros and new ones constantly appearing. This place is a gem. Don't pass by; don't miss out!
8 Apr 2011 22:22
Still a Harvey's pub I'm afraid. The sale to the licensees of the Snowdrop has fallen through I was told. So its back on the market - meanwhile still selling (only) Harvey's beers.
1 Mar 2011 12:23
The pub choice in Bexhill (and quality) is fairly limited. However Traffers is definitely worth a visit. Small but quite comfortable bar just off the seafront near the De La Warr Pavilion. We sampled Dark Star Hophead 3.8% at �3.10 pint - just delicious and in super condition.
26 Dec 2010 14:27
Was in yesterday for Sunday Roast rib. Still the best Sunday roast around this area. Beer range good. Pub nicely decorated. Not many in but it was Arctic outside! They deserve support
20 Dec 2010 09:35
I am a CAMRA member and many of the group I meet up with in the Bull are CAMRA members. We do not hide it. We are always made exceptionally welcome by Garret and Lynne and other pub regulars. Probably the best welcome we get in any pub I can recall. And comparing the Bull to others I have visited this weekend its still by far the best for beer quality, beer range, and simply great food. Combine that with the welcome as you walk in, this place - for me - is the top of my list of pubs visited in 2010
20 Dec 2010 09:33
I rate this pub very highly. Called in by chance as we were driving down the M4 and needed a convenient stop off for lunch. Excellent range of beer, excellent attitude by the barman, great food (NB the 2011 GBG omits the symbol showing lunchtime food, which IS served). A small pub but very cosy and welcoming.
13 Dec 2010 23:25
As with others, I was put off by the reviews of this pub and we almost walked by. But a snoop of the beer pumps persuaded us to try it out. The beer range - 3 local micros - was very impressive and the guy behind the bar offered us a taste. He was extrememely helpful and knowledgable; we sat outsideby choice due to very muddy boots and it was no trouble to bring out the drinks for us. Food looked good. Restoration quality of the pub is stunning. Altogether a pub I would want to go back to and spend the evening
13 Dec 2010 23:18
Beer quality today was superb. The Dark Star Hylder Blond was new to me and so delicious. Didn't get around to trying the Rother Valley ale or the Harvey's Bonfire Boy. Food good and such value. Worth seeking out. Agree that the decor is a bit stark.
5 Nov 2010 15:37
Had Sunday roast here today. Not been recently after hearing about all the bother. Well its turned the corner; the roast rib of beef was indescribably good and excellent value. Usual real ale regulars of Larkins and Whitstable pale plus a mild and three other guests. One of the rare true free houses. Really worth going back / seeking out. Going to have a beer festival next Easter and lots of other "specials" so the new guy said. The landlord is really trying hard - daft to neglect this place now or bear a grudge when they are genuinely trying to please real ale drinkers.
24 Oct 2010 22:57
Simply amazing place. The landlord clearly favours light, IPA style beers and certainly knows what he's looking for. A superbly kept Hophead from Dark Star was available on Friday, then two choices from the Moor brewery in Somerset. This was new to me (as was Marble brewery last time I was in). I had Souther Star, a stunning white beer using New Zealand hops apparently. Had to have another it was so irresistable, which meant I had only space for one more - a Newby Wyke beer. This place is unique. Food excellent too as was the banter with the landlord and his friendly locals.
23 Oct 2010 14:05
The Five Bells, West Chiltington
A sort of timeless atmosphere in this place. Nothing hurried, nothing much has changed in years I would guess. Very nice bar staff and the 4 generations of friendly pooch. Beer range very broad considering its not a busy place, tucked away in nowhereland. The Palmers bitter was in v good condition, and there was Harveys Old and Sussex bitter as well as a Mild. Food very good quality. So nice to find this sort of pub still exists.
29 Sep 2010 20:15
Had a very pleasant lunch here today, sitting on the terrace people and sea watching. The choice of beers continues to be good and well balanced - light and zesty hophead from Dark Star, a dark porter from Rother Valley brewery, classic session brew Harveys Sussex and one other that I cannot remember. In excellent condition served by very friendly and helpful staff. Good value baguettes served at lunchtime too, with salad and crisps for under a fiver. What a nice lunch. Couldn't fault it!
28 Sep 2010 15:40
Tried again for lunch on Sept 24. Packed out and not able to serve food other than to those who had reservations. This is becoming a problem for a pub out in the wilds that people drive a distance to seek out.
28 Sep 2010 09:34
The Feathers Hotel, Dersingham
Called in for lunch 22 Sept whilst visiting Sandringham. Classic old place which looked promising. But No. Beer range was poor and unimaginative and the baguettes were long life baps. The landlord obviously can't be bothered; so neither will we bother to call by in the future.
28 Sep 2010 09:30
Called in twice over the Bank Holiday weekend. On the Friday had a superb beef sandwich at lunchtime - never had better anywhere - and two excellent pints. Then again on the Bank Holiday Monday only to find "oh we aren't doing food today; we do some Bank Holidays but not this one as the chef's gone off". This sort of unreliability really puts off the punters. So our driver, who had ordered his one pint, had to drink up without the benefit of food and join us in going to another pub and keeping sober. Not very professional. A really great pub, but needs to be a bit more appreciative of people who take the trouble to drive out of their way to patronise it.
1 Sep 2010 13:21
The Parson Woodforde, Weston Longville
Once a great pub, now closed. But there's a lot of work going on - its been extended upwards and outwards, and they are advertising for chefs and staff, so presumably it will reopen as a pub/restaurant. Given that they have forced all their regulars away to drink at the Swan at Ringland - a good pub - they may not find it easy to recover the locals
1 Sep 2010 13:15
Absolutely superb range of beers over the Bank Holiday weekend. Cannot fault the place.
1 Sep 2010 13:03
Have made a repeat visit. I was not disappointed. I like this pub more and more. Good friendly welcome from the landlord as we opened the door. beer range had a different guest - Kings summer ale. Really delicious. Food excellent. Views from the conservatory and decking are stunning. Great place to rest up.
3 Aug 2010 20:42
Very impressive free house. Good range of beers. I had a problem with my first pint of Dark Star and the manager/landlord changed it without question or quibble. We called in on the London /Brighton bike ride having used the Bull on the cross roads in previous years. The White Horse is far nicer and more a genuine locals pub. Was told that it was recently owned by the Bull, and neglected, but recently sold off and since then has one from strength to strength.
23 Jun 2010 22:15
Classic unspoiled country pub. Cottage garden outside, flagstone floors, beers on gravity. Staff very pleasant and welcoming. Good food at a reasonable price. Rather a daytime pub ie not very busy weekday evenings due to its location essentially. Worth a visit. Good to see that the Harveys brewery pub portfolio keeps this place unmodernised.
23 Jun 2010 22:06
Ye Olde Smugglers Inn, Alfriston
I have some doubts about this place. The beer was good but the staff off hand. The girl behind the bar was moaning about being on her own, moaning about the kitchen, moaning about delays in serving food. She was missing for 2-3 minutes at a time ; I saw punters walk out either because they had got tired waiting to see a person appear behind the bar or put off by her abrupt manner. Seems to be a popular CAMRA pub; not sure why.
21 Jun 2010 22:21
What a DIRE pub. Called in on 20 June on the London Brighton Bike run. They had sold out of most draught beer and said they were "too busy" to change a barrel. Seemed the manager has no skills to do that - he certainly wasn't interested in his "busy" pub or clients, just in talking to the bar staff and counting the till takings. They deserve to fail with standards like that. Just don't bother to even call in. We were so appalled we left without bothering to buy a drink. Something about this area - the Dog and Duck up the road has just been closed and boarded up.
21 Jun 2010 22:14
First "proper" pub that we found on the 2010 London Brighton Bike Ride. The Dog and Duck up the road had closed (deservedly) and the nearer Hedgehog, a Marstons pub, was so dire we left without buying beer EVEN when we were so gagging for a drink. We are too busy to change a barrel the staff said, whilst the landlord persisted in counting his till takings and ignored punters. Such places should be closed down! But to the point, the Harveys pub here is well run, friendly, has a lovely garden and is value for money. We loved it.
21 Jun 2010 22:08
Well, here's a SHOCK. There is a half page spread in the local Kent paper reporting that the "new" (of two years ago) owner of the pub has asked Bob to leave by 30 June. They don't see eye to eye apparently. A new young 22 year old Canadian is going to be the new manager. But they don't want to change the place, just improve it so they say. I wonder how much they know about real ale and keeping it and serving it and getting the right type and selection. This pub is unique in the area for its beer range and consistent quality. I just hope its not ruined but the chances must be against that. We shall have to wait and see. But that's no way to treat Bob who has worked so hard to build up the reputation of this place and win all those CAMRA awards. This is a tragedy in every sense. Was there last night and had superb beers - Larkins, Whitstable, Wolf and Oakham. Hope that was not my last visit after being a patron for nearly 20 years.
18 Jun 2010 11:47
Visited this pub on recommendation from CAMRA friends. Superb countryside and great walking area. We did a circular out from Pulborough station and the pub is about half way round - see Time Out Walks on the web. What a lovely pub. Excellent range of 4 well kept beers. And super food at a reasonable price. Very welcoming staff. Worth repeat visits.
16 Jun 2010 23:04
The Harvester, Long Itchington
Was last here in 2005 - from another canal boat holiday. Just as good. Unspoiled village local with very well kept local ales - deservedly in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide for over 20 consecutive years I understand. Landlord has a dry sense of humour. Food mow rather expensive for a pub - they need to watch out charging those prices in a basic unmodernised pub. Tried the nearby Buck and Bell which looked attractive but didn't take to the atmosphere and the casual attitude of the staff. Discovered that the pubs in the village get together to host a beer festival over the May Day Bank Holiday each year. Sounds really good.
14 Jun 2010 00:14
My reading of the two latest reviews shows common ground in that this JDW pub is one of THE best in the chain. Excellent manager, good staff, always a fine range of beers in good condition. Add to that the JDW price and value for money and I doubt the place can be beaten. Any difference in view seems to be about how CAMRA members view JDW pubs generally. As an active CAMRA Branch member I have to be honest and admit that in my Branch there is a tendency to talk down, unfairly in my view, JDW pubs (possibly due to the influence in CAMRA of close ties and loyalties with other local pubs and landlords who find they cannot compete with JDW volume, throughput and purchasing power). However, that aside JDW deserves credit for what its done to promote real ale for everyone, and the Moon and Stars in Penge is a flagship pub.
17 May 2010 09:20
A truly remarkable pub. Fabulous range of real ales, all from small inde breweries this (26 March) lunchtime. In tip top condition and complemented by a home cooked food menu of such quality and value that no restaurant could compete. Very pleasant, beer knowledgeable and welcoming landlord and a good crowd of regulars that made us feel very welcome. I live on the Sussex coast and have to make special arrangements to get there, but its essential as there is no other pub to equal it that I am aware of. I have been there twice this week and enjoyed a different range of beers and food on the menu. What a gem. Support this place while you can.
27 Mar 2010 00:13
Great beer range. Light., hoppy and fresh tasting. Cleary a very well kept cellar. And the food was exceptionally good. The Lincoln Red beef from a local farm has pride of place on the menu and deservedly so. Staff pleasant enough but not very well trained or professional. Well worth a visit all the same
22 Feb 2010 23:36
It's simply unbelievable to read that the Council want to demolish this place! Whatever for? Is there no other land or brownfield site ripe for development without destroying something great which people enjoy? What a green disaster. The Oakham range is superb and the guest ales too a fine compliment. Vandalism, sheer vandalism is this place is demolished. Shameful. Didn't like the food though - my Thai duck wrap was very disappointing.
22 Feb 2010 23:32
Excellent local ales and a very friendly landlord. Helped us planning a short cut on our walk across the fields to Fotheringhay as we were running late and hadn't planned to stop at the pub! Am not from this area but will try to find an opportunity to call in again as this was such a nice place.
22 Feb 2010 23:23
I live in Sussex not Kent but in the past 12 months have several times heard enthusiasts talking about this pub. Have been meaning to call in and at last found an opportunity today. Everything about this pub is superb. The beer range, the home cooked delicious food, the very pleasant and welcoming staff, and the atmosphere. The Pictish Brewers gold was so delicious I was reluctant to move on, so after a second pint I risked the Kelham Island [Pale something...]. What a winner that was too. Anyone who can find serious criticism of this place must have a very unkind agenda. Its a truly deserving county pub of the year and worthy of even higher praise/credit. My problem is I have to find ways of getting back to this place, its so good.
12 Feb 2010 20:04
Word is getting around that the Whistable East India Pale Ale, a long time regular beer at this pub, may be dropped in favour of O�Hanlon�s Yellow Hammer. NOW that would be disappointing. I have walked many miles specifcally for a point of Whitstabubble. Its so delicious it has no rival. And in Bob�s pub its so well kept and served. PLEASE keep the Whitstable on tap here Bob!
1 Feb 2010 18:09
Well done Bob's team. Another very satisfying visit for the Sunday Roast yesterday. Beer in excellent condition - as always. Had to sample the full range! The two regulars - Larkins BB and Whitstable East India Pale Ale are a must for taste and quality. Then the two guests, Cotleigh Buzzard xx(or something like that) and then Loddons Gold, new to me and a "must try again" it was so delicious. The freshly roasted and carved rib of beef is something to die for. Staggered back to Shoreham station across the fields and downs; got home at 8pm. What a day!
18 Jan 2010 09:47
Really nice pub with a friendly welcome. Its a Punch Tavern so the beer range is a bit unimaginative but even so the Black Sheep bitter was nicely kept and served. Landlady is worth a mention - we booked a table for the Friday evening and she offered us a place in the restaurant " or the bar, if we are not busy, 'cos you won't want to be in there all on your own". So we left it to her and enjoyed a table for 10, reserved in the pub with regulars and other diners around, Food here is EXCEPTIONALLY good in quality and price. Not to be missed.
14 Dec 2009 20:33
Speak as you find. Wish this pub was near to me! I called in for lunch as we drove north on the M1, as we avoid service stations at all costs. Found this place from the Good Beer Guide 2010. What a lovely landlady. So helpful and friendly. Beer range was excellent in my view - the Purity was in superb condition. And the food good too in quality and price. The local residents should value what they have and support the place. We even got her advice about a B/B place up the road when we are next due to drive north, as will use it as a stopover as an excuse to visit this pub again.
14 Dec 2009 20:20
Called in today (Monday) and the Tim Taylor's Landlord was off - cloudy, not settled out said the landlord. Tried the Jennings Cumberland Ale - possibly the last for a while given the floods in Cockermouth this weekend. It was OK. Certainly didn't bother with the John Smiths or Bass. Food menu was a bit pricey; baguettes were nice enough. Very popular with the punters so perhaps we were unlucky with the poor beer range.
23 Nov 2009 23:17
Food menu had some unusual items like Canary Island stew and Stiffado. Good quality, locally produced and not expensive. Beer range superb. A "not to be missed" venue when in the area and such a credit as its a pub chain. Shows what can be done with the right attitude and management.
23 Nov 2009 23:11
The Elmdon Dial, Saffron Walden
Good to see a pub reopening; possibly explains the support from local CAMRA. Near to the A14/A1 so handy as a lunchstop. Sandwiches/baguettes rather poor in quality and not cheap. Beer range poor and the Tim Taylor Landlord decidedely tired. Shan't bother to call in again. Worth looking out for somewhere else.
23 Nov 2009 23:06
first visit for me following recommendation from some CAMRA friends. Very impressed. The beer was good - new to me was Mermaid ale from the Milk Street brewery in Frome. Very hoppy and autumnal; I was driving so had to limit myself. The food was really excellent in quality, quantity and price. A pub as good as this is a great addition to the area. Do try; do support this place.
17 Nov 2009 21:52
Very pleased to report that this place seems to have found the plot again (ref reviews below). I was there yesterday (Sat evening) and the Hophead was in superb condition. Three other local micros also to choose from. Was a bit quiet to start with but by 10pm it was pleasantly buzzing with mostly beer drinkers. And this place needs people otherwise its got no atmosphere. So keep it on your visiting list cos its worth it for the beer range and quality. Hard to find this choice of beers locally so would be a shame to lose it from lack of support.
15 Nov 2009 10:34
A lot of people are talking about this place. New landlord apparently and he's really making an effort. The quality and price of the fish is excellent. Beer too. The Dark Star Hophead as a regular is a great find. The inside of the pub is unspoiled , clean and comfortable. The outside can get busy, but that's understandable given the location. Well worth a visit - combined with the White Rock Hotel towards the other end of the seafront, which also has excellent beer and food in a contrasting environment!
12 Oct 2009 10:28
I don't have the inside track knowledge or apparent prejudices about this pub that other bloggers appear to have (below). All I can say is that 4 of us called in on Friday lunchtime and enjoyed really good beer and excellent food. Fiona, if that is who it was, was absolutely charming and helpful and made us so welcome we will definitely be back. There are so many mediocre pubs around that locals here don't seem to appreciate this place is well above average.
19 Sep 2009 09:35
Seems likely that "Somerstown" (review below) had the wrong glasses more likely. Called in last night and the fresh Grimsby haddock was something that would cost 3 times the price in any seaside town. Just managed to finish it there was so much. And the staff attitude in this pub is so good you only need to mention any concern and it is put right. Goes without saying the beer quality was excellent - their Whitstable IPA is the nectar of the gods.
20 Aug 2009 10:27
This pub is ALWAYS a pleasure to visit. The regular Larkins BB and Whitstable pale ale are super beers that have to be sampled (Health and Safety precaution so as to recommend to others) every visit. Then, moving on to the guest beers, yesterday lunchtime the Salopian Lemon Dream was something to die for. A mugnificent ale, not too fruity, light and fresh tasting. Had a beef sandwich - stuffed with fresh hand carved beef off the joint. And food now available until 9pm some evenings. This place is better than Heaven - I guess!
8 Aug 2009 10:17
Excellent pub. Maturing nicely. The beer range includes the local Dark Star range and the classic Hophead. In perfect condition this week. Bar staff really lovely too. Food is just a bit too pricey for value but good in taste and quality. Worth calling by - just be prepared to pay up!
10 Jul 2009 21:11
Seems to me that this pub has a new manager. Beer still the same though (two Westerham ales in good condition) and the menu too. Pies always exceptionally good. But the barman and the kitchen operator were different. Very friendly and polite. Great pub; worth a visit.
17 Jun 2009 18:21
The Royal Hop Pole, Tewkesbury
This is Wetherspoons at its best and most successful. A thriving pub to suit all tastes; so many rooms and seating areas from the old fogues comfy lounge to the fashionable shiny glitzy bar. Good range of local micros and reliable food all at the customary low JDW price. If you can't enjoy an evening here then stay at home.
15 Jun 2009 18:51
I was very impressed with this Wetherspoon. Got chatting to the manager who really knew his beers. The Oakham White Drwarf was sheer magic. Also another member of staff went out of his way to be helpful about selecting a pint to my taste. Nice atmosphere - not teeny or rowdy. Full marks for quality and price and ambience
15 Jun 2009 18:45
Returned to this pub whilst passing through Penkridge on the canal. I have to be fair. No short measures this time and very pleasant bar staff. Guest beers changed whilst I was there - and the Wychwood was excellent. Certainly a very pleasant pub in which to sink a pint.
15 Jun 2009 18:42
Whilst doing the Black Country Ring on a canal boat we researched a detailed list of pubs to visit. This was by far THE best pub that we found. A superb beer range and all the beers in excellent condition. Very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable bar staff. In fact we started and finished our evening there, only popping out to eat [we could have taken our own food into the pub it seems, and others were]. Hard to criticise - and why attempt to when the pub is really trying so hard? Deservedly one of Birmingham's top pubs for beer and pleasant unspoiled bar surroundings.
15 Jun 2009 18:37
A superb pub. The beer range and quality demonstrates the care the landlord takes to make the pub worth seeking out. Very reasonable prices too. The freshness of my pint(s) of DarkStar Hophead served on gravity from behind the bar made it taste like no previous pint of Hophead that I have found. Shall definitely be going back - regularly!
2 Jun 2009 13:41
The Globe and Rainbow, Kilndown
Well worth a visit. The Westerham beer is a classic light hoppy quaffing bitter - Finchcocks original (named after the Georgian Manor down the road stuffed full of musical instruments). Difficult to choose between two fine beers both in excellent condition. Definitely still a (small) pub but with restaurant style meals plus limited bar menu. Very nice decking terrace for a sunny day.
5 Apr 2009 20:57
Such a tonic these days to find a pub "on the up". Called in on a Friday lunchtime at 12.30 and by 1.15 it was full. Mixed crowd all enjoying a light bite and excellent Westerham ales. The SPA was so good, tasty, hoppy and only 38% - a purrfect lunchtime quaff. Nice pub (they were painting the cellar today!) and the staff made us feel very welcome. Will have to go back. Seek it out. Deserves support.
20 Mar 2009 23:24
This place never disappoints. The terrace bar was completely refurbished in autumn 2008 into a modern bistro style. Its a bit clinical but it is a hotel bar as much as a pub. Beer range always good because the landlord actually tries to support local micros. And for someone trying to raise standards in Hastings and actually invest in the future he deserves support. Do go there for the beer and the food - all reasonably priced and excellent quality. If the sun is shining its a joy to sit outside.
19 Mar 2009 23:27
The Exmoor Forest Hotel, Simonsbath
Had a wonderful walk across the moor only to find the place closed all day Monday. Any pub that cannot be arsed to open all week doesn't deserve to survive these days. Two other disappointed lunchers fortunately told us that the tea shop around the corner (Boeveys) was open so we had to settle for Ginger Beer!
19 Mar 2009 23:16
The Exmoor Ales were different from those at the Lion and I always preferred the Gold anyway. Tried the Otter and found it excellent - and not too cold but perhaps it was the first out the pump. Bar was a bit dark and cramped but very pleasant staff. Best place in Dulverton for a pint in my mind.
19 Mar 2009 23:11
Friendly staff and pleasant atmosphere. More a hotel bar than a pub as the name suggests, and probably because to compete with the Bridge Inn - the real and locals pub - it makes sense to be different. Two Exmoor beers (Ale and Fox) are regulars plus one guest from the area. Rather more than sales demand in the winter months seems to me and I heard regulars bad mouthing the guest beer (Exeter brewery). Food OK but not as original and interesting as the range at the Bridge. We stayed there and at breakfast the lunch menu board was already on display with "sold out" stickers. How can that be? Only because its the same old menu list that never changes except for availability. Any kitchen that serves up powdered egg for its scrambled eggs and tinned mushrooms is out of touch with 2009 cooking standards. So lots could improve but its still a nice place for a pint and Dulverton is really unspoiled and attractive.
19 Mar 2009 23:07
Probably the nicest "pub" come seaside bar in Bexhill. New(ish) owner is really trying hard to please. Two real ales from Whites brewery on tap and in good condition. Bagettes and sandwiches at lunchtime extremely good value and very nice too. Lovely place to enjoy sun and sea air. For a different style of place with good beer try the Bell in the Old Town.
20 Oct 2008 09:53
The Bell Hotel, Bexhill Old Town
You have to praise this guy for trying to bring some life back into the pubs in Bexhill. Two real ales on tap - the usual Harveys and also local brewer Whites. Both in good condition when I called by. More a bistro than a pub but so what when the barman and locals were so pleasant to a newcomer.
20 Oct 2008 09:49
Had the nicest pint of Youngs bitter here since the brewery in Wandsworth closed down and transferred brewing to Bedford. Good pub with pleasant atmosphere. Well worth a visit. Food menu is bar food type.
7 Oct 2008 08:45
Very pleasant pub. Friendly landlord and very much a locals venue. The food portions are little short of gigantic. We were four and there was enough for eight! Good quality though and reasonably priced. Very busy on Sat evening so book if you want to eat. The beer range was commendable - a local micro and also Butcombe Gold, in excellent condition. One interesting feature was the nursing mother breast feeding her infant in the bar at 10pm on a Saturday night. Oh well, it is a locals pub after all!
7 Oct 2008 08:38
We were on a canal boat and headed for this pub last Friday. The hireboat company told us the Jolly Boatman (nearby) was better for food, and the Boat best for ale. Weather was cold and damp so we went straight for the Boat which had limited free mooring space. How very nice this pub is. Warm and friendly in every way. Very pleasant manager and bar staff, and lots of pleasant people enjoying the evening. One local told us that new management took over last month (September)and that the place was really looking up. Couldn't fault the place. Very well kept beer (Morrells and Brakespears as the guest ales in this Greene King pub) and an excellent menu. Food was lovely and not over expensive. Super place. Can throroughly recommend it.
7 Oct 2008 08:33
Not a good experience. Beautiful day. Indian Summer. Sat on the terrace. Idyllic view. Then it all went down hill! Just couldn't get served. The landlord was clearing the tables and said "here's a place ...". So we went to the bar and waited behind 2 others. And waited and waited. No one there. The landlord peeped in, collected his sandwich and sat at one of his cleared tables and drank his pint and ate his food. And we waited - and read the notice "bar staff wanted". The chef wandered through, the bar maid dealt with one customer then faffed about. Then the next. Then - whilst the landlord pushed away his empty plate and yawned - I was eventually served. Food looked OK but was very expensive. Beer was cloudy. And its Donningtons - bland taste and rather boring. This place needs a kick up the proverbial!
29 Sep 2008 23:34
After a break of about 2 years I called in again Aug 2008. Quite a change. Staff very pleasant and welcoming and the beer range much improved. I was told that they always try to keep one beer from the "local" brewer Dark Star [and indeed the Hophead was TOTALLY delicious] and there was another guest as well as the usual Harveys. Food menu looked interesting too although we did not try it. The garden has been redesigned and cleaned up and the pubs many rooms were attractive too. I've put this pub back on my "approved list for occasional visits" on the basis of recent experience.
25 Aug 2008 09:58
The Reindeer Pub & Kitchen, Norwich
Called by one Thursday evening August 08. The pub was closed and seemingly had been for some weeks. Piles of rubbish around.
18 Aug 2008 09:11
The Parson Woodforde, Weston Longville
Menu looked good but we didn't stay as the beer range has taken a tumble. No Wherry eny more. Who prefers Shepherd Neame, which was in its place, or Deuchars IPA? Bit of a let down that, so we went to the Swan at Ringland down the road and found Wherry and other beers from the local Wolf brewery. This pub needs a shake up!
17 Aug 2008 18:18
Yeah, well, perhaps I had an off day - me and the pub. Was back there this week during one of my trips up to Norwich. Had a marvellous evening. Started with the Wherry just to settle in (best Wherry in Norwich this week) then on to the beer menu. The Oakham Bishop's Farewell - on the blackboard for everyone to enjoy - was in superb condition; but I just had to try the Rooster Cream (memories of a trip up to Harrogate a while ago). What a beer. It was superb and could not have tasted fresher or more delicious. Where else can you find quality and choice like that? Fairs fair, the Cat is a wonderful pub that we should all recognise and appreciate.
17 Aug 2008 18:12
The Jolly Tanners, Staplefield
Tried this pub whilst doing a "Time Out" walk, in preference to the Victory down the road, simply on the basis of reviews on BITE and its previous CAMRA recognition. Very pleased that we did. Excellent welcome from the landlord, good choice of reasonably priced food. The Sunday roast was freshly cooked and carved. The beer too was in top condition. The Hepworth's (ex old Horsham King and Barnes team) was new to me and very pleasant but the winner by far was the Dark Star Meltdown. What a quaffable beer and so fresh and delicious. Very pleased to have found this pub. Noone would would be disappointed after a visit here.
17 Aug 2008 18:06
Such a delight these days to discover a pub that has not had a makeover - bistro, foodie, kids playground, velvet curtains, etc. I doubt much has changed in this place for decades - except the price of a pint of course! The brick floors, the furniture, the fireplaces and the atmosphere - "we don't rush here" seems to be the theme. It's a genuine unspoiled (take that imaginatively) country pub, well supported by locals and in the back of nowhere. Larkins session beer (the "traditional" 1034 bitter) is a bit too thin and bland for me so I opted for the "Platinum Blonde" 1036. It was so good for a lunchtime pint I sank 3 and didn't have the capacity to move on to the Best bitter - so I will have to go back for that! The food was basic and unadventurous but of good quality and a reasonable price. I had heard that the landlord was " a miserable sod" but I think that's unfair. "Reserved" is a more generous description and he did smile at least once. I really enjoyed my visit and will certainly go out of my way to call in again.
6 Aug 2008 21:29
Good pub on the whole. Shame that the "range of beers" is all Theakstones, but hardly surprising as they own the place. Good food and clean pleasant rooms.
6 Jul 2008 16:11
A lovely pub in beautiful, truly beautiful, Swaledale. Good food and guest ales from local micro breweries (Silver "something" brewed nearby at Askrigg when I called in). Coast to Coast walkers should stay if poss at Swale farm in the village, a great place with a lovely welcome and good quality b/b + rooms. Worth seeking out.
6 Jul 2008 16:08
Cannot fault this place. The range of beer (small micro breweries) was amazing; deserves its CAMRA recognition. Good food too. Very busy in comparison to the other 3 puibs (we only tried the Bulls Head and left because of the stale smell). Don't pass by.
6 Jul 2008 16:04
This pub (an Enterprise Inn) has definitely improved. Very welcoming staff, pleasant en suite rooms for Coast to Coast people and satisfying bar food. Dried all our gear and boots for us without a murmur. Only disappointment was the beer - a bland obscure bitter which I guess is bought in cheap. Gets very busy of an evening.
6 Jul 2008 16:01
The Langstrath Country Inn, Stonethwaite
Now owned and operated by a fellrunner. Great attention paid to local micro beers and excellent quality food. Well worth seeking out but best to phone and book of an evening as space for residents takes priority. Good place to stay on the Coast to Coast. Very comfortable resident's lounge.
6 Jul 2008 15:49
Although a hotel this is the locals pub, particularly now that the big Jennings pub opposite has been closed for 12 months and is still far from being refurbished. The landlord used to work at Sellafield and bought the place two years ago apparently to realise his dream of running a pub. But recent illness has caused them to put it back on the market, which is a shame as he is a very personable chap and welcomes newcomers (Coast to Coast walker visitors like me) in a friendly fashion. The guest beer was a bit cloudy but fresh enough. Food good/value too.
6 Jul 2008 15:40
Absolutely great pub. Found it through the CAMRA GBG but I suspect that the entry in the 2008 edition was based on the pre refurb business. Well whatever that was like the pub now is really great. Super food - quality and price - and an excellent range of micro brewery real ales. Pub is full of character too. Not to be missed. Good walking country too apparently.
16 Jun 2008 22:51
DO NOT PASS THIS PUB BY. What a gem. It's a tied pub belonging to the Dark Star brewery (famed for delicious hophead ale) but also has guest beers from other micros. If you like cider there are 3 of those to choose from two. The girls in charge a great, and so too the barman. I was passing through on the annual London/Brighton cycle ride. Now I have to devise other reasons for going back - once a year won't be enough!
16 Jun 2008 22:46
Called in again on the 2008 annual London / Brighton bike ride. Been before about two years ago and it has had a make over. Very bistro like now and very pleasant too. Agree with earlier comments about prices - indeed they were having a garden BBQ and had slashed prices on the blackboard menu by 50% as food just wasn't selling. Ber was Harveys and Landlord, both OK.
16 Jun 2008 22:38
CAMRA has selected this pub for the GBG and should rethink. My pint of guest was such a short measure I took it back for a top up. The bar maid (manageress I thought) was off hand about topping it up and made a point a handing it back still with half inch of froth. The attitude was awful but with so many people about it was impossible to challenge it further without making a major fuss. One to strike off the list in my view.
16 Jun 2008 22:30
It's an eating place that sells beer. Range of beer is not adventurous either. My pork chops were very average and a cheap cut, but other meals that I saw looked better (albeit its all meats and chips and very thin on veg/salad). Not my sort of place but very pretty.
16 Jun 2008 22:24
Very disappointed in June to find this pub "closed for refurbishment" and it didn't look as though it was due to reopen anytime soon.
16 Jun 2008 22:20
Seems the best pub in town. Well kept beers and a good range too. Food was unadventurous grilled "xxx with chips" in the main but pleasantly served. In fact all the staff deserve a mention for their friendly and helpful manner. We ventured up the road to try out the CAMRA awarded Swan hotel, but were v disappointed with the big brewer range of beer. The best thing about the Swan is the building/architecture - take a look then drink at the Bridge is my advice.
16 Jun 2008 22:18
Good selection of micro brewery real ales and an excellent menu of locally sourced and prepared food. Very busy; bohemian in atmosphere. Loud live music but it can be avoided. Great place. Worth a visit.
16 Jun 2008 22:10
It does seem churlish to complain but having been a frequent visitor to this pub for the past 15 years - every time I visit Norwich in fact, on the basis of last Sat's experience I believe this place has become a little tired. For a genuine free house the guests are surprisingly limit. There are some micros that never feature and last Sat there were no other Norwich area brews expect, of course, 5 beers from the Fat Cat range (which I don't like). No Oakham beers at all which is a break with tradition and loads of "honey ale" or "grapefruit beer" etc. And the Kelham Island which I used to drool over was flat and tired, like most of the selections I made. The pub was not remotely busy yet it's term time for UEA. I begin to think that the competition from other Norwich pubs is affecting this place as several others have a smaller but more interesting range. The Kings Arms in Hall St for example or the Whalebone in Magdalen St. This is still a worthy pub but not a National Champion like wot is once was.
12 May 2008 22:09
The Parson Woodforde, Weston Longville
Returned to this pub as an occasional visitor to Norfolk/Norwich. I agree that the new owners are investing and making an effort. New decor in the bar is an improvement; quality wood flooring and better furniture. Found the wherry to be very well kept and very much enjoyed their Sunday roast.But it lacks something still. It was a hot sunny day yet noone was in the previously v busy garden. Was this because the grass was uncut/untidy and a no umbrellas to shade the tables? As we were hesitating about how to get some shade another couple walked up and gasped "it used to be so pretty". They left after one drink. The staff came out to ask us if we enjoyed the meal [which we did v much] but didn't pick up any of the rubbish (old napkins and general debris) on the patio that had clearly been around for days. And some of the tables and chairs have broken slats, and the hanging baskets still have last summer's dead plants in them. They really need a manager to get a grip and "show" the staff how to run the place as its not an attitude problem from them as far as I can see. Overall I would go back/continue to use this pub, but what a shame it doesn't do better, as it would not take much to improve such a lot (and justify the big money they have invested on the refurb I guess)
12 May 2008 11:46
It's worth visiting this pub simply to view the painting on the wall. It's of the shipwreck of the Bencoolen sailing ship in 1862 and there is another wall with a painted narrative of how it went down. It's truly a museum piece. We stayed there; we were walking the coastal path and they offered us the top flat even for one night, even though they don't do bb as a routine. Very nice menu and good range of beer in top condition with friendly bar staff. Lots of locals in the pub. They deserve to do well in this run down town.
20 Apr 2008 22:51
The Hartland Quay Hotel (Wreckers Bar), Hartland
All previous reviews are spot on. This is a gem of a place. We were walking the coast path and arrived a bit tired. They were so welcoming, and do stay there if you can. The rooms are lovely with super bay window views over the sea. Good range of beer; friendly helpful staff, pleasant food. Well worth seeking out. Not expensive either.
20 Apr 2008 22:47
This place is a barony. Research the web to see that its owned and controlled by one estate family. To their credit their grip is so firm it is unspoiled and preserved in a time wrap, but the attitude to making money is to their discredit. This pub is a gem architecturally. The snug and bar date from another era. But on a Thursday evening we found that much of the bar menu was "sold out". The beer prices were OK, but take a look at the wine list and the half board rate. Amazingly expensive! We stayed at a BB on the quay and the owner couldn't be bothered to make us a sandwich to take as a packed lunch - we were walking the coastal path. He told us to get one at the post office - which of course did not sell sandwiches. It's worth visiting Clovelly to see an unspoiled place, but don't stay or eat there.
20 Apr 2008 22:43
Visited on a Weds evening. Nothing special about the interior but its position on the quay is lovely. Very pleasant welcome from the bar staff. Bit picky about "waiting" to be seated at our reserved table for a meal but if its because they try to organise things we should be grateful. Fish was great. We wanted to have a couple of pints before eating and they were fine about that, simply asking us to say when we were ready. Nice relaxed place. I'd go back.
20 Apr 2008 22:30
Nice pub. Went there because of the review below. But the beer range was very limited. Just the standard Tribute and another Sharpe's beer. Decided to move on to the local JDW where the range was superb - and a good deal cheaper.
20 Apr 2008 22:21
Cannot complain about this one, indeed why do we think about logging a complaint about JDW as the starting point in a review? Lets be fair. This pub was top rate on my visit. Friendly and competent staff, well trained and alert. VERY good guest ales in prime condition and of course the price is SO much cheaper than any ordinary pub. So if its pleasant and clean and gives you what you want why knock it? Remember the days 5 years or so ago when guest ales were hard to find. We don't want to go backwards, do we?
20 Apr 2008 22:07
The Salehurst Halt, Robertsbridge
A superb, unspoiled locals pub. Full of character with its own distinctive character. I understand that threatened closure a few years back caused the locals to buy the place. Proudly claims to support local brewers and food suppliers - which is in evidence from the ale ie Harveys and Dark Star, both in superb condition. And the beef in the baguettes comes from just around the corner. What a gem. Support it (closed Monday lunchtime I found to my disappointment but busy and clearly popular today Tuesday).
19 Feb 2008 23:10
The Parson Woodforde, Weston Longville
Beware. This pub changed hands in Nov 2007. Now one of several pubs owned by Arrowsmith Inns. So far the beer range is much the same - the Woodfords is very good but the rest rather dull. But the menu has taken a step back - very much a grill and frying pan place. Need to wait and see what a keen manager will do to this previously excellent village pub.
2 Jan 2008 11:18
The Buckinghamshire Arms, Blickling
A step back in time. Lovely unspoiled interior - conserved by the National Trust. Up market food but the quality does justice to the price. And the beers are excellent. No faults only praise. Worth seeking out.
2 Jan 2008 11:13
Called in for an early loosener on New Year's Eve (by chance, having discovered the Wellington shut and in darkness). What a pleasure indeed. Super range of beers from Hopback, Woodford's and Oakham, all in tip top condition. Nice atmosphere - and yes, well scrubbed women about the place! We liked it and will go back.
1 Jan 2008 22:36
A real treat to find a pub where the landlord has put effort and determination into sourcing a range of local real ales from the regional brewer and also micros. As well as Harvey's session bitter there was the seasonal (mind numbing) Christmas ale 8.1% and also two beers from the Dark Star brewery. All in excellent condition and served in such a pleasant manner by the bar staff. Business has improved a lot since the place was taken over in 2005 and it deserves to succeed. Do support this pub if you are in Hastings.
19 Dec 2007 09:37
Called in at lunchtime on a very rainy December day with wet snow lying on the nearby hills. Made very welcome. Excellent guest beer from the Daleside brewery [pub is a favourite with local CAMRA apparently]. Great photos in the corridor by the loos of mountain biking on the Coast to Coast in thick snow in Feb, and the pub advertises a warm welcome to "activities" ie bikers, walkers, horse riders. I would go back by choice asap. Food being served looked good too.
11 Dec 2007 22:39
Linton is a classic Dales village and this pub is situated in the square by the village green with the river flowing alongside. Its a tranquil and beautiful setting. Good real ales - the Copper Dragon from the Skipton brewery was in excellent condition and the food looked interesting too. Log fires and cosy smalls rooms.The whole place is very attractive in every way and its worth seeking out.
11 Dec 2007 14:35
First visit and I am impressed. Upmarket bistro style without being pretentious or spoiled. Excellent quality food and very welcoming bar staff. This is clearly a food pub but it achieves that with distinction. And the beer is good also. Three good Sussex real ales - Horsham bitter (no longer brewed locally) in v good condition and Harveys and another. Very comfortable. We need more pubs like this.
10 Oct 2007 23:11
The Lathkil Hotel, Over Haddon
This pub is a classic, unspoiled, Dales retreat. The landlord has the distinction of 25 consecutive years in GBG and deservedly so. Five real ales, always one from the local Hartington brewery and another often from the Peak brewery at Chatsworth. Also an Everards beer and 2 other guests. The pub has an open fire and there is a covered area outside for the death wish smoking brigade. The landlord's daughters know more about rugby than the four of us did! We stayed there for a weekend and enjoyed very good meals in the restaurant and the best full English breakfast that we could remember. The food was sourced locally and was top quality. It's a wonderful area for walking. Cannot fault this place. Do visit.
8 Oct 2007 21:36
The Wasdale Head Inn, Wasdale Head
Fabulous location - just voted best view in Britain on the Beeb hence Wasdale was exceptionally busy with extra visitors and traffic. Even so it was curious to find so many "sorry sold out" stickers on the Great Gable range of beers - just the GG bitter was available. The range of guests though was top rate - Yates in marvellous thirst quenching condition and two good beers from Derwent brewery. We noticed that all the jacket potatoes suddenly get "sold out" at 6pm so as to push the more expensive menu I contend, and there is a large notice announcing to one and all "We do not serve chips". The bar food looked "OK" on the plates, if rather pricey for something kept warm all day in stainless steel troughs, and we thought about trying the restaurant until we discovered the price - �28 per head table d'hote menu! The Ritsons bar lacks any atmosphere but is worth visiting to see the old photos on the walls. Staff generally dour but helpful when pressed. Overall disappointing - but there's no other place nearby and, as everyone says, the beer is great.
27 Sep 2007 19:23
We visited this place on a Friday lunchtime and there was just one other drinker. The beer brewed out the back is delicious, light and hoppy. But how do they keep going? The landlord was frankly sinister and the new barman from eastern Europe needed training on how to pull a pint - which he clearly wasn't going to get from the landlord. Our meals were VERY expensive for what they were, and we told them so (avoid the vege option and the ham lunch which are both tasty but spartan). There was no pleasant atmosphere, welcome, or comfort. This pub should be so good, but it isn't.
27 Sep 2007 18:29
Visited again in July 2007 walking the Lady Ann Clifford Way from Skipton to Penrith. Ideal place to overnight - much better than the noisy and basic pubs in Hawes which is so busy it doesn't have to earn it patronage. This is genuinely unspoiled and unmodernised. Its a real gem of a place with many rooms of different character. Excellent range of real ales and a very obliging landlord and landlady who know exactly what not to change. Food good too. Pub has been freshened up without changing the character and the rooms too more smartly furnished. Great value, indeed not to be missed.
13 Jul 2007 22:46
The Dorset Arms, Withyham Hartfield
Deservedly popular Harvey's pub in picturesque location. Serves quality reasonably priced food and well kept Harvey's ales. Worth reserving a table. Worth seeking out. Pleasant staff.
22 Jun 2007 12:32
This pub is advertised as one of only two that are owned by Woodfordes brewery (the other is the Fur and Feather, the brewery tap, at Woodbastwick). Seeing as Woodforde's Wherry is a champion beer of Britain it was great to come across this pub and find the range of Woodforde's beers and full Sunday lunchtime menu. But the price! They cannot be serious? It was �3.10 for a pint of Nelson's Revenge - and the landlady retorted to the shock horror expression on my face with "It's expensive to keep real ales"! Well others manage to do it for almost �1 a pint cheaper. And the food is costly also - �5.50 for soup as a starter; �8.95 for Sunday roast when all the nearby pubs start at around �6. No wonder the pub was not busy - and its a bit run down too. Sorry Woodforde's, you need to get a grip of this pub and get your act together on pricing.
3 Jun 2007 23:58
Basic locals pub. Very friendly and obliging landlord. Good home cooked food and range of local real ales.
21 May 2007 20:09
I can see a case for the contrasting reviews about this pub. The public bar gets full of smoke, is ruined by the pool table, and gets a motley crowd that visitors may find unfriendly. The saloon is essentially for eating. The east European chef does a good job with the food menu. The landlord keeps real ales but when pressed about one he advised me to avoid it as it was a "bit past its best". But the others were OK so I was grateful he warned me - but why was it on tap? Worth a visit - it's better than drinking at home in front of the TV! Very reasonable prices too.
21 May 2007 18:50
Excellent character pub with well kept real ales. Supports local micros - try the South Hams brewery bitter, its a good light session beer. Very pleasant atmosphere with locals in a "holiday" town. Restaurant upstairs is v pleasant.
21 May 2007 18:43
This is definitely a TOP RATE pub. Excellent range of real ales including local micros. The wine too is incredibly reasonable. The previous night we ate at the Old Chapel Inn at St Anne's Chapel njust up the road at Bigbury, and their price for a bottle of Sharpham's reserve Sauv Blanc from the local Totnes vineyard was �5 more expensive than the Start Bay Inn. We were here in mid May on a Monday evening and it was v busy so don't expect things to be easy in the summer. But go out of season and its great. I gather that the local landlord passed the business over to his kids to run about a year ago and just spends the time now fishing. The kids in that case have got a great success on their hands. Do visit. The monkfish in garlic butter is something to die for!
21 May 2007 18:39
The Langdon Beck Hotel, Forest-in-Teesdale
Great place to seek out - in the middle of nowhere. Ideally situated for a walk out to High Cup Nick and for an overnight on the Pennine Way. Very hospitable landlord/lady serving excellent home cooked food. Local lamb is DELICIOUS. Good range of real ales from local independents. Deserves support.
4 Apr 2007 09:38
A very pleasant and unspoiled country pub. Small, with heavy emphasis on home prepared food of good value and quality. Very helpful bar staff and serving 2 real ales - was a King and Barnes tied house in years gone by it appears. Loads of good walking in Ashdown Forest make this an ideal stop for lunch.
23 Mar 2007 14:29
Have now done a mid-week, term time visit and the place is still overrun by kids - literally running from room to room. More noise this time coming from the parents than the children. Yet had great beer - Harveys at �1.90 a pint is a rare find these days and excellent food. Shame that they don't want to run this place like a pub. Staff very pleasant. Smokey alas, but that's set to become a non problem thank goodness.
21 Feb 2007 15:13
It IS a very good pub. Excellent food, reasonably priced. Cosy coal fires, and clean. Well mannered and helpful staff. Very nice beer - I stayed with the guest beer Tim Taylors which was totally delicious. One draw back. Screaming, screaming kids. Not limited to one bar either. The couple next to me said if I was upset by this (half term) Tuesday don't come near on Sunday lunchtime when its bedlam. I mentioned it to the bar staff as I paid and they acknowledged the kids were intrusive but felt it was not their problem. Well, it will become their problem as the whole character will be affected if this goes on. Shame, great shame. I'll give it another go in term time, mid week, to see.
13 Feb 2007 20:00
The Dulwich Woodhouse, Sydenham
What can you say about the demise of Youngs beer, curiously ignored by official CAMRA HQ. The Bedford bitter does not bear comparison. Its pleasant, but only that and over an eveing tends to become "boring". Whereas the Youngs Wandsworth taste was refreshing, hoppy, and the flavour remained intense with pint No 2 and No 3 etc. This pub is a very pleasant place to visit particularly with the new young, enthusiastic and helpful landlord and the food has definitely improved. Now we read that the Wells Youngs brewery is going to brew Courage Best. Says it all! Such a shame. And I was amazed to see how much Bombadier was being served in this die hard Youngs pub. Must be me that's losing it!
6 Feb 2007 22:04
An EXCELLENT pub. Turned up here by chance between Christmas and New Year, which is always a strange time for pubs. We had been to the Kings Arms only to find that fewer than half the listd ales were available and the landlord clearly wasn't bothered about bringing more on that evening. Strange attitude really because the pub is usually SO GOOD. But its their loss because we found the Trafford on recommendation from a local, and what a find. Tremendous choice of real ales and a very pleasant atmosphere in the place. We shall definitely return. Deservedly a Norwich CAMRA pub of the year. And come July there won't be any smoke to endure either.
17 Jan 2007 10:54
There are two pubs close to the village green. This one is the non-teenie classic locals pub, and thank goodness for that from seeing the noise thumping other place. Vaughn and Celia who run the place are perfect hosts. Vaughn keeps 3 good real ales and is a hospitable landlord anxious to please and with a nice sense of humour. He told us about all the good walks in the area and when we enquired about a map said if we had mentioned it earlier he would have popped to the library to get one in for us. Celia runs the kitchen and offered us anything within reason that we wanted. That seems typical of the excellent welcome to all newcomers that this pub offers. Highly recommended and deservedly on the CAMRA local winners list.
12 Dec 2006 19:43
Super beer range. I had Rooster, Barngates, T Taylor and another, all in excellent condition. The beer range changes and draws heavily on small and local micros. Food is restaurant quality at pub prices. Gets V busy of an evening but worth staking out a table.Best place to drink in Ilkley without doubt.
2 Dec 2006 23:37
The Parson Woodforde, Weston Longville
Cosy welcoming country pub well known for its excellent food. Lengthy specials menu of locally cooked good value and good quality dishes. Menu changes frequently. At least two real ales - Woodford's wherry and an Adnams plus another that can vary but is often Green King. The carvery restaurant out the back lacks atmosphere but there and tables in the pub which are best reserved. Very helpful and friendly staff.
13 Nov 2006 16:49
Pleasant place. Has a range of 4 real ale beers albeit within the clasp of the dreaded Greene King. Food good value and very acceptable. Staff particularly friendly and welcoming. Lovely walking country - we called in having been on a trip on the Bluebell railway, and disembarked at Horsted Keynes on the return journey for lunch and a walk through the woods back to Sheffield Park. Pub is walking boot friendly!
18 Oct 2006 15:43
A very pleasant, unspoiled and unpretentious Harvey's tied house offering the full range of Harvey's beers - IPA (previously known as Pal Ale), Best bitter and the seasonal brew (Old Ale for the autumn). Very pleasant and welcoming barman and good basic food in the no smoking restaurant. Not a pub for teeny clubbers. Huge garden.
16 Oct 2006 23:45
The Jolly Sportsman, East Chiltington
A gastro restaurant pub which still keeps a bar and a place for regulars. Always a warm welcome from the staff and the food is top quality. Chef previously had a restaurant in Tunbridge Wells. Usually two locally independent brewery real ales in good condition. Ideally placed for walkers. Worth calling by - but beware, as the pub is closed Sunday evening and Mondays.
16 Oct 2006 23:40
Very traditional town pub, unspoiled and has the appearance of being "untouched" for generations. The small rooms at the rear of the pub allow escape from the rather smokey front area. Very welcoming landlord and magnificent home cooked food as reported so often on this site. The chef and his mate should think about getting cleaner gear or maybe the washing machine operational more than once a month. Excellent beer range and condition - deservedly a local CAMRA award winning pub.
9 Oct 2006 11:22
The Dulwich Woodhouse, Sydenham
Called in late Sept to test a pint of Youngs new Bedford bitter following the demise of the Wandsworth brew. Told the landlord that we couldn't tell the difference - I'm not surprised was the reply as we are still on a supply from Wandsworth. Story was that Youngs have been feeding their pubs with a mix of Bedford and Wandsworth brewed beer so that customers can less easily spot the switch in taste - the Bedford variety is more "watery" it was said! And there's more - Youngs pubs will be OBLIGED to put Well's Bombardier in a handpump on their bars from October, from which time Bombardier and Youngs Ordinary are to be the two premier brands with Youngs Special relegated to second tier. R.I.P. John Young.
2 Oct 2006 09:12
Genuine free house in picturesque countryside ideal for cyclists and walkers. Good locals pub but also genuinely friendly to visitors. Basic, inexpensive but good quality home cooked food. Three real ales - Larkins (in excellent condition) Harveys and Old Speckled Hen. From the net it appears the pub tries hard to celebrate national events and there are folk/jaz nights. Deserves to succeed and very enjoyable to visit.
24 Sep 2006 09:19
Well I have been to the Ox twice in the last week. One evening and a Sunday lunchtime. Lets face it, the pub is not interested in the caravan fraternity that previously overran the place. Now the focus is on good beer, excellent food and a convivial atmosphere. My meals, as always were superb. Today a wonderful steak and kidney pudding slice from a freshly cooked "desparate Dan" edition. The Dark Star Hophead was in top condition, and I could also choose from Hopback Summer Lightning or Harvey's Best. And the landlord and his wife on duty were perfect hosts. My meal came within 5 minutes of the order. There are plenty of Harvester type pubs for kids and families in the area for those who crave that sort of thing but this is a rare gem of a traditional pub that needs to be preserved. Let us be grateful and long may that be so.
27 Aug 2006 21:37
I have been seeking out this pub since I visited the 2006 West Kent CAMRA runner up pub of the year (the Rose and Crown at Halstead which is excellent - how could it be beaten I asked myself?). Well, I can see why. This place really knows about beer food and how to run a traditional pub. A very pleasant welcome and Yes, what a great idea to have an adults only garden section. It was all set up for the beer festival starting "tomorrow" but from the leaflet the range is very impressive. Deservedly an award winning CAMRA pub. But don't forget the Rose and Crown at Halstead if you are that way, you won't be disappointed with the range which to me seems like a continuous beer festival!
25 Aug 2006 21:28
Some way out of Knockholt this pub always keeps an excellent pint of Larkins. It used to also have a Westerham beer and Flowersz original, but those two ahve not been available lately and have been substituted by Green King IPA - v poor in comparison. The food is good value and the menu changes frequently. The friendly welcome makes this pub worth seeking out.
23 Aug 2006 14:29
Is it Hardraw or Hardrow (see NB postscript from RogerB). Well, the place is Hardraw on the OS map but if you look carefully at the pub sign its (mis?) spelled Hardrow! I should add that we spent 16 days walking the complete Pennine Way and got the best full English breakfast at this pub of the entire route. The staff were lovely too. If anyone wants a "pub crawl itinerary for walking the Pennine Way" just comment on one of the pubs reviewed by me and I will be happy to help.
23 Aug 2006 14:12
On the whole a great pub. They keep a good range (up to 5) of real ales, usually Ringwood bitter and Hop Back Summer Lightning and 3 other local inde beers. All served on gravity so no fizzy top. If you like fish the menu is excellent. Lots of choice incl unusual "species" cooked "a point". Karen, who owns and ensures the smooth running of the place is a gem. Book a table for the later part of the evening and its yours for as long as you like, or take pot luck. From the notices on the gate bikes are not very welcome so must have had a bad experience some time. The New Forest Inn is now also under the same ownership as this pub, which cannot be a bad thing. I have never failed to enjoy a visit to this pub.
23 Aug 2006 13:06
Best pub yet that I have found in the New Forest. Excellent real ales on gravity in a totally unspoiled and unpretentious environment (tiny, tiny bar). The limited food is simply ace. Beautiful home made quiche or pies and salad. Fully deserves the praise in these BITE reviews
23 Aug 2006 12:58
Visited this pub on an August weekend. Weather was rather grey and cool and it was very busy for Sunday lunch. Beer range OK but not imaginative. Food is pricy - the Sunday roast was a modest 2 slices cut cold from the joint and heated up on a griddle. The dining room was rather dirty and lacks character - tables crammed in and lots of untidied junk piled up in places. Room for improvement everywhere - range of beer, price and quality of food, and decor. Pretty average.
23 Aug 2006 12:54
I am unsure about this place - there is just something that is not quite right. The staff were pc but not genuine in their wish to help and the food was "OK". The beer range - Larkins local ale in v good condition and Harveys from Sussex was also good, but that is not a very ambitious range of real ale for a pub claiming distiction as purveyors of character beer. Worth visiting but not could improveon all fronts - food, beer, ambience and staff attitude.
8 Aug 2006 21:29
The Border Hotel, Kirk Yetholm
Following a serious fire there is no accommodation available until repairs are complete - expected to reopen as hotel in Spring 2007. But since July 2006 the bar and kitchen is back in action. Great food menu and excellent real ales. Try the Broughton IPA if available, although guest beers may vary. Top quality en suite B & B available at Cross Keys House, opposite the pub across the village green.
17 Jul 2006 12:28
A gem for friendly hospitality in a pretty town in the north Pennines. Family run with the emphasis on good basic food and a quality range of real ales. Three independent breweries were available on our visit - Isle of Skye, Yates and Strathleven. En suite rooms available. Excellent base for walking and the Pennine Way.
17 Jul 2006 12:24
The Ancient Unicorn Inn, Bowes
New landlord took over early 2006. very friendly and helpful to walkers on the Pennine Way. Good, reasonably priced accommodation. Food is simply excellent. Egon Ronay quality menu. Good range of real ales - Black Sheep, Robinson's Champion, Jennings, Shep Neame guest.
17 Jul 2006 11:43
The Rambler Country House, Edale
Definitely NOT a country house hotel. Its a basic, commercial pub enterprise ie no local character at all. Beer range rather bland - just Grays brewery. Try the Nags head up the road - has to be better.
17 Jul 2006 11:15
The pub changed hands June 2006. New local landlord keen to please. Good range of real ale maintained - Black Sheep; Tim Taylor's and Everards. 3 rooms available for accommodation. Very friendly welcome; deserves to succeed. Band concerts on selected Sundays in the garden in summer. Good stopover for the Pennine Way as landlord will taxi walkers back up the hill to restart the walk.
17 Jul 2006 11:11
Large historic stone pub, parts of which date back 700 years. Welcoming fires 11 months of the year. Excellent food menu. Friendly staff; eccentric landlord. Accommodation (bit tired) available. Good range of real ales, in excellent condition - Skipton Brewery Copper Dragon, Hardy and Hansons, Wold Brewery and Theakstons. Beer range varies.
17 Jul 2006 11:07
Classic stone pub and hotel in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Great for walking with good quality, reasonably priced overnight accommodation. Home cooked food and good mix of bars and dining areas in which to relax. Excellent range of real ales - up to 5 available in summer - Black Sheep, Deuchars, Nick Hambleton Ales, Tim Taylors, and Eccleshall. Beer range changes. Landlord clearly knows how to keep a good cellar. Friendly bar and restaurant staff.
17 Jul 2006 11:00
A great place to visit. We used it as a refeshment stop on the London to Brighton Bike ride on 18 June. Despite the chaos of hundreds of cyclists gagging for a drink the staff were calm and professional, helpful and amusing. The Harveys was in excelent condition and the Landlord superb. So too the bodily landlord, with a fine sense of humour. Lovely pub.
19 Jun 2006 20:17
The Fleur de Lis Hotel, Sandwich
Excellent place for real ale and good food. Good range of ales from small independent breweries which constantly change. Very welcoming staff, comfortable restaurant area with pleasant decor, modern adventurous menu. The best pub for food and beer in Sandwich
11 Jun 2006 09:35
A great pub. As I walked in I was greeted with a smile and Hello long before it was my turn at the bar. A great selection of real ales; the Grand Union English Wheat Beer was in superb condition. And the locals were friendly. Obviously a genuine, unspoiled pub. A must, given the beer range and quality. Very small though so may be difficult to get a seat or table later in the evening
7 Jun 2006 23:23
The Foresters Arms, Carlton in Coverdale
Classic Dales pub with all the necessary comforts - log fires, great atmosphere, landlord who knows how to strike the right balance to retain locals and make visitors feel welcome, and superb meals. Full range of beer from the Wensleydale Brewery in excellent condition. Accomodation available. Might be matched, unlikely to be beaten.
6 Jun 2006 08:28
Kings Head Hotel, Ravenstonedale
This is a really great pub with a great, CAMRA supportive, landlord named Gary. CAMRA members in the Westmoreland branch really should spread the news more widely about just how good this pub is. The range of beers from local micros is second to none. Usually 5 beers, constantly changing. When I was there last weekend as well as Dent Aviator there was the totally delicious Ice Maiden from the Hart Brewery, Cartford Hotel and similarly fantastic Well Blathered from the Rudgate brewery, York. All well kept and tasting their very best. The landlord takes as much trouble with his beers as his menu and dining room. There is no density of local population to "put this pub on the map" it seems. Its a great pub for walkers too, as either the landlord or his wife regularly offer to taxi people to/from the station which is about 10 mins drive away. So get visiting and give this excellent pub the support it deserves.
24 May 2006 12:10
Yes nix10, the pub has got better and its unfair to staff there now to tar them with the old brush. I have been in most weeks recently and standards of service and pleasantness are good, if not better than many pubs around and certainly many Wetherspoons. The beer range at the festival last week was excellent, and your steaks are better quality and certainly considerably cheaper than ANYWHERE else. Don't despair, we must be fair, you all do work hard I can see that, and if customers are pleasant to you we always get a good response. Its very evident to me that the (not so new) manager has turned this place around. Thanks.
24 May 2006 12:01
16th Century former coaching Inn. Tastfully furnished and comfortable with a civilised atmosphere. Excellent range and quality of real ales - 4 regulars incl Woodfordes Wherry and 2 interesting guests. High quality home cooked food in extensive menu. Log fires. Well worth seeking out this pub.
2 May 2006 11:04
Up market gastro pub, picturespue and olde world but welcoming and unpretentious. High quality food at reasonbale prices. Good beer list - Exmoor Ales, Bath Gem and Wadworth 6X on our visit all in good condition.
13 Apr 2006 09:55
This rural gem is tucked away on the edge of Exmoor accessible only via narrow lanes. Up market rooms, meals and traditional style decor has not spoiled it. Deservedly proud and knowledgeable about its beer range - two Exmoor Ales and two Palmers brewery ales available on our visit, all in top condition.
13 Apr 2006 09:47
The Rose and Crown, Nether Stowey
Ancient coaching Inn in the centre of an attactive off the beaten track village. Offers BB in basic accommodation. Very friendly locals pub with exceptionally good value food. Range of real ale is excellent - local Otter ale plus others from Cottage and Clifton breweries. Well worth a visit.
13 Apr 2006 09:39
This pub changed hands in March 06. New owner continues to keep good range of real ales - Exmoor Ale, Cotleigh Barn and Tawny Ale, and St Austel Tribute which were all in good condition. Food was excellent in quality and value. Changes underway to interior decor and new outside patio.
10 Apr 2006 09:09
Woodforde's sold this pub (then the Billy Bluelight) in summer 2005 and its now settling down into a very pleasant free house with a pleasing range of beers. They stocked some Winter's ale when I was last in, which is brewed by the ex head brewer of Woodforde's and is similarly distinctive - straw coloured and hoppy. Tends to be a bit smokey - but all that is set to change soon!
21 Mar 2006 14:13
Possibly the nicest pub in Norwich. Wide range of SIBA real ales in excellent condition, which is constantly changing. Very pleasant bar staff and a great Sunday roast. Has a no smoking conservatory type bar. Can be noisy before a Norwich City home game. By all means try the Freemason's arms opposite for a smaller but different range of beers, also in good condition, but the pub is not as pleasant as the Kings Arms - so you'll be back. Bateman's deserve top marks for operating a tied house in this fashion.
21 Mar 2006 14:07
The Rose and Crown, Old Romney
Classic marsh/country pub. Dates from 1689 when it was two farm cottages. Lovely summer garden. As a visitor cyclist I was made exceptionally welcome by very friendly, cheerful bar staff. Good Sunday roast but also full menu of home cooked food available. Great beer range - Whitstable brewery bitter and Taylor's Landlord in fine condition. Not to be missed.
30 Jan 2006 10:10
The Fox and Hounds, Romney Street
Way out in the sticks but in excellent walking country and well worth seeking out. Daily specials are genuine home cooked food and good value. Beer range also attractive. Changed hands in Dec 04 we were told but new landlord and staff very friendly
22 Jan 2006 21:57
I genuinely believe that this pub is trying to restore its reputation and popularity because it has not always been as bad as recent reviews report. Happily the bar staff are again attentive and pleasant, the tables are tidy, and the food is good. But the beer range is a sham. Several times now the tempting dispaly of pump clips have no beer behind them. Only a couple of beers are available as the others have "just gone off" they try to make us believe. When challenged you soon discover that the beer has never actually been available in the first place. Its like a holiday in Bulgaria in the 1970s - a four page delicious menu but all they intend to serve is a basic pork chop. Why doesn't this pub offer a range of beer for sale - beats me!
22 Jan 2006 21:49
Their Sunday roast is the best in the area, available in two sizes - standard (for the average appetite) and premier (enough to satisfy you for the rest of the day). And the beer range, as ever, is superb. As per other reviewers - except the Whitstable brewery India Pale Ale also seems to be a regular. This Kent pub is hard to beat.
22 Jan 2006 21:40
Gets better and better. Atmosphere much more relaxing now that kids need to be well behaved. Excellent menu and wonderfully kept beer. I have always found one ale from the local Dark Star brewery on tap. Sample the Hopdaemon and you won't leave before closing time. Great refreshemnt stop for walkers.
19 Jan 2006 13:53
The Dulwich Woodhouse, Sydenham
A classic Youngs pub. Consistently good beer quality and an off-sales service ie buy from their full range of bottled beers at very reasonable prices. After several meals I have to admit to disappointment with the food. Steaks are tough, tasteless and expensive and the Chillie - well, beware the chef's temper. We complained, he ranted at us, and the landlord told us that the fuss was all our fault because chef's are known to be temperamental. Still a good pub , but stick to drinking.
19 Jan 2006 13:47
The Lathkil Hotel, Over Haddon
Brilliant range of real ales, great food and lovely unspoiled bar with a coal fire. In such a special location this is a magic place. Seems they have been dropped out of the CAMRA good beer guide this year after being recommended for 28 consecutive years. That's plain daft even if only to make space for newcomers. Don't be misled; that's CAMRA's shortsightedness and no reflection on the quality of the Lathkil.
25 Oct 2011 09:13