BITE user comments - Harlap
Comments by Harlap
The Queens Head Hotel, Minehead
As noted in other posts, very clean and smart after recent refurb. Had a Queens Head ale (at �1.70) and very nice it was too. Quite busy with mix of locals and weekenders.
Didn't try food but menu appears to be above average and 'restuarant area' was well laid out.
7 May 2011 13:44
Had a good pint of Wherry on visit yesterday.
Nicely decorated & modernised family establishment. Pub grub on offer. Very quiet on visit (5 'ish Thursday) so no atmosphere but due to size could be a good spot for late evening drinks.
The pub sits on the seafront, good for the B&B I guess. Large garden at rear and fair size table area out front.
Have to visit again later at night ;)
7 May 2011 13:41
Nice traditional pub (mock beams) with nautical feel by the old harbour. When I visited this week there was Courage, Exmoor Gold, Tribute and Ruddles on. The Tribute was spot on. Served by good bar staff too. Also Thatchers ciders on pump. Pub grub available and quite busy for 5pm on a Thursday. I expect it will be busy over the summer as there is B&B on offer and this is a good location for chilling.
7 May 2011 13:35
Had a good meal here accompanied by several Exmoor Ales all top notch.
Bar staff responded well to our un-booked request for a table, small bar table was fine. Food as said was good and service to match. More foody than ale house but good overall impression. We will be back.
20 Apr 2011 12:21
Have stayed at the "Newport Arms Hotel" at The Swan Inn, which in reality is a pub with converted buildings providing good accommodation. No real ale sadly in the traditional bar. Open fire and the sound of dominos played by what looks like a very local crowd.
19 Apr 2011 19:20
Great foody pub. Good food and demand for tables supports this. Ales consistently good over last year. Bar staff have all been very good. One of the of the best pubs near Newport for sure.
19 Apr 2011 19:16
A mix of traditional old pub and modern sports bar, which seems to work well. Good Everards Tiger last week. Bar staff consistently good and attentive. Busy when sports on the big screens but space enough to avoid too. Quiet also with students on a break.
19 Apr 2011 19:14
Poor ale on visit last week and felt like a working mans club rather than a hotel bar.
19 Apr 2011 19:11
Last year there was a make over and a change of management. Since then some coasting on past success in my view. Ales have been patchy over the last month and some damage to decoration tends to take the edge of the overall improession. Food was good on last visit and so was the Deuchars. Staff remain friendly and professional.
19 Apr 2011 19:10
The Anchor Hotel and Ship Inn, Porlock Weir
The Ship Inn is separate from the Anchor Hotel (now run by Millers antiques family).
The Ship is known locally as The Bottom Ship. Good beers as per 'Top Ship'. Food and service all good but does get very busy as a destination at weekends and in the summers when service can get very slow. Great little bar at the back, although seldom open. Main pub has a traditional feel, flagstones and open fire.
19 Apr 2011 19:00
The best pub in Porlock.
Popular with dog walkers and hikers and can get busy at weekends and especially during the summer months (not to mention wet and muddy). Good range of ales including Exmoor breweries Ale and Beast, St Austell's Tribute and Proper Job. Several ciders on pump alongside average wine. Small old bar is great and main area at front is fine. Large restuarant area at rear. Friendly publican and team. Recommended.
19 Apr 2011 18:57
Traditional pub swelled by tourism in the summer months. Good ales and cider on tap. Pub fare served.
19 Apr 2011 18:52
Only a quick visit here, sadly the only ale (London Pride) was off but the Guinness was fine. Fairly quiet on a Thursday at 4pm so hard to judge but the place feels relaxed and lived in. The large screen at the back is pretty big....
28 Sep 2007 14:33
Nice local feel here, ales good, friendly staff and food okay (well at lunch time anyway). Worth a visit away from the humdrum 'bars'.
20 Aug 2007 13:05
As with most of the chain this one is fine, cheap and staff do a good job. Ale choice good and whilst not the best in London are good enough for the price.
20 Aug 2007 13:00
Several visits here over the last few years and it's great for lunch. When busy service can be a pain but ale good and Mrs Harlap is happy here so that's it really.
16 Aug 2007 15:56
Been here several times and as pointed out it's a family pub. Ale was fine though, not worth a visit unless you're a local or staying close by and have no real choice.
24 Jul 2007 22:05
Okay, let's be clear, this place is for the football crowd but remains a local. Sadly it has no ale and unless it's you are a local or meeting up before kick off it really is not worth a visit.
8 Jun 2007 11:30
The Buckingham Arms, Shoreham by Sea
Started a couple of nights off here, it's by the station so you have to really (assuming you arrive by train that is). Beer has been very good and choice excellent - and that's the main thing here.
24 May 2007 13:39
The Lazy Toad, Shoreham by Sea
Undecided on this one, part of a crawl and this was number 3. Beer was fine. The place was small & busy but we managed to sit down quite quickly, stayed for two and moved on. Could be a nice local, given time.
24 May 2007 13:34
The Swiss Cottage, Shoreham by Sea
Family pub......oh well. Has seen many refits over the years and has a nice feel. I enjoyed my visit but here but moved on quickly (thanks Uncle_Dunkel)
24 May 2007 13:32
Not sure why there's no reviews for this place yet so here's my view. Beer very good last summer and well needed after a long stroll to get here. Mix of old pub charm, a local, cheap eaterie and seaside bar. I wouldn't say it had either a friendly or unfriendly fell - more uninterested!
24 May 2007 13:21
The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers
Quite simply an excellent pub on a sunny day - however when the mist comes in ...... Been here 4 times now and beers are always too notch, great on a winters day and in summer - although can get very busy with walkers. Great history too. Mrs Harlap liked the craft shop over the road too.
24 May 2007 13:16
It's been a year of lunchtime visits now, but with the Albion having had a make-over I think one is due here too. Staff remain okay and ales fine enough - the food remains untested apart from a the odd bowl of expensive chips....which were ...chips!
23 May 2007 13:38
The Druid's Head, Kingston Upon Thames
This has become a fairly regular haunt as it does have good ales, good attentive staff and is a nice middle of the road pub i.e. not too much of any one thing = nicely balanced (maybe).
The upstairs bar never seems to be open which means trying not to spill your beer on the stairs - not much of a gripe I know.
23 May 2007 13:33
Only dropped in to see the Portsmouth based band Lifeoriley in here. A mixed crowd celebrating something or other and a few locals contributed to an interesting evening.
This was my first visit and the pub felt a little lost between up market and local but the beer was enjoyable, as was the band. Staff and landlady were friendly enough. The wife was happy with the wine too.
23 May 2007 13:26
Dropped in for an afternoon brace and the ales were good. Food is now the focus and it looks like a nice place to eat, re-furb work looks good. Certainly plenty of column inches in local & free London papers suggesting good food, although like the Barnsbury & Drapers not at the cheap end.
23 May 2007 13:07
The Princess Royal, South Wimbledon
Dropped in here when on way to the Morris, Pride was fine. Friendly staff, a few locals and the black labrador sleeping at our feet....but not a place to head for unless you live on the local estate.
23 May 2007 12:36
In here last night but only 6X on, upstairs much better. Open mic night which was fun even though bar staff were less so..... My wife likes the cellar bar feel so we do visit quite a bit. Garlic bread was cold and very dull but the crisps were fine thanks Walkers....
23 May 2007 12:32
I think that kev bloom calls this one about right. I have seen a few bands here and had a few games of pool too, always been good.
4 Jan 2007 15:37
The Derby Tup, Whittington Moor
Great ales and a great old style pub, they had a trad pub games night here and what a place for it. Many changing ales so worth getting along to.
4 Jan 2007 15:26
Hey it's a Wetherspoons, not much more to say is there? Retirees hang out here early on before becoming more balanced later on in the evening. Cheap and cheerful! I Have stayed in the hotel up stairs and that was good value for money too!
4 Jan 2007 15:23
Certainly not a pub and very much a trendy loud bar on the 'circuit'. Good for group nights out on the lager!
4 Jan 2007 15:20
Nice local, trad feel and beer scores well. You do get Brentford fans in before & after home games, which is the only times I've been there.
16 Nov 2006 16:14
Priced for the tourists or the areas wealthier residents. Beer was fine and so were the staff although it was fairly empty with some transitory punters going 'to and fro' Getting a tad tatty around edges and not worth aiming for. Some may like the market area but not when the weather's cold!
16 Nov 2006 16:05
Things are looking up, beers were nice and staff friendly. Mixed crowd in but not too busy (around 7pm on a Wednesday evening). Not sure I'd go out of my way but fine if you are in the area.
16 Nov 2006 15:58
Nice old place, very trad feel and Adnams was good, wish I could have stayed longer. Small but perfectly formed, recommended.
16 Nov 2006 15:52
The Porterhouse, Covent Garden
Been dropping past here for 5 years since finding the original in Dublin, so much the same in appearance and beerage. Love the table service and sometimes the beer, but not always on top form. Live music can be good and it can be just the opposite, first few visits were the best. It can appear a bit dark in the summer but this means welcoming in the winter...Summing up then, one of the better options around this area.
9 Nov 2006 19:13
The Bell And Compass, Charing Cross
As many reviewers point out this is a bit 'generic' so not worth seeking out but good for meeting the boys as a start point due to close proximity to tube & trains.
9 Nov 2006 19:03
Dropped in to check out the function room but was amazed that the company owning it have a no music policy, shame as it could been good. The place was nice enough but didn't stay to sample the beer.
9 Nov 2006 19:01
Went in last night (Wed) and it was busy around 6 with the usual after work crowd and locals. Okay bar, just lacked some warmth.
9 Nov 2006 18:59
First visit and worth going a bit out my way to find. Nice beer served by a charming old barman, looked as though he'd been there 50 years. Not the sort of place for a big boys night out, but one to enjoy with one or two close friends, it could be that good. Another visit will help me decide.
9 Nov 2006 18:56
Finch's Wine Bar, Wimbledon Village
Closed now so waiting to see what happens. Chinese restaurant has opened on site but rest of building still work in progress.
7 Nov 2006 19:42
The Dog and Fox, Wimbledon Village
D&F has been closed for a long time under going a refit, brewers don't normally take this long so I hope it's business as usual asap. Was a good pub at times and Youngs always top draw.
7 Nov 2006 19:38
The Fire Stables, Wimbledon Village
It's in the Village so what do you expect, neutral decor but fairly lively gastro style pub. Beer average to good. Visited last Saturday but not much food been downed and neither did I partake so no comment on quality or range.
7 Nov 2006 19:33
Ales can be okay or just plain off, okay for a quick one on the way past or to meet up after work for a brief chat.
20 Jul 2006 15:38
Yep very Wetherspoons complete with clean loos and old men drinking cheap beer. Ales never excellent but generally fair to good. Service fine except at peak times, obviously. As Jamie suggests good for a pint and pub grub but not for a night out.
20 Jul 2006 15:36
St Stephens Tavern, Westminster
Nice pint of K&B Sussex and was looking forward to the Stinger (organic nettles!) but too hot inside and too busy in the alley with tourists for me. First time visit so will return when it's colder! Looks good inside and staff attentive.
18 Jul 2006 12:53
The Hemingford Arms, Barnsbury
I have been here a few times for lunch, which has been fine. Maybe this is an early luntchtime problem but I sent back two cloudy beers and the guy behind the bar didn't seemed bothered at all. London Pride was very good that day (eventually) whereas it has been very poor on others. Now, so not to upset the locals and balance things up a bit, the three evenings I have been here the beers has been top notch. So, avoid ales here at noon but drink after 5pm!
17 Jul 2006 12:06
The William Morris, Merton Abbey Mills
Good this Sunday afternoon sitting on the riverside watching some guy capsize out of his canoe.
Spitfire was very good but the Youngs bitter was suffering from dirty pipes so a few bits floating around, tasted fine though. Staff good enough but it was fairly quiet.
I can't quite decide if this is a very good pub or just a good, another visit will no doubt help on a different day.
17 Jul 2006 11:52
Opened in late June this Youngs pub caters the upwardly mobile set. Mix of wood, copper and stone materials sit alongside flatscreen TV's, trendy lights and good furniture inside and out.
Here you can find amongst the full set of Youngs ales, Peroni on tap next to Pimms on tap. There's cocktails and decent wines so my better half thinks this is the best pub in London.
Food looks very good albeit somewhat pricey, but not for this location. Service is in it's infancy so some improvement expected. I was put back by a waitress with nothing to do refusing to take my order as I was sitting in the bar area and not the eating area! Also a bit slow with orders when you want cocktails, but hey it's new!
Recommended for anyone using Vauxhall station, I'll stop short of raving about this one until it has settled down, but for now go and see for yourself.
17 Jul 2006 11:47
Back to check out the pub now it's nice and sunny. The key thing here is the Hop Back ales which are excellent, sadly that's it. I must be missing something; staff ok, Fosters tasted odd (according to a group sitting near me - not a big issue for me as this is an ale pub), 70's backgroung musak ok and so are the pine tables & chairs in the back bar but how did this pub win best pub in 2004?
17 Jul 2006 11:33
Never been a great pub but fine for Sky and pub crawls, cleaned up a lot over the last couple of years and garden (was the old back yard) quite big. Seen a few rock bands here over the winter, beer mostly very good, used to be cheapest pub in Farnham and that probably clouds my judgement.....
14 Jul 2006 14:43
Nothing to add to the last few posts, only to say it can be noisy when the band's are on, great unless you want a quiet friday sup!
14 Jul 2006 14:37
Been coming here on and off since 1989, was and still is a great pub, usually busy in the evening but with the rear garden & 'other' bar there's always somewhere to stand. Good staff, crowd & beer. Recommnded.
14 Jul 2006 14:35
Good pub with great Youngs, interesting mix of drinkers as said below, worth a drop if you are near.
14 Jul 2006 14:27
I have been here a few times over the last year and it seems fairly relaxed, now it's warm you can sit outside (if you can find a chair). I agree that this a good stop off on way to/from tube, certainly no need to make a special visit!
IPA was off last night even though pump badges not covered or turned round, TT's Landlord was fine. Bar staff not very happy or communicative.
14 Jul 2006 14:21
The Pig and Whistle, Earlsfield
After the Earl Spencer & The Gardners this seemed like the two mixed into one, okay pub and with the best pint of Youngs for a few weeks, must have timed it well! May return again as it's on a convenient bus route.
13 Jul 2006 08:29
Agree with Notasaffa, locals pub and cheaper than the Earl Spencer. Youngs bitter was okay on Tuesday evening.
13 Jul 2006 08:26
The Earl of Spencer, Southfields
Hmm, ok, and when compared to the next door Gardners Arms clearly very different clientelle, middle class dining couples here compared to the more relaxed pub crowd at the Gardners. Pub food looked fine but not tried (menu was good so I'll have to return), beers was ok and same can be said of the staff, but hey this was a Tuesday evening, not one to go out of way for!
13 Jul 2006 08:23
Dropped in an hour before the England v Sweden game, sat down for five minutes before my chair and table were removed incase of trouble later..... Ok chain pub I guess, but no real ale so not a bonzer place in my book.
22 Jun 2006 16:03
Been twice now with my better half and still undecided, wine bar, restaurant, viewing gallery, green house???? Good for wine and cocktails (so I'm advised) and yes this place caters for the more discerning. A friend recent balked at the prices and dragged me into all bar one for cheaper plonk, which turned out to be a good move....
22 Jun 2006 15:59
The Prince of Wales, Wimbledon
Ok place with ok service, just seems in the wrong place somehow... Went after work (whilst there was no footie on) and seemed fine, enjoyed a quick Youngs.
22 Jun 2006 15:50
Some great historic yarn about Dick Turpin to note, to be fair it may not have changed much since his time either. Staff always good even though beer and food is of a much lower standard. This is a music venue more than local boozer so get in the right frame of mind and enjoy. Yes lots of metal & tats but that's only on the surface, bit like the pub rough looking but comfortable to be in. Avoid if you want a nice beer and dive straight in for cover bands and local groups.
8 Jun 2006 14:55
Hmmm, another lunchtime pub which is somewhat different to it's evening incarnation it seems. Quiet enough with a few drinkers, the beer (Landlord) & food was fine, although yes gastro pub prices. The single bar keeper seemed happy to see us on what may have been a grave yard shift and treated us well. I feel an evening crawl around the Albion, Drapers and the Barnsbury is called for to view the other side....
8 Jun 2006 14:49
Having only been here for several lunchtime drinks I cannot comment on Cardomom's views which I assume were of the evening. At lunch time it is quiet so good beer & food with matching service. This is a big place with the garden area offering some shade on sunny days for alfresco supping. I promise to visit in the evening to get a better view of this place!
8 Jun 2006 14:42
Not that easy to find when you don't read the gen info above. Once inside, great beer (Betty Stogs & Tribute sampled) and a nice feel of Cornish charm albeit somewhat contrived. Yes it's small but perfectly formed, unlike the loos which are small with dodgy locks and several steps down (not good after too many). Too busy last night to enjoy the balcony but not too busy to sit inside. Staff friendly enough even though command of English was not top drawer. I'd recommend this one. Will try again early July and see how things are with full on summer crowds and even hotter sunny weather (or is that a joke?)
8 Jun 2006 14:36
Gordon's Wine Bar, Charing Cross
Great place, no beer but good wine list and very fine house port by the tumbler. Crowd seemed mainly to be tourists being a Sunday but I was offered a sip of Port from a rather red nosed regular espousing the virtures of the house brew. Bit worried by the signs warning of pick pockets....
2 Jun 2006 15:09
The Artillery Arms, Old Street
Haven't been for a few years but this was a favourite when working in Old Street, glad to see beer is still top notch. A good pub with a mix of suits & locals after work & at lunchtimes.
2 Jun 2006 13:52
Met up with a group of friends for pre -dinner drinks last week. Staff still not there for the customers!
Drinks ok but you have to be proactive to get refills and 12.5% service charge for average service is not justified.
I would not recommend this place unless you are easy going, have a group of around 8 with fairly deep pockets. Jugs are good but remember half of it is ice!
2 Jun 2006 13:49
The Hand In Hand, Wimbledon Common
Okay pub getting a bit rough around the edges but still offers good ales and okay food. Staff were fine on last couple of visits but with other better pubs nearby very much second choice. Near to common & village.
18 May 2006 14:39
The Crooked Billet, Wimbledon Common
Great pub with excellent food & ales. Service has been up and down over the last few months but still a great pub just off Wimbledon Common and close to the village. Recommended.
18 May 2006 14:36
Good Greene King ales in an average local pub, plans for new works looked promising. Mainly for locals with a few builders staying in the B&B above the pub. Overall a comfortable pub, look out for Poppy the land ladies pet dog with a slight limp (which comes on hard when there's food about!).
18 May 2006 14:22
Nice find on way back from a visit to the Albion, itself a good all rounder. Bar staff attentive and friendly and although this was a lunchtime the pub had a great relaxed feel. Several locals and the odd family group using the garden along with an eclectic mix of (ok) background musak mark this place out from the ordinary. I'm returning soon.
18 May 2006 14:17
Nice pint of Summer Lightning, the pub itself is drab and seems to have too many real ale fans rather than a mixed group of locals. Not necessarily a critism but will try the garden when it's warm and sunny./
15 May 2006 12:41
The White Horse and Bower, Westminster
6pm and a warm sunny day, S&N Kent Best went down well. Mix of locals and those on way home, not much seating outside.
12 May 2006 09:19
6pm and Youngs good again, staff friendly and not too busy. Bit pricey, but hey it's Westminster.
12 May 2006 09:17
Youngs St Georges was good, and to be fair real ales have been good on all visits so far. Certainly a pub with a split personality though with the Alex's 'wine bar' at the rear and the more trad pub at the front. Staff not friendly and no smoking area a joke. Old guys watching the horse racing on the afternoon of latest visit was quaint. Have to try the roof terrace next time round, though suspect fumes from the traffic may be a problem.
10 May 2006 15:10
The Lamb Inn, Edgmond
I had mixed views of this pub, one being full of students and the other of poor service and food. Both of which appeared incorrect when I visited last week.
The service was very good and so was the food. I enjoyed the ale (what was it?). Nice enough pub but a bit on the over developed side. Worth a try if nearby.
18 May 2011 17:10