BITE user comments - Hotfoot
Comments by Hotfoot
I was up from London on the weekend, to watch Orient at Valley Parade, and popped in here after the game.
This is precisely the sort of place that one wants to escape from when leaving London, and yet here it works really well, helped by the fact that the clientele are noticably less pretentious - and the booze is just a little less expensive.
17 Dec 2013 18:10
Excellent. Bit off the beaten track, so you may need a designated driver - but if you can find some poor sap willing to do that, its well worth a visit.
A wide selection of ales (this place is now a CAMRA fave, I believe) with excellent tasting notes. They also specialise in ciders & perries. Take out is easy enough, and the staff were all incredibly pleasant when we visited.
They were renovating the kitchen, so I can't comment on the standard of the grub, but the premises were nice enough.
25 May 2011 10:59
Ended up in the beer garden here on a very sunny and warm Easter Sunday evening. Had a splendid time, but have avoided awarding too high a mark, as the circumstances of our visit (rare meeting with good old friends and meeting new family on a bank holiday with gorgeous weather!) probably don't represent a normal experience!
Notwithstanding this though - very pleasant staff, decent range of well-kept ale (including a rotating guest), jolly atmosphere, spacious beer garden, and good pub grub all add up to a fine boozer.
28 Apr 2011 10:52
As I've grown older, grown more used to the simple comforts of a happy home life, stopped chasing skirt, and my cheekbones have receded behind an extra layer of adipose tissue, I have come to appreciate this pub a great deal more than I used to.
I've heard remarks about the unreliability of the beer supply before - so there is probably something to this. But they sure as heck know how to look after the ale here, and how to serve it. The selection is rarely too weirdy-beardy-exotic-microbrewed, but its always good gear - Hobgoblin and Landlord on last night, I'm not a huge fan of the latter, but it was in good nick here.
This is a bit like taking a step back into the 1960s, and its all the better for it. Due to this, and to its location, it attracts people from the more human end of the Canary Wharf/IoD spectrum, and I've always found the ambience nice and comforting - even if it does lack many of the things most folk take for granted in 21st century boozers.
Cherish it.
18 Feb 2011 11:19
Did I not review this place yet? Obviously it's high time I did.
I suppose the most prominent feature of this pub is the very extensive range of beers on draught that they brew themselves. Now, they're clearly a pretty experimental lot - which I wholeheartedly endorse - but this does mean that their stuff can be a little hit and miss. But at �2 a pint, it would be churlish to complain, and there's nothing here which is less palatable than the standard crud you get served in yer average alco-dungeon.
It is also a very convivial place generally - pretty roomy, decent, cheap and unpretentious pub grub, Sky Sports in one room, and a clientele made up of people in that happy medium group between yuppies and scuzzers. Some pleasant outside areas, bar billiards, and apparently some live music on occasion. If I lived in the area, this would certainly be the place I'd hang out.
11 Feb 2011 13:57
Excellent range of ales at reasonable prices. They usually have a couple of stouts/porters on - and some decent lagers too. The food is decent, and similarly well-priced.
Seems to be a largely unpretentious crowd, mostly young, and a decent mix of genders. Clean, and spacious. They have TVs showing sport (SKY, no ESPN) but it doesn't dominate the place.
6 Feb 2011 10:17
Small pub right on the corner of Borough Market, and the feel is very definitely informed by that. Very boutiquey, a little on the expensive side, but a huge range of bottles and some very interesting stuff on tap.
The staff were pretty helpful and not condescending at all. You get a good mix of pretentious types, real ale nerds, market traders, and ordinary down-tp-earth folk.
Nice beer garden, which I expect would be very pleasant in the summer. Ordinarily, places like this would deter me with a slight air of snootiness, but they just about pull it off here.
6 Feb 2011 10:11
The Bakers Arms, Waltham Abbey
This pub does most of its trade on the food side - and presumably relies a lot on the hotel that adjoins it.
The food can actually be pretty good - it conforms to some Chef & Brewer chain menu I think, but its usually well executed and a cut above the usual freezer/microwave chain-pub fayre, and most of the staff are helpful and attentive. Judged purely on the food, its probably a bit better than The Plough nextdoor.
Prices are maybe a touch higher than some of the more down-to-earth establishments around, but this is on the fringes of the countryside, and attracts business travellers and folk who want a short semi-rural jaunt.
The setting is pleasant enough, and manages to feel comfortable and warm in spite of being only a few years old.
They do have a couple of ales on, although the choice is far from exotic, and I'm not convinced they know how to look after them. Better than nowt though.
There's an outdoor area which might be pleasant in the summer. I can't say much more about it though, as I've only been a regular visitor since the leaves started falling.
31 Jan 2011 13:42
Pretty dreadful pub that is supposed to be one of the rare "away friendly" venues near the Boleyn Ground. It didn't seem particularly friendly to anyone when I was there, although nor was it particularly hostile. I was impressed however by the liberal attitude to the youths crowded round the side entrance who were trying to turn it into some sort of brown cafe. This was certainly more sophisticated fare than the depressing range of banal fizzy pop that passed for beer in here.
The barstaff were quite game though. But generally, this is a pub for those who want to get drunk and have very little care for how that happens.
19 Jan 2011 19:30
Probably one of the grimmest pubs I've visited in a while. They even managed to make bland synthetic lager taste unpleasant, and had the cheek to charge inner London prices for it. Its rare I can't finish a drink I have paid for - but this was one such occasion.
Very grotty as well, although I guess the emphasis is on hardwearing furnishing, given that it must get a fairly large football crowd in, and is a bit "Wild West" at all other times.
If this was the only pub in the world, I would have no hesitation in becoming a teetotaller for the rest of my days.
18 Jan 2011 14:13
Fine alehouse. My old man was particularly, and instantly, smitten with it.
Just as a brief rebuttal of some previous negative comments, I thought the clientele here was a good mix of old, young, male, female, "wouldn't kick you out of bed to get to him/her" and attractive.
It goes without saying that the ale was well-kept and that there was a good range, including a Stout (Three Bees), and a particularly broad selection of bottles.
While I doubt they have SKY etc, they did at least have Final Score on, and the menu (while we didn't sample) looked very impressive. I'd definitely return if I ever found myself back in Rochdale again. My mate who lived there for a couple of years recommended this pub without prompting or hesitation when I mentioned I was visiting the town.
16 Jan 2011 22:31
My review should be tempered by the fact that the place was absolutely mobbed when I visited: Norwich were about to get booted out of the FA Cup by the mighty Os that afternoon. But what I did glean was this: the service was cheery and swift, in spite of the layers of bodies pressed up against the bar - the beer (much of it their own) was top quality, particularly the Flintknappers Mild - the atmosphere was very convivial, in spite of the competing groups of fans - and they had big screen football on.
I'm told that Fat Cat is the real real ale mecca in Norwich, but this place certainly won't disappoint if you're in town for the football, and it is much easier to get to.
10 Jan 2011 13:51
Not sure why this is in the CAMRA good beer guide this year. As a pub, its nowt to write home about, and so far as the Brodies they have are concerned, it is a far more limited range than is available in Willy4 in Leyton, and 50% more expensive.
And I'm sad to say that I echo earlier comments made about one of the staff here. Last night I encouraged my companions to be sympathetic, after all - he might have suffered some awful personal tragedy recently. Sadly though, it seems he's like that all the time. Perhaps he should consider another career.
5 Dec 2010 21:16
Went in on a Saturday night, and was a little disappointed after having wanted to check this place out for some time. I generally like Sam Smith's places, and this is instantly recognisable as one as soon as you get in.
It was a bit smaller than I expected, but my main beef was with the staffing, who while efficient, were far from convivial. Otherwise, there's little else to say, as anyone who's ever been in a Sam Smiths pub will know what the story is with the booze, prices, and style.
5 Dec 2010 21:13
I was only in there for about half an hour, so I can only echo the comments of the poster below. The ale was a little on the expensive side when you consider that good ale in a specialist ale pub can cost only about 60-70% as much.
Full of yuppy types, mostly inoffensive but pretty insipid.
Its a pleasant enough gaff, and the service was good but I guess its just not my kind of crowd.
28 Nov 2010 20:43
I stopped off in here last night while waiting for my Mrs' delayed arrival at the station.
I'm not sure if its run/owned/managed/cheffed by Turkish people, but there seemed to be a few around and a strong theme on some of the menu items. I didn't eat, but the menu looked reasonable and well-priced.
However, they only had one ale on, and �3.40 for a pretty insipid pint of Landlord is frankly disappointing.
When I went, there was some downbeat tunes playing, and the atmosphere in the cavernous space was a bit sad. I think they have live music upstairs, and there is an attempted trendy edge to the place, albeit fourth-generation-faded-photocopy style.
Not dreadful, but I did find the place ever so slightly depressing (and I was in a good frame of mind before and after visiting)
26 Nov 2010 10:19
Tried the Bath Gem. Liked it very much.
Nice pub which will always hold good memories for sixty Orient fans who popped in en route to Bristol Rovers.
Up the Os!
21 Nov 2010 17:52
Came here after the game yesterday, and was a little disappointed - in view of some of the reviews this place has had, and my experience earlier in the day at The Brunswick.
I guess the place is still "in transition", which would explain the odour, appearance and limited range of ale on. Hope they sort it out soon, as I'm sure there is good reason for the high ratings this place was getting a few months ago.
21 Nov 2010 17:48
Went in before the game yesterday - home and away supporters mixed without a hint of trouble. The place was packed but everyone was very well mannered.
An excellent range of ales & a couple of porters. About half the range was their own, good value and good quality. Didn't have the food, but the menu looked decent.
This pub deserves the plaudits it has been getting.
21 Nov 2010 17:45
Good boozer. My comments should be tempered by the fact that I was already very well refreshed when I reached this place, but from what I can remember - the range of ales was very impressive and well kept.
It was pretty heaving, and not the sexiest environment I've known - but the barstaff were knowledgable, friendly and very efficient.
I'll definitely be going back for a proper look!
21 Nov 2010 17:43
I'm not generally one for posting adverse reviews, so I thought it was about time to change that. This place is perfectly convivial, and seems to have something of a tenuous Irish connection. They have Sky Sports, and a pretty mixed but down-to-earth crowd.
I've heard some comments about unpleasant characters drinking in there, but I personally have never seen any bother. I've got good memories of the place, but that's more to do with the people I was with rather than the venue.
It's not particularly awful, but it has to lose big marks from me just because of its appalling selection of beer. Fosters, Carlsberg Export, landfill Guinness... pretty woeful really.
15 Nov 2010 16:29
The Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield
there's probably not a lot I could say here that hasn't already been said, mainly because my thoughts about this place are so positive.
However, I wanted to make special mention of the fact that they currently have Great Heck Slaughterhouse Porter, which has to be the finest thing I've tasted in a long while. To be honest, after opening my account for the day with a pint of this, everything else I tried paled (literally) in its shadow.
Get thee to this pub immediately.
10 Oct 2010 13:19
My preferred venue of the Polruan duo. A forward thinking landlord who also maintains a very hospitable atmosphere.
They look after the ale well, and they were the only pub in the area that had St Austell Trelawney on when I visited last week. I've never eaten there, but the menu looks pretty interesting.
24 Sep 2010 21:02
A very lovely little boozer this. If you get there at a quietish time, and the weather is fine, then check out the nice (but small) balcony out the back, overlooking the Thames.
The ale is well-kept and they obviously pride themselves on this. The bar food is limited in range, but of high quality and pretty generous portions. The ambience is excellent, as its the kind of boozer that attracts the less pretentious visitor but you do find a nice range of folk in there.
We also found the service in there to be excellent.
It is dog friendly.
17 Sep 2010 10:12
Leyton Orient Supporter's Club, Leyton
I must also confess to being an Orient fan. Nevertheless, I have generally avoided this place pre and post match, as its usually teeming with the less glamourous sort of Orient fan, and precisely the sort of person that a young(ish) chap around town needs to avoid if he wants to remain hip and edgy.
Having said that, when I went in for the Maundy Thursday beer festival I was able to properly appreciate its charms. Here's a bunch of people who really care about their beer and know how to look after it. Also, the vibe in there was very pleasant indeed - welcoming, warm and not at all fazed by the fact that my chums and I did not conform with the standard image of the real ale enthusiast.
Plus, they do a decent line in home-made sandwiches - not haute cuisine by any means, but so affordable and generous that it would be rude not to. A very convivial evening was had by all.
7 Apr 2010 16:11
My preferred venue when in Enfield Town - there's no pub nearby that can compete.
Decent range of beers - I see its re-appeared in CAMRA's good pub guide. I found the staff to be helpful, friendly, attentive, and in one particular case - very attractive.
Nice ambience, a few books around, quite old school decor. Plasma TVs may seem incongruous, but I think it works OK and is in keeping with the culture of the area - 21st century suburban London.
Usually enough space to be comfortable and I found that the other drinkers were pleasant folk.
13 Mar 2010 16:51
Not sure about the recent refurb, which seems to have made the place a bit more generic, if a bit tidier. They look after their beer here though, and I've always found the service to be good. Prices are reasonable and its usually pretty quiet.
There's often a mob of regulars in the public bar (with all the games & pool table) but they're harmless. The other side is mostly quiet and a decent place to sit and chill. Not really explored the menu, but it seems to be routine fare and I don't think much effort goes into it. They have Sky and are pretty accomodating in terms of what they'll put on.
I don't suppose anyone would go out of their way to go there, but its a perfectly servicable boozer, and I'm glad its on the island (which has precious little else in terms of community assets)
3 Mar 2010 18:41
Corking little boozer just a little bit out of the way, but close enough to town. Also en route for people making the journey from the station to the football ground (or in reverse), which is how we discovered it.
They look after their beer here (Theakstons), it's very competitively priced, and has a decent jukebox. Bar staff were very lovely when we visited, although the toilets seemed a little neglected.
Very old school, slightly reminiscent of WIthnail & I - a very odd maze of tiny rooms. Well worth a visit for anyone who appreciates a traditional boozer.
17 Feb 2010 18:22
The Corn Dolly, Bradford
£2 for pie and peas, with complementary mint sauce.
Superbly kept beers in the traditional style, subtly flavoured and not too assertive. Attentive, knowledgeable staff, and friendly punters. Get involved.
17 Dec 2013 18:12