BITE user comments - JBH
Comments by JBH
In my opinion...
Perhaps they should rename this pub 'The Silent Children' or something similar. We stayed at one of the 3 local campsites and thought the place looked nice for lunch, so walked along there.
We (as a large proportion of the population do) have kids and found the place totally unwelcoming. We had to sit outside (even though the pub wasn't even 1/4 full) in the 'pleasant' October weather in the sad excuse for a children's play area. The menu states 'Due to constant requests from our customers we do not allow children anywhere in the pub'. This suggests to me that 'their customers' are their regulars, and I believe if you are not one of them you are not welcome.
Whilst one can appreciate that some adults want peace and quiet (I didn't have kids myself once!) to not even allow kids in at lunch time (this place shuts at 2pm) in a small area of the pub (they could sit facing the wall in the corner?) seems quite strange.
For lunch the kids menu starts at �4.95 (don't even ask about the rest of the menu prices). You cannot even buy a side order of chips (I assume to further discourage 'casual' eaters who do not actually want to spend five quid on half a portion of fairly average fair).
You only need to read their website (check out the policies and philosophies page!) to get an idea of the rules. Everything about this place is negative - 'No this, No that etc etc'.
I bet this was a nice pub once, but yet another establishment that has tried to become a restaurant. For adults only. With very deep pockets. Providing they obey the rules. And definitely don't bring any children.
Well their rules are not my rules. We will not be bothering them again with our custom.
Such a shame.
25 Oct 2008 15:42
Haven't been in there recent;y but it's been re-invented again twice in the past 6 months or so. So it's not Bo-Bo's, it was Ronnies or something like that for a while, now it's some sort of wine bar. Can't say I've ever seen anyone in there since.
24 Dec 2003 15:34
Visited Friday (07/03/03). Started off O.K. and the Hofbrau does make it worth a visit. However Live music started about 9pm and I hadn't gone there to listen to Live music (No offence to the band), if you know what I mean. Also the bar area is tiny and by 8.30pm was 3 deep with people drinking (ie not buying then moving away). Once the music started it was time to move on up the road. Nice pub, but if you don't want live music and 20 minute bar waits I'd avoid it when a band is on.
10 Mar 2003 13:24
I was in The Green Man last friday (07/03/03). Good atmosphere, loud but not uncomfortable, good beer (ok lager!). Does anybody know why this pub is called The Famous Green Man? I only ever knew it as The Green Man, so why is it now famous? Looked on the net, can't find anything. Nice pub though.
10 Mar 2003 13:09
Hmmm, what a surprise, someone who was barred from a pub is slagging it off!! I would question 2 things about Woodies - if it is so crap, how come you were a 'regular' for 8 years? If the Thames is more appealing for a pint, why did CAMRA award Woodies for it's beer in 2002?
As Tone said this pub's appeal is that it really doesn't need to advertise and sell itself. People who go there will generally go because of good 'word of mouth' recommendations. Passing trade is probably zero. It is good to watch sport down there esp. England internationals when you literally can't get through the door. The beer is good quality (widest range of Beer AND lager you will probably find in any pub for miles around) and it's a friendly atmosphere. Excellent sport memorabilia on the walls and ceiling as well.
Check it out and make up your own mind.
9 Jan 2003 14:30
Unfortunately New Malden has one of these 'Neighbourhood committees' that won't allow new Bars or pubs to open without a hell of a fight - 'there are enough already' they say. This means that although this isn't the best pub around by a long way, younger New Malden residents have to drink somewhere. I actually think this pub has improved a bit recently(!) - 3 or 4 years ago they had a police van waiting round the corner for the inevitable 'kick off' that used to take place. And you needed wellingtons to go paddling if you needed the toilet. Seems a bit quieter now, although I must admit I don't go there often.
9 Jan 2003 14:05
The Druid's Head, Kingston Upon Thames
I tend to use this pub as an after work venue for a couple of pints of Hoegaarden (sp?), so have rarely experienced the 10.50pm show. Agree about the door though - don't sit near the front of the pub.
9 Jan 2003 13:42
I found this pub a bit too full of 'commuter belt people', if you know what I mean. Also I'm sorry, but I can't do pubs where you can't smoke at the bar, especially when there's no where else to stand! Nice beer though.
9 Jan 2003 13:34
Silent Woman, Coldharbour
Not sure you will ever have to worry about any kids being the centre of your universe wynyard I mean what a load of to$$!
To imply that parents who want to take their kids to pubs are all irresponsible merely shows up your own ignorance. As suggested in these reviews it is the extreme measures this pub has gone to that are a shame. My 'feral offspring' was aged 11 months in a pushchair during my visit to this place. She was really looking to make a nuisance of herself, I can tell you. Also, some kids older can actually behave themselevs, and no one has suggested turning this pub into a creche.
We were simply treated as described in my review. All factual, I can assure you.
To some of us, this policy is ludicrous based on the potential catchment from the 3 large campsites. A fair observation, right or wrong but made made by several reviews.
Now, what is your review of this pub? Or let me guess - you haven't actually been to this pub, have you!
Finally, you think the licensee is putting a nice environment for adults in front of his own profits! That helps put all your comments into context, so thanks for that. I mean, did you come down in the last shower???
1 Feb 2010 22:39