BITE user comments - SW6
Comments by SW6
Getting ever more popular.
Good back street boozer, taken over a while before lockdown by a respected local landlord.
Live music will be on most weekends, & this is a pretty damned good venue for it.
Decent range of beers, an ever exotic cocktail menu, friendly staff. Worth a visit (especially if you like live bands)
30 Jun 2021 11:45
The Cucumber and Doughnut, Swindon
Don't go looking for this place. It doesn't exist & never has.
12 Jun 2018 11:32
Nice to see there is somebody else from Swindon on here.
The main reason I haven't been back for a while is lack of Swindon interest 😉
Well spotted that this was my second "closed" post, this one was really because I was bored & to update about the sign (The Grapes was boredom too)
12 Jun 2018 11:18
Swindon & North Wilts Cider pub of the year 3 years in succession!!
Go Team Gluepot!!
Not much else to say, still a good little real ale pub relatively close to the station.
Dog friendly, cyclist friendly, no fruit machines, juke boxes, or tellies.
For a real ale fan or a real cider this is well worth a visit.
12 Jun 2018 08:58
Still closed but with a big sign advertising that it's aa opportunity to be a landlord....I can't see it myself.
12 Jun 2018 08:50
Re-opened as The Waiting Room
Now been turned in one big pub. A rival to Yates and Wetherspoons along with all that that brings.
They do have real ale most of the time, but I'm led to believe the selection ain't great.
Other than that it's a Fosters and Strongbow type set up.
Not my cup of tea, but nothing really wrong with it if you like the cheaper end of the market & watching sport.
12 Jun 2018 08:48
Continues to be an excellent little pub.
Good ales, well kept. Friendly informative barstaff, good prices, selection of ciders.
The addition of serving pizzas is great too.
Well worth a visit if you're in Swindon.
Only complaint would be, shame it's not bigger so that even more people could enjoy it.
12 Jun 2018 08:43
I very rarely bother using the pub any more.
The revolving door management policy continues. The lack of investment in the actual structure continues.
It's pretty expensive too.
To its credit it has lots of screens up, so it should do well for the World Cup (just have to hope they don't resort to those flimsy plastic glasses again)
They do have real ale pumps, but whether it's well kept just depends on the landlord at the time. They probably don't turn over enough to keep it going.
Not somewhere I'd recommend these days, a great shame because it still has potential.
I believe Phoenix lease it from Punch, they aboth seem happy to run it into the ground 😞
12 Jun 2018 08:38
The building has been split in half
The front part has reverted to the Locomotive (a name fron years ago), live music at the weekends, 2 real ale pumps but the choice isn't good apparently.
Not somewhere that I'd recommend tbh
If you go round theback it's still called the Mailcoach & is still the only gay bar in Swindon, that I know of.
30 Nov 2015 16:38
Excellent little pub, in Old Town
Always a good selection of real ales, standard pricing. Friendly staff, dog friendly.
People that work in breweries drink here so it must be good
30 Nov 2015 16:30
I live in Swindon & I've never heard of this pub.
As far as I'm aware there is no pub at all over there now.
30 Nov 2015 16:21
Not getting any better.
Another management team come and gone, gents toilet disgusting.
If the owners (Punch taverns, I believe, but the may have leased it to Phoenix), aren't running it down, they're doing a bloody good impression of it
I'll be surprised if it's still open in 6 months
Nothing short of a disgrace!!
30 Nov 2015 16:12
Been a lot going on since the last review.
Bit of a rollercoaster, I've been in to watch the rugby & the place has been a joy. Packed, plenty of staff, telly's working, sound up. Been in other times and the place has been dead.
We're on another slump at the moment. Since Howard left, about 6 or 8 months ago there have been so many landlords it's like the place has a revolving door, & this reflects on the trade.
The quiz on Monday's has gone from it's peak of 20 + teams down to 3. The place seems to always smell right at the moment (dishwasher apparently).
On the plus side I hear things should be picking up soon.........watch this space
15 Sep 2015 12:03
The new landlord seems to have rejuvenated this place again!
It had slipped a bit in the last couple of years tbh, but it's on the up again now after the fefurb!
Range of Arkell's ales, Stowford Press cider, lagers, food looks pretty good, bar-staff friendly & efficient. TV's showing sport in a comfortable lounge type environment, separate restaurant area, playground outside for the kids (weather permitting).
It's the first pub you see on the way into town from the M4.
Good family pub, and yet still worth a visit for us "normal" folk ;)
22 Jan 2014 20:08
Plainly Swindon folk, never review pubs!!
Decent enough pub, nowhere near as expensive (relatively) as it was last time I reviewed it.
Couple of real ales, good service, nice atmosphere.
Good little pub, behind the Adver office. Not easy to find if you're not from Swindon, but probably worth the effort.
16 Jan 2014 22:09
Been done up as mentioned in the last review.
Wide range of Arkells ales, didn't notice any guests. Decent range of ciders, again as mentioned.
They've done a great job with the refurb, & it's good to see this sort of thing happening to a proper pub.
On the downside, it's not my cup of tea, personally, part of the reason being a particular barstaff, & the prices.
Credit where it's due, the place is worth a visit & it's a busy little watering hole.
I've tried to be objective.
16 Jan 2014 12:54
About time I started chipping in on BITE again, methinks!
And what better place to start than here?
It is still one of the best real ale pubs in Swindon, beyond any shadow of a doubt.
Yes JC can be found wanting on occasion, but now that he has found some new barstaff, his load should ease. It is frustrating if you have to wait to get served, & I'll not even try to defend the length of wait "lovejoy", but I've waited longer (or walked out) for worse service in lots of pubs, including 2 of the local 'spoons. My advice would be that, if you're happy to drink in a soulless barn of a place, but get served quicker & cheaper, then don't use the Gluepot. But also don't be moaning when there are no small, proper pubs left.
Still a good range of ales, limited only by brewery restrictions. Still probably the best range of ciders in town. Still a good locals/regulars atmosphere. And still worth the extra couple of minutes walk from the station to find it.
Brewers take note though, it needs sprucing up (a new carpet at least).
16 Jan 2014 12:44
Dear god, this place has gone downhill, big time!!
It's only saving grace is it keeps the.....undesireables away from the decent pubs.
15 Feb 2013 07:08
Had to attend a "do" here last Friday.
It has no redeeming factors. Soul-less, expensive, no ale, staff......,let's say, undertrained.
*shakes his head* Please don't make me go there ever again!!
7 Mar 2012 08:38
Lenny's gone, pub's on the slide.
Not too bad yet, but needs getting a grip on quickly.
15 Feb 2012 19:53
Much improved since the Pipers days.
Real ales, food, strangely trendyish.....but not.
Drinks prices seem good for Swindon.
15 Feb 2012 08:55
Still a Harvester, still no real ale.
Gets very busy serving food to the masses.
Child friendly.
15 Feb 2012 08:49
The Duke of Wellington, Swindon
Closed and sold to be turned into flats.
Bit of a loss.
15 Feb 2012 08:44
As I've just reviewed the other 2 'spoons I'd better do this one too.
At the moment this is probably my personal choice of the 3 Wetherspoons in the Town centre, purely because the service tends to be better, and they seem to have a better selection of real ciders. The barstaff are friendly, surroundings are alright, clientelle are sometimes a bit........less than desireable, but the place is big enough to avoid those that you want to. And it's the closest of the 3 to the station. Good meeting place, pretty good Wetherspoons!!
5 Apr 2011 15:59
Still the nicest interior of the 3 Wethersoons in the Town centre, but it suffers the 'spoons curse of not being able to get served quickly. The bar staff all seem to be working but it can take an age to get served.
The other downside was that on Saturday when we were in they turned the music up too loud, too early......I know I'm just an old fuddy duddy.
Decent ale selection (as expected), couple of handpump ciders (as expected), a very good daytime/early evening pub.
5 Apr 2011 15:50
Been in a couple of times recently. This is a really typical 'spoons, but why oh why does it take so long to get served?? The barstaff are always busy, they all seem to be pouring drinks, but the queue just never goes away.
decent selection of ales (as you'd expect), a couple of handpump ciders (as you'd expect).
For me this is the lesser of the 3 Wetherspoons in the Town centre. Better service and (in my opinion) friendlier staff in the Groves, nicer surroundings in the Sir Dan.
Sorry Saveloy!!
5 Apr 2011 15:43
I have been in another couple of times, I can't really say that anything has changed. The one positive I would add is that it is probably the best of the pubs close to The County Ground (Swindon Town FC), but there are better options if you walk into town.
5 Apr 2011 15:33
Chavvy? What does that mean? The 'pot is anything but "chavvy", it's a proper real ale pub, which is probably why it was quiet when the previous comment was made. It's a harsh reality that real ale drinkers are not particularly good business.
The Cricks tends to be busier than the Gluepot on a Sunday, but, in my experience, not for the rest of the week.
19 Feb 2011 21:41
Report in the local rag today that it has closed down for financial reasons.
4 Jan 2011 17:13
I really like the atmosphere in here. Great age range, all kinds of people, relaxed, a really good place to visit especially at the weekend.
14 Oct 2010 18:21
Hey there beatles38, not 5 minutes away are the Gluepot and the Cricketers if you want cider (yes the selection in the Rolly is crap).
On to the pub. Live music most weekends, friendly staff, good food,can't comment on the beer coz I don't drink it. You get a good mixed crowd in here on a regular basis. If you're looking for real ale maybe not the best choice, but that don't make it a bad pub.
10 Oct 2010 19:11
GONE!! Opened up as "The Pig on the hill"
Appears to be a trendy bar type place. Not been in yet so maybe I should reserve judgement.
10 Oct 2010 19:03
Still a great little pub with the best selection of ciders in town.
But it seems to be suffering at the moment, they can'tkeep their prices this high and survive, (in my opinion)
Great quiz on a Thursday.
10 Oct 2010 19:00
It's a good pub, but for f**ks sake how expensive?????
Pint of Hurricane, pint of Trip, pint of Strongbow......�10.40.
�3.70 & �3.50 for the bitters!!!! No wonder it's not as busy as it used to be!!
10 Oct 2010 18:50
Not a bad pub these days. Good selection of ciders, meat raffle on a Sunday,
10 Oct 2010 18:44
Hodge1 is a right moaner isn't he? People like him will be the death of the trade.
Very good pub catering for popular busy weekends and real ale drinkers. The music at the weekends is not as intrusive as a lot of the other downtown pubs, there is always a selection of ales, a fair amount of decent bottled ciders and usually one "proper" cider.
Only real complaint is that they do s'bow as a main cider (OH! and sometimes seem to make up dress restrictions)
24 Dec 2009 23:31
Been in again recently. Still a very pleasant experience. The food looked good, service was friendly and prompt, and the prices are acceptable.
24 Dec 2009 23:25
Went in las t night, briefly, before and after watching a charity match at Swindon Town.
For me the place is soulless. It's an estate pub out of place.
On the plus side the prices were good, there were TVs everywhere for watching sport, at least 2 pool tables, quiz night Thursday and it serves food. Oh! And the service was ok.
But the one real ale, Greene King IPA, wasn't good apparently, and no Speckled Hen.
I can't reccommend it unless you live on the doorstep, it's better than nothing.
26 Mar 2009 11:33
Well, even though I haven't been in since Christmas, I'll be the first! Pretty good as a fine weather family pub. 2 seperate bars, 2 seperate gardens. Fairly standard 'spoons fare, decent ales, fair selection of bottled ciders, pretty good food, decent service. If you live in Swindon, and have kids, go there in the summer and you should have a good time.
13 Mar 2009 00:26
As expected it doesn't live up to it's past. Rarely busy, limited ale (sometimes), hope the company owners are happy, we're not!
13 Mar 2009 00:20
12 bar isn't closed. Still a live music venue, with probably the widest variation of music in town. Not often I frequent the place but that don't make it bad.
23 Feb 2009 11:47
In an ever changing world it's nice to have consistency. STILL a great locals boozer.
23 Feb 2009 11:39
Good pub. Not expensive, live music at the weekends, at least one real ale, big screen tv, Thatchers Gold cider, right opposite Faringdon road park, not worth walking miles for but pop in if you're passing.
23 Feb 2009 11:37
Shut and boarded up again. It's a real shame that something can't be done witht his place. I don't know who owns it but they need to come up with a long term plan.
23 Feb 2009 11:31
Arkells have taken the place back (from,I believe Herald Inns) what a difference!! Cleaner, brighter, friendlier. Food offers all week, e.g. steak dinner for �5 on a Friday, and very passable too. Well worth a visit
10 Feb 2009 23:56
I've changed my mind. It's too expensive and has delusions of grandeur. Shame because it had great promise.
10 Feb 2009 23:45
Not bad boozer. Arkells ales, 2 big screens, prettyfriendly. Not a bad boozer.
10 Feb 2009 23:43
Visited on Saturday, absolutely lovely. Weather was good, food was great (we had the special trout and whole seabass, cheesecake for afters). Even though I'm not an ale man I noticed there were some. Bit expensive on the drinks side but the food was reasonable. My only (tiny) complaint was that they didn't do a cheese board to finish off, which was a bit strange as they had 3 different cheese ploughmans. Invest in some biscuits for cheese and I'm in heaven.
29 Jun 2008 18:41
Over �9 for two pints of guinness and a Strongbow! Just because you can charge these prices doesn't make it right.
17 Jun 2008 16:11
Over �9 for two pints of guinness and a Strongbow! Just because you can charge these prices doesn't make it right.
17 Jun 2008 16:10
Still closed with steel shutters at the windows. It don't look good I'm afraid.
17 Jun 2008 16:03
I'm told this place is closed at the moment, can anyone enlighten me?
7 Apr 2008 19:49
It's good to see more people reviewing pubs in Swindon, but I'm disappointed that they have all reviewed only this one.
Still no matter.
The range of ales seems (to a non ale man)seem to be the same as it ever was, as is the range of ciders, the place isn't as busy as it used to be on a Sunday but that is probably down to personality loyalty rather than a reflection on the pub.
It's still a good pub even if the landlord is a Bristol rugby fan.
1 Jan 2008 17:09
The Check Inn, North Wroughton
Not long made another visit, and the changes are more obvious now. I now understand what "Fullerised" means.
In my opinion the pub has lost a lot of it's charm. There were 9 real ales on 5 of which were Fullers, this still seems like a good selection to me, but I didn't see any real ciders on, which there used to be. We had to wait longer for service than we ever have before (not an unbearable time but definitely longer, and the prices have gone up. The layout of the bar has changed and, in my opinion, not for the better.
But the real falling point was the food. The 3 waitresses were inexperienced to say the least and when the food came it wasn't very good. The roasties had clearly been reheated several times, we were warned that the beef and lamb would be served pink but they weren't, the pigeon breast starter was overcooked for my taste, the service was slow, and to cap it all the bill was wrong.
All in all not the same pleasant experience it used to be, for me at least hence the lower rating.
30 Dec 2007 19:00
Bit of a backstreet Irish (ish) pub. The landlady of a number of years has not long left so I don't know if any changes are afoot.
Again it serves real ale, has TV, and pool tables.
It's okay.
13 Dec 2007 16:52
Small backstreet pub. Some real ales, televisions, pool table.
Nothing special but not bad either. Not really worth looking for but okay for a pint if you live close or stumble across it.
13 Dec 2007 16:48
I need to point out to anybody looking for this pub that the photo is of a different Plough, not the one in Old Town.
27 Nov 2007 16:55
And indeed it has.Now an Italian restaurant in the wrong place rather than a pub in the wrong place.
23 Nov 2007 12:28
This place will never be as good as it was in the early late '70s early '80s to those that were there.
I am told the new bosses are trying to make it a pub again, I will review again when I have formed an opinion.
23 Nov 2007 11:33
Wetherspoons/Lloyds latest offering in Swindon, and on early impressions, the best.
Nice pub set out over 2 floors, always got people in but never seems crowded. Decent food at reasonable prices, standard 'spoons array of ales and ciders, I recommend trying the Sheppy's Goldfinch to any real cider drinkers. All the normal special nights "curry on a Thursday" etc.
All in all a welcome addition to the mayhem of downtown Swindon.
23 Nov 2007 10:02
This place has seen some changes over the years. In my drinking lifetime it has been, to my knowledge, a bikers pub, an Irish pub, a gay bar, and closed down for quite a while in between.
It's now a PUB. 2 or 3 real ales, nothing fancy but welcome nonetheless, pool table in a seperate room, Sunday raffle and buffet.
Not a bad little pub in Swindon's Railway village.
23 Nov 2007 09:55
The first time I tried to get this place added to the site was before the summer when my accompanying review was scathing to say the least. Only been in once or maybe twice since.
It's a family pub selling Arkells beers and doing, what looks to be, bog standard food. The outside play area is tatty but serviceable, the beer garden (at least last time I was in) was overgrown and in need of attention, there was dog faeces hiding in the long grass and the fences were in danger of becoming, certainly in one case, a health and safety concern.
It has the potential to be a great family pub but it needs TLC.
23 Nov 2007 09:43
Always seems busy when we go in. Ale drinkers in the front bar tell me that the ale is good. Guest beers and ciders changed regularly.
Good atmosphere and the current crop of staff don't neglect the front bar as has happened in the past.
Good drinking experience.
10 Nov 2007 14:32
I am told by the people that drink it that it's the best pint of 3Bs in Swindon.
But then I've also been told that real ale shouldn't be forced through a sparkler, so you judge.
Still a good little pub.
8 Nov 2007 13:21
Place is in the doldrums at the moment, which is a shame. One of too few places in Old Town with live music every weekend.
Looks as if it's constantly being done up, get that finished and we'll see.
3 or 4 real ales, standard selection all round.
8 Nov 2007 13:18
Don't know what the last review was all about, I've never seen any footie fans let alone hooligans.
Just had a refurb haven't been in yet, but I bet it's still an oasis of decency in down town Swindon.
8 Nov 2007 13:14
It's about time to update my reviews of some of these places.
As it happens this is much the same as it was still not worth going out of your way for.
8 Nov 2007 13:05
No reply to my earlier enquiry and no good reports yet.
Still holding off visiting at the mo.
28 Oct 2007 17:53
This place is under transformation at the moment, and from what I've seen so far it's all good.
The new boss is committed to the place in a way that we haven't seen in quite some time.
Still a good range of real ales, okay prices for Old Town. The atmosphere for the rugby World Cup was as good as ever and the outside screens were a great idea. Barstaff are pretty good in general, the quiz is still going on a Monday.
It's not quite there yet but when the work is finished it will be back where it should be as one of the best pubs in Swindon.
28 Oct 2007 12:17
Just changed hands. Not much has changed though, still a great pub on the Old Town circuit.
Great jukebox (free last time I was in), decent selection of real ales, good bar staff and a great atmosphere to boot.
Always worth a visit.
28 Oct 2007 12:04
This place is on the up.
They have just put a couple of real ales on, I guess to tempt the Beehive crowd and it's working.
Nice outside area for smokers and non smokers alike, pleasant barstaff.
Good teatime drink.
22 Sep 2007 12:39
Anybody see this pub in the paper today? (Mirror page 20)
Probably unfair to judge as we've only walked pass the place, but we won't be popping in any time soon.
1 Sep 2007 11:21
I need to ask carrotmuncher: Is The Harvester at West Swindon not a Harvester then? (not part of the chain?).
I have only heard bad things about this new Harvester since it opened so I will delay visiting at present.
25 Jul 2007 07:35
I see the art of fine literature is not dead.
The place may well be a "hole" but if this is the best you can do you're better off leaving it to adults.
As it happens I can't stand the place either because it tends to be full of teenagers. The general policy of the place is not what I want in a pub (or bar) i.e. cheap drinks, loud music & young clientelle with bad attitude. They don't want me, I don't want them and never the twain.
10 Jul 2007 12:34
A wine bar that sells Arkells ales. Not as busy as it used to be, which for me is a plus.Still a bit expensive, but the staff were attentive and friendly.
Food is alledgedly good.
All round not as bad an experience as I used to think it was.
21 Jun 2007 12:31
Bit shabby appearance wise, but friendly enough for a couple of pints later on a recent Friday night.
Prices okay.
18 Jun 2007 10:25
The Shakespeare Inn, Birmingham
Not a bad place. 3 real ales on when we visited, nothing unusual though.
Not very many in on Friday night. Staff pleasant enough okay prices. Nothing to rave about but certainly no reason to avoid it.
Nice old tiling at various places around the pub.
18 Jun 2007 10:23
Edwards has gone and in its place we have another Wetherspoons, The Sir Daniel Arms, which those of you from the area will know was the name of a pub from a bye-gone age which was situated near here.
Can't really judge so soon after opening but looks to be nice, just beware of the hike to the loo's
14 Jun 2007 06:40
The Check Inn, North Wroughton
Thanks for that. It's not really my local but I have to say I haven't noticed much difference. I didn't know the previous landlord so there were no ties there, the barstaff seem to be much the same standard as last time I went in, sevice was good and cheerful. The only real difference was that it was a bit quieter early on than I remember.
Oh one more thing!
a-e-m 10th April Mike and Becky have left the Gluepot so even in there it's a bit "watch this space".
6 Jun 2007 08:29
The Check Inn, North Wroughton
Went out for Sunday lunch recently. Don't know what "Fullerised" means, but for me the pub was still pretty good. Higher than average selection of real ales and while they are not as inexpensive as they were they are still not expensive. Didn't spot any real ciders which is a shame.
The Sunday lunch was excellent and good value at about �8:50, I've certainly paid more for worse.
All in all still a very pleasant experience.
5 Jun 2007 12:27
The best of the pubs we tried on a recent visit to HQ to watch the play off final. Friendly, knowledgeable service, decent beer and not incredibly expensive. Worth looking for.
15 May 2007 20:34
The William Web Ellis, Twickenham
Got to let TheGP know (12-April) cheap beer is a thing of the past if Saturday was anything to go by (e premier league play off final). I don't know if it was company policy or an enterprising individual. Minimum of �2.90 per pint, decent selection but ridiculous prices.
15 May 2007 20:31
Closed down with a big sign saying that Wetherspoons have bought it, don't know if 'spoons will shut one of their other 2 downtown Swindon pubs??
25 Apr 2007 10:35
The Royal Standard, Lyme Regis
Probably the best of the pubs we visited on a recent short stay. Good food, not overly expensive. Nice walled courtyard area which catches the sun, just right for enjoying a pint of prawns with crusty bread and a bottle of Chardonnay.
Appeared to be standard real ales for the area, Dry Blackthorn cider (which is far easier to come by down here than at home) and Thatchers as well.
Very pleasant experience during a jolly pleasnt weekend.
18 Apr 2007 12:37
Popped in last weekend a couple of times.
Dry Blackthorn Cider, didn't eat but the food that I saw looked okay. The music turned a bit loud on Friday night especially as the place wasn't particularly busy while we were in.
Nice sofa area. Not my favourite but not bad all in all.
18 Apr 2007 12:30
No idea about the rock star but did pop in for a quick pint on Thursday night. Friendly pub, looked to be all regulars in. Helpful landlord, Dry Blackthorn cider, worth a visit if you're down that way.
Big screen TV.
Only problem we found in Lyme Regis was no fast food after 10 o'clock.
14 Apr 2007 16:25
Been taken over by one of the other steakhouse type chains and is closed for, what seems to be, a major refit.
I hope it is as good when it re-opens.
4 Apr 2007 08:23
Whatever happened to SWINDONGAL? Didn't agree with her about anything but at least she made the effort.
As far as I know this place is still the same,too loud for the sensible drinker but fulfilling it's place in society. Nothing much really changes in downtown Swindon.
8 Mar 2007 12:28
Whatever happened to SWINDONGAL I may not have agreed with her but at least she made the effort.
Not been to the Lava for some time maybe I'm due another visit to check out any changes, shame it's surrounded by the rest of downtown Swindon "nightlife".
6 Mar 2007 10:29
The Sun In Splendour, Notting Hill
Had a bit of a "crawl" around the area recently, can't remember this one in particular as they all seemed a bit "coffee shop", but I know I was there because I picked up a nice postcard with a price list on the back. The one fact I can tell you is that the Carling is cheaper in here than in the Beehive in Swindon....go figure!!
21 Feb 2007 12:28
Closed for what looks like a major refurb at present. I'm pretty sure I still won't like it when it's done, but who knows?
22 Jan 2007 12:28
Somewhere else I haven't "done" for over a year.
The dining experience was as pleasant as ever, food was good, portions okay, restaurant staff attentive and polite, it's trying to get a drink before you go in to eat that is sometimes a problem. There are only so many bar staff and if they happen to be pouring a round for the people eating there can be a bit of a wait. Having said that there is always an apology and they are always polite.
Pretty good experience if you are eating.
28 Dec 2006 10:11
Haven't posted on this for about a year. Still a great pub. Quiz night Thursdays, just started an open mic spot (see posters for details).
The brewery restricts the range of ales which is a bit of a shame, but what they do have are very well kept, still a good range of ciders (including Stowford Press), excellent food, Jack (the dog) is as ace as ever & the bosses and staff are good too.
I've noticed a few odd reviews about Swindon pubs from people who appear to have got off the train for a quick pint, well here's my advice "take a couple of minutes longer and ask directions. Find the Gluepot."!!!
7 Dec 2006 12:44
Went in fairly early on a recent Saturday as somewhere different to watch football, won't rush back. Barstaff were attentive, although that's fairly easy when you're not busy, didn't order food but what came past us looked pretty good, no real ale.
On the down side the whole of the bar top was sticky, which for me is unforgiveable especially so soon after opening, it must have been last nights spillage, and the lady carrying the radio and showing bottom cleavage was offputting to say the least.
watched footie and left pretty promptly.
9 Nov 2006 12:36
Credit where it's due this place seems to have picked up just lately. The Monday night quiz is busier than for a long time, and the weekends are too.
The beer is apparently kept to a good standard, the staff are (in general) the best they've had for a while, pleasant, helpful and attentive.
All round a far better experience than at some times in the not too distant past.
7 Nov 2006 12:19
New boss comes with a good reputation. It's always been an okay pub hope the new boss brings his good habits and makes it "well worth a visit" (could start by reviewing a few prices, this is only Swindon you know?). Bar staff are pleasant & pleasing to the eye.
20 Oct 2006 10:49
New bosses just moved in, haven't seen much change yet so I'll reserve judgement for now.
20 Oct 2006 10:43
It's not the same as the other places round here.
To be honest I don't frequent the place very much but that's down to location more than anything else.
It's an Arkells pub set in the middle of the drink fuelled, youngster filled mayhem that is downtown Swindon. They don't play the music so loud that you can't have a conversation and so it's not so overrun with "the youth of today". Every time I've been in the doorman and barstaff have been okay. Wouldn't be my first choice for a night out, but I certainly wouldn't object to meeting people here.
Basically it's a proper pub set amongst the disco bars of downtown.
13 Sep 2006 12:34
Decent range of ales & Stowford Press cider. Bar staff polite and friendly.
There is almost too much choice when it comes to the food and, for this simple bloke, a lot of it is just too fancy. Don't be fooled by the "snack menu", a couple of our party ordered from it and the amount of food was alarming for a "snack" (e.g. the lamb shank consists of 2 lamb shanks on a generous bed of fancy mashed potato!!).
Don't go there expecting a cheap visit, but pretty good as a treat now and then.
11 Sep 2006 06:45
Oh dear!
It's a Hungry Horse "eatery", this is the sort of place that belongs on a cheap holiday camp.
The plus points were that one of the 2 ale pumps were working and the food was cheap & the quiz was okay.
On the downside the food was very poor to start with the menus were sticky, the steaks we ordered had the cosistency of old shoe leather, and lessons in frying eggs wouldn't go amiss.
Far too many children about for my taste, I know these places have their place in society but for me it's the bad side of cheap and cheerful.
1 Sep 2006 11:46
Awkward to get to if you are walking from anywhere except Rodbourne, you have to go past it then back on yourself across a big carpark. It's part of the old Railway works so there are some interesting bits & pieces from that point of view. Eaten there once some time ago was good then.
Again got to agree with you wineo "would make a killing in town"... but suffers because it's not.
23 Aug 2006 10:45
Got to agree with you wineo. It's not a bad Wetherspoons. Decent range of ales & ciders. The look of the clientele can be a bit off puting, much the same as most 'spoons, but Ive never seen or heard of any real trouble, unlike a lot of the downtown establishments.
Overall nothing much to recommend it, unless you are a Wetherspoons fan, but no real reason to avoid it, unless you're not.
23 Aug 2006 10:35
Arkells house. Pleasant pub right next to Coate Water country park, family orientated (big garden and play area). Gets a bit of a bad write up in the local press for its food but every time I've been in it's been more than adequate.
Large non-smoking area, karaoke on a Sunday night, Strongbow & Stowford cider available, beer apparently well kept, & friendly bar staff & management to boot.
All round pleasant experience, especially in the summer.
23 Aug 2006 06:55
Quiet on Friday night.
Pretty expensive, no real ale that I saw.
I didn't even know there was an upstairs until Friday, as it turns out there is a nice outside bit upstairs.
Still probably won't be going back as, for me, there are far better options in the Old Town.
17 Aug 2006 07:51
Closed for refurb.
Judging by the report in the local paper it's going to be quite a big (for Swindon) music venue.
The people that have taken over have a good rep so look forward to this opening soon.
16 Aug 2006 07:24
The G W Hotel Bar and Grill, Swindon
Not somewhere I use unless my train is delayed. This, along with the Queens Tap, is the closest bar to Swindon station.
27 Jul 2006 13:37
Tuesday pm: Much the same as all the other reviews, nothing much to recommend it, nothing really to say don't go there... except the air con wasn't very good.
Standard London prices, standard selection.
26 Jul 2006 10:09
Had a pint of strongbow in here on Tuesday pm. Air con pretty good, a selection of ales available.
I didn't notice how dirty my glass was until too late.
2 girls walked out while we were at the bar due to the service.
Not a good experience apart from the air con.
26 Jul 2006 09:55
Probably not fair to say too much as my one & only visit was 3 o'clock Tuesday (pm.) Nicely air conditioned, strongbow wasn't as cold as it could be. Empty as it was it looked soulless, but judging by the other reviews that could be a time of day thing.
26 Jul 2006 09:50
The Check Inn, North Wroughton
Popped out on Friday to visit the beer festival. Good range of ales on top of the normal selction, great to see so many real ciders represented. Atmosphere was okay, it's probably better later on. Bar staff were very pleasant but under too much pressure with the added custom due to the festival, and so there were some longer than expected waits to get served. We started off sat outside but the roar from the M4 drove us fairly quickly back inside.
The motorway only being yards away would put me off going back during the summer, but judging by the way the place was filling up I am in the minority.
22 Jul 2006 10:26
I am led to believe the landlord leaves soon. If he does and doen't go to another pub at some stage in the future, this will not only be a sad loss to Butlers and Exeter, but to the trade as a whole.
This place probably still needs some TLC but, in the end, a landlord's enthusiasm will always be restricted or overcome accountants running the industry.
19 Jul 2006 09:56
It's a vodka bar. Too loud for us old folk therefore I suppose I should say, "It's shit, full of kids with bad attitudes, crap music played much too loud, too expensive, crappy attitude in general". But really it's just not my kind of thing.
11 Jul 2006 12:32
I agree with some of what the swindongal has written, too expensive, 6 fights a night, rubbish atmosphere & not the best night ever. I think she says on the Lava Lounge page this is one of the better pubs in Swindon... Go figure.
11 Jul 2006 08:28
Been on holiday so I've only just got around to catching up.
I didn't realise swearing & casting aspersion was allowed on this site, now I am aware I'm sure it'll make it far more fun.
The Lava probably isn't the best place for the very young to go, but then that isn't the aim of the place it's supposed to be for over 21's so maybe the doormen aren't as good as I thought they were.
Obviously being old I will like all the shit places where sensible adults can listen to decent music and hold adult conversations, without adolescents with attitude shouting & swearing and picking fights around them, the Lava falls into this category.
11 Jul 2006 08:23
One of only a handful of Swindon pubs that promote original live music.
Always busy on the weekend, without being overrun.
Limited real ales (2 I think), great jukebox, friendly staff, good service, good food. Not much wrong with the place really unless you don't mix with the indie, bikerish, studenty crowd but I think we're OK.
There is something going on almost every night of the week, good effort by successive landlords (and landladies of course).
19 Jun 2006 17:30
The Duke of Wellington, Swindon
If your going to start correcting all of the spelling mistackes you'll be heare forever.
But I will try to do better next time.
And it's still clickquy.
19 Jun 2006 17:21
The Lava may not be the best night out I've had but it's not that bad. I've just read swindongal's comments on a few other places and I suppose she's entitled to her opinion, but I can't see why she goes out in Swindon at all.
Lava has probably the best attitude of all the downtown pubs, decent music, good food, friendly staff and they show all the top sport on 2 big sceens and numerous plasmas.
As I said not my first choice, but then I am getting on a bit.
12 Jun 2006 10:42
The Duke of Wellington, Swindon
It's a bit "clicky" to be honest. Still an arkells pub, still gravity fed, as far as I know, the beer is the only thing to recommend it. There are certainly better options for a night out, or at least there are for me.
31 May 2006 16:40
Several real ales on. Bit pricey, but still busy every weekend with a good crowd (generally). Good jukebox, good staff, (good looking too). It's always been a good pub and I've seen nothing to change my mind lately.
31 May 2006 12:50
St Georges Day didn't disappoint, another good day.
What was disappointing was the fact that this was the only proper celebration in the Old Town.It's good that somebody puts the effort in, COME ON THE REST OF YOU!!
25 Apr 2006 12:37
Good bands quite often & they put food on the bar at tea time, but they've just had another price hike (e.g. �2.90 for Speckled Hen)
It's a small pub with a big rep and prices to match!
20 Apr 2006 08:28
The Moon in the Square, Bournemouth
Even for a Wetherspoons this is bad. There is a very unpleasant odour round the bar area, which another punter told me had been there for days. Limited selection of real ale. The decor is tatty. The bar staff were okay on Saturday, but this doesn't make up for the other failings. Stay away unless you're deperate.
18 Apr 2006 08:22
Many years ago this used to be the only pub in Old Town where you could get a pint of Wadworth, how times change. Still a Wadworth pub with a friendly atmosphere and good beer. But the front bar needs decorating & tidying up, the back bar is okay, big screen SKY, jukebox, pool table, quiz machines, etc. I would suggest that it suffers from accountants running breweries.
12 Apr 2006 08:36
There is an sign up advertising St Georges Day which has got to be a good thing.
4 Apr 2006 12:33
Now called the MERLIN, don't know if that's becoz of the MAGIC Roundabout just down the road or it's named after the engines. Not a bad place on football days, but generally suffers due to its location.
Real ale, food, big screen TV, garden.
4 Apr 2006 12:31
They are currently advertising a St Georges Day bash (one of all too few). This has been a good event in the past, roast beef dinner etc. so hopefully it will be again.
4 Apr 2006 11:14
It's always been the higher end of average pricewise, but it's just gone up & �2:70 for a pint of Carling is getting a bit ridiculous.
Still worth a visit for big games if your wallet can stand the strain.
4 Apr 2006 10:57
Very quiet when I visited recently, but it was a Monday night. Quite quaint I suppose. Smells of woodsmoke. It's not bad. but it's difficult to enthuse about it.
2 Mar 2006 13:01
It's everything I avoid in a pub in England, pricey & loud. Why go abroad if this is what you like?
2 Mar 2006 12:55
We use this place every time we go to Kingsholm. It screams "this is a pub" from the outside, and is no disappointment inside. I'm not an ale fan, but they had some which were apparently good. They also do Cheddar Valley cider, not my first choice but okay. All in all a proper pub with good barstaff, Sky TV, dartboard, and the regulars seem okay too. And there is a good picture/poster advertising matches by the dartboard.
2 Mar 2006 12:51
Been in a few times before gigs at the Academy and really can't complain. Always had good service, the locals I've encountered have been friendly, seems like a good mix of society.
All in all a good pub for a pint or 2 before you take out a second mortgage to buy a beer at the gig.
8 Feb 2006 10:50
Was in before the game on Saturday and, naturally, the place was rammed, even so the service was poor. Pool table, big screen TV.
I only use it on match days and so I probably don't see it at its best, and I won't be rushing back.
30 Jan 2006 12:00
It's a Wetherspoons. It's always been okay when I've gone in before, but the standard of the real ale was poor this time, we had to return a pint of Moles and the rest of the pints were iffy.Nice building, looks as though it would be quite pleasant to sit outside in the summer, other than that pretty average.
30 Jan 2006 08:42
Nice bar. Wadworth beer, pool table, Sky Sports, friendly helpful staff. Worth a visit if you're in the area.
30 Jan 2006 08:38
Quiet when we went in (Sat afternoon). Big impressive building getting a bit shabby like a lot of big old pubs just out of town centres. Bands on at the weekend, pool table (only 10 bob a game).
25 Jan 2006 12:05
Small locals pub, Arkells, not bad but not worth going out of your way for. Bit dingy.
25 Jan 2006 12:00
Popped in for a pint on Saturday afternoon, it's still a great locals boozer. Good atmosphere, good prices, big screen TV, bookies, chip shop & chinese restaurant less than a minutes walk away. Everything you need.
23 Jan 2006 10:24
See what you mean about the prices �2.75 for an average pint of real ale!!!!!
12 Jan 2006 13:13
Couldn't agree more with anon. Great proper pub. If you're looking for sport on TV, loud music & "beautiful people" stay away. Good beer, great range of real cider, good food, good staff, I strongly recommend this pub.(good prices too)
11 Jan 2006 06:18
Had sunday dinner in here yesterday. Excellent food, great friendly service, Dry Blackthorn cider, real ales, good quiz machine, decent wine. If you want to go out with the family I can't think of anywhere much better in Swindon!!
9 Jan 2006 10:27
Good locals pub, small and friendly. Run by an ex Swindon Town centre forward.
Arkells beer, apparently well kept.
23 Dec 2005 07:48
Next door to The Furnace nightclub (the only real alternative). Good food, some real ales, TVs but usually without sound. Popular with the indy crowd but with a good mix of "normal"people too.
21 Dec 2005 08:46
Fairly recent refurb, completely different clientelle now. Bit "trendy bar" for my tastes but don't let that put you off. Nice outside drinking area for the summer.
21 Dec 2005 08:40
Good live music most weekends, big screen Sky Sports, limited ale selection (usually on), cheap decent food, friendly staff. Easily worth a weekend or big match visit.
21 Dec 2005 08:35
Makes a change to find decent cider. Decent range of ales, the food looked expensive but good quality. The cathedral opposite is worth a visit too.
21 Dec 2005 08:12
The landlord seems keen but the "brewery" has very limited ideas. Good food, pleasant staff, shame about the lack of company committment.
21 Dec 2005 08:06
The service when I've been in lately is bad, still a good bar for the older trendies. Not my thing but credit where it's due.
20 Dec 2005 09:56
It's OK if you're desperate for a beer on the way somewhere decent.
Foods good though, very familyish.
20 Dec 2005 09:54
Service is OK, music is a bit overpowering for an old boy like me (even mid week). Expensive "bar" for the "beautiful people".
16 Dec 2005 11:43
Used to be the Covingham Hen, & as I said on that page, my mate Dave says it's lots better now.
16 Dec 2005 10:17
Last time I went with the family about a month ago it was excellent, good service, helpful staff, good food, good quality.
16 Dec 2005 10:15
Re named now called The Messenger. My mate Dave says it's much better now.
15 Dec 2005 10:38
Haven't been in for ages, used to find West Country Blues in b4 a game. I'll definitely make a visit next time we're up based on these reviews, hope we won't be disappointed.
15 Dec 2005 08:44
We use it when we go up to London for football. Good prices for the area (and the "Big City in general), bar staff considerably better than most of the other bars around, decor & toilets leave a bit to be desired, in fact it's tatty at best. A London bar for the frugal.
15 Dec 2005 08:35
The Check Inn, North Wroughton
Gets voted PUB OF THE YEAR by CAMRA, don't know if that's a good or bad thing for the rest of us. Well kept good range of beers good food OK atmosphere.
14 Dec 2005 10:08
Can only imagine the previous comment was from one of the staff. It's OK but if this is the best night out you've had in Swindon you should get out more,sorry.
14 Dec 2005 10:02
Great pub. Good staff, excellent range of ales & ciders, good food, great atmosphere. It's run like o pub should be, there is plenty to learn here for other landlords. NUFF SAID!
13 Dec 2005 08:28
Needs attention and a bit of investment. Still friendly though.
13 Dec 2005 08:22
Good pub on a slippery slope. Landlord could do better even under "brewery" constaints. The ale bar is still well worth a visit, and at least they are trying in the lager bar, live music etc.
13 Dec 2005 08:19
Much better than it was, almost too busy for us older folk sometimes. Good boozer!
13 Dec 2005 08:16
First visit in quite a while. Probably the best of the bunch downtown. Sensible doorstaff, friendly barstaff & a decnt(ish) mix of music. Stowford Press cider a refreshing change.
13 Dec 2005 08:13
Pretty damn pricey these days. Shame becoz it used to be a lot busier.
13 Dec 2005 08:09
Hop Inn, Swindon
Great Old Town pub.
Part of #devizesroadswindon .
The best selection of real ales from different breweries in Old Town. Great selection of gins, 4 proper ciders available (& a wide range of fruity additiin ciders).
Hop Nosh will be available when things get back to 'normal'.
People are travelling from as far afield as Bristol & Cheltenham to visit this little area of Swindon, the Hop is one of the main reasons.
30 Jun 2021 11:59