BITE user comments - Saxon_Scooper
Comments by Saxon_Scooper
Dates from 1784 when it belonged to Kingsfords Brewery in Lacock. Later an Ushers house, a one time Enterprise Inn, and now Freehouse owned by Steve & run by son Tom. Still a basic public bar boozer, a less frequented Lounge, and great friendly atmosphere. This is without doubt still The Best Pub in Chippenham! 6 hand pulls in main bar offer 5 changing well kept beers. 3 hand pulls in lounge not used yet. Ciders from polypins. Regular Beer Festivals with 9 on! CAMRA Beer Score 4. CAMRA member discount 30p/pint! No parking or beer garden, the walls are it�s footprint. Thanks guys for saving this little gem of a pub! We enjoyed 2 good nights here and will be back. Next Beer Festival Aug Bank Hol weekend.
Reviewed 10/06/10 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 9.
13 Jun 2010 16:36
The Carpenters Arms, Chippenham
Following my visit on 3/Jan/09 it took me 6 months of repeated e-mails to get the pub listed on BiTe and following today's visit, I wished I hadn't bothered. When we arrived I expected to have a conversation on the above, but the opening gambit was 'Are you eating with us?'. I attempted to conduct a conversation with the landlord several times, and each time he rudely walked off while I was speaking. He clearly would not talk to me. I had to ask how long he had been there to check if this was the same guy! Beer range had changed and the hand pumps moved to altered back bar, all of which seemed to improve the place, but I wouldn't recommend bothering to go there!
5 Jun 2010 16:51
Dates from 1784 when it belonged to Kingsfords Brewery in Lacock. Later an Ushers house, now an Enterprise Inn. This is a basic public bar boozer with a less frequented Lounge displaying many historic pictures of the pub. Amanda & Jason have been managers for the last 2 years and we thank them for making us so welcome. This is without doubt The Best Pub in Chippenham!
3 hand pulls and 3 very well kept beers. Beer range varies. Tasters were offered to our whole group! CAMRA Beer Score 4. No parking or beer garden, the walls are it�s footprint. Thanks guys!
Reviewed 09/05/09 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 9.
Sadly it has taken BITE this long to list this pub which I suggested in May 2009
and even sadder is that the pub closed on 1 Dec 2009
10 Mar 2010 17:42
15th century thatched building with low beams was 1st recorded as a pub in 1867 and the name has remained. Tucked away from the main street it has a large car park and larger beer garden/terrace to rear. Bar & eating area lead to another eating room and rear dining room. 3 B&B rooms. David & Linda Stone have been in situ for 3 months and made us very welcome. 3 hand pulls (4th due soon) provide Ringwood Best + 2 guests � Keystone & Sixpenny today. Beers in excellent condition (CAMRA 4). Good pub menu, Chilli �8-95. Bands last Friday of month. Watch for coming Beer Festivals!
Reviewed 15/02/10 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 8.
15 Feb 2010 21:52
Found the pub clean, warm & welcoming this lunchtime. 4 hand pulls offering Ringwood Best, GK Abbot, Sharps Doombar. The excellent Ringwood rated a CAMRA 4. A pub grub menu with very reasonable prices. The current Landlady has been there 13 years, since old Joe retired. This place has remained unaltered for many years (Grade II listed) and certainly hasn't changed since I was a regular in the early 1990s. Pool table in back room.
Being half way between London & Plymouth, Wincanton was important in the 18th century for its Coaching Inns, of which this is one. The entrance to the old stable yard hasn't changed either. Don't know about getting a stagecoach in, but my Jag fitted without any bother!
12 Feb 2010 18:00
The Carpenters Arms, Chippenham
Building pre-dates Lacock�s oldest pub by 61yrs (1300) but didn�t become a pub until 1610 as The White Hart. In 1724 it added a short lived brewery and changed to present name. 3 hand pulls offer 6X, plus 2 Courage beers all in excellent condition. Good pub menu & well priced. Has a skittle alley. The porcelain in the ladies toilet is over 50yrs old, ornately antiquarian and needs to be preserved! Landlord was friendly and informative. Doesn�t quite have the atmosphere of The George but still a good watering hole!
Reviewed 03/01/09 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 7.
18 May 2009 22:42
Small mining settlement where an Inn was 1st recorded in 1586. Current building dates from 17th cent. When last mine closed in 1929 all nearby cottages were demolished. Not much else has changed other than the 1990 addition of B&B rooms & toilets. At 1732ft asl this is the Highest Pub in GB. So remote there is, nothing for 10 miles, and views are superb. A freehouse with 6 hand pulls: Black Sheep, Theakstons Best, Old Peculiar & Guests. Good value pub grub. We were made very welcome by eccentric Landlady Tracy and by 2nd pint I was serving behind bar while my wife fed the lamb! Tracy is a character & so is her pub � one of the few TO VISIT BEFORE YOU DIE or she retires! Reviewed 21/5/08 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE-.10
5 Apr 2009 10:20
Built in 1555 as 3 cottages which became a pub in 1700. Outstanding waterfront location & views make it a legend - the most painted & photographed pub in the UK. Traditional fires, low oak beams, wood & stone floors, nice beer garden, no parking. A food pub but separate eating area. Live folk music 3rd Sun. One time P�mth & Brighton United Breweries, later Brickwoods, then Whitbread. In recent times sold a good pint of Gales HSB, but now sadly a GK Managed pub renovated in 2005. Such a shame, but today we were welcomed by pleasant efficient staff and enjoyed our good value food and well kept beer.
Reviewed 02/04/09 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 9.
5 Apr 2009 10:17
The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers
Legendary Pub, one of Tenacious 10 in every CAMRA Good Beer Guide since 1st Edn 1974. Run since 1907 by Newman family who published an excellent book on its history. 3 real ales on gravity dispense served from hatch in hall + 2 drinking rooms. Pasties are only food. Has own Museum. Idyllic seating in front has splendid view out to sea. Built circ 1750. Joseph Cox took 1st License in 1792 as The Sloop, name changed in 1833 & little else since! Strongs to 1969, bought from Whitbread 1994. Not quite the pub it was in Ray Newman�s days (1973-93) but still up there in my list of PTVBYD. Review 20/03/09 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE-.10
30 Mar 2009 23:00
The Horseshoe inn, Ebbesbourne Wake
Red Brick+tile village cottage, a pub for 100yrs+. Family run pub where Tony Bath was born 68yrs ago, Landlord for 23yrs and his Dad before him. Once tie of Matthews Brewery, Gillingham, then Hall & Woodhouse for 3 yrs before being sold into the Bath family. Dad, a farmer, collected the rustic farm tools that adorn the bar. Lovely old fireplace, low beams & Square bar serving two rooms plus hatch in hallway. Pretty beer garden. 5 real ales on gravity dispense are in rarely achieved �Perfect Nectar� condition. Good value large portion quality pub food. Tony is a character & so is his pub � one of the few TO VISIT BEFORE YOU DIE or he retires!
Reviewed 28/02/09 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 10.
2 Mar 2009 18:41
Built pre 1844 No2 was licensed in 1854 as The Liver Inn. Present building dates from 1870. Nos 4+6 were acquired in the 60s and refurbished in early 70s extending pub as it is today. Renamed then to honour the eccentric Licensee, inventor and Alderman who ran it from 1897, when he changed name to The Grapes, until his death in 1950 aged 77. By then the Pub was known simply as �Peters�. Current Licensee (the 26th) Rita Smith has been a good custodian and little changes. 5 hand pulls offer changing range of excellent beers. 3 rooms full of character plus the bar. No food, but sign says you can bring your own! A Pub NOT TO BE MISSED!
Reviewed 21/02/09 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 9.
27 Feb 2009 18:28
Built 1852 as Ruthin Castle probably after a ship of the time. Nicknamed Ye Crake as small original Rt Hand bar could only hold 10 people. Adjoining house added in 1876 but name stuck. 5 rooms cluster around 2 bars, one is the Snug known as The War Office, where dispatches from Boer War were read & discussed. Large collection of ink drawing of 1960s Liverpool by RW Thomas adorn largest room. Beatle memorabilia relates to this being a favourite haunt of John Lennon while at college. 8 hand pulls give a changing range of beers in fine condition. Good value pub grub Cod+chips �4. Toilets recently refurbished. Popular walled beer garden, one of few in city. Still a good mix of locals, students, and visitors like me. Great Pub - THANKS!
Reviewed 21/02/09 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 7.
25 Feb 2009 23:22
Unable to find much history here, but a painting depicts pub circa 1910 with horse drawn modern coach, presumably a pub outing. Good old back street town pub, largely unaltered, 2 small areas around central bar plus darts room at rear. Tasteful conservatory extention provides dining area, + exit to smoking area & nice beer garden. 5 hand pulls give 5 rotating beers in very good condition. Great grub � Lamb chops �4-75, All Day Breakfast �4.
Occasional Live Music. Bowls club of 40+yrs use public green across road. October Beer Fest in Marquee. Good range of Malts.
Reviewed 20/02/09 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 7.
25 Feb 2009 22:18
This pub dates from 1759 and formed its own Bowls Club attached to the rear beer garden in 1853. Wooden scrolls around the pub proclaim club officers since 1897. Retains 4 small cosy rooms off the main bar area inc one for dining. Low beams, real fire + brasses. Beer Gdn + seats at front have good views down cobble St to the Prom, Beach, The Mersey & beyond. 5 hand pulls gave 4 beers and Spitfire was superb! Still an M&B (Bass) tie but a fair selection of guests. Great grub � Steak+Ale �5-95!
Thur night Folk Music club. Lovely unspoilt back street town pub.
Reviewed 20/02/09 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 8.
25 Feb 2009 19:16
Drovers Inn, Gussage all Saints
17th cent part thatched formerly known as Earl Haig and rescued from closure by Ringwood Brewery in 2005. Beers are well kept and legend says a Highwayman haunts the cellar. Flag floors huge inglenook, good beer garden. Good unspoilt country pub with a village shop counter too. 5 hand pulls give 4 Ringwood beers + guest mainly from Marstons � shame. Live music 4th Fri.
Menu a bit odd & over expensive.
Reviewed 13/02/09 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 7.
17 Feb 2009 21:01
Built in 1361 as �The Inn� it�s the oldest pub in Lacock, one of the oldest in the country and vies for title of longest continuously licensed premises. Exposed beams & fires give this real old pub a cosy atmosphere. A quirky feature of the interior is the "dog-wheel" by the huge fireplace - an iron tread wheel in which a specially bred dog called a �Turnspit� was tethered to turn the spit as he "walked�. A Wadworthshire pub where 2 banks of hand pulls produce just 3 of their beers, but well kept. Food is over priced � all mains over �11 except specials of which Bangers+Mash at �9-25 is still well over the top! Large and pleasant beer garden at rear. All in all its well worth a visit.
Reviewed 03/01/09 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 8.
2 Feb 2009 17:59
Originally built around 1360 and rebuilt after fire with flagstone floors and full Georgian interior. Wadworth managed and mostly an eatery with lovely large open fire in restaurant and small log burner in bar. Bar area has an empty feel to it despite being steeped in over 200 yrs of history. Well kept beers, food a tad expensive. B&B available. Superb rear courtyard garden. Featured in many period dramas.
Reviewed 03/01/09 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 7.
2 Feb 2009 16:10
Built as canal cottages following inception of Wilts&Berks Canal in 1795 and let in 1877 following demise. By 1915 Kellys showed this as a beer retailer. Olde worlde country pub, small bar with sep Restaurant & nice large beer garden. Piling out of a minibus, as we ordered drinks we were asked how many of us? 4 hand pulled beers +1 cider. NW Wilts Camra Pub o�Yr 2004-8 scored a lowly NBSS 2.5/5 for 6X and 3 for a guest. Pub & local Camra getting complacent! We wonder why so many wins?
Reviewed 03/01/09 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 7
2 Feb 2009 15:26
Dating from early 1600s this tiny thatched pub is one of the oldest in the New Forest and mostly unspoilt. Front bar + 2 traditional rooms & log fires. 5+ Beers all on gravity stillage. Large rear garden hosts summer BBQs + Hog Roasts. Other times it�s a small lunch snack menu - soup or ploughmans. Beer Fest in Sept. A lovely quiet remote spot where animals abound, this is a traditional country pub which in all respects should be idyllic, and yet there is an oddness about it which I can�t quite put my finger on. New loos in adjacent block to high standard.
Reviewed23/01/09 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 7.
30 Jan 2009 21:01
An Inn since early 1700s. Large rambling building with many nooks & crannies gives it character, but apart from main bar it felt cold today. Set in lovely 7 acre grounds it is accessed by a narrow gravel lane. 4 Hand pulls give 6X, 2 Red Shoot beers + Westons Cider. Seems to have lost its charm since I was a regular 30+ yrs ago, no longer a freehouse � now Waddies managed. May have been a 4th beer if lower bar had been open. Carvery Sun, + bar food. A busy families pub in season.
Reviewed 30/01/09 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 7.
30 Jan 2009 19:51
One time village store, PO, Petrol Station and a Pub since 1963. Has been tastefully extended & refurbished with farmhouse kitchen style furniture & settles. 2� barrel Micobrewey est 1998 & although taken over by Wadworth it continues to brew for itself & other local pubs. 3 banks of 4 hand pumps give us 6X + 3 home brews. Beer Fests Apr+Oct with 20 beers on. Live music Sun eve. Great rural pub, superb home cooked food. Well priced wines �12. Has its own campsite so inclined to be very busy in season. Barmaid at lunchtime was very friendly. Reviewed 30/01/09 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE-8.
30 Jan 2009 18:26
18th century former School became a pub in 1960s taking its name from local Dame Alice Lisle who was last woman beheaded in England in 1685 for harbouring 2 fugitives from Battle of Sedgemoor. Idyllic pub with large green out front + New Forest ponies. Large beer garden seats 450 & Rest/conservatory 180. Rt hand bar for drinkers has lost its basic character, 2 Fullers Beers + Butcombe. Lt hand eating bar is very cosy. Although in remote Forest area it�s hugely popular with families and very busy in summer. Locals give it a miss at weekends. Reviewed 30/01/09 by SADCATS on Tour! Score - 7.
30 Jan 2009 17:56
Build by Strongs in 1927 alongside the old thatched inn which was demolished to build new road. The original �cock pit� from which pub takes its name is across the road. Iconic 20�s large New Forest building which has largely remained unaltered. A good bar area with darts, 5 hand pulls inc scrumpy and separate eating/restaurant area at Forest end of pub with good views. Good basic pub menu and well priced wines �10. Its 30 years since I last visited and this now Freehouse made us welcome.
Reviewed 23/01/09 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 8.
25 Jan 2009 13:36
18th Century thatched building originally a School and one time village shop has 4 rooms off bar area which has stood in time for a good 50 yrs. 3 good ales on Gravity, Scrumpy & extra guest ales at weekend. Excellent and tastefully added Loos. Nice smoking area/barn which hosts annual Beer Festival in Sept. We like the adults only quiet area for contemplating clouds & good view of golf course. Lovely garden. A quintessential English village pub which has to be on your PTVBYD list! (Pubs To Visit Before You Die). And we were made very welcome!
Reviewed 23/01/09 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE-.10
25 Jan 2009 13:16
The Milton Arms, Winterborne Whitechurch
Last called here 12-Sep-07 when a banner proclaimed 'New Management, New Attitude'. Well not much has changed. 3 hand pulls, Ringwood Best, Summer Lightning, and now Jennings Cumberland instead of 6X. The carpet has seen better days, and at end of lunch session with half a dozen or so locals in, we were made as welcome as the last correspondent. The Lightning scored 1.5 on the CAMRA NBSS, neither 'Clear' nor at its best. There is a separate eating area where I am told the food is quite reasonable.
Reviewed 2/1/09 bySADCATS on Tour! Score-4
2 Jan 2009 16:25
Built in 1851 as a thatched Inn and in hands of present landlord Alan for last 16yrs. To his credit little has changed bar excavation of fire place in eating area. Lovely original flagstone floor & cosy bar area with log burners. 3 hand pulls and today the weak beer (Masterbrew) had gone, Otter Ale was not best, but Otter Claus 5% was in good condition. Menu a bit odd, but food is excellent, if a tad expensive � Bangers+Mash �9-95. Otherwise, a lovely unspoilt village pub.
Reviewed 31/12/08 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 9.
31 Dec 2008 17:12
Built after great fire of 1731 as The White Hart. Refurbished to present layout by owners Gibbs Mew in 1995, & sold to present Landlord in 1996. This small one room High St pub with wood floor and low beams is warm and friendly. 6 hand pulls: Ringwood Best, 49er, Hop Back Entire Stout, + 3 guests all in good condition. Good pub snax, Gammon �7-50 is a good plateful. Too small for games & no garden or parking but easily the best pub in Blandford. SADCATS are 5 couples who enjoy a drink and we had our Xmas meal here Thur night and enjoyed the quiz afterwards. Reviewed 18/12/08 by SADCATS on Tour!
SCORE-8.
27 Dec 2008 18:09
This mid 18th century Coaching Inn has been very tastefully renovated in the last 18mos. Wood floor at the ornate stone bar, log fires, and a friendly Landlord make a very cosy and welcoming atmosphere. Food is excellent and the stack of real ham+2eggs+chips great value at �6-95. But some dishes looked expensive - Lasagne �9-25. B&B is very high std and well priced from �55 per double. Butcombe+Guest+Real cider, with extra guest in summer. Large beer gdn, A352 can be busy but not noticeable. Reviewed 18/12/08 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 8.
19 Dec 2008 13:04
Mid 19th century Georgian terraced building with unusual 2 levels of pavement entrances. A pub for over 150 years and recently refurbished tastefully by Dawkins Taverns who change the face of The PubCo as we know it, Jim! 7 real ales from West Country micros all in excellent condition, great range of Malt Whisky and a warm friendly welcome from Landlord Ned. Excellent value meals: Chilli �4, Bangers+Mash or Pieminster Pie with mash �5. This is a great, not to be missed town pub. Today was their Beer Festival with 12 extra beers on upstairs. Well done Ned!
Reviewed 13/12/08 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 9.
14 Dec 2008 13:41
Bents brewery tap built in 1829. By 1835 it was known as The Mitre. Demolished in 1934 and rebuilt in �Art Deco� style a year later, taken over by Bass in 1968. In 1985 the main bar was turned into a galleon and pub renamed The Falgship until its last name change in 1990. Now boasts 13 hand pulls (Beers are excellent) + 2 real cider, and regular Beer Festivals. Friendly atmosphere, Dartboard & good snack menu - Lasagne �5-25. Liverpool�s Not To Be Missed Premier Real ale pub!
Reviewed 5/12/08 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 9
8 Dec 2008 23:10
Liverpool�s only Brew-Pub has Georgian origins although the main pub was built in 1850�s on site of old an port&wine house. The name comes from a Scandinavian fleet of the time importing sawn timber and the building looks like a ship with its own funnels on the roof! 7 hand pulls serving its own quality beers. A good old basic boozer, character, no frills, friendly staff and good grub � All Day Breakfast �5-95, Bangers+Mash/Steak+Ale pie �6-95. This �Classic� should be preserved as it is!
Reviewed 5/12/08 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 9.
8 Dec 2008 18:56
Cat and Fiddle Inn, Macclesfield
Islotated Robinson�s pub built in 1830 by Macclesfield Banker John Ryle after new A357 completed. At 1690ft asl is 2nd highest pub in UK. Caters for all who venture over the pass with Carvery, Lounge Bar, & Walkers Bar with pool table. 3 Robbies beers in good condition and takes in-house guests. Good food especially the home made pies. Pie & Pint nights are great value at �8-95. Open all day, but closes earlier in winter. Friendly Landlord. Accomodation at nearby Stanley Arms.
Reviewed 4/12/08 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 8.
8 Dec 2008 14:08
Ex-Strongs/Whitbread, now GK pub sitting beside very busy A36. Has lots of olde worlde charm with low beams. Flag floor in old public bar for pool table. Darts in another area. Fire+sofa area. Plenty eating tables at rear leads to nice beer garden. 3 hand pulls: GK IPA, Ruddles County. Good pub menu: Bangers+mash, Lasagne, all day breakfast all at �5-95. Has the nooks + crannies, shame about �Managed� feel. Pub sign was a Fox in Whitbread days. Reviewed 19/11/08 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 7.
19 Nov 2008 17:13
The Fox and Hounds, East Knoyle
15th century pub tucked away in anice spot with lovely views over Blackmore Vale from The Green opposite. Warm rustic feel, large log fire in one area, bar is central. Part thatched. Conservatory can be cold. Not much drinking space as all laid over to food. 3 real ales: Youngs Bitter, Wadworth Malt & Hops, Palmers 200. Youngs was in average condition. Despite specials boards � no bargain meals on offer. Ribeye Steak �15. Parking can be tight
Reviewed 30/10/08 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE- 6.
12 Nov 2008 22:03
Sat beside busy A350 this building looks to date from around 1930 the original having been thatched. Historically a Hall & Woodhouse establishment thankfully now a Free House. 3 hand pumps: Piddle-James Riddle 3.7%, Ringwood Best, Wychwood Hobgoblin 4.5%, plus a gravity firkin of Otter Ale 4.5%. Thatchers real Cider. Seems to be making a lot of effort, especially on prices: �2/pint, wines �7/btl, many meals around �8. Beer garden sadly next to busy road. 2 dart boards - Darts nights only.
Staff & locals were friendly - if you are passing give them a try!
12 Nov 2008 21:21
Pub sits on pavement of quiet village, having been by-passed years ago. Hasn�t changed in over 25yrs. Nice courtyard & Beer Garden with a view, sitting high up at the back. Pool, darts, Skittles, very well priced food & wines. New Landlady Jaqui is friendly. Sadly, as is usual for Badger tied houses, cellar temp is too low for their beer so CAMRA score 4 on the beers of which Badger, Ferret & Tanglefoot all on.
Nevertheless a 'Proper' little pub which I�ll visit again.
Reviewed 15/10/08 by SDWDS on Tour SCORE � 6.
15 Oct 2008 22:40
It's not a pretty looking pub, but it is in a wonderful setting. When we visited last Nov this Pub wasn't listed on BITE but as my review is a bit of a contrast to Jay28, I have copied it across from my Journal.
Visited on walk back from Royal Oak, Meavy where we should have stayed! As we entered the young female barstaff rudely pointed out that we only had 15mins to closing at 1500. 4 beers on hand pull: Tetley, Tribute, Otter Ale, Directors. We tried Tribute & Otter. Both were far from clear and had that murky taste. The cellar temperature was also far too cold. Real Ale in a glass should not form condensation on the outside like a chilled lager. Our girls said the ladies loo was dirty and smelled awful. That says it all really! The pub sign should have given us a clue. If they can't get that right what hope is there? Skylarks nest on the ground! Reviewed 17/11/07 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE-.4
12 Oct 2008 14:07
The Angel Inn, Upton Scudamore
An unimpressive pub from the road as it sits on the pavement. Entering from the rear car park is pleasant. Pub has an old feel to it and the bar area seems like a Bistro. Wooden floor, stripped pine tables etc. Rest is laid out like a restaurant. Quiet on a weekday March lunchtime, but not surprised with main courses at �16-95!! 3 real ales, Bass, Butcombe, 6X. Tried the now rare Bass which was OK. Sadly not really a pub anymore and charging excessive restaurant prices.
Reviewed 03/03/08 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE-6.
Saxon_Scooper - 3 Mar 2008 17:38
3 Oct 2008 19:00
Impressive old village pub with old beams and log fire. Nice looking separate restaurant which felt cold, and the tables set out in the bar had a regimented look. Small beer garden at rear. On a quiet Monday lunchtime we were greeted by a friendly Landlord who explained that although a Free House he kept Wadworth 6X, IPA, & an occasionally changing guest (Fullers London Pride) as they were popular with locals. Pictures featured in the bar indicate that the locals enjoy their pub! Food seems expensive � eg �Bangers & Mash� �8.95 !! Reviewed 03/03/08 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE-6. Saxon_Scooper - 03 Mar 2008 17:30
3 Oct 2008 18:43
Roadside pub in tiny village by-passed by A303 many years ago. Exterior in Cornish pebbledash white with lovely atmospheric interior, but surprising that a pub has survived in this location. 3 hand pumps serving 2 beers and plethora of used pump climps. Seemed friendly enough good menu although not cheap, but I hear portions are large and quality good from other customers who stop here every time they go to holiday home in West Devon. More Restaurant than pub and gets busy at weekends. Needs a beer garden sorting out. Watch 2.30 closing!!
Reviewed 20/09/08 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE-7.
Saxon_Scooper - 22 Sep 2008 15:38
22 Sep 2008 15:32
Built in the 1930's with retro thatched roof it is an imposing building in a peaceful village that is hidden from mainstream Torquay by a short 15min walk. 3 beers Butcombe, Tribute, London Pride all in excellent condition. Food is well presented and the real sausages creamy mash and gravy were excellent value at �6-50. Lovely gardens, an idyllic peaceful spot and luckily we were staying just round the corner at the equally idyllic Lanscombe House private hotel. Score 8
28 Jul 2008 16:02
A 15th century coaching Inn on the not too busy B3089 where it is still pleasant to sit out �roadside� in lovely front garden. Good parking & large beer garden at rear. Small bar plus 2 eating areas, one having an impressive medieval atmosphere. Food is good but Lasagne bar snack a bit pricey at �10-50. 3 real ales, well kept, but tied to Wadworth.
Reviewed 14/05/08 by SADCATS Bob & Kath SCORE-7.
14 May 2008 19:17
The Forester, Donhead St Andrew
15th century thatched Inn. A warm & welcoming atmosphere but sadly no longer really a pub as there isn�t anywhere for �drinkers� to sit. Extended in last couple of years with impressive Gothic eating area and nice beer garden. Landlord is friendly and very accommodating. 3 real ales: Butcombe (a bit endy) Ringwood Best, & Butts Barbus Barbus. Food is nouveau, tasty, but small portions and therefore expensive for what it is, but worth a visit for a special occasion meal. Pub is actually in Wilts but postal address is Dorset.
Reviewed 02/05/08 by SADCATS Bob & Kath SCORE-6.
14 May 2008 18:45
The pub now does food on Sunday evenings ie 7days/nights of the week.
7 Apr 2008 14:09
The Churchill Arms, West Lavington
An old Worthington House sat on side of A360. Retro refurbished bar has cosy feel and there is a separate Games room, and restaurant. 4 Wadworth beers on hand pull in good condition. Restaurant value meals eg Chilli �7.95, but the Bar Bites Menu gives a dozen beer soaking dishes for �2-3 which is a highly commendable feature we would like to see everywhere!!
Staff & locals were friendly and welcoming.
Reviewed 03/03/08 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE-7.
6 Mar 2008 18:05
The Fox and Hounds, Warminster
Roadside pub on approach to town centre. 2 bars, one a cosy snug and the other has a pool table behind discreet screening. Surprisingly no food or snacks, but 3 real ciders & 3 real ales. Regulars Ringwood Best, Wessex Warminster Warrior, plus a guest � currently Sharps Doom Bar, and all in excellent condition.
A good friendly little town pub.
Reviewed 03/03/08 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE-6.
6 Mar 2008 17:13
Country pub on the busy B3143 Dorchester Rd looks less inviting since the huge oak in front was cut down. 3 real ales in reasonable condition, (Exmoor, Old Speckled Hen + guest) but a tad too cold. Skittle Alley now a carvery, (Sun lunch only) but looks good value. Rest of pub mostly given over to restaurtant food - good but expensive. No value bar snacks. Friendly staff and the few locals at the bar made us feel welcome. Dartboard survives but in eating area and probably only used on Darts nights. Reviewed 18/11/07 & 29/02/08 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE-7.
1 Mar 2008 21:13
Fox And Hounds Hotel, Bridestowe
An impressive old coaching Inn on the A386 just out of the village. The Landlord of some 36 years has friendly staff around him and we were made very welcome. Restaurant & accommodation looked good and the bar snacks we tried were excellent value. 2 St Austell beers on hand pull were in good condition. A partly hidden room behind the fireplace provides a cosy area to play Pool or Darts. Reviewed 15/06/07 & 16/11/07 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE-8.
23 Feb 2008 18:01
A character thatched Inn set on south side of A35 just west of Axminster. Several rooms/bars, restaurant & pleasant patio+beer garden away from road at the rear. 3 Otter beers (Bitter, Bright & Ale) from 4 hand pulls were in good condition. GBG listed in 2006 we couldn�t see why it is not in latest guide. A reasonable menu, food good but few lower priced (value) bar snacks. Reviewed 15/06/07 by SADCATS on Tour! SCORE-7
23 Feb 2008 17:55
The town of Shepton Mallet itself seems to be struggling to stay alive as do the pubs. We find a pair of shops at the bottom of Town St hill converted into The Stumbles Inn. A basic boozer where Landlord Ian is doing his best to create an ambient pub for the town. Separate room with Pool table. Good plates of food at down to earth prices. 2 real ales: Matthews Bob Well 4.2%, plus a Guest which today was Box Steam Rev Audry 3.8%. Both sampled and in excellent condition. We were very welcome in this friendly pub and recommend you give it a try.
9 Feb 2008 22:33
This pub is now a disaster. Bar is closed but the accomodation is still offered by the joint owners of The Plume next door. The standard of accom is poor and smells damp. We checked it out and got our $70 per night deposit refunded. Such a shame as I used to think this pub was a treasure and booked to stay on that basis.
15 Nov 2007 15:22
Thanks to Previous reviewer who was right - its worth a visit for the interior, ornate bar, stain & etched glass and 8 hand pulls serving most of the Cains beer range which were in great condition. Sadly, having phoned earlier to check times of food, when I arrived there was no food due to a business buffet! The red brick exterior of the pub is also magnificent nestling into the huge old (Higsons) Brewery and declaring that it was one The Gapes Inn.
8 Nov 2007 15:45
This lovely secluded village pub offers 2 Regular real ales - Butcombe, Ringwood Best, plus 2 guests. Pub has recently been extended to rear providing more tables/seating for customer use. Note this is not necessarily 'Restaurant'. Very tastefully done to a high standard and in keeping with the old pub interior. The cozy atmosphere of the bar has been carefully maintained. 4 superb B&B rooms in a similar vein. Good food. Open all day Sundays, no food Sunday eve. New rear patio and extended parking has not affected the charm of the beer garden. Peter & Helen have done a superb job and I am proud to be a regular at their splendid pub.
5 Nov 2007 13:24
Best described as a 'road-side' pub which fails to utilise its hidden potential. 3 original hand pulls stand idle. The old and ornate interior remains basically intact but like the hand pulls, needs revitalising. Perhaps it's just the area - Kirby - where customers seem to know little or nothing about quality real ales and so there is no demand? Shame really. But just 2.7 miles up the road there is The Hare & Hounds at Maghull with 6 beers on pump!!
5 Nov 2007 12:19
This very cozy village pub was recently refurbished. They have done a superb job that is so in keeping with the original atmosphere the Landlord (Alan) had to show me the differences I couldn't spot. Friendly warm atmosphere, good food at good prices. Badger Best & Tanglefoot are well kept as is the Hall & Woodhouse seasonal ale. And they still have their dart board! and a lovely beer garden. Thank you for saving this gem of a pub!!
8 Mar 2007 10:53
The pub was busy on a cold wet Tue eve with a mix of eaters & drinkers. Warm friendly welcome, cosy fire. 5 real ales on hand pump. Some regular, several change by the barrel and all in EXCELLENT condition. The food really does come in "Desperate Dan" portions and is both tasty and great value. This was my 1st visit but I shall return to this well kept 'Proper' little pub.
25 Jan 2007 10:51
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Crown and Cushion, York
Saved from the 'Punch Tavern' group by Provenance Inns in May 2013, this delightful 18th Century Inn has been tastefully restored. Their strapline is 'Provenance is the focus of their business ~ Buildings, location, communities, suppliers, not to mention quality food'. I'm not know for liking 'PubCos' but I have to say I was well impressed when I visited the Crown & Cushion. As a CAMRA member I was delighted with the pub standard real ale - Black Sheep Best, plus 2 guest ales. The food that I saw looked excellent although a tad expensive for my tastes, but I was however delighted by the 7/7/7/7 Deal.... 7 Dishes, 7 Days, £7, before 7pm! What can I say! The Pan fried Cumberland ring & buttered mash were very tasty and excellent value! And washed down with 3 very well kept pints of Black Sheep best. Excellent service and very pleased to write this supporting review! Cheers guys. [I've been compiling my own pub reviews for some time, and I always carry my notebook to record pub visits and I ask a lot of questions about the history. It annoys me when staff know nothing of the history, but in this case.....} It's a long time since I wrote a review for this website, but that's another story!!
23 Jun 2014 20:46