BITE user comments - Tewin
Comments by Tewin
Most of the reviews say it all. The pub is near the station and so ideal for a quick drink while waiting for a train ( you have to do something!) I asked for a dimple jug and was given some strange unintelligible reason as to why they don't have them. Other pubs have them. Never mind.
9 Aug 2013 21:36
A gem of a pub. I visited it for the first time last week and it was so good we returned today (I live in Herts). Worth travelling for.
9 Aug 2013 20:35
Discovered this pub last week by accident. An excellent pub and I really wished I lived nearer (Herts is a bit far). The beer was excellent and served in a really peaceful atmosphere - no music or silly distractions. A proper pub. We will return.
9 Aug 2013 20:32
The Marquess of Anglesey, Covent Garden
I likewise used to visit this pub in the 80s when it was a proper local boozer. Unfortunately Young's gave it one of their make-overs and turned it into a grim, noisy bar as opposed to a pub. I no longer recommend it.
10 Jun 2013 23:39
If a barman tried to palm me off with slops from the drip tray I would simply walk out - either that or I'd pour it over his head! I shall avoid this pub and others should do the same.
27 May 2013 12:26
I did try it again and it seems to be OK but for how long is anyone's guess. The fire was lit and Adnams was on. There is a silly high table and stools where the manky "comfy chair" used to be but I suppose it's harmless even if it does look ridiculous.
So far so good. . . But I'm not holding my breath!
14 May 2013 20:37
I did return - on bank Holiday Monday. It was closed!! Unbelievable! We went elsewhere.
14 May 2013 20:09
This used to be an excellent pub when I used to visit years ago and, by the sound of it, it still is. I shall be back.
5 Mar 2013 23:30
I totally agree with Queasy. His descriptions of the local pubs are pretty much spot on - and publicans wonder why people don't visit pubs anymore! The best one around is the Robin Hood in Rabley Heath. At least it's still a pub and not a pretend Islington wine bar.
5 Mar 2013 23:20
Oh dear, Bigdavie has really depressed me. Many years ago the Waterfront was a regular and favourite haunt of mine. Cosy rooms, good beer and good food, dim lighting. Simply perfect. I now live in London (which is just as well) so I have missed the "makeover". I visit Edinburgh occasionally (I am there for the rugby international this w/e) but I shall give this pub a miss and just remember it as it was. Why on earth do people ruin good pubs!
5 Mar 2013 23:09
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street
I've been coming to this pub, off and on, for about 40 years. It's a wonderful place. The front bar is just amazing and, credit to Sam Smiths for not wrecking it. Unfortunately, Sam Smith's bitter is not the best, it always tastes a little sharp as though it's about to go off. Also, they dispense it through sparklers in order to give you more head and less beer. Sam Smiths are notorious for this practice.I discussed it with the bar staff (all of whom appear to be students) who told me that the manager (we didn't see any sign of him) "goes mad" if he sees full measures being served. His reasoning is that it is a northern beer and so should be served with a head. My reasoning is equally simple. I'm a southerner drinking in a London pub and I want a full pint. The manager's reasoning is just an excuse to extract more profit from each barrel (the recent Tribunal case involving Sam Smiths proved that it was and remains the brewery's policy). The young barman said that they were however "allowed" to top up pints. I said that was just as well 'cos if I didn't get a full pint I wouldn't pay a full price - and if that wasn't acceptable I would leave!
Having said all this, and provided you get your top up, it's a great pub.
20 Feb 2013 11:06
Popped in late Satrurday afternoon after the theatre opposite. Had heard good things about the pub and I wasn't disappointed. Lovely little boozer which hasn't been ruined (Shepherd Neame are not beyond ruining good pubs. The Master Brew was good and there was a good cross section of customers which is exactly what you should find in a decent pub. I noticed speakers around the wall so i wonder if, later in the evening, the dreaded, loud "background" music comes on. As it was there was some low music coming from the speakers -totally unnecessary in a pub like that. Will definitely be back.
21 Jan 2013 14:18
I would certainly have refused a short measure (Sam Smiths pubs are notorious for them)and would have walked out if he had still refused to top it up. Alternatively, as a friend of mine did, you could offer to pay less than the full price. That normally does the trick.
21 Jan 2013 14:06
This used to be a pub a number of years ago. It is now very definitely not a pub. It is a (pricey) restaurant that happens to serve real ale but, unless you are eating, gives you nowhere to drink it.
If you are looking for a country pub - go somewhere else.
14 Jan 2013 15:29
WhenI I moved to Glasgow from London in the 80s it was a real ale desert apart from the Bon Accord. It was the only place that kept us sane. Everywhere else served lager only. In those days the Bon Accord had no windows and a kind of hole in the wall, Presbyterian look about it. As though drinking was sinful. It's all opened up now and looks much like a lot of "upgraded" pubs. But last time I was there it was still the best pub ib Glasgow.
10 Jan 2013 23:25
It's just changed hands. The owner (or leaseholder) doesn't run the pub but has put two people in charge. I hope they change nothing. It's a gem of a pub. No music, real fire, bare tables and beer from the barrel. I know it's Greene King and my view of GK beer is the same as everyone else's, but it really is better from the barrel. No pipes to get dirty etc. yes it would be even better if it were Adnams but as it is it is good.
It's a smashing unspoiled pub and I'm just amazed that GK's 28 year old accountants and marketeers haven't themed it or sold it as a house! Go there before they change their minds!
10 Jan 2013 23:14
Oh God! I've just read this latest review. I have been recommended this pub (from someone who hasn't been for a while)and intended to visit it. But the review below says they now play "unobtrusive" music. There is no such thing. I love listening to music and not talking. Pubs are for talking in and not listening to music.
I've scrubbed this pub off my list and will stick to the Mitre.
10 Jan 2013 13:14
An earlier posting mentions Tiny. Who could forget him?! He ran the place in his own inimitable style and he was one of the reasons that we always went there. In the 70s it was one of the very few real ale outlets in that part of London and that was another reason for going. We went there some time ago as a reunion and were horrified to see the makeover. From being a smashing, characterful, packed pub it had become an empty, gasro wine bar. Yuk. We had one drink and left. Some thinga are better remembered as they were.
8 Jan 2013 13:15
The Hole In The Wall, Waterloo
A long standing favourite meeting place for Twickenham goers. Caters very well for the large match-going crowds. Haven't been there any other time. In fact i assumed that it doesn't exist any other time!
8 Jan 2013 13:09
Oh dear. Visited the pub last night and it was like going into a funeral parlour. There were 3 or 4 people in the right hand bar. None could speak English. A couple of lost souls in the left hand bar. The pub was bare, there was no sign of anyone serving and there appeared to be no beer!! All the beer clips were reversed. Clearly, Fullers are trying to run the place down. Either that, or they are the most incompetent owners possible. No other pub seems to have the problems of the White Horse. Such a tragedy for such a delightful pub. It is now so bad that the days of Nigel running it seem almost to have been its good days - and that's saying something!!!
8 Jan 2013 12:54
The Brocket Arms, Ayot St. Lawrence
Always has been a wonderful pub. Had Sunday lunch there some time ago and the only starters on offer we're light bar meals! Bizarre, and not impressive. The beer is good. The new landlord seems friendly although he dresses as though he is working in a South London bar - hoodie, jeans and trainers. Not appropriate and nothing like his customers. You would think he would realise that.
Still, the pub hasn't been ruined after its makeover and that's something nowadays
4 Jan 2013 23:24
We popped in there pre-theatre on a Friday night and it was perfect. The ale was good and cheap. We also wanted some food but we didn't have much time. The friendly barman promised quick delivery and he was right. A trio of Irish drinkers decided to sing which was a bit retro but harmless.
Will go there again
1 Jan 2013 17:07
Popped in the other lunch time close to the advertised closing time. Didn't expect any food (you know how literal pubs can be) but the barman was most accommodating and welcoming despite the late hour. The Adnams was superb and the sandwiches fresh. Agree with the comments about children in the bar. There really shouldn't be but full marks to the barman
1 Jan 2013 16:45
When I was a youngster I found this pub to be a bit "mature" and intimidating. Now I'm "mature" myself I've grown into it. It's a veritable gem. I was worried that when they started serving food it would change the atmosphere but it doesn't seem to have done. I suppose it's one of the reasons that it is still open. I was very impressed by the previous landlord who always dressed appropriately - a suit on Saturday evenings and sports jacket on Sunday lunchtimes. I haven't been for a while so I hope the standards are being maintained. I especially liked beer being served in jugs (you have to ask for a straight glass if you want it rather than the other way round) and the fact that there is no music (thank God!!) and no children.
I will re-visit soon.
1 Jan 2013 16:31
Used to be an excellent pub where people would meet and actually talk!! It was especially popular with the Guardian staff across the road (now gone). Now it's populated by people whose idea of a good time is to sit in front of a range of giant TV screens and be shouted at.
Won't be going back.
1 Jan 2013 15:44
This used to be the Sugar Loaf and featured in an episode of Minder. It was a decent London boozer. It's now a grim sports bar. To be avoided like the plague.
1 Jan 2013 15:36
Been popping in here for years and, thank goodness, it hasn't changed. Gets very crowded but I'd rather that than it be empty and eventually close like so many other good pubs.
1 Jan 2013 15:30
I agree that EdLondon sounds suspiciously like Sam Smith's PR agent. I think the pub has been well restored however. Putting the partitions back in was a master stroke. The beer is no longer sold at SS's discounts and you really must watch the short measures - which SS are famous for,
1 Jan 2013 15:23
This used to be called Hennekeys and, to be fair to Sam Smiths, they have kept it as it was. The booths are a delight. The beer is pricey for Sam Smiths but all-in-all it's a good pub.
1 Jan 2013 15:15
The restaurant is excellent though pricey. The pub is also excellent and has preserved its identity as a no nonsense boozer. I saw Tim Martin (Weatherspoons) drinking in there which shows he appreciates proper pubs. They'd occasionally serve short measures and have to be asked to top them up (people should always do this). The Youngs label of course is simply just that - a label. The beer is Wells beer from Bedford.
1 Jan 2013 15:09
This used to be a gem when it was a pub. It was visited from far and wide (I lived 10 miles away and used to visit it regularly). It is now a restaurant and not a pub. I walked in some time ago and immediately walked out. It was yet another country pub wrapped round an Islington wine bar. Grim.
1 Jan 2013 14:56
This pub is far too good for a brewer like GK who are interested only in the bottom line. It needs to be run by an enthusiast who understands the needs of the community and who will introduce beer that is worthy of the place.
1 Jan 2013 14:49
The Robin Hood and Little John, Rabley Heath
Lovely pub run by a lovely friendly couple. The beer is excellent and the food is very good and reasonably priced. It's full of locals which gives it a good atmosphere but which can make it a bit cliquey at times.
Worth a visit.
30 Dec 2012 20:29
Excellent pub. Mainly unchanged in 40 years (that's a compliment by the way). The mild is superb (about the only GK beer that is superb).
30 Dec 2012 20:24
The White Horse, Burnham Green
Against my better judgement (which shows my open mindedness!) I revisited the pub a couple of weeks ago. It's now worse. We were the only two drinkers in the pub despite it being "drinking time". The barman didn't know how to pull a pint (I had to ask for it to be topped up) and one of the beers immediately went off. Another member of staff went down to the cellar to "change the barrel". He returned, reversed the beer clip and walked off without a word. I had to therefore order a different beer.
The regular drinkers have all disappeared. It's still an Islington wine bar - but colder. That was definitely my last visit
30 Dec 2012 20:16
Still an excellent boozer. I visit only occasionally and it always seems to be the same. Long may it continue.
30 Dec 2012 20:04
I have been visiting The Lamb for decades. It's a delightful pub physically although, on occasions, it has been let down by the staff. I was there in the week before Christmas on a very busy night and was told that the Ordinary was off! Can you imagine that happening in a Youngs house when they were a brewery!! Their cellar management leaves something to be desired.
30 Dec 2012 19:56
The Skinners Arms, Kings Cross
It's an OK pub. It's definitely a Greene King house with the dreaded, dumbed down IPA dominating. it has a nice coal fire although the pub would be greatly improved if they removed the intrusive and unnecessary TVs. The staff don't understand beer (they're antipodean) and poured me a pint of mild when I ordered bitter. When I pointed this out I was told that mild and bitter were the same! I put him right.
30 Dec 2012 19:49
Many years ago this pub was a gem. The boiled beef and carrots were the best in London. The steaks were also superb, as to be expected given its location. Now itis simply a ghostly reminder of its former glory. Going down the stairs it reminds you of a public street lavatory. Going into the bar doesn't dispel the image! When we visited the real ale was off! I suspect it's always off. The boiled beef was also off (I suspect etc. . .) The place was empty (two working days before Xmas!)whereas everywhere around was full. The barman who is also the waiter was not exactly welcoming. It was cold and dismal. There are far better places around and this place, which is just a brakfast bar, is clearly on its last legs. We won't be returning
21 Dec 2012 13:55
Just a comment about the reviews for this pub. I'm sure all of them are well meant and true. I wonder sometimes though if reviewers are looking at pubs from opposite directions. Restaurant "types" look at the pub as an eating establishment and sometimes make no allowance for the fact that the pub is still a drinking establishment - with all its attendant behavioural issues. Drinkers sometimes regard the diners as intruders and "not pub people". I think this where the clash occurs in the reviews. I have yet to visit this pub (so maybe I shouldn't be posting) but so far the reviews would not put me off. Indded, I'm encouraged by them. The pub lists its real ales (something some pubs don't do which is bizarre if you think about it) which is great. It also seems to have retained its pub atmosphere(some have lost theirs. I will certainly visit when in the area.
28 Nov 2012 11:43
On the strength of these e-mails alone I shall avoid this pub.
13 Jun 2011 17:20
Wonderful pub. It's a real gem and I hope it stays that way. If Sam Smiths, heaven forbid, ever sell it (to Youngs for example) then you can kiss it goodbye because some 28 year old "pub designer" will "rebrand" it in the corporate image irrespective of local tastes. People who appreciate proper pubs should visit it and savour its charming retro atmosphere. It's like being on the set of a 1950s British film when pubs were pubs.
13 Jun 2011 17:13
It is a beautiful pub. I just wish there were more like it. it is however over-priced and I'm horrified (but not surprised) to read the economics below. I just hope the brewery doesn't destroy it. They almost did with the landlord of a few years ago who ran it into the ground.
23 Mar 2011 08:09
It's a good little pub still retaining a traditional feel. They serve a good pint of Adnams and seem to do a good trade. Sunday lunch carvery is good although the choice of veg for a roast is a bit odd - cauliflower cheese?!! The pub would be greatly improved if they didn't switch the dreaded music on. Often there is a middle aged clientele in there and they have to talk above the dreadful "background music". Why do pubs do it and in particular, why does this pub do it?
23 Mar 2011 07:57
The White Horse, Burnham Green
I think the makeover of this pub has been dreadful. I wrote to McMullens and said so but of course I received no reply. It is indeed an Islington wine bar wrapped in a traditional country pub. When I see a country pub I have expectations when I go in. They are sadly dashed here. The bar staff wear the customary London black clothes (where has this fashion come from?) and while they are young and friendly they really belong in a wine bar. The food is expensive. Small children are allowed to run riot in the pub and there is no attempt to control them. One Sunday afternoon I thought I was in a creche!
I won't be rushing back.
23 Mar 2011 07:35
This used to be a wonderful pub with a small bar to the side where you could sit in front of a wonderful inglenook fire. Now, sadly that bar is never used and is uninviting. The rest of the pub is really just a restaurant and the "drinking area" is just for pre-dinner drinks. As "fugglehops" says, the cask beer is unimaginative (where has the marvellous Suffolk Ale that used to be served here gone?) and hugely overpriced (�3.40 per pint) the last time I was here. It is the most expensive pub in the area but without the quality.
I had dinner here recently - Irish Stew and it was the only one I have ever had that did not contain potatoes! Have you ever heard of that before? It was an unsubstantial dish and overpriced.The garden is nice in the summer but that's all.
23 Mar 2011 07:26
The Windsor Castle, Kensington
Nothing wrong with the pub presuming you wished to be served beer in a jug. It's ceratainly no worse than a pub presuming you wished to be served in a straight glass. This is a wonderful, traditional pub and so observes the custom whereby pubs used to have individual glass policies - straight glasses, dimpled jugs, grooved jugs etc. Now everyone simply dumbs down to straights.
I would highyl recommend this marvellous pub. Use it - they are disappearing fast.
11 Mar 2011 11:22
The White Horse, Hertford
We shall see. The problems of running this pub continue and the fault must lie with Fullers. Obviously their contractual terms must militate against a tenant making any money out of the pub. The previous, well meaning and likeable tenants appear to have done a midnight flit. It would see that they couldn't earn a living out of the pub. Now we have the ex publican of the Sow and Pigs in Thunderidge as tenant. His claim to fame was to preside over the closure of the Sow and Pigs - a once fine pub - by running it into the ground. In its last few months it became a shadow of its former self. And now Fullers have charged him - presumably- with turning this pub into a success; or have they. . . . .?
28 Jun 2018 22:03