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Comments by aboukir

The Tappit Hen, Dunblane

This is the jewel in Dunblane and leaves the other pubs in its wake. Unlike the Dunblane Hotel it is open all day and has 5 real ales available for customers at any one time. Has a blackboard giving details of what is being poured and what is due to be served next.

Only serves toasties so if you are looking for anything more substantial you are going to be out of luck.

Refurbished a couple of years or so ago, this is a clean, welcoming and well-run establishment serving some good ales.

5 Jan 2017 16:43

Dunblane Hotel, Dunblane

In 2009 I raved about this pub, but not now. The 2009 landlord retired and the licence was taken over by a couple who tried their best which unfortunately was not good enough. It has been without a licensee for at least two years and is run by a manager put in by the owners Punch Taverns who promised some time ago to refurbish it. And how it needs refurbishment!

It can easily claim to be the worst pub in Dunblane and is best avoided. Now opens at 4.00pm on Mondays to Fridays. Food is no longer served at any time.

Punch Taverns really do need to pull their finger and invest some much needed money into this place NOW!

I'll give it a "1" for its couple of real ales.

5 Jan 2017 16:37

The Red Lion Inn, Doune

Small pub without frills but very comfortable. Has one hand pump on which sees a variety of ales especially those coming from Orkney.

Has a separate dining room which is open for lunch in the summer months (but not lunch in winter). Good menu with reasonably priced fare.

4 Jun 2014 14:57

Cross Keys Hotel, Kippen

This has the advantage over the Inn at Kippen in that it has a couple of decent real ales on draught. The 1703 was excellent.

Have yet to sample the food.

4 Jun 2014 14:51

The Inn at Kippen, Kippen

Nicely appointed clean pub with friendly bartender. Lunch a little expensive but made up for that in quality and quantity.

Only real ale is in bottles! This place would attract trade from far and wide if it had a few handpumps.

4 Jun 2014 14:49

The Old Post Office, Linlithgow

Bog standard large pub with unexceptional ale. Food though was very good.

4 Jun 2014 14:46

No 2 Baker Street, Stirling

Having visited this pub on several occasions recently, I am content to revise my views of the service offered. Remaining a Belhaven establishment, the pub now has new staff and a new manager. As a consequence, standards have soared. Congratulations to all concerned!

17 Feb 2013 19:06

Reverie, Edinburgh

The official address for this establishment is 1-5 Newington Road, Edinburgh, with the postcode shown. It is nothing to do with Duke Street.

First visit yesterday - lunch for 9. Good selection of food. Deuchars on tap. Food excellent even though it took a little longer than expected to appear. Worth waiting for, especially the fish and chips. My friend's bowl of mussels was much enjoyed also.

17 Feb 2013 18:59

Stratfords Bar, Edinburgh

Ideally situated for access to Tynecastle and is busy when Hearts play at home. Bar is staffed to ensure that you do not have long to wait to get served.

Worth a visit.

8 Jan 2012 09:22

Capital Asset, Perth

A typical Wetherspoons with the usual route-march to the loos up umpteen flights of stairs.

Food was excellent washed down with pints of Old Boss from Moorhouse Brewery in Burnley in Lancs.

25 Sep 2011 19:47

The Tutties Neuk Inn, Arbroath

This pub is virtually a shrine for all visiting football supporters located as it is on the opposite side of the road to Arbroath FC - literally one minute away!

The establishment has always been welcoming when I have visited, and the Arbroath FC customers are friendly.

There is a restaurant abutting the lounge bar although I have never eaten there.

A must for all visiting football supporters and much revered across Scotland.

22 Jun 2011 19:49

Corn Exchange, Arbroath

Have visited this place many times - the most recent being earlier this month.

The range of ales never fails to impress - all at competitive prices.

A clean and spacious place - the food is prepared to a high standard. The roast beef was excellent and is recommended.

22 Jun 2011 10:50

Capitol, Dundee

Visited during a Thursday afternoon so not too busy. Range of ales is disappointing compared to the other Wetherspoons' Dundee establishment -the Counting House in Reform Street.

In complete contrast to the Counting House, the Capitol is bright and airy and you get a "lift" merely by walking into the place. THe CH is depressing.

Sampled the best rump steak I think I have ever had in a Wetherspoons' pub.

22 Jun 2011 10:46

The Counting House, Dundee

A drab place very much in keeping with Dundee which I have never taken to.

In terms of decor, it is probably one of the worst Wetherspoons I have visited (and I have visited a few). It is badly in need of a facelift/refurbishment.

All that said, it has a good range of ales - far better than Wetherspoons other Dundee outlet - the Capitol.

22 Jun 2011 10:39

The Halfway House, Edinburgh

Visited for the first time last Sunday lunchtime. Very quiet, ample space to sit down and enjoy a couple of pints of excellent Game Bird brewed in the Borders.

Would imagine this pub, which claims to be the smallest in Edinburgh, would get very busy during the week.

Did not sample the food but others sitting down were heard to comment favourably. Just one lady serving and doing the food - obviously pre-prepared and microwaved - which is very much Scottish-based fare.

22 Jun 2011 10:32

O'Neill's, Stirling

This establishment has an identity crisis. From O'Neill's it became Niall's for a while and recently changed to Molly Malone's.

Irish-themed obviously but what is going on?

22 Jun 2011 10:21

No 2 Baker Street, Stirling

A visit to this establishment last Saturday lunchtime resulted in punters typically having to wait 10 minutes to get served. You would die of thirst meantime!

Why is it that only one person was on duty behind the bar - to attend to drinks and food?

If you want reasonable service, give this place a wide berth.

28 Mar 2011 17:41

Carron Works, Falkirk

Revisited the establishment today and discovered a far wider range of beers/lagers/ciders than hitherto (see my previous review).

Am content to increase the rating of this place.

17 Mar 2011 17:36

The Three Locks, Stoke Hammond

A pub with no beer!

A visit last week found that they had just about run out of real ale across a range of brews. Apparently they were awaiting a delivery! What kind of establishment leaves their stocks to dwindle to the point where thirsty customers' needs are unfulfilled? Fortunately, Guinness was still available.

Food was ok - a good bowl of soup - but not exceptional.

27 Feb 2011 09:16

Old Swan Cheddington, Cheddington

Arrived at the Old Swan having been denied even a serving of sandwiches at 14.05 by the Three Horseshoes up the road from here. 6 hungry and thirsty walkers anxious to spend a good bit of cash.

Excellent hot lunch ordered at 14.20 hours, excellent beer, served with a welcoming smile. Went out of their way to accommodate said walking party.

Well done, Old Swan! You certainly put the Three Horseshoes to shame and as a consequence you got a handy three figure sum of revenue which the TH could have had, had they had the interests of customers at heart.

Clearly the Old Swan is the better pub in Cheddington!

6 Feb 2011 18:48

The Three Horseshoes, Cheddington

Picture this!
A party of six (hungry and thirsty) having walked from Tring arrive here at 14.05 � 5 minutes too late for a hot lunch. �Too late� they are informed. OK, fair enough, it does say that there is a 14.00 deadline for serving hot lunches. So what about some sandwiches � surely something can be rustled up? Certainly not!

Exit left by the party of six who head for the Old Swan a short walk down the road. Greeted by a friendly lady � happy to accommodate you and, yes, no problem with serving you a nice hot lunch. Party of six have excellent lunch and decide to stay for the afternoon, spending a not insubstantial three-figure sum in the process. A good time had by all.

We now know which is the better pub in Cheddington and which will go out of its way to see to customer needs.

I leave you to make the judgement. For our part we will not be gracing the doorstep of the Three Horseshoes ever again.

6 Feb 2011 18:45

The Balhadie Inn, Doune

This pub has been closed for several years and should be removed from this website.

23 Jan 2011 09:55

The Munns Vaults, Glasgow

The bar can best be described as very down to earth - a real Glasgow affair - but the staff are friendly.

Have used this place when visiting Firhill to watch my team play Partick Thistle. The natives have always been friendly.

Last Saturday decided to make use of the lounge. As "away" fans we were unexpectedly treated to trays of (very) hot scotch pies which were provided gratis by the management who are evidently anxious to get "away" supporters in to drink copious amounts of alcohol, Nice touch - we weren't complaining!

19 Jan 2011 16:34

Carron Works, Falkirk

A bog standard Wetherspoons (why is a visit to the loo nearly always a route march at these places?).

Service was fine but limited range of ales.

13 Jan 2011 17:43

The Springkerse View, Stirling

Is more of a restaurant than a pub so diners tend to take priority over the drinkers and as a consequence drinkers awaiting service might have to wait to get served.

29 Nov 2010 17:39

O'Neill's, Stirling

Have been a frequent visitor on late Saturday afternoons after watching games at Forthbank. Very busy and a little noisy but the service is second to none with 4-5 staff hovering to pour you a Guinness - take your pick from regular, extra cold or red.

One of the better Stirling boozers!

29 Nov 2010 17:36

Jinglin' Geordie, Edinburgh

Comfortable pub to relax in before catching the train across the road in Waverley station. Beers are unremarkable, though. Staff civil.

29 Nov 2010 17:20

The Prince of Wales Feathers, Warren Street

Been done up since my last visit many years ago.

Welcoming barmaid made you feel at home. Went for the Peroni which was fine apart from the �4/pint price which I thought was on the expensive side.

WIll return when I have a chance, to sample the other wares.

2 Nov 2010 19:41

The Euston Flyer, Euston

After the shambles that is O'Neills 30 yards away (see my review) this is a well run establishment with a wide range of good beers albeit a little on the expensive side - but beggars can't be choosers when time is at a premium with your train due to leave in 45 minutes.

Sampled the Fullers ESB and I was not disappointed. Breakfasts being tucked into with relish by others when I was there at 11.20 last Friday morning.

Recommended!

2 Nov 2010 19:37

O'Neills, Euston Road

This place is a disaster zone that is best avoided!

It is the nearest pub to St Pancras International where there are few bars (apart from a poncey champers and oyster affair which is expensively priced).

Thus, O'Neills is always very busy as it was last Friday morning when I popped in at 11.15. Only one person serving behind the bar with a "bus-stop" style queue of 8 persons waiting to be served including food orders taken. She took 3 minutes to pour two pints at which point I hightailed it out of the joint. Evidently a poorly-managed managed pub.

Best head for the Euston Flyer 30 yards up Euston Road (towards Euston) - it is a far better prospect than the shambles that is O'Neills.

2 Nov 2010 19:30

The Gunners, Highbury

If you want to see the Arsenal memorabilia (of which there is much) best visit on a non-matchday when you can browse to your heart's content.

I visited on a matchday last weekend and it was very busy. Not a place to have a conversation with much loud music and an intellectually-challenged compere whose sole aim seemed to be to whip the fans into a frenzy.

Bar staff coped admirably with orders coming from all directions - no complaint re service. A bog-standard working class boozer.

2 Nov 2010 18:33

The Coronet, Holloway

Visited after an Arsenal/West Ham derby game, aim being to let the queues for public transport work themselves out.

Had to show proof that we had been to the Emirates to three large bouncers on the door but they were friendly enough.

Massive in size but plenty of staff on duty and got served immediately. Got a table within 5 minutes of entering. A typical Wetherspoons, but I'm not complaining!

2 Nov 2010 18:04

The Three Wishes, North Harrow

Sunday night visit - uncrowded. Barmaid could have smiled a little more and been more welcoming - seemed to be the only staff on duty.

Music folksey but too high a volume - competing with spanish football on the big screens.

Formerly a Wetherspoon pub - layout has changed little from that regime.

Comfortable - but smile, girl, smile!

2 Nov 2010 17:55

The Bloomsbury Tavern, Bloomsbury

Visited last Friday lunchtime - was busy but not overly so. Stayed in the bar downstairs and used two comfortable bar stools.

We took the oranjiboom followed by the Japanese Asahi and Whitstable Bay (Shepherd Neame). Couldn't fault the quality or the service. We had two nice sandwiches with very fresh bread and well-presented.

A cut above the pubs in the vicinity.

2 Nov 2010 17:49

The Pot Still, Glasgow

Have been frequenting the place on and off for the past 27 years - even when it was known as the Cask & Still. Paid a visit late yesterday afternoon for the first time for nearly a year. Two young barmen on duty - served efficiently and politely - they were replaced early evening by two very cheerful female staff who - an added bonus - served me Deuchars with a smile!

Background music played but not at all intrusive. All too often in Glasgow City Centre pubs the music is so loud you have to shout to converse, but not at the Pot Still. Place got busy soon after 17.00 when the offices turned out but still seating available and service did not wane.

Whisky tastings can be arranged upon notification - or so an interior sign says.

Believe food is only available at lunchtime.

17 Dec 2009 15:19

The Leefe Robinson VC, Harrow Weald

Readers should note that this place has now re-opened under the Miller and Carter banner having been acquired from Beefeater and been refurbished on a major scale. Have yet to visit under the new ownership, however.

10 Dec 2009 15:43

Dykes Stables, Stenhousemuir

Have only sampled the place one Saturday lunchtime. Service could have been a little more attentive. Restaurant area was not in use so we used the bar at the rear where we had drinks only. A bog-standard pub but a cut above other establishments in the Stenhousemuir area!

7 Dec 2009 17:36

Dunblane Hotel, Dunblane

A short walk from the rail station, this is a well-run pub which has attracted awards over the years for its cellarage. Its lounge has Abbot Ale and Timothy Taylor Landlord as permanent features and in addition it has two guest real ales which vary from week to week. Food is served in the lounge and is generally value for money.

Additionally there is a small bar which is popular when live football is being shown. Also has a veranda overlooking the river where smokers tend to gravitate. The landlord sets high standards which his bar staff are expected to meet and thus the customer experience is likely to be satisfying.

7 Dec 2009 17:29

O'Neill's, Stirling

An Irish themed pub with a standard menu with good pub-type grub. TV screens abound and is a popular place for followers of Rugby Union.

Service is attentive during busy times unlike "No.2 Baker Street" a short distance away. Ideal for a quick pint of Guinness.

7 Dec 2009 17:20

No 2 Baker Street, Stirling

A Belhaven-owned pub which is well-known in Stirling for a good variety of real ales but sadly it has gone downhill in the second half of 2009, mainly due to the lack of an effective manager in situ. Service from staff is frequently poor and thirsty punters are left waiting while bar staff fiddle around making tea or coffee. Belhaven need to decide if the place should be a pub or a cafe - it cannot be both. If you are looking to get served with a quick pint, this is probably not the place for you.

7 Dec 2009 17:12

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