BITE user comments - back2ploughlane
Comments by back2ploughlane
Popped in just before 10 looking for a pool table to kill an hour as this place is notoriously dead in the week. Our expectations were realised, we were the only people in the place, surprising for such a central location. The one barmaid there couldn't quite contain her disappointment that she had to get up off her seat to serve us. At 10.45 we got "d'ya want another drink" to which we responded no thanks - music off, lights at the bar off, telly's off, barmaid gone. As quick as that. With poor bar staff, zilch atmosphere and a crappy expensive selection every time I have unfortunately frequented this pub it seems like the management and Greene King have thrown in the towel.
6 Jun 2012 15:12
The Willoughby Arms, Kingston Upon Thames
Consistently good ale. Always an upbeat and warm welcome from the landlord, staff and the friendly pub dog. Unfortunately only able to visit a few times a year but always have a great time. Best pub in Kingston.
16 May 2012 00:16
Beer outstanding as usual on my visit again last night. Fantastic variety through gravity and colour. Dark Star revelation was particularly good. The service, though swift, lacked the usual courteous approach I experienced here in the past, but they were ridiculously busy so more than understandable. Always a pleasure to visit.
29 Apr 2012 14:03
Visited about a month ago as for some bizarre reason my mates met up here. We were the only people in the place. A really sad state of affairs and epitomises the downfall of the immediate area around it. Has the potential to be an awesome pub interior wise but looks like everyone has just given up and who wouldn't with the depressing vibe round this part of town. The "games" area by the pool table has crap strewn everywhere and looks like someone has raided a charity shop judging by the amount of VHS tapes and old books kicking about. The fella who seemed to be running it and the attractive girl behind the bar were friendly enough but it must be a real struggle to motivate yourself in such surroundings. Judging by the the standard of the rest of the ambiance decided to skip on the small fizzy beer selection they had and had a go on the house vodka and coke. Think it would be best to put this place out of its misery.
17 Apr 2012 15:00
The Kemble Brewery Inn, Cheltenham
Thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon in the homely Kemble Inn yesterday. The landlord was extremely pleasant and welcoming to us Wimbledon fans down for the game against Cheltenham. A little bit of an effort to find but certainly worth it. Locals were friendly and talkative, beer was very good and competitively priced. Is a real credit to the landlord and is a standard many pubs should aspire to. Will be looking forward to coming here again if both teams are in the same division next season. Lovely pub.
22 Feb 2012 13:46
Terrible news regarding the fire that took place at The Junction on Saturday night. Fortunately no one was injured. I was by no means a regular, probably visited a dozen times a year usually on my way from the station towards the valley, but always received a warm welcome and a top quality pint. It defied the Greene King trend of awful pubs. Heres wishing the landlord and landlady well and genuinely hope to see the pub up and running again in the not too distant future.
21 Feb 2012 01:55
Best pub of the day yesterday on our mini crawl round bath. Exceptionally polite fella behind the bar. Had couple of pints of the honey cider which was cracking. Locals were friendly and caused me and my mate to chuckle on more than a couple of occasions with the banter between em. Good mix of young and old. Warm and welcoming, defiantly worth the effort to seek out.
3 Feb 2012 14:15
Disappointing. Heard some great things about this pub some even saying its the best in Bath. I unfortunately cant share that view after my visit yesterday. Lady behind the bar was far from welcoming verging on rude. Felt like she was doing me a huge favor when she took my food order. Food was decent though, despite the experience of ordering. My mate was made to wait while she carried on talking to a fella at the bar. Despite giving him eye contact several times and he having a ten pound note in his hand after 5 minutes she came out with "oh, didn't see you there". As for the beer was hitting on average and think both ales we tried could have been on their way out which is nobody's fault. All in all I understand it was a quiet Thursday afternoon and there were some obnoxious Americans upstairs and as a couple of 26 year old lads it could be assumed we were other tourists bumbling into this establishment, but I visit Bath often and my mate now lives a mile away. We are polite guys who like our ales, so a bit of a warmer welcome could in the future could go a long way to getting some repeat custom.
3 Feb 2012 14:08
The Charles Darwin, Shrewsbury
Stopped here about 6 weeks back with fellow Wimbledon fans pre our game at Shrewsbury F.C. Pleasantly surprised. Does not look much from the outside but clean and tidy with friendly chatty staff. Lots of screens showing the football but this wasn't over bearing. Banks bitter was only �2.50 if I remember rightly. The all day breakfast was �2.99 and although not a culinary masterpiece you will be hard pressed to find better value food round. Landlord/manager happily let us leave our car there during the game and wished us all the best on our way out. Was told there is much better pubs in the city center, but this is ideal if you are driving to the game and just fancy a couple of pints pre-match without the bother of going right into the city.
13 Dec 2011 02:50
Pints of fizzy junk at �2 a go. Washed out old fellas stumbling about, dirty looks as you enter. Pushchairs and kiddies running about and a deliver to the door drug dealer. All in all not a great experience. Girls at the bar were pleasant but that was about it. Not a place for the non local such as myself.
1 Dec 2011 01:35
Decent pub, although obviously geared a bit towards the tourist trade it still serves a great pint and I have always received a warm welcome from those behind the bar. Am at the moment finding it a slightly better option cost and quality wise than the usually fantastic Black Boy.
1 Dec 2011 01:25
Devonshire Arms, Burton-Upon-Trent
Cracking clean and warm pub with great, helpful staff who were very welcoming to us Wimbledon fans last week. Is handily only a 2-3 minute walk from the station. Thoroughly enjoyed both of the Burton brewery ales that were on. The fella behind the bar was very knowledgeable and more than willing to give tasters. Food comes from the cafe down the road and a special mention to the monster breakfast sandwich we got from there, deary me for a tenner its a sight to behold and fed 6 of us! Have stopped off at many pubs over the years following the mighty Wombles and this is definitely one of the best.
1 Dec 2011 01:14
Stopped in here for a pre-match meal and pint after a long drive from Southampton (22/08/09). Was staying in the Altrincham lodge hotel located directly behind for the evening, was up for the Wimbledon game. Saw the menu and reviews, and feared the worst, but was pleasantly surprised. Really polite and diligent staff. A decent selection behind the bar, couple of real ales and the usual suspects. Timothy Taylor was in good nick. Gambled on the two steaks for �10 and was stunning for the price, could not fault it at all. Locals seemed a bit intimidating but were very chatty and welcoming. Lots of tellys about which was ideal for the cricket. Default modern pub interior but all things considered, pretty good!
23 Aug 2009 23:16
Stopped in Saturday evening (22/08/09) after traveling up to Alty for the footie, following Wimbledon. Was recommended to us earlier in the day, and have to say had a cracking time here. Good choice behind the bar, real ales and a large range of spirits. The lady and gent who run the place as well as the fellas behind the bad were polite and very accommodating to my dad and I and happily coped with a group of very pleasant but very vocal Wimbledon fans. Agree, there was a bit of an odd mix of age groups, but everyone was welcoming and up for a chat. Have to also recommend the Indian restaurant next door which we were very kindly taken too by a couple of Manchester United fans we met here. All in all, a great night and a decent pub.
23 Aug 2009 23:02
Finally visited after many recommendations and what a cracking a pub. The interior is certainly interesting but is a great talking point. Great selection at the bar summer lightening and swift one in very good order. Staff are young but extremely diligent and polite. Good mix of age groups, not the typical "real ale" older crowd. Only minor problem, but it is due to the location is the price. Not much change from a tenner for two pints, but more than reasonable for quality of the pint and pub. Good beer garden/smoking area, foresee many lazy football free Saturdays here in the next few weeks. If you haven't been defiantly make the effort.
7 Jun 2009 23:40
Stopped in for a few drinks with my dad pre the AFC Wimbledon game against Hampton, mainly as it was the nearest pub from the station. Despite the revelations below and having next to no booze behind the bar, had to say I had a good laugh and was made to feel very welcome by all the French fellas behind the bar. Patrick was a true gent, but can imagine this place isn't the best day to day. But still, enjoyed my visit!
27 Apr 2009 22:58
The Bishop On The Bridge, Winchester
Was always avoided amongst my friends when in Winchester for always being labeled pretentious and expensive. But went there a fortnight ago and was surprised by how pleasant it was. Staff very polite and a quick service considering it was a Friday night. Beer quality wasn't bad, but only had the peroni as I had started the evening on that. Modern decor but quite inviting and warm. Well defiantly go back.
9 Mar 2009 18:07
Another lovely time in the royal oak on Saturday (07/03/09). Stopped off on the way to weston super mare for the football. Was waiting outside at quarter to 12, didn't open till 20 past, but certainly worth the wait. All the beer kept brilliantly with a great selection. Art brew was top notch as before. Comfortable atmosphere, guy behind the bar helpful and polite. Had a chat with a couple of really nice fellas about Wimbledon F.C. All in all pretty much bliss for me, shame we were only there for an hour! Honestly cannot recommended this pub enough. Wish more places would use the royal oak as an example of how to run a pub. Brought the father along this time, and he also enjoyed. Will be back to Bath again soon, but only to come to the royal oak!
9 Mar 2009 17:51
Farly modern interior. As stated no real ales or anything decent on tap except the usual suspects, that said what they do have is reasonably priced. Very good pub for a pre and post match pint. Has loads of screens showing pretty much everything and the food is certainly acceptable. Been here a couple of times in the last year and can't complain.
18 Jan 2009 23:57
Bar is fairly decent, and they do have some good offers during the week. Right in the middle of all the other usually packed bars, so can be a good option on a night out. Biggest downfall is (or now hopefully was) the doorman with tattoos all over his face. Extremely unpleasant fella, but lets leave it at that. Other than that, this place ain't half bad.
3 Jan 2009 02:19
Cracking pub. Great selection of ales and ciders. Isn't the cleanest of places, but the best pubs never are! Lone barman stayed chirpy even though he was up against it after being inundated with us Wimbledon fans. Would love this place to be my local.
28 Dec 2008 00:15
Family used to be a regular here for both pub and the restaurant element. Unfortunatly no longer go there after a dispute with the lanladys son over a valid problem with a meal (can assure you, we are not the complaining type having been in the service industry all our lives). After a rude response he continued to sit with his friends for the rest of the night taking the mick, shocking as the large party we were with had spent a fortune in this place that night and many times before. This was about a year ago now, but every time before this the pub had always been at the least reasonable.
8 Nov 2008 02:13
Nil atmopshere and a poor selection at the bar and what they had was pricey. Nether looks like a pub or a restaurant. Am in no way a pureist in beer quality, but the pint I had here wasn't great. Think this is the place for people with more money than sense.
8 Nov 2008 02:01
Fairly nice pub. Seems to be more food orientated. Got the locals giving me the stare a bit as I came through the door, but the staff were extremely pleasant. Cosy set up and a decent selection. Think this is a place to come for a couple of pints and a meal not so much a full on knees up.
8 Nov 2008 01:51
Quite decent. Went to go and see a friends gig there, and although clearly not a music venue it wasn't bad. 'Not too exspensive either. Can do worse in winch.
8 Nov 2008 01:46
Kingsmeadow, Kingston upon Thames
Although I am an AFC Wimbledon supporter so my opinion may be a bit tinted, have to say this bar is run fantastically. Good selection and good service even at busy times. The guiness is of a great quality. Always comfortable before and after the match for both home and away fans.
6 Nov 2008 00:19
Thursday nights buy one get one free on cocktails and pizza is worth a go, doesn't get too busy either. Comfortable atmosphere although the music is just about bearable at times. Best of luck if you go there on a sautrday night, like the rest of bedford place, is beyond rammed.
14 Oct 2008 01:00
For a Spoons its not bad. Staff were always friendly and quite a decent crowd in there during the week. Would avoid on a saturday night though, the local living dead come alive and make it unbearable. Made the mistake of eating there once, never again!
14 Oct 2008 00:52
Suprised this place gets so busy. Went there to watch the football about 8 months ago. Place was rammed and only had carling and strongbow on and the barman wasn't going to win a charm award for the pleasant way he explained this to me. Atmopshere seemed quite tense as well which suprised me. There are better bars and pubs in a short walking distance.
14 Oct 2008 00:43
As already stated, does get busy and is quite pricey considering the standard and selection of the beers. But is one of the better places to drink in the area with a decent atmopshere.
14 Oct 2008 00:36
Decent food, the burgers were bloody huge and tasty, cheap n'all. Forgot wetherspoons when your hungry. Relaxed atmosphere, pleasant staff and also has a good mix of people. Very good music which is on the alternative vibe. One of the better bars in Southampton.
14 Oct 2008 00:30
Being next to the grotty east street shopping centre and not being in the most desirable part of town, you would expect the worst. But have to say, this was my favourite pub in Southampton. Lived in the halls of residence across the road and had some fantastic nights here. Students and locals mixed brilliantly, never a hint of trouble. Good entertaiment, decent food and a good place to watch the football, especially when Liverpool were playing for some reason. Also a good location for home Southampton fans on matchdays (you need a good drink after watching them I assume)! Bar staff were always friendly as were the landlord and land lady. Always a few drinks offers on the go through the week as well. Make a point of going back there every time me and my mates are back in Southampton. Good pub.
14 Oct 2008 00:16
The Monksbrook, Chandlers Ford
This pub has become my local over the last 2-3 years and I find it very welcoming. Fanastic atmosphere for the football and not at all in a intimidating way. Equally as good for a quick one on the way home from work or to catch up with somone. Always a wide range of people there and all the bar staff are polite and helpful. Beer selection and quality has steadily improved and the price ain't bad comapred to the other pubs in the area. Can honestly say I have never had a bad time down the monks.
14 Oct 2008 00:03
Back to back2ploughlane's profile
The Bulls Head, Burslem
Exceptional pub. All the Titanic Ales were on peak form (the plum porter and iceberg especially) plus there were various other ales from different breweries available. The care and consideration for the customer is faultless - from the excellent condition of the beer to the banter from the fella doing the burgers (in the pouring rain I hasten to add) even the cleanliness of the toilets all made for a great evening. Me and my old man travel the country following Wimbledon and rarely come across a pub that makes such an effort - a real gem and a real credit to the pleasant locals, staff and the extremely friendly & talkative manager Bob (top man). Such a shame it looks like the Vale are going up and we won't be able to go next year! 10/10.
7 Feb 2013 01:59