BITE user comments - brewmason
Comments by brewmason
Seems to be run by two young Irish guys now, who seem to delight in talking to themselves. Beer standards are low - but not as bad as service quality. How Fullers can allow this well located pub to continue underperforming, is anyone"s guess!
2 May 2019 17:20
Invisible management allows a few loudmouthed barmaids to converse with their local mates - to the detriment of customer service and efficiency.
9 Jan 2019 14:14
The Blue Pig Inn, Lower Fagley
Yes, I've frequently taken buses and trains - to old pubs of mine, which were no longer trading. This site has helped, because so many are gone - particularly up north.
4 Sep 2018 17:44
Called in recently during the day.
The barmaid - having her lunch behind the bar - had no interest in me.
But eventually she went do find a duty barperson , outside the side door - having a fag break.
As I immediately left, I don't know if that employee ever entered the bar.
29 Aug 2018 09:57
Fallen on hard times, like Derby Square generally.
Attracts a loud redneck brigade during the day, and the staff are well below par.
Be surprised if it makes Christmas trading.
29 Aug 2018 09:50
New owner working on refurbishment - will reopen in September.
17 Aug 2017 14:18
For a central Epsom pub, this place has big problems - not least with inept staff. Open sometimes, sometimes not; often half open.
Drugs could well be in the mix. Capable management is not; thankfully, there''s a few decent establishments nearby.
16 Aug 2017 08:55
And The Hatch is boarded up, with The Limes under serious threat of redevelopment. In Reigate, the White Hart is now a restaurant and the Nutley Hall has been converted into flats.
14 Apr 2017 10:47
Miniscule gay pub, at the back of the Metropole Hotel.
The manager had a very successful personality bypass.
Very little to offer, except a few old theatre posters.
26 Dec 2016 16:08
Interesting weald.
Yes the Wetherspoon (Sun) has taken 90% of Redhill's pub business.
I'm told they're looking at this venue, at the other end of the long High Street.
Big enough premises - and ticks a lot of 'spoon' boxes.
Like near a station and McDonald's.
22 Dec 2016 18:09
Handy place to meet up - adjacent to the bus and train stations.
Not today though, closed.
Odd in Christmas week.
22 Dec 2016 17:59
This pub has improved greatly following a refurbishment, and the introduction of new management - two Irish chaps.
Beer quality, hygiene and service is better - and the calibre of customer has become different/upgraded.
Sky Sports is usually on - and food is to be available gain, very soon!
17 Oct 2016 09:32
Needs a makeover - to attract custom from the massive new Waitrose, next door.
Particularly as Waitrose provides 2 hours free parking!
Fine beer garden with Ranmore Common views, with decking at the rear.
Still has an almost 60s type decor though.
17 Oct 2016 09:18
Fine Wetherspoon - and always very busy with locals, shoppers and holiday people.
Massive building and capacity, with an elegant air - and centrally located.
Probably the busiest/most popular pub in Brighton.
17 Oct 2016 08:59
Deserted Sunday lunchtime, although food is available.
Little atmosphere - with better pubs/food outlets nearby.
Certainly - 'could try harder'.
17 Oct 2016 08:39
The Royal Pavilion Tavern, Brighton
Absolutely dire pub - with low calibre staff, awful beer and poor hygiene standards.
Interest has been lost by the owners, as the building and location are both good.
DSS type customers, in the main. Avoid.
17 Oct 2016 08:32
Yet another refurbishment commenced, although it remains busy/trading.
17 Oct 2016 07:51
Planning application in to turn this Estate pub into flats.
17 Oct 2016 07:40
Now old slerpy posts about another pub - on the Hope page!
Drunk or dementia?
14 Oct 2016 21:46
Major refurb being carried out.
Opening, again, February 2017.
Same company as The Pheasant at Buckland.
13 Oct 2016 14:26
Agree with last poster. But some of the young barmen love the sound of their own voices - and frequently bore the customers to coma status.
11 Oct 2016 18:24
Looking sad, and still shut.
Would cost a lot to bring back, from the dead...
13 Sep 2016 17:43
At last, a new young governor who actually works - unlike his lazy predecessor.
Things can only be better.
4 Sep 2016 17:51
Excellent beer, served by people who know about it. Yes a bit of banter, but it takes nothing away from a good pub.
The wide choice of burgers is admirable, and the quality is the best in town. Also, it's the nearest pub to the fine cinema and park.
2 Sep 2016 14:31
The Druid's Head, Kingston Upon Thames
Reopened.
Nothing major in the refurbishment, as far as I can see.
But still a pleasant boozer, on the Market Place in the town centre.
2 Sep 2016 14:16
The last poster typed that this Estate pub might be the best in Surrey!
Best maybe for chavs and tattoos.
29 Aug 2016 11:01
The Forresters Arms, Guildford
Stroller - this pub was posted as being closed, four years ago.
Been inside again?
28 Aug 2016 16:14
Good pub, with excellent food and entertainment. Friendly staff and a beer garden suntrap.
2 Aug 2016 14:04
Builders in - and first floor is being incorporated into the pub (I'm told).
Expected to reopen at the end of this month.
18 Feb 2016 10:52
The previous poster should try a dating site - rather than a pub/beer one!
Well above average Wetherspoon, and well managed. Good location and excellent beer quality.
And a great full English breakfast for £3.09.
24 Jan 2016 22:16
Three years since the last post - and the place has gone down hill badly. Inept staff, high prices and poor management.
24 Jan 2016 19:17
Yes, its hard to imagine a worse pub, with dire (or no) management. The governor (Steve or Pete?) is lazy and useless. And the staff are untrained. Was in there last week: Never again.
22 Jan 2016 11:49
The governor here will do little, in terms of work. No matter how busy it gets.
Odd...
6 Oct 2015 10:46
'Stating the obvious'
When kind people tell us about pubs that are shut!
That servingwench comment should go down in BITE folklore - as the stupidest, ever.
18 Jun 2014 17:42
Quiet right scrump
Poor old slerpy will be marking bins next
Ale and age have caught him up
16 Sep 2013 11:45
Closed today. No opening hours sign. What a way to reopen what was/is the worst pub in East Surrey! Wrong Manager, again??
1 Sep 2013 21:46
Vic seems to have miffed poor old slerpy - the only chap in the UK who drinks Greensands bitter from Yoevil brewery (and has to tell us all about it!)
Sadly neither drink nor brewery exists....
19 Aug 2013 09:52
Many of us - in Brasted, and elsewhere - are following this 'debate' for many reasons.
24 Jul 2013 22:42
The Fox on the Hill, Lower Kingswood
Yes - now an Indian restaurant, although it does have a separate bar. But the service and beers are awful. To be avoided.
14 Jul 2013 16:26
dragon...why does a layabout insult a working/married man?
6 Jun 2013 22:14
First class snides is apt - hopp. And neither can spell.
30 May 2013 11:22
Already reported, tales. Now 'loooooooooool' (!?) wants to chat.......
26 May 2013 14:27
Yes - these two clowns are well known in Sutton. Their stupid posts and inability to spell show their low standards. BITE and Sutton would be better off if they went into the Home for the Bewildered, as soon as possible.
26 May 2013 10:43
Yes - these two clowns are well known in Sutton. Their stupid posts and inability to spell show their low standards. BITE and Sutton would be better off if they went into the Home for the Bewildered, as soon as possible.
26 May 2013 10:43
Yes - these two clowns are well known in Sutton. Their stupid posts and inability to spell show their low standards. BITE and Sutton would be better off if they went into the Home for the Bewildered, as soon as possible.
26 May 2013 10:43
Yes - these two clowns are well known in Sutton. Their stupid posts and inability to spell show their low standards. BITE and Sutton would be better off if they went into the Home for the Bewildered, as soon as possible.
26 May 2013 10:43
Yes - these two clowns are well known in Sutton. Their stupid posts and inability to spell show their low standards. BITE and Sutton would be better off if they went into the Home for the Bewildered, as soon as possible.
26 May 2013 10:43
Yes Randolf - I've noticed this mother/baby/2 bloke ritual for a while now. Not on, in any decent pub!
They just use the (vague) system of management in the pub, and smile when people comment about their pale little person. Just like others, about their dogs.
Why don't they go elsewhere - home, maybe?
Or, is feeding and washing babies a new way to get business, Ian?
26 Feb 2013 21:35
Only been there - early evening, after work.
Nobody in the place, no atmosphere/bored staff, no food, no imagination, no future......
16 Oct 2012 22:10
Trading as normal, of course. Quite busy today - had a few nice beers at lunchtime. Poland game showing live tonight. Good pub with pleasant people.
16 Oct 2012 14:58
I avoid spoons 'cause of their children policy. They don't mind and I don't try to change them. Easy to find a child free local - with TV sport, pool and music.
4 Oct 2012 10:14
1959, the answer is simple. If you don't like the staff, customers, service, music and atmosphere - don't go in! And you're the first person EVER I saw moaning about the food being cheap; most people on this site talk/type about pub food being far too expensive.
20 Aug 2012 12:54
Closing on Sunday (July 29/2012).....awful place. The TV mob have gone already......
25 Jul 2012 21:54
Harveys is fine. But try a large vodka (50ml) and a dash here; its well over �6!
Down the road, its about half that...
3 Jul 2012 23:28
Yeah, this place has been lacking ice for weeks. Some bright JDW spark today decided 'why don't we just ask the pub down the road for some?'
Problem solved
Not three bright in here, management-wise
3 Jul 2012 21:56
A mistake letting an alcoholic bore (who THINKS he's popular!) take over a fine refurbished pub in the middle of a class Surrey town. I was in there during the week where Alan + dog often are the meeters and greeters! Only 53, Alan might get a job - and not sponge off Reigate publicans and women with places where he could live........
18 Mar 2012 18:57
Ladself says he is not barred from any Whitstable pub. You are now! From here.
The Wall Management.
5 Jan 2012 13:35
red...a well known local 'woman'
is barred from the plucker
and many more......
5 Dec 2011 21:29
May be for a short time only - but currently has 2 meals for �5!
Cod, pies etc. On Reigate's High Street.
Good quality and portions. Better than Harvester.........
25 Oct 2011 21:40
Coat...are these chaps really wrong?
BYO food may be a good idea - but who clears up?
NOT the punter............................ or staff!
25 Oct 2011 21:28
Good pub - but staff often learning and, as said before, short changing is quite usual.'Small, bald bloke?' - yes doom, there is one... honest!
18 Oct 2011 11:55
What is a cameel? The BYO food concept is interesting - just a way to save some space; but blokes have been sitting next to me eating KFC's and kebabs and there's nowhere to hide. Doesn't help beer drinking. JDW's aren't bad - but sadly, none in Dorking. Yet.
14 Oct 2011 09:31
Awful place. Strong rumour about that Wetherspoons are to take over soon; anything would be better than the bored/texting Monica and the intellectually challenged Ben and Nick.
14 Jan 2011 00:02
The Kings Arms, Saffron Walden
The same low standards still exist; probably the worst pub in Saffron.
13 Dec 2010 13:36
'Something funny going on' says robamy. Well, as the last poster says, the prices ain't funny, m8.
8 Oct 2010 11:56
Still, the most expensive pub in the area - and very mediocre.
29 Sep 2010 15:05
'daytime tv is fantastic' - says attitude. that just says it all, particularly in the case of the blue anchor, with a fine beer garden overlooking the best sports ground in surrey. maybe its only people who want daytime tv go in there. noboby else does. bets are on for next manager change. �5, end sept, was mine. only got 11/8.
18 Sep 2009 22:25
The TV's are needed for the quiet autumn/winter months - when Reigate pubs almost die; it'll be good to be able to watch the footy. I do, however, agree that low quality management has been the problem.
A highly lucrative summer trade (bearing in mind the fine beer garden overlooking one of the best cricket grounds in Surrey) has been lost, not least because of yet another management change in the middle - and now, this week, again!
Obviously, the 'owning company' is just not good enough. I understand the real owners are the property lenders (banks); these chaps would have to get involved (by providing equity, management and direction) if they want any return on their failed investment.
Another holding team is not the answer - but I know what will happen. I would almost guarantee another management, before Christmas - and a continuance of the staus quo for a very long time. In this economic climate, banks have beter things to do with their money than plough it into lame ducks like this pub and the Red Cross.
Between, the BA and the RC, how many managers over the past three years? 10+ ? We have heard the wise words and plans before...too often; just scroll back on this very site.
I was born and work in Reigate - and never thought I would say this. Bring on Tim Martin's lot, JDWetherspoon; they would soon cause places like the BA and RC to close permanently as they simply do not deserve anything else.
9 Sep 2009 14:32
Elf sums it up. Small old pub with good food and beers. The Old Hooky was top class. Pictures of John Thaw et al on the walls and a friendly atmosphere. Would probably agree with elf about the Oxford pub crawl, but then again, maybe Dartmouth!?
3 Sep 2009 14:18
Yes dinky, I have noticed the great improvement in the Wellington. Well done! Beer quality is excellent and its now a friendly pub with a good atmosphere. The last comment was over 18 months ago - well before your time! Good luck.
22 Aug 2009 12:11
The competition is fighting back...at last!! I know neither Black nor Anna - but I do know that the Nelson is a classic pub and yes, this is the busiest summer in living memory for the Nelson, in terms of takings. Simples....
22 Aug 2009 01:30
Off-duty staff are not allowed to drink in the Nelson (a common rule in good pubs) and I would point out that the 'old regulars' alluded to in the previous post were mostly barred from the Nelson where standards continue to rise during the pub's busiest summer in living memory. A fine and pleasant place - but, as we all know, competitors and their mates will not be impressed!
18 Aug 2009 11:37
Great night again at the Nelson last night - the place was heaving and it was hard even to get in! This could not be said of any other Poole venue. Beer, service, music etc. were spot on, as usual.
15 Aug 2009 10:45
Randomguy says....'after washing my hands without soap you have to open the door.' I don't think so m8!
This is a great pub - with fine beer, fun and a genial landylady. Bring you own soap the next time m8 and don't bore us about it....
2 Aug 2009 14:04
As you say cb2k4, the run down appearance is due to a dispute, maybe. But to leave a pub (in the lovely village of Westcott) in this condition is financial suicide. People passing on the A25 just continue - and have done for years now. All for the sake of a few hundred pounds.
26 Jul 2009 11:18
I can see this place getting a -2 rating, its so bad. The c3000 sq.ft. upstairs is rarely used, the beer quality is awful and the hygiene non-existant. But, the fault lies in the 'management' - very low calibre and singularly lazy.
Run down, with no direction; if it was'nt for the prime Reigate location, few would enter this hideous hovel. When I do enter, often the bar is totally unmanned; the staff are outside chatting during their very frequent fag breaks.
23 Jul 2009 14:34
Us locals know the Sovereign as a place to avoid because of price and poorly kept beer; the vodka mentioned is sold there at �2.40 for a 25ml measure! There's nowhere dearer in Brighton. And, the place is run down.
12 Jul 2009 14:35
A -4 rating for this place tells the story, as well as the previous four 2009 posts. With a prime location, the pub is simpy awful - making its living at weekends only. Staff and management are poor and a refurb well overdue. Beer is bad, as mentioned before - and as for hygeine, its almost non-existant.
2 Jun 2009 10:45
Of the last 15 posts - over the past year or so - the last was the second positive one!
The three previous 2009 posts very accurately set out the Dolphin's well known problems, which are plain to see.
29 May 2009 11:07
New management team arriving this coming weekend; they could start by fixing the taps in the gents - been broken for months! Great beer garden - and potential.
28 May 2009 13:10
The Kings Arms, Saffron Walden
Two negative comments in 1.5 years! Here's another.
Double vodka and coke; �7.80. Are they having a laugh?
Just moved into town - never be here again; guv and partner (?) drunk, very...
25 May 2009 17:59
The date for the long overdue refurb has been put back indefinitely....dunno why? Terrible place, in the meantime! Will it change? - I think not!
18 May 2009 13:46
Yes, this is a little gem - run by Sheila, Dorking's best publican. Very active pool and darts teams and a friendly atmosphere, with mainly locals as customers. Parking is good nearby and the POW rolls and beer are excellent ; why can't more pubs be like this?
11 May 2009 08:44
Glad that blowme is barred; its off its head, obviously and infatuated with Anna.
9 Mar 2009 10:14
Great night last night again. Packed and full of talent. Best in Dorset. Great music.
8 Mar 2009 09:14
Cannot agree that this back street boozer can be described as the last poster's first sentence; its just an average pub with a very average staff. However, the warning about the resident bald headed mercedes bore is accurate.
7 Mar 2009 13:41
Three posters - jasper, blow and meat - have made 7 negative posts about the Nelson since the end of February, with probably more to come! Yes, this is a lively fun spot that is not perfect; but there's no need to make your bias so obvious, adding personal insults about the hardworking landlady and staff. Its the best night out in Poole - there's nowhere else near as busy and the music is great. If its as bad as you say, why is it jammed all the time? Tell the truth! You sados were barred!!
7 Mar 2009 13:12
The Albion, Barnet
The site has its strengths. One, is - to say the pub is great, bad or non-existent. If it's already posted as gone and dead - why tell us that a mortuary, kebab place, McDonald's or block of flats has replaced it?
23 May 2019 21:21