BITE user comments - darloexile
Comments by darloexile
F**k me why not revisit the bar scene in Star Wars, there`s Solo, Greedo, Chewie and an innocent Luke coming in for the early 8am pint of cheap fosters. Its a good un and just great to cash that giro.
11 Jul 2015 16:42
Does anyone actually update this website anymore ????
Red Lion still an awesome real ale pub with beers at only £2.40 a pint (that of 2015) which is truly great enterprise when supping and enjoying the "League of Gentlemen" clientele !
11 Jul 2015 16:37
The Cricketers Arms, Barnard Castle
A good refurb has given this once tired old pub a new lease of life. Serial publicans Rob and Val have weaved their magic to ensure punters get a good pint and nice atmosphere, indeed what more does anyone want. The "Gallows Pale Ale" is a winner and "Balliolls Tipple" is fine - just a trumped up session bitter really. For a change the keg beers here are acutually quite enticing and will happily sup an Oyster Stout (oh happy days loughborough) or the Shipwreck Pale Ale or whatever you call it. As my old form master would say - A for effort but a 3 for the actual attainment, Ld farrow will know what i mean here .
11 Jul 2015 16:33
The Golden Lion, Barnard Castle
Reliable pub but first time in 25 years + drinking in pubs that i have had my change given back in the actual pint !! Dozey barmaid said it was her "off" day but hey dont worry will get my change once drunk down to the bottom of the pint. Apart from this one off experience a good pub generally and one of the best real ale pubs in Teesdale.
11 Jul 2015 16:20
The Princess of Wales, Primrose Hill
Once was my local but visited for the first time in several years and am gutted.
Refurbished as a gastropub they have sucked all character and life out of it with the dredging of all the homely and comfortable fittings : now we have pompous yet thick bar staff, over priced but average food etc etc. What do i expect it is Primrose Hill after all, but i would have loved to have sat reading a paper in the pub it once was, the old jazz guys with a great tasty pie and homemade chips of a few years ago. How times have changed for the worse, avoid this place like the plague now or stick to all bar one or some dreary identikit establishment.
10 Jun 2014 13:14
Has anyone see the 70`s b movie classic "The Hills have Eyes"... well come here to get a first hand experience.
7 Jun 2014 14:16
Is an excellent place for real ale in Barnard Castle with a cracking set of bar staff apart from that miserable red faced old t*at called J**n who is often behind the bar. Why on earth Peter the owner keeps this sullen old sack of pus in a job is beyond me because i dont know anyone else who has such a lack of customer service skills who manages to hold a job behind the bar.
7 Jun 2014 14:14
The Black Horse, Barnard Castle
Once recognised as a keg haven where even the previous misguided landlord went to the local press a couple of years ago to say "there is no market for real ale here.." or something to that effect. Thankfully, nowadays the Black Horse hase both Caledonian "Over The Bar" and the timeless Deuchars IPA on handpull, both well kept, in demand and a credit to the present landlord. A good alternative to The Old Well across the road.
26 Feb 2011 15:59
The Raby Arms Hotel, Barnard Castle
Alcopops, chavs, crap music, you get the picture !
26 Jun 2010 12:58
The Rose and Crown, Romaldkirk
Famous Teesdale Pub/Restaurant, that panders towards deep pockets. Beer average.
26 Jun 2010 12:55
The Travellers Rest, Cockerton
Have recently been caught red handed selling cask "Magnet" when it no longer exists. Avoid.
26 Jun 2010 12:51
A nice pleasant place for a beer in an otherwise food type of establishment.
25 May 2010 12:58
This is pretty much what you expect from a JD`s..great choice of ales, great prices and bog-standard value meals. Always friendly staff here, one for valentines !
1 Apr 2010 19:08
The Coach and Horses, Barnard Castle
Spacious pub, average beer though the Jennings Lakeland Ale is pretty good.
30 Mar 2010 20:56
The Morritt Arms Hotel, Barnard Castle
Average beers, foreign staff. Are the new sponsers of Darlington FC.
20 Mar 2010 16:14
Nice pub. Average beers though better than most in Richmond.
20 Mar 2010 16:10
The Railway Tavern, Darlington
A nice enough visit to what must be the oldest "railway" pub in the world. Apparently haunted by two ghosts, this venue still retains much character with wood panelling and atmosphere. Only one real ale on when i visited (a highly recommended pint of Double Maxim) though the friendly barmaid said the one real ale was constantly changed. Nice historic pub, worth a visit outside the darlo holy trinity of the "Quakerhouse/Brit/Glit"..
26 Feb 2010 19:00
The Haverstock Arms, Belsize Park
Notoriously bad quality cask ales, turbo-blasted tv-footie, rowdy and stella fuelled clientele. Not the best pub around under any circumstance. Avoid, and hit the Steeles down the hill.
20 Feb 2010 15:02
The Swan and Three Cygnets, Durham
Like this pub too. SS beers are normally pretty good too.
11 Feb 2010 18:24
Still love this pub. Reliable good beer, excellent landlord, warm and atmospheric. Deuchers IPA highly recommended.
11 Feb 2010 18:21
The Sir Richard Steele, Belsize Park
Have given this a high score eventhough haven`t visited in some time, simply because this was my fav pub anywhere for about 4 years (03-07) and was there most fri evenings. Will hopefully get back for bottle of pale ale this year, and liked seeing the Steeles on a recent "pub" edition of "The Culture Show" on the bbc.
11 Feb 2010 18:16
Used to frequent this place many a lunchtime/afternoon about 9/10 years ago as i had a major crush on the posh barmaid and visited this again about a week since to try to recapture lost youth. Alas, was full of media types in their early 20`s (me once) drinking peroni lager whilst all i wanted was an Ale. Glad to see that it hadn`t changed at all though and suppose it is as popular as it always was, if you are loud, early 20s and have a daft haircut that is.
11 Feb 2010 18:12
A lovely unspoilt boozer a stones throw from the Tyne, like entering a timewarp to the 1930`s. Normally has several locally produced Ales such as from the Jarrow Brewery or Wylam.
11 Feb 2010 18:05
The Glittering Star, Darlington
Still a very good friendly pub that doesn`t hit the pocket.
11 Feb 2010 17:59
The Beaconsfield Hotel, Barnard Castle
Happy to report that this pub has gone from strength to strength. 3 Ales on last visit: Black Sheep, Bombardier and Adnams (which was excellent) which should please those who like to taste something when they sup. The Beac has also had a decent makeover (it needed it!), and live music most saturday nights. It is also second home to a legion of Darlo FC fans, which is good, very good. Last saturday the rest of the town seemed like a brewers wake, this place was rocking.
11 Feb 2010 17:57
The Lord Moon Of The Mall, Whitehall
As far as the location goes and the good value prices, you can`t really fault the Moon, especially in these recession gloom times. There was a time when i would have put my nose up at a "Spoons", though that now would feel totally ungenerous. The beer selection is very good and i never have had bad service here. Also, being an old bank, you get to save money by drinking here.
11 Feb 2010 17:50
Recently revisited this pub again after about five years and must say was a very decent evening. They must have had up to 5 or 6 Ales on, all from the Brodies Brewery of East London, all at �3 a pint. Enjoyed the beer so much I had to pop in for a quick one the following day and would have stayed longer but for a train to catch. Just wish it was like this (ie the excellent beers) when I used to work just round the corner from; will visit again when next in town.
11 Feb 2010 17:45
OK pub, very silly beer prices ie �3.30 a pint of Deuchars IPA -which mean`t i was a long time supping one pint.
2 Apr 2009 21:40
OK - nothing special.� 3.05 for a guest beer (Rivet Catcher) which is fairly pricey. Nothing offensive about the staff though nothing that would make me want to revisit either !
2 Apr 2009 21:38
Really nothing wrong with this pub. Friendly bar staff and the ale was fine (Deuchars ipa). Commended
2 Apr 2009 21:35
The Glittering Star, Darlington
A fine Sam Smiths establishment in the heart of darlo. Old Brewery at �1.41 a pint is always a winner too.
14 Feb 2009 14:54
The Beaconsfield Hotel, Barnard Castle
This pub has recently changed hands (a shame as Kath was a brilliant landlady) I just hope that it keeps its Ale tradition alive, as Barney is a Real Ale desert to say the least.
10 Feb 2009 12:01
Very pleasant couple of pints of Real Ale. Wish this place was in Barney then it would be my local.
10 Feb 2009 11:59
The Wheatsheaf used to be my reg back in the early-mid 90`s when i lived across the road - and i used to love the Pride,ESB and `British Bulldog" , though the Scots barman used to be dour in the extreme (though I guess that was part of the charm). Lovely pub lovely memories, though i imagine these kind of Old London boozers are dying out now - though I hope it is still the same anyway.
10 Feb 2009 11:56
Better than average JDW, that has a decent leaning towards local ales and has friendly service.
28 Jan 2009 13:13
Recent refurb is nothing short of magnificent !. Had not visited since Dec 06, and feared the worst when it closed and was expecting tacky wine bar alterations etc. However, surely this must be one of the best refurbs in London for some time - Well Done Sam Smiths !, for keeping with the tradition and indeed improving it tenfold. If you thought with the loss of The Barley Mow in Marylebone and its unique `booths` around the bar that wouldnt be seen again, think on, and take a look at this Princess. OBB was on top form too, and I cant think of anything bad to say about this pub.
15 May 2008 11:07
The Beaconsfield Hotel, Barnard Castle
Actually the best real ale in Barnard Castle. Faultless Adnams Bitter and Black Sheep Ale. Decent locals and is Darlo FC friendly: lets hope it remains exactly the way it is and doesnt go the same way as the Old Well and soon to be made over Three Horse Shoes.
23 Jan 2008 10:56
My favourite pub in York. Always a good crack, often with people you just meet at the bar. Of course, this place benefits from a fine selection or ales` ,best being York Guzzler. Near the train station, so no excuses - so take a look !
24 Dec 2007 17:08
Have ventured to The Sultan on several occasions this October and have been pleasantly surprised by this camra rated backwater. Go on a Wednesday Evening when they have the "Beer Club", which means �1.80 for every Real Ale between 6pm-9pm. They had the full range of the Hop Back beers - including : "GFB", refreshing, "Summer Lighting", excellent and deceptively strong, and "Entire Stout" a classic stong flavoursome Stout that kicks the guiness out of town. Hop Back`s only London pub deserves, perhaps, to be more widely known than it already is - it is hidden in surburban South Wimbledon but is within easy walking distance from both South Wimbledon and Colliers Wood tube stations. The bar staff are prompt and the pub dog stalks his premises like a drink sodden, but much loved, horse. The only thing I never understand about these types of places is why you still get punters who insist on buying the p*ss poor identikit mass produced lagers gnats puke that you can get anywhere : why bother ? get a proper beer, taste something for once..come on ..it won`t hurt you..
1 Nov 2007 15:15
Great views and isolation well documented. Beers included Theakstons Best and Black Sheep, which were both on fine form, washed down with one of their huge Yorkshire puddings with `Tan Hill` sausage. Recommended if on the Pennine Way, or esp if you are not the one driving.
11 Sep 2007 14:44
Another re-fit refurbishment wine bar feel to the place. Cant fault the atmosphere though, beer middling.
11 Sep 2007 14:39
One of the decent Real Ale establishments in Darlo. Great food, a fun atmosphere, Costa De Darlo here we come !
23 Aug 2007 19:18
Excellent ales, friendly staff at this camra acclaimed city centre venue. Visited during the Beer Festival, decent sample of Milds, Porters and Best Bitters. Highlight, I think, was the Fernandes Mild. Definitely will visit it again.
23 Jun 2007 10:12
Is this the best Real Ale pub in Teesdale ?? certainly has a good case...Traditional village pub with a good guest ale rotation policy means that this Inn is worth seeking out if in the region.
3 Jan 2007 12:00
The Princess of Wales, Primrose Hill
Still the best pub in the area by a country mile. 3 Ales always on, pride, adnams and a guest.. excellent food and staff.
19 Nov 2006 12:16
Great pub, best in the area ! Excellent selection of Ales, decent bar staff too.. keep on returning.
19 Nov 2006 12:12
First visit recently, was very impressed. If like me, you prefer a quality ale selection (esp an immaculate Harveys), decent food, polite and friendly service, interesting decorations and summer views outside a flower drenched frontage, this place could be the place for you. Will visit again for an hour or two and watch the world go by.
18 Jul 2006 13:25
Its ok, nothing special. Four real ales - Harveys was fine, food expensive and suspiciously brought out very quickly. Nice location, but on both my random visits to this pub on saturday evenings, half the pub seems to be swarming with the tracksuited local chavs, with mobiles and dogs.
16 Jul 2006 11:56
Sam Smiths, cheap beer, tired interior, though nice on a summers evening if you can tolerate the utterly useless `ossie` staff. Even when the place is half empty they are rubbish, slow and thick.
16 Jul 2006 10:26
The Quaker Coffee House, Darlington
Winner of the 2006 Camra award for Darlo. Well done.
31 May 2006 14:44
The Marquis of Granby, Covent Garden
Cask Marque accredited Nicholson pub, pleasant if you want to chill with a paper for an hour, more space to spread out after being in the excellent The Harp next door. Attentive young staff, five Ales : Youngs Bitter (a v competitive �2.35 a pint) to the Black Sheep (�2.70 a pint), both were serviceable session drinks. I quite like this pub.
31 May 2006 14:38
The Betsey Trotwood, Clerkenwell
A surreal hour spent here on a bank holiday weekend, with just a mate and the bar manager for company, and and a couple of stragglers later on. Shepherd Neame beers, with only the so-so Spitfire available on my visit, encouraged me to take the drastic action of ordering one of their dutch lagers : infact, a relief, especially after their bitter. Though, has excellent juke-box and I imagine on a fri/sat evening is rammed full of music types-so is worth a visit again in the near future.
31 May 2006 14:19
The Live and Let Live, Cambridge
A pleasant local pub that has obvious strengths in its wide array of Ales and substantial home cooked grub. Beer priced in accordance to strength, concentrating on several micro breweries : nice sight seing the casks delivered on an evening too, indicating a freshness and turnover of beer that suggests they do their jobs well here. The barman was friendly and knowledgeable in his product range and the over all feel of the venue gives it a warmth, even to `just passing` by trade such as myself, especially after an afternoon of wonder and excess at the Cambridge Beer Festival.
31 May 2006 14:12
Better than average town centre pub. Have live gigs upstairs too.
16 May 2006 17:08
Fairly nice bar with a gastro side line without being too much `gastro pub`. Feels kind of deep south/cuban(!)in its ambience, with a good range of cocktails and bottled lagers. Had keg Tetleys on my last visit and could do with investing in a cask pump or two before getting my regular custom. Staff helpful and prompt. A very decent music / dj policy here too throughout the week, without attracting the berks normally attached to that camden `scene`, which makes the brief trek from chalk farm a worthwhile one. Hidden away just off Havistock Hill, dont be put off by the grim housing estate and its braying hoodies.
15 May 2006 16:41
Have been to better and worse Youngs pubs, this probably would get a better rating if it wasnt right next door to the peerless Market Porter. Unfortunately for The Wheatsheaf its like comparing organic steak to a macdonalds burger. The bar manager could do better in the hospitality stakes too.
15 May 2006 16:25
The only real ale on offer here is the `hit n miss` GK IPA, where I have tasted better at other venues such as the peerless Duke of York !. A mate had a pie, and can second that it is from Manzes and not from Iceland- if it was a Goddards (greenwich) pie, then we would be talking pie heaven. A venue if you want to watch football in spacious surroundings.
11 May 2006 15:35
The Horse and Groom, Great Portland Street
Ended up here on a weekday mid afternoon skive, very pleasant with a few people just reading the papers. Pub is Samuel Smiths of Tadcaster, so beer is touch and go to say the least, but at �1.71 for a pint of bitter - is a blessing rather than reason to find fault. The manager is a toon loving geordie too.
8 May 2006 17:24
Lovely pub, though none of the house beers were available on Sat 6th May : it seems that Chris /the dog Tasha are gone, shame, nice bloke and good host.
8 May 2006 14:02
The Youngs Bitter is very well kept here, leaving some other nearby establishments to wallow in their shame. Chilled out, comfortable and thankfully tucked away from the main high street. A locals pub, that is doing the job just right.
18 Apr 2006 11:38
The Fox and Hounds Restaurant & Bar, Englefield Green
Nice pub. A pleasant walk from Windsor through the park led us to this establishment. 3 Real Ales on, inc Brakspears and a couple from the Hopback Brewery, well kept, moorish and competitively priced. Interior was in keeping with the rustic rural charm of the area, and there were plenty of fox hunting pictures adorning the walls which wetted the appetite for a fine rare steak.
18 Apr 2006 11:32
A recent trip to Windsor, and I find myself at the Carpenters. Ok, nothing flash, probably better than most of the tourist/`trev n tracy`/squaddie type of venues that are all over Windsor. 4 Ales on, Sting was fine, refreshing and the Everards Cambridge Bitter did the job but was nothing special. Chicken and Mushroom pie was filling and piping hot (though suspect it was just thrown in a microwave considering it took just 5 mins to serve up !) brought out by a refugee from a soviet gulag, nevertheless,this was tasty and hit the spot after a hard days trekking and supping the ale. Decor, refreshingly tired, and the cellar gaol thing looked interesting. Polish bar staff could surprisingly converse in English and served with a smile. Would visit again.
15 Apr 2006 11:31
The Basketmakers Arms, Brighton
One of the best pubs in Brighton. Atmosphere crackles somewhere between student-esque and a Camra destination, jovial and trendy Brighton middle class, staff always with smile and food some of the best bar snacks around (try the rabbit pie, when on). I really hope Fullers dont ruin it, already they had ESP and London Porter on, as long as the Festival Mild and HSB remains, I for one will remain happy.
10 Apr 2006 14:01
Excellent venue. Excellent beer. Excellent staff. Have never had to wait longer than 2 mins to get served here. Its about the beer I think... Anyone I have introduced to the MP, has always given it the thumbs up. An oasis of quality in a world of corporate blandness.
4 Apr 2006 14:12
I cannot comment on the food, though on my several visits over the years to this place has given me a favourable impression generally. The Beers always seem good and i have never had any complaints re the staff. Certainly would recommend over the expensive and dull experience that is the New Inn.
4 Apr 2006 12:48
A fine hideaway, especially on a saturday afternoon, lazing with a pint and a paper. Agree with previous comments : decent laid back punters and plenty of space on my visit but imagine this place is busier on a week night. Theakstons Best, nothing special. Though with 4 real ales on, you shouldnt go far wrong.
3 Apr 2006 09:44
Probably the nicest pub in High Barnet. Several visits over the years has given me a good impression of this establishment. No yobs or loud music, beer selection decent inc Tetley Cask for a staggering �1.85 a pint, Adnams Ale and a couple of guests (25/3:one being Everards, nothing special) at �2.10 a pint. Pub seemed to be under staffed on my visit, a sat lunch and evening, though on the whole have no massive complaints here, though the east european barman/waiter/pot-boy tried to swipe my unfinished pint.
27 Mar 2006 11:34
The Pembroke Castle, Primrose Hill
Slightly soulless venue. London Pride was ok, staff prompt. Wouldnt rush back though.
20 Mar 2006 12:00
A decent Real Ale pub pure and simple. Picture post card, nr Cathedral and on the way to museum makes this a delightful stop off for an hour or three. Two basic bars and a couple of fires does the job. No music or Sky footie to spoil the atmosphere either. Staff polite. `Golden Brew` was the highlight, will come back for more.
20 Mar 2006 11:56
An institution in Ealing, trading on past reputation perhaps- the jury is still out. Yes it has become more trendy with `Rupert & Vanessa` types, especially since its enlargement and the advent of chain bar culture elsewhere on the Broadway, though the front bar thankfully is more or less still the same, and the Fullers beers are always very good here- though more pricey than The Castle. Staff seemed ok, and unfortunately not a pretty polish barmaid in sight.
20 Mar 2006 11:50
This used to be my local back in the mid 90`s when I lived in Ealing and i visited on Sunday for the first time this century. Am happy to report that it is exactly the same as I remember, same carpets, same faded decor, same barman, same smokey atmosphere. Had Courage and London Pride on, ok. Though still retains that lovely half asleep `local` atmosphere that I presume is vanishing elsewhere in W5.
20 Mar 2006 11:43
A couple of years ago had one of the best mixed grills I had ever tasted in this pub. Warm, friendly, fine cask beer, overlooking a cricket match on the village green. Timeless.
9 Mar 2006 14:17
Rough `sky footie` type pub, full by day and night with the terminally unemployed, kack toothed and broken nosed. Best avoided if looking for a quiet pint. Still, a better option than Hogans up the road.
2 Mar 2006 15:48
Possibly, one of the best Sam Smith pubs in London. Excellent busy atmosphere on week nights, chilled out by day and at weekends. Staff not the greatest, lack of maybe: esp on a Friday night. The keg bitter is cheap and mostly nasty, invest in their gorgeous Oatmeal Stout or Nut Brown Ale by the bottle, and the night will just fly by. Recommended.
1 Mar 2006 14:36
Another quality venue in the middle earth between Oxford Street and Euston Road. Adnams went down well, but had to at �2.80 a pint, lager a silly �3 a pint. Picturesque location, friendly conversations, pokey toilets.
1 Mar 2006 14:31
Excellent and reasonably priced GK IPA ensures that this pub is a pleasant stop off in an area surprisingly well catered for in decent and attractive pubs. Can get busy and smokey (roll on next year !!), and stay long enough and a table will be yours. Staff assured and prompt.
1 Mar 2006 14:26
Seven Stars, Shincliffe Village
Beautiful picture post card Public House in pretty village on outskirts of Durham City. Side bar is cosy and welcoming and restaurant is functional. Very well kept Black Sheep Bitter, moorish and fine to soothing on the palate. Staff polite and helpful. The Sunday Roast is not the best in the area but did the job.
1 Mar 2006 14:22
Winner of the local CAMRA pub of the year 2005. Great beer, pleasant local just off the Town Centre and away from the truly horrible central venues.
23 Feb 2006 14:00
The Green Man, Great Portland Street
Due to the station being across the road, I really wanted to like this pub. They maintain they are an Ale pub, though on my several visits here : beer was either off or several pumps were not on. I dont know how they go about getting staff but im sure the manager looks for : inability to communicate in English, general slowness of service and awful manners as the main attributes to getting a job here. The venue in its present state lacks in any sort of harmony, intimacy or welcomeness, again, i believe this place has massive potential (aka The Euston Flyer !) - but someone needs to throttle the present management out of existence.
19 Feb 2006 13:19
The Albany, Great Portland Street
Fun, better than average theme-esque bar that caters for the nearby advertising execs and sales reps. Always fairly busy, german lager is ok (�2.90 a pint), they had Black Sheep on recently (yet didnt taste anything like the Sheep, i know and love). Service was young and attained a c+ for effort.
19 Feb 2006 13:10
The Sir Richard Steele, Belsize Park
Its pretty hard to find a better atmosphere than the Steeles: one thing that it really needs though, is a massive improvement in its beer !
I know i cant expect all my regular haunts to have exceptional standards of Ale, though the SRS lacks big time, catering mainly for the "Stella" crowd . The IPA is often off, albeit dirt cheap. The Pride is not much better, as is the Abbots. What the manager should do (apart from cleaning the pipes) is to take a look up at the Washington, get a couple of guests on and then SRS will be pretty hard to beat. Scenery, service and punters alike, combine to make this a good evening out. Not for camra purists though.
19 Feb 2006 13:04
Situated in a quiet residential road on the West Hill, looking down upon the pier and with Beachy Head in the distance on a clear sunny day or frosty moonlit night makes this pub a worthwhile find, slightly off the tourist path. Run by Enterprise Inns, the landlord is welcoming, nicely fitted out local inn with fireplace and pool table. On my visit, afternoon of Italy v England rugby six nations, there were a pile of chip butties on the house. Quality. Two quaity cask ales, Harveys and Pride. If brave, it is a steep climb up the hill, almost directly outside the FILO in the Old Town.
13 Feb 2006 09:51
Good atmosphere on a saturday eve, dodgy blues band and friendly non -pret crowd. Great that little zones of civilization still exist in this part of Southwark.
10 Feb 2006 09:36
By the time I finally visited the Fire Station, I had spent several hours in the Hole in the Wall. Wouldnt bother with the food, but you cant argue that the venue is spacious, airy and fairly well thought throughout. Beer (Pride) less than average, staff did their job without exception.
10 Feb 2006 09:33
They have beers from the `Village Brewery` on my last visit, "White Boar" is one of my fav bitters ever. Pub, more for the food, and nice it is too.
10 Feb 2006 09:28
Generally a decent addition on the Richmond circuit.Staff normally attentive and beer quaffable on my visits over the years, food good too, like the right hand bar with fire place.
9 Feb 2006 15:13
Awful place to be avoided at all costs unless you like expensive flat lager, loud boys with daddy`s money, and many many silly `meeja` haircuts.
9 Feb 2006 15:09
The Dog and Fox, Wimbledon Village
Not so bad really. Aussie youthful staff who dont know their own bar prices, expansive setting, and occasionally loud pub. Music without imagination and a tad too high,very smokey. The Youngs Bitter was good surprisingly. OK, if a table bagged, but the poor relation to the Brewery Tap across the road.
6 Feb 2006 14:09
The Fox and Anchor, Smithfield
Deuchars IPA on sale for a very competitive �2.35 a per pint, delicious and wanting more !. London Pride also decent. Nice relaxed atmosphere, unobtrusive background music and helpful and polite staff. Lovely old pubby feel, authentic pine finish throughout, smashing little seating areas hidden away. All out thumbs up for chilled out place to drink an evening away.
6 Feb 2006 14:02
A 6th form student union common room. Rubbish beer, expensive, bouncers, loud dance music. Nothing to recommend.
6 Feb 2006 13:56
Staff attentive. Atmosphere jovial. Nice location. Main bar smokey and with little ventilation. The Youngs Bitter was badly kept.
6 Feb 2006 13:53
The Hope and Sirloin, Farringdon
�3 for a pint of Archers. Expensive drinks, for average boozer with middling atmosphere.
6 Feb 2006 10:30
The White Swan, Barnard Castle
One of the best locations of a pub in the drinkzeist haven that is Barney. Was closed for what seemed like a decade before a radical refurb in 2004. Unfortunately this place is adorned with several screens constantly pumping out britney on mtv or premier league football, no cask ales in sight either. Wouldnt be such a big deal but the average age of a punter here must be 50. If they toned down the bright white decor,dazzling lights and shiny bar : we might have a decent pub that is more in keeping with the atmosphere of the County Bridge and the River Tees that lies 30ft below. At present, worth no more than a pint if on a crawl : but one can hope that some day someone will takeover that is more sympathetic to the gorgeous surroundings of this historic building.
13 Jan 2006 17:07
The Golden Lion, Barnard Castle
Better than average non-pc town pub with historic features, average food and jukebox. Beer is not exceptional apart from the Cask Strongarm which is very good value. Seperate restaurant area, though has nice low ceilings and fireplace that suggests Cromwells time and an England that is fast vanishing.
11 Jan 2006 12:13
Ancient Unicorn, Barnard Castle
Nice historic local type of pub, was a coaching inn . Jennings beers- average, a couple of guests. Should concentrate more on steak and chips menu, south african chef anyone !! in Bowes, of all places. Recommended, for history of place and laid back setting,if in the dale.
6 Jan 2006 12:12
This pub has generally been a decent `one or two pint` stop off of mine for several years. If you want the drug peddlers and yarcoes - hop over to the Cambridge across the road. Most people i have met in here are decent types from all walks of life, generally attracted to the standard but good quality of Youngs beers. Yes, they sometimes lack staff in busy periods, and that is my only gripe- some people were getting very irrate at waiting for service. The quiz master/quiz on Tuesdays is a laugh too.
21 Dec 2005 10:53
The Freemasons Arms, Covent Garden
A nice half way house kind a place in Covent Garden. Great Shepherd Neame beers and a lively punter base. Sky is on, but not obtrusive. You can get a seat and table eventually, and the bar staff have been attentive and prompt on my several visits to this establishment. Recommended.
21 Dec 2005 10:45
B@1 (Be At One), Covent Garden
The only reason, i imagine, why anyone would want to come here : is the exceptionally good value happy hour between 5 - 8pm. Excellent selection of cocktails (�4.50 - �5.90 for two cocktails !) , beautifully prepared and quick service. However, it is a small venue, people get pissed quickly and move on, and there was very loud aussie type rock playing, which made conversations difficult.
21 Dec 2005 10:42
Hophead beer was just bang on, on my last visit 17/12. There was a Christmas beer festival going on, but unfortunately had to get a train, or i would have tried some others. It is mainly an Ale oasis, there are not many seats, but if you can get a perch, there are probably few places better than this in Brighton.
18 Dec 2005 12:41
The Hole In The Wall, Waterloo
A welcome oasis in a swamp of theme bars and lost tourists : 6 ales on tap, though two are from Adnams and I think Youngs Bitter was on too. Didnt see the alleged Battersea Ale, though, on the whole this pub is a good meet up for a couple, before moving to somewhere a bit more youthful. Yes, the constant train noise from above makes this a unique boozin`experience.
11 Dec 2005 12:29
The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping
Nice pub, great views, average beer. I think i prefer the `Town of Ramsgate` for Ale and food, but this pub is worth visiting for the location and history, and the beer garden is great in summer.
7 Dec 2005 12:35
Cracking good pub, a great mixture of people (young ladies to old blokes holding the good beer guide) and one of the best selection of Ales I have come across in Central London. Staff friendly and helpful, mouth watering Ales, will be visiting again soon.
7 Dec 2005 12:31
The Princess of Wales, Primrose Hill
The best pub in the area by far. Brazilian boys behind the bar very friendly and show the meaning of quality service, food excellent and good value, nice clientele, always 3 ales on - generally, Adnams, London Pride and one guest : good beer guide regular.
Forget the poncey media bars near by (there isnt a mullet insight within the Princess !, well, not in a retro sense) , come in, get warm by the fire, put your feet up, and drift off with a decent pint.
1 Dec 2005 14:06
The oldest remaining `beer hall`, in reality a thoroughly pleasant small pub, is an institution in Gothenburg, and is apparently unchanged in its 104 years. Olhallen, I presume means `Old Hall` and 7 is the street number of its location, easy. They only sell beer so you cant go far wrong, specialising in a good selection of world lagers and even several bottles of English Ales for the purist. The helpful staff and friendly locals ensure that you feel welcome and indeed, go out of the way with their splendid Swedish hospitality (if only some London pubs were like this !). They thankfully don�t charge you a cloakroom tax, like most other central Gothenburg bars, and then it is question of getting a table and viewing/meeting some Swedish lovelies. If you are on a brief trip to this city, and want a good chilled night � this is the place to come.
28 Nov 2005 11:26
Spoiled somewhat by being in the middle of the tourist district so you get people coming up to you trying to sell you stuff. Mind you, the Deuchars IPA was well kept.
20 Nov 2005 12:35
Conveniently just down the road from the Ship & Mitre. nice refurbed type of pub, good food im told and a smoke free zone for the those not wanting to breathe in the toxins. A nice mild was on and will sup again here when back in the City.
20 Nov 2005 12:33
Yep, a lovely snug little hideaway, away from the City Centre. Me and a mate had a decent Abbots and a Cains, very helpful landlady. Is a good beer guide mainstay so you can`t go far wrong.
20 Nov 2005 12:30
I give 9 to this place, mainly because of the vast beer collection. Nice atmosphere too, and hope to visit when next in the `Pool.
20 Nov 2005 12:27
Standard no thrills pub just off Old Street. Video juke box, 2 ales : Pride and Greene King IPA. Staff seem ok as do mixed crowd on Saturday night. All ok, not worth seeking out though.
17 Oct 2005 16:40
A Real Ale gem of a place. When i visited on 1/10/05 - at least 10/12 ales on offer (I sampled most), great lunchtime food. If ever you are in this town make sure you visit this pub - it has everything that a real independent pub should have :no annoying kids howling with their idiot parents, or spotty teenagers drinking cheap lager, no loud music and thankfully no sky football.
Walls covered in Ale memorablia and staff helpful and showed quality.
3 Oct 2005 14:22
This lunchtime was the second time in my life i went into this pub and was confronted by one of the most rudest and obnoxious barmaids (manager ?) I have had the mis-pleasure to endure for some time. They might have a great cd collection and the beer might be flawless - but I for one wont be coming back in a hurry. Go instead to the Fitzroy Tavern or John Snow, they do great beer and great service.
14 Sep 2005 13:57
The Three Horse Shoes, Barnard Castle
Generally a nice little local in Barnard Castle. Good pint of Deuchars IPA. Food during the day - plentiful and excellent value and you can watch the regulars play the dominoes etc. Question is - does anyone know what happened to Angela,a truly lovely bar manager that used to be the life and soul of the place.
22 Aug 2005 18:08
Ship Centurion Arminius, Whitstable
Nice pub in Whitstable. Great German sausages at lunchtime and a must for the Everards Black Dog Mild they sell. Friendly service and good for the sport. Go here everytime i visit the town.
31 Jul 2005 11:44
Lovely location on the green of sleepy North Yorks village. The beer is sometimes off, the food pricey for what it is ! and sometimes the overall feel is akin to `Chez Marlon` aka Emmerdale. However must give Mum and Son team a star for effort, and it does a good trade with all the Countryside Alliance types that rule these parts.
22 Jul 2005 16:45
Actually this pub is rather good. Things going for it this summer are a very friendly bar manager/landlady and an excellent selection (the best in the Belsize area) of beers - Real Ales (3 changing) and a decent selection of superior Euro lager. People are nice, the food looks good (but over pricey), and some of the fittings of the old pub are still to be seen. A good comedy club is on the Thursday normally. So go on, give it a try.
15 Jul 2005 17:21
Go here if you feel brave. Hideous place full of chavs, inbreds and molluscs from the arse end of life. Needs bombing.
27 May 2005 17:07
The Crown and Sceptre, South Croydon
Does what it says on the label. You can`t really go wrong with Fullers and this is a decent example deep in the swamplands of south croydon. Nice food and barstaff too.
27 May 2005 17:04
This pub might have improved recently - but on last visit in March. Cliched aussie bar staff, poorly kept and expensive beer.
27 May 2005 17:02
Another must on a Brighton crawl. 10 mins walk from the rail station, this pub seems popular for the food and selection of well kept Ales. A dodgy Stones tribute band were playing last saturday - but seemed to compliment a lively and fun atmosphere. Very friendly bar staff.
5 May 2005 14:05
Great, tiny and hospitable pub. One man and his dog in the corner, good selection of ales from their own brewery too. Abit of trek from the the town centre but definitely worth a visit if Ale is your thing and decent surroundings comes high on the agenda too. Will go back when next in Brighton.
5 May 2005 14:01
The Willoughby Arms, Kingston Upon Thames
Attended St Georges Fest April 23rd 2005. Lovely selection of Beers, barbeque with mouth watering burgers and bangers, v pretty (though slightly out of place)girl serving the Ale. Morris Dancing and an evocation of a great England that seems to have slipped away elsewhere. Will be going next year and please get that Gibble Pukka Mild again it was gorgeous.
27 Apr 2005 16:21
Decent meet up/post drink type of place for the curry houses. Dead, but pleasant enough on a saturday too. Beer cheap, food appetising and good value, no bouncers or loud music , very pretty and friendly bar staff, mainly office workers and no drunks, gypo`s or chavs etc - so gets the thumbs up ere.
22 Apr 2005 09:41
Full of poncey media types with silly retro mullett hair styles, lousy expensive beer, loud music, takes an age to get served. If in the area, best go to the nearby John Snow or Coffee House.
14 Apr 2005 15:44
Big screen footie pub, badly kept beer, low rent crowd. The smell down in the toilets is rank.
14 Apr 2005 15:40
The Cork and Cheese Ale House, Southend on Sea
Deceptive location of a shoddy shopping precinct hides this fine alehouse. Wanted somewhere that sold a decent pint after the Quakers game and was recommended the Cork. Biggish interior, fine and varied ales on offer, decent friendly folk, standard and good value grub. If i lived in this part of the world this pub would be a regular haunt of mine.
8 Apr 2005 17:19
The Filo (First In Last Out), Hastings
A well looked after and fabulous pub in the nicest part of Hastings. No undesirables in this part of town at all. Lovely beers from their own brewery, friendly staff too. The booths at the side are where to perch on a saturday afternoon/night, if you get one - keep it ! They regularly hold beer festivals at the filo and the last one I went to back in October was perfect with the atmosphere of the `Hastings Festival` procession going on outside the door.
8 Apr 2005 17:09
Basic pub with a run down type of feel, good juke box, brilliant sea dog location where seaweed sometimes blows in through the door under the watchful eye of Adelaide herself, who stands proudly in the corner.
8 Apr 2005 14:58
The Beaconsfield Hotel, Barnard Castle
Lovely designed public house at the top end of galgate caters for loyal but demanding locals. Hardly changed in decades and the style is most definitely 1978. Some of the clientele has been banned alomost everywhere else in the town, so they are just left with the `Beak`. They do karoake on thursday nights which is best avoided unless you are a fan of a Pauline Calf wedding type of scenario. Beer is ok i suppose, lay out is fine although needs a paint job, and someone to brush down those cobwebs off the ceiling.
8 Apr 2005 14:50
The Turks Head, Barnard Castle
Busy pub with some character in centre of the town. Best during the day when a seat looking over the main street can be taken, and a selection taken from the juke box. Beer average to say the least (john smiths smooth, camerons, tetley) and the food is rough and best avoided if possible. Friendly and youthful bar staff though pub is best avoided on weekends when they have bouncers on the door and the crowd is more youth club in appearance.
8 Apr 2005 14:43
Beautiful location on ancient bank section of famous market town. A comfortable snug area on the front with log fire during the (many) winter months, dining area and another lounge area towards the back - food ok. Several guest rooms upstairs, watch out for the constant bells from the church at the top of the bank - has been known to drive some guests mad. Beer garden a delight in the summer, within the castle walls. Beers include Black Sheep, Magnet and Theakstons. Friendly staff and clientele, a decent pub that doesnt have noisey teenage drinkers thank god.
8 Apr 2005 14:36
The Quaker Coffee House, Darlington
Off the main High Street in Darlington, in one of the cobbled paths (yards) thats leads up to Skinnergate lies The Quaker, the towns best and most enjoyable ale house. Like a Dickensian cove, hidden away from the 21st century shopper and screaming children, this intimate bar thrives with its (up to) ten real ales, and local celebrity of its rotund landlord. A favourite as a pre match meet up for the ale professors of visiting football teams (along with Darlington exiles), and a regular North East camra winner,the empathsis is on the quality . The food is also out of this world - try the fabulous Steak and Mushroom baquette and chips, washed down with a couple of the supreme Ghost Ales (from the excellent Darwen Brewery). They have live music regularly on sundays, mainly specialising in sub standard pub rock, though even this is passable after several tipples. There is also an upstairs restaurant area for the missus, though to truly enjoy this gem is to take one of the downstairs tables, and wonder (and occasionally partake ) at the selection of beers. Don`t worry if you really want a lager - last time they had their own brew, aptly named `Quakerhof`.
1 Apr 2005 14:51
One of those most obnoxious and pretentious places I have ever had the misfortune to visit. Not really a pub, more a bar that attracts the usual character from that particular part of North London. Sometimes more staff than punters - and still takes an age to get a drink. Dont go if you like a good pint of Ale, go if you are interested in overpriced fish finger salads and beer that goes someway down the list of priorities.
1 Apr 2005 14:13
Number 22 Alehouse and Canteen, Darlington
The second best pub in Darlington. Great selection of beers, a good friendly service and clientele. The White Boar is a magnificent pint and every time im back in Darlo I need to sup several before I know Im back home again. Lets hope this place doesnt change.
1 Apr 2005 14:06
The Sir Richard Steele, Belsize Park
If loud music, z-list celebs, iffy beer, toilets from the dark age are your thing - then try out the Old Steeles. One of the few pubs in the area that tries to maintain a proper drinkers pub feel in area of excessive up ones arsieness, and the decor is second to none. Recently they did out the upstairs with sofas and big tables - only downside you have to go downstairs to get a beer.
1 Apr 2005 14:02
The Ship and Mitre, Liverpool
This is now my fav pub anywhere in the UK. Great selection, prices and nice selection of fast food. F**k me if that is muso legend Lee Mavers over at the bar, that guy ower theres is the half man half biscuit - f**king great !!! Anyway this is why i love this pub and could quite possibly migrate to the Pool.
11 Jul 2015 16:48