BITE user comments - hampshirehog
Comments by hampshirehog
Village pub which is the start and finish point of a circular walk around Minstead. Not particularly characterful apart from the unusual sign, there are prettier pubs in The New Forest. it's convenient location for the walkers and cyclists meant it was moderately busy on the day we were there. Four ales on tap. Doom Bar (meh!), Tribute, Flacks Double Drop, and Ringwood 49er. Sadly the two pints we ordered were well below par with the Double Drop tasting like shandy! and the 49er having an unpleasant sour taste and at £8.10 for two pints added insult to injury. The pub had held a beer festival the week before which was a bit of an irony judging by the way they keep their beer. So just a rating of 5 from me.
7 Sep 2015 23:32
Pub was quite cold as a previous poster had mentioned, despite a fire going and being sat quite close to it. Also on a busy day through the Christmas period, only seemed to have one member of staff behind the bar, as well as one girl serving in the restaurant. The choice of beer was a bit limited, with only 6X and Ringwood Best on. Not bad, but not too good either so will give it a 5.
30 Dec 2014 15:47
The Thomas Tripp, Christchurch
Visited last week on a Saturday night with a live band playing. Got very busy around 10 p.m. with the band playing stuff from Madness and The Specials. Lots of middle aged men and women pogo-ing into other drinkers, but overall not too unruly. Would like to visit on a quieter night so I could actually hear what my partner was saying to me, rather than me aimlessly nodding at her and smiling!
10 Dec 2014 20:41
Bat and Ball, Broad Half Penny Down
Went in here with my Father as part of a walk around Hambledon and the surrounding area. As my Dad is an avid cricket fan, he loved the old cricketing ephemera dotted around the pub, and the fact that the birthplace of modern cricket was across the road. As a Fullers pub, it had the usual suspects in London Pride, HSB, and Seafairers etc, but they did have some cards on the table showing Fullers seasonal autumn beers that were coming to the pub. Only complaint was the price. Two pints were £7.80! I wasn't bowled over by that!
22 Oct 2014 17:42
Visited while doing a circular walk on the South Downs. Nice setting on the High Street of the picturesque village of Buriton. Hall and Woodhouse are not my favourite pub chain, sitting in a close second to the tepid Greene King chain and their unimaginative beer range. Badger beers are not my favourite, but the pint of Honey Dew I had was actually quite tasty. My Brother and I were the only two people in the pub at about 3 p.m. on a Tuesday afternoon so subsequently there was no atmosphere, and the only buzz was that of the wasps inspecting our pints of Honey Dew in the empty garden. Not bad though, and will come back to if in the area again.
4 Sep 2014 19:11
Went here during a long walk around the South Downs. Beautiful historic pub in a beautiful rural setting. According to the landlady it dates back to the 12th C. and is meant to be the oldest pub in Hampshire. As a Fullers pub had the usual suspects in the form of London Pride, HSB, Seafairers etc, but did have a guest ale from the Bowmans Brewery. Went for the full bodied taste of an HSB and went and sat in the garden out back overlooking the Downs. Food was slightly overpriced but looked good. Will visit again when in the area.
4 Sep 2014 19:00
The Globe on the Lake, Alresford
Popped in here after a walk round the watercress meadows of Alresford. Three real ales on tap. Otter, Goodens Gold and Good Old Boy (can't remember the brewer). Had the Good Old Boy and Otter, and sat in the sun trap of a garden out the back by the small lake. The food people were eating looked good, but the prices were a little on the high side for me. Altogether a pleasant experience. Would come again.
10 Jul 2014 15:45
Found this place after walking part of the Test Way. Set near the meeting of two country lanes, in peaceful surroundings by Horsebridge Mill, my brother and I ventured in to see what was on offer. Nice interior with some tables set out for food and a small bar, we were welcomed by the Landlady, who was a very pleasant person. She was telling us that the place had only reopened in April, after some redecorating, and she hoped to make a real go of getting the place popular. Obviously on a quiet Thursday afternoon it was hard to tell if it was paying, but there were enough people coming in to create a moderate atmosphere. Ales on tap were Ringwood Best, Ringwood 49er, and Palmers Bitter. Tried the 49er and Palmers, and both were in good nick. Also noted they had a quiz night advertised and specialised food nights. I really hope it does well, and will return again in the near future.
18 Sep 2012 21:13
Went in here, finally, after hearing so much about it from others. Tied it in with a walk around Cheriton so we were pretty thirsty when we got here. Pretty simplistic layout with two bars to the left and right as you go in through the main door. Beer gravity fed from the barrels as it should be. There must have been seven barrels behind the bar, but only three ales being served (my only gripe). They were Flower Pots Bitter, Palmers Pale Ale and Goddards Gold. As well as this there were two ciders in the shape of Thatchers Gold, and Old Rosie. We plumped for the Goddards Gold and at �2.70 a pint we wished we had got there earlier to sample a few more. Being a traditional country pub it closed at 2.30 p.m. and didn't reopen till 6 p.m. Attached to the pub is the Flower Pots micro brewery where we picked up a leaflet about various sizes of containers of ale that you can take away. Already we are talking about putting in an order for Christmas! Will come again when we have more time on our hands.
11 Sep 2012 20:44
Went in this pub after a drive in the countryside. Very tidy looking on the outside with a raised patio'd area at the front and a few seats round the side near the car park. Inside the decor is very smart, if not a little sterile, with most of the tables laid out for food, and lots of stools at the bar, which on a busy day can be a pain if you are trying to get served. There were only three pumps on for real ale. One had finished, with the clip turned. One was Doom Bar (meh!) and the other was Goddards Fuggle De Dum, which was a very nice pint. The owner told us they often also serve Flack Manor beers, which I know are very good. Luckily for us the place was almost deserted, and the bar staff kept tidying up and looking in our direction as though we were outstaying our welcome. So much so, that we actually enquired as to whether it was closing time. The barlady said it didn't close till 6.30 p.m. which I thought was a strange time to be closing on a Sunday. She said it was normally really busy, but they had just found out that their phone had not been working all afternoon hence nobody asking about tables. After looking at the skulking chef who was chatting away to his Polish mate (where do they all come from?!), I think he might have disconnected the phone to have an easy afternoon. Would like to come back when we are not the only people in the pub, and there is a bit more of an atmosphere! Not too bad though.
9 Sep 2012 23:06
The Bear and Ragged Staff, Stonymarsh
Went in here for the first time on a warm Sunday. Pleasant looking pub with a an cozy looking old style interior, all wooden beams and candles. Like most pubs these days, it caters more for the diner than the the quaffer. Didn't think it was a Fullers pub but it had the usual suspects in the form of London Pride, H.S.B., and Seafairers, but i'm an H.S.B. fan so was not worried. Only gripe was that there were three bar staff stood over a till trying to sort out a card payment while the queue was steadily building. Surely it didn't take 3 of them to sort it out! Didn't try the food, but the place was pretty busy and most tables full, which, I suppose is a good sign. Sat in the patio'd garden out back which was a pleasant experiance in the sunshine. Will visit again when passing this way.
9 Sep 2012 22:38
Ended a walk round the Romsey countryside here. Looks like the place has gone a bit up-market, as I always recall it being more of a run-down pub. But I hadn't been here for years so things obviously change. It was very dark inside, with only some dim low lighting. There were several well to do looking retirees sat having food. We had a pint of 'Flack's Double Drop' (nice ale) and went and sat out in the little walled patio area near the back of the pub. Very nice sun trap on a lovely day. Noticed to that the pub is doing afternoon tea's as well. Will come again in the future.
7 Sep 2012 12:44
Stopped here while doing a walk round Romsey. It has a pleasant exterior, with all the flowers in full bloom in the sunshine, but was very quiet when we went in. It was midday on a Thursday, so hardly peak time. The interior is olde worlde, but a little tired looking, and as per usual most of the tables were laid out for eating. Didn't have anything to eat, but had a nice half of 'Flack Catcher'. The pub seems to suffer from the fact that there is a more popular inn just up the road, 'The Malt House', which also does cheaper meals. Will visit again though.
7 Sep 2012 12:30
Appletons at Queens Head, Fishers Pond
Sadly, the menu in here does not tell the truth about the service. For the second time we have been here, the sunday roast, which is supposedly served all day, had finished at 5 p.m. and my poor father had to pick something else. He's not one to complain much but when he pointed out that it said on the menu that it was served 'all day' the young girl behind the bar gave a trite reply that 'you should have got here earlier'. My father then replied that when he had come in before there had been loads of meat and vegetables left at the carvery and they were loading up the plates so that the staff could have their meals instead of the customers. The cocky bargirl said that 'they only had the scraps that were left' which was clearly untrue.
You would think on Fathers Day, that a pub would know that they were going to be busy, and order in food accordingly to suit the extra footfall, but in this case they clearly had not.
Unlike the unsampled roast, the pub and it's staff left a bad taste in our mouths. Low mark because of this.
18 Jun 2012 18:49
Went in here on our way home from holiday. Barman was friendly enough when he served us, but the one thing I noted since my last visit is that EVERY table in the place is laid out for food service. Where are you meant to sit if you just want a drink. The bar was already crowded, and I didn't particularly want to get in peoples way while they waited to be served. When we did find a table to sit down, it might have been my imagination, but the owner kept coming round dusting tables nearby, and giving us cursery looks because we were not eating. In my view they should say it's a restaurant now and not a pub to save people the confusion. Plus the hobknobs sat near us were debating the merits of their latest yacht, and how they survived the rigours of the Fastnet Race. All the while guffawing over their port and lemons! Not impressed!
19 Aug 2011 22:18
Typical cosy Cornish pub, in the pretty harbour at Polperro. Plenty of real ale on tap, but on a quite busy day, only one barman present. Service was made slower when he had to go downstairs to change a barrel leaving several disgruntled customers twiddling their thumbs in wait. Tried the Trelawny which went down well, as I watched the hub bub of the harbour out of the window. Nice pub, good location, slow service. Two out of three is not too bad. I give it a 6.
17 Aug 2011 20:14
Went to this pub on our way back from Trebah Gardens while on holiday in Cornwall. It has a pretty exterior which is what attracted us in. As it was about 4 p.m. on a weekday there were not many people in the pub, so we decided to drink in the garden out the back. There is a chicken coop with four very friendly chickens, who, as soon as they saw us came running over to join us. Got a couple of great pictures with me and a chicken sat next to each other the table. Unfortunately it was the only bird I pulled in Cornwall! Nice pint of H.S.D. though!
17 Aug 2011 19:59
Went here for my sister in laws 40th birthday last Sunday. It's the first time I had been here since I was a little boy, so a very long time ago, ahem! The actual building hasn't changed much. A smallish Victorian farm house, with a large green to it's left for the kids to play in, while the parents quaff. There is a small extension, and two patio areas. Inside the low ceilings and dingy lighting give it a cramped but not uncosy feel. There are also loads of unusual items hung from the walls and ceilings, like an upside down ferret, a Dorothy poster, from the Wizard of Oz, complete with real ruby slippers, and a Tigger doll in a canoe! Someone must like Tigger because he appears a lot in this pub. There were 15 in our party, but the staff accommodated us all well on a long table, and bought us all a menu. We all went for the carvery which was delicious, and at �8.95 about average for current prices. The only problem was the queue which wound it's way round the various aforementioned ephemera, and I found I was constantly getting in peoples way! As an ale drinker there was not much on offer, with only 3 handpumps serving Ringwood Best, H.S.B., and a local ale Flack Manor. But despite the limitations, they all tasted fine.
Overall a nice pub with a good sense of humour which I will visit again. Finally, if anyone can get that pound coin off the floor I will happily buy them a pint (you'll know what I mean if you see it!)
26 Jul 2011 20:03
The Bowgie Inn, Crantock Newquay
It's happened again, and I ask again, why have all the indifferent reviews about this pub been left out. Is it also the policy of Beerintheevening to allow false reviews of an establishment, because the owner dislikes the bad reviews. Please Beerintheevening, try to remain impartial, and stop giving in to these people. If they don't like bad reviews then they should improve their service!
7 Jun 2011 18:44
Went here on a Sunday, and sat out front by the road. Must have been about 4 p.m. and the place was virtually empty, but I know it does get busy at times. Had a pint of Butcombe which was fine, and being a Fullers pub had all the usuals like London Pride, HSB, ESB and Discovery on tap. Looking at the menu, it looked varied with a lot of seafood dishes but well out of my price range, such is the norm, it seems, in Hamble. Pleasant looking place though, with a nice aged look which sits well with the surrounding area. Would visit again.
12 Jul 2010 20:06
Spent a pleasant Sunday here sat out front on the little patio'd area. Quite busy because of the warm weather, and everybody seemed to be enjoying their drinks, and the food, although slightly expensive, seemed to be coming out in large portions. A lot of people were walking up and down the little cobbled road towards the waterfront, and it reminded me of a Cornish holiday scene rather than Hamble, Hampshire. Not too much on offer for the ale drinker, just 6X, Doombar and Ringwood Best, but the pint of 6X I had was fine. Will return again to try the food at a later date. Overall not bad, I give it a 6.
12 Jul 2010 19:43
I have lived near the New Forest all my life and thought I pretty much knew most of the pubs in it, but I never knew about this little gem. Thanks to perusing 'Beerintheevening' I read all the comments about the Royal Oak and thought I'd give it a go, and I was impressed. Love the location, the look of the place, the atmosphere, the service, and the beer! I love my real ales and to see that they keep it in the barrel here and that the pints are gravity fed cheered me up no end. Of the seven barrels, I tried the Vale Ale, and Bowmans Royal Oak, both in perfect condition. Didn't try the food, but it looked good, and all locally sourced from around the New Forest. The nice mix of tourists and locals gave the place a warm atmosphere, and made me want to come back which I will definately be doing in the near future. Make it a must visit place, if you are ever in the New Forest.
4 Jul 2010 20:11
The Standing Order, Southampton
Went in here with my brother after work for a pint. I was pleasantly surprised. Not by the tired paintwork and dingy interior, or the plethora of all day bar-flies spending their dole money, but by the choice of beer on offer. There was a time when I would put Wetherspoons establishments right alongside Greene King for their bland array of limited ale, but while Greene King scratch their heads and wonder why every true beer drinker leaves them in droves, Wetherspoons have suddenly worked out that a combination of lots of choice at cheap cheap prices attract a good steady stream of people coming in. My brother likes his ale, and the smile on his face when he saw the 5 guest ales (which are regularly changed), as well as 4 more familiar ones (Ruddles County, Ringwood Best, Old Thumper and Directors) on tap, he knew he had taken me to the right place. My brother plumped for Ringwood's Old Thumper, and I sampled 2 of the guest ales, Titanic White Star Ale, and Hampshire Rose by the Itchen Valley Brewery. Both tasted excellent and two pints cost only �4.06! Cheap as chips. Must have been happy hour surely? Had I not been driving I would have been quite content to sit and sample all of the other guest ales. So well done Wetherspoons, keep up the good work, I will definately be back.
26 May 2010 20:16
Visited on the May Day bank holiday. Was going to pop into the Queens Head to see if it had improved, but as Burley was packed with tourists and day-trippers, decided to go here.
It looks more hotel than pub, but once you get past the lobby area and turn left into the main bar it looks more familiar. It has an Edwardian feel to it, with plenty of brass, large mirrors and drapes over the windows. Plenty of choice on tap for ale drinkers like me with Fullers' London Pride, ESB, and Discovery on tap as well as Gales' HSB and also Seafairers. I had a pint of HSB, which went down very nicely. The pub was busy but we were served quickly, and there was plenty of food coming in and out of the kitchen, but can't comment on it's quality as we were only drinking. There was an array of various breeds of dogs lying around the tables, as the place is 'dog friendly', and most were being well behaved. There is a large patio and garden area out the back with plenty of seating, and on a hot day (not on mine unfortunately) it would be a good place to get a tan. On the whole a nice place to drop into when in the New Forest, and I would visit again.
3 May 2010 20:49
Thought I'd try this pub, as I had heard so much about it. It figures in 'The Strangest Pubs In Britain' guide, so I wanted to check it out. There were a few people in the pub when we walked in, but I was surprised to see a fire roaring away on what wasn't the coldest of days, and the smoke from the fire made me think that someone had lifted the smoking ban. The barman seemed amiable enough, and I was impressed with the ale on offer, so I plumped for a pint of 'Otter', which came straight from the barrel and tasted lovely. As most of the seats were taken in the front bar, we went upstairs to the 'Minstrels' gallery which overlooked an old waterwheel, which in turn stood in front of a deep covered well which is supposedly 300 ft deep! There was a model of a guide dog by the well, and if you put some money in, the staff gave you an ice cube to drop down the well. The place looked old with cobwebs in every window nook, and dust adorning most of the window sills, but it sort of added to the 'uniqueness' of the place. Although there were a few people there, there was not much of a friendly atmosphere. It was too quiet for my liking, and when we tried to make small talk with one of the staff he just ignored us! The food looked alright, and the prices reasonable, so that was a plus. On the way out one of my friends put some money in the dog and waited for one of the staff to give her an ice cube to drop in the well, but after waiting for 5 minutes and none of the staff showing any interest, we gave up and left.
All in all a bit of a 'hit and miss' sort of place. But I will give it another try in the heighth of Summer to see if it is any different. I give it a 5 on this occassion.
25 Apr 2010 19:03
Had a drink in here while visiting friends in Winchester. Nice open plan layout, with a general sprinkling of old and young, and tourist types sat around. I am not an overly keen fan of Greene King pubs, as they usually serve the same old tired choice of beers, but there was slightly more on offer here. I opted for the guest ale 'Alepril Fool'. As mine was the last out the barrel, the girl behind the bar asked me to try a few gulps to make sure it was o.k. As it was not at it's best, she happily offered me another choice, so I went for the Moorlands, which was fine. But I liked the fact that the bargirl seemed to know her stuff about 'Ale'. Didn't eat the food, but from what I could see, it looked quite good. Would visit again, when I am back in Winchester.
25 Apr 2010 12:11
Visited this pub on the Bank Holiday Monday just gone. Nice surrounding countryside, but I'm not a great fan of pubs sat on a main road. The inside reminded me of an opulant Victorian boudoir, with the usual smattering of countryside ephemera, and antique looking items. Being a lower middle class boy, it took a while for me to get used to the local country set, come gentry accents that surrounded us, but the atmosphere was pleasant enough.
I'm not the biggest fan of Greene King pubs, but I did have a nice pint of Morlands Original which was well kept, and as others have noted the food being served did look excellent, but also, to my mind quite overpriced. Overall if you want a nice littel ride into the Hampshire countryside and stop off for a pint this would not be a bad place to stop. I give it a 6.
12 Apr 2010 20:23
Went in this pub after visiting Hinton Ampner House, as it's conveniently about 100 yards from the entrance to the house. Very quiet when we went in on a Wednesday afternoon, but the barmaid was polite enough. Had 4 hand pumps on serving a range of locally brewed Hinton beers, Hinton Crest, Hinton Sportsman, Hintons Olde, and I can't remember the fourth! I plumped for the Crest which went down well. More of a restaurant than a pub, with all the tables decked out for eating rather than quaffing, but there are a row of seats at the bar if you want to run the gauntlet of 'nicking' a locals' seat, and there is a large seating area outside at the back. Would like to come back here when a bit busier to sample a better atmosphere, but will definately come again.
29 Oct 2009 01:07
Had a meal in here, and the obligitory sampling of pints, on our last night in Cornwall. Must say that if the weather had been nice, the view out the back, on the patio, would have been lovely. But with the herds of screaming kids running in and out of the fire door, letting the force nine gale in, it put us off the idea of sitting outside. All the guys behind the bar looked like 'surfer dudes', and must have acquired their tans from somewhere other than Cornwall, judging by the previously mentioned weather. The food we ordered was o.k., but nothing to right home about, and as is the norm with big food orders in some pubs, came to us in a range of staggered servings, and forgotten side orders!, but after having a few of the Betty Stoggs though, I was not really in the mood for complaining, and more in the mood for hugging the nearest person too me, as is the effect from drinking copious amounts of ale! Overall, nice location, could improve on service. I'm giving a generous 6 to this pub.
25 Aug 2009 23:18
Went in here on a gloomy wet day in Polperro. Found the place to be quite cosy, and liked the starry-lit ceiling (you'll know what I mean if you see it). Didn't eat the food, but the menu looked quite reasonable, and the pint of Sharps Own was well kept. Will visit again the next time I'm in Cornwall.
25 Aug 2009 21:18
Popped in here on my way home from my trip to Cornwall, and I was back in Ringwood Brewery country, with Best and Fortyniner on as well as another local ale Summer Lightning being the choices. As I was as dry as a bone from all the driving, the pint of Fortyniner went down very well. Only down side was the rather aloof bar manager, who for some unknown reason seemed to take a dislike to us, and kept skowling at us from across the bar. As it always seems with a lot of pubs, 'nice place, bad staff'.
24 Aug 2009 21:22
Good little pub, up a little side street. As others have said, it has a nice fresh and clean interior with the usual nautical theme, with loads of pictures of yachts adorning the walls. Looked like they had some nice specials on with plenty of fresh fish dishes to be had, but a little bit out of my price range to be honest. Plumped for the Doom Bar (again!), and again it was well kept. Got talking to a group of lads from Oxford who shared our interest in real ales, and judging by the way they were going through the pumps, they might have struggled to find there way back to the ferry to Falmouth! On the whole a pleasant place for a pint.
24 Aug 2009 21:01
Nice historic pub, used to be lived in by one of Walter Raleighs mates, who fought with him against the Spanish Armada. Local lad done good, sort of thing. The pub has a nice sprinkling of locals and tourists alike, and the food looked wholesome. My pint of Tinners was fine too. On a slightly different note, the mens toilet must hold the record for the amount of blue toilet blocks per litrine, There must have been 20 or so in each one. Talk about excess!
24 Aug 2009 20:52
Rating for this pub has dropped again this year. The beers not the problem. In fact the Exmoor Gold and the Skinners Ginger Tosser (great name,lol), were very nice pints. The problem is the place needs a bit of a facelift, and clean up. Don't get me wrong, I don't want it to become a wine bar, but the whiff of several damp dogs, bits of lettuce and rice etc left on the tables from previous diners, and a toilet that is best left alone, do not leave a good impression. So only a 5 this year from me.
24 Aug 2009 20:32
Historic little pub right by the Harbour Beach, so was very busy on the sunny, yes sunny! day I visited. Unusual to see Old Speckled Hen on the pumps down here, but I decided to stay local and had the Doom Bar, which was, as usual, very good. Decided to sit on the sun terrace, which is out the back of the pub and up some steps. It's a good spot to get a tan on a good day. Only downside was the miserable Spanish bartender, who couldn't raise a smile, even if you tipped him.
24 Aug 2009 20:25
My rating for this pub has sunk even lower this year. Tried a Weston's cider in here for a change. Came in a dirty glass, and a round of 3 drinks was the most expensive on my whole tour of Cornish pubs this year. Will definately not go again next year!
24 Aug 2009 20:11
Nice pub, full of character, right by the harbour. Although I didn't have it, the Sunday Roast looked huge and good value for money. As I was driving (groan!), I only had a half pint of H.S.D. I was comforted by the fact that I could enjoy my half whilst gazing at the gorgeous barmaid, which almost made the visit worthwhile on it's own!
22 Aug 2009 21:46
Had a pint of Sharps Honey Spice in here. Bar staff a bit snobby, Prices not bad. I don't know what all the fuss is about Rock. There's hardly anything there apart from the yacht club. Much rather spend my day in Padstow.
22 Aug 2009 21:33
Popped in here today for Sunday lunch, and sat in the nice little patio area near the entrance. Atmosphere was good because of the sunny weather (which, lets face it, has been a rarity this summer). Good choice of beers on with Courage Best,Fullers London Pride,Ringwood Fortyniner, and a guest ale from the Hogs Back Brewery the choice to be had on this particular day. Had the Roast, which although not excessive, was still very tasty, and a toffee and pear tart for dessert. Again, very nice. Prices are a little bit higher than some places, but when your this close to all the yachts down the road, it's no surprise really. Overall, a good pub. Will visit again.
9 Aug 2009 23:31
Went in here last week, for the first time in ages, after the usual struggle to find the place! It was lunchtime and it was pouring down with rain outside, so the atmosphere was a bit damp. Not many people in there, didn't help the atmosphere either. Plumped for a pint of Toms Tipple, which unfortunately for me tasted like it had been strained through an old dish cloth, before serving. Worst pint I have had in a long time. The 6X was fine though. Food looked alright, and the garden would have been a nice place to sit, had it not been raining. Will give it another chance on a sunny day.
24 Jul 2009 22:29
The pub recently did a real ale night, and have updated the pumps with new ales and guest ales. Last time I was in there they had Adnams Broadside, Timothy Taylors Landlord, Ringwood Best, and a Deuchars guest ale on. Well done the Fishers Pond from a real ale drinker.
28 Apr 2009 15:41
Traditional Cornish pub with a good sprinkling of tourists and locals. Had a choice of Courage Best, Abbott Ale, and Betty Stoggs, so I plumped for the Betty Stoggs. Also had a couple of pints of strong (6%!) cider, which name escapes me. My heads as cloudy as the cider! There was a nice atmosphere in the pub when we were there, but be warned, you must like animals, because there was as many dogs as people in the bar that night, and the barking can get a little intense at times if the dogs don't like each other!
3 Sep 2008 00:04
Went in here for something to eat. Got to say I was a bit dissappointed. The place was virtually empty apart from a few locals playing pool and propping up the bar, and depite them the place felt cold and soulless. We were plonked into a sparsely decorated and dingey area to have our meal, which was passable but simple fair. The waitress told us the place had been taken over by new owners only recently and that they were in the process of doing the place up, so good luck to them, but they need to get a move on if they are going to get any trade. The Doom Bar was fine though.
2 Sep 2008 23:55
Visited this pub on a grey day in Padstow, Most people were inside because of the weather, so it felt busy. Pub and interior look very old, so it's kind of dissappointing to see flat screen t.v's adorning the walls for the sport. Sign of the times I suppose. I had a nice pint of H.S.D. though, as I looked out the window at the rain. What's happened to Summer!
2 Sep 2008 23:44
Unusual set up here, with this pub being the starting point to the Bodmin Jail experience. You pay at the bar to get admission to the jail, which is accessed through a door next to the toilets! One side of the pub is a sort of restaurant and the other side is done out like a gentlemans reform club, with sumptuous leather sofas etc, and there is a heavy Welsh influence with rugby shirts adorning the walls( owner must be Welsh). The bar on this side is made from an old witness box dating from 1856 which is an interesting touch. I thought I would continue the Welsh theme by sampling the Brain's SA Gold, which I thought was a lovely pint. Enjoyed this pub and would visit again if I was ever passing through Bodmin again.
2 Sep 2008 23:35
The Bowgie Inn, Crantock Newquay
Just come back from a holiday in Cornwall, and went here a few times. It has improved since the last time I was there. I noticed that they had more real ales on. As I recall they had Sharpes Doom Bar, Betty Stoggs, Eden and Tribute on. Also had a pint of the Rattler cider, which is quite potent. The food is good too, with the hottest served soup i've ever had! Although it's got a little pricey, it's still worth it. Just wish the weather had been better to enjoy the view more.
2 Sep 2008 23:20
Nice looking pub in a pleasant location. Food is overpriced with small portions though, and there is a limited choice of ales to be had, but overall not too bad.
8 Aug 2008 21:06
Had a lovely meal here a couple of weeks ago, on a nice sunny day. Sat in the garden, and ate the biggest Ploughman's I have seen. I did wonder why nobody else was having starters. Had a nice pint of Timothy Taylors Landlord, and a guest ale called Fuggle De Di, I think, from a brewery on the Isle of White. Definately will pay another visit.
8 Aug 2008 20:45
Nice pub,with seating area outside by the 'pond'. Gets busy on warm days. Not bad selection of ales with Ringwood, London Pride,6X, and Fortyniner the choice to be had. The only thing I don't like is the recently installed fruit and quiz machine, which looks a bit out of place to my mind.
8 Aug 2008 20:36
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White Hart Inn, Stockbridge
Bar girl snobbish and more concerned about talking about her car to the locals. She could have at least given us a smile after charging £8.20 for two pints!!
24 Sep 2015 17:16