BITE user comments - judge_and_brewery
Comments by judge_and_brewery
I’ve known this pub for the last 40 years and never been in. I clearly haven’t missed out. Prompted by the book ‘George & Me’. Set in the 50s it tells of happy times at the George, fine ales, good food and a friendly welcome. So feeling inquisitive we ventured out one recent Sunday for a spot of lunch and a drink. We arrived to a packed car park which is normally a good sign. The only problem was these were the cars of the morris dancers prancing in the rear yard with their brood taking up all the seats and tables. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against this ancient tradition however it does bother me a tad when I see 60+ year old men with flesh tunnels and an affliction against shampoo. We were abruptly informed ‘no food today’ by a grumpy member of staff. The eating area was chained off, leaving a bar seating area for a total of about 5, useless. So we just stayed for a quick drink outside. Whilst we were finishing our drinks the bar staff paraded through the few customers with trays of sandwiches and chips …… for the morris dancers, no food for customers though?!!? I think I reflect the views of many reviewers when I say the current management/landlord clearly has no idea how to run a business let alone a pub. The idea of bringing in an attraction (?) is surely to attract customers? You’re supposed to cater for your customers not irritate them. In summary, beer okay (Black Sheep Best), food (?), atmosphere non-existant, pub tatty, toilets neglected. This is fortunately not like so many other dales pubs, overall it was very disappointing.
11 Jun 2013 14:32
You won't recognise this pub from the early comments. Ownership/management has changed in recent months and breathed life into this place. A very popular and subsequently busy pub so it is advisable to book if you want to eat. (Great Sunday roasts!) Staff plentiful, very accomodating and friendly. They will do their utmost to fit you in to eat if you haven't a booking.
a selection of good local ales are on offer from a relatively small bar so you have to be a little patient when it comes to getting served.
Generally a nice place with a pleasant atmosphere.
Try it out.
13 Feb 2012 15:24
The Oystercatcher, Littlehampton
Nice ambience, cottage style cleverly recreated in what's a relatively new building. Food varies. Last night we experienced an anaemic seafood mixed grill and a similarly presented sole fillets dish. Both devoid of any garnish or sauces. Food presentation leaves a lot to be desired. Stick to the basics like gammon and chicken and you normally can't go wrong. Beer okay, good selection of ales and lagers. Staff are dressed appropriately. No scruffy Herberts working here.
13 May 2010 14:39
The Darrington Hotel, Darrington
A great stop over on the Great North Road if you're heading North or South. Cold lager and a couple of steaks for a tenner prove very welcome after a long drive. Steaks alway of better quality than you would expect for that price. A typical group pub which empties out after everyone has eaten (dead by 2100).
Cheap wine by the bottle worth a mention too. Not bad at all. Would visit again.
28 Apr 2010 16:28
A great shame that this pub is now totally ruined. Right outside St Levan's gate of the Naval Base it was always lively, friendly, and a cosy place to relax. Now unfortunately in the wrong hands it is dead, uninviting and cold. Everything is painted either white, blue or silver which instantly makes you feel chilly. On my last visit the landlady was somewhat inebriated, brandishing a microphone and attempting to murder several tracks on the jukebox. Beer average, pub well below standard, don't bother.
17 Dec 2009 12:24
The Royal George, Shoreham by Sea
A bit of a 'builder's bar' and during the early part of the evening frequented by those covered in paint and plaster (so watch where you sit down!) Beer is reasonably priced and bar staff are pleasant. There is a budget type carvery to the rear of the pub which when I last ate there was not too bad.
17 Dec 2009 12:05
Frequented by mixture of people on their laptops and those that seem to have spent a lot of money trying to look homeless. �1 off a pint anytime before 5pm weekdays, otherwise not cheap. Despite a recent refurb it's starting to look a little on the tired side (ripped sofas etc.) Agree, more of a bar than a pub.
17 Dec 2009 09:46
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North Star, Worthing
Recently refurbished, twice now in the last 4 years or so, probably because it gets well used. Wide selection of beers but mostly lagers. Menu also revised, more interesting, and slightly better quality. Staff attentive and polite but you can find yourself waiting ages to get served sometimes, prices reasonable. A regular chain pub with all that comes with pub chains.
11 Jun 2013 14:58