BITE user comments - lancalot
Comments by lancalot
The Coach and Horses, Stoke Newington
Been here twice this week to watch football and must agree with recent comments about what a fine pub this place is.
Passes the litmus test of three ales on tap and coat hooks under the bar. Good selection of premium lager: Staropramen and Kozel both go down very well. The Peroni tastes like it should, which is becoming a bit of a rarity in London boozers these days where the trend seems to be to water it down.
Always a warm, bubbly atmosphere and it seems to be an oasis of sense from the skinny-jeaned foppery in the surrounding area.
Appreciate Dylarolla's comment about TV sport. On Sunday there were plenty in to watch the ManYoo v Chelski match and they pulled out the projector screen. Last night only a couple watching ManYoo v Sunderland and they left it on the smaller flat screen and had music playing, which didn't affect the atmosphere or the football.
Bar staff friendly, and smiled when they served you. I wish I could call this place my local.
23 Jan 2014 22:45
The Prince of Wales Feathers, Warren Street
Was here on a pub crawl early Saturday evening. Pleasant enough and good range of beers. Didn't try the food. I seem to remember they had sofas and you had to go upstairs to use the loo, where there was another bar room.
16 Nov 2013 18:57
The Rising Sun, Tottenham Court Road
Came in here early Saturday evening on a pub crawl a couple of weeks ago. The pub is big and roomy, and the place was full as they show the football on big screens. The beer's nice but I wouldn't fancy eating there with that many people around.
16 Nov 2013 18:54
Tiny space in here so that when you walk in you bump into their pride and joy - a jukebox that plays vinyl. There were quite a few of us on a pub crawl so it skipped enough times to provoke an curt rebuke from the bar staff. Sorry about that.
They do serve Cruzcampo, a pint of which is always welcome. Also the street this pub is on very quiet and a good place to get away from the masses on Oxford Street.
There's a downstairs bit too, which is equally as cramped as upstairs. This is a great pub, if you're one of the five people in here.
16 Nov 2013 18:49
An incredibly interesting narrow little pub with an equally incredible selection of beers. I was here in the afternoon a couple of Saturdays ago and even then it was very busy but still got speedy service from the bar.
16 Nov 2013 18:44
The Princess of Wales, Charing Cross
A typical banal central London boozer. It's clean and the drinks are okay but there's not much more going for it. When I was in here two weeks they were showing rugby league on TV. It was never discovered whether they have Sky Sports too.
16 Nov 2013 18:42
The Prince of Wales, Kennington
Delightful pub in a quiet, neat south London square. Good range of beers and a couple of tables and a few chairs outside to enjoy the surroundings. Would definitely visit again.
16 Nov 2013 18:31
The Porcupine, Leicester Square
Sits right in the middle of a swirl of tourism. This pub's best function is a meeting point before heading out into the West End. The drinks are adequate.
16 Nov 2013 18:28
Taking your wife to the Lambeth Walk for a vodka martini? Were you wearing black tie too?
Hahahahahahaha
22 Jan 2009 13:55
Re: Martini's comments - the giveaway seems to be the choice of username 'princeofwalesputney'. It's like 'robertmugabe' recommending hotels in Harare on trip advisor.
I'm going here for the first time tonight; I'll make a more impartial debrief
30 Jun 2008 17:51
The Pembroke Castle, Primrose Hill
Came in here late on Saturday afternoon for a bite to eat; nice bar, passable beer and prompt service. However, I ordered a steak and Guinness pie that was instantly forgetable. Although the carrots that came with it were very tasty, I wouldn't pay �10 for a small bowl of carrots.
Would come here again, but not for the food.
7 Apr 2008 15:46
I live down the road from this pub and spend a lot of time and money there. The interior is great, the beer's okay, it's always lively and they show sport. The girls behind the bar are pleasant, and after going there for a year they finally know my drink! However, the landlady seems to disapprove of me, which takes the edge of things a little.
Mind you, I suppose with the amount of trade the place does she can pick and choose her clientele.
11 May 2007 16:31
The Lamb and Flag, Covent Garden
Standard English pub tucked away in Covent Garden. Very small, but managed to get a seat, probably because it was a Monday night. Walls are decked with usual olde world paraphernalia and great to sit and chat, although it's probably rammed later in the week. Didn't try any ales after kevin_bear's story, let's hope it's not stilll true!
28 Nov 2006 12:25
'Traditional' London pub in the orthodox, rather than the tourist-trap, sense of the word. The beers are more than drinkable and the atmosphere is a chirpy mix of blue and white collar.
It's possible to almost always get a seat, if not inside, then definitely in the beer 'garden' (the adjacent pavement that's littered with picnic tables).
There's a few nutters that hang about the park next door, but keep your fag packet in your pocket and they won't generally bother you.
Don't know what Nutto means about the 'pretty ambulance worker laydees'. I work there and the majority are average and drink in the equally average Stage Door down the road.
5 Sep 2006 14:14
Great midweek for happy hour drinks after work (take dates here and get them sloshed).
Recommended for drinking on the pavement in summer, but small inside when busy.
19 Apr 2006 11:38
On the plus side there's a roof terrace.
On the minus side: surly staff take an ice age to serve, the food makes McDonalds seem Michelin Starred, and every weekend the place fills and empties with monopoly pub crawlers.
Come here on a balmy summer's day to soak up some sun and a couple of drinks on the terrace, and to secretly hope the crawlers get hit by a London bus. Otherwise don't bother.
7 Feb 2006 16:37
The Travellers Tavern, Victoria
Chanced a visit here while waiting for the bus, and the place lived up to low expectations. Shabby interior, transient clientele and a pint of Stella that wouldn't get you in the mood for beating an egg, let alone a wife.
Mind you, it beats sitting in the waiting area of the coach station.
20 Jan 2006 11:42
With so many good, wholesome pubs in the area, this place suffers even though if taken alone it's actually a very pleasant boozer.
If you're really lucky the landlady will touch your derriere....
20 Jan 2006 11:18
Walking in the door, the observant tippler is immediately struck by the plethora of half pint glasses in use. Upon supping the much-bugled and inncocent taste of Exhibition one is still at a loss concerning the extent these preventative, and seemingly excessive, measures. Standing up for the first trip to the gents one begins to realise the brouhaha surrounding this liquid.
Friendly staff, olde atmosphere and slightly well-to-do clientele: definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.
17 Jan 2006 17:14
Not understanding where these glowing comments have come from, this place is just another shining example of how large pubs in the proximity of transport hubs can all too easily fall into the realms of the insipid.
Picture the scene: walk up to the bar, wait ten minutes to be served average beer from moody staff, and trip over Polish luggage as you make your way to the only free table, which boasts some dirty plates, half finished pints, fag ash and sellophane.
If you're in Waterloo for a quickee while you wait for a train, go to the bar on the concourse and at least watch people go by.
12 Jan 2006 11:19
The Southwark Tavern, London Bridge
Relaxed atmosphere, passable wifebeater and cosy booths downstairs to make more discreet acquaintance.
Went here on a Sunday night and heard some top-drawer Mayfield, Monk, Clinton etc. Didn't get lucky- although more likely because it was school night, so don't let that put you off.
Don't agree with JohnBonser about the Bunch of Grapes being better; they're both excellent venues.
20 Dec 2005 14:45
Watched the England Poland game here and was very pleasantly surprised for Weatherspoons.
Almost as spacious as the Acropolis inside and a huge TV screen. Normal collection of pinstripe for the area, but for footy a very good bet. Bar service takes a while, but then again I can only speak English.
3 Nov 2005 17:12
A taste of Russia in East London. The place is apparently named after a cartoon double act wolf and rabbit (like a Russian Tom and Jerry) called 'Catch Me If You Can'.
The prices are a lot friendlier than some of the shaven headed, leather jacketed slavs that drink here; always a lovely barbie girl behind the bar with more crimped hair than English syntax too. The iffy Eastern Euro-pop atmosphere is lit up by UV light so if you don't want to draw attention to yourself wear dark colours. A lot of people get stabbed nearby too, although I've been more than a few times and never come across any trouble.
Try it if you fancy a break from the Shoreditch trendy scene. Don't try it if you're easily intimidated.
3 Oct 2005 17:41
The Old Explorer, Oxford Circus
Bland. Comments about personality free management are well founded.
If it wasn't for the location this place would close down in minutes. Go to Pheonix around the corner.
11 Jul 2005 16:48
Three of us went in one Friday night and were greeted by a lot of old Irishmen intent on looking miserable. We decided to feed the jukebox. Atomic by Blondie got them to turn the music up! On closer inspection it appeared the jukebox had 15 credits left. As we were nearing the end of our beers, and thoroughly disappointed by a venue with so much potential, we programmed YMCA 15 times, finished our drinks and left.
Haven't been back since.
1 Jul 2005 10:45
The Mucky Pup, Angel, Islington
I must be a simple country boy, but I've never been to a pub themed around dogs before. Friendly boss, relaxed atmosphere but expensive food.
A real change from the towney atmosphere of Upper St and I shall definitely be making another visit.
And I'm a cat person!
14 Jun 2005 11:47
Strengths: leafy location, young attractive clientele
Weaknesses: Drinks are mediocre, Sloaney territory
Opportunities: Cop off with a toff and pocket the heirlooms
Threats: Old boys XV are on a Leo Sayer
2 Jun 2005 10:56
Pleasant South London pub. Lots of locals adding an atmosphere of laughter and lots of big screens showing sport. Good beers, average London prices and a cricket ball's throw from the Oval.
I'm going to watch the Champions League Final tonight, can't think of many places round there better to watch a game as a neutral.
25 May 2005 16:46
Went here last night and after reading other comments was pleasantly surprised. Lots of trendy Hoxton types and no cider. But then the music was eclectic, there's a club downstairs, and who cares if a girl has an eating disorder if she's going to look as good as the honeys in this place.
Pretentious: yes, but it's such a refreshing change from the arrogance of West London, or some provincial winebar.
16 May 2005 10:42
Mediocre drinks, rubbish atmosphere, a fight seems only an alcopop away.
If you find yourself drinking in here regularly seek professional help
10 May 2005 16:31
Quite possibly the best country pub in the...well, country. Ever since Tim started running the place the car park is never empty. The beer is local and well kept and the Thai food is very good.
I went here on Boxing day and discovered that for a fiver you could shoot a few clay pigeons out the back! There's also an endurance lawnmower race on August bank holiday.
If there was a monorail from here to Worcester, I'd move back there!
6 May 2005 16:36
The Two Woodcocks, Brockwell Park
When I moved in up the road my flatmate was fearful of this place, mainly because of the grim exterior and the anonymous jerk chicken take-away next door that loosely resembles a Compton swap-meet in the evenings. Once you're inside, though, this is a charming little pub, a million miles away from 'skunkweed!' Brixton outside. The decor is archaic but the locals are friendly and the drinks are cheaper than Cold Harbour Lane.
Well worth a visit if you like the more jagged side of London nightlife.
6 May 2005 12:03
People speak English, it's open late and the DJ played Jungle Boogie. Spiral staircase is interesting at 3am
6 May 2005 11:38
Sunday nights here are known locally as 'last chance saloon'. If you're into Australians getting drunk and pulling anything that moves, come here.
If not, come to my house.
5 May 2005 15:13
What's this? Pictures of the 26th July movement, replica Kalashnikovs hanging from the walls and bar staff wearing fatigues- it must be a theme pub.
However, the cocktails are great (happy hour recommended 5-6.30pm) and once the live salsa acts begin the place kicks off. It gets busy inside fast, but then outside is good to sit and watch the world go by (and the salsa singer's ass shaking in the window). Ate here once and waited an eternity for food, and unfortunately the bar service is almost as unforthcoming due to the amount of mint the staff have to crush.
My biggest gripe is that after spending the evening here I realise just how bad I am at dancing, but heh, cue the Macarana!
5 May 2005 15:08
Tucked away on the marvelously 'old London' Roupell Street, the Kings Arms represents a tradition of English public housing a far cry from the gaudy, brass-dripped chain pubs of the capital. The front bars are a wonderful place to stand and chat over a pint of Adnams, whether you're watching the quick-stepped commuters clashing with the architecture of the street outside as they bomb towards Waterloo, or the uniquely attractive, square-jawed barmaid.
The conservatory in the back is more tasteful than a West End theme bar, and the clientele are generally apres-office.
Definitely worth a visit (but not tonight because I'm going and I want a seat this time)
5 May 2005 14:56
An absolute gem tucked away in Hoxton, and far from the madding crowd of Old Street and Islington. Great for a few quiet drinks or to get tanked up before a night in busier areas.
I just hope not too many people find this place!
5 May 2005 11:41
Standing at the White Horse across Parsons Green it is almost impossible to spot this pub, and this is just one of its array of charming aspects. The staff are friendly, the beer is refreshing and the walking into the bar is like appearing in an issue of Country Homes. Big sofas, antique furniture and copies of the Sistine Chapel bedecking the walls make this pub a joy to take in. In the summer a BBQ is started in the endearing walled beer garden out the back, and one would struggle to spend a more pleasant, alcohol filled afternoon in London.
Of course, this pub does come with a warning: Sloanes patrol the area. But then again, if you're going to drink the best Pimms in London, you have to take the rough with the smooth.
Damn my expensive tastes!
5 May 2005 11:29
The White Horse, Parsons Green
Great beers, great BBQ and a charming building both inside and out. It gets very busy, but then on nice days you can always take your drinks over onto Parson's Green and look back at the rabble of corderoy trousers and debutant cellulite that appears to be part of the furniture in this pub. If you don't mind supping your pint in the vicinty of the high ptich squeal of society gossip or the rawkus laughter at Tarquin's exploits at the hockey club you already know this place. However, if the afternoon sun reflecting off ten signet rings straight into your eyes bothers you then be careful; a few pints of ESB and you may end up wanting to take a polo mallet to the clientele
4 May 2005 12:59
I went here on Saturday night and had an excellent knees up. Sitting in the back bar I was able to try all the drafts including Old Guest, a local brew that slips down a treat. They also had a live band playing favourite rock covers and a mosh pit was formed. I'm no greasy rocker but a combination of the ale, music and atmosphere made the night.
Didn't try the food or remeber leaving
4 Apr 2005 12:49
The Hemingford Arms, Barnsbury
I can confirm that Thai food is now being served on a Sunday as I went here last night and enjoyed a gorgeous meal.
Barstaff are friendly, they serve Magners (probably one of the best bottled ciders to pass my lips), the pub quiz is ridiculously concise and there's all sorts of things hanging from the ceiling- including a stuffed growling badger.
Great pub, great atmosphere
21 Mar 2005 12:54
I went yesterday for Sunday Lunch with a few friends and found that although the bar staff were nice to look at, their talents ended there. We all ordered a starter and main course- they tried to give us our raost before our prawn cocktail and then had a go at us for not telling them what order we wanted the courses in!
Aside from that the beer is good, the furniture comfortable, the cats are friendly, the atmosphere pleasant and the prawns on the bar are a great touch. Also a superb place for spotting wannabe gangsters who seem to think that wearing lots of tacky gold and drinking where the mob USED to drink makes them untouchable. A laugh a minute.
Just a shame about the food.
14 Mar 2005 12:43
I agreed to meet some friends here for a few beers before going to a party in Pacha.
I met some friends here for one drink and went to Pacha totally demoralised about drinking in the West London.
Awful service, awful beer and full of tourists being led to believe it's a traditional English pub.
Shakespeare would turn in his grave.
3 Mar 2005 13:42
Like all Islington drinking holes the bar prices are pretty premium, but when out in Upper Street you expect something more. The Angelic delivers. Attractive clientele and barstaff (although the Islington's frosty approach applies), design the right side of tasteful and even Blackadder on tape in the toilets! Worth dropping in for a couple.
2 Mar 2005 12:53
I chanced by this establishment last night whilst on a pub crawl. The Strongbow was medioka and the bar staff were nice, but what I couldn't get my head around was the 30 young squaddies filling each table and not saying a word. Myself and my compatriot saw fit to finish our pints not too quickly and quietly leave.
We know call this place the 'Bag'o'Chav'
15 Feb 2005 16:29
Upon crossing the threshold of this establishment one feels as though all the chaff from all the trendy winebaresque venues on Old Street have all collated in this one room. However, a trip to the bar later and your wallet will appreciate your decision to come.
Juke box is great, furniture not so, and beware of gentlemen in gas masks. Saturday afternoons can attract kids (with their parents) but karaoke night is good fun.
In real terms, anyone visiting Old Street for the trendy Shoreditch bars wouldn't want to use this place, but I live around the corner and it makes a great place to meet friends and get drunk.
In the summer you can pull the furniture out into the street and watch the world go by; highly recommended.
19 Jan 2005 15:54
The Halfway House, Sevenoaks
Visited today for lunch and few pints after a Sunday morning cycle into Kent with a bitter-drinking mate and moved to post my first review here for a few years.
The building looks a bit lonely on a hill next to Lidl, but turned out to be a great pub with three ales on draft, including Doom Bar and Harveys, and Cornish Pilsner, an excellent lager.
Three-course lunch for £14 is great value. There was only a handful of people in so we took it in turns to select records for the turntable in front of an open fire.
Friendly bar staff and punters. I wish this was my local.
30 Nov 2014 18:57