BITE user comments - normantonend
Comments by normantonend
Jackson's Wine Bar, Northfields
Lager and wine only, so for a real ale drinking couple, we did an about turn and walked straight out again. For the few seconds we were in there, looked comfy enough but really you're better off at the Forester.
18 Mar 2012 13:20
It's average. Not as 'Irish' as some of the other bars in the area - good or bad thing, you decide! Has sport on which can be handy. Not totally sure why you'd choose this over the Plough though if the latter is rammed, which it almost always is, then Duffy's isn't a bad option.
18 Mar 2012 13:15
I'm in two minds about the Plough. On the one hand, it is probably the best pub for a half mile radius and good beer and great food. But, firstly, everyone in the area knows it and it's always just a little too busy for its own good (no problem in good weather, as the garden is massive to soak up the customers). Secondly, it's a little pricey. Thirdly, the bar staff also seem to know that it's good and they don't try very hard. Seems to be a revolving door of bar staff. Their live music policy used to be good (saw the excellent Ta Mere there) but I can't work out what's going on any more. Don't discount this place but it is a notch down from when I first started going here 7 years ago.
18 Mar 2012 13:11
The Spinning Wheel, Northfields
Never went there that much even though it's literally 87 seconds from my house. But when I did, had a top night. The fact the Sinning Heel (two of the letters fell off the sign) has been turned into a Sainsbury's is shocking - Ealing Council hang your heads in shame. I will never use this Sainsbury's. Never. Pubs are too precious to see close down.
18 Mar 2012 13:05
The Star and Anchor, West Ealing
Now the Star and Anchor. I like this place, and it's much more my style than the other pubs on this strip of the Broadway. Good food, although small-ish menu, and decor is good. Not too busy except Friday night. Real fire. Two ales on and decent wines. One thing I will say - the beer garden isn't all that, ignore the 'stunning garden' comment on the signboard. Still, the outside space is good to read the Sunday papers in. Friendly staff and a big improvement on Baroque, and also should give the nearby pubs a run for their money. Good place.
18 Mar 2012 12:44
Only good for watching sport outside (and if that's what you're after, you're better off going to the Drayton Court). Otherwise I have never seen the attraction of this place. You sit outside in the car park on the main road, it's overpriced due to the table service and doesn't serve any decent real ale. Had it's own way in this stretch of pubs for way too long and thankfully there's some competition now.
18 Mar 2012 12:40
Agree with many of the other reviews on here. A sunny evening and the garden is tough to beat, and there's a great selection of wines. Food is good too. But, it's realllly expensive. Also, not once but twice I've been booted out of the eating section of the pub, even though no one's been eating in there. And on another occasion the bored staff cleaned the whole pub with strong smelling fluid whilst we were still drinking at 4pm. The staff are often disinterested. I will probably still come here from time to time as it's a nice walk from my house, but it's a long way fro my first choice in Ealing.
18 Mar 2012 12:35
If you're in here on a weekend afternoon, it'll be busy without being too horrendous, there's nice decor, lots of nooks and crannies to sit, food is ok and they have decent beers on. If you're in here on a Friday night ... well, there'll be bouncers on the door (never a good sign for a pub), it'll be rammed with all Ealing's suits and secretaries screeching and the music will be up too loud. Pick which is better for you!
18 Mar 2012 12:29
Now called Flava, it's extremely popular with the shisha smoking, sports watching, RnB loving crowd. But that's not me. On the plus side, they often show cricket on the big screen which you don't get everywhere.
18 Mar 2012 12:22
It's closed, and not before time. Not a great loss. The Chinese restaurant isn't that great either.
18 Mar 2012 12:18
Back to normantonend's profile
The Forester, West Ealing
Hallelujah! For years we have been trying this place, hoping that one day it would improve as it seemed such a good location and size. And the old landlord has gone, along with his family and friends playing Wii in the front bar. Now with the new staff ... it's bright, revamped, airy, still has the good Thai and Sunday carvery now too. Big big beer garden (frankly that was one of the only good points from the previous regime). Great range of beers. Met the new landlord and he seemed very friendly and seemed to take us seriously. Overnight this has gone from being one of the area's worst pubs to being one of the best (although now much busier to boot!). Just shows what getting in a better management can do. Well done guys. We've moved our regular Monday night drink from the Plough to the Forester. Praise indeed!
18 Mar 2012 13:27