BITE user comments - old_at_heart
Comments by old_at_heart
The Ship and Shovell, Charing Cross
Excellent Badgers beer here on Saturday, near perfect. It's great having the choice of sides - just wish I'd been quick enough to snag a seat in the snug! A little treasure so close to Charing Cross.
11 Mar 2008 12:34
Popped in late Saturday afternoon. The new partitions are great in theory, but on Saturday they led to there being nowhere to stand, let alone sit so decided to go elsewhere. Shame, really, as I imagine if you get a partitioned area it is really good.
11 Mar 2008 11:59
Have to agree with the other comments - one to avoid. Really dirty and horrible. Doesn't feel like a proper pub at all.
28 Feb 2008 16:55
Excellent choice of beers, really well kept. My only minus would be the place is pretty narrow and cramped - I'd be happier if I could spread out a bit!
22 Feb 2008 09:33
Refurbished since my last visit with some trendy wallpaper, but not really any worse for it and seems to have made room for more seating, which is always a bonus at a popular pub. A good mix of drinkers, young and old.
Lots of choices of beer, real ales includes Harveys and Youngs, some different lagers and Guinness Red (an interesting tipple).
The pub quiz was pretty good too.
While not a destination pub in itself it is certainly well worth a look if you're reasonably local. Recommended.
11 Feb 2008 11:33
Haven't been there a while, but the best place for real ale in Bexleyheath. Generally have Harveys on. Has really benefited from the smoking ban as it used to get super-smoky. I've always encountered really good, friendly service here too.
8 Feb 2008 09:52
Good local pub - with the emphasis on local. It can take few visits to get the best service as they can seem a bit wary of newcomers. But once your face is known it is a friendly, good old fashioned no-nonsense boozer. Horseshoe-shaped bar, lots of knick-knacks, a boozy landlord. The Guinness is always good, I can vouch for that, and is a good alternative to the more other trendier bars nearby. It wouldn't hurt to have one or two guest ales though.
7 Feb 2008 12:43
The Spanish Galleon, Greenwich
One of the best pubs in the centre of Greenwich. Generally a decent choice of beers, and never too crowded, so a good bet for getting a seat in my experience. I'm never sure why it isn't more popular. The Sunday lunch left a lot to be desired though.
5 Feb 2008 12:43
The Greenwich Union, Greenwich
Really can't fault the beer, all the Meantime stuff is good (particularly enjoy the stout), and the bottled beers are excellent too (I'm a fan of the American beers they have - Anchor, Brooklyn etc).
The staff are generally friendly and helpful but can be a bit eager come 11pm. Also, it does attract the stereotypical Royal Hill crowd, but what should I expect?
I would say the main problem is the narrowness of the place can make it a real pain to navigate at busy times - especially if people congregate at the bar. Still, the beers alone make it well worth a visit.
29 Jan 2008 12:16
Not a bad pub at all. The food was reasonably priced and served very quickly. The drinks can be a little bit expensive, but as the only pub in Hither Green it does a good job.
22 Jan 2008 11:59
Lovely local pub, plenty of choice of beers. If you're looking for a quiet drink you'll struggle to find a better venue. Crazy dog too.
The only minus points for me would be the lack of food and the lighting is sometimes just a bit too bright (I like my pubs dingy!). But saying that, easily one of the best pubs in SE London.
21 Jan 2008 11:49
A real dive. Could be an absolute goldmine considering it is right next to the station, but sadly it is just let as a rundown hangout for all the local shady characters.
16 Jan 2008 19:13
Been in here a couple of times recently. While it is certainly spit'n'sawdust, I didn't think it was that bad, although I haven't been there on a Friday or Saturday night yet. Diverse mix of people, still figuring it out. The service has been pretty good, and it is fine for catching the football. Beer selection isn't wonderful, but the Guinness was good.
16 Jan 2008 19:08
Such a shame that this pub isn't better - a great building, no other pubs within sensible walking distance, yet it continues to struggle.
The food is cheap, which is something, and while wildly variable the service is sometimes good (although I have to say sometimes shocking). Late licence at weekends can be handy.
It had a decent refurb a few years back, but could do with a refurb of some of the regulars. Quite a weird mix in there - when there is anyone in there at all.
No real ale, despite evidence that there is demand for it.
A real waste - needs someone with a bit of vision to take over this place. It could be a good boozer with a bit of work.
16 Jan 2008 12:54
Great, great little pub. In the past year it has been taken over by a new landlady who is doing a fantastic job. While it is very much a locals-type pub the staff are incredibly friendly to everyone who comes through the door and make it their business to find out everyone's name, remember their drink etc. They've now got the logfire going, too. Shepherd Neame beers always available and looked after. A real hidden gem, particularly during the day when it is quieter (as the pub is so small it doesn't take many people to make it appear rammed).
Well worth a look if you want a down-to-earth pub in the Greenwich area.
16 Jan 2008 12:46
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The Horniman at Hays, Southwark
Very good selection of ales, haven't had problems with slow service when I've been there - guess I've been lucky. Food was good too.
Really good location, and you can sit outside by HMS Belfast and the Thames. If I had the time I'd probably rather head into the pubs in Borough nearby, but for a quick pint or two its fine.
4 Apr 2008 18:24