BITE user comments - pedantnic
Comments by pedantnic
An excellent location high up on the cliffs with wonderful sea views. I ate here last year after it was refurbished and the food and service was excellent. Sadly, like so many places they could not maintain this standard long-term. The bar service was so slow and off-hand that we decided to enjoy the view for a while, drink up and eat elsewhere. Another deciding factor was £4.40p for a pint of Guinness; you can pay less than that in a central London hotel. No wonder the place was almost empty.
19 Apr 2014 17:31
An excellent location high up on the cliffs with wonderful sea views. I ate here last year after it was refurbished and the food and service was excellent. Sadly, like so many places they could not maintain this standard long-term. The bar service was so slow and off-hand that we decided to enjoy the view for a while, drink up and eat elsewhere. Another deciding factor was £4.40p for a pint of Guinness; you can pay less than that in a central London hotel. No wonder the place was almost empty.
19 Apr 2014 17:31
The Dunstable Arms, Sheringham
I ate in the restaurant on Thursday; the food was excellent and the service was superb. This experience was far superior to any that we have had in the town centre pubs. Whist the restaurant was almost empty the other bar had a lively collection of drinkers enjoying themselves. As I was only really there to eat I did not sample any of the fine ales on offer - but the Guinness was spot-on! Highly recommended.
19 Apr 2014 14:21
This is the place to drink away from the town's many tourist trap pubs. Excellent selection of real ales and a genuinely friendly service. The place is spacious, spotlessly clean and very well run. Best of all there's none of that irritating piped-music that pollutes the town's pubs. All I could hear was intelligent conversation; sheer bliss. I've visited on many occasions and I can assure you that it is not full of drunks as previous 'revue' states. You will not find a better kept or cheaper pint of real ale in Sheringham!
19 Apr 2014 14:08
I visit Sheringham regularly several times a year. As it has been about seven years since I last visited this pub I thought I'd give it another chance after what had been a dreadful previous experience. Nothing seems to have changed. The staff have a dreadful attitude. I really cannot understand how this survives as a business!
19 Apr 2014 13:57
I visited late on a Sunday afternoon. A very polite and friendly young barmaid served me an excellent pint of Doombar. The few locals sat at the bar acknowledged me. Sadly I had to leave before I could sample more as this pub shuts at 7pm for the night!
19 Apr 2014 13:50
Escape from the overcrowd and over-priced high Street 'pubs' of Great Missenden to this gem of a pub tucked away on the edge of the village. This is where the real locals meet; in an unspoiled pub away from the pretentious plasticity of the tourist trap pubs catering for Roald Dahl museum visitors. Doombar, Ghost Ship, Mad Goose; plus many other real ales when there is an event on. Genuinely friendly service.
19 Apr 2014 13:43
The George Inn, Great Missenden
THERE'S NO BEER HERE! This pub is now closed and boarded-up.
19 Apr 2014 13:31
The Cross Keys, Great Missenden
I used to visit this pub on a Sunday lunchtime when I lodged nearby; sadly at weekends it now becomes an extension of the nearby Roald Dahl museum complete with screaming babies and unruly children running around the bar unchallenged. Hardly a pleasant atmosphere in which to enjoy Fuller’s ales. So now I only consider visiting the pub late in the evening. However, do not travel far to visit this pub as you cannot rely on it being open. I have made this mistake on several occasions, the last of which was on yesterday. 8:15pm and The Cross Keys was shut with no sign of life. My friends and I were very disappointed having made a ten mile trip in three cars. We will not bother again.
21 Jan 2013 17:23
16th October 2012 around 2pm.
Fullers really need to get a grip of this place if they are to keep their excellent reputation for boozers. It was dark, dingy and stuffy with sticky floor and threadbare carpets; indifferent staff and no greeting despite the fact there were three staff behind the bar and just me in front of it. "Yes" was the only word I got out of the tall male who served me.
There were about 12 or so other customers in the bar as I sat at a table on the centre level. Tables around me had dirty glasses and plates on them and the only clear one I found had bits of lettuce stuck to it. Nobody attended to them whilst I was there.
My pint of ESB at £3.95 was overpriced for such tacky surroundings; it was an acceptable pint but far from the best ESB I've sampled- and I've sampled a lot!
The dreaded piped-muzak that has invaded so many pubs, combined with a persistent smell of something between roast beef and excrement emanating from the doors behind me ensured that I drunk up in 15 minutes never to return ever again.
9 Nov 2012 18:36
Wonderful, just wonderful. This is how a pub should be. Friendly staff and locals, great beer and good honest meals at an affordable price. Well worth a visit.
14 Oct 2012 16:38
In a word - disappointing. It all looks very promising on the outside but walking in is a bit of a shock. First impression is 'grubby'. Sticky tables many of which had old beer mats stopping them from wobbling. The only plus point to the interior, and in my opinion the only reason to visit the pub, is the tiny old original snugs attached to the side of the bar.
Around four hand pumps on so I ordered a pint of Hophead. Sat at a table I took a godd look at my pint, cloudy with bits floating in it. I took it back to the bar and the barmaid said,"I do not know canything about beer I will change it for anther type of beer". So I chose a pint of Preservation which was of acceptable quality. There was loud pop music playing which one old boy and myself endure; the barmaids seemed to enjoy the music though.
I do not expect bar staff to be master brewers but knowing that a real ale should not be cloudy with bits floating about in it is not too much to expect.
I drank up an left the pub within fifteen minutes; there are far better places to part with the price of a pint in Marylebone.
1 Mar 2012 13:16
The Fox and Hounds, Rickmansworth
I have never visited Rickmansworth before but I had to choose a pub to meet a business contact in. Looking on this site the choice looked dire; so I simply chose the one closet to the station. Fortunatly it turned out to be a very pleasurable choice.
The Fox and Hounds has recently been refurbished and modernised; but not so modernised that it lost it's traditional feel. It has a small front bar and an open fire between the front and rear bar. There are also steps down to a lower bar with large dining tables. By the conversation in the bar I think I visited on the first day after the refurbishment; lighting the open fire seemed to be a new experience for the staff. (Invest in some 'seasoned logs' and make life easier!)
There were three real ales on during my visit; Ruddles, Doombar and another that I cannot remember. I sampled the Ruddles and several pints of the Doombar. These beers were presented in excellent condition; absolutley spot on.
Young, helpful and polite bar staff and amicable landlord who was followed around by two huge but friendly dogs. I also found the locals friendly and very chatty; they made me feel most welcome and not like an outsider. I spent a comfortable early evening two hours in this pub and I could have quite happily have stayed all night. I will certainly return next time I find myself in Rickmansworth and I am very pleased to recommend this pub to real ale drinkers.
1 Feb 2012 09:05
This remains one of the finest pubs in the area. I have been drinking here for forty years and not a lot has changed. The place is warm, welcoming and traditional.
There is a great selection of well kept real ale and an excellent bar menu and the landlady and staff are full of genuine charm and courtesy. An added bonus is that the old stable block attached has been converted and now serves excellent Thai food. On a cold winters day sat next to the open fire in the tap room with a pint is the closest you can be to heaven without dying.
22 Dec 2011 00:51
The Cock and Rabbit, Great Missenden
This place was used for filming 'Midsommer Murders' and it retains that atmosphere; life threatening.
Things are so desperate that the villagers now intend to buy a pub in the next village so that they can have a decent pub in the locality.
22 Dec 2011 00:32
The George Inn, Great Missenden
Full of loud shell suited chavs spoiling for a fight. Not what you would expect in Great Missenden, Until these oinks are permanently ejected and the place moved up market this pub will be doomed to failure. I did not even try the beer;I went in one door and out the other. How many customers have been frightened away?
31 May 2011 01:38
Paradise for the real ale drinker. Even better my visit coincided with their beer festival; huge tent in the garden and a jazz band! Fantastic. Good honest pub grub served by cheerful young ladies. Sadly I was on cola. I will return for a few beers. Probably on that infamous bus that stops right outside.
30 May 2011 02:01
An exceptionally clean pub. I always look for details like the top of sauce bottles and these were spotless. An enjoyable mixed grill at a reasonable price. Genuinely friendly staff. Large garden with a real sense of being high up in the Chiltern Hills. Selection of beer but I was on cola so cannot comment.
30 May 2011 01:54
The Cross Keys, Great Missenden
A welcome change of landlord a few weeks back looks set to revitalize this great traditional pub. The cellar manager takes pride in keeping that live beast real ale in tip-top condition. The best pint and the best company in the village is to be found here in the Cross Keys. A quality range of pub grub also awaits you; try the hand-cut real chips. A rare gem of a pub.
30 May 2011 01:46
The best pub in Sheringham. But, believe me there is not a lot of competition. Locals and visitor use this pub. The decor consists of old slot and vending machines and other talking points. The place is spotlessly clean and the staff charming. The real ale is limited but always, in my experience, well kept . Well above average pub food. If you find yourself in Sheringham and in need of a beer - this is the place to make for.
19 Aug 2010 21:52
I thought I would try this pub as I was staying next to it. The beer was very drinkable but I was aware that certain 'clients' were considering my vunerability. Luckily for them they did not overestimate it. I was glad to get over the road to the Union Jack Club for a relaxing drink away from the scroats attention - knowing that my security was in the hands of ex-Gurkas.
19 Aug 2010 21:30
This is now on my list of highly acceptable London pubs. The staff are friendly and helpful. As on my last visit there was a large range of real ale - of which I tried three - all kept to perfection. A reasonable price too (for London).
19 Aug 2010 21:01
I visited again in the hope that time had healed this establishment. Sadly, it had not. I experienced the same off-hand service as I did about a year ago. The place looked decidedly grubby and I felt totally unwelcome. How a place like this functions as a business is beyond me!
19 Aug 2010 20:45
An interesting pub. Friendly, helpful staff. A good selection of real ale. I had an excellent pint and a reasonable steak. I will return when in the area. Well worth putting on your pub-crawl list.
8 Jul 2010 23:57
The Nags Head, Great Missenden
Not the place to just drink; however an excellent place to eat AND drink beer.
On my visit they had on Rebellion, Fuller's Pride and some brew from the Tring Brewery. The Pride was well kept and a wonderful pint.
The food is excellent, although some may consider it expensive.
There is a very large garden that backs on to the local cricket pitch.
The sound of leather on willow and a good pint - deep joy!
14 Jun 2010 00:03
This is not a really the right place to just drink. However it is a woderful place to eat and drink. The food and service are of a high standard. Good selection of beer - well kept Breakespears and Flowes on my last visit.
Comfortable atmosphere and extensive gardens.
A popular, clean and well cared for eating pub.
13 Jun 2010 19:03
The rump steak is excellent value at less that �7; and it is consistantly delicious prime Irish meat. Well cooked wedges, peas and field mushrooms.
As this is less than the price of a takeaway kebab or fish and chips, I eat here after work before commuting home usually before 5pm. On the two occasions that I visited later I felt that I was being watched with suspicion by some of the chavista locals - perhaps because I actually had the nerve to read a book in their pub. You would not want to eat with your family whilst listening to their loud banal utterances, littered with anglo-saxon expletives.
The beer? Well I only drink real ale so my choice was coffee as the only 'bitter' was John Smiths. Yuk! The coffee has been excellent every time.
If you must visit a pub in the centre of Harrow you could do worse. Much, much worse.
23 May 2010 10:54
Now this is a real pub. I have not visited it for some years, but on returning a few Saturdays ago I was not disappointed. I entered the public bar to be greeted by smiling locals and a roaring log fire. Making my way to the bar I was greeted by the friendly barman; who appeared to have a huge personality, but only one tooth. I knew then that all was well.
This place was full of laughter and happy people. Sadly I could only stay for one pint of bitter; the name of which escapes me, but it was it excellent condition.
This is a great summer pub too; with its elevated garden and labyrinth of bird cages (all of which looked very healthy and well looked after).
The other bar was frequented mainly by people eating meals; for which I will return in the near future.
6 Apr 2010 19:05
The George Inn, Great Missenden
This has now re-opened and they are selling Chiltern Ales - Beechwood etc.
This could be a great pub, it has lots of multi-level nooks and crannies in which to enjoy your pint.
It needs to get back the long lost support of the locals before a good atmosphere returns.
Give it a try for the ale alone.
14 Feb 2010 15:11
A terrific pub. I have used this pub for 35 years and its always been good. An unspoilt public bar with stone floor, scrubbed tables and roaring real fire.
Fullers ales, breakspears are excellently kept. The landlady is very professional - she clearly understands the business she is in. Also there is an established Thai restaurant attached. Absolutely first class.
YOU MUST VISIT THIS PUB.
19 Nov 2009 00:07
This is a rare gem; hidden away behind the High Street. A little piece of old Ireland. I have been drinking here on and off for 35 years and its always been a good pub. Well worth a long visit - an excellent pub in a surprise location.
YOU MUST VISIT THIS PUB.
18 Nov 2009 23:57
Visiting Sheringham again in October I noticed that this pub had been given an award by Sheringham Council! Have they been in it? Says a lot about the council I think. AVOID.
18 Nov 2009 23:51
This is now open as an 'up market tapas bar'. This is privately owned; not a brewery or chain business; surely a plus point worthy of support. Also on a plus point; a lot of money has been spent on this historic coaching inn without detracting too much from its former glory. Sadly, there is no draft ale - just bottled beer. For that reason I have not, and may not, venture inside. However, it is perhaps ironic that the owner spends much of his time frequenting the nearby traditional public house.
18 Nov 2009 23:45
The Cross Keys, Great Missenden
This pub (?) now shuts on some Saturday nights for private functions. Thus its core regular customers are alienated and must seek alternative venues for their social interaction. Therefore the 'pub' may lose its regular income - they may find a better venue and not return! Someone is not doing joined up thinking - no wonder pubs are closing daily with this sort of 'management'!
Not wishing to be negative - the beer is excellently kept and the best company in Great Missenden still drink there. The locals will give you a warm welcome,
enjoy!
3 Nov 2009 21:44
The ESB is excellently kept and priced.
The staff and regulars are cheerful.
A true drinkers pub.
One criticism - televisions do not belong in pubs.
19 Oct 2009 23:32
The Red Lion, Little Missenden
This is indeed a rare gem of a pub. My usual gripe on 'Beerintheevening' is that pub service is indifferent; or worse. This is not the case here. Service was professional and friendly.
The food and beer are of a very good standard. The beer garden is a wonderful suprise for the passing visitor; the misbourne river runs through it. This is alive with fish, ducks and other wildlife. A great place to take your mum or your children. Simply unique. A must visit.
11 Aug 2009 22:28
I had Steak and Ale pie here. Never again, it was a dry tasteless offering. The beer was warm and the staff offhand. As usual people who run pubs in such fantastic locations do not seem to think that they need to make an effort.
8 Aug 2009 22:42
They have a recessed doorway to the right of the outside of the pub that all the drunks piss in; this runs across the pavement in streaks. Yuk! For this reason alone I have not made it into the pub.
8 Aug 2009 22:35
The best beer in Sheringham. The food is good too with Greek dishes a speciality. Staff ok.
8 Aug 2009 22:10
Visiting Sheringham again I thought I would give the place another try.
Big mistake.
Awful surly staff. Were they doing me a favour serving me? They seemed to think so. How on earth does this place survive? AVOID!
8 Aug 2009 22:06
This pub is a rare gem! Friendly staff and locals who gave me advice on the best beer of the day. The beer was superbly kept: thank goodness I was walking and not driving, This place is the best pub for many a mile in this part of Norfolk. Trust me I have been in most of them. This is also a very dog friendly pub, so bring fido.
8 Aug 2009 22:01
The Cross Keys, Great Missenden
I agree with MarkS62.
The new landlord has hiked up the price of everything! 3.40 for a pint of Fullers ESB! Go one stop up the Chiltern Line to Wendover and visit the White Swan in the High Street and it is only 2.82. (A better pub in many ways) Go four miles to Chesham into the Queens Head and ESB is 2.80. In the city I may pay 3.00 for a pint of ESB but I have never been asked for more.
To add insult to injury; a packet of crisps will cost you 80p in The Cross Keys. No wonder villages are loosing there pubs daily if they are run along these lines.
Regards,
Pedantnic
15 Feb 2009 19:25
The Cock and Rabbit, Great Missenden
'Complete toffee'. I have not heard that expression for half a decade or more! You sound like one of those 'clicky' locals that I reffered to in my previous posting. One of the elite and indeed the few ; 'The Cock & Rabbit Club'.
The place is by your own admission is, "well lived in and used". I believe that I have already expressed that in more exacting terms. This is not what people are looking for on an evening out.
This website is about 'beer'. There is a clue in the title;
beerintheevening.com . The Cock & Rabbit is not about beer. What exactly it is about as a business still escapes my understanding.
My verdict remains, 'unacceptable as a pub'.
Regards,
Padantnic
15 Feb 2009 19:07
I took my family here at 6pm this evening.
Somebody has obviously spent a lot of money on this place recently. Its appearance inside and out is immaculate. So we thought we would give it a go for a family meal.
The Barmaid was friendly and helpful and the seating by the roaring wood-burning stove was welcoming.
The menu looked excellent and the Hooky was indeed a good pint. Sadly, we did not get to try the food.
The only other customers at 6pm this Sunday were a group of baseball hat wearing chav-scrotes whose loud vocablary consisted almost entirely of Anglo-Saxon adjectives.
Half way through my pint another four chavistas walk in to much Anglo-Saxon greetings all round. All appeared to have been drinking since dawn. I became aware of learing looks from these types who seemed to act as if this was their 'manor' and we were invaiding it. Clearly not a family atmosphere!
This was evidently not the place to take my family for a meal, so we departed back to civilisation and a good evening elsewhere.
My advice to the management - Get the chavs out and you will get the customers you deserve in. Sincere good luck to you.
24 Jan 2009 22:42
After being run by Dennis there is only one way a pub can go. Downhill. R.I.P. Dennis and R.IP. The Kings Head.
28 Dec 2008 15:47
If you find yourself in Cromer then the bar of the old Red Lion Hotel is worth a visit. Wood paneled snugs, open fires. Real ale that is well kept and the the view of the sea this high up on the cliff is to die for. Not many bars can boast such a dramatic vista as this. Here you can witness a bit of the real Cromer together with friendly, locals who will gladly talk nonsensense with you over a beer or ten.
Indeed, as mentioned by others there are far worse places to drink in Cromer.
Enjoy.
28 Dec 2008 15:33
The Greyhound Bar, Beaconsfield
Devoid of soul. Surly staff who appeared to be too self obsessed to serve. Not a pub in any sense of the word; and no Crisps! Take a torch or a walking stick to find your way around!
19 Oct 2008 01:34
YOU WILL NOT FIND A BETTER PUB THAN THIS ONE.
A real log fire, immaculately kept everchanging real ales, good quality English food, friendly 'salt of the earth' characters [real country folk; not yuppies in green wellies}, supurb rural location with garden views. The 14Century building oozes character as does Michelle the landlady. Go and visit - you will not be disappointed. Sadly, you are too late to meet Gary, the most Pythonesque landlord of all time - regretably missing in action. However, you can visit the Lifeboat Station that he set up to save the souls of those shipwrecked on the high seas of Herfordshire. At high tide, and with the right kind of eyes, you can see him dressed as Wee Willy Winky rowing out to infinity on his final mission.
19 Oct 2008 01:26
A good place to take the family for a meal. Clean, cosy, welcoming and good value quality food. Not a boozers pub and not a 'local' as few people live within walking distance.
An added attraction is the steam train than runs about 11am Sundays at the end of the pub garden. Fit for purpose - do visit.
19 Oct 2008 01:02
Le De Spencers Arms, High Wycombe
'The Slaughtered Lamb' indeed! I totally agree.
"Theres nowt for you here" - too right. There was nothing for me at this pub. Not even a pint! I walked out after waiting ages to be served - whilst others walked in and their pint was on the bar before they got there!
The local football and cricket club members seem to hold court here as if they own the place. They get preference at the bar even if you have been there ages waving your cash at the barstaff. I expected this to be a gem due to its location, but it has the air and atmosphere of a 'wot you looking at' estate pub - best avoided.
19 Oct 2008 00:38
I agree; the 'F this' 'F that' brigade love this pub. I do enjoy it though, for people watching it is an absolute gem. I have witnessed many a fracas between those who do not know when or how to leave a pub once the alcohol hit has locked on to their brains. Not a place to take the family!
The glass washer appears to not be working properly as glasses can be presented to you in a very smeared state.
I continue to use the pub for its entertainment value and its wide range of bottled beer. I am not brave enough to try the draft.
19 Oct 2008 00:17
The Cock and Rabbit, Great Missenden
Superb setting and building on the outside. Used as location for 'Midsommer Murders'. The inside is a different story - shabby, in need of more than a lick of paint. Indifferent staff, with one particular barman who has all the charm of an Italian Basil Faulty! Small customer base of clicky locals who seem to treat the place as a private club. Unacceptable as a pub.
14 Sep 2008 18:24
Took the family in for a drink in August and will never return. Surly, totally disinterested barman could hardly be bothered to serve me. He did so whilst talking to another member of staff who was standing around doing nothing. All this a time that the place was almost empty early evening. Tables were not cleared and the place was generally in need of a good scrub. There are far better places to drink in Sheringham.
14 Sep 2008 15:00
The George Inn, Great Missenden
Great place to have drink on your own on a Saturday night. You could well be the only customer. This pub is 14th century with lots of character. Sadly you do not get characters in there. No real ale. This pub is kept spotlessly clean and the food is of a good standard. Notices in the bar instruct customers not to use there mobile phones!
14 Sep 2008 14:48
The Cross Keys, Great Missenden
The Fullers beer is usually good. Sadly the long standing jovial Landlord/Chef James has moved on. Now being rapidly abandoned by long standing locals. Way above London prices at 3.50 a pint! This pub needs someone with a personality to put some life back into it.
14 Sep 2008 14:37
The Firecrest, Aylesbury
My family and friends have used The Fire Crest regularly for the last fifteen years; so I thought it would be a good place to take my daughter for a birthday treat. The restaurant was very quiet and we stood by the bar waiting to be seated. A regular male waiter said, "bear with us guys". Five minutes later a miserable looking waitress then shouted out "who's next?" - although there was only my daughter and I stood at the bar and we were quite clearly together. I said, "I'd like a table please". The waitress then replied, "a table?" I said, "yes, a table for two". She then walked around the bar and said, "Would you walk this way for me?" The main area was empty but she walked us around to an alcove that was tightly packed with diners; in the centre of which was a small table for two. "Would you like to sit there for me? she asked. "No, I'd like to sit somewhere else" I stated, pointing towards the entirely empty main restaurant. "It was only a table for two wasn't it?" she replied. I said, "I would like to sit somewhere else". She then said,"You have completely the wrong attitude sir!"
I said to her, "if that is YOUR attitude I will go elsewhere" and I left in total disgust. My daughter left in floods of tears! This woman ruined my daughter's birthday and I am exceedingly angry about that! I will never go back to The Fire Crest and I will tell all of my family, friends, the people of the local communities of Wendover and Great Missenden and everybody else I can reach on social media about this disgraceful incident.
Goodness knows how much money this woman has been losing Vintage Inns!
The waitress was thin, small headed with collar length black straggly hair aged about fifty to sixty. We visited at 17:30 on May the 17th 2014.
17 May 2014 19:05