BITE user comments - ralphholland
Comments by ralphholland
The Hoop and Toy, South Kensington
Been an occasional drinker here after work for a month. Most of the staff are excellent but often very busy, but they usually ackowledge you when you come to the bar. The ales are usually well kept, a selection of 4 is "usually" on offer. Recently had London Pride, Old Golden Hen, Hobgoblin and one other. Prices a bit steep �3.75 for Golden Hen or Hobgoblin.
Only been drinking here as it is on the way from work to the tube!
So staff good, Ales good but expensive but I was shocked to find out that a particularly surly and unhelpful female member of staff is actually part of the management.
Many times I have been served by her, I felt like there was anywhere she would rather be. Tonight was the last straw... I was with 5 colleagues (all in bar/restaurant trade). we had all had 2 or 3 pints, and a member of staff came outside to tell us it was last orders (very nice touch btw). I went inside to find her taking out the till at 11:57 (3 mins before closing time) and saying that the bar was closed. I asked about the time and she just said No, bars closed and took the till away.
I understand about timings and long hours, done it myself! But rudeness and not actually serving until closing time?? In a chain pub where everything is about hitting targets?
24 Nov 2011 01:50
Well the place is dirty, dusty, empty and over half of it is closed.
It used to be a good pub apparently but has just gone stale. There is no reason to go to this pub except if you really love sam Smiths beers... and honestly there are better out there.
Prices always low but then wetherspoons undercut them and at least you can get a choice of Real Ales there... Food basic and generic.
25 Aug 2011 17:12
Visited last night... Very nice manager, good staff though busy, lovely location and the terrace is great.. Ok so it's the same old sam smiths beer -kept well though - wine list limited, lots of generic spirits which is irritating and the food is also the same as every other Sam Smiths pub.
For the countries oldest independent brewery they should really try to catch up with the last 2 decades where customers want choice and some better food. Food sales so slow that upstairs room with amazing views over the Thames is almost always shut for lack of interest. It's a shame as the pub is great and it could be a little gem
25 Aug 2011 17:08
Seems like new management here. A refesh of the menu and service has improved. Bit rowdy late at night but overall friendly.
Some good events - music and comedy regularly.
25 Aug 2011 16:13
A real disappointment of a Youngs pub. Been in 3 times and each time service was terrible- see below reviews. Beer was sub-standard and there was almost no atmosphere. Never been in Friday night but from reviews below I really don't want to. Then again I don't want to go back anyway. There is a much better traditional local round the corner!
25 Aug 2011 16:12
Why is this place open??? I have never seen more than 10 people in here. Is nicely refurbished and usually friendly staff but no customers except people who have either got lost or who seem permanently lost.
21 Jun 2011 14:11
What a great local pub. Moved to area recently and found this treasure. Staff very friendly and helpful, beer great quality and ever changing guest ales and the food looks good and reasonably priced.
Just wish had more time to visit!
21 Jun 2011 14:09
GK leased pub, but the licensee and his wife are very friendly and know thier business very well.
This is probably the best pub in Streatham if you want a nice local pub. Gets busy at weekends for live music and has darts competition every thursday.
Only 2 real ales on and were standard gk fare, but very well kept.
22 Apr 2011 15:35
Have applied 5 times for the pub to be put back as it's original name "The White Lion" on this site. Also asked 5 times that the cover picture changed.
The only change that the regulators of this site have finally done after 18 months, is to finally change the sign saying "CLOSED"
8 Oct 2010 00:11
Been open for 11 months now. Real ales selling well. Beer garden soon to open (awaiting planning permission!) Kitchen work finished, hope to serving fresh traditional pub food from mid-september. We will be having a beer festival to celebrate one year anniversary of re-opening starting 29th Sept 2009.
31 Aug 2009 14:06
Just bought by Milton Brewery. Being refurbished and to be opened as a traditional real ale pub by end of September.
15 Sep 2008 19:32
Another pub with a refurb... now called The Box Tree, still under Charles Wells. Is tastefull, but more a wine bar/restaurant than pub.Good beers and good food, but a little pricey.
Good atmosphere and live music or dj on friday and saturday nights
25 Jul 2007 10:05
This pub has recently been refurbished and re-opened (still under Greene King Tenancy) as The Noble Art. Garish decor... red, white and blue with colour coded corners(tacky boxing references everywhere).
Table service, though why I have no idea as half the seating are terrible stools! Prices are sky high.. 7 pounds for dble vodka & coke... can only buy doubles by the way! Can only assume is a tax write off as why anyone would want to go there is a mystery!
25 Jul 2007 10:02
I have recently joined new management team under new tenant, Steve Murphy who came here in Oct 2004. Since then the pub has improved considerably, with good fresh food served every day lunchtimes and evenings, much improved quality ales and a good selection of draught and bottled lagers.
We have had some good reviews in local magazines and recently had a visit from local Camra members, who all had good things to say about the changes we have implemented.
If this sounds way too biased I challenge you to come in and prove me wrong.... Free pint from Me, Ralph Holland, assistant manager, if not pleasantly suprised.
BTW offer only applies while I am on duty... 6 days a week, 9 hours per day...
18 May 2005 16:13
Back to ralphholland's profile
The Windmill Inn, Ewshot
I took over as manager in June 2013 - running this pub for a small group of Viallagers who wanted to save the pub by taking over the lease 3 years ago.
We are trying to improve the quality of the food and drink.
Special offer for September is Sunday Roasts for only £5.95 - Mention BITE when ordering for an extra special offer
12 Sep 2013 13:44