BITE user comments - realrealaleman
Comments by realrealaleman
some great craft ales now on and very welcome.... good pub... will be back...
10 May 2013 23:37
just stock a decent ale ! Dark Star,Kent Brewery, Oakham!!! and you maybe surprised who comes in for a drink.. ..do publicans actually drink cask ale any more... do they they not realise that there is a market to be tapped into...pardon the pun... you won't survive on just lager...but best of luck... we need local pubs... but i'm still driving by...will try again in a few months...
10 May 2013 23:35
If i went into a pub and they only had APA and Hophead, I'd be a very happy man! You can get Tribuite and Doombar anywhere...they have it in all the other pubs around... you wont find House (Yet to be named), Oakham Citra or Caveman.. this is a craft ale pub, back from the grave thanks to new manager listening... however, their should be craft darker ales as well.. don't get me wrong... Doombar is fine, but that's it, its just fine... there are so many other darker ales that have soo much more flavor, but their should be something for everyone. I'd like to see a mild now and again. All said its wonderful to see ale drinkers back in. Even drinking Doombar! The quality has been superb. Gerry and Peter are doing a good job and thankfully Lorraine and Joyce, the long serving barmaids are there to make sure the new owners know what we like! Its on the up, its on the way back.. .. (please..).
10 May 2013 23:29
The George and Dragon, Swanscombe
I took ten chaps here for good food and fine ale.. both superb.. Bron is a proper landlady and is superb. I love what they are trying to create here... The Bull in Horton K nearby is sadly run down, buy this is exactly the model that the former owners used to bring aficionados from miles around. It was like meeting old friends who had no where to play since the Bull's demise... support this pub.. I'd kill to have one close to me, but i'm happy to travel for the ale, food and company. Well done Bob and Bron... stick at it.. Its a business model that works!
13 Feb 2013 19:28
I really hope someone will take on this once great pub. Reg, who I've never met but heard all about, clearly has no interest.... where is the Landlord to step up and revive the potential that this pub has... the price increase was scandalous... the legacy of Garett still live on... just, with Darkstar and Kent Ales keeping the place alive... but for how long...?
15 May 2012 19:50
The ales in the Bull are definitely getting better. With Paul Herbert's ales from Kent Brewery and Dark Star things are looking up. Last week i even got a personal lesson in Cribbage with friends, some good food and a selection of 6 ales. Given that Sussanah has to work on a budget from the owner, one cannot compare this to to the past. all things considered, where can you get anything like the range (and quality) of ales in the Bull anywhere else? As has been already said. Its in every real ale drinkers interest to support this pub and keep it 'Real'.
10 Jan 2012 22:11
The Bull sadly closed last night as Garrett and Lynne are moving down to the Cotswolds and we wish them well. How anyone can improve on what they achieved will be a very difficult. We've been so spoilt with the ales that Garrett drove all over the country to bring us and in such superb condition. Anyone who takes this pub on and does not stick to the blue print business plan they have left would be mad. Lets hope it re-opens soon. A community is ready and waiting to pop back in - if the ales good!
13 Apr 2011 13:52
A slight correction. There were 3 ales on - just no pale ales. Doesn't happen often. At least it made me try something different! Overall I believe this pub has a far wider range of ales and in far better condition than anywhere else....
7 Feb 2011 10:16
I pop into this pub when I'm waiting for my curry and there's always an interesting ale on. The staff have always been very kind and whilst the interior is a bit worn, the pub always leaves me with a smile on my face so they must be doing something right!
7 Jun 2010 21:38
New owners. Going for the lager brigade. This pub has potential - but the business plan for this pub now has nothing to do with what the Orange Tree diserves. If you're 18 -25, like alco pops and fosters you'll love it.....
7 Jun 2010 21:31
Nice pub but would benefit from a guest ale if your not keen on Shep N ales...otherwise, good atmo.. would try again
3 Mar 2010 22:12
There is no better pub in Kent.. end of. Consistency and range of beers, value for money food - �6 curry night with a pint! and a genuine love of serving great ales in tip top condition. This is the standard meet....
3 Mar 2010 22:04
A good range of beers that were spoilt when I last visited by a very 'tinny' after taste in my - I've since been told that the lines have now been properly cleaned and the beer is now what it should be. Why oh why can publicans who serve real ale understand that with a little attention to looking after it, they would attract alot more custom. I shall give it another go and report back!
5 May 2009 19:26
The Fighting Cocks, Horton Kirby
This pub ought to be so much better. Its always had a great location by the river to attract families but those on the know will tell you that the beer can be hit and miss as can the food. You can't just trade on location - you need a good product as well. They have now started to serve Dark Star Hophead which is good news but they will have to go some to match the standards of the Bull hidden away up the hill. I wish the new owners luck.
5 May 2009 19:22
�3 daily home cooked meals and the best ale in Kent. This pub is just getting better and better. Must surely be in the running for Kent pub of the year and could go all the way. The Brewery Showcases each month are already ledgendary and people are now coming from miles around. I have never come across a landlord so passionate about ale - the condition of the brews is staggering. I hear he's about to up the number of hand pumps but please don't put on too many at once. Quality not quantity is what we crave. Marvellous.
5 May 2009 19:15
Two of my fav beers, especially the Landlord and very well kept but �3.40 is taking the p@ss !!The food is poncy. They've gone into the gastro market. Looking around the very wealthy ladies that lunch will love it as they spend hubby's money. Thats all I could see on my visit. No blokes! They appear in the evening and thank god appreciate a damn good pint. Neither a pub nor restuarant but the locals can afford it so they may survive.
15 Jul 2008 20:11
The Pig and Whistle, East Sheen
My first visit was two months ago. The food was excellent - ham hock - the Harvestoun 'Bitter and Twisted' was superb. The next two visits I had to send the ale back - it was oxidised i.e vinegar! I was not impressed when after this the very pleasant barmaid did not turn the lable around as this pint was way over its sell by...
Today it was fine. They are trying hard and its around the corner from work so i'll go back. Alot of people go in at lunch time for a chat or to read a paper so please turn the music off!! I don't need Crap FM on in everyspeaker in every corner. I just wish they would understand their market. A few more tweeks and it could be better.
15 Jul 2008 20:03
I went to this pub today thinking it can't be as good as its ratings. I was wrong! The two ales i tried were superb. Crouchvale's Brewers Gold and Dark star. The owner and his wife are running a superb pub. They clearly know how to keep good beer and the 5 on offering all came out clear and lively. They also have an extensive bottled range on offer from around the world. They even had decent newspapers in the Indie abd Guardian. I just had a saugage toasted sandwich and the sausages were local and awesome! All in all a revelation only 4 miles from me but worth travelling further. Contrats to Garett and Lynne for providing such a great pub. A definate 9 out of 10 for me for beer, food and ambiance.
26 Apr 2008 18:23
The Robin Hood and Little John, Bexleyheath
quiet simply the best pub in North Kent for for the real ale brigade. Black Eagle is top draw.
13 Apr 2008 13:55
I've been going to the Malt for 20 years. Since Bill and Val left they have been through tenants who brought the standard of food and beer down. The last bloke was the worst. I really hope the latest tenants can make it work. The Malt is a great traditional pub. They need to make sure they know how to pull a decent pint of 'ordinary' and they need to keep it well, something previous owners did not. I have had one lunch time meal which was fine and good value pub grub. A really hope Youngs have got it right this time.
22 Mar 2008 19:36
I live nearby and pop in usually while waiting for my currey next door! I like the blackboard outside telling me whats on pump. They have a guest ale every week and they are always very good. My gripe would be that there is always music on way too load. The pub still has a dowdy feel and the tables lay out needs improving. However, if its a good pint with very friendly service your're after, then this pub delivers. Thet also have daily newspapers. Always a plus swith me (they need to change the Daily Mail to a broadsheet though!. Another pint please..!
22 Mar 2008 19:17
Since the new owner took over this pub has really improved. Its real ale heaven with a great variety of choice. Landlord and Harvery seem regulars, Norfolk and Scottish ales and ssome great Essex brews from Crouchvale. The lunchtime menue was excellent. I did have one pint that I had to return as it had 'gone' but thi wa met without fuss. At least I had 7 others to choose from!
22 Mar 2008 19:09
The Plough and Harrow, Eynsford
We need pubs like this and I desperately want it to work but they need to review the food and pricing. We've had two good meals and two bad ones. It always been excellent at lunch time when less busy. It seems they can't cope with the busy times. Going on a day like Mothers Day was alway going to be risky.. Most places like this never keep real ale and to have Landlord and Harvey's is a draw for real alers like myself. Our christmas meal for 10 had 9 happy punters. Some of the starter work really well like the scallops and haddock - other don't like rissotto and chiken lasagne.. I've looked at most of the comments and would say that there are plenty of other 'traditional' pubs all within a few miles. This pub is trying for a niche maket but they are not there yet. Sort out the kitchen and keep the real ale in good nick and I'll give you another visit..
22 Mar 2008 19:00
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The Bull, Horton Kirby
I'd like to echo Twojackrussells comments. Danny and Kate are life savers, or should I say pub savers. Back from the brink. Beers lately have gone a bit random and still a work in progress but these two are fabulous publicans who will succeed. Hophead currently the house ale. I miss the Kent pales but they do appear occasionally and its not about what I want ! The Bull is also doing lunchtime food again which is excellent. The ales selection is coming from far and wide and generally very well kept. 5/6 cask. The bottled ales are GreenKing and I don't like them as they use their subsidising power to get publicans to stock their poor imitations for craft beer, but i'm now being picky. 9/10 to these two for putting so much hard work and effort into returning the Bull into a community pub once again.
22 Aug 2016 22:14