BITE user comments - roobs52
Comments by roobs52
Met a former cricket colleague who's lived on the island for 20 years for lunch. Four ales on including (as I noticed later!) Moorhouse Mild. Started off with an Okell's as I'd been enjoying it in my hotel (the Ascot) and then decided on my old faithful, mild and bitter. When a young chap at the bar heard me order it, he said "We don't do cocktails in here!" We had a laugh about it and it was very good! Decent pub food and we sat by the window looking out onto the Promenade. I'd imagine it gets busy at the height of summer but there are plenty of tables outside.
8 Oct 2018 23:33
Paid another visit while staying in Llangollen last week. Still a wonderful ambience and the staff are really pleasant. Met a friend for dinner and both our meals were excellent as were the pints of DHB. Keep up the good work Corn Mill!
2 Apr 2018 17:01
Paid my first visit to the Hand for 43 years last week whilst staying in Llangollen. I really only popped in for a light lunch and a pint at 12.30 and eventually left at 5! The only real ale was Super Tidy which is exactly what it was and very palatable. My lunch was tasty and just what I wanted and so was the company with a succession of interesting people coming in. There have been some changes in the past 43 years but I liked what I saw, the barmaid was very pleasant and there's a fair chance I'll stay here next year!
2 Apr 2018 16:55
Made sure I returned to the Ponsonby whilst in Llangollen last week. First visit was early doors on the Friday and I was easily in time for Happy Hour. Met the same chap from the squash world I met in September and had a good catch up. Found the Long Hop very much to my liking ans paid a second early evening visit on my last night. This wonderful real ale lovers' haven is rapidly becoming one of my favourite pubs and | look forward to being welcomed on my regular trips by Elise and Paul.
2 Apr 2018 16:43
Went there after visiting the local leisure centre where my schoolfriend had been coaching water polo. Nice feel about the 'Spoons and my Ruddles was in good nick. Ordered a chilli which hit the spot and was invited to join a small group of locals which was a lovely gesture (wouldn't happen in London!). When the water polo team arrived, we had a splendid evening but the three pints of Jail Ale certainly reminded me that I'd had a drink! Very nice pub that I'd visit again.
9 Feb 2018 17:00
Alight alteration to my review as it was Jail Ale that I had which is gorgeous but, at 4.8 is not session material!
9 Feb 2018 16:55
The friendly barmaid couldn't believe this was my first trip to Cornwall when I paid a visit on Tuesday with a schoolfriend + dogs! Tucked into a couple of lovely pints of Legend and we both ordered food which was excellent. Cawsand is a typical Cornish coastal village and is charming and so was the Cross Keys. I will return!
9 Feb 2018 16:52
Paid the Skylark a visit after a walk around the Dartmoor National Park on Monday afternoon. Sat by the lovely old wood burner which emitted worrying explosions periodically. The interior belies the exterior which is nothing special but inside was lovely. Had a pint of Legend which was in top order and wouldn't hesitate to return.
9 Feb 2018 16:48
While staying with friends, we went to the Hyde Park on Monday for drinks and supper. First impression was that it reminded me of the Edgar Wallace in London with its iconic old adverts adorning the walls and ceilings. Friendly barmaid served me and I found my Dartmoor IPA very palatable. We ordered food from the varied menu and all three of us thoroughly enjoyed our meals which were decent-sized portions. I'd certainly return to this excellent pub.
9 Feb 2018 16:43
Finally paid a visit late last Tuesday afternoon. Friendly ''mine host'' and his wife made me feel welcome. Fantastic range of ales on handpump and I opted for a good, old-fashioned mild and bitter for starters which made for a pleasant change. Was then persuaded to try a drop of Enville by the landlord which slipped down well and, by this time, I''d been joined by a local man who was a former squash referee and we started to reminisce. Two more pints of the excellent Enville followed before it was time to go. Great atmosphere and I''ll definitely be back.
17 Sep 2017 23:38
Ye Olde Watling, Mansion House
Went there today with my best friend from working days for our monthly City lunch. Excellent pint of Robbo's Trooper downstairs before adjoining to the most pleasant dining area upstairs. Only the one handpump (Nicholson's Pale Ale) but in good nick. We had a nice corner table and were well looked after by Jackie. Our food was reasonably priced, good value for money and very satisfying so I think it's fair to say that this lovely little City nestler will become our regular monthly 'local' from now on!
7 Jun 2017 16:07
I notice that the previous review was mine so here's another! Having had to reschedule my annual stay due to refurbishments in the bar, I stayed for 4 nights last week and, as ever, everything was to my liking. The refurb has been tastefully done with smart new furniture and the welcome addition of two more handpumps. I've always like Robinson's and the beers on offer are Unicorn, Wizard, Trooper and Magnum IPA. I tried the first three on my first night but settled for Wizard for the rest of my stay. All were in great nick and well served by the lovely Bridge End ladies Alison, Carly, Sian and Jenny. The size of the menu is smaller but the two dinners I had were excellent although I hope to see one or two from the old menu reappear! This is my second home and I'll always come back.
26 Mar 2017 13:03
I've been meaning to pop in for a couple of years now and finally had the opportunity last Wednesday during my annual stay in Llangollen. I have nothing but praise for the atmosphere (wonderful building), the attentiveness of the staff and, of course, the quality of the beer and food. I tried a pint of Facer's DHB which was in top order and delicious as was the steak and ale pie with trimmings served by the pretty waitress. I did feel sorry for the staff who had prepared tables for a party of 16 who simply failed to show up. All I can say is that it was their loss and suggested to the lady who served me that, if the person who booked did so again, to charge them a cancellation fee! Fear not Corn Mill, I shall return!
26 Mar 2017 12:55
The George and Dragon, Headcorn
Had an 'away day' yesterday (£9.90 return - thanks Freedom Pass & Senior Railcard!) to have a pre-Christmas lunch with a cricket scoring colleague. Lovely old pub with great atmosphere just a few minutes walk from Headcorn Station. Two ales on, Shepherd Neame Master Brew and Wadsworth Henry IPA. I chose the latter which was very palatable. Our choices for lunch were excellent and served by extremely capable and attentive staff. Well worth the trip and one to return to.
23 Dec 2016 16:24
Atholl Arms Hotel, Blair Atholl
Having read all the previous reviews, I can honestly say I agree 100%! I've recently returned from a fantastic 4-night stay at the Atholl Arms where the Bothy Bar became my local each night. Quite simply, it's one of the nicest pubs I've ever supped in! And pub it is too with the look and ambience of a country inn. I tried all the Moulin ales during my stay except the Old Remedial and plumped mainly for the Braveheart and Ale of Atholl which were all in top order and delicious. The tour manager and I also dined there on two evenings and our food was delicious, piping hot and well-served. The staff in the Bothy were all very friendly and efficient as were all the staff in the hotel. The Atholl Arms is a wonderful place to stay and is really handy for the station which you can see from the windows. Definitely a 10 from me!
1 Oct 2016 22:39
Situated right next to the Ibis Hotel in which I was staying the night, I decided to give the Advocate a go since dinner wasn't included in my stay. I'm glad I did as I entered this spacious hostelry which felt right. Even on a Sunday evening, the pub was pretty well populated and I sat up at the bar and chatted to the friendly barman who recommended the Advocate Ale which I enjoyed very much. It was a fairly dark bitter and was in good nick as was my choice of steak & ale pie for dinner. Soon I was joined by a friendly couple for Chicago and a pleasant evening developed. I shall certainly return when next in Edinburgh.
1 Oct 2016 22:29
I was taken last night by a friend from the Bridge End Hotel, Llangollen where I was staying. What an absolute little gem of a pub! Without a doubt this is one of the nicest pubs I've been to for many years. It's a good, old-fashioned 2-roomed pub with a lovely welcoming open fire. The two ales on handpump were Doombar (my choice and in fine fettle) and Bombardier. As for the food, well, it's only a small menu but what it contains is magnificent, no-frills pub grub of the highest order and my chicken in a creamy sauce with leeks was outstanding. There was a lovely buzz about the place from the locals and the bus stop back to Llangollen is just across the road. As I said to my friend, pubs like this ought to be transportable and 'replanted' to be one's local! I'm going to give this little treasure 10/10 as it really is that good and can't wait for my next visit!
24 Mar 2016 23:10
Paid my first visit yesterday and could smell the wood smoke through the door although I'd arrived early and they weren't open. Once inside, we found ourselves a couple of comfy chairs and enjoyed our first pint with Bombardier being my chosen one while my friend had Peroni. The Bombardier was in good shape although I suspect the third was probably towards the end of the barrel as it was a tad flat. Bangers and mash was very good and overall I thought the pub had a nice keel about it and the staff were very pleasant. I'll be going back (bus stop just outside!)
16 Feb 2016 17:36
Popped in today for a couple on the way to the Athenaeum Club. Had to try the Flying Scotsman as the iconic loco is back on the rails and wasn't disappointed. Lovely little pub nand will certainly visit again. The food looked good too!
11 Jan 2016 23:22
World's End Hotel, Knaresborough
Having visited Mother Shipton's Cave and been persuaded to return on the other side of the river, I made the glorious walk along Waterside and fancied a pint when I got back to the road again. Since the bus stop I needed was just past the entrance to MSC, I popped in to the World's End. It was 4.30 on Friday afternoon and I appeared to be the only customer (although there were a few out of sight). Nice olde worlde pub with a friendly young chap behind the bar who informed me that Daleside Blonde was the only beer on handpump which he said was very good. Ordered a pint and it certainly was and in very good order. Had a very pleasant chat about music and a small crowd came in just as I was about to finish my pint and head off to catch the bus to Harrogate. Certainly worth a visit.
12 Oct 2015 22:56
The Rose and Crown, Stoke Newington
Chose this as our venue for a couple of crisp ones and lunch at the halfway point in our Capital Ring walk yesterday. The N16 bitter was excellent and well-kept and the food also met with our approval. Friendly staff set the seal on a most enjoyable visit.
24 Mar 2015 13:47
The London Apprentice, Old Isleworth
Paid my first visit yesterday while out walking another stretch of the Capital Ring with my friend. Lovely atmosphere, friendly staff and an excellent range of ales. We both opted for Okell's from the Isle of Man and it duly proved to be a good choice as we had another! We both chose good, old-fashioned bangers and mash for our lunch and the Boroughbridge sausages were divine so I asked where I could get some. A very historic pub with such famous personages as Henry VIII with Catherine Howard, Lady Jane Grey and Charles Dickens all having crossed the threshold for a crisp one! Not to mention the smugglers who used the cellar and tunnels to stash their booty! This is a top-drawer pub and will hopefully be visited again.
17 Oct 2014 23:24
Went to this pub on Sunday evening after a cricket match at nearby Vincent Square. It was a glorious evening so we congregated outside. Good range of ales on handpump from which I selected Thwaites Wainwright which was truly magnificent and very well kept. It's a big, roomy pub and I liked it.
11 Jun 2014 00:05
Popped in with a late drink with a friend on Friday on our way to Victoria. Found the Doom Bar in excellent nick and was most impressed with the atmosphere and the beautiful young Sicilian barmaid. I've always meant to give it a go and will be back for sure in the future.
23 Mar 2014 13:24
I recently stayed for four days at the Bridge End for the first time although I'd been in for a pint before when on canal trips. I was lucky enough to book the only single room in the hotel (no single supplement!) which was very comfortable although the mattress was a tad hard! A nice view down to the famous bridge and River Dee from the window was lovely and I felt very much at home. The Robinson's beers were in top order in the comfortable bar and I was very well fed from the extensive menu. Made the staff laugh when telling them of my grannie's comments as to why we didn't go for a drink in the Bridge End when on holiday with her and granddad in 1972, "We don't drink in the Bridge End". I never did find out why but, in the words of Arnie, "I'll be back"!
23 Mar 2014 13:18
The Swan and Three Cygnets, Durham
Wonderful Sam Smith's pub with a great location by the river. We discovered it on a rail holiday and ended up going there the three nights we were in Durham. Clientele predominantly student which made for a nice friendly atmosphere and my colleague persuaded a group to sing for us on Saturday night which they duly did excellently! The Old Brewery bitter's in good nick but a tad expensive.........£1.80 a pint!
15 Oct 2013 00:45
Visited this gem of a pub on Thursday as we found it was really close to the Crown and Mitre hotel where we stayed. Great atmosphere and a lovely couple of pints of Yates' finest made for an excellent evening.
15 Oct 2013 00:35
The Tartar Frigate, Broadstairs
First saw this pub on our first family holiday in 1962 but had never tried it! Last Thursday I arranged to meet some friends for dinner in the upstairs restaurant. Arriving early, I found the interior just to my liking, plenrty of history and atmosphere. A friendly local recommended the Gadds from Ramsgate so I tried some and it was in excellent nick and so was part way through my second when my friends arrived. The bar staff were friendly and efficient and the same can be said for those in the superb upstairs restaurant. Our food choices were all excellent and a lovely evening was had by all. When we came downstairs, the bar was populated with locals chatting and enjoying their drinks - just like a pub should be! I don't think I'll be waiting another 51 years for another visit!
12 Sep 2013 22:51
Superb little gem of a pub with a great selection of ales. Went for my favourite Doom Bar which was in excellent nick and thoroughly enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere and clientele. I shall definitely return!
2 Oct 2012 22:03
The Thornbury Castle, Marylebone
Popped in here for the first time after the first day of the South Africa Test at Lord's. Can't comment on the prices as we had a kitty running but enjoyed the range of real ales. I also like the Wasps memorabilia on show as that's a team I follow. Nice ambience and not too crowded so I'll be back.
22 Aug 2012 17:28
Popped in today while on another leg of the London LOOP walk. Excellent couple of pints of McMullen's AK and a nice lunch. The pub was well decorated and comfortable and we were very well catered for by the pleasant chap behind the bar. Definitely worth a visit.
12 Jul 2012 22:38
Paid my first visit last Friday. Not the easiest pub to find but well worth the effort. I used to use the City FOB (does it still exist?) when I worked in the City and this one was fairly similar in a standard Davy's way. The Old Wallop was in good nick and the pub wasn't crowded so our group had plenty of room. The staff were very pleasant as were the clientele so I shan't hesitate to return
21 Mar 2012 16:55
The Surrey Cricketers, Croydon
My friend and I visited this pub for the first time and were very impressed. A previous poster mentioned a 'local pub for local people' and there's not much wrong with that! The bar staff were very friendly, there were people enjoying a game of darts and a couple of chaps playing crib just along from our group of cricket umpires and scorers. The Harvey's was in excellent nick and we wouldn't hesitate to go back.
19 Jan 2012 23:22
Went last night with an Army mate and first impression was that I'd like it as my local! Friendly staff and the Doom Bar was in good order. Liked the atmosphere and will definitely return.
26 Feb 2011 12:59
My type of pub! Went in on Monday evening and was immediately struck by the decor, clientele and the owner, Graham. I am not even going to criticise the pub for running out of the two handpumped ales (these things happen!), but will say that I agree with previous posts (great when the weather's wild!), and wish I had a local like it! The curry afterwards was excellent too!
19 Aug 2010 18:34
Went in there recently with some friends and it was first time at the Oak. On a warm evening, the interior was cool and the Young's in prime condition. The bar staff were attentive and friendly and the clientele also. I was impressed and will be back.
8 Jul 2010 11:45
The Royal Exchange, Paddington
First visit today after a magnificent memorial service to an old friend at nearby St. Mary's Church. Nice atmosphere and my pint of Brakspear's was in excellent nick. Green King IPA was the other ale on offer and that looked in good order too. Decent menu at affordable prices and my shepherd's pie was excellent with all the trimmings. I shall certainly be back in the future should I find myself in that neck of the woods.
16 Apr 2010 15:52
Looking at the map, I'm assuming this used to be the old Railway Tavern, beloved of my parents and grandparents on family holidays in the 60s. There used to be a nice garden and Alf and Sadie (the landlord/landlady) became good friends over the years. Happy days!
25 Oct 2009 13:01
Paid my first visit today, having had a peek through the window while shut to establish whether decent beer was on offer. Glad to say there was a goodly selection when we did go in and opted for the Doom Bar which was in good nick. Nice olde worlde pub in the quaint area of Shepherd Market that I must return to and explore more thoroughly - recommended.
3 Sep 2009 23:30
Been here three times now and cannot agree with a previous review about the so-called makeover. The basic atmosphere has not changed, the seating was comfortable and the Young's Kew, in particular, was in great shape. I like this pub and would always come back.
19 Aug 2009 17:09
This was my grandfather's local when he worked at the Admiralty and I don't think it's changed much since his day. Nice wood panelling and comfortable seating made this a very pleasant place to spend an hour or so after Beating the Retreat at Horse Guards Parade. Despite previous posts, my two pints of Adnam's Broadside were perfectly poured by the pretty barmaid and there was absolutely no evidence of a short pint! I'll always pop into the Shades if I'm in the area having been several times in the past and the food's good too!
13 Jun 2009 00:05
The Lamb Tavern, Leadenhall Market
One of the great old City pubs. Went there last night to meet a couple of friends and found the Young's Special in good order. Can get really busy especially around Christmastime but that's the beauty of a City pub. You get the complete spectrum of ages in places like this, unlike the dreadful, plastic bars in places like Canary Wharf! Not too busy last night but it was a Tuesday.
25 Feb 2009 11:04
Phoned the pub to ask about the possibility of hiring a room for a meeting. Very accommodating ldlord offered the use of upstairs restaurant. Nice atmospheric pub with excellent drop of Theakston's on. Busy later with a leaving do but our chosen venue went well and we'll be back! elnet
22 Jan 2009 17:04
The Princess of Prussia, Tower Hill
Found this one on BITE as a suitable watering hole prior to a curry at the nearby Halal. Very quiet when I arrived with only a few in the back bar so had the spacious front bar to myself. Pleasant bar staff who helped me with the quickest way to get to the Halal! I wouldn't say I'm a great Neame drinker but I went for the Whitstable Bay which was in extremely good order at standard London prices. All in all, a most pleasant pub and one I will return to when I'm next down that way.
30 Sep 2008 14:56
I went there with the MCC team yesterday fter we'd had a match at nearby Burton's Court. Quite a pleasant pub actually but a little 'younger' than I'd prefer. Nevertheless, the Adnams was in good nick, the food looked good and there were lots of lovely young ladies enjoying themselves with their friends. The one annoying feature was the bloke who stood at the door and kept telling us to stand on the pavement. There weren't exactly any cars wanting to get past! I'd certainly go there again.
6 Jun 2008 11:44
The Hour Glass, South Kensington
Decided on this as a lunch venue after attending a sale at Christie's. Quite wide frontage but short on depth inside but, nevertheless, it's reputation in earlier posts is well-deserved. My Black Sheep was in fine form and the food freshly cooked and my friend's sweet 'n' sour was rather too much for her! Friendly landlord who seemed impressed when I told him that the pub had been recommended on this website and I gave him a little background to this excellent site that hasn't let me down yet! Keep up the good work BITE!
14 May 2008 01:00
The Artillery Arms, Old Street
What a little gem! Decided to make this the meeting point for a friend and I prior to a dinner at the HAC. Both of us drank the Swing Low which was in excellent nick. Cosy, friendly pub with decent clientele and I'll definitely be back in the future.
29 Feb 2008 11:08
Popped in for a quickie before a dinner in nearby Brook Street. Pleasant enough pub with normal people obviously in after work (no oiks!). My pint of Bombardier was in excellent nick and I wouldn't hesitate to return.
25 Feb 2008 01:03
Had a couple in there fairly recently with a friend. Cheapest pint of Pride I've had for a long time and it was well-kept! It was before the Palace/Watford match on a Monday night so a few Palace fans were in. All in all an OK pub.
25 Nov 2007 12:03
A real diamond! Paid my first visit last Friday and fell in love with this 'proper' pub straight away. Lovely atmosphere, excellent real ales and a friendly landlady made me determined that this visit shall definitely not be my last!
10 Sep 2007 00:01
Popped in for a pint before going off to a funeral. Nice ambience and well-kept real ales - a little gem!
9 Sep 2007 23:57
Visited this pub for the reception after a friend's funeral. Lovely garden and good selection of real ales. All staff very friendly and would definitely like this pub as my local!
9 Sep 2007 18:49
What a gem! Having decided that Rochester was a convenient halfway point for my friend (Chestfield) and myself (Beckenham), this pub looked appealing on the website and was not too far from the station. And what a good choice it was! A lovely pint of Trafalgar Ale was matched by the superb Christmas lunch that was both plentiful and excellent value for money. A lovely warm, friendly pub with nice staff and locals, in the words of Arnie "I'll be back!"
22 Dec 2006 14:46
The Sherlock Holmes, Charing Cross
One of my favourite lunchtime pubs. I normally go for the Sherlock Holmes bitter (I know it's another brewery's!) Get there just before noon, bag a table and order lunch and enjoy your pint - marvellous! The food is excellent and reasonably priced and there are the old Sherlock Holmes films to enjoy too.
14 Oct 2006 23:53
My grandfather's local when he worked at the Admiralty. First time I visited was after the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph. Wonderful atmosphere brought about by the place being full of bemedalled veterans. Have eaten there once and found the food excellent. A nice pub probably largely unchanged from when my grandfather used to sup there.
14 Oct 2006 23:50
Superb pub for the connoisseur of real ales. A bit smoky for a reformed non-smoker and I wonder what will happen when smoking's banned? First went there years ago and now pay a visit but once a year with an old schoolfriend. All the beers are in superb condition and, with no 'music' to spoil the enjoyment of one's pint, the Rooster is priceless! Roll on the next trip 'Oop North'!
1 Oct 2006 11:26
This pub has always been a favourite of mine since I worked nearby. Now retired, I meet my best friend for a monthly lunch. Nice refurbishment and the change in menu has grown on us. Mind you, we still remember fondly Tony's huge plates of chilli and rice for �3.50 - happy days! Fullers pub with the whole range on offer which are always well kept. Very nice manager who's been there ages and the view of the river is matchless!
30 Sep 2006 23:52
Another favourite hostelry of mine prior to a trip to the India Club! Great selection of ales and all well-kept. Landlord very friendly and knowledgeable. Pub populated by legal-eagles from the Temple nearby.
30 Sep 2006 23:34
The Ship and Shovell, Charing Cross
Found this pub by accident several years ago and often use it as a meeting point before a trip to the India Club in the Aldwych. The beers are invariably well kept and the bar staff friendly. It's what I call a 'normal' pub with 'normal' people as clientele (ie. not shaven-headed, tattooed oiks!) I prefer the smaller pub opposite (especially at Christmas) and have only recently discovered the upstairs part which is rather nice. A splendid pub from the same Hall & Woodhouse stable as the Shaston Arms.
30 Sep 2006 23:24
Been here a few times and find it a super little pub. We were there after a riverside walk on a beautiful sunny day and sat outside. Incidentally, outside is best for totty-spotting and the barmaids are all gorgeous! I drank the Stinger which was in good condition. Recommended for moving on to the Masala Zone a few yards away!
30 Sep 2006 23:16
I was on the walk with melteagle and agree with his comments. Everyone would love a local like this and, even though the Old Bob was expensive, it wasn't half nice!
30 Sep 2006 23:12
The Green Man, Partridge Green
Had lunch at this charming pub today. The beer on handpump was Long Man Best Bitter which was extremely pleasant. We had lunch and my sea bass was excellent and will not hesitate to return. A very good recommendation by 'Lord Trousers' of nearby Peter Christian!
1 May 2019 00:42