BITE user comments - sleepy_meerkat
Comments by sleepy_meerkat
Fairly poor pint of Fuller's Red Fox, lacking condition and starting to go sour. At £3.80 for Red Fox; £4.05 for Guinness and £4.25 for Aspall's Cyder it just isn't value for money. Typical exploitation of the tourist establishment.
19 Oct 2013 14:23
Visited Sat evening 10 Mar 12. Arrived about 6pm in a party of 9 without a table booking. They found us space in the room at the back and were happy to move the tables around so we could sit as one group. Had the chargrilled pork chop (~�13) and it was excellent. Tasted great, mash was lovely and the apple sauce seemed homemade. I'd gladly have that again. Manager was very chatty and funny with it. A friend that had ordered the apple crumble asked if there was more crumble and he responded "This is NW8 dear, we do gastro portions". It wasn't at all arogant, he was funny with it and he did get her a bigger portion. Some might find that a bit "in your face", but I reckon english pub management should be seen and heard - it's part of the charm of pubs.
Green King IPA was decent enough, but keg. They don't do cask, a damn shame for a pub this good, but they do have a decent selection of drinks.
Well worth a visit.
11 Mar 2012 15:56
Visited 9 Mar 12. Excellent pint of Crouch Vale Brewers Gold. Reasonable for this area at �3.50. I hadn't read earlier reports so didn't check my change for accurancy.
Very friday evening with PYTs. Didn't wait more than a few seconds to get served. All the tables were full at 7.30pm, but I got enough space at the end of the bar to read my paper.
I'd go back for the ale. Service for me was fine.
11 Mar 2012 15:48
RIP OFF, RIP OFF, RIP OFF
Two double Bacardi and Cokes = �11
Pint and two half pints of ale = over �9
21 Jan 2012 16:30
Visited Saturday afternoon, 14 Jan 12 as part of a CAMRA pub crawl of Fareham Town centre.
It's a Wetherspoon pub, so you get what you get from a Wetherspoon. The staff seemed friendly enough and the ale was competently kept, although the selection was a bit of a disappointment (I'm not sure whether the management have much choice over that). What they had, they kept well.
This is a big pub and was fairly busy on Saturday afternoon. It suffers, like many Wetherspoon pubs, from a lack of "pub feel" and I think might have the longest "walk to the loo" I've come across in quite a while.
If you're expecting a Wetherspoon experience, you'll not be disappointed. I you're expecting a pub, you will be.
Usual Wetherspoon menu and those that had a meal were served quickly enough.
Seems a decent place and the barmaid and customers at the bar were pleasant when we arrived as a group. Pub seems to be old, and has some nice nooks and corners with pleasant fittings. Just what you'd expect from a "proper pub". Good atmosphere on a Saturday afternoon and definately has a "local pub" feel. A short walk from the main town centre and close to a lot of shops.
They had Sharps Doom Bar and St Austell Tribute on sale this day, both of which seem popular in Fareham. I had a pint of Tribute and although I think I was unfortunate to get it slightly beyond its best, it was still quite drinkable and worthy of a 2 on the CAMRA Beerscoring scale (for those that aren't familiar with CAMRA scoring, this isn't a criticism of the overall quality of the ale they sell, just the single pint I had - "2" is an average score reflecting a "Competently kept drinkable pint but doesn't inspire in any way').
I didn't try the food. They sell a good range of normal pub food and at a decent price - �4.95 for things like pie and chips, fish and chips etc. They have a special of "Two for �8" which is very good value for South Hampshire.
I will go back here to sample the beer on another day as I get the feel that I was just unfortunate that the beer had gone past its best - hey, that happens. If I'm there at a lunch time I'll try the food. There're a few pubs in close proximity in Fareham and the Clinkers is fairly close to a large Wetherspoon, but seems to be holding well against that competition. The Clinkers is a proper pub and worthy of a visit.
15 Jan 2012 15:16
Visited Saturday early evening, 14 Jan 12.
Although a Wetherspoon pub, it's one that was previously a pub so isn't a large barn. Sadly, this means that when it's busy, it's too crowded. We were there at 1900 on a Saturday and most of the tables were occupied and it was a bit of a meander to get through the tables to the toilet. I think the standard Wetherspoon table doesn't fit well enough in these numbers in such a small space.
The best thing about this pub is that it's Wetherspoon cheap. But it's not as comfortable as other examples and not somewhere I expect to visit again soon unless it looked half-empty.
15 Jan 2012 15:09
Visited Saturday afternoon, 14 Jan 12 as part of a CAMRA pub crawl of Fareham Town centre.
The Fareham is a fairly large pub that is currently being redecorated (good to see some brewery invstment in their assets in these difficult days) and is situated not far from Fareham shops and the town centre. It has the feel and look of a good proper pub. It seemed a bit quiet when I joined our group at 13.30, although there were about a dozen or so people in two groups. The barmaid was pleasant as were the men in the other group when I squeezed past to get to the loo.
They had two real ales on sale and I had a pint of St Austell Tribute which was fine and worthy of a 2.5 on the CAMRA Beerscoring scale (for those that aren't familiar with CAMRA scoring, this isn't a criticism of the overall quality of the ale they sell, just the single pint I had - "2.5" is higher than "average" but less than "3" which is a score good enough to get a pub into the Good Beer Guide). I joined the group late, but the others settled for a second pint here (or maybe a third) which demonstrates there's clearly nothing wrong with the ale.
My only criticism is that both gents toilet stalls need maintenance that appeared to be longstanding. Both had broken locks, one didn't flush (the mechanism was broken completely) and the other had a seat that was insecure. To me, that's basic stuff that means the management don't really care about their customers.
There's nothing wrong with the Fareham (assuming you don't want to sit down in the loo) but it isn't a pub I'd go out of my way to visit again soon.
15 Jan 2012 14:39
Visited Saturday afternoon, 14 Jan 12 as part of a CAMRA pub crawl of Fareham Town centre.
Seems a decent place and the barmaid and customers at the bar were pleasant when we arrived as a group. Pub seems to be old, and has some nice nooks and corners with pleasant fittings. Just what you'd expect from a "proper pub". Good atmosphere on a Saturday afternoon and definately has a "local pub" feel. A short walk from the main town centre and close to a lot of shops.
They had Sharps Doom Bar and St Austell Tribute on sale this day, both of which seem popular in Fareham. I had a pint of Tribute and although I think I was unfortunate to get it slightly beyond its best, it was still quite drinkable and worthy of a 2 on the CAMRA Beerscoring scale (for those that aren't familiar with CAMRA scoring, this isn't a criticism of the overall quality of the ale they sell, just the single pint I had - "2" is an average score reflecting a "Competently kept drinkable pint but doesn't inspire in any way').
I didn't try the food. They sell a good range of normal pub food and at a decent price - �4.95 for things like pie and chips, fish and chips etc. They have a special of "Two for �8" which is very good value for South Hampshire.
I will go back here to sample the beer on another day as I get the feel that I was just unfortunate that the beer had gone past its best - hey, that happens. If I'm there at a lunch time I'll try the food. There're a few pubs in close proximity in Fareham and the Clinkers is fairly close to a large Wetherspoon, but seems to be holding well against that competition. The Clinkers is a proper pub and worthy of a visit.
15 Jan 2012 14:16
The George and Dragon, Gosport
Under new management from October 2011. Landlord, Frank, is a pleasant chap and keeps a decent enough pint of ale. Doom Bar and Caledonian IPA in Nov 2011. Close to the High Street and handy for a quiet drink between shopping, but no food at the moment, which isn't a huge problem as there's a Wetherspoon nearby and the Castle Tavern next to the Ferry serves really good pub grub.
20 Nov 2011 18:22
New management from early summer 2011. Seems to be doing well and has popular live music most weekends. Ale is generally ok, although a couple of times recently I've had a pint that was past its best.
20 Nov 2011 18:19
Planning permission has been granted to convert into residential accommodation. Unlikely to ever reopen as a pub
20 Nov 2011 18:16
This pub has been in the Good Beer Guide for quarter of a century and the ale is still tremendous. Six pumps of mostly guest ales. Seems to have Ringwood 49er and an Oakleaf ale on most days and a great variety of others. A bit dark in side, just like pubs should be. No unruly kids and the softest St Bernard I've come acoss.
17 Sep 2011 23:12
been there three times in last two months and the beer has been excellent. Complete turn around in a few months
17 Sep 2011 23:08
Smallish "good-grub" pub right on Portsmouth Hard that also does B&B. Very handy for Portsmouth Harbour train/ferry/bus including those going to Ryde on the Isle of Wight (not handy for the car ferry, for that use the ABar bistro or Gunwharf Quays).
The bar is long and thin and has a number of small wooden cublicles at the fron that can be cosy, or cramped, depending on your size. Getting four adults into a cubicle is a squuze, but fine for two or adults with kids. Larger groups or those that like to spread themselves or belongings out can go to the back of the bar where there are "normal" pub tables and chairs. The management don't might if you pull a couple of tables together for groups larger than four people.
The walls show a lot of maritime memorabilia, with a focus of course on Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton. Toilets are functional but not modern.
It's a half decent pub, that usually has good beer and does very good pub food at a reasonable price. But that said, it does lack soul and in the 10 years I've known it, the management haven't done anything noticible in the way of improvement. They had a good business model, but that, like the decor, is at least a decade out of date. You'll not have a bad time in the "Lady-H", but you won't come away adding it to you list of "must go back there one day" places.
27 Mar 2011 14:45
An ideal night club for those that can't get into a members-only establishment. On the classier end of Portsmouth clubs and light-years ahead of the competitors in Guilldhall Walk or Southsea.
Door staff seem to do their job well, but that doesn't include a ban on chavs.
Good happy-hour cocktail selection, although bar prices are dear for the area. Staff ability and attentiveness varies considerably. Although some staff are very good, too many of their colleagues look better than they perform, which means that getting served can take an age, with no guarantee that the bar person you get is good.
27 Mar 2011 14:31
The sort of establishment that benefits when it's evening and the lights are very low. It's got no soul and provides nothing that any other disco-pub can't do just as well.
Decent selection of cocktails at a reasonable price, especially when Happy Hour is on. Usual over-chilled lagers and bitters for those that don't like to be able to taste what they've bought, but feel confortable with a speciality shaped glass. No real ale.
Decent enough DJ and small dance floor away from the entrance allows those that are inclind to strut their stuff. Toilets upstairs, although there is a disabled facility on the ground floor. The upstairs loos sport an unusual unisex handwash fountain that's more of a gimmic than a clean place to wash your hands.
A good venue on the way to a more expensive night club if you want to get into the party spirit.
27 Mar 2011 14:22
The Old Customs House, Portsmouth
not wishing to highlight steviewonder's disability, but what he sees as a purpose built mock up, is in fact an 18th century Grade 2 listed building.
The food here is good and although a bit pricey, compares well on quality and cost with the many other resaurants in the large Gunwharf Quays shopping/leisure complex.
The great advantage of this place to others nearby though is that it's a proper pub and restaurant, rather than a restaurant that does beer or a trendy bar that does food. The high footfall in the complex means that they are able to sell a wide range of Fullers ales and I've never known one to go off before sold. The Bengal Lancer is a gem.
If you're an ale fan, take your partner shopping over Easter weekend as they also do a mini beer festival, although in 2010 they were running short by Saturday evening.
27 Mar 2011 14:13
Lease went up for sale just after New Year, which is a shame as it sells a good selection of ales and all of them appear to be well kept.
21 Mar 2011 00:47
Large community pub which still has separate bar and lounge. A bit off the main roads, which is a pity as it sells a decent pint of ale, albeit having only one pump. Pool table.
21 Mar 2011 00:44
The George and Dragon, Gosport
Been closed since before Christmas 2010. No "For Sale" signs yet. Bands seem to be playing at the Queen's Head
21 Mar 2011 00:38
The worst pint of Oakleaf Hole Hearted I've ever had, which is surprising given the brewery is spitting distance away. One of only a handful of pubs where I've left half a pint and gone elsewhere. I wonder how often they're cleaning the lines.
21 Mar 2011 00:26
Re-opened this week, having been closed since New Year. Selling Doom Bar (�2.60) and Flowers (�2.65) and the usual selection of fizzy stuff. The Doom Bar was good. New manager seemed pleasant enough and was talking of extending the range of ales to utilise the four hand pumps he has. He was busy giving the kitchen a deep clean and planning to start serving food after the weekend.
21 Mar 2011 00:21
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The Still and West, Portsmouth
Fairly poor pint of Fuller's Red Fox, more condition than at the Bridge Tavern around the corner, but on the way to starting to go sour (b.t.w. I like Red Fox and there's planty places serving it a lot better than this). At £3.80 for Red Fox; £4.05 for Guinness and £4.25 for Aspall's Cyder it just isn't value for money. Typical exploitation of the tourist establishment. The fish and chips were pretty good, but I can't be doing with eating out or the paper at the prices these lot charge. If I wanted fish and chips from the paper I'd have gone to a chip shop and saved a few quid (and probably had a better drink come to think of it)
19 Oct 2013 14:27