BITE user comments - sussexboy
Comments by sussexboy
Nicholsons chain pub, but wow, the decor makes it something special. Unusual shaped building, well worth a trip just to have a look at the inside.
Good range of beers too, a pleasant place for a quick pint
12 Oct 2013 13:59
The Seven Stars, Chancery Lane
Historic pub not far from Fleet Street. Found it after aiming for the Wetherspoons at the end of the road which was closed for a private function. Small, narrow bar area makes it feel cosy. Good choice of ales, the Doom Bar and Black Sheep were well kept. A touch on the pricey side but then this is London. Worth popping in if you're passing
12 Oct 2013 13:57
The Royal Oak, Tunbridge Wells
Big pub, 10 minutes walk out of town. Made the effort to go here with a large group on a Friday evening and it was like we were an inconvenience. A shame as the beer was alright. Unlikely to go out of my way again
12 Oct 2013 13:53
Not sure about this place anymore. It's in a nice location, nice garden, and does some interesting beers which are well looked after. But internally it lacks atmosphere and the welcome doesn't always seem warm
12 Oct 2013 13:50
No longer on my list to visit in Tunbridge Wells. They don't seem to know much about keeping ale, there seems to be only one available now and it's overpriced. Visit the Bedford two minutes further down the hill if you want a proper pub
12 Oct 2013 13:45
Goes from strength to strength. Beer range still impresses, now up to 10 ales on handpump all the time, usually supporting breweries within Kent with some interesting national beers, always nicely kept. Can get really busy though so avoid on a Friday/Saturday night if you don't like crowds.
Shame about the lack of pies now though...by removing the delicious pork pies it's not going to make me purchase a full meal
12 Oct 2013 13:43
Lovely village local, a really nice place to spend an evening, be it for a swift pint or a longer session...
Beer is top notch, Harvey's Best always seems to be available and there are usually quite a few guests. Have been some good ones of late - Skinners Betty Stogs, Timothy Taylor Landlord, WJ King Brighton Best, Purity Mad Goose. Food is good too, proper pub grub and reasonable prices
12 Oct 2013 13:40
One of my favourite pubs in Tunbridge Wells. Up to eight ales available, though some are from the predictable Greene King range. Seems to support the Old Dairy Brewery which supplies some great ales as well as the Royal Tunbridge Wells/Spa Brewery.
Better since they've changed the prices to be based on beer strength rather than a flat rate. Usually a good atmosphere and definitely a mixed crowd, worth a stop by if you're in the area
6 Sep 2012 23:25
Word of mouth prompted me to visit this place. Popped by on a Thursday night (tonight) after work- in the mindset that nowhere in Tonbridge woud be worth visiting, let alone a pub there. Was pleasantly surprised to find the pub in a quiet backstreet two minutes from the station. On arrival found three ales available - Tonbridge Coppernob, Adnams Explorer and Harveys Best. Tried all three and all were good, if a little too cold when served.
Seemed like quite a locals' pub but definitely would return if in the area, something different from the usual Shepherd Neame pubs that litter this part of Kent
6 Sep 2012 23:20
The Counting House, Eastbourne
Very pleasant place to spend an evening, particularly when the weather is good enough to enjoy the garden. Usually always three real ales on (all local and regularly changing) - the 1648 Triple Champion last night was particularly nice. Mixed range of clientele, the place can get packed at times
27 Mar 2011 21:12
The Ragged Trousers, Tunbridge Wells
Pub under same ownership as the Duke of York. After going here, I'd rather go to the Duke instead as it's far nicer, better choice of beers and has more of a traditional pub feel
20 Mar 2011 21:44
The Compasses, Tunbridge Wells
Very pleasant pub for a few beers or to start a night out. It's a Greene King establishment so has the standard ales and thankfully has 3-4 other guests which gives variety. Very good value, good atmosphere when busy and nice interior
20 Mar 2011 21:41
Not sure what to make of this place. Sometimes good, other times not so. Ale choice can be limited, two choices if you're lucky. It's on a par with similar places in Tunbridge Wells price-wise. Usually good for a quick pint on the way to somewhere else - popular in the summer as it's one of the only places in Tunbridge Wells with a garden
20 Mar 2011 21:39
Not great at all - ended up here with friends as nearby Sankeys was full and not allowing any more in. No ale was available and the place was crowded, with a few undesirables. Bar service slow and overpriced
20 Mar 2011 21:35
The Market Place, Oxford Circus
Visited this place for its outside tables - first pleasant day of the year so was nice to enjoy an outdoor pint. Unfortunately the place is pricey and only imported lagers were available on draught - not really my sort of place so probably wouldn't go back
20 Mar 2011 21:33
Very old-fashioned style pub. All beers gas powered but very cheap for London - the Yorkshire Bitter was enjoyable enough. Bar staff very friendly
20 Mar 2011 21:30
Called in here before going for food in Covent Garden. Good atmosphere as was pretty full - staff seemed on the ball so not too long a wait at the bar. Would visit again if in the area
20 Mar 2011 21:27
The Moon Under Water, Leicester Square
Ended up in here after looking for some breakfast in the Leicester Square area. Can't complain at �3 for a Full English which was very enjoyable, and a really good pint of Adnams Gunhill
20 Mar 2011 21:23
Found this place by chance after wandering off from Oxford Street looking for a quick pint whilst others shopped. Appeared to be a very popular lunch destination for local workers - the place was full. As a result the atmosphere was good, so was the beer - a nice pint of Doom Bar (three other ales were also on)
20 Mar 2011 21:20
The Porcupine, Leicester Square
Popped in here about 5pm on Friday last week - the pub was packed but attentive staff served quickly. Good atmosphere and four different ales on - would drop in again if passing
20 Mar 2011 21:15
The Nevill Crest and Gun, Eridge Green
Popped in here back in January to see what they've done to the place. The buildings have been refurbished very well and it was pleasant to be inside - but this is clearly a large-scale restaurant operation. Can't comment on the food as we didn't eat - menu seemed to be top-end prices for this sort of establishment.
As for the beer - plenty of ale choices - seven I think at the time. Harveys Best and their own Brunning Bitter are always on with several guests. Will be nice to sit outside in the summer
20 Mar 2011 21:12
Further to my review of Feb 2010, I recently revisited this place after hearing that it'd changed hands. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised - the atmosphere has improved and now resembles more pub than restaurant, although the menu is still quite pricey. It was a Friday evening and there were more drinkers than diners - definitely an improvement on a few years back. The young staff/landlords seemed friendly enough and the seasonal beer 'Hopping Hare' was pleasant. I would go back, something I never thought I'd say about this place.
20 Mar 2011 21:06
The Basketmakers Arms, Brighton
Popped in here on a weekday afternoon last week after visiting the Pavillion. Had noticed it in the Good Beer Guide so thought I'd seek it out.
It didn't disappoint - a proper pub off the beaten track. There were 8 ales on (6 Fullers/Gales and a couple of guests). There were enough people in to create a good atmosphere, I could imagine it'd be packed on weekends. Will pop back if I'm in the area again.
22 Jul 2010 19:49
Met up with some friends here a few Saturdays ago. A busy little place in a nice location with fine views over the creek below. Three ales available - Doom Bar, Stogs and Bass - I stuck to the local two which were nice enough. As there were no tables inside when we arrived (very busy with diners - food looked good but perhaps the prices were a little on the high side for a pub), we used the garden to the rear which was divided up into small terrace areas - quite pleasant. Worth popping in if you're in the area
12 Jul 2010 22:52
The Driftwood Spars Hotel, St Agnes
Popped in here for refreshment late in the afternoon after a walk along the coastal path. I'd read about the place in a CAMRA magazine article and was very much looking forward to the visit - particularly as they have their own micro-brewery across the road. There were an impressive 8 ales available (2 of their own), and the usual suspects from St Austell, Skinner's and Sharps. I sampled their own Blue Hills bitter (would have been rude not to), which was quite tasty and I'd have again.
There are quite a few outside seating areas so we used the one behind the pub accessed from the coast path iteslf (a nice view if a longish walk to carry your beer!)
Unfortunatlely the building itself is a bit tired and could do with some refurbishment (the main bar area seemed quite cosy and is probably nice in winter). The gents toilets were not good and needed gutting, nevermind a good clean (and I was told similar of the ladies).
Can't comment on the food as didn't eat or see a menu, but the place looks very much set up to cater for a large number of diners when busy.
In a nutshell, the place is worth a visit if you're in the area, particularly for its interesting range of beers and definitely for the location, though I do wonder how successful the pub would be if it were somewhere else and not able to capitalise on it's great views! Interestingly it was Kernow CAMRA award-winning in 2009, and is in the Good Beer Guide, yet there are other pubs which are equal to this or better that don't make it into the guide!
12 Jul 2010 22:45
Stayed within a 15-minute walk of this pub and based on our good find last year, had to return. Not really changed a great deal from my last review - food still excellent and a changing varied menu, and great beer.
There are 2 resident ales (St Austell Tribute and Skinner's Betty Stogs), and 2 rotating guests. On chatting with the friendly landlord he tries to source local Cornish beers in the summer months for visitors, and gives the locals a more nationally-varied selection throughout the winter. During our four visits the guests were Sharps Golden Honey, Coastal Reflection (a small brewery about 8 miles up the road) and two different brews (which happened to be the first two brews ever) from Poldark Brewery which is a micro literally a few hundred yards up the road (and had only been brewing since last month). These Poldark beers were priced at �1.90 a pint and seemed to be popular.
As my last review - this place is more than worth a visit if you're in the area, we shall be back.
12 Jul 2010 22:33
The Duke of York, Tunbridge Wells
A pleasant place for a drink - bang in the middle of the historic Pantiles and great in the summer. Usually a few different ales on to everywhere else which makes it a bit more interesting. Have ended up here on several evenings after visiting other Tunbridge Wells pubs - good atmosphere
3 Jun 2010 22:40
Went here two nights running during their beer festival over the May bank holiday - definitely not to be missed. If you're interested in the guest beers, be quick as the popularity of the event means it goes quick. A few great bands were on too, the place was rammed. Thanks and see you next time!
3 Jun 2010 22:36
Still one of my favourite pubs, good for an evening out or a quick drink whilst passing through Ashdown Forest. Friendly staff and locals always make it a worthwhile visit, with good pub food. Badger ales are well kept, and the seasonal Hopping Hare (sadly finished for this year) is well worth a try
23 May 2010 20:00
Sunday lunch was enjoyed in the lovely garden to this place, with amazing views out northwards. Good choice of ales available, I went for the Fullers Chiswick which was very easy drinking. There was also a dark mild from George Gales and Westerham IPA. Three Dark Star ales were on too, though these aren't to my taste
23 May 2010 19:55
A very pleasant evening spent here last night, there's life in the old place again. A handy two minute walk from the station makes it convenient for non-villagers like myself. Friendly staff make it ideal for an evening pint
23 May 2010 19:51
Popped in here for a quick drink and to warm up after a breezy Sunday afternoon walk along the seafront. A very pleasant Wetherspoons, probably the largest I've been in, and there was a good atmosphere. Considering the business, it was clean and service was efficient. Plenty of real ales to choose from, with four different bars over two floors. Recommended
17 May 2010 20:58
Popped in here on a cold Saturday lunchtime last month, for a pint after eating a pasty on the harbourside. Decent enough spot for a quick drink, and a nice pint of St Austell Tinners it was too
19 Apr 2010 23:06
As far as location goes, this pub has it. Visited here on a cold but clear early March evening, with a perfect moonlit sky and swans swimming on the creek. Good menu, if some of it a little pricey, everything we had was spot on though. Nice pint of St Austell Tinners, harder to find than Tribute and a decent alternative. Will be back in the summer if can get anywhere near it, have tried and failed before and I now know why!
19 Apr 2010 23:00
Popped back here last month, nice to see the place out of season. Perfect pint of Tribute (though maybe because it was my first in a long time and the first in Cornwall this year!). Friday Fish & Chip special recommended, served up in the paper just like a proper take away, reasonably priced and plenty of it
19 Apr 2010 22:57
Popped in here tonight on it's re-opening with new a new landlord. Quite busy and food starting again soon. The standard Badger ales available including Hopping Hare for the summer. Nice conservatory and patio round the back
19 Apr 2010 22:55
What a great find this place was, locals are lucky to have this on their doorstep. We had the good fortune of staying 50yds up the road. Excellent choice of ales, there were some local ones from Cheltenham, one from Exeter and Westons Country Perry on handpump, worth visiting just for this. Ales seemed to rotate regularly, also saw Sharps Doombar and Cornish Coaster later in the week. Food plays a major part but not at all to the detriment of the traditional pub atmosphere, and was very tasty and well presented. Good country garden for the summer months. Attentive landlord and friendly bar staff round the place off, if you're in the area it's well worth a visit, but if you plan to eat then book to avoid disappointment.
19 Apr 2010 22:51
A great, very traditional London pub, a little of the beaten track. Well worth calling in, full range of Harveys ales available. Deservedly in the Good Beer Guide 2010
19 Apr 2010 22:42
The Opera House, Tunbridge Wells
People moan about this place but you get what you pay for. Prices on the (very) low side. Food is consistent and good value and it has to be the cheapest place in town for a good quality morning coffee. Hats off to them for the selection of real ales, they seem to be favouring Westerham Brewery at the moment which is no bad thing. What a spectacular building too, I'm glad it's now a pub as anyone can appreciate the fabulous architecture.
21 Feb 2010 11:34
Stopped here back in the summer for an evening drink as it looked pretty from the outside. Quite a large place but the bar is smallish. From what we saw the food looked good and the landlady was keen to tell us all about it. Somehow got involved with a local's quiz night which was a good laugh. Typical St Austell ales available
21 Feb 2010 11:28
I've never been a fan of this place, which is definitely a trying to be a pretentious restaurant and not a pub. If you like your chips stacked up Jenga-style then this is for you. Don't bother going in for just a drink as you'll be interrupting them trying to serve their foodie punters, and don't dare sit at a table if you're not eating.
21 Feb 2010 11:25
The Crow and Gate, Crowborough
Not good - I've only ever been a few times and the food has never been impressive. Keep driving and find a non-chain pub that cares about what it serves up.
21 Feb 2010 11:20
Popped in here a couple of weeks back on a cold Sunday evening. I know Sunday nights aren't the busiest but the place was dead. On the plus side there were 4 real ales on handpump, all of which were local (the place seemed to be CAMRA LocAle accredited). The one I sampled from Rother Brewery was nice enough
21 Feb 2010 11:17
I popped in here for a swift couple of pints last summer whilst the others I were with preferred to wander round the shops in the pouring rain. A typical Wetherspoons affair which was clean with reasonable service. I'm always impressed with Wetherspoons' range of local ales, so sampled both Skinners' ales they had on that day. No complaints at all
21 Feb 2010 11:12
Met up with some friends here back in July. Appeared to be well set-up for food but we weren't out of place just having a few drinks in the bar. Nice pint of St Austell Tinners which doesn't seem to be very easily found in a lot of St Austell pubs. I'd definitely be back if in the area again - a very characterful thatched building.
21 Feb 2010 11:08
Great pub, thankfully I live within walking distance. Knocks all other Crowborough pubs into a cocked hat. 4-5 Harveys ales usually available with the odd guest ale. Always a great atmosphere - particularly during music nights/special events. Well worth a visit.
21 Feb 2010 10:59
Great local, thankfully I live within walking distance. Knocks all other Crowborough pubs into a cocked hat. 4-5 Harveys ales usually available with the odd guest ale, well worth a visit. Can get packed on music nights/special events though so if quiet is your thing then go on a weeknight.
17 Oct 2009 14:23
Great village pub. Well kept beers and the food is superb, if a little towards the top end of the market for pub food (but worth the money). Recommended, but don't expect to get a table to eat without booking!
17 Oct 2009 14:21
The Ship and Castle, East Cowes
Popped in here for a quick pint whilst awaiting a ferry which was delayed. Glad I did. 4 real ales available, the St Austell Dartmoor was a good choice. Would certainly visit again.
17 Oct 2009 14:19
We ended up at this pub after trying several others whilst looking for a reasonably priced, 'normal' pub food menu. The New Inn certainly didn't disappoint. Being a freehouse they had two ales from Skinners and two from St Austell, with a whole host of lagers/ciders. My Skinners and St Austell pints were well kept.
The food could not be faulted - both in portion size (very generous), and quality (ingredients claimed to be local and everything appeared very freshly home made). After one of their mains you probably wouldn't fit in a pudding!
The Landlord and staff were friendly, as were the locals. Appearances can be deceptive - you could easily drive past this pub without being tempted in - but we were glad we stopped. Will definitely return.
13 Jul 2009 21:29
Ye Old Cheshire Cheese, Longnor
Superb village pub - selection of great Robinsons ales and food is great - very tasty, good prices and decent portions. Comfortable bar areas with nice open fires. Staff and locals very friendly, I'm not usually made as welcome at my own local! Highly recommended
12 Apr 2009 09:37
Got to be one of the best pubs I've ever visited. Food spot on - excellent quality, decent portions and not overpriced. Good beers - especially their own "Hewas" brew. Very friendly landlord. Always visit when we're in Cornwall, will be back again soon
24 Aug 2008 20:39
Friendly staff and good selection of local beers. Didn't eat there, but was fairly busy on a Friday night. Roaring log fires were extremely welcome and cosy on freezing winters' nights
24 Aug 2008 20:37
The Trengilly Wartha, Nancenoy
Food very pricey - some dishes over �20. Beer nice enough, if you can drink in a dining room. OK I guess if you can stand the posh clientele
24 Aug 2008 20:35
Improved since my last visit three years ago. Excellent food and plenty of it, with good beers. Will return
24 Aug 2008 20:32
Popped in for a pint back in July. Very pleasant place, a nice pint of Tribute. Would eat there in future, all tables being fully-booked must be a good sign. Quiet and relaxing garden for the warmer months. Will definitely be back
24 Aug 2008 20:31
It's a shame that this pub is completely missing it's target market. I'd love to return for a meal there, but the staff are rude, the service is awful. As so much money has been spent on improving the place, you'd have thought poeple running it would know what they're doing
24 Aug 2008 20:28
Traditional English pub. Good service from friendly staff, and food exactly what you would expect from such an establishment. Recommended
5 Apr 2008 18:01
The Beehive, Brixton
High street Wetherspoons pub, deceptively large inside. Spent a good few hours here prior to a gig at the nearby O2 Academy. A vast range of characters came in and out, quite a lively place. Good beer range at good prices, a few nice ones. Ate there too, food took quite a while but they did warn us of this.
If in the area again would probably pop in for a cheap beer
17 Oct 2013 17:33