BITE user comments - thomashenry
Comments by thomashenry
Someone from Bath Ales needs to be taken outside and shot. What the hell have they done to this once fine pub? "Beerd"? Give me strength Hopefully this embarrassing and faddish incarnation will not last long.
24 Sep 2015 11:29
The previous reviewer Komakino must have visited a few days before the Kite shut down for a big refrurb by Greene King. He was lucky to see it in old form.
The Kite now features exposed bricks, pastel lime green paint, and heavily patterned wallpaper. The pool table and dart board, and jukebox have been removed. It's an obvious attempt by GK to take the pub up market, but it looks so cliched and dated already. They needed to build on what was already good, rather than point to "Pub Option 4" in the corporate pub makeover handbook.
The new owners seem like a good bunch, but it's the first pub they've ever run. I wish them all the best, but can't help but think it would have been best for them to run it for a while, and make some of their own decisions about how they'd like to change things.
I fear that Greene King's removal of all the community features of the pub will backfire, and that a tacky makeover will not succeed in taking this pub upmarket as they obviously want to do.
Sure, the Kite needed a kick up the bum, but GK have really screwed this place around now.
25 May 2014 18:30
I enjoy the Turf less each time I go. The quality and availability of beer seems to be on the slide, there are never enough staff on, and getting served takes an age. The location is interesting, but I don't think there's much atmosphere to the building itself. The staff are very rude as soon as it turns 11pm.
I find it something of a tourist trap, trading on reputation. As an Oxford resident, I tend to avoid it.
13 Aug 2012 17:11
Eyewateringly expensive drinks - �9.45 for a small glass of red wine and a pint of bitter!!! I thought the barmaid had made a mistake when I got my change.... nice enough setting.
19 Jul 2012 13:58
Taken over by Bath Ales as of April 2010. The interior has been given a makeover, and is now more upmarket (and in my opinion, more generic). The choice of beer is less good - only Bath Ales brews now. The prices are steep as well - �3.60 for a 4.5% bitter.
I can't help but feel a little disappointed that a genuine boozer has now become a fairly standard Gastro-type pub, but it's still not a bad place. Down from 8 to 6.
23 Apr 2012 17:38
Lovely rustic pub with a warm atmosphere and great beer. Very friendly and helpful staff as well. Didn't get to try the food, but the menu looked great. Very nice pint of Adnams Old Ale. Would return if in the area again.
18 Nov 2011 11:33
The Ampleforth Arms, Headington
Struggling estate pub, but not totally dead as many are. Sadly, the Brakspear bitter was undrinkable.
4 Nov 2011 11:23
If you claim to open at 12pm, then open at 12pm. Having travelled some distance to visit the Royal Oak, it was found to be shut at 12.30pm, with no indication of when it would be opening. As such, I can only award the pub a big fat zero.
20 Jun 2011 10:54
"Hoity toity"? The Blenheim is run by a Welshman - that's the reason for the rugby policy on the TV. Football can be found in every single pub with a TV - I for one appreciate a place that I know will be showing rugby. Still a cracking place.
13 Jun 2011 14:33
"Well I'm sorry, but I'm clean shaven and I also don't happen to own a jumper of the chunky variety."
No need to apologise for being clean shaven. A chunky jumper can come in handy during cold winters like the one we've just had though.
P.S. You sound like a trendy sort, why not wear sunglasses to The Blenheim if you find it too brightly lit?
28 Jan 2011 19:19
"very ordinary"???
Since when was having 10 excellently served ales 'ordinary'? The Blenheim is a top pub.
27 Jan 2011 15:38
Shut again - looks like the last bloke has done a runner. Word is now that it's going to become a Chinese restaurant.
21 Dec 2010 14:05
Top notch pub for beer - my pint of Hooky Dark was the most enjoyable pint I've had in some time. Interior is pleasingly old fashioned, but the ambience would have benefited hugely had the fire been lit.
The Sunday lunches did not match the quality of the food - tough beef and gloopy packet gravy spoiling matters.
Nonetheless, pubs are about beer, and this is done very well here.
8 Nov 2010 10:28
The beer range in the Turf is always very good, although it's now bettered by a number of other central pubs in Oxford. It's something of an institution, but I rarely enjoy my visits. The two serving areas are far too small for the size of the pub, and it often takes up to 15 minutes to get a drink., which is simply unacceptable. With all the other options nearby, I think the now Turf compares poorly.
29 Oct 2010 10:24
The Blenheim seems to be getting better all the time. Trade has picked up so much in the two years since the White Horse brewery took it over and put Ian and Sara in charge. During my last visit at 5pm on a Saturday, the pub was absolutely heaving, with students, shoppers, ale spotters, and workmen in overalls. There was a great atmosphere, with plenty of banter between groups. It was the embodiment of what a town pub should be like.
18 Oct 2010 13:19
Despite what the previous poster says, this is very much now a 'gastropub'. However, there are a number of positives. The re-decoration was badly needed, and has been done pretty well. It doesn't have a traditional pub feel, but the flagstone and wood is classy, and the vintage tables and chairs are very nice. The art is a bit OTT. Not my cup of tea, but I imagine that girls and women will like it.
The food sounds nice, but it's not pub food - it's a restaurant menu, and I think they'll struggle to pull that off in this location. Cheap (but good quality) pub grub is what's needed here.
The pool table has been removed - another negative. Pool tables are a great addition to community pubs, and the removal of it suggests the new management are going for food at the expense of regular drinking custom.
On the plus side dogs are welcome. Since the Kite ludicrously banned dogs, it's great to have a local venue that sees the value in welcoming four legged customers.
So a mixed bag. I'd have preferred a more tradional venue, rather than a rather identikit female oriented gastropub, but I still think it is an improvement on the previous incarnation which had its charms but was well past its sell by date.
Most importantly I suppose, the beer was good.
13 Sep 2010 22:36
Currently being redecorated, quite substantially. Long overdue - the place really needed sorting out.
6 Aug 2010 12:23
It's easy to be blase about this pub, as Oxford is so well served for decent boozers. In many towns, this would be far and away the best pub.
It's tiny, wood panelled, and fairly atmospheric. There's a great snug at the back. Good choice of bitter. Avoid the food though - it really is the worst kind of microwaved crap. Atrocious.
30 Jul 2010 11:40
Tom and Sean: I've been going to the Kite for at least 8 years, and am disappointed by the change of direction the new landlord seems to have taken. I'll continue to use the pub, as I would hate for it to close, however I think banning dogs from the pub was a rash idea, and the prices are now a bit excessive. Most locals seem to have stopped going, which is a shame. Perhaps in time a different clientele will start using the pub.
For the record, I don't care what nationality the landlord is, as long he he runs a good pub.
22 Jul 2010 11:32
Homely and welcoming Fuller's house just off Cowley Road, which these days is sorely lacking in decent pubs. This is surely the best pub in it's area - four Fuller's beers, dartboard, good community feel and friendly service. Worthy of a GBG entry in my opinion.
19 Jul 2010 15:08
Totally empty upon my visit last night. No real ale being served, and only one draught lager. Perhaps it's due for closure?
16 Jul 2010 10:19
Obviously far better than the Ha!Ha! it has replaced, but not as good as The Four Candles. Five bitters. Holden's Special was well served.
16 Jul 2010 10:18
Gay pub, one Green King real ale, quiz machine. Pretty bland. Not much to say.
16 Jul 2010 10:15
Worrying developments since change of tenancy. Prices are up significantly, dogs are banned, the interior has been stripped of decoration and now feels very bare. The dartboard has been removed. Presumably the pool table might also go. There is now only one bitter being served. The locals seem to all be going elsewhere, as the pub seems dead whenever I venture in.
I hope Greene King aren't trying to run the pub into the ground in order to sell the building for flat development.
13 Jul 2010 11:25
Popular landlord of 7 years, Peter McGarry has now moved on, and the Kite is currently closed for some 'utility works'. Fingers crossed that a great pub is now not in danger. Pete - you and the dogs will be missed.
8 Jun 2010 09:45
I worked in Banbury from 2000-2004 and used to pop in here every so often without ever really appreciating it. I'm a bit older now and appreciate beer and decent pubs rather more, and when I popped in for a pint en route to the Banbury Beer Festival recently, I wondered why I ever went anywhere else in Banbury. It's a gorgeous pub on the inside, and the Hook Norton beers are excellent. Very good indeed.
2 Jun 2010 17:56
Since Fuller's took the pub over about 18 months ago, there has been a definite improvement here, but that's not to say that it's always been a very decent pub. Real log/coal fires ahve replaced the gas fires, and some improved banquette seating has been introduced. The ale range has increased - there are now 5 beers on - 3 Fuller's and two guests - opn my recent visit, one from Butcome, and one from the new local microbrewery Shotover.
Beer was in fine form - the only drawback to the pub is that the prices are rather steep.
Quite a few Oxford City centre pubs have seen significant improvement in recent years - The Grapes, The Blenheim and the Chequers spring to mind. The improvement here is less marked, as there was little wrong with it to begin with, but it's good to see another Oxford boozer heading in the right direction.
1 Jun 2010 13:59
I understand the Osney was once a thriving local back in the 80s. Been under the same ownership for a long time now, but its glory days are sadly in the past. An ill-advised makeover hasn't helped. One real ale (6X), poorly served. Also, the pool table and dart board have gone - I can't see the sense in this.
16 Apr 2010 12:42
The Seacourt Bridge Inn, Oxford
Some nice internal features, but a largely unspectacular pub. Not particularly welcoming, unremarkable drink selection. Not somewhere you'd make a point of visiting.
16 Apr 2010 12:39
Shabby, run down, with a fairly rough clientele. I don't think many women would feel comfortable in here. Beer (GK) was acceptable - was surprised they even carried any non keg stuff.
16 Apr 2010 12:38
Appealing Fuller's pub, with an attractive rustic wooden interior spread over numerous small rooms and snugs. Large inglenook fireplace which would make for an extremely cosy winter venue when lit. Very good selection of Fuller's beers (no non tied ales) which were in good condition.
I thought the food was a bit disappointing - the beef roast was rather gristly and came swimming in creamy horseradish and water-like gravy. My steak (�15) was ok but tiny. At �40 for two mains, one desert and a few pints, I'd expect better.
8 Apr 2010 17:09
Youngish crowd, friendly bar staff. Another multi-bar pub (Eynsham has quite a few), with a nice stone interior. Goff's Mordered was sampled and was very nice. Enjoyable visit.
19 Feb 2010 14:46
Pleasant stone interior, open fire, and three handpumps with one Adnams brew and and two local offerings. Half the pub is given over to a restaurant serving what seems to be typical pub fair (Scampi and the like).
Extremely middle aged muzak could do with being kicked into touch, but the beer was good and the service very friendly.
19 Feb 2010 14:42
Nice front bar with a stone floor and large log fire, which was roaring with great intent on my visit. Sadly, the two handpumps were not dispensing, so had to make do with a larger. Friendly enough feel. Second bar with games and a younger crowd. Football on TV was too loud for comfort, and coupled with the lack of real ale means the pub could definitely do better.
19 Feb 2010 14:38
Was looking forward to eating here after hearing good things about it. Sadly it was shut last night (Sunday 3rd).
4 Jan 2010 15:06
By most metrics a decent pub, although punching below its potential. The beer is decent (four handpumps, normally two of interest), and the two snugs at the front are cosy places to sit, though the rest of the pub is a bit awkward. Quite why this is one of Oxford's Good Pub Guide listed pubs I don't know; there are probably 15 to 20 better in the city.
31 Dec 2009 15:05
Something of a gaudy plastic palace. Lacks any kind of pub atmosphere. Still, they serve Real Ale, and what I tried (Brakspears) was decent enough.
The way the new management has terraced over the garden and chopped down a load of the trees is criminal though.
10 Dec 2009 11:40
Small Freehouse with 2 handpumps; one Brakspear (yawn) and one Flowers Original (I've not seen this for years). The Flowers was well served. Friendly service, and a nice local feel were observed. The food was ok, a bit overpriced, but certainly perfectly accpetable. Decent enough.
13 Nov 2009 15:12
The Grapes has always been a very solid city centre pub. It's long and thin, with a fairly traditional red hue, and a ceiling adorned with posters of past shows from the theatre opposite. For whatever reason, it is totally off the tourist trail (despite being as central as it's possible to be), and therefore is rarely uncomfortably full of tourists or students.
A recent change of tennancy has resulted in the beer policy changing - previously the beer was all GK (always well kept), but now up to three of the handpumps are guest beers, and some decent imaginitive stuff seems to be getting put on. This takes a solid 6/7 pub up to a 7/8. Well worth a visit.
13 Nov 2009 15:09
Dark and curiously unwelcoming venue, that seems to be missing a few ingredients key to a good pub. It's large, cold and quite sterile. On the plus side, the beer range seems fairly interesting; I tried an offering from the Storm Brewery, and it was a decent pint. The food, on the other hand is fairly atrocious microwaved fayre. Massive portions, but vile. The current BITE score (6.9) is far too generous.
19 Oct 2009 10:20
Wonderful setting in the village of Beckley, with stunning views over Otmoor from the back garden. Inside the pub is an appealing wood dominated affair, with a slight focus on (quite pricey) food. The Brakspear's offerings were well served, and I'd like to come back and try the Sunday Lunch sometime.
30 Sep 2009 17:43
The Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield
Having heard of the KIT some time ago, I was extremely pleased to be unexpectedly taken there by some friends when visiting Sheffield recentlty. It was pretty much everything you'd hope for - bustling, friendly, and a superb range of beer, and extremely good prices. I'd liked to have stayed longer than the evening allowed for. Can't wait to go back.
30 Sep 2009 17:38
A huge riverside garden is the best feature of this food oriented pub. There is an upmarket feel reminiscient of other nearby Witney venues. There were initially no beers on when I visited, although a barrell was made available shortly after, it handn't properly settled. I get the feeling that this wasn't the norm, so should probably hold judgement for the time being before dishing out a low score.
30 Sep 2009 17:34
Long multi roomed pub maintaining a traditional feel. Star shaped bits of lunimous card advertise snack prices behind the bar. Another Witney pub that buzzes with darting activity of a Thursday. The beer is fairly run of the mill for Witney, but perfectly passable. There are better options, but pubs like this certainly have a place.
30 Sep 2009 17:30
Falls somwhere between 'well preserved' and 'a bit tatty', probably egding to the former. Three handpumps - John Smiths (rare in these parts), Doom Bar and another which I've forgotten. Active darts team, chripy parrot, slightly unhelpful staff, but a fairly solid boozer.
30 Sep 2009 17:26
Fairly basic estate pub, large games room, over lit main bar area. GK House that was only serving IPA on my visit, but St Edmunds was to to be put on soon. Not unpleasant, but extremely dull.
30 Sep 2009 17:21
Good ale selection - St Austell Tinners is the regular, and there are two more handpumps that change regularly, and tend towards small breweries. I've been few times and the beer has always been excellent. The pub's interior is fairly warm, cosy and traditional, and I look forward to my next visit.
30 Sep 2009 17:19
Rather oddly refurbished interior, obviously trying to look fairly swish, but falling short. You don't feel like you are in a pub at all. The central features seem to a number of enourmous televisions, turned up fairly loud. Beer on offer was Hobgoblin which was served adequately, but the total lack of character here means I can't see much point in returning.
30 Sep 2009 17:17
Very average place with a souless feel to it, a big TV for Sky Sports, but decent Harvey's Best. Ordinary, verging on disappointing.
6 Aug 2009 09:33
Adequate and lively pub, not spectacular, but perfectly servicable. Thwaites house dispensing three of their beers - Lancaster Bomber, Original and Wainwright. I'm not the biggest fan of Twaites (their beers make Greene King's seem exciting), and so was unable to get too excited about this place.
6 Aug 2009 09:31
After a long climb up and around The Old Man of Coniston, this pub was the perfect reward. The beer garden is extensive and offers fantastic views of the surrounding scenery. On the beer front, eight handpumps dispense locally sourced beer - I don't think I'd encountered any one of the eight brews on offer before. I can't remember what I drank, but all three halves were in prime condition, and I was very reluctant to have to leave.
Worth planning a day's walking around.
6 Aug 2009 09:28
Vale of Glamorgan Inn, Cowbridge
The Vale has been be best pub in Cowbridge for years, and this shows no sign of changing any time soon. The pub is quite small, of the narrow and long variety. As a freehouse, the choice of beer makes a refreshing change from the usual monotony of the area, and the beer condition is invariably excellent - the house beer 'Hereford Pale Ale' is a particular highlight. The service is always friendly, as is the atmosphere.
6 Aug 2009 09:24
Highly agreeable well preserved small locals pub. Three handpumps, serving Bombardier, GKIPA, and a (normally) very interesting guest. Very good value old fashioned pub food served from 12-2pm. Traditional, unspoilt, and very highly recommended.
5 Aug 2009 14:20
Highly agreeable well preserved small locals pub. Three handpumps, serving Bombardier, GKIPA, and a (normally) very interesting guest. Very good value old fashioned pub food served from 12-2pm. Traditional, unspoilt, and very highly recommended.
5 Aug 2009 14:20
In contrast to the Jericho Tavern next door, this is a fairly proper honest-to-goodness pub, attracting a wider range of clientele. It's a GK house with an above average beer selection - 5 handpumps, serving a decent selection from the GK ouvre, plus a guest or two. Beer condition has always been good in my experience. The pub layout is good - a large central bar area, with well thought out array of tables and seating, with plenty of scope for privacy or interaction with the other pub goers.
Not outstanding, but very solid all the same.
20 Jul 2009 13:42
Recently opened pub, in the building formerly occupied by Rosie O Grady's.
A significant improvement in my book - four handpumps of real ale are enough to see to that. The refurbishment is very standard modern - wooden floor, light pastels and flowery wallpaper. It's a look that I think is tired already.
Oddly, there seem to be waiters wandering around the place serving drinks as if it were a cafe. Not keen on that - I'll just go to the bar, thanks.
All in all, it's pretty clinical and souless, but not all bad, thanks to the Wychwood/Marstons beer.
1 Jul 2009 13:40
I don't feel I can add anything to the three of four reviews below. A real waste.
1 Jul 2009 13:37
Not sure if it's the best pub in Swanage, as it was the only one I've visited, but it's very good and comes highly recommended. Good old interior, decent real ales, friendly clientele - ticks most of the boxes.
1 Jul 2009 13:24
Bankes Arms Hotel and Country Inn, Studland
The setting, and views from the beer garden are absolutely superb. The beer range (it's the home of the Purbeck microbrewery) is excellent, and well served if my visit was anything to go by. Would be a wonderful place to spend a warm afternoon.
1 Jul 2009 13:22
Bankes Arms Hotel and Country Inn, Studland
The setting, and views from the beer garden are absolutely superb. The beer range (it's the home of the Purbeck microbrewery) is excellent, and well served if my visit was anything to go by. Would be a wonderful place to spend a warm afternoon.
1 Jul 2009 13:22
The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers
Undoubtedly very characterful, but I'd think twice about going there on a warm day, as the pub is tiny and gets incredibly busy. When I went on the Sunday of a Bank Holiday weekend, there was a large queue from the bar coming out into the beer garden.
The beer was nice, but nothing special. On a quieter winter day, I'm sure this place would come into it's own, but be ready for off-putting busyness in the summer.
1 Jul 2009 13:19
Better than the BITE score suggests. Real Ale oriented pub with a chatty landlord, and six handpumps on - two serving ever changing micro brewery offerings. Beer well served. A very solid venue.
1 Jul 2009 13:16
Large pub on a main road, with great views from the terrace at the back. I get the impression it's the kind of place that does a cheap carvery lunch on Sundays and gets very busy with families.
Had a pint of Vale Bitter, which was disappointingly served at room temperature on a very hot day - ie around 25 degrees. I had to put ice cubes in it to make it drinkable. Cellar cool next time, please.
1 Jul 2009 13:13
Pretty basic estate pub, obviously purpose built at the same time as all the surrounding houses. You can see the planning that's gone into it - large car park, big garden with children's play area, etc.
Inside the pub feels more like a club, perhaps a Rugby Club, a Royal Legion, or a Working Man's club. It's large, has a pool table and two dart boards, and by the looks of it, a crowd of quite friendly regulars.
I quite liked it really, and the GKIPA was fine.
1 Jul 2009 13:11
Competent food-oriented establishment. A recent visit consisted of a pint of Seafarer's (probably the best thing in the Fuller's range at the moment), which was very good, plus meal for the lady and I. Both meals were very good, and service was friendly. I'd return.
19 Jun 2009 10:00
Soon to be re-opened by Wychwood as "The Duke's Cut", looks very promising so far.
8 Jun 2009 10:41
Given your original posting, I think was entirely within my rights to assume you were trolling.
5 Jun 2009 16:13
I can only assume that the last comment was written by a troll. As for the the Oxford Mail article he links to, that is a farcical review. The author rants and raves very angrily about nothing inparticular, whilst conceding that the food is well priced, home made and tasty. Her gripe seems to be the lack of table service, and the requirement to order things at the bar! Ever *been* to a pub before, sweetheart?
Anyway - back to the point. I recently visited on a Sunday afternoon and found it to be a most pleasant experience. The decor is somewhat dilapidated, but in a homely and pleasant way. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The selection of bitter is not the widest, but they make an effort - I was served a very good pint of a summer bitter by gavity (no handpumps - barrels are mounted on the bar). My g/f enjoyed some tea and homemade chocolate cake. The foodboard looked very enticing (wild boar and beer meatballs), and I'll be returning to eat here next time I get the chance.
6 Apr 2009 15:19
No-one seems to be able to run this place successfully. I've worked next door to it for over over four years, and have never been impressed. I just popped down for a lunchtime pint, but am back at my desk after finding that they're out of bitter and Stella. This isn't uncommon. Last time I drank there, two bitters were 'on', but both had gone off. It really is a shambles.
12 Mar 2009 13:04
Nice throwback. Oldish but lively clientele, a jukebox, dartboard, out of date decor, and 4 Real Ales with two guests. Very convivial and friendly place. One of those great places that feels like a locals pub, but that is more than welcoming to non-locals.
10 Mar 2009 09:42
Called in for lunch this Sunday just gone. Doesn't look that big from outside but it goes on and on, and it was absolutely heaving with diners - there must have been over 200 people eating. The front part of the pub (the original bit, the rest are extensions) is the best area, with two log fires, an attractive wooden bar, and a nice cost table layout. We all opted for the Sunday carvery, and to my surprise it was really good. Carveries are normally bloody awful in my experience, but the quality here was surprising. Washed it down with a very nice pint of King & Barnes Sussex Bitter. Service was incredibly efficient, given the number of people in there. The whole place seemed like a very well oiled machine, and is an ideal pub for a Sunday meal.
10 Mar 2009 09:38
Spit and sawdust. No real ale. Extremely local crowd, and amazingly busy on an early Saturday afternoon. Land lady was friendly, though the same can't be said about some of the clientele. Some people might feel a little uncomfortable here. Nonetheless, the sense of community spirit is undeniable. Showcases 'the other side' of Bristol.
5 Mar 2009 13:37
The Scotchman and His Pack, Bristol
I watched Wales v France in here last Friday evening, and it was anything but quiet. Packed with Welsh fans, with lots of Brains SA being sold. Maybe not a representative sample, but I thought it seemed pretty good, and along with the Robin Hood and Highbury Vaults, would make for a nice little crawl up/down the hill
5 Mar 2009 13:34
Nice buzzing atmosphere on the early Friday evening I called in. If memory serves, I had something from the Wadworth stable, and found it very good. The kind of place I'd frequent if I lived nearby.
5 Mar 2009 13:31
It looks great from the outside, but once you get in you realise that huge efforts have been made to remove whatever character and ambience the pub could ever have. Sterile and boring.
5 Mar 2009 13:27
Free of the emotional baggage that CJG evidently carries for the place this once was, I found it to be a great pub when I visited last Friday. I was a number of pints into a session by the time I got there, but I remember having a good pint, and finding the place welcoming and atmospheric, with a very interesting layout.
5 Mar 2009 13:22
I'd just like to echo all the positive reviews below. I've been a few times, and have each time been impressed with the beer, the friendly service, and the decor (gas lights!). Very good.
5 Mar 2009 13:17
Used to be bloody horrible, but a million times better now since the refurbishment. Seems like a pretty decent pub now, and the addition of a train information screen was a great idea. Had a pint of GK Flankers Tackle while waiting for a connection the other day, enjoyed the beer and enjoyed the pub. Well done!
5 Mar 2009 13:14
Smells like the lobby of a cheap hotel, which is a bit odd. Lacks the atmosphere and feel of a pub, but seemed fairly friendly. Decent selection of beer, but bloody expensive. Ulitmately, there are better beer oriented pubs in Witney, and better food-oriented ones too.
20 Feb 2009 15:11
Like a creche in that most people in here are minors, and no Real Ale is available. Total crap.
20 Feb 2009 15:03
This pub deserves a much better score than 2.6! It's not brilliant, but it's got 3 Real Ales, the one I had (Brakespear) was well served, and the atmosphere on a Thursday was decent enough, with a darts match going on. Nothing special, but not bad at all.
20 Feb 2009 15:01
As I mentioned below, the 'Glock' is open again, and seems to be forging forward in much the same fashion as it did before, with plety of Heavy Metal coming from the jukebox. The interior is now very tatty indeed and could probably do with a bit of an update. There is the potential of a superb pub here; the building layout is just about perfect. Beer was pretty good - 2 Hook Norton offerings (Gold was very tasty), and Flowers IPA. A blackboard outside listed what beers are coming up, suggesting a welcome Real Ale focus.
12 Feb 2009 14:46
The Bookbinders Ale House, Oxford
mattm - fair enough, and I'm very glad that you do so! I'm just aware that there are GK landlords in the area who would like to do the same, but are contractually obliged to only buy bitter from GK. I don't run a pub, so I don't know the ins and outs. Either way, keep up the good work at the BBs.
26 Jan 2009 13:26
Tawdry Irish themed bar, no real ale, impersonal service, bouncers on the door.... pretty poor.
26 Jan 2009 13:23
I popped into the Cottage recently on a recommendation. I found an extremely inviting interior, and a good range of Brains' beer on tap. Sadly, despite the pub being reasonably quiet, I gave up waiting to be served after I had been waiting at the bar for over 5 minutes. A good barman ought to be able to keep tabs on who due service rather than simply calling 'Who is next, please?', especially when the pub is not busy. A shame, but I'll return.
9 Jan 2009 18:18
A very good pub indeed, and worth making an effort to visit. Good range of beer -Brains Rev James, Deuchars IPA and West Berkshire Good Old Boy are the regulars, which is a very nicely balanced lineup indeed. Add to this the guest beer, and the Pub's own efforts from their Microbrewery, and you get a very good real ale destination. Also scores highly for decor and atmosphere. Has something of the social club feel to it, and a good crowd of (mostly older) regulars. A fair way from the centre of town, but well worth the trek.
9 Jan 2009 18:11
In my review of the Harcourt Arms I said that it was the only pub in Oxford to serve Fuller's Chiswick. I was wrong: The Butchers does as well. A near full range of Fuller's beers were on tap, and my pint of Chiswick was very well served. The pub is a bit out of the way, and was a bit quiet for a Saturday night. Nonetheless, it seemed friendly and had a roaring log fire (a big plus for me). It's not somewhere I'd seek out, but I'm sure it would make a very nice local if I lived nearby.
9 Jan 2009 18:06
Once served poor real ale, now serves no real ale. Typical Sam smiths pub - interesting interior, crap drinks. Pretty poor and impersonal service as well. With all the options available in the centre of Oxford, I can think of no reason whatsoever to venture in.
24 Dec 2008 11:55
Ubiquitous, large and busy. Evenings in term time can sometimes get a little overbearing, but at all other times this is an excellent pub, with great beer (Youngs, St Austell Tribute, one guest). If you can get a seat in one of the two backrooms, then all the better - they are far more atmospheric than the front area. Manages to attract a regular and local crowd despite it's large size and city centre location.
24 Dec 2008 11:47
More bar than pub, but for what it is, it's very good. Trendy interior that manages to be cosy, late opening hours (shut on Sundays though), one real ale (Landlord). The back room has a fireplace, which I've seen lit on occasion. On Saturdays, a DJ is often to be found here, playing unobtrusive lounge-type muzak. Fills a niche very nicely.
24 Dec 2008 11:34
The only place in Oxford to serve Fuller's Chiswick. Good old fashioned pub with a few quirks (odd latin music, modern art on the walls). Has two log fires, and seat by one of these in Winter with a decent pint is one of the best places to be drinking in Oxford.
24 Dec 2008 11:29
Unpretentious, functional and cosy pub. Feels a bit like your grandparent's front room, but in a good way. Attracts an older crowd. This, along with it's unremarkable nature actually serve to make it very pleasant in my view, and a good foil to the other pubs in the area.
24 Dec 2008 11:22
SillyTork is spot on with his review. Also worth a mention is the beer garden- one of the few in central Oxford that actually has grass and plants growing in it.
24 Dec 2008 11:17
Far From the Madding Crowd, Oxford
Scores very highly for ever changing guest beers, but perhaps could improve if its range of house beer was bolstered a bit. That's nitpicking, but sadly criticism of the interior isn't - this venue wasn't built as a pub and it shows. Overall though, deserves praise for it's commitment to beer.
24 Dec 2008 11:15
Reasonable venue that seems to attract a younger crowd, perhaps with a slight indie/greebo leaning. Late opening hours, and an interior that is more bar than pub. Nonetheless, three handpumps serving GKIPA plus two changing beers from the GK catalogue. Handy for a late pint if you are in this part of town, but not somewhere I'd bother with before 11pm.
24 Dec 2008 11:08
Mitchell and Butler venue that has had the M&B retro/gastro makeover, like many of their venues that were formerly run as 'Scream' joints. As such, you know what you will get - a decent range of lager, creditable range of real ale, and a pretty agreeable ambiance. I'm fairly partial to this line of pubs; they are certainly a vast improvement over the 'Scream' atrocities.
24 Dec 2008 11:02
The Bookbinders Ale House, Oxford
Slightly undeserving winner of this years' Oxford CAMRA POTY, but a fine establishment nonetheless. Seems to get far more leeway with guest beers than most GK pubs, and the interior is atmospheric, if slightly over trinketed. Good staff, and a friendly atmosphere.
22 Dec 2008 14:10
Rowdy freehouse in the style of a Litten Tree pub. Most of the clientele on the Saturday night I visited were trollied youngsters ordering jugs of bargain cocktails. Four handpumps, only one on, which was a pleasant enough Thwaites' offering. Amazingly, it's probably as good as you'll get in the centre of Harrow.
22 Dec 2008 13:59
The Castle, Harrow On The Hill
Best pub in Harrow by some distance. Not great, but a decent venue in what is otherwise a dire area for pubs. Decent range of Fullers beer, up(ish)market food, and a variety of small rooms with classic decor.
22 Dec 2008 13:56
Refer to the Fleece, Three Horseshoes etc. Almost identical to such places.
22 Dec 2008 13:48
Refer to the Fleece, Hollybush etc. Almost identical to such places.
22 Dec 2008 13:47
I believe this was the first pub in Witney to be given the wine bar/restaurant makeover, sparking off a spreading trend. As such, this place is almost identical in to The Hollybush, The Three Horseshoes, etc. Thoroughly devoid of individuality and expensive, but they do serve real ale and it's not an unpleasant place to drink.
22 Dec 2008 13:39
This pub is certainly no longer expensive. However, it's not got much else going for it. Has the feel of a pub that was once thriving, but that has been allowed to rot away. All but one of the handpumps were turned over. Feels a bit grotty, but isn't as bad as The Chequers in this regard.
22 Dec 2008 13:35
Probably the best pub in Witney. Good range of Hook Norton beer, good community atmosphere. Friendly staff. Definitely a 'proper' pub.
22 Dec 2008 13:33
No real ale. Pretty rough interior that needs updating. Trying to think of a good thing to say about it...... there is a dart board?
22 Dec 2008 13:30
One of Witney's better pubs, a welcoming boozer that avoids being either an upmarket wine-bar pub or a decaying, down-at-heel joint on it's way out (Witney is dominated by these two kinds of places). Decent beer - John Smiths on handpump (very rare in these parts), something from the Wychwood stable, and a guest. Definitely worth a visit.
22 Dec 2008 13:28
Wonderfully unspoiled street corner pub. Old fashioned two bar arrangement, and an interior that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time (in a very pleasant way). Good range of Harvey's beer, well served. The atmosphere is spot on. A gem.
22 Dec 2008 13:25
Popped in here almost by accident a few weeks back when looking for somwhere to watch a rugby game. Turned out to be a stroke of luck - it's a wonderful old fashioned boozer with a laid back atmosphere and well served Young's beer. I can't imagine there'll be too many places like this around soon, so make the most of it while it's still there.
8 Dec 2008 12:00
The Plough and Harrow, Monknash
The Plough and Harrow gets as close as is feasibly possible to being the perfect country pub. A beautiful whitewashed building, it has a large garden and two warm cosy rooms inside, both featuring log fires. The beer is top quality - excellent regulars (particularly Hereford Pale Ale), and plenty of guests, always served well, and with a smile. The food is also excellent - unpretentious, proper home made stuff. The kind of place you never want to leave - wonderful.
8 Dec 2008 11:50
The Only Running Footman, Mayfair
Food oriented outlet that seems to consider serving beer a necessary evil. Was surprised that they even have real ale, though what's there is overpriced, boring and poorly served. Had the misfortune of eating with group of friends from the Xmas Menu - �40 a head for some pretty shoddy fayre, bumped up to �70 head after wine and coffee. Without a doubt the worst �70 I can remember spending in recent memory. Rubbish.
8 Dec 2008 11:43
Wouldn't be surprised if this is the best pub in London. It is simply magnificent in every regard.
28 Oct 2008 17:35
Probably also worth mentioning that the pub is a very Rugby friendly place, and can be relied on to show Rugby if there is any on - a Football free zone.
28 Oct 2008 17:26
Probably deserves an update since my last (recent) review. After a small refurbishment and re-branding, the pub now boats 10(!) handpumps. A full range of White Horse beers were available, along with one Everards offering, plus five interesting and varied guest ales. The beer was immaculate when I visited last night, and extremely reasonably priced (beers range from �2.30 to �2.80). If it can keep this up, the pub ought to be a big hit, as it must now has without doubt the best range of real ale available in the city centre.
28 Oct 2008 08:50
Unplanned visit last night; very glad I went. Warm, dimly lit London pub, friendly staff, great interior, good ambiance. Three ales on tap - passed over Courage BB to try Brodies IPA (from a new microbrewer in Walthamstow I believe), and Harveys BB. Both top notch. Quite close to my idea of the classic London pub. Will seek it out again when in the area.
25 Sep 2008 10:13
Deservedly popular backstreet pub, popular with local residents and workers. Excellent staff, darts, pool table, sports shown on the TV, ludicrously cheap pub food. Good hardcore of regulars, and very dog friendly. A proper, no frills pub. Greene King tied, but the beer is always served immaculately. Top notch.
2 Sep 2008 08:44
The Kite Inn, Oxford
Huge price increases (bitter is minimum £4.20), and a menu which consists of steaks priced at £28,£33,and £75. Yes, you read that right. Unbelievable. Seems that the current management are intent on running the place into the ground. The heady days of Pete McGarry seem a long time ago now.
11 Nov 2016 12:28