BITE user comments - timkholman
Comments by timkholman
Yes, they've got beer. So far only two (Youngs bitter and Bombardier, both very good quality), but there are plans to have ales from microbreweries too. Watch this space.
2 Dec 2010 19:40
Oscar's is OK, actually. It's cleaner than the White Swan, the beers aren't too bad, and it's open on Sunday evenings, which the WS never was. My main gripe is that they've removed the (excellent) jukebox.
29 Nov 2010 16:47
The best, cleanest, friendliest pub in Redbourn - at the moment, anyway. I popped in yesterday for a "swift half" and downed 2 pints with the greatest of ease. As well as the inevitable GKIPA and Abbots, there were 3 other real ales: Oakhams Inferno, Tring Redbourn 900 and Skinners Keel Over. I didn't stay for any food, but the other comments here are all positive, so I shall do so next time.
19 Sep 2010 08:32
I visited the D&B on Thursday evening and was impressed, so it seems to vary from night to night. The Youngs beer was fine and no more expensive than I'd have expected. The barman really knew his stuff and was efficient and friendly too. I hadn't been to the pub since 1991, and thought it was much better now.
31 Jul 2010 18:09
A shadow of its former self, I'm afraid. I paid a long-overdue return visit on Thursday evening, and found a pub containing a small number of unfriendly lager drinkers wearing the latest in tracksuit designer wear. The whole experience was just miserable. I'll try again in 10 years' time.
31 Jul 2010 18:03
A great pub in a lovely setting. A group of 11 of us arrived on Thursday, and shortly afterwards a funeral wake got under way too! The staff coped admirably, the beer kept flowing and our lunches were served within a reasonable timescale. The food menu is varied and interesting, with prices in the �7/�8 range. The beer garden is one of the largest I have ever seen. Glynde is a bit of a backwater, but the Trevor Arms is definitley worth a visit if you are ever in this part of Sussex.
31 Jul 2010 17:59
Arguably the best all-round pub in the area, although not particularly welcoming. The beers are good: the usual 2 Adams plus TT Landlord and Mad Goose, and some food is available. �6.50 for a Sunday lunch looks reasonable.
7 Jul 2010 16:56
This is an attractive-looking pub both outside and in, and is the main local outlet for Adnams beers. But it's one of the least friendly pubs I've visited in a long time, and is a bit grubby and uncared for. (The Gents' loos were very smelly.) This place could be a gold mine, but no one seems to care. I didn't stay long.
7 Jul 2010 16:54
The friendliest pub in Harleston, the Duke William is a basic 2-roomed boozer with a pool table and Sky Sports screen. Normally this is the sort of place I'd avoid, but the service was friendly and welcoming, and Adnams bitter at �2.50 a very decent pint. Happy to visit again.
7 Jul 2010 16:49
As a fairly frequent visitor to Reading these days, I'd say this is one of the best pubs in town - Spoons or otherwise. I was sorry to read about the_ghost's experience (below): I have always found the staff here to be polite and efficient, and there is a good range of food and ales to choose from, at reasonable prices.
11 Nov 2009 20:49
A dinky little pub, admirably summed up by the comments below. 5 real ales, excellent service and a real 'community' feel to the place - something that is quite rare in Reading. The prices are at the level one expects to pay in the Home Counties, I'm afraid - not the pub's fault.
11 Nov 2009 20:38
Fantastic pub, totally brilliant. I've known it since the early 90s and if anything it's improved over the years. The ales are spot-on and the new food menu is excellent. 10/10
21 Sep 2009 18:31
Actually it's a 3-legged dog, but I agree with your sentiments!
6 Aug 2009 21:46
The Old Cross Tavern, Hertford
Pub Of The Year, as voted by the South Herts branch of CAMRA. Well deserved!
10 Apr 2009 14:20
It's reopened! Not only that, but I have just had the amazing experience of drinking a pint of Harveys Sussex Best in St Albans ... and, yes, it was in this pub. I told the barman how pleased I was and it didn't seem to register, but never mind. Better brains than mine will decide whether the new team at Ye Olde Fighting Cocks know what they're doing, but my own first impressions are favourable. Reasonable beer, good food and they've even given the place a lick of paint. Could be a lot worse.
13 Mar 2009 21:10
After 3 years living in St Albans, I finally visited this pub today. It is a fine place with something for everyone. The food menu in particular is great: 5 "hot" specials, jacket potatoes, sandwiches, baguettes, and Ploughmans. Beer-wise it is standard McMullens (AK and Country Best only), which is a bit disappointing; the pub could do a lot better in this respect but heigh ho. Otherwise the White Hart is spacious with 2 bars and a separate dining area, and is obviously well run. 8/10
4 Feb 2009 22:44
The LRL seems to be on a state of shell-shock, but maybe it will recover. On Sunday afternoon it was very quiet. The old "library" of real-ale books was gone, and there was no longer any urgency to have 20 trillion beers on the pumps and then replace them all tomorrow. Instead there were 2 regular beers, JHB and London Pride (as before), plus 4 guests. Better still, the pub is now open all day and they serve lunches. Give it time and the LRL will be back on its feet. I'm no fan of this place but it is too good to lose, and I hope it survives.
4 Feb 2009 22:36
Brooks has closed. Good! The place has been cleaned up a bit and is now The Railway Bar. It even serves a few real ales: London Pride, Chiswick and Abbots. It's early days yet but this is a very welcome change.
20 Nov 2008 10:27
The thing is, I know this Who album. It's called something like "Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncey", and I bought a copy way back in 1975. It's a great record, but I grow tired and ancient when EVERY time I walk into the Boot it's playing. Bootguys and Bootgals, how about something different, not the Who, not the Beatles and not Dylan (the singer; the dog can look after himself :-) Just something different to listen to would be nice. Thank you for reading this. Everything else about the pub I still dearly love, apart from the left-hand wash basin in the Gents. Tim xxx
19 Sep 2008 23:49
Remains a consistently great pub, with a large range of Harveys beers (including the new Hadlow) and excellent food. I visited yesterday lunchtime with a group and enjoyed quick service and a very excellent spiced pork meal for �6.95. I no longer live in Brighton, but agree with those who say that making changes at this stage could actually be a backwards step.
17 Sep 2008 09:53
A good locals' pub, well run and often with free food when there's a band playing! The GK range of beers is boring, obviously, but the Nelson is a fight-free zone and scores well for that reason alone.
9 Sep 2008 09:13
For my money, without doubt the best pub in Watford. Good beer and food, welcoming service, no trouble. Excellent.
19 Jul 2008 11:21
Good solid pub, as others have said. Called by on Thursday lunchtime and enjoyed a hearty steak and kidney pie, with trimmings, plus a pint of Flowers. I doubt if the pub has changed much in 30 years or more. My main gripe is that the food, although good, was pricey.
8 Jun 2008 14:22
Its speciality is real ale, and the atmosphere is great too. Some basic food is available at lunchtimes. Last night the South Herts CAMRA branch awarded the Woodman as Pub Of The Year 2007. So it's pretty good!
23 Apr 2008 10:53
Last night I popped into the Boot and had a legover. At my age that's such a rare treat. Oh, all right (how did you guess?) it was actually a beer: Daleside Old Legover. But it was still very enjoyable. Bravo!
26 Feb 2008 09:47
Enough already. Please get real, hertsboy. If you consider The Boot to be cliquey, and resent New Year's Eve entrance charges, why not go elsewhere and leave this pub to those of us who love it? As for the incident you mention, I wasn't there so can't say too much, but in my own experience The Boot is one of the least racist, snobbish, sexist or homophobic pubs in the area. If there was a reason why this person wasn't served, barstaff are not legally obliged to give one (whether you approve of that or not), or perhaps this was a one-off misunderstanding? I don't know, but probably you don't know either. By now it's obvious that you don't like The Boot, so why keep going on about it? People's tastes are different, and we all know pubs that don't suit us, so we take our custom to those which do. I suggest you do the same. Swings and roundabouts. Horses for courses. Despite everything, happy new year!
5 Jan 2008 18:48
The Prince Arthur is under new-ish management and well worth a visit. New furniture has been installed and drug-crazed scumbags have been successfully repelled, at least so far. More importantly, the drinks are high standard and the food menu comprehensive and excellent value for money. I was one of a party of 11 diners yesterday and the pub did us proud. Recommended.
1 Dec 2007 13:23
Savanna @ The Black Lion Inn , St Albans
I�m flabbergasted by how much money has been spent on this place. It can no longer be called a pub, or even a bar really. The overall effect is of ornate splendour, although I couldn�t help feeling I�d stumbled into the old set for Ultravox�s �Vienna� video. The new Black Lion is clearly not intended to attract passing scumbags like me, so I fled. I suppose they know what they�re doing. But the hotel is hardly in a central location, and if the intention is merely to attract the snootier customers away from the Blue Anchor.. that might work, but there aren�t enough of them to create big profits, if any. I wish the Black Lion well, but must admit to being puzzled.
10 Nov 2007 19:05
It�s amazing what a change in management attitude can achieve. The new gaffers took over a week ago, and already food has been restored and there are six - count �em, SIX - real ales available. Good quality too. No expensive refurbishment, just a more customer-friendly approach and the effect is amazing. I�d given up on the �old� Mermaid as a bad joke, but if the new team can maintain the momentum I�ll definitely make this a regular haunt.
15 Sep 2007 07:45
This is a useful pub to have in the Chiswell Green area, and it has definitely improved since last year�s makeover. There is plenty of space, an unobtrusive television, and a satisfying Ember Inns food menu. But there is still room for improvement, not least providing enough staff for the front bar, and they need to keep an eye on the quality of the real ales. Still, give it a go if you�re in the area.
9 Sep 2007 10:02
It really is quite jolly to stroll down the lanes on a summer evening to this fine, secluded Fullers pub. Only the distant rumble of the M1 is a reminder that you�re not in the deepest countryside. The pub itself is clean, well run and the staff are smartly dressed. If you visit during the winter months you�ll need a cab or car. Never mind, there is one word that sums up this place: civilised.
9 Sep 2007 10:01
Better than it used to be. The Offa is now a well-run estate pub, and the barmaid even said "Thank you, sir" when I left, which rather threw me! But �2.90 for a pint of Flowers IPA was a bit steep, I thought.
24 Jul 2007 16:01
When in Park Street, head for the Overdraught. The beers are well kept, albeit bland (GKIPA, Abbots and John Smiths), but the food menu is astonishing: yesterday evening I counted eight choices, plus a Special of duck breast, cointreau, fresh vegetables and potatoes. Mmm... I felt like eating the lot! Seriously, this is easily the best-run pub in the area.
24 Jul 2007 09:38
Interesting point about the �2.70 price for Black Sheep. Unless I'm mistaken, the price isn't set by the pub or its manager, but by the Pubco above (no names, no packdrill). I can think of other places in St Albans where a pint of London Pride costs �2.80 or a pint of Spitfire costs �2.90. That doesn't excuse anything, of course, but higher prices in this part of the world are the norm. The question is, how much further can they go? My guess is: not much.
21 Jul 2007 20:35
The new Sunday live music sessions are yet another reason to love this pub. Yesterday saw two stonkingly good sets (and this morning my ears don't seem to be functioning). The barstaff worked incredibly hard and the crowd was extremely good natured, to boot (sorry).
Can't think of anything else to say. The Boot really is at the top of its game right now.
2 Jul 2007 07:45
Following any pub makeover, the key to its intentions lies in the music that gets played. Yesterday was a dire, 80s, Thatcherite dirge of Spandau Ballet, the Blow Monkeys and (agh!) Barry Manilow playing to a small group of 30-something males dressed in ludicrous shorts. So far so Mokoko.
But credit where it's due. The staff are as welcoming and diligent as ever, the menu looked fine tho' I didn't sample it, and there was a reasonable choice of drinks. And of course the pub's been cleaned up - good! If this is what the punters want then fair enough.
But this particular punter headed instead to the welcoming embrace of the Garibaldi, White Lion and Boot, of which more anon.
2 Jul 2007 07:08
Back this week after a 2 or 3-year absence. Staff were helpful and friendly, and the food was fine. GKIPA not really my 'cup of tea', but I had 4 pints so it couldn't have been too bad!
13 May 2007 22:25
I've just found out that today is the 3rd anniversary of Will taking this pub over and starting its progress towards the 21st century!
Will, thank you for what you've done and thank you too for the free pint!
Some of the comments below are a bit weird but they are all constructive and reflect the positive sentiments that all Boot-lovers feel about this pub.
Ed's haircut is clearly a major talking point. He'll soon be gone, you know. Personally, I shall miss him.
But long live the Boot!
13 May 2007 22:14
Oh dear, I can't believe I wrote such rubbish last night: that's what drinking at beer festivals leads to! Still, the Verulam Arms really is running like clockwork now, with plenty of bright young staff to serve the growing army of customers, indoors and out.
The beer festival is still on today, but there is heavy rain at the moment, which might spoil things.
7 May 2007 08:06
Rather a good Beer Festival going on this weekend at the Verulam Bierfest. 17 ales at the moment and very well run. My stratospheric opinion of this pub is confirmed every time. In fact, how many stars can one man reach in his lifetime? It's a stonker! (the pub I mean, and the beer festival.) Next stop, Pluto!
6 May 2007 21:28
I agree with other people's (generally) favourable views of this pub. However, I've just learnt that it's now shut most afternoons, which means there's nowhere to drink in Sandridge between 3pm and 6pm. This is tragic!
29 Apr 2007 13:29
Good music in this pub! The food's good, the beer's OK (nothing special), and most days there's a good atmosphere here and you can just be yourself. Some St Albans pubs are a bit uptight and neurotic, but this one isn't. Avoid when there's a big footie match on the telly, but otherwise pop in.
PS Every time I'm in here "Over Rising" by The Charlatans gets played at least once. I find that a bit spooky.
13 Apr 2007 07:54
I like the buzz in this pub, and although happy to drink Guinness I prefer real ale. I'm therefore ecstatic that Timothy Taylor Landlord is now served here (good quality too), in addition to London Pride. The majority of the barstaff are very hard working and know what they're doing.
As an aside: the other week I lost a notebook, somewhere in St Albans, whilst out on the razz. In fact I dropped it in O'Neills, the pub phoned me and I was able to go and collect it. That's what I call good service!
17 Mar 2007 15:03
Currently being refurbished. Not opening until mid-May, so this could be a major project!
10 Mar 2007 07:59
The Three Horseshoes, St Albans
More of a restaurant than a pub, but after all it's a Brewers Fayre establishment. It's well run and seems to be very popular: yesterday evening it was full of diners. Hardened drinkers were very much a minority. I was a bit alarmed to see that customers had to enter and leave by the back door, since the floorboards at the front were unsafe, but I trust this is only a temporary problem!
The pub is prominently situated on the Hatfield Road. Worth a look if you're passing, but unless you live locally you probably won't visit regularly.
18 Feb 2007 11:48
Glad I've visited this place at last. Seems to be in the middle of nowhere, but is actually half a mile from the Hatfield Road. It's a comfortable pub with 3 ales (I enjoyed some spot-on Timothy Taylor Landlord), a cosy fire, board games, a slot machine and quiet music. I didn't stay for food this time, but it's available lunchtimes and evenings. Barstaff were welcoming and efficient.
18 Feb 2007 11:40
I popped in here recently, and was glad to see this pub is back on track. Good Friday will mark the 20th anniversary of my first visit; in 1987 it was the Blacksmiths Arms, a name that can still provoke misty-eyed nostalgia for many true Croydonians (and gate-crashers like me). The pub went through a dodgy phase in the late 90s, but thankfully that was short-lived.
5 Feb 2007 15:24
Decent pubs in Elstree and Borehamwood are like gold dust, and the Artichoke is one of the few good ones. It's nothing special, mind, but the barstaff do a good job and food is served at lunchtimes. At present the beers are an unexciting Bass and Greene King IPA.
By the way, when I was visiting here on Thursday evening one of the local wags told rather a good joke:-
"I went to the opticians today, and guess who I bumped into?"
"Who?"
"Everybody!"
Well, it made me laugh.
4 Feb 2007 22:13
Average food and the standard 2 McMullens ales, but this place provides a welcome break on the trek between Elstree and Bushey. Staff are welcoming and the atmosphere relaxed.
4 Feb 2007 22:07
Popped into the "new" Quadrant last week on a rare return visit to Brighton. I like it! OK, there's no cask ale, but the keg Bombardier and Youngs Bitter were perfectly drinkable, and the refit works very well: the old pub has been smartened up but it's still unmistakably the Quadrant. Service was good too.
Like others, I had wrongly assumed that bulldozers were on their way. If there are things about the new pub you don't like... while there's life there's hope!
26 Dec 2006 17:47
After a year's courtship, I'm starting to fall in love with this pub, which is a bit embarrassing. Top food, an interesting selection of 4 real ales and always a friendly welcome. Sigh!
28 Nov 2006 08:37
The Duke of Marlborough, St Albans
Slowly improving, this pub. It's just had a minor refurb and there are plans to restore evening food. There are even real ales (Spitfire and Youngs Bitter, although supplies seem to be erratic) and an impressive selection of wines.
The welcome is friendly and I walked out of the toilets smiling (pause for effect), amused by the excellent Laurel & Hardy photos.
I've usually been disappointed by this pub in the past, but currently it's on the right track.
28 Nov 2006 08:33
Seems to be getting back on track, after a rather lacklustre summer. 5 ales regularly available, all in tip-top condition. Keep up the good work.
12 Oct 2006 09:56
A super pub, this one. Good selection of ales, friendly welcome and lots of space including an upstairs bar. Makes me want to check out the other Hertford pubs too. I shall return.
28 Aug 2006 10:52
The Slug and Lettuce, St Albans
Always hot on the scent of something new, I popped into the new S&L last week. First impressions are that it's hardly different from the old Casa, but in fact there are some improvements.
Good points: Air conditioning (hourrah!), food available seven days a week from 1200-2200, plus breakfast 1000-1200 Mon-Sat, and a slightly more ambitious selection of drinks than Casa had.
Bad points: Muzak in the Gents' loo (still a long trek to the bogs, by the way). Also some over-zealous barstaff. One barman followed a group to their table and asked for their order immediately - no time for them to ponder.
Still, if you like this sort of place you'll love the St Albans Slug & Lettuce - a lot of hard work has gone into it.
24 Jul 2006 19:54
I was interested to read the reports below, since I happened to pop into the Cock yesterday afternoon when the fracas was at its height. From my coward's vantage point near the door, it seemed to me (a) that the 2 blokes shouldn't have been served in the first place if they were this drunk, (b) a few other customers were also very intoxicated, and (c) when a member of staff did finally intervene, he didn't act decisively but launched a tedious harangue; there is nothing a drunkard likes more than a good argument, so the nonsense continued.
I fled to the Boot.
Imagine my horror when shortly afterwards one of the yobs tottered into the Boot, plonked himself down at the bar and ordered yet another drink. Luckily it soon became obvious what state he was in, everyone (including the barstaff) turned away, and soon the fool slid off the bar stool, banged his head and staggered off. Good riddance.
But the root of the problem lay in the Cock's not dealing with the drunks in the first place and allowing a bad situation to get worse. St Peters Street is full of dodgy characters and - as other people have said - they will exploit any pub that is weak enough to let them gain a foothold.
Anyway, that's how I spent yesterday afternoon!
24 Jul 2006 16:16
The King William IV, St Albans
Much nicer inside than the exterior would suggest. Food, including "healthy options", is available every day until 9pm. The three ales currently available are London Pride, Bombardier and Wadsworths 6X. Overall, not as appealing as a more traditional pub, but the KWIV gives good service at reasonable prices. It's also the "local" of one of CAMRA's leading lights, and he's not too unkind to it, so there you go. Well situated to provide relief on the long trek between St Albans and Sandridge.
24 Jul 2006 16:01
The Harvester (Ancient Briton), St Albans
Clean, spacious and well-managed, but definitely a restaurant first and pub second. Good news: meal deals until 6.30pm M-F and 5pm on Saturdays. Bad news: they stock a couple of ales, but these are CHILLED! I had a pint in here yesterday and my teeth nearly fell out (again!). Oh well, this is Harvesters after all: fine for a family meal or office "do", but the Lone Drinker should keep walking.
24 Jul 2006 15:54
I like to praise this pub from time to time! It remains an excellent place, with up to 6 real ales in excellent condition - the Adnams Regatta and Waggledance currently available are recommended. For freshly cooked food few pubs in St Albans are better; arguably only the Portland and Verulam are in the same league.
There's one problem at present. Dave's bizarre sense of humour has led him to plonk a Watney's Red Barrel on the side bar; it wasn't just me who nearly had a heart attack on seeing it yesterday. Still, it's a reminder of how far real ale has come in the past 30 years or so.
In my humble opinion some of the other pubs in this area are sliding a bit, but the White Lion remains first class.
14 Jul 2006 11:50
One of the best pubs in central London. I've known it for nearly 20 years and always return with pleasure. It's always busy but not impossibly so, and the beers and barstaff are fine.
Very handy for Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross station and the post office!
22 Jun 2006 14:35
A great pub to have in the neighbourhood. I've known it for 18 months now, and unlike many other pubs in St Albans it remains consistent, in a very positive way.
The food menu is excellent, with ingredients still supplied by a local farm, and eating times are 12-2 and 6.30-9.30 (excl. Monday). The Fullers ales are always impeccable.
I just wish this pub was slightly busier. Perhaps it needs to advertise a bit? Anyway, I've sussed out 50 local pubs since moving here last November, and this one is in the Top 10, possibly Top 5, depending on one's mood.
22 Jun 2006 08:28
I returned at the weekend after a long absence, and it's still a great pub. Back in the late 70s I often popped in here for a Guinness and a pork pie! Since then the pub has evolved discreetly without losing any of its charm. Good beer, very nice atmosphere. I'll be back.
20 Jun 2006 07:56
It's now 3 weeks since the Verulam Arms reopened, and since no one else has commented yet, I'm going to!
My feelings about the "new" pub are overwhelmingly positive. The refurbishment is total but also discreet: no gaudy colours or anything. It's good that they've opened up the garden and the back room (come back, Dan, and play your guitar in there again!) and customers now have much more choice about where they sit, and with whom. I haven't eaten here yet, but the new food selection looks fine.
As a real ale fan, I have to say that the quality of the beers is superb. Youngs Special, Youngs Bitter and Deuchars are always available, with one other: last week it was Adnams Regatta, this week it's Black Sheep. Finally, it's worth mentioning that the girls behind the bar are very professional and do a great job.
I do have one gripe. The walls in the main bar are now bare; all the photos of old St Albans have been removed. In my opinion this is a pity: after all, this is the Verulam Arms, close to the buried city of Verulamium. A bit of history in the pub wouldn't go amiss, I feel.
Anyway, I'll stop rambling now. (Everyone: "Good!") This pub is now back on track, and well worth a visit.
14 Jun 2006 09:08
Yesterday I paid my first visit for 5 months, and once again there was no beer. Come on, you lot, get a grip!
On a happier note, the Glass House has just been repainted and does now look quite tasteful.
14 Jun 2006 08:44
Large, rambling bar (with restaurant) underneath the hotel. The beer is still Youngs: Bitter, Special and Waggledance are all available.
This place is too big to be your friendly "local", but it's well run and a useful place to know.
7 Jun 2006 15:49
Excellent old pub, half a mile south of Radlett centre. The fine food menu includes 6 lunch "specials" and for real ales there are Adnams Broadside and Bitter, Abbots and Greene King IPA. Friendly and efficient barstaff. Huge beer garden and car park. If I lived in Radlett this would be my local, no question.
7 Jun 2006 15:42
Quite a good all-round pub. A bit boisterous when the footie's on the telly, but everyone's friendly enough.
There are 3 real ales as well as the usual lagers etc, and a good, varied menu 7 days a week.
The decor is a bit drab, but that's a minor quibble really. An easy 7/10.
4 Jun 2006 09:31
The refurbishment has definitely improved this pub, although the lack of natural light is still a problem.
I didn't count 10 ales (see below), but there is a good choice of drinks and the barstaff do work hard.
Food has become an even bigger selling point: there is a Breakfast menu (until noon) and a full main one after that, both offering great value.
I've been criticised previously for saying on this site that the O'Neills in St Albans is one of the best I've been to. I'll now compound that crime by saying that this is one of the best Wetherspoons! Which it is. So why go anywhere else? Because the Cross Keys is a very hard pub in which to relax; it's a classic "pile it high, pack 'em in and sell it cheap" business model. There comes a point when good company, different ales and non-standard meals are worth paying a bit extra for, so other pubs nearby shouldn't despair. Still, if you want to drink and eat well cheaply, the Cross Keys is a good place to visit.
30 May 2006 18:14
Remains a great pub in the centre of town. Hard to fault the beers, food or friendly atmosphere. But I've noticed in recent weeks a slight lowering of standards by some of the newer barstaff. If they're reading a book, or gossiping with mates, they'll finish that then serve you at their own inconvenience. It's not yet a big problem, but it's a definite trend.
Sorry if that sounds a bit grumpy. But since it was me who nominated this pub in Nov 2004 I still feel very paternal towards it and don't want it to fall behind the competition!
20 May 2006 11:41
This place should be ideal for a 40-something bloke like me, who still thinks it's 1986 rather than 2006. But I just can't relate to anyone here at all: it's full of "suits" (both sexes) talking about house prices, interest rates, football, cars and money generally. On the plus side, the service is good and the bistro looks interesting, but - as others have said - people come here to show off. Drinking and eating are secondary.
20 May 2006 11:33
Different staff and (I think) different management. Quietly getting even better; the beers are the same but there is more interesting food and the atmosphere is friendly.
A real pub. Worth a visit.
18 May 2006 09:05
Really nice, large village pub with a restaurant attached. Front and back gardens, and a car park. Good basic but wholesome food is available, and the barstaff are very welcoming. 8/10
6 May 2006 16:56
The Three Horseshoes, Letchmore Heath
Very much the centre of the village. Large restaurant part, smaller drinking bar, and the restaurant seems to take priority as far as the staff are concerned. Good wine list, and the ales are currently Spitfire and Timothy Taylor Landlord. It's OK, but as a visitor I felt I was intruding upon a private party. Still - not bad overall.
6 May 2006 16:48
Shame on me for not noticing this before. But this pub has a FANTASTIC selection of crisps with which to accompany one's drink.
Yes, all right, nobody goes to a pub solely to eat crisps, I certainly don't, but I thought the crisps factor was worth mentioning.
Meanwhile the various Fullers ales are kept in GREAT condition in this pub! There are a few better pubs in St Albans (IMHO) but not many, and the Garibaldi is still really good.
4 May 2006 19:58
After 20 years or so, The Ship is still a pub I visit with pleasure. It's well run, there's a good choice of beers and the atmosphere is friendly. Keep going!
2 May 2006 09:16
This pub could be the best in the area, but over the years has often suffered from lousy management. Still, at the moment it's doing well. Yesterday I enjoyed a superlative pint of London Pride. Let's hope the upward trend continues.
2 May 2006 09:14
William Stanley, South Norwood
It's good in the afternon, but avoid in the evening or when the football's on. This is a better-than-average Wetherspoons pub, but there is not much customer demand for real ale, so it doesn't keep much. Overall: a reasonable pub in a dodgy area.
2 May 2006 09:09
The Blacksmiths Arms, St Albans
Yes it's changed and the barstaff have improved. But for beer there's only John Smiths now, whereas a month ago there was Bombardier and Youngs Special. Harumph - I'm not impressed!
Better news: the Blacksmiths has started opening at 8am on Saturday and Wednesday (market days) to serve breakfast, either a full English or vegetarian. Prices at around �2.95/�3.95 seem reasonable.
So it could be worth a few visits for breakfast, but for a drinker's pub I still give the Blacksmiths a thumbs-down.
25 Mar 2006 09:06
The Slug and Lettuce, St Albans
Bars aren't really my thing, but I popped into the Casa yesterday as part of my Getting To Know St Albans campaign. It's a huge place, and although I didn't notice any dirt or smell (see below), there were a couple of flies buzzing around.
But the barstaff were very good, and one of the girls wittily dealt with my crap pronunciation of Cruzcampo, a light and tasty Spanish beer.
At around 5pm customers in suits started to arrive, braying and ee-awing at full volume to display their obnoxious personalities to as many people as possible. So I scarpered.
Overall - Casa is Casa, wherever you are.
25 Mar 2006 08:58
No it hasn't shut down, far from it, although it will be closed shortly for some refurbishment. But even without that there's been a definite improvement in recent weeks, with more beers and a livelier atmosphere. The Verulam should be even better after the work has been done; I for one certainly hope so.
17 Mar 2006 09:06
More news. The King Harry was threatened by demolition and "relocation" as part of a proposed housing development. But the plan has just been rejected by the local council, so the KH lives to fight another day! Apparently it is a Grade-2 listed pub - a bit like the furniture, oops, hush my mouth!
23 Feb 2006 16:17
More of an inn/restaurant than a boozer, but so what? There are currently 4 real ales, and although the food is (below) "uninspiring chain pub fayre", it's very well prepared and reasonably priced, IMHO. The barstaff/waitresses are efficient and friendly. You could do a lot worse than come here. An easy 7 out of 10.
19 Feb 2006 13:46
Hmmm. Puzzled by the differing opinions below, I finally visited the King Harry yesterday lunchtime. All was revealed: it's a bit of a hit-and-miss pub!
First the good points. The range of drinks is not extensive, but fair enough; I enjoyed 2 very good points of Bombardier. The 2 barstaff on duty were fine, doing the "I'll be with you in a minute" routine when serving other people, and regularly collecting up dirty glasses. Entertainment was provided by a good selection of music, and I had great fun looking through the window at the motorists making a pig's breakfast of the double-mini-roundabout
outside.
Now for the dodgy bits. The furniture really is a strange mixture of tat, and looks as if it fell off the backs of various lorries. Worse, the pub's atmosphere is a bit odd, with the regular customers hogging the back bar, leaving the front bar occupied by passing misfits and weirdos such as myself. I enjoyed the beer, but left the King Harry feeling that on a different day, at a different time, one's experience as a customer would be totally different. Truly great pubs aren't like this.
To regain my equilibrium, I then had two drinks in the ever-reliable "Garibaldi", followed - oh dear - by a couple more in the good old "Boot". I can't remember what happened in the evening.
19 Feb 2006 13:41
Friendly pub and good value for money. Whereas most pubs these days "round up" prices, this one charges �2.24 for a pint of (AK) beer, or �2.81 for a beer plus peanuts! For that you'd be lucky to pay less than �3 or even �3.20 in many other pubs in SE England. Sorry if that sounds nit-picky, but it's good that the Blue Anchor is careful not to rip off its customers.
Otherwise - yup, two bars, sensible food, good atmosphere, nothing fancy. I like it.
11 Feb 2006 16:26
Like St Pauls in the Blitz, this pub still stands proudly. The surrounding area hasn't been bombed, thankfully, but redeveloped out of all recognition over the past 30 years or so. Ghosts from Old Hendon (including me!) often float past, trying to remember how it all used to be.
Inside the Chequers...well, hmmm. It's been massively refurbished and I can only give it 6/10 for just about everything. The beers are OK but nothing special, the barstaff do serve you but with no enthusiasm, and the customers all seem to be just "passing through", so there's no real pub spirit or congenial atmosphere.
Never mind. As an infrequent visitor, maybe I just haven't caught the pub at its best. Whatever, I'm very pleased that the Chequers is still here.
6 Feb 2006 13:13
At least there are no frills here: what you see is what you get! If you just want the experience of drinking above the waves, the best time to visit Horatios is early- or mid-afternoon. On a sunny day it can be quite wonderful. (I have still have very fond memories of my first visit here in 1990.)
Any other time, you get caught up in flashy, trashy karaoke/stag/hen debauchery.
My only real gripe is that a bouncer once ejected me and 3 friends because we were "too old". In 1993!! Oh well, it was a students' night, but he let us buy one round then threw us out before the second. I still fume about this. Never mind.
3 Feb 2006 13:17
Next door to my old college, and hasn't changed much, which is a good thing overall. Service was a bit slow, and of course there wasn't much space, but it's still a good pub in which to put the world to rights. The beer was in good nick, which always helps.
30 Jan 2006 16:32
In a word, appalling.
1) A pint of Boddingtons cost �2.90.
2) The barman snatched the fiver from my hand.
3) Then didn't serve my drink!
4) Luckily one of his colleagues spotted that a pint was still waiting to be served, and put things right.
5) Trying to find the Gents' loo was more difficult than getting through Hampton Court maze.
... By now, it's obvious that me and this place didn't get on!
20 Jan 2006 21:26
I can't make up my mid about this pub. Good choice of beers, including 6X, Adnams Bitter and London Pride. Lots of space too, a good jukebox (very rare in St Albans) and - yesterday - a roaring log fire. It all sounds great, but after 4 visits I still find the atmosphere buttoned-up and unwelcoming. Perhaps I just don't fit in for some reason...
16 Jan 2006 08:41
Disappointing. The beer had run out, the Carlsberg had run out, and the pub was dominated by some raucous blokes effing and blinding at the rugby on TV. On the positive side, the decor is bright and clean and the barmaid was friendly, and I still think this place has potential. But the managers need to pull their socks up before it's too late.
16 Jan 2006 08:37
It's better as a gay pub than it was before, but it's still rather scruffy and slapdash. Worth popping into if you get caught in the rain, or if you're a regular of course, but whatever your fancies there are better pubs nearby.
9 Jan 2006 15:06
The Artillery Arms, Old Street
Have had many after-work drinks in here over the years. Lots of 'suits', but not at all cliquey. Good beers and friendly service.
1 Jan 2006 18:28
The Hare and Hounds, St Albans
Another Tardis of a pub: looks quite dinky from the outside, but inside it's huge. My Wadsworth 6X and Timothy Taylor Landlord were both quite acceptable. Most of the other customers were eagerly discussing football. Not really my kind of pub, but there's not much to criticise, and the service was good.
28 Dec 2005 09:27
One of the best O'Neills I've ever been to. Helpful barstaff, reasonable choice of drinks - loads of Guinness, natch - and the atmosphere is friendly enough. Good for a brisk sharpener prior to snuggling down somewhere a bit more intimate.
14 Dec 2005 09:46
I used to drink in this pub 20 years ago, and even then its "bark was worse than its bite" re: violence and punch-ups. At weekends most people used it en route to the dreaded Underground Club. THE pub to avoid was The Horn on the steps down to Surrey Street, but it shut down years ago, thank goodness. Glad to read below that The Ship is now even better than it was in the 80s!
14 Dec 2005 09:40
This used to be a really rough, spit-and-sawdust place, but in the 90s it was refurbished and modernised. The choice of drinks was improved and they started serving Mexican food - much better! Now it's slipped back a little bit, and some of the barstaff can be a bit vague, but the Gladstone is OK. It really depends what sort of mood you're in, whether you come in here, The Bear (basic but sociable) or the Hub (more sophisticated but a bit pricey). Take care crossing the road!
6 Dec 2005 19:19
Nice pub, good food and several real ales. Also an open fire - much appreciated during the cold weather! Worth the walk to get here.
1 Dec 2005 08:47
Something strange has happened to this pub. There's been a change of management, most customers have gone elsewhere and it's often empty. How sad. I hope it's just a temporary problem.
29 Nov 2005 19:01
A million miles away from what it used to be like. The lager-swilling tattoed blokes have mainly gone, and it's now gentler, smarter and cleaner with a good range of drinks and some delightful barstaff. I haven't tried any of the pizzas yet but they look fine. A very welcome addition to this part of Brighton.
12 Nov 2005 15:11
The Waggon and Horses, Brighton
"Come back in ten minutes!" said the barlady as I approached. Actually she was talking to a colleague but looking at me as she said it. Luckily I was sober enough to assess the situation and stayed for a pint. They serve Harveys, Adnams Broadside and London Pride, and LOTS of wines. As pubs go it's perfectly OK but I'm surprised to see it in this year's GBG.
As a minor gripe, I didn't like the repetitious music being played. I was only there for 25 minutes but 'Monday Monday' by the Mamas & Papas was played twice; I thought this was a bit odd.
18 Oct 2005 08:39
This has been a decent pub for some years now. The food is interesting, the beers are usually OK and the decor is well-lit and spacious. Sometimes the barstaff are laid back and slow to do anything, but some people seem to find that quite charming. (I don't, but there you go.)
When I walked past last week it looked like they've changed the name to "The Walmer".
17 Oct 2005 11:45
Quite a good, spacious pub in a handy spot close to the railway station. Competent barstaff as well. BUT ... �2.70 for a pint of London Pride! That's what they charged me yesterday. I know beer prices always drift upwards, but I thought that was a bit steep.
9 Oct 2005 17:17
A fairly basic, but perfectly acceptable locals' pub. As a real ale fan, I have to say that they really do keep their beers in top-notch condition, and that's the main reason to come here. Decor-wise, the pub has just been given a lick of paint, which has helped.
30 Sep 2005 06:09
Some serious drinking goes on here, but the pub is extremely well run and there's never any trouble. A mixed bunch of interesting customers! Yes, the Guinness is very well kept, and as a real ale fan I have to say that great care is taken with the beers too. The pub's 'feel' is Irish - not surprising, in view of who runs it - but it's not overstated. Overall, what you see is what you get, and this is definitely a pub to keep going back to.
19 Sep 2005 13:32
This pub was in a desperate state, but in the nick of time it's been restored and re-christened The Victoria (its original name). Very much a locals' boozer but it's OK.
30 Aug 2005 19:01
A new pub, close to the seafront, replacing the Squid & Starfish bar. The drinks are fairly run-of-the-mill, but the food menu is astoundingly good, one of the best I've ever seen!
30 Aug 2005 18:55
I'm over 25, so received some very black looks from the barstaff before one of them served me. It's a good place for food, but the choice of drinks is mundane. The Basketmakers over the road is a much better all-round pub.
28 Aug 2005 20:30
Cheap and good ales, reasonable food and hardworking barstaff, but the decor is a bit grim and I left feeling rather depressed. And it was only 3pm!
26 Aug 2005 15:19
Quite a new pub. It's tucked away in the Hanover side streets, which is a bit of a shame because it's rather good! Polite staff, good food and drink, and spacious surroundings all add up to something worthwhile. To be blunt, The Reservoir puts to shame some of the older pubs in this part of Brighton. I hope it survives and prospers.
27 Jul 2005 18:25
I blow hot and cold about this pub, but it's on an upward trend at the moment. More beers than before - Harveys, HSB, Youngs and Spitfire - and all in good nick. The barstaff are generally OK; the little minx who charged me �3 for a pint of Harveys has moved on, thank goodness, so I'm going there more often now! Definitely worth a visit.
30 Apr 2005 19:22
Has just changed managers, so it will be interesting to see if the "Brightonesque camp" atmosphere survives. Also the choice of beers has changed drastically: this is now a Shepherd Neame pub with 4 different ales - Best, Spitfire, Early Bird and Bishops Finger.
5 Apr 2005 08:29
Very central location just behind the main shops. Inside it has a fairly warm, homely feel, although functional rather than friendly. Has an interesting selection of real ales (currently Frolic and Hydes bitters) which are well looked after. Good wholesome food is also available.
4 Apr 2005 15:42
Visited this pub 31.3.2005. It's like Doctor Who's Tardis! Not only does its modest exterior conceal two bars, one large & one small, but it's a bit like stepping back in time to 1970. Some of the customers looked as if they'd been there all that time, and the landlady gave me a piercing, truly catatonic stare by way of greeting. If John Cleese had visited 30 years ago he'd have written "Fawlty Towers" about this pub rather than a hotel. But the beer was OK (Adnams and IPA) and the food looked hot and wholesome, although very English (stews, hotpots etc). It was clearly popular with its regular customers, so fair enough.
1 Apr 2005 14:36
The Battle of Trafalgar, Brighton
Totally consistent, absolutely great pub. People tend to rave about the friendly atmosphere and nautical decorations. But it's also true that the Trafalgar keeps its beers in absolutely tip-top condition; you won't get a 'cloudy' pint here! Good selection of wines too.
20 Feb 2005 09:09
This pub has social links with The Lower Red Lion in St Albans, which is also "second to none" when it comes to real ales. The trouble with the Evening Star is its smallness, which can create either a great or a lousy atmosphere, depending on who's there. That said, there is nowhere else like it in Brighton: pay a visit and make up your own mind.
29 Jan 2005 17:54
Interesting that the positive comments here are about the restaurant and (excellent) Thai food. I'm afraid that downstairs the pub/drinking bit has gone downhill in recent months. The choice of beers has been reduced, and the smell of the Gents' toilets permeates the bar. Yuk! I hope this pub will get a grip and restore its high standards.
22 Jan 2005 20:44
Friendly backstreet pub, with a growing reputation for serving top-notch food. Good range of drinks too, including 3 Fullers ales.
20 Jan 2005 15:56
Well-run Gales pub, with excellent beers. This is very much a locals' pub, so you have to work on the place for a while before you're accepted. Arguably the best pub food in Brighton!
11 Jan 2005 20:48
I don't think this pub is as good as it was. It's become a typical seafront bar, with obligatory plastic glasses and indifferent lager. I went there on a summer afternoon and the upstairs bar (with its fabulous sea view) was closed, which was hugely disappointing. An interesting history behind it, but an uncertain future in front of it????
28 Dec 2004 11:33
Has stayed consistently good through 2004. The drinks are good, the food can be excellent, and most of the barstaff put the customer first. There are indeed a lot of "youngish" customers, but over-40s like me can feel equally welcome. Overall The Windmill is a good place to go.
28 Dec 2004 11:25
A fine old pub that is right beside the beach. Probably not the best "beer" pub in Whitstable, but totally unique: if you visit, you'll never forget it! Ideal for boozy summer evenings.
17 Dec 2004 13:21
This pub is in the city centre by the Clock Tower, and is well worth a visit. It was refurbished in May 2004 and is well-run, lively and friendly. Don't be put off by the Benskins Brewery sign outside, I don't know why it's still there: in fact The Boot offers a wide range of drinks, including five real ales.
22 Nov 2004 20:02
Over the past year this has become one of my favourite pubs in St Albans. It's very strong on real ales, and there's a new food area out the back. Don't go there if you want a boisterous, noisy evening, but for a pleasant few hours drinking or eating with friends it's ideal. The barstaff are excellent.
21 Nov 2004 08:26
The beer garden is really good and one of Hove's best-kept secrets. Ales are OK and the barstaff friendly enough. Worth a visit.
8 Aug 2004 21:29
Well worth visiting, this is probably Brighton's main outlet for Harveys ale. A good mix of local residents and passers-by, the atmosphere is welcoming and the barstaff are WELL above the B'ton average!
5 Jul 2004 21:39
O'Neills, St Albans
Is the food menu in pounds, dollars or Euros? I guess pounds, but the print is extremely small.
27 Dec 2011 16:23