BITE user comments - wobblybob
Comments by wobblybob
Dog and Doublet, Wolverhampton
Enjoyed a decent pint of Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild. Nothing special about the pub itself. 6/10.
19 Apr 2018 09:02
The Great Western, Wolverhampton
Excellent pub. A few years since I was last there but yesterday I saw it has gone from strength to strength. Great ales in tip-top condition, a real sun trap outside drinking area and excellent value local food such as gray pays and bacon. A 'must visit' when in Wolverhampton. 10/10.
19 Apr 2018 09:00
Great pub and curry house combined. Enjoyed a couple of tasty pints: Weetwood Cheshire Cat and Wye Valley Malt Teaser along with a curry. Well worth a visit. 8/10.
16 Apr 2018 23:37
The Prince Of Orange, Ashton Under Lyne
Now has had another refurb and is looking good. The pub now has eight handpumps and stocks guests in addition to Robinson's beers. I enjoyed a very good pint of Cumbria Way on my recent visit, although only four pumps were in action - on a Saturday afternoon. A bit pricey for Ashton. Nonetheless 7/10.
11 Apr 2018 20:50
Innovative pub/bar in the midst of the Co-op district of the city, surrounded by Co-op admin buildings, it is set in an open square. Friendly welcome and a choice of real ales plus many craft keg beers. Well worth a visit and gtreat to have so close to Victoria Station. 9/10.
10 Apr 2018 21:29
Friendly and cosy micro bar. Good choice of well-kept ales and interesting bottle selection plus cider. 10/10.
6 Apr 2018 12:14
Friendly welcome and keenly-priced, well-kept ales. 10/10.
6 Apr 2018 12:08
Decent Lloyds No. 1. Efficient service and well-kept ale from Reedly Hallows. 7/10.
6 Apr 2018 12:03
Great brew pub. Tasty ale from the microbrewery and various interesting guests. Friendly and relaxed atmosphere and a warm welcome. Good value prices. 10/10.
6 Apr 2018 11:59
Very agreeable pub with - on my visit - an interesting variety of ales and craft keg. No fewer than three dark beers on this occasion. Friendly, relaxed atmosphere and efficient service. The Bristol Beer Factory Milk Stout was excellent, as was the Koestritzer Schwartzbier. Well worth a visit. 10/10.
2 Feb 2018 12:19
In a fairly isolated, but picturesque, spot this pub has a strong food emphasis. Enjoyed a tasty meal, but did not have an alcoholic drink - although the pub does serve cask ale and has a reputation for its excellent condition. Friendly welcome and service. Well worth a visit. 8/10.
16 Jan 2018 20:29
Quirky but excellent pub - now known as Mad O'Rourke's Pie Factory. Well-kept and reasonably-priced ales from Digbrew. Novel and tasty range of pies. On Wednesdays a 'buy one, get one free' offer makes eating very good value. A must visit when in the area. 10/10.
16 Jan 2018 19:37
Friendly welcome in this pub that serves well-kept ales and good value, hearty food. 9/10.
16 Jan 2018 19:03
Great community pub. Laid out as lounge with distinct areas and a separate public bar. Busy, friendly and welcoming. Serves a wide range of Sam Smith's beers. Only disappointment is OBB only on keg. Great prices. 9/10.
16 Jan 2018 18:51
The Royal Exchange, Stourbridge
Superb, traditional locals'' boozer. The outside drinking area is a fine sun-trap.The Batham''s Bitter was superb on my visit as were the tasty and excellent value filled cobs. Great prices into the bargain. 10/10.
13 Sep 2017 22:16
The Gunmakers Arms, Birmingham
Pleasant tap of the Two Towers Brewery offering a friendly welcome and relaxed atmosphere. Tried three of the ales: Birmingham Mild was the best to my palate. Worth a visit. 8/10.
12 Sep 2017 21:18
Characterful old pub, with a friendly welcome. Only three real ales. The Peeky Blinder was very well kept. Beer (especially imported lagers) on the pricey side - but that seems to be the way of Digbeth and Deritend these days. In contrast, the food is excellent vale and served in hearty portions. The bacon, cabbage and colcannon was superb! 9/10.
6 Sep 2017 23:05
Serves an excellent pint of Guinness - at £2.90 a pint during the ''happy hour'' that runs through the day until 4pm. No real ale and not much else to be said. 5/10.
6 Sep 2017 22:59
A characterful pub with a fine, traditional interior. Only one real ale on my (Wednesday afternoon) visit. It was in excellent condition, but lack of choice was disappointing. The range of ales is much reduced from when I was last here c. 10 years ago. 7/10.
6 Sep 2017 22:57
This is an excellent addition to the local pub scene. The Crown Point Tavern is reminiscent of a small bar in a central European town or city: the interior is smart and comfortable, service is friendly and efficient and the atmosphere relaxed. The cask ales are in excellent condition and there is also real cider and imported draft beer, plus bottles. The pub operates a loyalty card scheme and has proper loos - unlike more than a few micropubs. Clientele ranges across ages and from couples, singles having a quiet read to the serially talkative getting things off their chests. This is a ''must visit'' - 10/10.
29 Aug 2017 21:54
Characterful pub serving well-kept ales and with friendly service and relaxed atmosphere. A ''must visit''. 10/10.
28 Aug 2017 22:18
Blackburne Arms Hotel, Liverpool
Friendly welcome and efficient service. Very food oriented but with a distinct drinkers'' area. Nothing special to note about the ale save that you can have it in traditional barrel glasses. 6/10.
28 Aug 2017 22:13
The Dog And Pheasant, Waterloo
A few years since I was last round this part of town. The pub is cosy and welcoming and there is extensive outside seating which is a real suntrap for most of the day. I enjoyed a couple of pints of Banks''s Sunbeam - an excellent quaffing ale that was in tip-top condition. I have this down as a ''must visit''. 10/10.
27 Aug 2017 15:03
The Crowthorn, Ashton under Lyne
Once a decent pub, but now closed and converted for other use.
27 Aug 2017 14:59
This pub is definitely open and probably benefitting from its location within sight of the King Street Metrolink stop. On my visit (mid-afternoon on Saturday) is was pretty. The Lees Bitter and a Lees seasonal were on tap. The bitter was very well kept and reasonably priced at just £2.40 a pint. Has an outside drinking area which enjoys the sun until later afternoon. 7/10.
27 Aug 2017 14:52
The Parrs Wood Hotel, Didsbury
Big, roadhouse type pub, but well laid out with distinct seating areas. A small outside drinking area to the rear and substantial and comfortable outside drinking area at the front. A Lees house offering up to four cask ales at reasonable prices. The MPA was in superb condition at £2.80 a pint. Welcoming and friendly service and a good atmosphere. Well worth a visit. 10/10.
23 Aug 2017 22:29
Over the years have been in here many times. Was rather disappointed on this visit. Although the welcome was friendly and atmosphere good, the ale quality was just about average. I ate here for the first time and found the food just average and the ''hand cut chips'' very feeble. 6/10 on this visit.
19 Aug 2017 22:46
Basic, bare-boards boozer with a friendly welcome and efficient service. Shaded courtyard drinking area for warmer days. Real ale and real cider: on my visit the Wadworth Farmer''s Glory and Lees MPA were both in excellent condition and great value at £2.10 per pint! Well worth a visit. 9/10.
16 Aug 2017 00:38
Friendly and welcoming pub. Surprisingly spacious yet cosy layout. Three cask ales on my visit. The Box ''Tunnel'' was well-kept and only £2.34 a pint. Well worth a visit. Adjacent to the bus station and easy access via the Busway. 8/10.
16 Aug 2017 00:25
Large and spacious pub with emphasis on live music. Tidy and well-kept interior. Quiet on my Saturday lunchtime visit. Had a pint of the well-kept Tim Taylor's Bolt Maker at £2.90. Friendly welcome and service. 8/10.
12 Aug 2017 23:05
Pleasant Robinson's house with a friendly welcome. Four Robbies beers on and the Robohop was on fine form. Worth a visit. 8/10.
6 Aug 2017 20:30
Two cask ales on my visit: the Black Sheep was in fine condition and £2.90 a pint. Food is a feature of the pub and it certainly looked and smelled good. There is a pleasant outside drinking area and the pub is welcoming and has a good local atmosphere. 8/10.
5 Aug 2017 16:35
The Whitestone Inn, Ballasalla
Pleasant and extensive pub/restaurant with separate dining area, lounge bar and public bar. Enjoyed a very well-kept pint of Okell's Bitter. Close to Rushen Abbey and Ballasalla railway station. Well worth a look. 8/10.
23 Jul 2017 22:24
The Falcon's Nest Hotel, Port Erin
Enjoyed a well-kept pint of Bushy's Manx Bitter in this relaxed and friendly hotel bar. Impressive view across the bay. 8/10.
23 Jul 2017 00:19
Seven years since I was last here. Pretty much the same as then, with a range of Okell's and guest ales. The food menu (now??) seems a bit mainstream. Decent enough pun in a nice location. 8/10.
23 Jul 2017 00:15
Old school, back street boozer - and none the worse for it. Just one cask ale on my visit: Okell's Bitter, which was on top form. Friendly welcome and relaxed atmosphere. Interior décor is 1970s/1980s pub timbers. One beam even announces 'Flowers Original Bitter'! 7/10.
23 Jul 2017 00:12
Seven years since my last visit. A great pub: the Okells IPA was in fine form. Well worth a visit and once again 10/10.
21 Jul 2017 17:25
Eight years since my last visit and I'm impressed by the refurbishment. The Okells ales are well-kept and the food is delicious and freshly prepared. Well worth a visit. 9/10.
21 Jul 2017 17:17
The Sir Charles Napier Inn, Blackburn
It's over thirty years since I was last in the Napier. It is still a rock pub and better appointed than I remember it! Friendly welcome and efficient service. Three cask ales on my visit: Robinson's Trooper, Robinson's Robohop and Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold. The Robohop was excellent - and only £2.50 a pint! Being a rock pub it was quite noisy even on a Tuesday afternoon - juke box and pinball machine. Nonetheless, well worth a visit. 9/10.
18 Jul 2017 22:47
Image Bar and Kitchen, Hockley
Now the 'Six Barrel Drafthouse'. This bar serves six cask ales and six keg craft beers. Fairly minimal bare board décor, but cosy and friendly. The Thornbridge Hopton was well-kept and tasty. 8/10.
9 Jul 2017 22:07
Despite the friendly and efficient staff, this was a big disappointment. The pub is food focused and the atmosphere is very-much 'chain restaurant'. Cask ales and beers were the usual suspects. The food was disappointingly institutional and lacking in character. On both the food and beer fronts I cannot give this more than 2/10.
9 Jul 2017 14:34
Friendly welcome and efficient service, this pub still retains the feel of a village local. Seven cask ales. Those we tried - including Gales HSB, Lady Jane (brewed for the pub), an Everards Hoppy IPA - were in excellent condition and tasty. Although I did not try the food, my companions had and speak highly of what they ate. Well worth a visit. 10/10.
7 Jul 2017 17:04
Decent, small pub with friendly welcome and service. A choice of real ales in tip-top condition - including ales from micro breweries. Well worth a visit. 8/10.
17 Jun 2017 21:18
The Cock and Lion, Bond Street
Friendly welcome with three or four handpumps offering the usual suspects - Doom Bar, London Pride etc. Ale was well-kept. Offers a basic pub menu, with the food being decent and reasonably priced. 7/10.
17 Jun 2017 21:16
A pleasant pub with a cheerful welcome and efficient service - and the offer of barrelled glasses for your pints! Ale was in tip-top condition, with four from which to choose. Prices what you would expect in this part of central London. A gastro-pub, but with ample space if you want just a drink. The food menu looked good but pricey. Worth a visit when in the area. 8/10.
17 Jun 2017 21:12
A friendly pub with an emphasis on food, but nonetheless with ample space if you just want to sup a drink. Three Thwaites ales on offer and Pilsner Urquell. As it was a warm day I opted for the latter, which was refreshing. Well worth visiting although the beer prices are at the higher end. 9/10.
11 Jun 2017 16:18
The Blue Bell Cider House, Hockley Heath
Cracking pub serving its own ales as well as a variety of guests. The Sunbeam was excellent. The Blue Bell Brew House ales are reasonably priced at £3.10 per pint. Food is also excellent - proper home-cooked food, also at reasonable prices. Handy for the Transport Museum at Wythall. Well worth a visit. 10/10.
11 Jun 2017 16:14
The Tap and Spile, Wolverhampton
Pleased to report this pub has now reopened as the Duke of York. Simple solid wood furnishings and boarded floor; outside drinking area at the back is a great sun-trap. Friendly welcome and well-kept real ales. A choice of five on my visit and both the house beer (do not know who brews it) and the Salopian Lemon Zest were on fine form. Friendly welcome and well worth a visit. 8/10.
30 May 2017 21:09
The Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton
Metal and goth pub. One ale only on pump on my visit (a Tuesday afternoon) and pleasant enough but nothing special.
30 May 2017 20:59
REOPENED in 2014 as the New Soho Tavern.. My first visit today. Completely refurbished, with modern décor, as a restaurant and bar. There is a substantial bar, so dropping-in for just a drink is fine. The food is Indian offering a wide range of options including fish, vegetable and soya options. Food is excellent vale, tasty and served in hearty portions. Curry and a bread or rice for under £8. Friendly welcome and efficient service. Three hand pulls with two in action today, serving West Berkshire 'Good Old Boy' (tasty and in excellent condition) and 'Doom Bar' which I did not try. The pub is three-minutes' walk from Soho Benson Road tram stop and a similar walk from the excellent Black Eagle. A must visit. 10/10.
17 May 2017 17:54
The Burton Bridge Inn, Burton-Upon-Trent
A real gem: a multi-roomed pub full of character. The ale is kept in superb condition. I tried the 'Stairway to Heaven' (5% abv) which was tip-top. Welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Simple pub food such as cobs and pies available at very reasonable prices. A 'must visit' when in Burton. 10/10.
1 May 2017 00:25
The Last Heretic, Burton on Trent
Friendly welcome at this cosy micro-pub. Well worth a look. 8/10.
1 May 2017 00:21
Impressive real ale pub with a good choice of ales from light/pale through to strong stout, plus real cider. Friendly and efficient service. Tasty pub snack food: assorted cobs, scotch eggs and pies. Well worth a visit. 9/10.
29 Apr 2017 11:34
Ale was in good nick but on my weekday, early evening visit, it was rather characterless. 5/10.
27 Apr 2017 00:00
The Yorkshire Terrier Inn, York
Ale in tip-top condition and friendly, welcoming service. Quality pork pies on s;e. Well worth a visit - 9/10.
26 Apr 2017 23:59
Characterful and historic pub, in which service is efficient. Ale was in tip-top condition on my visit: a Scarborough IPA. Well worth a visit. 8/10.
26 Apr 2017 23:53
The Waterloo Tavern, Ashton under Lyne
Undergoing conversion - presumably to retail or catering use.
24 Apr 2017 17:00
Excellent value weekday lunch deal from a varied select menu: two courses = £6.95, three courses £7.95! The food was very tasty and decent portions. The Thwaites ale was well-kept and service was efficient and friendly. Well worth a visit. 9/10.
24 Apr 2017 16:42
A pleasing bar in a very modern quarter. Friendly welcome and efficient service. The Seraphim Blonde Ale I tried was in top form. Well worth a visit. 7/10.
19 Apr 2017 09:37
Huge and busy Wetherspoon. Service was efficient and ale in good condition. Okay but nothing special. 6/10.
13 Apr 2017 00:44
Fantastic, unspoilt urban pub. A good choice of well-kept ales. I enjoyed a Bedlam ale and Holden's Golden Glow. The food is homemade, wholesome and hearty and excellent value for money. A friendly welcome and relaxed atmosphere. A 'must visit'. 10/10.
5 Apr 2017 09:06
Part of the 'Sizzling Pubs' chain, the Potter's Wheel is food oriented. On my Monday evening visit the welcome was friendly and service efficient. Three ales on the bar: Marston's Pedigree (a regular) plus GK IPA and Sharp's Doom Bar. The Pedigree and Doom Bar were both in good condition - and very reasonably priced: £2.50 for the Pedigree and £2.55 for the Doom Bar. The food was good, decent portions and value for money. Definitely worth a look. 7/10.
3 Apr 2017 23:11
Superb 'time warp' pub in the Black Country Living Museum. Sawdust on the bar room floor, roaring coal fires in the individual rooms, plenty of atmosphere and sells cheese cobs and pork pies if you are feeling peckish. The Banks's Tommy 'ommer was very tasty and in superb condition. 10/10 for the pub and the museum is 10/10 as well.
16 Mar 2017 14:28
Earl of Lichfield Arms, Lichfield
Marston's Pedigree in tip top condition on my visit. Comfortable and welcoming pub with efficient and friendly service. Serves very good value, home-cooked food including traditional dishes such as liver and onions and chicken casserole. Well worth a visit. 9/10.
1 Feb 2017 21:30
Pleasant enough pub with decent service. The GK IPA was in fine form, but £4.30 a pint is a bit eye-watering given that it is so much cheaper elsewhere. On my visit - a Tuesday evening in January - it was rather noisy. Some City types who bought a round and then spent the next hour shouting and boasting to each other being the source. Yawn. 7/10.
24 Jan 2017 23:15
Impressive, rambling old building with lots of cosy drinking areas. JW Lees Bitter in superb condition on my visit. The pub is Cask Marque accredited. Friendly welcome, cosy atmosphere and the bitter was a very reasonable £2.80 a pint. A definite 'must visit' when in the area. 10/10.
18 Jan 2017 15:33
Friendly welcome and friendly locals pub. Interior is a blast from the (1980s?): brick-built bar etc. Just one real ale: Lees Bitter, which was in very good condition. Handy for Mills Hill station. 7/10.
17 Jan 2017 08:59
Went in this evening (Monday) to find three hand pumps, two clipped I Lees MPA and Lees Bitter. Looked promising but was told 'no MPA' and 'waiting for Bitter to settle'. So I left without a drink. Outside is a sign saying 'cask ale'. Very disappointing. 0/10.
9 Jan 2017 20:09
Cosy pub, friendly welcome and efficient service - and a homely atmosphere. Food is important here, but nonetheless a pub. Excellent homemade pies and generous portions. this is a Thwaites tied house offering a change of ales from an area, understandably, dominated by JW Lees. Three cask ales to choose from. Both the Original and the seasonal were in good form on my visit. Well worth a look. 9/10.
3 Jan 2017 23:12
A fine, historic pub. It must be 10+ years since I last visited. A great place with numerous rooms and efficient, friendly service at the bar. I enjoyed a pint of the local Nottingham Brewery Extra Pale Ale which was in fine form. At £3.20 a pint it was not a bad price for city centre these days. Well worth a visit. 8/10.
28 Dec 2016 19:34
The Coopers Tavern, Burton-Upon-Trent
Superb, characterful, multi-roomed pub. Friendly welcome and a superb pint of Draught Bass served by gravity. A 'must visit' when in Burton. 10/10.
1 Nov 2016 19:50
The Ring O Bells, Ashton under Lyne
Seems to have been closed for several weeks now.
26 Oct 2016 17:46
On a daytime visit I found this a very agreeable chain pub. Friendly service, well-kept cask at a very reasonable £2.30 a pint and a relaxed environment. Definitely worth a visit. 8/10.
26 Oct 2016 17:21
The The Gate Inn, Sutton Coldfield
Proper old school pub in a town dominated by bars. Lots of atmosphere and a friendly welcome. While traditional the pub is, nonetheless, light thanks to the expanse of windows. Ale was in tip-top condition on my visit - including the delicious Moorhouse's White Witch. A must visit and comfortable 10/10.
19 Oct 2016 21:15
Six years on from the last comment, this is a welcoming, traditional pub in a town that has a lot of brand bars. Friendly welcome and efficient service and serving an excellent pint of Young's Bitter - one of four cask ales available on my visit. There is a fifth pump, which was not in use today. 8/10 and well worth a visit.
12 Oct 2016 21:13
The Lych Gate Tavern, Wolverhampton
Excellent pub with a choice of good-value and very well kept real ales. Cosy and relaxing atmosphere with efficient service. A 'must visit' when in Wolverhampton. 10/10.
5 Oct 2016 22:41
Old-school boozer with an interesting interior. Enjoyed a pint of local AJ's Stuck in the Mud Stout. Decent prices for its central location. Serves proper cobs at £1.50. Worth a visit. 7/10.
5 Oct 2016 22:36
Characterful Black Country pub: a Holden's house serving ales in superb condition. The Black Country Mild and Black Country Bitter were both great pints. Friendly welcome and well worth a visit. 9/10.
5 Oct 2016 22:27
Friendly welcome, a good range of ales (eight hand pumps) and tasty food at very reasonable prices. Ale price was a little on the high side. I tried Thornbridge White Swan and Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild which were in OK condition but nothing special. 6/10.
29 Sep 2016 09:41
The Beggars Bush Inn, New Oscott
Nothing special. Friendly enough. Hand pumps, but clips turned away and real ale not available on my visit. Guinness OK. 4/10.
28 Sep 2016 02:15
As noted before this is now a Miller & Carter. Fairly typical brand pub with the emphasis on food. That said, there is a reasonable size lounge for drinkers. UBU Purity and Doom Bar available on my visit, plus Pilsner Urqueli. 6/10.
27 Sep 2016 00:06
A friendly welcome at this large, multi-roomed pub and a choice of six cask ales. The one I had was in excellent condition. The food is tasty and filling. Well worth a visit. The pub seems to be something of an oasis in what is otherwise a somewhat drab area across the tracks/canal from Bournville village. 8/10.
15 Sep 2016 10:00
Excellent community local serving two cask ales. Skipton Golden Pippin was in fine form on my visit. Very reasonable prices - £2.50 a pint. Next door is an excellent traditional chippy - you're welcome to bring your chippy order into the pub to eat. Well worth a visit. 9/10.
27 Aug 2016 16:16
Friendly community pub with a warm welcome and efficient service. Thwaites Original and Millstone Tiger Rut on the bar, plus the tasty German Warsteiner. Currently having an August Bank Holiday beer and music festival, with about ten ales and three real ciders. Serves a range of hot meals and snacks. Well worth a visit. 9/10.
27 Aug 2016 16:09
Friendly welcome, efficient service and well-kept Robinson's ales in this community pub with an excellent sun-trap beer garden. 8/10.
27 Aug 2016 16:04
Recently changed hands - still serving well-kept ales. A choice of three Everards and a guest on my visit. Really enjoyed the Burton Bridge IPA guest. The pub has a superb beer garden which is a real sun trap. Well worth a visit 9/10.
20 Aug 2016 21:47
The Horse and Groom, New Basford
Proper free house where I enjoyed an excellent pint of Rock Mild this lunchtime. Well worth a visit. 9/10.
20 Aug 2016 21:36
Brownton's Bottle Shop, Ashton under Lyne
Innovative off-licence that offers on-licence sales including a draught ale. Friendly welcome. Atmosphere akin to a private club. 6/10.
16 Aug 2016 20:01
An attractive, idiosyncratic layout - with friendly welcome and efficient service. Ale is well-kept. Has just started to serve food. I had the bangers and mash, which was served as a very hearty portion with three wild boar sausages, a mountain of mash plus peas and onion gravy. Excellent all round. 10/10.
6 Aug 2016 19:22
Cosy, historic pub with loads of character and a friendly welcome. Attractive outside drinking area and an excellent pint of Theakston Best Bitter. Pub has a range of Yorkshire ales. 10/10 - definitely a 'must visit'.
6 Aug 2016 19:16
Another typical Sam Smith pub: on my visit there was plenty of conversation. Friendly welcome and efficient service. OBB at £1.90 a pint. 9/10.
6 Aug 2016 19:14
Typical Sam Smith house: no intrusive noise, just conversation. The OBB was in tip-top condition and priced at just £1.90 a pint. Well worth a visit. 9/10.
6 Aug 2016 19:10
Pleasant, cosy bar with a friendly welcome and interesting range of beers. The tiny front terrace is an excellent afternoon suntrap. 8/10.
6 Aug 2016 19:05
A huge, cavernous place. Like the previous comment, this is evidently a circuit pub. On my - Thursday evening - the ale was served in what appeared to be a glass, rather than a polycarbonate substitute - but I am not sure.... The Old Mill Bitter was in reasonable form, but nothing special - a disappointment as it is a great pint when on form. 4/10.
4 Aug 2016 22:13
Well-kept ale, but limited choice from the Marton's range. 6/10.
3 Aug 2016 23:08
Superb pub with friendly welcome and helpful bar staff. The ale - White Rat, on my visit - was in tip-top condition. The sandwiches, served with real chips, are filling and tasty. Definitely a 10/10 and a must visit.
3 Aug 2016 23:04
Cosy pub offering a friendly welcome and a good choice of well-kept cask ales. Excellent value on my Monday visit - just £2.60 a pint. Well worth a visit and an excellent pairing with the nearby Grants Bar when at this end of town. 10/10.
11 Jul 2016 21:21
Excellent pub with a warm welcome, friendly service and a selection of well-kept ales. Cosy atmosphere. Enjoyed a superb buffet in the airy function room. 10/10.
10 Jul 2016 19:49
The Hargreaves Arms, Accrington
For some years this pub has been named GRANT'S BAR. Friendly welcome, efficient service and excellent Big Clock Brewery ales. - brewed on the premises. A must visit when in Accrington. 10/10.
29 Jun 2016 15:45
Friendly welcome and service. Strong emphasis on food, which was excellent and imaginative. Cask ales available and on good form on my visit - I enjoyed a pint of Acorn Blonde. 7/10.
29 Jun 2016 15:38
The Ship Inn, Holy Island of Lindisfarne
Friendly welcome and a decent pint of Hadrian Border Brewery ale. Quiet on my visit in a lull before the evening meal rush - most tables were already reserved. Worth a visit. 8/10.
15 Jun 2016 11:16
Crown and Anchor Inn, Holy Island of Lindisfarne
Friendly welcome and efficient service in the busy pub. Enjoyed a couple of pints of well-kept brewed by the Hadrian Bordere Brewery - priced at £3.20 a pint this was reasonable in a tourist trap. Serves food, but not all day. Well worth a look. 8/10.
15 Jun 2016 11:12
The Shakespeare Tavern, Durham
Pleasant bar with a range of well-kept ales (incuding Reverend James and Deuchars IPA on my visit), friendly welcome and good service. Well worth a look. 8/10.
15 Jun 2016 11:05
Great, traditional pub in what is inevitably a very touristy area. Well-kept Old Brewery Bitter at just £1.90 a pint. Simple tap room reached via a sliding door from the entrance lobby; comfortable lounge to the rear. Friendly welcome, god value food and service and a relaxed atmosphere. Well worth a visit. 9/10.
15 Jun 2016 11:02
Excellent ale house with a great choice of beers in excellent condition. Enjoyed an excellent pint of Titanic Raspberry Wheat. Friendly, knowledgeable staff and a relaxing atmosphere. A must visit when in the city centre. 10/10.
9 Jun 2016 11:09
Now named Fire Fly. Efficient and helpful staff serving an impressive range of real ales and ciders. Ale was all priced at a very reasonable £3 a pint on my recent Saturday afternoon. One-third pint and two-thirds pint options available. A 'must visit' when in the city. 10/10.
23 May 2016 19:14
The Horse and Jockey, Sutton Coldfield
Pleasant pub with a definite food orientation. Ales well-kept. 7/10.
23 May 2016 19:03
Friendly welcome and efficient service. Revisionist Irish Peated Ale, Holden's Black Country Mild and Draught Bass. Food is hearty, home-cooked and excellent value. Well worth a visit. 10/10.
13 Apr 2016 17:26
Brewhouse and Kitchen, Sutton Coldfield
Recently opened, spacious with a strong emphasis on food. Ales brewed on the premises include the very tasty Black Belt, stout/porter. If iendly and efficient service. Ales start at £3.20 but rise to over £5 - which is hefty for circa five percent. Worth a visit. 8/10.
13 Mar 2016 17:54
Excellent pint of ESB in superb condition and tasty food, but VERY expensive. 8/10 - would have been 10/10 but for prices. :-
10 Mar 2016 21:44
Great pub in an area with little ale choice. £3 a pint, with a £2 a pint promotion on Thursdays from 6pm. Interesting ale range served in excellent condition. 10/10.
4 Jan 2016 22:28
Refurbished and reopened as the Boldmere Tap - a Joule's house. Cosy relaxed atmosphere, friendly welcome and service. Enjoyed several excellent pint on various visits. Serves food, but essentially a good local pub. 10/10.
12 Dec 2015 18:58
The Three Tuns, Sutton Coldfield
Called-in Wednesday lunchtime. Three regular Thwaites ales and a seasonal. The Original was in good condition. Food is home-cooked and excellent value. Friendly welcome and efficient service. Comfortable separate drinking areas straddle the now glazed in carriage drive of this former coach house. Well worth a visit. 8/10.
11 Nov 2015 15:31
Excellent pub with a stunning interior, friendly welcome, good atmosphere and tasty, well-kept ales. I particularly enjoyed the Oakham Bishop's Farewell. The Thai food is excellent and the lunch menu is very good value. A 'must visit' - 10/10.
15 Oct 2015 21:36
The Sun on the Hill, Birmingham
Efficient and friendly service. Well-prepared food and a choice if four cask ales. A little pricey. 7/10.
7 Oct 2015 16:26
Excellent bar serving well-kept, varied and tasty cask ales at great prices. Friendky welcome and efficient service. A must visit when in Darwen. 10/10.
30 Sep 2015 21:39
An excellent pub with well-kept ale and very tasty, quality food. Friendly and efficient service. Has a spacious beer garden. A must visit when in the area. 10/10.
30 Sep 2015 21:32
Decent, friendly Wetherspoons with efficient staff and decent ale. 8/10.
20 Sep 2015 20:26
A good number of years since my last visit. Neat and tidy and efficient service. Excellent pint of Holt's Sixxex Special. 8/10.
26 Jul 2015 18:54
Went in here for the first time with food in mind, but always interested in ale options. Food was hearty, sourced from quality independent producers and well presented. Enjoyed a couple of tasty pints from Froth Blowers. Friendly service and relaxed atmosphere. 10/10. Well worth a visit!
14 Jul 2015 21:47
Oddfellows Arms, Ashton under Lyne
Sadly, I discovered this evening that the Oddies is closed and converted to other use!
10 Jul 2015 20:05
Miners Arms, Ashton under Lyne
Friendly enough welcome, but an uninspiring pub. Cask ales: Marston Burton Bitter and Bank's. The Marston's was £2.40 a pint. Nothing wrong but nothing special. 4/10.
10 Jul 2015 19:53
The Old Joint Stock, Birmingham
Splendid building, comfortable and efficient service on my visit. The Chiswick was in superb condition - but pricey at £3.45. Worth dropping-in for one, but very expensive for a session! 7/10.
1 Jul 2015 16:13
Superb pub with excellent ale -both choice and quality. Well worth a visit. 10/10.
19 Jun 2015 20:19
Excellent and the relaxing pub, with well-kept ale and hearty food. 8/10.
19 Jun 2015 20:05
Friendly welcome and service. A choice of four cask ales kept in excellent condition. I enjoyed a pale ale and a dark mild from Empire Brewery - superb! Comfortable pub with excellent sun-trap outside drinking area. All round a great community pub - a must visit. 10/10.
12 Jun 2015 08:27
Community pub serving Holts Bitter. Friendly welcome, comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. 6/10.
12 Jun 2015 08:17
The Bloomsbury Tavern, Bloomsbury
Easy-going and relaxed atmosphere, efficient service and well-kept Shepherd Neame ales. The pub serves food, but I was on a purely drink visit. Well worth a look in. 7/10.
5 Jun 2015 21:05
Closed and boarded - and appears to have been so for some time - as I passed today.
30 May 2015 19:48
Spacious and airy Wetherspoon with very reasonably priced cask ales - £2.10 a pint. Comfortable and with effiecient service. Definitely one of the best JDW pubs. 8/10.
29 May 2015 10:34
A big multi-roomed pub. It was in this pub that I had my first pint of Holts Bitter, back in the early '80s. Yesterday, afforded an opportunity to visit the pub for only the second time: a nostalgia trip. The pub was cosy and welcoming with a good community atmosphere. Unfortunately the ale was a massive disappointment! The Holts Bitter was very cold, cloudy and had a slightly fruity taste. I asked for and was given another pint, with the observation 'Holts isn't always clear you know'. I suspect the very cold temperature contributed the haze. It didn't taste any better than the first. A nice pub let down let down badly by the ale quality - a shame. 3/10.
15 May 2015 14:07
In a city with so many historic old pubs, it would be very easy to pass by the Blue Bell. That would be a huge mistake. Warm, friendly atmosphere - very much the feel of a local. Service was efficient and friendly and the Rudgate Ruby Mild was in excellent condition. The interior is a gem: Edwardian that has not been messed about, front bar, smoke room served from a hatch and corridor drinking also served from a hatch. 9/10.
25 Apr 2015 21:01
Cosy and interesting old pub will cask ale in excellent condition. Ales mainly from Yorkshire brewers including Theakston, Tim Taylor and Skipton. Well worth a visit. 9/10.
25 Apr 2015 20:55
Note: the pub is now called PIVNI. It serves a wide and varied range of cask ales, plus the excellent Bernard beers from the Czech Republic - including the superb Unfiltered. Friendly welcome and cosy atmosphere and setting. 9/10.
25 Apr 2015 20:50
A cosy and relaxing old pub. Friendly welcome and service. Enjoyed a tasty pint from a fairly modest range and a very hearty mixed grill. Well worth a visit. 9/10.
25 Apr 2015 20:43
Called-in for coffee (before 9am) which is very good value at 79p! Beer range seemed unimaginative, so didn't return in the evening. It would be unfair to give a rating on this basis.
25 Apr 2015 20:36
Friendly welcome, efficient service and an excellent pint of York Brewery Guzzler. The interior is largely opened-out and first impressions might make it seem just another circuit pub. However, it is cosy and has a relaxed atmosphere. 7/10.
25 Apr 2015 20:32
Excellent station pub with a huge choice of cask ales plus the excellent Bernard beers from the Czech Republic on tap. Efficient and friendly service on a busy Saturday afternoon. And this is one of the dwindling number of railway bars where you can still sit on the platform (segregated area) and watch the trains and the world go by. 10/10!
25 Apr 2015 20:27
A wider choice of ales and now several imported draught beers. Friendly welcome and efficient service - with the offer of tasters. The Rothaus is excellent. The outside seating area is a great sun trap in fine weather. Well worth a visit. 10/10.
25 Apr 2015 20:22
Pleasant enough Wetherspoons with efficient service and well-kept ale on my early-afternoon visit. 7/10
25 Apr 2015 20:10
Has had a heavy makeover in fairly minimalist style. Nonetheless good separate drinking areas, comfortable and Robinson's ales - including the tasty stout - in fine condition. 8/10.
9 Apr 2015 21:11
Prairie Schooner Taphouse, Urmston
Bar and off licence with two distinct drinking areas that are simply furnished. Pleasant, relaxed atmosphere on a quiet Tuesday evening. Good knowledgeable service. Obviously a big selection of bottles, but also has four ales on draught - served by gravity. Ales from independents and the one I tried was well-kept. Don't know the area, so don't know the going rate for a pint round here: £3.50 seemed at the higher end. 7/10.
26 Mar 2015 15:24
The Prince Of Orange, Ashton Under Lyne
Now reopened after an extensive refurb. Smart, attractive and offering three cask ales. Bar staff and landlord friendly and efficient. Well worth a visit. 8/10.
8 Feb 2015 20:04
Micro-bar in the traditional market hall. Well positioned - facing a food/drink quadrangle, so plenty of of choice for all tastes. Friendly, efficient service and good value ale. Well worth a visit! 8/10.
5 Feb 2015 23:26
Busy pub - even during the daytime - serving two cask ales. Friendly welcome and efficient service. A welcome addition to Bolton's real ale scene.
5 Feb 2015 23:22
The Beaten Docket, Cricklewood
Gave this JDW pub try nearly four years after my last - very disappointing - visit. Pleased to say the place is completely turned round. Ales are in excellent condition and staff friendly and efficient. Only downside was the somewhat limited choice of ales. Nonetheless 7/10.
29 Jan 2015 21:40
The Harewood Arms, Broadbottom
Superb community pub with a relaxing, friendly atmosphere, comfy environment and real coal fires. Green Mill beers were excellent: a taster rack of three x thirds at £2.60 is a great way to the the beers. Interesting selection of bottles and food menu. A must visit! 10/10.
31 Dec 2014 10:00
The Sheldon Arms, Ashton under Lyne
Food-oriented pub serving well-kept Lees ales. I tried MPA and Plum Pudding: both were very good and reasonably priced. A short walk from the Ashton Moss tram stop. The food is good and well presented. Well worth a visit. 8/10.
31 Dec 2014 09:55
The Smithfield Hotel, Manchester
Looking very smart and with a tasty selection of real ales after the refurbishment. Well worth a visit 9/10.
16 Dec 2014 21:52
Typical JDW pub. Efficient service but nothing special. 6/10.
15 Oct 2014 17:47
The Waggon and Horses, Elstree
Lots of promise here: rural setting, rambling old inn type building. However, the detail was disappointing!
Only two cask ales - one being the omnipresent Doombar. The Three Shires I tried was too cold and lacked body. The food menu featured silly prices: 'pie and something' mains at £11 and desserts at £6.
Lots of promise here_ but ultimately disappointing. 2/10.
2 Oct 2014 23:34
A few years since I last called in. Smart and sensitive return. Ales well-kept and a wider rangevthan previously. Very much a locals pub for locals. 6/10.
1 Oct 2014 22:55
Cosy, relaxing atmosphere with efficient and friendly service. Excellent value and quality food. Usual wide range of Sam Smith's beers. A must visit when in this area. 10/10.
26 Sep 2014 21:58
The Shakespeare's Head, Holborn
Extremely busy 'spoons. Efficient service and well-kept cask ale. Streets ahead of the nearby JDW Penderel's Oak. Enjoyed an excellent Elgood Cambridge. 7/10.
23 Sep 2014 21:21
A few years since I was last in here. Tonight the OBB was in good form and the steak in OBB meal was excellent quality and value. Staff were friendly and very helpful. Relaxing atmosphere with many fewer of the loud, verbose, attention-seeking City types who infest many nearby pubs. 10/10.
23 Sep 2014 21:13
One positive: the pint of London Pride was in excellent condition. Sadly it was priced at £3.60 ! Although there were plenty of civil and keen bar staff, the old JDW practice of all pumpclips forward, but several ales 'off' was evident - even to the point that staff would attempt to pull a pint then announce 'it's off'. For these reasons = 3/10.
23 Sep 2014 21:07
I would imagine the dullards who demolished the Euston Arch are spinning in their graves - appalled that something of the LNWR frontage has been put to such excellent use. Architecture aside, this is a very effective and efficient bar. Great service and loads of choice. Oh, and tasty ales from £3.40 a pint in central London. Take note some pubs in central Manchester! An easy 10/10 rating. A must visit.
22 Sep 2014 20:46
The Jack Horner, Tottenham Court Road
Fuller's house serving ales in tip-top condition. Typical 'London ale house' style favoured in the West End - with matching prices. £4.04 a pint for London Pride. Nonetheless friendly staff and easygoing atmosphere. 7/10.
22 Sep 2014 20:39
Visited Micro Bar not long after it opened. Today is my second visit. Despite the indoor market location it has a relaxed pub-like feel. Good to see the place evolve. Good range of bottles and several cask ales and a real cider. The Flensburger Gold at £3.40 is a bargain! 8/10.
19 Sep 2014 15:56
Old school boozer serving a well-kept pint of Hyde's Original. Also serves seasonal cask ales. My pint was a very reasonable £2.25. 7/10.
7 Sep 2014 17:14
The Harts Head Inn, Ashton under Lyne
Food-oriented pub in the shadow of the pike and on the edge of town. Very attractive location with extensive beer garden. Enjoyed a well-kept pint of Brakspear Bitter but £3-20 pricey for Ashton. Worthe a visit. 7/10.
4 Sep 2014 16:32
Great Hyde's pub serving Hyde's including Beer Studio, plus guests. Ale in tip-top condition - and 50p off each pint on Mondays. A must visit - 10/10.
1 Sep 2014 18:56
Nothing special. Locals pub but not particularly welcoming. London Pride was OK - no more. 5/5.
16 Aug 2014 01:15
Friendly and efficient service and a good choice of cask ales. Definitely at the upper end of the JDW scale. 8/10.
10 Aug 2014 21:44
The Salford Arms Hotel, Salford
Cosy pub with friendly welcome and a wide selection of real ales from smaller independent brewers. Well worth a visit - or add to an extended crawl around Salford's Chapel Street. 8/10
30 Jul 2014 13:21
Astonishing place! Great atmosphere and friendly welcome. Now £3.50 per half litre. Nonetheless great. The food is excellent and served in huge portions. In fact many options are available as half-portions. 10/10 - definitely a must visit.
16 Jul 2014 19:48
Another candidate for 'oldest pub in England' status! Nonetheless a decent pub with 8 cask ales on offer on a Monday evening. The Harviestoun 'Bitter & Twisted' was excellent. 9/10.
14 Jul 2014 23:21
The Blacksmiths Arms, St Albans
Decent pub with a good choice of real ales. Enjoyed a McDonnels Stout and a Doom Bar - both in very good nick. 9/10.
14 Jul 2014 23:17
Friendly welcomed, relaxed atmosphere and efficient service. Enjoyed an excellent pint of Otter Bitter. Outside seating, at the front, is a real sun trap. Pub has free wifi. Well worth a visit. 9/10.
10 Jul 2014 11:08
The Boaters Inn, Kingston Upon Thames
Attractive location by the Thames with plenty of outside seating areas. Pricey food - £11.50 for burger and very small bowl of chips. Beer selection reasonable. Tried the Sambrook Junction and the keg Meantime Pale Ale. Condition was nothing special. Okay - nothing more. 5/10.
2 Jul 2014 23:12
Attractive multi-room layout and efficient service. The price of a pint of Pure Brewed Organic Lager was an eye-watering - by Sammy Smith standards - £4.24! Don't know whether the cask OBB sells at a price closer to Sammy's norm? 7/10.
1 Jul 2014 22:36
Called-in here this evening and enjoyed a pint of Sunset - a full-bodied, ruby red ale. Also enjoyed a pint of the pale Blondie. Both soaked-up by the ever-good chcik pea and spinach curry with fried rice. As usual service was efficient and friendly. 10/10.
25 Jun 2014 22:35
New JDW pub. Friendly service and decent quality ales. Top of the range for JDW. 9/10.
25 Jun 2014 17:27
The posting credited 'wobbIybob - 18 Oct 2013 12:20' is NOT from me and is obviously an attempt to mislead visitors to this site. If in doubt click on the name and you discover a solitary rating, click on mine and there are 299 ratings. What motivates someone to attempt such a deception? Maybe a vendetta?
24 Jun 2014 22:07
The Fiddler Den Haag, Den Haag
Friendly welcome and efficient service. Offers five cask ales brewed on the premises. I particularly liked the Black Mamba Stout. Finished is the English 'ale house' style: floorboards, chunky furniture, casks as tables etc. Has a huge range of bottled beers and services tasty food. Well worth a visit. 9/10.
24 Jun 2014 21:54
Just an average sort of Wetherspoons. Big - on two levels - limited choice of guest ales on my visit. Condition of the pint of Wherry was OK - nothing more. 5/5.
13 Jun 2014 19:28
A mixed bag here. It is a good, traditional pub in a town that has a lot of 'bars'. Friendly welcome and service and the local crowd are sociable with passing drinkers like me. I enjoyed a couple of decent pints of Young's Bitter on one visit, but on the next both the bitter and the Guinness left a lot to be desired. Hard to give a rating in these circumstances. Settled on 5/10: beer quality is hit-and-miss so that gets 3/10; as a pub I rate it a respectable 7/10.
24 May 2014 19:17
The Prince of Wales, Wimbledon
Uninspiring town 'bar' with silly prices for cask ale. £4 .25 for a pint in average condition is not acceptable. 2 / 10.
20 May 2014 22:40
The Derby Brewery Arms, Manchester
Enjoyed a superbly kept pint of Holt's Bitter here mid-afternoon today. Wonderfully bitter! £2.30 a pint. Four handpumps - all with bitter, so no variety. Nonetheless well worth a visit for Holt's Bitter as it should be. Interesting period and contemporary photos of the brewery and its personalities. 8/10.
14 May 2014 22:11
Uninspiring JDW pub. Small - by JDW standards. Service was average, while ale quality was disappointing - especially as the pub is 'Cask Marque' accredited. 4/10 - there is better in Hyde!
9 May 2014 19:37
Cavernous JDW pub. Friendly and efficient service and well-kept cask ale. Worth a visit in this well-pubbed area of Preston. 7/10.
5 May 2014 14:58
The Post Office Vaults, Birmingham
Ale was excellent and loads of choice. The staff are efficient and welcoming and the pub is neat and tidy. On my late Monday evening visit the clientele seemed to be a mixture of beer enthusiasts and gap year type students. Conversation seemed rather earnest and so there was a lack of 'pub' atmosphere. Definitely worth a visit but a bit 'serious' for me. 7/10.
30 Apr 2014 16:37
First time in a here for quite a few years - only because I don't get down Oxford Road much these days. Friendly service, excellently-kept ale - Clwyd Gold - and relaxed atmosphere. Well worth a visit and still 10/10.
26 Apr 2014 17:45
Huge bank of handpumps - 10 or 12? On my visit a range of Red Willow ales was on as well as beers from other breweries including Bank Top. A good mix of light and dark beers was offered. Friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere. City centre prices £3.50 a pint. Well worth a visit. 9/10.
25 Apr 2014 09:41
Friendly welcome and knowledgeable service of cask ales - which were in fine form. Plenty of choice and a sun-trap outside drinking area at the back. Great! 10/10.
21 Apr 2014 23:08
The Dog and Partridge, Preston
Always worth a visit. The Tetley Dark Mild was in fine form. 9/10.
21 Apr 2014 23:05
Sadly this place has gone down the pan. Boarded-up window and Smiths, Fosters and Guinness 'choice'. A great shame the way the place has gone. No longer worth a look.
21 Apr 2014 23:03
Nearly twenty years since I was last in here. Great Sam Smith's pub with a good range of the brewery's beers. The Old Brewery Bitter was in excellent condition. A proper locals pub just at the edge of the city centre. Well worth a visit. 8/10.
21 Apr 2014 22:54
A superb pub. Traditional bar layout and interior; comfortable and with friendly and efficient service. An interesting variety of ales in tip-top condition. A 'must visit' when in the city centre - 10/10.
14 Apr 2014 22:45
The Caledonia Hotel, Ashton Under Lyne
Excellent, as always, on my visit a few days ago. Also, greatly pleased to see a new bank of FOUR handpumps installed, with Unicorn, Dizzy Blonde, Trooper and Hoptimum Prime on sale. Friendly, relaxed atmosphere. A 'must visit' when in Ashton - 10/10.
11 Apr 2014 11:12
The Swan In The Rushes, Loughborough
Pub offering an impressive choice of real ales from small brewers. I enjoyed the excellent Lincoln Green Porter on my recent visit. Well worth a visit - 8/10.
10 Apr 2014 22:16
This pub is much-improved since my last visit - eighteen months ago. The ale range is greatly improved and the pub has a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. The pint of Ossett Silver King I supped was superb. Well worth a visit. 9/10.
10 Apr 2014 22:13
Decent locals pub. Enjoyed a pint of Butcombe Gold in very good condition. Other ales on my visit included Doom Bar, Marston Burton Bitter and GK Abbot Ale. Friendly welcome and relaxed atmosphere. I've heard it changed hands about twelve months ago. Well worth a visit. 8/10.
2 Apr 2014 00:10
Called in late afternoon between trains. Friendly welcome and tasty range of ales on offer. Enjoyed a pint of the excellent Ossett Big Red in tip-top condition. Relaxed atmosphere in this pub laid out in a spacious, floor-boarded alehouse style. Definitely worth a visit. 9/10.
15 Mar 2014 13:15
Decent enough Wetherspoons, which on my visit had a selection on ales from independent brewers as well as the usual JDW staples. Enjoyed a tasty pint of the local CronX Standard Bitter. Helpful staff. Worth a visit. 7/10.
15 Mar 2014 12:59
The Witchwood, Ashton Under Lyne
Great pub: full of character - and characters! Three or four cask ales plus real cider on hundpump. Live music in the back room on various nights. Relaxed atmosphere in the front seven days a week. 9/10.
9 Mar 2014 21:21
The Ash Tree, Ashton Under Lyne
Previous post was obviously some e-cigger on a mission. To the pub...
It's been 2-3 years since I was in here. Service and atmosphere (Sunday: late afternoon) is greatly improved since my last visit. Good ale. 7/10.
9 Mar 2014 21:11
Oddfellows Arms, Ashton under Lyne
Excellent, multi-roomed community pub serving Robinson's ales in tip-top condition. Superb - 10/10.
9 Mar 2014 21:03
Port Street Beer House, Manchester
This pub is the epitome of the gentrified, real-ale-as-niche-product end of the cask ale pub spectrum. Knowledgeable bar staff and patrons in deep conversation about aroma, mouth-feel, hops and malts. Of course it's not all serious, you'll see a smattering of the nouveau riche laughing and joking as they pay £10-£15 for one bottle of beer.
If you are a ticker and/or have money to burn this place could be for you. Despite the helpful staff I found the atmosphere a tad sterile. It is worth a try but take plenty of money!
27 Feb 2014 16:32
Fantastic to see a pub reopen after such a prolonged closure. However, I echo the previous comments about high prices and uninspired choice of ales. That is a real shame as the staff are welcoming and the pub in attractive and comfortable.
27 Feb 2014 16:03
Relaxed, welcoming and comfortable pub, with wide range of real ale from independent brewers. Friendly and efficient service. A 'must visit' when in Newcastle. 10/10.
7 Feb 2014 20:32
Spacious and comfortable town centre pub with well-kept Fuller's ales. Definitely worth a visit.
10 Jan 2014 11:29
Visited early yesterday evening after a trip on the East Lancashire Railway and with an 11 year-old in tow. Friendly and efficient service, tasty real ales and a proper pot of tea for the youngster. Ales were sensibly priced and in excellent condition. A clear sign on the door explained that children are welcome until 7pm. (If only all pubs made the child, or no child, policy so clear and straightforward.) The pub layout reflects the original cafeteria concept of the building; nonetheless it is cosy with a mixture of booth-type seating and tables/chairs. Well worth a visit: 9/10 in general; 10/10 when the heritage trains are running!
29 Dec 2013 21:24
The Moon Under Water, Hounslow
Visited a couple of times this week. Friendly and efficient service and a relaxed atmosphere. Has more of a pub feel than many Wetherspoons, which can be a bit cavernous and empty. Ale was in excellent condition with some tasty dark beers amongst the options. Well worth a visit. 9/10.
8 Nov 2013 23:33
Great pub. Friendly welcome, efficient service, nine handpumps offering a tasty selection of ales including three dark ales on my visit. Good, relaxing atmosphere. 10/10.
24 Oct 2013 15:37
First time I have had a chance to visit since the BBQ room was completely redesigned/refurbished. It is altogether much more comfortable, but still with the same great open bbq, effiecient service and great food. The Abbeydale Deception was in very good condition and ably washed down the methi tikka and coriander naan. 10/10 as usual.
24 Oct 2013 15:34
Unusual Wetherspoon pub with lots of small rooms. Pleasant and with friendly and efficient service. A bit pricey for a Wetherspoon pub, but neat and tidy.
10 Oct 2013 02:48
Sinclairs Oyster Bar, Manchester
This characterful pub has sadly gone downhill. No cask ale - and a limited Sam Smith's keg range. To make matters worse it suffers from the plastic 'glass' syndrome that Manchester City Council's hard of thinking 'leaders' seem to ahve imposed on the city centre.
10 Oct 2013 02:44
Well-kept ales, friendly service and excellent food. 10/10.
27 Sep 2013 22:33
Enjoyed an excellent pint of porter brewed on the premises. Very friendly and relaxed. Only quibble is that it can get noisy - speakers all over the place. 9/10.
27 Sep 2013 22:32
Decent enough pub. Friendly welcome and ale in good condition. As others have said, nothing special, but nothing wrong either.
27 Sep 2013 22:29
Customers look and sound like they are auditioning for a part in an X-rated version of 'Shameless'. Ale selection utterly unimaginative. 0/10.
27 Sep 2013 22:25
Pleasant pub with friendly welcome and good service. Has an excellent outdoor drinking area. Well worth a visit. 7/10.
2 Sep 2013 15:45
On a recent visit found only Lodestar on the bar: it was in reasonable condition. The pub seems rather run-down and there is a pronounced musty smell. A sort of throw-back to many 70s pubs - but without the cigarette smoke!
31 Aug 2013 18:27
Returned here with some friends for a bite to eat and a drink. As usual there was a friendly welcome and efficient service. Tried three different cask ales: all were good, although one was not to the taste of one of our little party. The food was excellent and superb value: three starters, three mains and three sides for £20.20!
I have been here several times before and the experience has also been excellent. Reading other comments, I cannot help thinking there is a certain vendetta against this pub!!!
31 Aug 2013 18:23
The Town Hall Tavern, Manchester
Visited early evening with a couple of friends. Ordered drinks (cask ale) and food. The food (fish and chips and cheese and onion pasty and chips) was no more than average. The ale was a disaster! We were told the cask needed changing. This was done and two pints were served without any pulling through. Both were sour. When returned to the bar, I was politely served with two more pints of the same. There was no offer of a taster, the barman made no attempt to taste it himself and there was no offer of an alternative. Several other casks beers were on at the time. These two pints were not as bad, but not good. I would not recommend this pub. 1/10.
31 Aug 2013 18:18
Enjoyed a well-kept pint of microbrewery cask ale here. Friendly welcome and service. Unusual and distinctive. Well worth a visit.
25 Aug 2013 19:28
Friendly welcome in this attractive pub with a great beer garden. Enjoyed an excellent pint of McMullen AK - one of about six or seven ales on offer. Well worth a visit. 10/10.
13 Aug 2013 19:57
Pleasant Shepher Neame tied house. Friendly welcome - I enjoyed a pint of well-kept Master brew. Worth a visit.
13 Aug 2013 19:55
Friendly service in a clean and comfortable environment. I visited during the day. The pint of Harvey's Susses Best was in very good condition. Worth a visit.
13 Aug 2013 19:53
Disappointing pub. The ex-WMC layout has not been overcome: with masses of open space it appears there is not enough furniture in the place! It is rather characterless. Service was efficient and a pint of Master Brew was in good nick. However a pint of Whitstable Bay was poor.
13 Aug 2013 19:49
The Grey Horse Inn, Manchester
After a sensitive refurbishment thispub is even better than ever. Superbly kept ales and a great atmosphere. 10/10 - a 'must visit' when in Manchester.
5 Aug 2013 21:18
A pleasant, friendly pub with well-kept real ale. On my visit I had a Salopian beer. Food served, large beer garden and children welcome. All round decent pub.
28 Jul 2013 15:23
Superb food and bier in a great location. Yes, you do have to follow the service procedure, but it is quick, friendly and efficient. A glass of Paulaner Helles washing down Currywurst mit Bratkartoffeln on the banks of the Thames = Excellent!
5 Jul 2013 23:32
Classic multi-roomed pub with a friendly welcome.Something of an oasis in what appears to be a pub-free area! Holts IPA was good.
21 Jun 2013 21:57
Today I called in to Liz 'n' Lil's and it is, indeed, a 'licensed tea and coffee house'. It opens daytimes only and is closed on Sundays. As well as hot beverages it sells Fentiman's traditional soft drinks and a good selection of alcoholic drinks, including bottle-conditioned British ales and continental treats such as Erdinger and Duvel. Draught beers are Pilsner Urquell and Amstel. The food is innovative and excellent. I was well-impressed with the Blackburn Bake! It also sells home baked bread and a range of cakes. Friendly welcome and great service in comfortable and relaxed surroundings. This is an innovative reopening of a pub that has had many incarnations and plenty of closed spells. Well done to the proprietors and Thwaites Brewery for this initiative. 10/10 from me.
6 Jun 2013 21:10
Superb pub at the edge of Healey Dell Nature Reserve. CAMRA 2013 (and previously) listed pub serving Robinson's ales kept in tip-top condition. Food available, friendly welcome and efficient service, dog-friendly and with an excellent sun-trap beer garden. 10/10.
5 Jun 2013 00:04
Friendly, welcoming Fullers pub. The HSB was in tip-top condition on my visit earlier this week.
25 May 2013 14:09
Two real ales available on my Wednesday evening visit. The XT99 was very tasty. Friendly, relaxed atmosphere in this pub, which attracts a wide variety of customers. Well worth a look.
17 May 2013 11:35
Friendly welcome and relaxed atmosphere. Four real ales available. The Harvey's Sussex Best was excellent. Well worth a look.
17 May 2013 11:13
Sedge Lynn, Chorlton Cum Hardy
Pleasant Wetherspoon pub with well-kept real ale and friendly, effiecient service. Well worth a visit.
6 May 2013 22:39
The Marble Beer House, Chorlton cum Hardy
Very agreeable pub with efficient service, well-kept ales and a pleasant outside drinking area at the front. Well worth a visit.
6 May 2013 22:38
Now reopened at Liz 'n' Lil's Licensed Tea & Coffee House. Have not yet tried it out.
24 Apr 2013 14:26
Decent pint of Harvey's Sussex Pale on my visit. Pub suffers at bit from the 'loadsamoney, have I boasted about my salary/car/presentation/sportsmanship? Can I use my card to pay for a pint?' fraternity. Otherwise it is sound.
19 Apr 2013 21:48
Decent, well-kept ale - although a tad pricey. Great beer garden at the rear and well worth a visit.
19 Apr 2013 21:42
A massive improvement here - well done! A good range of guest ales including no fewer than three of the eight international beers listed by JDW for its April International Ale Festival. The Pivovar Kocovnik Vivat Bohemia was in excellent condition on my visit.
6 Apr 2013 21:19
Friendly welcome and well-kept Hydes and guest ales. Real coal fire adds to the welcome.
30 Mar 2013 23:45
Ale house type of boozer. Friendly service and a well-kept pint.
15 Mar 2013 21:42
Great pub offering a warm welcome, tantalising food and a good range of cask ales. the Three Tuns Stout was superb on my visit. Surely a 'must visit' when in Shrewsbury. 10/10.
15 Mar 2013 21:41
£3.50 for a pint of York Brewery Guzzler at 3.6% in nothing more than average condition. Silly price for ale in a mediocre condition. Very disappointing. Don't go out of your way to visit.
25 Feb 2013 21:13
Was aware of the older reviews before visiting this Wetherspoon pub. However, was pleasantly surprised. Good and efficient service and well-kept real ales. The pub is Cask Marque accredited.
2 Feb 2013 21:17
Decent, traditional pub. Friendly welcome and good service. The ales are well-kept and reasonably priced. I didn't try the food, but it looked promising. A hard to find proper pub. Well worth a visit.
2 Feb 2013 21:15
Now reopened after a long period of closure. Has been given a very good refub and now has three cask ales on the bar. On my visit they were all from Hornbeam including the excellent Champagne which was in tip-top condition and very reasonably priced. Well worth a visit and a welcome reopening of this pub.
10 Jan 2013 22:41
Now back to its proper name - The Duke of Wellington. Friendly and efficient welcome at this city-centre pub. Range of Brains ales including the 'craft-brewery' specials.
10 Jan 2013 22:13
Great pub, friendly welcome and relaxed atmosphere. Brains ales in tip-top condition, including the craft-brewery specials. A 'must visit' when in Cardiff.
10 Jan 2013 22:06
Friendly welcome and relaxed atmosphere. Ales kept in excellent condition and plenty of choice - but a bit pricey at £3.55 for a pint of bitter!
10 Jan 2013 22:01
Excellent pub with a friendly welcome and relaxed atmosphere. Ales in tip-top condition, including Brains craft beers. The 'Shy Porter' was superb! Food is also excellent: I can recommend the Welsh lamb cawl and Cheese, potato and leek pie. A must visit in Cardiff.
10 Jan 2013 21:53
A friendly welcome and pleasant atmosphere at this Robinson's house. Interior fittings are classic 1960s pub refurb! Three Robbie's ales on pump - Unicorn, 1892 and Tom & Berry, plus a small cask of Old Tom on the bar.
5 Dec 2012 09:50
Now reopened after the 'Stalybridge Blockade' - and it has had a tasteful makeover. No dramatic changes and has kept its character. Friendly welcome and a superbly-kept pint (well several!) of Millstone Stout on Thursday evening. As good as ever - and a 'must visit'. 10/10.
10 Nov 2012 15:56
Interesting pub with a fair range of cask ales. Friendly service and relaxed atmosphere. The Bank's's 'Howlin' Wolf' was very tasty.
6 Nov 2012 22:02
Straightforward blokes' boozer, with a range of Sam Smith's keg beers at excellent prices. Friendly welcome and good atmosphere. Proper pub with none of the trivialities so common these days!
6 Nov 2012 21:59
Decent enough pub with a range of cask ales, kept in good nick. It's usually quietish when I've called-in (mid-afternoon) and seems to lack an atmosphere. It almost feels like you're in a pubco training centre: everything is fine but it's not quite real! Nonetheless worth a look when in the N/4.
7 Oct 2012 18:49
Enjoyed a pint (Amber Light) and a delicious spinach and chickpea curry with fried rice for just �4.80 today. Later enjoyed the top-notch Toby Porter at �1.80 a pint. Superb. This friendly pub is always worth a visit. 10/10.
16 Sep 2012 19:20
Pleasant pub in the countryside at the edge of Coalville. Relaxed atmosphere, friendly welcome and a well-kept pint of Everard's Tiger on my visit. Other cask ale was Everard's Original.
14 Sep 2012 16:25
The One Legged Shunter, Blythe Bridge
Station bar at the Caverswall Road Station of the Foxfield Railway. Small bar, but always a warm welcome and a range of excellently-kept real ales from small, independent brewers. Cracking pub - well worth a visit, as is the railway and the rolling Staffordshire countryside. 10/10.
9 Sep 2012 18:37
Superb pub serving excellently-kept Harvey's Sussex Best on my first-time visit - yesterday. Great surrounding and friendly service. The food smelled fantastic! Well worth a visit. Just a shame I live 250 miles away from The Marine! 10/10.
6 Sep 2012 21:09
The Sir Ralph Abercrombie, Manchester
Decent, traditional pub at the side of the City Police Headquarters - aka Bootle Street nick. Clean, comfortable and relaxed atmosphere - serving Taylor Landlord, Black Sheep Best and Skipton Golden Pippin. I had the last mentioned which was in excellent condition. The Greek-Cypriot food smelt delicious - try it next time maybe. Well worth a visit.
22 Aug 2012 19:18
Traditional pub with impressive interior and a friendly welcome. I enjoyed a pint of Banks's Mild on my visit.
7 Aug 2012 17:02
Should have added to my comments, that there are now two real ales on tap.
7 Aug 2012 16:59
An amazing place - Tardis-like! You walk into a cosy backstreet boozer, go past the bar to a conservatory-type eating area and then beyond to the indoor Indian barbecue. Fantastic! The food is superb and great value for money - the size of the naans has to be seen to be believed. As for the ale: I enjoyed Cwrw Glaswyn in tip-top condition. This really is a 'must visit' - and easy to get to by Metro tram to Kenrick Park stop. What more could you ask? 10/10.
7 Aug 2012 16:58
My first time in this pub for over fifteen years. It still has its great traditional room layout and a wide range of ales. Enjoyed a tasty pint of Hobson's Mild. My only grumble would be the TV - or, more precisely, the punters who 'needed' to have the commentary turned-up. Otherwise, well worth a visit.
7 Aug 2012 16:52
The Black Country Arms, Walsall
With time to pass in Walsall (my first time in the town), I was on the lookout for a decent pub - no easy task these days. I came across this pub and was very pleased with my find. Enjoyed a tasty pint of Pig on the Wall Mild in a relaxed. welcoming atmosphere. Well worth a visit.
7 Aug 2012 16:49
Swan With Two Necks, Stockport
Excellent traditional pub serving a fine pint of Robbies Unicorn on my visit. Friendly welcome and relaxed atmosphere. The food looked good too.
2 Aug 2012 21:17
Great bar, full of character and a warm welcome. Stocks a wide range of bottles from micro and craft brewers, as well as a tantalising range of whiskeys. Well worth a visit.
20 Feb 2012 11:10
The Sweet Green Tavern, Bolton
First visit for over a year - don't get to Bolton often these days. Friendly welcome, real coal fire and relaxed atmosphere. Interesting range of beers and reasonable prices.
15 Feb 2012 12:21
Pleasant pub with a friendly welcome and good service. The ale drinkers among my group were generally happy with a range of Everards ales.
13 Feb 2012 00:31
Mr Thomas' Chop House, Manchester
Something of an institution and well worth a visit. Friendly welcome and service. Enjoyed an excellent pint of Lees Bitter, although at a price - �3.40!
10 Nov 2011 21:04
The Mad Bishop and Bear, Paddington
Open and serving an excellent pint of Chiswick on my visit.
4 Nov 2011 11:32
Well-kept ales served in a relaxing, friendly pub. Spacious and airy layout. Interesting Fullers version of Hoggarth's 'Beer Street' dominates the wall facing the bar. Very pleasant and well worth a visit.
4 Nov 2011 11:21
Excellent riverside pub with a choice of real ales. Real coal fires, a relaxed atmosphere and welcoming, friendly service. I enjoyed a pint of '391' in tip-top condition. Food is excellent quality and served in hearty portions. A 'must visit' when in the area.
27 Oct 2011 19:50
Pleasant, slightly quirky pub. Friendly welcome and efficient service on my Wednesday evening visit. Enjoyed a pint of Chiswick in tip-top condition. Well worth a visit.
27 Oct 2011 19:43
Please DISREGARD my previous comment, which was posted in error. I have never been to the King's at Braintree. I confused it with the King's at Broad Green, near Marks Tey.
15 Oct 2011 18:46
Great pub with a friendly welcome, excellent quality and good value food (served lunchtimes and evening [except Tuesday evening]) and great value accommodation. Add to that, you'll quickly become one of the locals and enjoy some great real ale and conversation. John and Chris and Sandra are doing a great job. Wish this was my local: shame I live 200 miles away! Will certainly visit and stay again next time I am working in this part of Essex.
22 Sep 2011 20:39
A great locals pub. It's fitted-out alehouse style, but with comfy seating and separate bar/loung and games room. A choice of four cask ales. The Prospect Nutty Slack was in tip-top condition and good value at �2.20 a pint. Well worth a visit.
26 Aug 2011 11:24
As always a great pub to visit, with a wide range of guest ales. A must whenever in Clitheroe!
26 Aug 2011 11:19
The Rose and Crown Inn, Clitheroe
Friendly welcome in this spacious pub (it looks small from the street), which serves Thwaites ales and a guest. The Thwaites IPA was rather tired, but the Nutty Slack was in excellent condition.
26 Aug 2011 11:18
Now called the 'Inn at the Station', the bar is relocated and the pub has been fully refurbished. There is a strong emphasis on food, but still enough 'pub feel' about the place. Has a spacious outside drinking area, which is a great sun-trap. Cask ales were Thwaites Original, Wainwrights and the new IPA. The last-mentioned was in very good form. Prices are at the more expensive end of the scale (�2.80 for the IPA), but the pub is well worth a visit and handy for the railway station.
26 Aug 2011 11:15
Called-in while changing trains. Service is always friendly and efficient. Ales are kept in tip-top condition and good value - starting at �2.20 a pint. There is always at least one dark ale and one strong one. Big, good value sandwiches help soak-up the ale.
The furnishings? I'd go to Habitat or Ikea - not a pub - if interior design was my primary concern.
Splendid pub - always worth a visit.
19 Aug 2011 13:33
Definitely one of the better Wetherspoon pubs. Efficient service and well-kept ales.
19 Aug 2011 13:15
A mixed bag. The positives: an excellent pint of Guinness and a patio overlooking the Medway. The negatives: the pint of Shepherd Neame Master Brew was on its last legs, somewhat 'chavvy' client�le, TV football commentary - in Spanish - turned-up despite the evident lack of Spaniards, or a Spanish evening class, benefiting from the 'facility'.
That said, there is little choice in the area: I noticed a closed pub and a former pub (The George) on the same High Street. Aylesford Village seems to be a victim of the car/commute/supermarket lifestyle that has taken hold of so many rural areas.
18 Aug 2011 15:01
Traditional, no-frills pub that always offers a friendly welcome to locals and strangers alike. Roaring coal fire in winter, outside seating at the front for the milder months. Ales - Bass and Martson Pedigree on my latest visit - in tip-top condition, as is the Guinness. A 'must visit' when in the area. Contrary to 'blue scrumpy', I'd be happy to have a session here.
9 Aug 2011 19:25
Four cask ales available on my lunchtime visit. The Castle Rock Harvest Pale was in good nick. Pleasant pub and an opportunity to sit outside and watch the city go by.
27 Jul 2011 20:52
Superb - proper - pub, where people enjoy conversation, a game of darts or read the paper. Serves Samuel Smith's Old Brewery Bitter in top form. Highly recommended and deservedly 10/10 in my book.
15 Jul 2011 11:59
Enjoyed a very good pint of Doom Bar, while the Betty Stoggs was just average. Pricey, but to be expected in this area. I certainly wouldn't berate it is the way some have! Alright for a quick pick pint or to meet-up, but didn't really seem to be a 'local'.
2 Jul 2011 09:31
Interesting choice of well-kept real ales. Bar snack food - e.g. cheese and biscuits - is excellent value and of generous portions. Well worth a visit.
24 Jun 2011 23:27
The Buck Inn, Thorpe St Andrew
Pleasant pub serving real ale - enjoyed good pints of Woodforde Wherry and Adnams Southwold Bitter. Has outside seating and serves food.
16 Jun 2011 00:06
Great pub - relaxed, friendly atmosphere and a warm welcome. Tip-top Adnams and Pure Brewery ales plus K�stritzer Schwarzbier and Bitburger on draft. Well worth a visit.
16 Jun 2011 00:04
The Hillsborough Hotel, Sheffield
Superb pub: the Crown Brewery tap. Friendly welcome and relaxed atmosphere. Food and accommodation also on offer. A must visit when in Sheffield and easy to get to by tram.
28 May 2011 23:34
The Peveril Of The Peak, Castlefield
Characterful old pub, oozing with atmosphere. Enjoyed a tip-top Copper Dragon ale.
25 May 2011 19:39
Excellent pub offering a wide range of cask ales, including their own brewed on the premises. Multi-room layout, so a big pub with a cosy atmosphere in each of the differently styled rooms. Serves food and handy for Derby Midland Station. A 'must visit' when in the area.
21 May 2011 22:06
The Land of Liberty, Peace and Plenty, Heronsgate
Excellent traditional pub in a secluded and peaceful location, but only 15-20 minutes walk from Chorleywood Station. Friendly welcome and interesting range of ales served in tip-top condition. Well worth a visit. 10/10.
13 May 2011 17:33
Great little pub serving well-kept ales. Well worth a visit.
13 May 2011 17:30
Small, friendly bar on the station approach, offering two well-kept real ales.
26 Apr 2011 19:05
Tiny bar and very handy for the station. Well-kept real ales and choice of traditional meals such as stovies and oatcakes and Cullen Skink. Well worth a visit.
26 Apr 2011 19:03
Friendly bar with a good range of well-kept real ales - seven to choose from on my visit.
26 Apr 2011 18:58
My first visit this year and it was bitterly disappointing. Both the St Edmunds and a guest called Sorcerer were in very poor condition. A great shame as this is a nice pub.
8 Apr 2011 19:54
The Duke of Hamilton, Hampstead
Great to see this place has survived. Enjoyed a couple of visits this week, when work brought me to north London. Interesting range of ales including Adnam's Lighthouse (which was in superb condition), Moorhouse's Blonde Witch and a strong Elgood's ale plus Pride. Well worth a visit.
2 Apr 2011 14:17
A pub with an amazing - original - decor. Friendly welcome and efficient service. Serves cask ale: the Doom Bar was in excellent condition. Food is freshly prepared and well-presented. Prices are towards the higher end, but it's case of 'you get what you pay for'. Well worth a visit. The accommodation over the pub is good value and, if visiting London as a tourist, Brondesbury Overground station is only 100 metres away.
2 Apr 2011 14:12
Stayed here a couple of weeks ago. Good accommodation. The evening meals are real, freshly-cooked food. The one handpump had a Greene King seasonal ale, which was well-kept.
18 Mar 2011 16:37
Very disappointing Wetherspoon outlet. Choice was very limited on my visit: two adjacent pumps with Abbott Ale, one Ruddles Best, one Salopian ale that had 'gone', one 'coming soon' and one Everard's Beacon, which I had. Quality was okay, but �2.15 is at the higher end for JDW prices.
18 Mar 2011 16:32
The Broadway Hotel, Letchworth
Enjoyed a few pints of Old Cannon Best Bitter in the bar, while staying at the hotel. The ale was well-kept and there is a relaxing atmosphere here . Very good accommodation.
18 Mar 2011 16:27
The Beaten Docket, Cricklewood
On entering the pub, it was dark and dingy - and there was an unpleasant sour smell. With there being a very limited choice of real ale (beside the usual Wetherspoon offering) - and that smell - I decided not to bother.
14 Mar 2011 09:36
First visit for a couple of years. The ale was good, as usual. However, the pub had an unpleasant, pungent smell and that precluded staying for more than one. A shame.
14 Mar 2011 09:32
A very good choice of real ales, with the ones tried being in fine condition. The pub definitely seems to be a real ale drinkers' meeting place. In that sense it lacks the 'normal' pub atmosphere. Well worth a visit.
14 Mar 2011 09:30
Excellent pub! Friendly welcome and a relaxed atmosphere to accompany the fine Brodie's ales produced on the premises, plus a choice of guest ales. Excellent value for money: Brodie's ales at �1.99 a pint. Try the deceptive - and strong - Polska at 6.2%. Also serves food and offers accommodation. Well worth a visit
3 Mar 2011 18:48
Friendly welcome and tasty Chalk Hill Brewery ales at reasonable prices. Handy for Thorpe Station.
26 Feb 2011 19:16
Now refurbished and offering up to six cask ales. The pints I tried yesterday were in tip-top condition. Friendly welcome and a very pleasant, proper pub in Stalybridge. Make the effort to visit when doing the Rail Ale Trail - it's only a couple of minutes from the station.
17 Feb 2011 13:40
Efficient service and a good selection of cask ales in this Wetherspoon pub. For such a spacious building it is surprisingly cosy.
15 Feb 2011 21:01
Friendly welcome and pleasant surroundings accompanied by a good selection of real ales.
15 Feb 2011 20:57
Great tradional, multi-roomed local with well-kept cask ales. Friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Also services food. Well worth a visit.
6 Feb 2011 16:29
One of the best Wetherspoons outlets. A decent number of effiecient staff on duty and a good range of real ales in a comfortable environment.
23 Dec 2010 21:28
Long since renamed The Gateway. Closed and boarded when I passed today.
23 Dec 2010 21:26
A proper pub with individual character. Enjoyed a hearty portion of the excellent-value food: wild boar and apple sausages (3) with mash, peas and gravy for �5.25. Washed it down with pints well-kept Abbott Reserve (abv 6.5%) at �3.40 a pint. Friendly service and all age groups in on my midweek visit. Well worth a visit.
9 Dec 2010 14:34
First off I should say that I did not try the food as my visit was outside food service times.
As a pub it was very disappointing. If the previous comments about a refurb are correct, it is a great shame the brewery/pubco opted for every jaded 1980s clich� in the book: all rather tacky and soulless.
To the main business: the ale. The St Edmund's Ale that I tried was on the verge of sour. Will not visit again.
9 Dec 2010 14:27
Excellent - proper East End - community pub extending a warm welcome to all. Choice of well-kept real ales. Well worth a visit and only a short walk from Leytonstone Tube.
14 Oct 2010 19:05
An amazing building and Sam Smith's usual excellent values beers. Old Brewery Bitter at �1.99 a pint. Well worth a visit.
14 Oct 2010 19:02
A couple of cask ales available on my visit - well kept and tasty. Handy for the Central Line Gants Hill Station.
14 Oct 2010 19:00
Pleasant pub with friendly service: enjoyed a tasty pint of the Station Bitter.
14 Oct 2010 18:49
Snarling_Mallard hits the nail on the head regarding the groups of designer ale-trail types clogging-up service! Have you ever noticed how these arty-farty and very pedestrian gaggles often order something like six halves of Boddingtons and four halves of Flowers?! Never mind, I suppose it makes for good conversation at the next dinner party: 'Oh, I say, have I told you how we drank glasses of real Manchester beer and rubbed shoulders with common Northern people in this delightful railway buffet that dates back to the reign of Queen Victoria?'
The bar staff do their very best in difficult circumstances.
3 Oct 2010 17:01
The Dog and Partridge, Preston
Great pub that welcomes all comers. Serves a good selection of well-kept real ales. Friendly atmosphere and a good juke box. Well worth a visit.
19 Sep 2010 20:04
Cosy and welcoming pub with a very good selection of well-kept real ales: including two milds on our visit. Well worth a visit.
19 Sep 2010 20:02
No longer a pub: converted to business premises. The 'Old Colonial' is now just a destination on the Birkenhead Tramway!
30 Aug 2010 21:05
Reopened about ten weeks ago as 'Gallagher's Pub & Barber Shop'. No, it's not an Irish-themed pub! Yes, there really is a barber's business in the pub.
On my visit had three real ales - two from local Peerless Brewery and the house ale 'Gallagher's Half Cut' at a very reasonable �2 a pint. Ale was in tip-top condition.
Friendly welcome and well worth a visit.
30 Aug 2010 20:59
CORRECTION TO MY PREVIOUS POST!
The White Horse has not been demolished. Appeared to be viewed from the passing train, but it was the building next that has gone. Do not know if the White House is still open though. Was closed when I passed yesterday.
26 Aug 2010 19:14
The Witchwood, Ashton Under Lyne
Has recently changed ownership, but still with regular bar staff. Prices have dropped and several decent guest ales are on for a reasonable �2.20 a pint. I enjoyed the Boggart Rum Porter the other day.
17 Aug 2010 15:52
Interesting pub full of bric-a-brac. Ale was well-kept but unfortunately the 'choice' was GK-restricted. That said the IPA was in good form.
12 Aug 2010 22:11
Cosy seaside pub full of nautical memorabilia. Interesting looking food menu. Real ales available and my pint was in very good condition. Well worth a visit.
12 Aug 2010 22:09
Local real ales sold at this pub. I tried one each from Wolf and Woodforde's - both were in excellent conditions. Interesting looking food menu. Friendly welcome and service and a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. Well worth a visit.
12 Aug 2010 22:06
Very much a locals pub. The Well's Bombardier was just OK on my visit.
12 Aug 2010 22:04
Echo earlier positive comments. On my visit there were three cask ales plus a real cider. The Wherry I had was excellent. A beer festival begins today in connection with the Cromer Carnival. Friendly and efficient staff. Interesting offer is six real ale tasters for �3.30.
12 Aug 2010 22:03
On the cliff side overlooking the pier. A somewhat quirky pub that also has a restaurant and ice cream selling-out shop. Woodforde's Wherry, Nelson's Revenge and Nog on the bar during my recent visits: all in good form. Friendly welcome and an easy-going atmosphere, welcoming to both visitors and locals.
12 Aug 2010 21:59
The Prince of Wales, Burnt Oak
Closed for the last few weeks (at least) and now with estate agency sign declaring, 'Freehold Sold'. More flats....?
28 Jul 2010 00:42
Friendly, relaxed local with a very warm welcome and efficient service. Four cask ales were available on my Wednesday evening visit. The much-maligned Greene King IPA was amongst those on offer. I tried it and went back for more and more! It was delicious and tasty - a credit to the cellarmanship at this pub. Definitely worth a visit.
15 Jul 2010 18:15
A proper local with excellently kept ales at reasonable prices - �2.70 for Wibbler's Apprentice. Plenty of outside seating, a good traditional jukebox, friendly welcome and good service. Well worth a visit..
14 Jul 2010 09:24
The United Brethren, Chelmsford
A decent pub with sensible prices - �2.60 for Woodforde Wherry on my visit. A proper local with friendly welcome and good service.
14 Jul 2010 09:20
The Duke of Hamilton, Hampstead
Foghorn, I see your profile states your age to be 159 - so you'll know all about the smell of death....
9 Jul 2010 09:43
Echo the positive comments of other reviews. Enjoyed very well-kept pints of Purity Mad Goose and Brains Reverend James. Service was efficient and prices were reasonable for the area. The pub has a good, relaxed atmosphere and is definitely well worth a visit.
9 Jul 2010 09:39
The White Horse, Parsons Green
This is one of the pubs I've been meaning to visit for ages. Was it worth the wait/effort? Service was friendly and efficient and the well-kept Harvey's Sussex Best at �2.90 a pint was no more than I would expect to pay in this part of London. An American-themed beer festival was drawing to a close, but at �7.00 a pint I couldn't bring myself to try anything! Well worth a visit.
9 Jul 2010 09:33
A pleasing choice of real ales - and ciders - from the many hand pumps at this pub. Although busy, the service was efficient and friendly and the Castle Rock Harvest Pale was excellent. A pleasant relaxed and friendly atmosphere prevails here. Very handy for what is reputed to be Europe's busiest railway station - Clapham Junction.
2 Jul 2010 01:24
A pleasant pub with a sociable crowd on my visit. It was a delight to see Harvey's Sussex Best on the bar. HOWEVER, there was a 'cellar cool' sign on the pump and - when served - the ale was far too cold - ridiculously cold. A great shame. My rating? The pub/service = 6 - what they did to the Harvey's = 0.
2 Jul 2010 01:02
Sozz. Shouldn't have taken the rip out of the accent: GRUNTING was the word I really meant!
2 Jul 2010 00:56
'Real ale' signs on the obviously pubco blackboards were tempting. Wandered in, to be greeted by a wall of footie dullards staring and granting at the big screens. Left.... Don't bother is my advice.
2 Jul 2010 00:53
Pleasant pub with a big emphasis on carvery food. The food is excellent value. The pub is Cask Marque accredited and I enjoyed an excellent pint of Tiger for just �1.95. My mate enjoyed a decent pint of Guinness.
18 Jun 2010 15:51
A decent Wetherspoons in what is a run-down area of Croydon. Friendly service, a relaxed atmosphere and real ales from smaller brewers. On my visit there were three ales from Twickenham Brewing Co. I tried the Grandstand. The pub is very handy for West Croydon station and Tramlink stop.
10 Jun 2010 20:20
A proper pub! Echo the positive comments of previous ratings. Friendly welcome, well-kept Young's ales and a decent drinking environment - thanks to staff and a good mix of customers. Well worth a visit.
10 Jun 2010 20:15
Attractive country pub in pleasant rural setting, close to the Middlewood Way. Serves food all day - though did not try anything on my short visit. Extensive outside seating for the summer weather. Enjoyed a decent pint of Theakston's Best - although at the typical 'rural' price of �2.75 a pint. Worth a visit.
31 May 2010 20:20
The Broadoak Hotel, Ashton under Lyne
Visited during the annual brass band contest, so definitely not a 'normal' evening. The Robinson's Unicorn was in excellent condition, but pricey at �2.70 a pint. Service - on a very busy evening - was efficient and friendly. Will certainly pay another visit.
29 May 2010 12:02
Pleasant pub offering interesting range of real ales and various Belgian bottled beers and one on draught. Outside drinking areas at front and a fenced-off area of the platform. The Dunham Honey beer was in very good condition on my visit.
22 May 2010 17:52
Great to see this place flourishing in its post- Beer House guise. Enjoyed an excellent pint of Howard Town 'Mill Town Mild' yesterday. There's a friendly welcome, a real fire (still needed in mid-May!) and an interesting food menu as well as a variety of ales and real ciders. Well worth a visit whenever in the Northern Quarter.
15 May 2010 14:07
Further to my review, the BB serves cask ale - London Pride and Old Speckled Hen on my visit.
29 Apr 2010 19:14
Friendly welcome, efficient bar staff and a decent pint of Guinness on a mid-week visit. Has a good 'local' feel. If you like pubs with macabre associations - in this case Ronnie Kray's zero tolerance of homophobic remarks! - it is worth a visit. If brewing history interests you, take a look at the distinctive architecture of the building a couple of doors to the West (left as you face the Blind Beggar) - the former Mann, Cross and Paulin Brewery, with its impressive carving of St George and the Dragon.
29 Apr 2010 19:13
Paid a visit last night. A friendly welcome and several superb pints of Young's Bitter. Very well kept ale. Food was served in decent portions and tasty - at prices that I would expect for south east England. Has a very pleasant outside seating area. Well worth a visit!
27 Apr 2010 13:19
Enjoyed a few pints here the other night. Much improved of late.
19 Apr 2010 20:01
Busy and excellent Robinson's pub / hotel in the centre of Llangollen, which is very welcoming. The Robbie's ales are served in tip-top condition. Excellent food is served in generous portions and is reasonably priced. The accommodation is also excellent and good value.
29 Mar 2010 20:26
Great pub, serving tip-top cask ales and original Czech beers. Definitely a MUST VISIT when in Sheffield. Friendly service and a warm welcome.
5 Mar 2010 00:56
Traditional pub with the emphasis on well-kept ales, comfy surroundings and conversation. The interior is 'brewers' rustic', but has plenty of separate seating areas and a superb log fire. Well worth a visit for a relaxing pint.
25 Feb 2010 19:16
A rare find nowadays - a proper locals pub in a town centre. Friendly welcome and a tip-top pint of Acorn Brewery Barnsley Bitter - at a very reasonable �2.00. Also stocks guest ales. Well worth a visit!
13 Feb 2010 22:08
All round a superb pub. Serves the excellent value Globe ales - starting from just �1.40 for a pint of Globe Light. The food is interesting, very tasty and great value for money - e.g. spinach and chick pea curry with rice for �2.90. The pub itself has three main rooms and a spacious beer garden. A really friendly place, a must visit and definitely a 10/10 rating.
13 Sep 2009 18:33
The Old Contemptibles, Birmingham
Very attractive, high-ceiling bar with comfortable furnishings and a very relaxed atmosphere. Interesting range of ales with descriptions above the pump clips. This pub must have the most up-front pricing of any in the country - the price is on the handpull or keg font and very clear. Well done! The Old Hooky was tasty on my visit. My only grumble is that the prices are a bit steep - but maybe that's Brum city centre these days.
6 Sep 2009 22:15
Great to see the Vernon opena again. It looks very well and on my visit had an interesting choice of real ales from independent brewers. The two I tried were very good and well-kept. Well worth a visit.
27 Aug 2009 09:10
The Corporation Arms, Guide Bridge
Friendly enough pub. No real ale but serves a decent drop of Guinness.
22 Aug 2009 16:39
The Boundary is now just a faint shadow of its former incarnation under long-serving licensees Len and Audrey. A big loss to the Tameside drinking scene. Heard about the prices at the beer festival and didn't attend.
22 Aug 2009 16:37
A busy Wetherspoon's pub with a reasonable choice of well-kept real ales.
22 Aug 2009 16:28
A friendly welcome and an excellent range of well-kept real ales. I tried the Phoenix Hopsack and Coach House Lemon and Ginger. Also serves excellent value meals. A 'must visit' when in Oldham.
22 Aug 2009 16:26
A friendly welcome and excellent quality Robinson's ales: Unicorn and Dissy Blonde on my visit.
22 Aug 2009 16:24
This is an excellent pub! A decent selection of cask ales, food served in HUGE portions, friendly staff - and the locals are really welcoming. [I know that's the case across the Island.] With it's beer garden fronting on to the horse and electric tram termini this is a great place to relax. Another 'must visit' on the Island.
16 Aug 2009 21:42
Excellent pub adjacent to the Isle of Man Railway Castletown Station. Excellent value - hom- brewed - Castletown Bitter and a good range of guest ales on my visit. Add to that friendly service and decent food and this is defintely a winner. A 'must visit' if ever there was one.
16 Aug 2009 21:37
Great location, friendly welcome and tip-top ales. Sit in the sun-trap beer garden and watch the trams pass by.....
16 Aug 2009 21:31
Friendly welcome and great Bushy's ales - including the Ruby Mild on my visit. A great pub in a delightfully peaceful location. Well worth a visit - just a few minutes from the railway station.
16 Aug 2009 21:26
The Man and Scythe Inn, Bolton
A propoer pub in an area awash with branded / themed characterless drinking sheds. Well worth a visit.
30 Jul 2009 16:45
The Prince of Wales, Burnt Oak
Great news: P�raic and Mags are back and running the pub. Guinness - as always - in fine form.
12 Jun 2009 00:30
The Ma Boyles Oyster Bar, Liverpool
Just average: average ale quality, average atmosphere (better in the downstairs bar) and average service.
31 May 2009 19:41
The Everyman Bistro, Liverpool
Friendly welcome, well-kept ales and interesing variety of tasty food offerings. Pleasant 'bier keller' type surroundings.
31 May 2009 19:38
The Dog And Pheasant, Waterloo
A friendly welcome at a proper locals pub. The cask ales are well kept and not over-expensive. The food is excellent: home cooked, imaginative, with decent portions and good value for money. Well worth a visit.
31 May 2009 19:34
The Dog And Pheasant, Waterloo
A friendly welcome at a proper locals pub. The cask ales are well kept and not over-expensive. The food is excellent: home cooked, imaginative, with decent portions and good value for money. Well worth a visit.
31 May 2009 19:33
The Dog And Pheasant, Waterloo
A friendly welcome at a proper locals pub. The cask ales are well kept and not over-expensive. The food is excellent: home cooked, imaginative, with decent portions and good value for money. Well worth a visit.
31 May 2009 19:33
Called in yesterday and it's great to see the pub open again. Ale was tip-top. Well worth a visit.
10 May 2009 14:11
Since my last rating (2006) this pub has improved greatly, with generally brisk service. The ales are well-kept and the Wetherspoon food presented well.
3 May 2009 13:37
Discovered this pub last Friday. It's brilliant! Friendly welcome and eight handpumps with a wide range of ales. Ales were in tip-top condition, with Phoenix Hopsack at �1.80 a real bargain. Well worth a visit.
3 May 2009 13:31
The Smithfield Hotel, Manchester
Always a well-kept pint at a reasonable price and friendly service here. Also plenty of variety amongst the real ales. The room layout is a lttle odd, with a pool table virtually in the doorway. The place has been significantly smartened-up and the back seating area - thankfully - no longer has the 'down-at-heel working men's club' decor! Worth a visit when in the Northern Quarter.
12 Apr 2009 21:00
Friendly and efficient bar staff serving excellent pints of Fuller's London Pride and Guinness, which I tried on my visit.
Only downside was a gaggle of British Airways managers blocking the middle of the floor and bar area while they boasted about their 'projects', 'targets' and 'presentations'. They seemed to resent having to move to allow people to get to the bar or loos. That said. it's not the pub's fault some of its customers lack common courtesy! Still worth a visit for a devent pint.
4 Apr 2009 15:24
The pub was refurbished in February and looks well, as Fuller's did a sympathetic job.
This is my regular haunt when working in Hayes. The ales are well-kept Fuller's (including a seasonal) and the food is homemade and served in hearty portions. Customers are friendly and bar staff welcoming and efficient. Well worth a visit.
4 Apr 2009 15:12
Not a bad place, but there is little to choose from in this part of north London. The volume from the competing TV channels can be a pain.
29 Mar 2009 19:26
Great pub with Everard's ales kept in tip-top condition. Friendly welcome and good, proper pub crowd - where all are welcome. Serves decent food at sensible prices. Well worth a visit.
27 Mar 2009 17:28
The conservatory has now been totally rebuilt and formally reopened - no more wild drafts in mid-winter! Beer and banter as good as ever.
22 Feb 2009 19:16
Superb pub that's had a license since 1729 and there's been a pub on the site right back to the 1300s. Situated in the old town and handy for the museum quarter. Reasonable prices and a decent range of tasty real ales. Cosy pub and a friendly welcome - it's said to be haunted! Well worth a visit.
15 Feb 2009 12:55
Efficient service and a decent enough pint of Theakstone Best. The three cask ales selection was unadventurous. Pleasant enough pub and handy for the railway station.
5 Feb 2009 14:49
Enjoyed a top-notch pint of Castle Eden Ale here last Sunday. Good, traditional boozer.
5 Feb 2009 14:45
Was in Warrington last weekend, so took another look at this pub. It's certainly back on it's feet again, being busy on Saturday lunchtime. A friendly crowd and decent bar staff accompany something like seven different cask ales. The Old Mill Bitter was superb!
31 Jan 2009 11:10
The Black Horse Hotel, Preston
Echo everything said in the previous post. Great pub with a good selection of well-kept Robinsons ales. If you want to see what pubs looked like before the onset of themes and fake Victoria this is the place to go - the interior is superb. Well worth a visit when in Preston.
11 Jan 2009 14:09
Excellent pub just off the city centre. Has an excellent range of real ales on handpump and straight from the cellar, all in tip-top condition. Offers food, has a pool table and attracts a wide variety of customers. Always a friendly atmosphere and friendly and efficient service. A must visit when in Preston.
11 Jan 2009 14:04
The Prince Of Orange, Ashton Under Lyne
Bad karaoke and the punters who love that sort of thing. Need I say more?
15 Dec 2008 17:50
Visited on a cold Sunday afternoon. Was greeted with a warm welcome, a choice of five real ales and some good value sandwiches. A friendly pub with ale - I tried the George Wright 'Roman Black Ale' - in excellent condition. Well worth a visit!
15 Dec 2008 17:42
The Rose of Mossley, Mossley Hill
Pleasant, welcoming pub with a decent pint of Guinness at �2.65.
7 Dec 2008 15:49
Great pub with a friendly welcome and an excellent range of real ales. The Holden's Golden Glow was excellent on my recent lunchtime visit. Has a proper tap room, various separate seating areas and from bear garden. Also serves good value pub food. Well worth a visit.
7 Dec 2008 15:47
Decent backstreet pub in an area that lacks decent pubs. A friendly welcome and well-kept real ales. Well worth a visit.
12 Nov 2008 21:31
Met-up with friends here last night. Very enjoyable evening - great beer and friendly service in a very charactreful pub. It gets very busy - because so many people love the place. Perhaps BUFFETBORE would be happier spending a few hours looking round the displays in IKEA or Habitat and then thumbing through a Michelin to find somewhere to eat and drink.
4 Oct 2008 20:51
Called-in earlier this month while visiting Dublin. Service was friendly and efficient and the Maguire 'Plain' was excellent and - by Dublin standards - keenly priced at �4 a pint. Kept going back for more!
27 Sep 2008 19:13
Young's Bitter was in superb condition when I called-in last Thursday luchtime. Very handy for quick pint when using liverpool Street Station.
27 Sep 2008 19:03
The Ash Tree, Ashton Under Lyne
Oh dear! Recently called in for the first time in about six months. The ales are priced at what I expect to pay in a London suburban Wetherspoon! A couple of the bar staff are friendly and helpful, but the rest seem to do anything to avoid eye-contact with customers - let alone serve us. The quality of the ales has declined sharply since my last visit. Shall not be going in again. Echo the point made in a previous posting that Tim Martin needs to pay a surprise visit to this outlet.
15 Aug 2008 14:15
A friendly welcome and ales in excellent condition and reasoanbly priced. Also stocks interesting draught and bottled European beers. A refreshing change from the 'manufactured' pubs and well worth a trip down Oxford Road.
15 Aug 2008 13:02
The Briton's Protection Hotel, Castlefield
Enjoyed a tip-top pint of Robbies Unicorn here earlier this week. A brilliant, traditional pub with a splendid interior and a warm welcome. At one time I associated this pub with high prices, but many pubs have caught-up and it's now (Holts and Sammy Smiths excepted) near the city-centre norm. Well worth a visit and long my it survive the 'developers' - aka architectural vandals.
15 Aug 2008 12:58
Now with an outside seating area literally on to of the Medlock. A friendly welcome and the ales were in very good nick with prices were reasoable for this area. Well worth a visit.
15 Aug 2008 12:50
A real gem - and a rarity these days - a traditional city centre boozer. Great place, friendly welcome, very efficient service and ale in tip-top condition - what more could you ask?
3 Aug 2008 21:35
A feeble shadow of what it once was. Very little choice of real ale and lots of non-working handpumps.
3 Aug 2008 21:32
The Fly in the Loaf, Liverpool
Well-kept beer and a friendly welcome in this relaxing pub.
3 Aug 2008 21:29
Friendly welcome in this busy pub, which has a good range of Cains ales. Well worth a visit.
3 Aug 2008 21:26
Excellent pub with fine ales and good food, in a pleasant edge of city, rural setting.
20 Jul 2008 22:43
Superb pub serving an excellent pint of Guinness and well-kept real ales. Always a friendly welcome at this characterful pub.
20 Jul 2008 22:27
Closed earlier this year by the licensing authorities. That says it all!
20 Jul 2008 22:20
Enjoyed a pint of Sam Smith OBB - at the standard price of �1.38. You cannot fault it and it was in tip-top condition.
18 Jul 2008 21:27
Great pub offering a friendly welcome from staff and customers. An excellent range of real ales, a beer garden and an all-round proper pub: a pub for conversation and relaxation - not gaming machines and competing TVs and music.
2 Jun 2008 08:01
Always a friendly welcome in the traditional boozer, and a great range of well-kept Robbies ales.
29 Apr 2008 23:11
Only use 'Barristers' side of the pub, which has a good range of cask ales in tip-top condition and at very reasonable prices - Spitfire for �1.80 a pint. I believe the licensee (or former licensee?) got the smoking ban martyrdom he was seeking - and a very big bill!
29 Apr 2008 23:07
Great choice of ales, friendly service and brilliant sandwiches. Well worth missing a train for!
12 Apr 2008 22:30
Looking for a quick pint and bite to eat, popped in here earlier this week. Quick and friendly service and food was fine. Usual JDW format and good prices.
12 Apr 2008 22:15
The Last Orders (The Trap), Glossop
A choice of six Cains ales - all in tip-top condition and reasonable prices for the area. A comfortable pub and a friendly welcome. Highly recommended.
21 Mar 2008 16:18
Busy on a Friday lunchtime with good choice of well-kept ales. Looked like good food as well.
16 Feb 2008 19:32
Very presentable pub with top-notch Robinsons ales. A good community pub and very handy for Rose Hill station.
8 Feb 2008 17:23
The Crown Liquor Saloon, Belfast
Visited earlier this week. The restoration is superb. Service was friendly and efficient with a choice of three real ales and an interesting and value-for-money food menu. Interesting options - not the usual pub food. The Whitewater Belfast Ale was excellent. Well worth a visit.
27 Jan 2008 18:38
Fast, friendly service and guest ales only �1.09 a pint on my recent visit.
27 Jan 2008 18:32
The Coal Clough Hotel, Burnley
Proper community local that extends a friendly welcome to all. Interesting range of ales in tip-top condition. On my last visit had a replication of Massey's Bitter - produced at Burton.
19 Dec 2007 21:12
Friendly welcome and a great selection of real ales in excellent condition. Wel;l worth a visit!
18 Dec 2007 23:13
Interesting choice of beers, decent, real food and a welcoming coal fire. Well worth a visit.
18 Dec 2007 22:54
Cracking pub! A friendly welcome and a great choice of hand pumped ales, plus draft imported beers and a good bottled selection. Well worth a visit.
18 Dec 2007 22:52
Regarding FoggyD's post.
Were any of your group smoking? Since 1 July railway byelaws have forbidden smoking anywhere (including open platforms) on any railway station. I'm not surprised Northern Rail declined to comment: Stalybridge is not one of its stations! It's managed by First TransPennine Express.
4 Dec 2007 22:34
The Great Western, Wolverhampton
Excellent, friendly pub serving Holden's and Batham's Bitter as a guest. Friendly welcome and excellent service. Well worth the walk from the station.
2 Dec 2007 21:37
Busy pub with good range of guest ales. Usually has Cain's Dark Mild at �1.39 a pint. Service is very efficient.
22 Nov 2007 08:01
The Sweet Green Tavern, Bolton
Called-in yesteday and what a turnaround at this pub. It has returned to its former glory. A friendly welcome and an impressive choice of eleven guest ales, mostly from micro-breweries. Excellent and definitely one to visit when in Bolton!
22 Nov 2007 07:48
Enjoyed a few decent pints of Saltaire Chocolate Stout in this almost typical JDW pub. I say 'almost typical' because one thing was very different. The service was fast, efficient and friendly - other JDW outlets please note!
29 Sep 2007 16:52
The Witchwood, Ashton Under Lyne
Recently changed hands and has undergone inside and out refurb. Still retains all that's best about the Witchwood, but now looking good and cared-for. On a recent visit the ales were tip-top (including two priced at only �1.50 a pint) and were joined by real cider - Thatcher's Cheddar. Cheers!
29 Sep 2007 16:47
Busy, friendly pub handy for City Station. Ales always in tip-top condition and reasonably priced for city-centre. Well worth missing a train for!
29 Sep 2007 16:45
The Ash Tree, Ashton Under Lyne
Good real ales at sensible prices, but the service can be hit and miss. I tend to go in at quieter times.
14 Aug 2007 21:13
Superb traditional layout pub, with a friendly welcome, excellently kept Robbies ales and great food. A true gem.
14 Aug 2007 20:57
Great range of real ales, and always a friendly welcome in this multi-roomed, proper pub. And the beer's sold at sensible prices. Love it!
13 Aug 2007 20:50
A decent, characterful town centre pub - with well-kept ales.
13 Aug 2007 20:48
Great pub with an excellent range of real ales and friendly welcome. Spacious beer garden. Well worth a visit.
13 Aug 2007 20:46
Great value Sam Smith's beers - including the new Cherry Fruit Beer. A pub where people go to meet and talk. Well worth a visit.
13 Aug 2007 20:44
Excellent range of beers, friendly welcome and good service. A nice, cosy pub - not a drinking factory.
4 Aug 2007 21:19
Called-in for a quick pint before going for the train. A friendly welcome, great pint of Guinness. Just the thing for the weary traveller.
4 Aug 2007 21:03
Typical Wetherspoon set-up. Decent prices and efficient bar staff oin my visit. Only two grumbles: music in a JDW! And why no real ales from Ireland?
4 Aug 2007 20:58
Friendly crowd and good choice of ales at reasonable prices for this neck of the woods.
23 Jul 2007 14:40
Tip-top Wadworth ales (three of them on my visits) and handy for Lymington Town station. Friendly welcome.
23 Jul 2007 14:37
The Riverhead Brewery Tap, Marsden
Superb beers and a great pub in a great Yorkshire town. Friendly welcome, surrounded by great walking country and an area steeped in history. 10/10.
7 Jul 2007 14:16
Ryans Of Parkgate Street, Dublin
Treaditionally furnished bar. Friendly staff and customers. Good foof and a good pint of the black stuff.
30 May 2007 11:57
Great pub, with excellent beers and food. Fine location by the sea.
30 May 2007 11:56
Visted this pub, with friends, over thge May Day holiday weekend. A warm, friendly welcome and superb ales. 10/10. Brilliant!
30 May 2007 11:46
The Prince of Wales, Burnt Oak
A friendly welcome and excellent Guinness. A proper Irish pub, not one of those fake Irish-themed places.
22 Apr 2007 23:27
Is this now the Three Wishes? If it is it's not a traditional pub anymore. Lots of big screen TV, blackboards and 'Victorian' fittings straight out of a pub company's vivid imagination.
14 Mar 2007 12:54
Superb, traditional, multiroom pub. Friendly welcome, excellent ale and good value food. Not to be missed.
10 Mar 2007 14:12
The Hare and Hounds, Manchester
Traditional pub, with classic interior, serving well-kept ales.
18 Jan 2007 15:19
Quality ales - both Fuller's and guests. Shame that after the refurb last year smoking is still allowed at the bar. Echo earlier comments about staff attitude!
3 Jan 2007 10:05
Great quality ale and good choice. The Moorhouse's Black Cat is superb and excellent value - and served in 24 fl oz oversize glasses. Cannot fault this place.
1 Jan 2007 11:58
The Railway Tavern, Chelmsford
Usually find the ales satisfactory and the welcome is friendly, but the pub is incredibly smoky! Not sure how the smoking ban will hit trade, but it will certainly make drinking far more pleasant!
30 Dec 2006 11:56
Ales always in tip-top condition - and a good choice. Very handy for the rail station.
30 Dec 2006 11:53
Ales always in tip-top condition. The Brakspear Bitter is always superb. The only downside is the occasional gobby customer 'holding court' at the bar.
30 Dec 2006 11:51
Great Porter's ales and great value prices. Superb choice of Irish whiskeys - much more than the usual Jameson and Bushmills. Excellent.
30 Dec 2006 11:48
Superb! Robinsons always served in tip-top condition. Excellent - and real - food. Fantastic traditional pub interior. A must do whenever in Stockport.
30 Dec 2006 11:46
Good selection of well-kept cask ales. Good prices. BUT never enough bar staff. On two of my last five visits have walked out after waiting more than ten minutes to be served - at 1130 on a weekday morning!
27 Dec 2006 03:55
The Mad Bishop and Bear, Paddington
Excellent Fuller's ales. Probably one of the best 'big station' pubs in the country. Shame about the loud volume of TV sport. Can't people just watch the game - without the 'experts' drivelling on? But, at least there's a patio drinking area - if you can say that when it's still within the trainshed?!
27 Dec 2006 03:48
Always found excellent real ales and mainland European beers here. The food is excellent value.
27 Dec 2006 03:36
Busy, friendly pub with good range of real ales and mainland European beers.
27 Dec 2006 03:33
Very good. Splendid interior, with ale and food to match.
27 Dec 2006 03:31
Excellent home-brewed ales, great food, warm and friendly atmospher and excellent service. What more do you want?
27 Dec 2006 03:27
Verey busy and very good pub, with well-kept ales and always a mild available.
27 Dec 2006 03:18
Beer and food very good. A nice escape from the 'usual' Deansgate.
27 Dec 2006 03:14
Excellent range of well-kept ales and selection of mainland European beers. Efficient service. Excellent value, home-cooked food. A gem! My second home while a student at the nearby university.
27 Dec 2006 03:12
A real pub! Excellently kept ales (now from Bedford, alas) and generally relaxed atmosphere.
27 Dec 2006 03:08
Generally well-kept ales and efficient service. Can be quite pleasant, but frequently let down by the many socially defective customers bawling and whining....
27 Dec 2006 03:03
Shepherd Neame ales in superb condition. Efficient service. Great!
27 Dec 2006 02:58
Superb Porterhouse beers and very good food. Great bar and always a warm friendly atmosphere.
27 Dec 2006 02:53
Superb beer range and top quality, but lacks atmosphere. Best to take your friennds and provide your own atmosphere!
27 Dec 2006 02:41
Closed and boarded. Formerly one of Manchester's gems, but utterly abysmal but the summer of 2006. In its final state closure was a blessing.
27 Dec 2006 02:30
The Original Plough, Chelmsford
Excellent condition ales and not bad prices for the area. Shame the no smoking rule at the bar is not properly enforced.
26 Dec 2006 14:45
Characterful pub with tasty range of mainland European draught beers and real ales from local microbrewers. A TV- and football-free zone. Keep up the good work!
26 Dec 2006 14:39
The Sweet Green Tavern, Bolton
Not what it once was. On a recent visit the real ales were OK - no more. A shame.
25 Dec 2006 15:14
Great pub with ales kept in superb condition - and Cain's Mild always available.
25 Dec 2006 15:13
Friendly service and welcoming. Decent pub food and good Warsteiner. Shame those no real ale, but that's the madness of Daniel Thwaites Brewery for you!
25 Dec 2006 15:10
Good, well-kept ales and friendly service, but the pub seems to be a hangout for the local social defectives. Shame
25 Dec 2006 15:08
The Moon Under Water, Hounslow
This is what a Wetherspoon pub should be: well kept ales and efficient service - both bar and food. Recommended.
25 Dec 2006 15:05
Real ales generally in good condition, but the choice is often very conservative. If the locals who insist on Pedigree want the stuff it's everywhere. They can always p** off somewhere else and pay �2.50 a pint, but I suspect they'd drink most guest ales and pocket the change. Be more adventurous with the guest ales!
25 Dec 2006 14:59
The Witchwood, Ashton Under Lyne
This pub has its ups and downs. When the ales are good, they are very good. Consistency seesm to be the problem. No doubt uncertainty about its future doesn't help matters.
25 Dec 2006 14:55
A goog range of real ales and some interesting draught mainland European beers. Friendly welcome.
25 Dec 2006 14:51
Superb, old, station bar with good, changing range of real ales - including a mild/porter/stout. The train can be late anytime, when I'm here!
25 Dec 2006 14:48
The Caledonia Hotel, Ashton Under Lyne
Friendly, welcoming pub. Well-kept ale and very good foof menu.
25 Dec 2006 14:46
Excellent, welcoming pub with a great choice of real ales. The best of any pub in the borough.
25 Dec 2006 14:43
The Old Swan, Netherton
Superb pub. Tope quality home-brewed ales. The Original (3.5% abv) was refreshing and very tasty - and just £2.40 a pint. The food was also excellent with a large plate of braised lamb's liver and streaking bacon with mash and four different vegetables and gravy for just £6.25. A great place with a friendly welcome and loads of character. 10/10.
17 May 2018 21:01