BITE user comments - wobblylegs
Comments by wobblylegs
I use to love this place back in the old days. However, a few years ago English Heritage bought it; I last went in February '09, on a Saturday evening at 8pm, and found the place empty!!!! The menu, which always use to be excellent, seemed very boring and uninspiring indeed. Consequently, we didn't stay. However, I heard last night this pub has a new set of managers and perhaps might be worth retrying?
9 Aug 2009 08:54
This pub is in the middle of nowhere but well worth going to. The bar area has stone flags and lovely old oak furniture and oozes ambience. There is a good selection of both real ales and high quality wines. On our first visit we were warmly welcomed by the landlord and impressed with the food menu, which seemed more restaurant than usual pub standard. Will be definitely going back to try the food!
9 Aug 2009 08:43
From the outside it is quite a plain pub and nothing remarkable at all. However, once inside you are greeted by a good selection of real ales plus a fantastic wine list and great food. The decor is simple but with bags of atmosphere. Always busy and need to book if one requires a table for dinner. Upmarket clientele; Oldboots' review is pretty accurate.
8 Jul 2009 20:13
My comment here is based only on the food: probably the worst I have ever eaten. I had things on my plate that I didn't recognise; were they animal, vegetable or mineral? I had to ask for a knife to cut my pudding it was so overcooked. Maybe it has improved since then?
7 Jul 2009 22:17
This is probably my favourite place to go for truly excellent food. Just one word of warning, might your head on the beams going upstairs!
7 Jul 2009 22:12
I adore this place. They seem to to get everything right. (Well most of the time.) The beers are good, the wine list truly excellent, the service is spot on and the menu offers something for everyone.
7 Jul 2009 22:10
Not really a pub as far more of a foodie place. Just as well really as the only real ale tends to be the ubiquitous Black Sheep. (Though they have had the lovely Golden Pippin the last few times.) The wine list is far better than the normal pub choice of vinegar available in red, white or rose. The decor is quite unique; there is brick-a-brack everywhere and old pictures, cards, books plus the odd antique.
It may be of no surprise that the emphasis is on seafood. They serve an excellent selections of breads which are very moreish. Overall the food is far higher than the average pub standard with some unusual fish on the menu, such as Scarborough Woof , when in season. However, despite the food being very good I still feel like I've been robbed when the bill comes. I guess I am not alone in thinking this because, though the place is as busy as ever, none of the old crowd go in any more.
7 Jul 2009 22:08
Usually has a good selection of well kept real ales that regularly change. Landlord a great character; very droll sense of humour.
7 Jul 2009 21:53
A great selection of real ales and quite nicely refurbished inside, keeping plenty of atmosphere. However this pub is spoilt by ignorant and rude bar staff and a landlady who thinks her staff are right and the customer wrong. I hear the lease is up for sale? If so, will return when under new management.
7 Jul 2009 18:54
Very friendly and enthusiastic landlord who informed me they are now free of their contract with Marstons. A selection of real ales available but the choice not particularly my taste. Pub immaculately clean and well cared for but lacks a bit of atmosphere, partly due to the layout: the bar is in front of the door so when one enters all the locals at the bar turn and stare; a bit unnerving! Food all home-made and good value and noticed a far better than average children's menu. Friendly atmosphere. Smokers tend to sit outside at the front
7 Jul 2009 18:47
Traditional village pub with nice intimate cosy atmosphere. There are lots of little nooks and crannies but plain white walls and clashing carpets and colour schemes could be improved. There is a strange blue room more akin to a city centre bar . There is a small selection of real ales and a home-cooked food menu. Wednesdays are alternate between Steak night or Pie night, both appear excellent value for money. (Pie night �5 per head and Steak night for two, including wine, only �20 per couple.)
Pub was fairly busy when I called and the locals were friendly.
No where nice to sit if you are a smoker though; there is a beer garden at the back but it looks very neglected without a bedding plant insight, or any form of attractive shelter from the rain.
7 Jul 2009 18:38
The Blacksmiths Arms, Lastingham
Having read other good reviews on the Internet I decided to try this place for lunch recently. I didn't particularly get a warm greet from the landlord but the bar area was lovely with a good selection of real ales, so looked promising. There were plenty of blackboards with daily food specials so decided to stay (and it was busy with diners which is always a good sign). However, though the food was slightly better than the average pub it was nothing to write home about either. I ordered the slow cooked belly pork, described as having crisp crackling; sadly the crackling was soft and chewy, the vegetables/ side dishes boring and I finished with an okayish pudding. I understand from speaking to someone else, who has been to this pub many times in the last few years, that she has found the place is not quite as good as it used to be. Perhaps trading off its past reputation?
9 Aug 2009 09:06