The Old Barge, Hertford

Lunched here on Saturday. Had a pint of Tribute and a pint of Wherry. Both perfectly fine, but expensive - around 40 pence a pint over the odds. The food is also expensive -�9.95 for sausage and mash - adequate eating, but nothing special. However, the fish and chips at the same price was very poor, two obviously frozen rectangles of white fish.

The Old Barge has a fine location down by the Lee Navigation, but it seemed very quiet for a Saturday lunchtime. I'm not going to quibble about their pricing policy, but if they are going to charge premium prices then the customer is entitled to premium quality which this decidely wasn't.

6 Nov 2012 15:41

New Forest Inn, Emery Down

Had a pint of Ringwood Boondoggle and my wife had a mixed orange and lemonade (which turned out to be orange and soda water). At the Royal Oak, Fritham, a similar strength beer and soft drink cost �4.20, but here it was �6.20. On requesting the details, the beer was �3.80 and the soft drink �2.40. Maybe the food would have been excellent, but when management push the price envelope too far, I leave. The beer was hazy, but tasted OK, but at that price it has to be perfect. Oh!, and my wife says the toilets were very shabby. A pub to avoid.

6 Sep 2012 17:03

Royal Oak, Fritham

Pootling around The New Forest on our bikes, came across this pub by happy chance. 7 or 8 real ales all dispensed by gravity from the back of the bar. Had Flack Manor Double Drop and the house beer Royal Oak IPA, both in excellent, polished condition. Only �2.90 a pint! Their food menu is simple, mostly a variety of ploughman's, but local cheese and ham which we enjoyed in the sun in the huge garden with great views of the countryside. Just about as good as it gets.

6 Sep 2012 16:47