please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
IT WOULD BE A MORE FAIR COMPARRASSON OF COMMENTS IF GENUINE CUSTOMER REVIEWS WERE PLACED ONTO SITES SIMILAR TO THIS, INSTEAD OF 'FRIENDS' OF THE OWNERS. I ADVISE THESE OWNERS TO ACTUALLY CATER TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC ASWELL AND PROVIDE A GOOD STANDARD OF SERVICE INSTEAD OF FOCUSING ON THEIR PERSONAL GAIN AND UNLIMITED SUPPLY OF ALCOHOL.
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Just moved to sunbury and started drinking down the Hawke. I can't believe the previous comment that Tracey is sour faced! The only i've time ive seen Tracey upset is when somebody is being out of order and disrespectful and needed removing. Its a very welcoming pub with great food and drink.
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It is a crying shame that a historical pub is being run by so terribly. The staff are welcoming yet not so much can be said from the land lady, greeted with a grimace, I'm presuming the glasses in her hand were a sign of why *gulp gulp*. Seriously change much needed, started with an AA meeting I suggest.
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I have been frequenting this pub for a few months now and thoroughly enjoy it. The ale is very well kept and not expensive and the food is extremely good - I have never been disappointed yet. I can completely contradict the comment made on 2nd June - this pub is on the up. It welcomes everybody and caters for diners very well.
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I have been frequenting this pub for a few months now and thoroughly enjoy it. The ale is very well kept and not expensive and the food is extremely good - I have never been disappointed yet. I can completely contradict the comment made on 2nd June - this pub is on the up. It welcomes everybody and caters for diners very well.
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I have been frequenting this pub for a few months now and thoroughly enjoy it. The ale is very well kept and not expensive and the food is extremely good - I have never been disappointed yet. I can completely contradict the comment made on 2nd June - this pub is on the up. It welcomes everybody and caters for diners very well.
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I have been frequenting this pub for a few months now and thoroughly enjoy it. The ale is very well kept and not expensive and the food is extremely good - I have never been disappointed yet. I can completely contradict the comment made on 2nd June - this pub is on the up. It welcomes everybody and caters for diners very well.
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I have been frequenting this pub for a few months now and thoroughly enjoy it. The ale is very well kept and not expensive and the food is extremely good - I have never been disappointed yet. I can completely contradict the comment made on 2nd June - this pub is on the up. It welcomes everybody and caters for diners very well.
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Visited today with a couple of Camra mates. Ringwood Best Bitter was in fine form, and no one shouted at us which was a bonus; could be because we were only customers of course. Other beers were Courage Best and London Pride but did not try these. If nearby Phoenix did not have such great (though expensive) beers might use more often. One to try if you're passing.
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we went into this pub tonight, how disappointed were we
1../ the lack of service was awful, the landlord serviced us, but it took a good five minutes to receive our drinks and even then slow!! which can understand if busy but the only couple at the bar !!
2./ Accidentally dropped a glass outside the pub I assume was shouted at by the landlord from the back garden very unprofessional and lost my custom!!
3./ I worked in the Admiral Hawke for eight years previous and to see the state that it is in now and after tonight's experience will not go in there again, unless it changes hands
IN MY EYES HAVE RUN THE PUB INTO THE GROUND!!!!
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Its definitely on the up!! Just need to have a few more musical soirees (and tell people when they're on ;) ) and maybe get some Brains SA in as a guest beer. As for bad pints - it does happen sometime but always tell the bar staff - otherwise they can't rectify the problem!!!
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looks a bit smarter now at last, so probably worth revisiting now under new owners..
TheGP - 29 Jun 2010 13:21 |
Hi Message to ifyouaskedmeonafriday,
My Name is Tom im the new licensee of the Hawke, i think your comment on it being grim is a little unfair! i have been here 6 months and im gradually improving the place, as to the pint of Pride you had i can only assume it was the end of a barrel and if you had said something at the time we would have changed it for you.
Please feel free to come in and try another pint on me! and im sure that if you were to ask many of my ale drinkers they will assure you that i keep good ales.
Also please can i inform you that the dates you were stating the pub was at its best i was infact the assistant manager/chef.
Best Regards
Tom
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This has become seriously grim. Went in there on a Friday lunchtime, was served worst pint of Pride ever, fled after struggling through half of it, since I had no intention of ordering food.
This used to be (I'm thinking 2005/2006) a family establishment which served good hearty food. It's become dreary. I'd like fans of the pub to prove me wrong by explaining what's good about the place now.
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This is a great pub!! Good beer which is served by friendly staff in an authentic setting.
There could be a guest ales or real ales on the menu
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guess what the old chef is back as the new owner! give him time to clean the place up then no doubt we will be able to enjoy good food and a great sunday roast once again.
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Dying trade? Only in badly run pubs
Commuter belt? Money draining? What on earth are you on about?
maybe address the facts in the post rather than irrationally post nonsense abuse. All of the things I criticised can be addressed for free - no cost to the owner whatsoever.
read the facts - I said there is nothing massively wrong with the pub, I wonder why someone running a pub wouldn't put in a bit of work for free to fix the obvious things wrong with it, rather than swearing at people on websites.
TheGP - 16 Oct 2009 16:44 |
To The GP
Tw@t
I will argue my corner you arrogant tw@t
The owner is obviously struggling and comments made by ideots like you, don't help a dieing trade trying to stay alive.
Why not P1ss off and drink in your commuter belt area with the other money draining ar5eholes
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trying hard?
The back room used to be laid out immaculately. Now there is a tatty old couple of sofas in there, the long list of excellent food is gone, and there is crap lying around.
There used to be a quiz machine. This is now turned off
There used to be a well kept garden. Now covered in weeds and all sorts of crap left around the edges.
They are forgetting the basics! Nothing much wrong, but a little common sense would go a long way..
TheGP - 15 May 2009 20:45 |
Actually I'm a spy for the brewery - but don't tell anyone.
Nope - I'm not in anyones pocket or anywhere else - I just spend quite a bit of time in the pub and have seen them at their best and worst.
I like the pub - it's trying quite hard to please. For instance quiz nights/karaoke/bands/open mike nights. This Sat is band night - come on down-????
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The last 4 reviewers have only ever reviewed this pub and 3 of the reviews were posted within 15 mins of each other. Are they in the pay of the landlord as their descriptions of the staff, landlord, prices and the pub are not as we know them.
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Went here for sunday lunch today, and was very impressed!
Staff were helpful, food was good. nice atmosphere, didn't have any problems.
Would recommend it for a meal out or just a friendly drink.
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Loved it! What a brilliant pub. I'm relevantly new to the area and I was pleasantly surprised to discover this pub. The landlord and lady were really friendly and welcoming and I really enjoyed my evening. Drinks are quite well priced and the bar staff were lovely.
I have yet to check out the music events but I've heard their great.
Definitely recommend this pub.
ducks - 11 Jan 2009 16:24 |
Fantastic pub. Friendly staff, Landlord and lady are both lovely. Was made to feel very welcome, drinks are good and reasonably priced. I would definitely recommend it and the live music nights are great!
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They have started having music once a month now - which is great. Either local bands or open mic nights. If you like to chill out and listen to some music or even go along and play - watch the blackboards for info.
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what rubbish - the reason local pubs are failing is because of the arrogant dismal service you get from the staff.
I will support local pubs, just other ones than this one.
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Great Pub, gets alot of bad press but the pub is what you make it and when busy its a great atmosphere. Friendly locals and Howard is geat, can be Victor Meldrew but thats his humour.
We need to support local pubs to keep them going before we start to loose them all
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Great band in there last night - hopefully they will have more of these evenings - young kids and some oldies in audience - a good mix of people - a great evening!!
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Russvon must be one seriously confused individual.
Yes this pub once was a nice place to go for a drink and some local pub food but that would have been some 4 years ago!
And the comment about having never witnessed any trouble in this pub...not true. Granted it's not very often but i have seen a ruck or 2 in there. Mostly hot air but have heard of an "ashtray" incident! Think that turned out to be the Owners son if memory serves.
It's not a total loss but i think it's about time this pub was given back to someone who can bring it back to it's former state.
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That last comment was so full of inaccuracies I don't where to start:
"The staff are always polite and friendly" - Not true, the exact opposite!
"Speak English unlike the Flower Pot" - Nice racist comment - They seem to know about customer service in Poland though?
"the same staff (Unlike the 3 Fishes) - I'd rather have different staff than the same old miserable git being rude to you" - read ALL the comments below
"The food has never let me down in the 4 or so years i've been drinking there" - When it finally arrives, you may be right
This pub is not all bad, and compared to many say, up the road in Feltham, is a million times better - But it used to be the best in Sunbury and has gone to pot, thanks to the owners taking their eye off the ball and neglecting customer service and general upkeep of the pub.
TheGP - 28 Jun 2008 09:36 |
I think the fella there has got it right this time, Yeah the food trade has dropped - but i think this is mainly due to the price hikes in beer across the country and the no smoking ban. They have a mixed crowd in this pub, from a younger crown who have finally been catered for with a pool table and darts board (i have NEVER witnessed ANY trouble in this pub) to your older regulars - with a real family feel to it with its nice garden and large carpark. The beer is always always top notch - pricey but where isn't these days. The staff are always polite and friendly (Speak English unlike the Flower Pot), the same staff (Unlike the 3 Fishes) and with it (unlike the Pheonix). So quit clutching at straws - the pool table is always being used and i have always got a game when i've placed my coin down and met some nice (suprisingly in this day and age) younger lads staying of the streets and obviously work given their vans and cars with their company logos on. The food has never let me down in the 4 or so years i've been drinking there. Give it a try, you'll like in ths place i'm sure. Cheers
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Oh Please grow up - give the place a chance....at least they are trying..
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Let's go back then...
New themed restaurant for Sunbury
Food lovers in the village will welcome a new gastronomic experience at the Admiral Hawke. This exciting new concept is a restaurant with a �pool hall� theme, no doubt inspired by the cool character played by Paul Newman in �The Hustler�. To add to the ambience, the owners have introduced a genuine pool table to the centre of the restaurant and a cast of extras, seemingly cast-offs from Grand Theft Auto 4.
The menu is packed with �pool hall�� themed dishes, such as rack of lamb, pot roast and cue-cumber sandwiches - or try a little English mustard on the side. Whatever you choose, you can be sure this new restaurant has balls.
zappa - 29 Apr 2008 21:43 |
Try Paul Newman.
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OK, it was proberbly Robert Redford, but you get my drift..
zappa - 29 Apr 2008 21:18 |
New themed restaurant for Sunbury
Food lovers in the village will welcome a new gastronomic experience at the Admiral Hawke. This exciting new concept is a restaurant with a �pool hall� theme, no doubt inspired by the cool character played by Steve McQueen in �The Hustler�. To add to the ambience, the owners have introduced a genuine pool table to the centre of the restaurant and a cast of extras, seemingly cast-offs from Grand Theft Auto 4.
The menu is packed with �pool hall�� themed dishes, such as rack of lamb, pot roast and cue-cumber sandwiches - or try a little English mustard on the side. Whatever you choose, you can be sure this new restaurant has balls.
zappa - 29 Apr 2008 14:40 |
Well, well... 'Hawke' landlord, are you listening..?? (See lastest comments by Aggymonster and TheGP..)!
I popped in the Admiral to see the footy recently, but it looks like they no longer have Sky Tv. The pub was reasonably busy (8pm) but not bussling. I would have stopped, but i had a match to catch! It did not have the feel of a bar that "grabs you" and makes you want to stay for a polite half! So i tried the "3 Fishes" down the road instead. No doubt the 'Squire' will invite me back to the Admiral soon, and I'll report more fully then. Meanwhile, can somebody give the landlord a computer, so he can see these reviews here..!! Ta (reviewed rating now 5/10) TJ
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Well where to start, I went to this pub a week or so ago and this has to be the most unfriendliest pub it has ever been my displeasure to walk into. I was greated by the most sour faced old man it has ever been my misfortune to meet, who took forever to even notice that i required serving, as he was to busy chatting to the (what i later discovered) clicky regulars. What shocked me even more was that this sour faced old man who seemed to show no interest in providing me with service turned out to be the landlord!!!
The only saving grace was upon my second visit to the bar the sour old man was replaced by a much more cheerful woman, who didnt take forever to serve me and most importantly had a smile and made me feel welcome.
The real pity here is that the last time I was in this particular pub was a couple of years ago and the atmosphere was alot more friendlier and welcoming.
Bring back the old landlady!!!! Or send the landlord on a customer service/relations course!
Would it really hurt to crack a smile?
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You sure you're going to the same pub??
I was there on Sat 14th and had a great meal with a load of mates - and the bar was packed. The meal was great - although they did forget about the coffees - but that was soon rectified. I agree some nights are a bit quiet - but that goes for all pubs...
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baffingly seems to be getting run into the ground - why I know not as used to be a great pub, now getting increasingly tatty and empty
TheGP - 16 Dec 2007 22:09 |
Well, actually I like this pub and I spend a bit of time here with various friends.
Food is usually good - and if it isn't they will rectify it without any hassle. Ambience is varied - good when busy.
Music nights are great fun - try one out - there's a board outside.
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Funny that as the chef if i recall walked out. lets just see how long the current managers last? complete load of bull!!! as for real comments look back a year before the current management took over.
anonymous - 16 Sep 2007 19:51 |
Funny that - the chef in question was fired b4 xmas - Food seemed to have improved since then judging by the real comments here DANNI!!
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i agree it is a shame as use to be wonderful. the original chief is now running the swan inn, moor lane staines. recommend visiting if you want to experiance the great food that once upon a time was sereved here.
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Used to be great, until the current management took over and is now pitiful. They seem to be running a pub as a hobby as they have no idea of customer service.
The food is exceedingly bad value. Empty pub, but if you order a sandwich, for over 3 quid you get a tiny sandwich, no salad or anything, and if you are lucky it will turn up within the hour.
Water dripping through the ceiling - pointed it out to the landlady and she says "oh yes, it does that" = no explanation or apology.
The toilets, particularly the ladies are dirty and falling apart - christ knows what the hygiene in the kitchen is like.
Sad sad sad, as this used to be the best pub in Sunbury, particularly for food, but now is the worst. Go the Magpie or Flower pot if you are eating, it is nicer, cheaper and arrives quicker. And the staff act as if they are glad you are in the pub, rather than just an inconvenience!
anonymous - 14 Jul 2007 15:24 |
Fantastic pub, nice staff & the food has really improved in the last month. Nice real ales too
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Today I returned to the Admiral Hawke after a hiatus of nearly 2 years to find the standard as high as ever. It was a beautiful hot April afternoon, and the front parlour was perfectly cool and comfortable. A supercooled pint of Fosters and an excellent Thai green curry set me back less than a tenner. Long may the high standard be maintained !
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I like this pub but the grey haired old fella who I presume is the landlord sometimes acts as if he has never run a pub in his life and has just wandered in. A rude man. A very funny idea on how to give off a friendly vibe, a shame as the food is excellent and it is a good pub.
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Still one of the best around
Great food....Great Beer....Friendly staff
Can't wait for the sun again so we can sit in the garden.
Nice pub.
anonymous - 19 Jan 2007 12:52 |
Ate in here the other day and the food was as good as it used to be - so would definitely still recommend.
Service v.friendly also.
TheGP - 19 Dec 2006 13:19 |
not as busy as it used to be - not sure the change of menu has been a success...
anonymous - 1 Dec 2006 13:13 |
We ate here a few times recently and the food was very good, although the eating area got a bit hot during the summer. The beer was fine and the staff friendly and efficient.
zappa - 10 Oct 2006 12:54 |
The 'Squire' had a meal in here the other day, but he said the food on that day was not that good, and expensive for 4 people (�62)! I do hope the ale was up to scratch... TJ
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Judging by TeeJays comments I think I am being stalked..
TheGP - 21 Aug 2006 16:13 |
Wonderful all round pub I think. Nice garden - a little small but secure so no worrying about the kids - Good food (HUGE steaks) with a separate-ish dinning room thats smoke free for those who prefer. Friendly staff. Goooood beer. Usually gets busy on a Friday and sat night with the extra hour of drinking a bonus!
All in all a really nice place to go. And family friendly to mid evening so the kids don't have to miss out!
anonymous - 11 Aug 2006 16:05 |
Had a pint in here the other night. Very servicable pub! For �5.00 you can get a good size burger and chips (allbeit curly-wurly chips!) & feel satisfied. I will go again. Quiet at 8pm (weekday) had a pleasant enough drink with the 'Squire' and then sallied forth! TJ
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The Admiral..! God bless all who sail in her..!
I had a decent pint in here recently (first time I've been in for about 5yrs). Its a small pub, with a 'sit down' meal area at the back (didn't check out the garden). The football was on the Tv and the England flags were all getting an airing. Yeah, it was Ok.
(Hey 'GP', do you think things are changing.. pubs aren't the same as they were..? Is it a sign that we're getting older, pub staff are getting younger, and ideals & practices never seem to stay the same, for very long...??)! TJ
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I worry about the Admiral Hawke. Traditonally one of the better pubs in the area with a great menu, on my last few visits there has been something wrong each time. There was my last comment below, then last time I got a pint of Warm Guinness which was meant to be extra cold.
The menu appears to have gone a bit Flowerpot as well - The old menu was perfectly OK and hit the spot, no need to get delusions of granduer...
It's still OK, but not as good as it used to be
TheGP - 29 Jul 2006 10:07 |
Lovely place to go for dinner. Although i have had to wait longer for my food than i would have liked. Staff are young and friendly.
It's the kind of pub you can stay in for hours and not realise the time.
Good selection of drinks!
anonymous - 4 Apr 2006 16:59 |
I read the last comment by GP and agree - I'm what would be best classed as a regular and he/she will be happy to know the Barmaid in particular was sacked after only a week and a half! I also understand that the new owners are making a clear area to the side of the bar for people not to stand but so others can order drinks and food. Plus it appears as if the Garden is getting a make over too.
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It's a nice pub with a good menu, but they should be careful it doesn't go the way of the Three Fishes - Keep it friendly to non-locals. Being able to get to the bar to get a drink would help, as would stopping the barmaids flirting with the Chav punters and getting them serving.
However, still one of the best pubs in the area.
TheGP - 12 Mar 2006 18:54 |
Really good boozer - appear to have a zero tollerence to any kind of trouble. Food is great and lovely staff. Going there tonight for oysters! yummy
anonymous - 14 Feb 2006 12:46 |
Came in on Sunday with my wife & 2 children. The roast dinners were abosolutly fantastic. By a long way - the best pub food in the area, new menu looks very impressive, certainly recomended.
anonymous - 6 Feb 2006 12:30 |
Have been coming to this pub for 7 or so years. in that time Simon and Cathy had the place and recently sold it to a new family who on the several occations i have been in have continued where Simon and Cath left it. There are plenty of events on the board & live bands. The ales are also very well kept.
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Smashing Pub - Excellent Ale - Super Nosh... and even better News THE QUIZ is BACK!
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Visited this pub twice on our holiday from Canada and both times the place was absolutely packed. Friendly bar staff.
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This is one of the finest pubs I have encountered in Surrey. Well kept beer, attentive and courteous staff, EXCELLENT food. (Not only the London Pride, but for those who like a lager, the Budweiser too !) On top of this, the beer garden makes good use of limited space, the air conditioning makes for a pleasant summer experience, and the loos (!) are spotless and well appointed. When I went there on Thursday with my parents, the friendly staff put the telly on specially so we could watch England playing Australia at cricket.
Recommendation: Try the Aberdeen Angus burger
anonymous - 25 Jul 2005 13:28 |
The Hawke has recently had it's kitchen and menu refurbished - It was good before, but having visited again, I can confirm it is still very good.
Had a nice meal that cost an identical amount to a microwaved abomination I had in the nearby Magpie.
I would go in here instead.
Can still be a bit cramped for a proper drinks session, and can be hard to get to the bar, but food is main strength and staff always friendly.
TheGP - 18 May 2005 14:13 |
I have visited this pub a few times and have always found the staff very friendly and the food well above average. I always now suggest it to my friends as a meeting place.
The quiz night is excellent
anonymous - 12 May 2005 13:38 |
I like this pub - although the newer restaurant bit at the side can be a little isolated - but the grub and the beer is good, the atmosphere is usually very welcoming.
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A good pub, especially for food it is first class. Is quite small and "local" but go in any other pub in the area and the local element is 100 times worse and more threatening. In the Hawke they are at least friendly.
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My wife and I visited the Admirial Hawke this evening on the basis of the rating on this site. Overall we were a little bit disappointed.
The beer was good and the staff nice, but the overall atmosphere was very 'local'. For my wife and I, a truely excellent pub is welcoming and cosy, without being dark, and has character and charm. We didn't feel the character and charm of this place... perhaps because of the new dinning wing extension which was modern and lacking soul.
Not bad, but not a top 40 pub.
radandmark - 11 Jun 2004 19:42 |
