please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Long gone, now flats I believe.
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Heard it's back on the market for 2.6 mil or 120 grand per year rent....Not a lot of chance of either in its present state. A venture for another wetherspoon maybe?
razor - 23 Sep 2012 21:22 |
Closed and no hint of reopening as a pub unless of course GK want to waste more money.
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Now back under the control of Greene King and mine hosts Barry and Kim are gradually bringing the place back to its former glory. Abbot ale, Ale fresco and GK IPA on pump along with a good range of lagers etc. An extensive range in the food menu and very reasonably priced with large portions and expert presentation. Well worth a visit.
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Closed again 13th Dec and re-opened 15th Dec. Apparently it is leased to a holding company by Greene King, shame they can't make up their mind who they want to run it, it ain't fair on the licensee or the regulars.
razor - 17 Dec 2010 17:08 |
Indeed it has re-opened and is thankfully now once again, in the hands of someone who strives to give the customer a good experience as well as a good pint. Not so sure it has to compete with local pubs, seems to be something going on most weekends i.e. karaoke or a live band or a disco that caters for all tastes, so it is a little different from surrounding pubs. Good to see some of the old bar staff back behind the bar as well.
razor - 28 Nov 2010 16:52 |
It would seem to have re-opened recently after several days of closure. Being where it is and what it is, it has a fair amount of competition within walking distance (The Park, The Wych Elm etc) but it used to be a decent boozer.
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Well! the door closed for the last time on this new venture...Well done James!!....I guess we will have to wait for a new "Mine host" once again.
Dan, Thomas and not forgetting Martin behind the scenes in the kitchen.....I wish you all the best for the future and would like to thank-you for your hospitality albeit shortlived.....Keep at that keyboard Dan...I'll buy one of your records instead of ripping it off the net......I owe you that much buddy!! Hehehe!!
I've upped my rating to 10 but it applies to the staff only.
razor - 26 Sep 2010 01:47 |
I agree with Razor just who is into charge of the Canbury whoops I mean the Alexandra and if it's not going to become the Canbury number 2 why are there beer matts on the bar advertising the Canbury (well there was last time I actually went in the place) no doubt the Alexandra beer matts are sitting on the bar in the Canbury Arms!
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I am getting a little confused here...is James using two profiles? He answers in the "Canbury" review as "Jamesthelandlord" aged 41, yet he is supposedly answering here as "Artisticinfluence" aged 24???
Exactly who is it that is in charge of the Alexandra? At the very least, "Nutty1" will need to know who it is that he/she needs to find for that free pint.
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Nutty, i would hardly say "used and abused"! Unless, you were one of the parties actually involved, i dont think anyone has any right to comment.
And as stated, The Alex WILL NOT become the Canbury v2.0.
But please, dont let what others say or do cloud your judgement in regards to the pub. Why dont you come check us out, and see whats going on? In fact, Nutty, come find me and your first beer will be on me!
James.
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I think this pub has gone really downhill since Malcolm and Karen left and the old staff were basically used and abused by the new owner in the interim period while the new team were put in place which I think was awful why couldn't they have just been honest with the old bar staff and tell them straight they wanted a new team honesty is the best policy rather than being so underhand. That's the main reason I won't drink in the Alexandra anymore and I don't like what the pub being turned into the Canbury Arms number 2
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Nice to see that you are keeping the Alex as a traditional boozer James ( They are sadly disappearing at a fast rate ) and Kingston has more than its fair share of gastro pubs. Regarding change......ok, you've addressed both types of change, that of commercial viability and change of a personal desire as a licensee, for which I thank you.
But blimey!! the Alex as a "Moody Boozer"?? Well, I ain't no "Jack the lad", neither am I "Mr posh guy" but in all my years of having a drink at the Alex, I have seen no hint of agro, only a broad spectrum of folks from all walks who were there for one thing....A drink and a bit of banter. Yes, sure there was sometimes a bit of "Us and them" (Human nature I'm afraid...and you ain't gonna stop it) and every pub has got it!!
James, don't listen to here-say, it gives rise to unwarranted reputation, and by the mere fact that you are inviting people to sample your hospitality, that is now the Alex....you would not like to be subject to it either.......just a thought my friend, it could save a lot of advertising expenditure.
Wish you all the best in your new venture, and yes I will still have a tiddly in your establishment.
razor - 15 Jul 2010 18:45 |
Under new management and the influence of the Canbury Arms for obvious reasons. Everything that was Malcolm and Karen has been removed, including the staff who were always welcoming and friendly as well as being proficient at their job, a lot of the regulars are noticeable by their absence as well. I was told that it was going to be kept as a pub type pub by Malcolm, but have my doubts as a lot of "Canbury" influence is present in the form of the type of menu, prices and inexperienced staff who have developed the art of keeping you waiting even if you are the only customer.....oh! and not forgetting the sign outside which actually advertises the "Canbury".
The pub now seems to be attracting groups of women and children, ok, fine in the afternoon when you've picked them up from school, but letting them run riot in and out of the bar area will drive away custom, especially when they are still doing it at 11.00. pm. Most people go to a pub in the evening for a quiet chat and a bit of banter, not to be infuriated by kids running riot throughout the bar and garden, what are the parents thinking???? little Johnny or Jessica from primary school should be home and had their supper and be washed and ready for bed by 7.00.pm. NOT IN A PUB!!!
I know the new landlord visits this site, hopefully he will take this the way I intended as constructive criticism, rather than a moan for the sake of moaning. I appreciate he wants to put his stamp on the place, but too much too soon is not always a good move unless of course you are aiming at a new client�le.
razor - 26 Jun 2010 12:11 |
This is my local pub, I think it is a very nice pub, and the staff are very friendly. I have a good laugh with a few of them. Smoking area is heated and covered, but I think it is situated a bit too close to the childrens playarea, as I work with children, i pick up these things.
The food is reasonabley okay, but I do miss the chinese food that used to be there.
They have a gamebox, with many games to play at your lesuire, and a great music selection, but at a price.
The pub is also a B&B, so if you need anywhere to stay, this is he place.
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Nice for families but do they have to have the smoking area so you have to pass through the smoke on the way to and from the kids play area? Not a good idea!
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2nd attempt to post...
Don't think they have a target clientele, apart from being a family pub, kids welcome, play area and lollies on the bar. Smokers also catered for, under cover as much as is allowed and adequately heated, but standing room only when busy, and yes I do mean the smoking area.
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Little to add to my previous posting in May 2005, but the pint of Greene King IPA last Sunday lunchtime was probably as good as that much - maligned beer gets
I'm not really sure if this pub knows what its target clientele is - seems to be trying to be all things to all men.
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Can I rephrase my last posting, I didn't mean that the Chinese guy turned his toes up....just moved on. If anyone knows where he is working, please post so I can get a decent Chinese meal.
razor - 31 Aug 2007 19:13 |
I can assure you they were serving Chinese food at the start of 2007, but sadly the little Chinese guy moved on to different pastures....English fare now....but still nice.
razor - 30 Aug 2007 22:11 |
BEST PLOUGMANS IN BRITAIN. Not sure what razor is on about I think he means the norbiton and dragon. Well worth a visit.(kiddie friendly) Great Value for money.
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They are now serving Chinese food ( Eat in or take away ) Excellent food and cheaper than a lot of places.
Well worth a visit.
razor - 18 Feb 2007 16:14 |
A very nice pub with friendly welcoming staff
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We visited this pub and found it very average for beer, service, food and furnishings. Lack atmosphere but OK. Not one to avoid or to make a special effort to visit.
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Friendly and welcoming enough, but I dont go much on the pastel shades that pubs seem to inevitably end up with after refurbishment, nowadays, with the subsequent loss of character.There is a largish garden with childrens play area, so they're presumably looking for family trade, but, interestingly, there were hardly any families with kids in the pub or the garden at all on my lunchtime visit yesterday.
In summary, a rather unremarkable pub and, given the proximity of both The Wych Elm and The Albert Arms, both well known, and in my view, much better pubs, I cant really see myself doing this one again for some time
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I visited this pub on Saturday night (20/11/04); I found the place to have been tastefully decorated and NOT the sort of striped floorboards I was expecting, from the previous reviews. The beer was good and the welcome friendly.
If I lived anywhere near here I would be very pleased to have this place as my local.
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Tried pub after recent refurb, staff friendly, beer nothing special. Stripped pine floors don't work in a neighbourhood pub making it feel cold(rather than cool)any cosyness that existed prior to refurb has been (excuse the pun)stripped away.
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Nicest staff in the land, happy to amend the menu to help you, was attractive before but refit really tasteful, still got character. Always a winner.
Jane - 17 Aug 2004 12:23 |
brilliant food and the beer gardens large with a safe play area, nice leather sofas and trad seating, loads of tvs with sky sport
Gordon - 11 Aug 2004 13:31 |
Recently refurbished. Good beer and nice beer garden.
Ben - 21 Jun 2004 13:31 |
Closed - going to be refurbished into pseudo motel or somefink - await developments
steve - 27 May 2004 19:01 |
