please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Not sure about this place anymore. It's in a nice location, nice garden, and does some interesting beers which are well looked after. But internally it lacks atmosphere and the welcome doesn't always seem warm
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An asset to Crowborough.A beer fans delight.All one would hope for in a pub.
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I've only been in 2 or 3 times, but my impressions have been almost entirely positive. I've always found the barstaff - landlord or otherwise- pleasant and welcoming, and they've had some interesting beers, always in good nick - for example, beers from Dark Star, and a house beer brewed I think by Marstons (can that be right? Good, anyway). The pub's done out in a fairly basic, bare boards style, which I like but which may not appeal to everyone - but above all, this is still a real pub, and that's becoming an increasingly rare commodity these days. Worth finding.
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I too have mixed feelings after my first visit. Good mix of locals/visitors and choice of 3 Dark Star beers plus guests. Tried a Black Cat beer and it was lifeless in the glass. Other pints of the same beer were poured, all the same so I assume was the beer not the cellar. Had a Red Squirrel Redwood which was good but �4.00 a pint is a silly price for a 5.4% beer. As I say left with mixed feelings but the pricing policy may well deter me from another visit.
foamy - 22 Sep 2011 19:47 |
Cracking pub, great beer, great locals and really friendly hosts. From the outside it doesn't look but don't let that put you off.
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I'm not quite sure what to make of this place. From the outside, it looked none too inspiring. Inside, it was fairly busy but lacked character. Although work is still clearly being done on certain parts. We sat by the fireplace, which was disused and filled in with candles. The big pile of firewood next to it seemed odd considering the fire was not used. Nevertheless, the beer selection is good. Darkstar Best Bitter, Green Hopped IPA & Thornstar (a collaboration with Thornbridge) were all on alongside Moles Tap and Westerham God's Wallop. Westons Stowford Press was the cider. We also tried the food and I quite enjoyed the North Indian sweet & sour curry. Watching the barmaid pour 4 mesaures of gin with soda was quite amusing. Although I don't think the landlord seemed too amused when all 4 had to be replaced by new gins with the required tonic water. All in all, a good place for beer and food, but not one I'd particularly like to linger in.
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Popped in here for a swift one while in the area on a snowy bank holiday Monday. Got a very warm welcome from the bar staff and a choice of five ales, plus I was encouraged to have a taster to help decide. While the decor may be basic for some tastes, there was a warming fire at one end of the bar and while I didn't try the food, the menu certainly looked varied and interesting as well as reasonably priced.
Definitely one to make a note of for a repeat visit when I'm in the area, and if you want a good pint or two and a warm welcome, I'd recommend it.
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Sunday lunch was enjoyed in the lovely garden to this place, with amazing views out northwards. Good choice of ales available, I went for the Fullers Chiswick which was very easy drinking. There was also a dark mild from George Gales and Westerham IPA. Three Dark Star ales were on too, though these aren't to my taste
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i am agreat fan of this fantastic pub, always a warm and friendly welcome and a good and interesting selction of well-kept beers. the landlord is a real ale enthusiast and is always introducing new beers as well baing as a fantatic cook. his beer festivals are stupendous and worth getting on the bus from Tunbridge Wells for. I recommend it to everybody I meet.
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Visited yesterday and was greeted with their dark ale festival - a choice of eleven dark ales! Definitely worth coming here if there's a festival on.
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Visited on a weekday lunchtime and found a group og locals at the bar having some good banter. A choice of four ales and I chose the Dark Star stout which was very nice. The decor is quite basic bt in quite a nice traditional community pub way. The welcome was friendly and because the weather was unseasonably good we sat in the pleasant garden with lovely views. The menu was quite limited (not necessarily a bad thing) but we did not eat so cannot comment on teh food. Certainly a pub to visit if in the area.
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Always excellent evening and can recommend the Darkstar Best. Landlord always very helpful my favourite pub in Crowborough by a mile
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Great pub - wonderful Sunday lunch. Landlord very helpful and has now been rated my partners 'Best Pub in England!' Nice unspoilt atmosphere
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first ever visit here on a Saturday evening on a CAMRA minibus trip. Fine range of ales in good nick and the very welcoming Guvnor even put his deep fat fryer to work producing sausage and chips to help us soak up the beer. Would go back if in the area even if it is off the beaten track a little.
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Superb beer - especially if you like dark ales. Frequently has festivals on bank holidays.
Can't see why anybody found it unfriendly - landlord and barmaid always delightful - just not 'have a nice day' gushing.
High quality pub grub on offer too.
A fire in the winter is all that is needed to make this pub perfect.
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It is clean and harsh, and so puts me in mind of a hospital corridor in the good old days. Not welcoming.
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The staff were extremely pleasant and the old tabby cat and the black dog were very friendly too. Beer in excellent condition and there was an an interesting choice. If you're heading back for "The Cross" to catch your bus, unless you're super-fit, leave plenty of time - it's quite a climb!
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Decor rather harsh, landlord a bit stand-offish and clientele very cliquey. Need to be a local to feel comfortable here and the decent beer does not make up for that.
anonymous - 19 Jan 2007 22:30 |
Great place to explore the world via it's beer :)
If you're not sure what to drink ask Dave and he'll find you a good one.
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Visited many times and always had a great time. Friendly staff and customers along with excellent beer. Their lunch time food must be sampled!
anonymous - 14 Jul 2005 17:03 |
Found this pub to be unwelcoming. Sporadic food offering. Will not be making a return visit.
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Community pub well off the beaten track in a small estate on the warren side of Crowborough. Free house bought by current owners Dave and Judith aout two years ago. Dave is a keen real ale enthusiast and keeps a selection of ales very well, including some micro-brewers. Pub hosts Petanque games, popular in this area.
Andy - 12 Oct 2004 19:03 |
