please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Variable. Very friendly on one visit; a bit indifferent on the next. TV's a bit intrusive and beer expensive for Farnborough. But two Caledonian beers on, and in good condition.
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Found the new manager extremely rude and offensive. Wont be going in there again !!
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Pre-refurbishment, the sofa spring stabbed me ! :)
Post-refurbishment, this establishment is a place I could take my Mum to [, if she drank].
The staff are friendly, the facilities are OK and the customers are also friendly and chatty.
I have to add, that as an ale drinker my real reason to use The Trades is because they sell Amstel which I'm quite particular to.
Their Friday and Saturday late opening is a relief for those of us who finish work late and I've very pleased to write that there has never been *any* trouble since I've started venturing into the place since 2010/2011.
I rate this pub 8/10 and hope they continue doing things as they are.
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Passing_By is right about this one. Great atmosphere during the England-Germany match (not the pub's fault about the result!). There were also burgers, hot dogs and chips available.
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Excellent pub which is the best place for watching sport on the TV.
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Kudos to the not-so-new-anymore Landlady for really turning this place around! She's thoroughly cleaned up the pub and its reputation. The Trades is the Local that we use most regularly now. In no way does it deserve the low rating that it has on Beer in the Evening. She had it redecorated some time ago and the place looks and functions terrifically. The atmosphere is friendly and lively at times - it's a good community pub. I am very pleased that real ale / guest ale is on offer now, even if it tends to be from the larger breweries. The refit has given a nod to Farnborough's local history too - there are several old aircraft/airfield photos up on the walls - a nice touch, I thought. The Sky screens, sport on offer, darts and pool table guarantees entertainment and activity if you want it - and if you don't want, there's never any trouble having a quiet pint too. The patio area is clean & well-kept and there's ample parking. All-in-all a very strong Local. The only thing left that could improve the Trades is if there was food on offer. This is not a criticism, however, because you can't have everything, and I understand that serving food is expensive and probably not hassle-free. The Landlady and Staff deserve a lot of credit and positivity for resurrecting the Tradesman's Arms back into the world of Great Locals.
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Still enjoying The Tradesmans Arms after the refit.
Much more comfortable, clean place with comfy leather booths plus the soft chairs and tables in front of the large plasma TV. Shows all sports events which adds to the atmosphere. Clever smoking area out the back for those who like a "ciggy".
Nice friendly crowds being pulled in and especially by entertainment like Live Bands, karaoke and discos most weekends. Liked the idea they have of FREE juke box when no entertainment takes place :-)
Much more friendlier pub still serving great beer and now ales.
Agree with Neillysane... the rating should be higher now.
Well worth a visit if in the area.
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The pub has recently been redecorated and is much improved. The leaky smelly gents has been sorted out and now I feel comfortable to use the facilities instead of holding on half wetting myself until getting home for relief. The pub now has a kind of sports bar feel with comfy booths and a large screen tv. Thankfully It still has its pool table and darts board. Seems to be attracting a bit more custom now.
Doesn't deserve such a low rating, its only because its averaged over all reviews going back years.
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I totally disagree with the last comment from "the sensible pub reviewer!!
I often drink down the Tradesmans Arms and have done for the past year but I wouldn't have stepped foot in there previously.
The landlady over the last year or so has changed the place around and deserves some credit at least.
Yes the place does need a bit of decorating but doesn't most pubs in the area.
I think if you are looking for a nice pint and a friendly atmosphere The Tradesmans Arms is the pub for you.
There is no trouble in there and you are made to feel welcome unlike some other pubs in the area.
Judge for yourself.
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to the sensible pub reviewer, i see your comments and take them on board.
yes this comment was put on under my username, but i can assure you it is not my comment, your choice to see that fact or not.
as for your advice on what my pub needs that is just your opinion.
i obviously dont have to explain myself to you but since takin over this pub 2 years ago the sales have gone from strength to strength, so much so that i am able to afford 2 sky boxes for my customers, something that is well known not to be a cheap option, also i have a lot of customers which may agree with the fact it needs a lick of paint, but have you ever heard of the sayin "dont fix it if its not broken"?
i would strongly suggest you find yourself a good gastro pub to drink in if you have such strong negative comments about mine, thank you x x x
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landladytrades - Great name for trying to cover yourself up, don't you agree!
Obviously this means your the land lady at the Tradesman Arms and not just a customer as you have suggested, otherwise you'd of chosen a different name. I'm sure you do a good job working here LandLady - but if your in charge why not give the place a lick of paint and kick out the rough scoundrels.
Generally I don't like to Gastro pub idea, turning this place into a Gastro is the best chance you've got!
Not impressed on visit 1/10. :)
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disagree with the last comment, i go there regulary and have done for the last few months, if you call needin a lick of paint rough then ok but it was the first pub in farnborough i entered where the place didnt go quiet and everyone turned to look when i walked in. i was spoken to by a few regulars and was made to feel very welcome. it has now become my regular.
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The place is a bit rough. The Scotsman was still there as of a few months ago. I have been in there several times and have never witnessed any kind of violence, however.
Wish they would clean up their act a bit, as they have a better darts area than the Courthouse (across the road) and also have a snooker table. Lovely rottweiler dog called Denzel. Friendly staff. No food. Men's toilet in need of repair & clean up.
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I disagree with the comments on here.
"This pub has a bad reputation but that's from the past.. The new owner has and is still changing things around. Old habits die hard so the odd "old School" punter ruins what's actually a great pub to be in for this area. The new owner is very friendly and the atmosphere is warming. Don't let it's history put you off.
anonymous - 14 Nov 2007 14:44 |
never been and never will, a guy i worked with used to go there regular. he deliberately wore a spurs shirt when there were chelsea fans in, just for the crack of it. still he was a bit twisted.
apparently had a couple of alcoholic scotsmen who used to hurl abuse at him also, he loved it (strange boy)
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Agree with previous postings, though I'd like to know what IS the worst pub in Farnborough if not this one (aleman - 6/11/05). This is surely the joint-worst, and I would not be surprised to learn that there's a shuttle service between this place and the "Queens"!
If you're visiting this pub, brush up on your behaviour by watching a few tv prison series or visiting a monkey house! No, on second thoughts, the monkey house would be too cultured!
A MUST-MISS!
anonymous - 7 Aug 2007 21:38 |
Agree with previous postings, though I'd like to know what IS the worst pub in Farnborough if not this one (aleman - 6/11/05). This is surely the joint-worst, and I would not be surprised to learn that there's a shuttle service between this place and the "Queens"!
If you're visiting this pub, brush up on your behaviour by watching a few tv prison series or visiting a monkey house! No, on second thoughts, the monkey house would be too cultured!
A MUST-MISS!
anonymous - 7 Aug 2007 21:38 |
Should you wish to visit a pub for a few naff beers and a few fisticuffs then the Tradie is pure pub heaven. Otherwise, cross the road calmly and go to the Courty instead - without making eye-contact with anyone across the road!
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Steer clear. Chav hell.
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Not good comments, didnt see the very bad side of the pub that has been suggested here. Though did get the impression that it was a rather run-down place. Not as good as the old courthouse, but i think its not the worst pub in farnborough
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I'm afraid to say this place is a bit of a dump. It's ok if you're a chav but if not it's one to avoid:-(
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