please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
A very warm and friendly pub and good ales worth a vist went there 31/12/2011
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One of us has been going to The Chequers, Well for 30 years, so in the times of the freehold landlord. It has had its ups and downs. We still go regularly, but it is deteriorating again.
We were served "sandwiches" which the (I hesitate to call Chef) had failed to butter the bread of, and the bread was off a bog standard loaf, and rather stale. If you ask for any variation of a sandwich, such as a bit of cucumber, they want to take something off!.
The needless pile of hot onion rings, whilst lovely with a steak I am sure to some folk, is superfluous on a sandwich plate, and I would just prefer a decent sandwich.
The waiting staff have become vacant, and asked if the meal was OK after we had to ask if we could butter our own sandwiches.
Basically, there are attention to detail and attitude problems here, which is a great shame.
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The chequers in Well is very much a mixed bag.
Often the food served here is very tasty, the creme brulee and the ultimate burger are two such items. However as has been commented on the prices can be a little extortionate what what you get on some dishes.
There is a mixed quality in the service too, the more experienced staff are lovely and polite and make for a wonderful evening however some of the inexperienced staff are indeed very slow.
The pub itself isn't small however the actual bar is minute! This is certainly not ideal during busy periods , and even with such a small bar getting around it can be difficult due to the squeezed space.
Despite the shortcomings I almost always have a good time at the Chequers, enjoy their pub quiz and all in all it's not a bad old place.
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Lovely cosy pub, Good traditional food,
Only wish they had a selection of lighter options.
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Oh dear!! Went there with a few friends on a late Sunday afternoon (when we actually had some sunshine!), we were quickly put off any food after the resident dog had taken food from another customers table, quickly followed by crapping on the lawn 4 times in a few minutes.
Later we moved inside - very nicely presented - but our conversation was drowned out by the owner/landlord who was drunk. The other staff were pleasant to deal with - even if a little embarrassed by the proceedings.
Not sure if we will go back or could recommend it.
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I thought twice about eating in the Chequers given the mixed reviews of other subscribers to this site. However, having had drinks and dinner there last night I felt compelled (for the first time) to post my comments.
To my mind The Chequers is exactly as you imagine an english country pub to be. Warm, cosy and friendly - the beer was good too! We ate in the restaurant area which was comfortable, live music in the bar area added to the ambience without being overbearing. The service was good, despite the fact they were busy and the food was simply excellent.
I would recommend any doubters try for themselves.
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Visited the Chequers Inn this evening with friends and was very disappointed overall. Firstly we found the dining area had no atmosphere, we where served by polite although scruffy waitresses who unfortunately did not seam to know the menu (asked for size of steak expecting an oz and she merely showed �err I don�t really know about this big� with her hands, also asked for the soup of the day which she asked a colleague.)
When our food arrived the Special of Meatballs was cold and very bland, the garlic bread was burnt on one side attempting to hide this by stacking did not help, steaks did not seam to be consistent one of our party received a good cut whereas others received fatty, gristly pieces. We also had to request steak knives.
For the prices of the meals on the menu we expected far better service, consistency and quality. Unfortunately due to this we will not be returning.
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I've been here with friends a couple of times recently and am not sure how I feel about it. Drinks are fine, decent wines limited ales as its owned by Hall and Woodhouse. Food is on the expensive side for what it is, fairly small portions in big impressive bowls but cheap old cutlery.
I can't understand why they put people who want to eat in the small bar area when theres an empty restaurant next door. Means theres no room for people who just want a drink, or maybe they dont want to encourage drinkers.
I have to say that the staff are generally awful. Scruffy looking jeans and t shirts, no clue about what theyre doing and miserable with it. maybe thats unfair and theyve just not been trained. One foreign girl seems to have some idea what shes doing but stomps around in builders boots.
The thing is I keep going back as its such a lovely spot with such potential to go from ok to great. I just wish the manager would take it in hand
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The vine covered area at the front makes this one of the few pubs you can sit outside all year round. Great for muddy dogs! Beer is OK but Hall and Woodhouse would not be my first choice of brewery. Service is always fine but expect more diners than drinkers in this place. Worth a visit just for the fresh country air.
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My goodness - not sure what place the other person was talking about but it couldn't have been The Chequers at Well. My daughter said that there was a change in kitchen staff recently but the management is the same I'm sure. My family took me for a meal during the day and I could not have been more satisfied. The tall young chap who served us was very polite and the food was really lovely. We were not rushed even though they were quite busy. I visited sometime last autumn and since then they have improved their menu even further. I will most certainly be back and will try and pick an evening next time when they have some music. I highly recommend the pub.
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What a difference a year can make!!!!!!
I came to this pub on 10th August 2007 (see my previous review) and it was fantastic.
I have been a few times since and it has always been of a high standard but my last 2 visits were shocking.
The first time i just put it down to an off day, everyone has them and i wanted to give it another chance which we did!!!!!! Wish we didnt.
The most horrendous Cottage Pie i have ever tasted, The Fish Pie was a floury goup is the only way i can describe it, Soggy scampi, waiting staff were terrible and clueless and didnt smile once. The place felt like a mourge the atmosphere was that bad.
Come on Chequers, Whats going on, get back to where you were last year.
Bring back the homemade chips, big portions, smiley faces, atmosphere.
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I've been visiting the Chequers for the past year and a half since moving into the area--and it's a delight. The old parts of the interior date back to 1542, there's a great fire on winter evenings, the Sunday lunch is always good (and reasonably priced compared to other commentees), and though no beer expert I reckon the Badger and Thirsty Ferret are as good as any of the local Hampshire/Surrey offerings. And dog-friendly too with the chance to meet pub dog Stanley if you make it out into the back garden. Just feels like a classic old English pub to me, and I'll keep going back.
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A generally upmarket country pub, on a surprisingly busy back lane. A most inviting prospect, with the vine laden trellis leading to the bar door.Very pleasant on a hot summer�s day, though there�s a woodburning stove lurking for later in the year.
Inside, the bar is dark and wooden, with sporting prints and fresh hops on the wall-are hops still grown locally, as they were in the past? The beers were Hall and Woodhouse: I�m not really familiar with them, and I gather that they aren�t particularily fashionable, but I found the Badger and the Fursty Ferret (silly name),to be pleasant if not memorable. Behind the interesting looking brick fireplace and chimney breast in the bar is a room , laid up for meals.
As it was a pleasant autumn day, we ate in the garden:food was on the expensive side, though perhaps not for Hampshire, but the portions were comfortably large, and freshly prepared. Perversely, as I can�t eat bread, I had a burger with all the trimmings: the burger was of epic proportions, and well made.In the event, the baps weren�t wasted:Stanley, the pub dog spotted an opportunity and made off with them while I was distracted.
If I lived and worked in the area, would I be welcome in my muddy boots and overalls? Perhaps not: a pity, as the Chequers is this much away from being an archetypal English country pub. I like it, also dog friendly. 7/10
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Mostly go here for a quiet drink with wife. Good ales, unusual lagers and nice wines at fairly reasonable prices. Food is expensive and main menu hasnt changed since it was put in by new owner (Roy/Ray?) But weve eaten here twice and quality and portion size was good
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A lovely pub. I've enjoyed many summer evenings sat out under the vines at the front.
Beer is good (Badger is the usual), food has always been good.
Change in management late last year I think?
I would definitely recommend although there are a few good options locally.
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Decided to go here on a beautiful Sunday lunchtime. Pub was very quiet and options on the menu were minimal and expensive. Out of 10 meals, 5 were sent back. Microwaved (supposedly fresh) tortellini that was cold in the middle with curdled sauce, roast chicken that was like eating leather, orders taken for pate and baguette only to arrive without baguette. I really could go on... Such a shame because it's a beautiful pub but I would be telling everyone I know not to go-at least until they get new management. It's not difficult to please a group of hungry diners- but the 'no can do' attitude of this pub was very disappointing- we were told they couldn't do a side order of garlic bread, even though many of the dishes came with it! Is it that dificult to just put some of it in a bowl?!?!? . In the end they lost out as most of us were offered refunds. Very disappointing. My rating reflects the nice look of the pub and the poor waiting staff who were being let down by the kitchen.
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Well I don't think alebear could have been in the same pub as me. I was in Odiham for the weekend and my friends and I went along to this pub two evenings running. The beer, especially the Hopping Hare, was excellent and the food was outstanding, the scampi and wild boar to be especially recommended. The staff were extremely welcoming with one extremely gorgeous French girl going out of her way to serve us with welcome bonhomie!
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A precious jewel of a pub. This innkeeper knows how to keep his beer and customers happy, and the food is delicious and hearty. In spring the place goes al fresco, with seating under the ancient vine and in the sunny garden. Cheerful and efficient staff too. 10/10.
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Dont know what your all saying. Its a Lovely cozy pub, great atmosphere. Traditional pub food. Although there is not alot of choice on menu Its still good pub good Lots of locals.... Good outside decking in the summer.
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Visited recently. Great pint of Hopping Hare. Food was good although limited, on Sundays, to Sunday roasts or the starters, no sandwiches. Not many tables inside. Will be back to try menu and more beers.
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Good beer, overpriced food and on our recent visit staff miserable barstewards.....pity
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Dark, uncomfortable and food nothing special.
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Quality pub, food is top class, beer is good but a little expensive
Burger and homemade chips out of this world and the girlfriend had sausage and mash which was huge
Dont know what all the fuss is about with regards to service, seems fine to me, it was not very busy(day after bank holiday though) and i ate in the bar.
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Beer 9/10 = a slightly stained glass stops the full 10/10
Food 10/10 = fish & chips was more like a whale and the whole plaice was divine
Ambiance 10/10 = place was packed and had a good feel to it
Cleanliness = 8/10 building is very old so a few cobwebs, toilets are immaculate
Staff = 3/10 a real let down to a fine pub
Beautiful summers evening enjoying a pint of tanglefoot and the best fish & chips i have ever tasted plus it was huge.
Only downside was the member of staff who had to get up,put down her cigarette to bring me my meal only to then go and sit down and finish it.
Dont really like my meal being brought to me by dirty hands.
I can agree with ISM4 & his comments about staff and although i feel GRONALD was a bit scathing in his review i can understand his point of view, a bad steak can be rectified but bad service and dealing of a situation will stop you going back.
Dont let this stop you from going, Its a great little country pub
anonymous - 26 Aug 2007 17:36 |
Oh Dear Mr Henry James Lomax - poor and disappointing your resort to personal mud slinging. Its best you don't comment on things you were not party for. "Do you think that because you did not enjoy your meal that the rest of your party should not pay as well"
Are you saying we tried to get a free meal for everyone out of this..absoulute rubbish and shows you lack of any knowledge of what happened. Also a steak was not "insisted on" at all.. We asked if a mixed grill could be made if it wasn't a problem we would choose something else - no one told us about the steaks being sent back until AFTER we complained...surely a failing of the staff
I won't resort to the level you have but simply wanted to feedback that a problem with a steak (and this happens) was dealt with in such a poor manner.
Mr Henry James Lomax, probably best not to reply since you've already shown a distinct lack of knowledge of what was happening (maybe a nom de plume of someone try to slavage the situation??). I've no axe to grind with the pub (its not all been glowing refenced), other than it was a great place I used to frequent but won't be back for the reasons stated.
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Fantastic food, there liver & bacon is second to none.
Why do they not do desserts anymore.
If the pub/owners/brewery read these comments then take note of all the other comments on here with regards to the service. It is poor and a real let down to a fine establishment, furthur more the staff look like a bunch of down and outs, someone should tell them how to dress.
Oh I should add that the Fursty Ferret is now back on and as always the beer here is superbly kept.
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Wonderful, Wonderful, Wonderful.
This is what a pub should.
Great Food & Good Beer.
anonymous - 25 Jul 2007 16:38 |
I have been to the chequers on about 6 occasions and enjoyed them all. The area under the grapevine is a delight for a summer lunch, and the main bar is very cosy. The beer (Hall & Woodhouse) is usually in good condition and the wine list seems to keep the wife happy.
I think the food is good and reasonable value, the menu has plenty for the fish lover, carnivore and veggies. I have eaten better pub meals, but when combined with the good beer and setting it is one to go back to.
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First let me start by saying I have signed up to this site first and foremost to set the record straight about the comments made by the last person.
I have lived in the Long Sutton some 2 miles from Well all my life and feel strongly about supporting the local business when I can.
I, although not a "true" regular of the pub eat there often, Unlike the person who made the previous statement as I have never seen him in the pub before in my life.
The Chequers is a wonderful pub serving excellant food and beer with a good atmosphere, Not a TV, Fruit machines or jukebox in site and people should not be swayed by what can only be described as a hatchet job by one person.
The evening in question myself and my wife were dining at the next table to this group who were loud rude and arrogant from the moment they entered the restaurant, The person in question who cannot be described as a gentleman should be ashamed at the way he spoke to the lady who was serving. I also ordered the steak that evening and was told that the chef was not to happy with the quality of meat he had been sent that day therfoe would not recommend it. I opted for the Liver.
This person still insisted on having the steak with his meal and from what I could tell ate everything on his plate, with the exception of the steak I might add.
Do you think that because you did not enjoy your meal that the rest of your party should not pay as well.
It is also interesting to note how the name of this person is anonymous, therefore I cannot send him a message personally hence the reason for posting on the main board.
You have stated you would not come back to the pub again ever!!!! well quite frankly that is a blessing for all of us.
May I suggest a Berni Inn in future for your next dining experiance because obviously a quality establishment like The Chequers is out of your league
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Won't be back again. Was a regular because food was nice but last visit had cause to raise a complaint to the manager about steak that was simply unedible. His responsive was defensive and rude and when he eventually waived the cost of that meal (we were still paying full price for 3 other main courses and drinks) he threw the bill down on the bar and stormed through to the back room and left one of the waiters to take my money. The crazy thing was some of the comments from him and the girl who served us. When we told the waitress about the steak she said "we've had problems with them and a few have been sent back". Then the manager said "we are not a fine dining restaurant" -was that supposed to justify unedible steak! and then said it was our fault for "ordering off menu". Silly us!. We asked the waitress that since steak, liver, bacon and sausage were on the menu could we have a mixed grill and was told that wouldn't be a problem.
So, used to recommend this place but will never visit it again, not because of the unedible steak - these thing happen, but the response of the staff when I raised it with them.
anonymous - 11 Jul 2007 14:41 |
Fantastic beer coupled with fantastic food.
Once they get the service right they have a pub which will be second to none in the county.
I have read the reviews about the pub and have to say that they are mostly spot on.
Keep up the good work "Chequers"
anonymous - 29 Jun 2007 17:09 |
What a lovely pub in a beautiful setting.
We ate here Sunday 6th May food was great as always, good beer and nice wines with prices to match.
Take note of the other comments as it seems to be a common problem, the staff are shocking, not once during the meal did I see a waiter or waitress smile, one girl actually tutted and was downright rude when I asked for extra cream with a dessert I ordered. If the food was not so good we would not come back
Take a tip from me, eat in the bar you have less contact with the staff in there
anonymous - 6 May 2007 22:48 |
The best meal I have ever had and yet it was so simple. Grilled asparagus wrapped in pancetta with a poached egg and some buttery balsamic oil. The confit of duck that followed was superb. The pub is not cheap but the quality is worth paying for.
With regards to the previous comments I must say I had no problem with the service at all, you order at the bar and they bring the food out to you. Simple
This was a pub with a terrible reputation in the area but since new ownership it is a joy to visit.
anonymous - 3 May 2007 19:37 |
Once again anotherlovely meal and in such a lovely pub, set in such beautiful surroundings.
My only gripe is similar to the others on this site and that is the service. It is staffed by kids who have no idea about communication, but then again most pubs nowadays are staffed by kids....cheap labour one imagines.
But by know means let this put you off, the food was excellant although the plates it came on were cold (a pet hate of mine)and the Tanglefoot beer that accompanied it was superbly maintained.
There have been 3 changes of the menu since I have been visiting this establishment so I presume they change it on a seasons basis.
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You can always tell a good food establishment from the consistency of the food. It�s the difference between an average venue and an excellent venue. Of course any chef can produce the goods when the restaurant is half empty but the sign of a quality restaurant is the standard of the food when it is packed to the rafters and this is where the Chequers Inn comes into its own. The wife and I have been a few times now, a quiet Tuesday night, a busy Thursday night and a bustling Sunday and the food and service has been consistently good whatever the day or time. On our most recent visit I started with the Asparagus with Pancetta! The portion was a good size and the asparagus was tasty and well presented. My wife Hannah chose the Mussels Mulled Manianer and she was bowled over by the delicate sauce which complimented the very fresh and juicy mussels. For mains I had the confit of duck which was meaty, tender and cooked to perfection. My wife enjoyed her very hearty Tuna Nicoise Salad which was clearly made with good quality fresh produce. Alas we couldn�t manage any deserts but did enjoy a nice coffee and brandy each to finish off a delightful meal. Overall I would sum up the Chequers Inn as a well run country pub with a lovely inviting atmosphere, attentive and friendly staff which raises the bar for other pubs and indeed restaurants in the area due to its first class food. T
anonymous - 24 Apr 2007 22:46 |
I have visited this pub quite a few times in the last 7 or 8 months and have been impressed every time. The welcome is warm, the beer is well kept and the food is excellent. Only one gripe, the pub website proclaims it to be a 'Restaurant and Bar'. What pretentious twaddle, why be ashamed to promote your selves as a country pub - and a very good one at that.
anonymous - 23 Apr 2007 13:10 |
Big Challenge - Mothers Day, Big Group & lots of kids.
Verdict - Superb. Great food, good beer, Something for everyone including the kids that was well cooked, well presented and reasonably priced. Assessment - We will be back very soon. There is talk of live music in the beer garden when the sun comes out - sounds ideal.
anonymous - 22 Apr 2007 23:24 |
3 of us ate here on a Thursday evening. It was a curry night and the place was packed.
There was a live accoustic band playing in the corner who were fantastic, the singer is also the barman.
Although 2 of us did not want curry there were several other options to choose from.
The curry was great and I would not have had better from a local Indian, The Poppadoms were fresh and hot and the mint yogurt was to die for.
The steak was beautiful and the pepper sauce that came with it was excellant according to friends
The wine list was extensive and not over priced.
Service was not the best but we did not mind as everyone was very friendly and the atmosphere was great.
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Great great food. The burger is superb as was the fishcakes. Also the chips were fantastic, thick, homemade and crispy.
A friend had fish and chips, it was huge and was the best he'd ever had.
The owner told us the chef trained in Paris and this shows in the quality of the food, although this is a pub that serves pub food it is of a much higher quality than all the pubs we have been to in the area.
Service is the only bad point of the visit, sat there for 10 minutes before we were acknowledged by a New Zealand girl who never smiled. We had to wait a while for our drinks and the bill was wrong but this was rectified quickly enough.
anonymous - 17 Apr 2007 15:59 |
Having visited this pub to eat some 4 times in the last 8 months I have always found the food very good although some part of the menus have been through degrees of change. On the previous occasion it was upmarket now it is back to pub grub but very good at that although I would have like a fish dish other than beer battered. The place was full , but so it should be on a Saturday night. The only quiblle I would have is that the vegetarian menu is behind you as you enter and this was not pointed out. Previously it was in the dining room as well. The service has improved as on previous occasions it was just not up to standard. No doubt we will return to be greeted by another change in menu no doubt.
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I ate here on Saturday 17th March 2007 for lunch and all i can say is WOW.
It is great to see a good old fashioned country pub serving good honest wholesome food with a friendly atmosphere still exsists and the place was packed.
Set in the country with a covered outside which has its own vine growing on the ceiling i thought i was on holiday.
4 of us ate and we had Creamy Tomato Soup, Gravadlax(Salmon) and Sun Blush Tomato Brucetta to start followed by House Steak, Liver and Bacon and The Ultimate Burger.
The Burger is the best i have ever tasted and it was worth the journey from London just for that. It was huge and served with the most wonderful homemade chips jusy like MUM used to make.
We finished with Sticky Toffe Pudding, Apple and Rubarb crumble and Spotted Dick all with custard....beautiful
Beer was good according to the husband although he did say as it was a Hall and Woodhouse Pub the choice was rather limited.
The pub had two open log fires which i can imagine in the winter being lovely to sit next to.
The only sour point on the day was the dour faced Australian girl who could have done with smiling a bit more but other than that it is definatly a place to go and visit
PS, Try the burger
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St_Guido below must've gone on a bad day!
I've been to The Chequers five or six times and every time service has been quick.
The food is GOOD solid, healthy PUB food. It's great quality and very tasty. If your looking for nouvel cuisine, this is a PUB and is not the place for such things.
There's a number of great brews on tap, there's no fruit machines, TV sets or other irritating distractions and it's slap bang in the heart of the country, with outside seating perfect for summer.
What more could you want?
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I visited this pub for Sunday lunch recently after a break of a couple of years & will not go again for a considerable time!
The atmosphere of the pub is as cosy as ever & the beer was nice; the food was OK (but not special) but the speed of service was appalling. It was entirely staffed by nice young girls who have no idea how to react in a pressure environment & clearly do not know the meaning of the word "sorry".
We turned up pre-booked for lunch at 1pm, with our final guests arriving at 1.20pm, & we completed our ordering at 1.25pm. Our food (burgers, pasta, roast pork & bangers/mash, so hardly nouvel cuisine!) eventually arrived at 2.15pm. We were told at regular intervals from 1.50pm onwards "its just coming" & this infuriates me as it clearly wasn't. The only "excuse" we were offered was "we're very busy & are short in the kitchen"! Well, if you're short in the kitchen don't accept so many lunch bookings!
We were under some time pressure & had to leave at 2.30pm, so you can imagine it rather spoilt our Sunday lunch.
My final rant is that at no stage did anyone (junior or senior) offer an apology of any sort - I suspect the pub was completely staffed by juniors who were fighting to cope.
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Superb pub that hasn't changed in the 17 years on and off I've been frequenting. Great food and the Landlord was very kind to me after I wrote off my car outside one night, sober mind!
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You cannot fail to be impressed by this pub - it could not have more character if it tried.Amazing place - to be visited in both Summer & Winter,it will always be fabulous.
Sonja Cheeseman - 5 Oct 2004 19:29 |
This pub is a beautiful pub, sitting outside it almost feels like your sat under a terrace in spain. From the outside it doesn't even look like a pub
lucy - 25 Jun 2004 14:53 |
Just what you want from a pub. Great atmosphere. Great beer (Badgers). Great food. Wonderful old pub building and interior.
Bob - 14 Mar 2003 19:11 |
