please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Closed 3.5 years ago - and idiots are still posting about it!
|
CLOSED. Now a Sainsburys. No real surprise, was a terrible pub and the Milan/George/Skylark are all nicer Wetherspoons
|
Well, Masterpint47, if you miss the clientele that much you can always find them in the Milan Bar. After due consideration i've not been to too many pubs where the object has been to remain stone cold sober, perhaps they drank a half more than you.Also it seems slightly odd that you post about the SoF over six months after it closed. Nostalgia?
|
Depressing place I thought, although it had it's fair share of characters. Most people in there were pissed as a fart most of the time. A proper old pissheads pub. Shame it closed though.
|
Closed as of June 9th 2013. For conversion - back to a Sainsbury supermarket. This had been the site of Sainsbury's first store outside of Central London in 1886.
|
I wouldn't normally review a Wetherspoons as they are pretty much all the same and not great. However this one I liked as it had on boards hanging from the ceiling the final trains times to numerous nearby destinations. Looking after the welfare of their drinkers.
|
Wetherspoons have a stupid Facebook site that specialises in trite answers so I thought i'd see how they come back on this one - How about opening a pub opposite West Croydon Station , a very busy area which is obviously short of pubs, a huge University teaching Hospital is just five minutes away, a no brainer.
|
Apparently 'spoons decided to ditch the Sof F after the riots and made an agreement with Sainsburys soon after. The thinking was that trade would drop off and more riots might possibly occur. The reality is that trade has gone up hugely, the new staff keep the beer ever so well and select the best ales that they can under 'spoons buying rules. Clearly they must be kicking themselves but most people would have arrived at the same conclusion. The local traders etc will grumble but As it is a Change of Use and no planning permission is required it is a "done deal".Croydon will lose a popular pub in an area that is very short of pubs and "gain " another supermarket In an area with more than enough already.
|
A Change of Use notice has been posted on the lamp post outside, apparently the lease has been sold to Sainsburys. I enjoyed a lovely pint of Jaipur here today.
|
Probably about time for a renewal of my 2006 review. Unfortunately, I am bound to say that in my humble opinion, things have not improved here overall. It's been up and down a couple of times in terms of both people and beer quality, but presently I fear it's in the latter phase. It's certainly now weaker than its nearby peer, the George.
The position of the pub in what was briefly a riot-ravaged area in 2011 does give a broad indication of the socio-economic situation locally, and inevitably that influences the pub's customer base and the way it operates - the less-demanding the locals are the less they have to offer perhaps. It's mixed, and earthy - up to you how you interpret this.
Saying that, it's melodramatic to suggest that one will likely succumb to some kind of violence or unpleasantness - indeed stepping into the Ship can be something of a relief from the rougher elements that lurk around on the streets of the immediate vicinity. No obvious evidence on my latest visit today of the now-typical anti-social attitude in town.
Turning to the raw material available here - it's typical Wetherspoon fare really. Haven't eaten for years so who knows about food; it's probably passable for its price. Ale-wise, choice remains broad and quite localised - my quick half of Westerham 1965 was actually perfectly presented, and served with a smile by the barmaid. No substantive comment on anything else.
Ultimately, not an obvious destination pub, but on balance it'll do if in the area and need a quick drink or meal. Just don't outstay your welcome?!
|
Very nice atmosphere. Slaters HAKA 5.2% in superb condition! Directors very good, that's from Billy...
|
Open on Christmas Day from 11am till 3pm.
The Abbot Reserve was in a superb condition and worth the �2.50 I had to let go. Others Directors 4.8%, Abbot 5%, Adnams Yuletide 4.5% (seasonal), Dark Star Winter Soltice 4.2%, Dorking Brewery's Black Mild 3.5%. Next to KFC on the other side of the road, when exit West Croydon Station.
|
In Response to the 26 August 2011 post the pub have had a few problems after the riots, understandably. Yesterday the pub was very busy lunchtime and back to its best,I enjoyed a decent pint of Brain's S.A. It is not very constructive to complain matters outside of the pubs control. Well done to the Manageress and staff for bouncing back from a horrendous experience.
|
I know i said i would'nt go back, but this pub is so near West Croydon train station where i have to get a train sometimes. Went to go in here yesterday for coffee and breakfast before going up to London and once again the pub did'nt open i waited untill 9:10 then left, leaving about four very patient customers. Something has to be done about this, it is the second time it has happened to me but what about the regular people who wait outside all the time. I will be writing to weatherspoons this time and hope something will be done.
|
was quickly back in here after my wonderful time last week,glad the same bar staff were in cath and the young lads,was talking to a couple of old dears,who said the staff are brilliant and bring their coffee over to tables.mate said rib eye was 1st class,i had tuna jacket.hope to try the breakfast early 1 morning soon.
|
was in here last night for 1st time in about 6 years,the blond girl in charge and the 2 young lads(dan i think their names are) were brilliant,great service,a credit to wetherspoons.beer was great and my mate said the steak was perfect.wish all wetherspoons could match this great service,well done ,will definitely visit again soon.
anonymous - 1 Sep 2011 01:42 |
mdoc62 - Have you not e-mailed Wetherspoon's HQ at Watford to report this late opening?
|
Went here yesterday for breakfast at 09:00 the pub was not open i waited a few minutes with about 6 customers in the end i left. Went back later for a pint and got told by the staff the manager opened the pub at 09:30,and it is not the first time, and got told by a few customers the new pub manager is not very good and you dont see her very often,and always open around 09:15 to 09:30 and has lost alot of customers, who now go to the George. I had a pint of directors which was not to bad. I always thought this was the best Wetherspoons in Croydon. BUT IF YOU CANT OPEN YOUR DOORS AT THE RIGHT TIME I WILL NOT BE GOING BACK FOR BREAKFAST I WILL GO SOMEWHERE ELSE
|
A new manager called Liz has now taken the reins.
|
I have not seen the 2 female managers in here for a couple of weeks,
does anyone know if both of them have been moved, i know 1 was going to Sutton but i thought Kathy was staying. i had 3 good pints of directors, the service is still good and staff polite,
|
mdoc62, The service in the Ship of Fools is excellent and i can only imagine that the manageress has been promoted as the Ship has improved immeasurably under her guiding hand. I hope that this is not an onset of Wetherspoon's musical chairs with managers, a settled manager is crucial to every pub, a mistake that 'spoons have made far too often and it has alienated drinkers.
|
Pop in on Friday good choice of ale on had a few abbot reserve and
ringwood old thumper, service quick and polite,pub was very busy
heard the pub manager is moving to Sutton so i said my goodbyes and wished her the best and told her i would go and visit.
|
Slightly above your average Wetherspoon, though Saturday morning visit marred by the irritant "Coming soon" pump clip sign on all of the more interesting ales.
|
Had a nice few pints of Junction from Sambrooks brewery yesterday my friends wont come off the directors as it such a good pint in here.
My wife and friends had a few halves of the guest ciders which all enjoy.The pub was busy got served very quick, some of the staff are more helpfull than others, we all had a good afternoon
|
I had an exceptional pint of Ascot's Alley Cat followed by a pint of the Caledonian Lemon Lipsmacker.This is a very clean pub indeed, the pine effect flooring really gleams.The Manageress was a busy bee and had a good rapport with the customers.This is a gem in an otherwise unprepossessing part of Croydon. Dark Star ales appear frequently alongside the Ascot ales, the Anastasia's Exile Stout was also on,every Handpump had an ale that was on.Sambrook's Junction will be on soon.
|
In here last Thursday (10th). The number of beers available weren't quite as described by the previous reviewer. I accept there were quite a large number of labels showing but the 'guest' ales available were 3 from Dorking and 1 from Ramsbury. The Hammerpot was not on during the whole of my visit, some 5 hours and the Scrummy Ale only came on just before I left. Bar service wasn't particularly quick, I know it's a Spoons and the food portions seem to be diminishing. One very noticeable thing is that it seems to be the meeting place for all the electric mobility scooters in the Croydon area. At one time I counted 10!
I can't quite make my mind up about this JDW pub and I still remain to be convinced it's worth drinking in unless you happen to be in the area.
|
Standard Wetherspoon - clean place, efficient friendly service, many decent ales. I had a swift half of Dorking Brewery Dry Hop Gold and almost couldn't resist the lesser spotted Cotleigh Long-Eared Owl. Yum. May not be everybody's taste in terms of atmosphere and clientele but at least you can enjoy the beer whilst waiting for a train at West Croydon.
|
First time here yesterday (Monday) 12 till 4 with a fellow drinker. We found it to be very pleasant. Staff all polite and chatty and a large selection of ales of which we sampled a few and all were on form. Worth a visit if in the area or waiting for a train!
|
Good ales in here over Xmas and new year, had some good evenings in here in December with alot of friends from the office.Hope to see you all in 2011
|
Whathappenedtopubs10, you have clearly not read my post.My main point was that mdoc62 is the basis of some bizarre ethological experiment by Desmond Morris in order to see how a primate engages with a keyboard.I am ALL in favour of pub goers posting their experiences. This pub was an utter midden a couple of years ago,the Manageress has improved the place but has more to do.My question to you is - is this just a one off rant because you have an axe to grind or will you eventually review other pubs?As for the price of bread, my last purchase was in Waitrose,Sanderstead, it was a barley and sunflower loaf and retailed at �1.89, I hope that helps.
|
I'm sorry I thought this site was for posting pub experiences, my experience here was awful made more the worse for not being handled in a professional manner. In a way it is our fault for not expecting the lack of quality of the food, drinks and service which we were subjected to considering it is a Weatherspoon's. I would say that is my biggest issue here, why were we not made to feel that the best had been done at the time, it could have been dealt with but wasn't. From what I understand Best Bar None isn't about your pub's food and drinks etc..So what has that got to do with the price of bread I ask you?? Oddly you are very defensive about this pub and manager. Yes and your right Barbara Windsor would have had better systems in place compared to the shambles it is at the moment. I rest my case.
|
With reference to the last post I have to say that my scant knowledge of the lady managerss of the Ship of Fools leads me to suspect that she is a "sharp cookie",anyone who can win "Best Bar None " for a pub situated where this one is must be a veritable genius ( I am actually still laughing over that one!) . Without being rude if you read mdoc62's posts they do fall somewhat short of the"sharp cookie" category. This pub has improved an awful lot ( you should have seen it before). As for multi postings concerning a pub, that is fine as long as the post contains updated information on for instance prices, the fabric of the building, Barbara Windsor is the new landlady etc. To imagine a pub stays the same for a long length of time is clearly daft, things change regularly and re-reviews are therefore necessary.
|
I'm sorry but I just have to say the good reviews about this pub are bull especially from that mdoc62, they must be the manager. Who in their right mind put sthat many different reviews about one pub (come off it). Do they think we are all thick. This place is woeful I recently visited and had to comment on this site which I have never done before. The ale was discusting here and was the food. I'm met to dear friends here for a catch p and some lunch. What a mistake, we had to complain about the cold food which was like rubber and they did not care at all. Staff are horrendous to be honest and customers alike. Never again.
|
Went in here yesterday with friends to eat, the pub was very busy but got served very quick, all 6 of us enjoyed the food, it took a bit longer for the food to be served as the pub was busy, but was told by the lady behind the bar that food would be about 15 minutes and it came out about 14 minutes, i thought it would be a lot longer.The abbot and directors were very good , this pub has got so much better over the last few years, good food, ales , the service is the best i have seen in a pub for a long time and i find all the staff polite and very good with the customers .This is a pub that the customer can talk to the staff have a some banter, which you do not see in pubs these days . Keep up the good work .
|
Recent visit to this Spoons with my wife in the afternoon for a meal and a drink,having sat down in the front of the pub near the window we were confronted by a group of foul mouthed low life who persisted in continuous swearing to the annoyance of other customers the main offender was a female.If i had not ordered a meal we would have made a quick exit. The food and service otherwise was very good.
|
mdoc62,i'm trying too get "my head around" the rudenessof the staff in the George,as you know i've never had that experience.Is it personal against you or in your observations is it a general rudeness to all comers??? The wait at the George is understandable as it is VERY busy and popular pubs sometimes means a wait.For instance if I was to go into let us say enter The Ship in the High Street I will get served before reaching the bar as they will be shell shocked to see another human being, this manifests itself clearly in the fact that language has become alien to them and the last time that I intrepidly ventured in they were speaking in tongues.
|
Went in here last night had a few pints good choice of ales on,the staff and the service is better than the George, you get served very quickly and the staff are very polite, where as in the George you could wait ages and the staff dont care whether you get served or not and are very rude,
|
Viking Kev, If you do decide to visit Croydon especially West Croydon move fairly swiftly ,the local robbers( there have been many incidents around here) "size up" targets ,loitering invites problems.As you work in the industry please try the George In George Street .All 'spoons NOW do decent ale-they were getting it badly wrong about five years ago( real ale was chilled) ,they have invested lots of money on a state of the art cooling system for each pub.I often visit them when it is very hot seeing if they cancope with the weather changes and I must say they pass with flying colours! The trouble is the old " give a dog a bad name" business still persists with 'spoons even though it is undeserved.Two other non 'spoons should be mentioned for quality and range The Claret and The Cricketers Addiscombe both very easily reached by tram.Like you I think Cask Marque is indicative of a decent pint but so many pubs now have the award it doesn't seem to have the same "value" as it did.
|
Slerpy is correct that the 'best bar none' is for customer safety which is an achievment if rumours about the area are to be believed. I've just checked and The ship of fools is also cask marque accredited so the beer is in excellent condition, this is checked annually. I'll definately pop in if I'm in the area.
|
There seems to be a little confusion in the previous posts, The Best Bar None Awards are given by the Council and the Police, thet cover customer safetyetc. they certainly do not check the beer quality! Camra check the beer quality by members scoring the ales that they try, the local branch have about 1,200 members who submit hundreds of reports each year, the GBG is partly decided by using this mountain of information. The George (George Street) won the last award handed out by CAMRA "Pub of the season"this was for the Summer that we are not getting.The local CAMRA Chairman was quoted in the Advertiser as saying that the award was for the excellent beer quality and enterprising ale selection. The ale in the Ship of Fools is absolutely fine but I cannot recall the Ship being awarded by CAMRA.I have rigidly stuck to the facts and have avoided giving MY opinion, except for acknowledging the Ship's beer quality.
|
With respect to mdoc62, while the staff of the Ship are to be congratulated for being a top Spoons, the idea that this place does the best ale in the area or is the best bar in town is silly.
Half & Half anyone? Green Dragon? Claret? Cricketers Addiscombe? Builders? Dog & Bull? The Standard? All of which do better beer, and - while I appreciate it is a matter of taste - are better bars.
Again, fair play to the people at the Ship, but one does have to wonder how serious the criteria for this award are given that Tiger Tiger has won it twice!
|
I read some good news in the Croydon advertiser on Friday about this pub,the pub won best pub and also overall winners in the best bar none awards for Croydon . I would just like to say well done and the pub deserves it. The staff here work hard and help the customers were needed nothing is to much trouble. The ales are the best in the area, the food is good , the pub is the best in CROYDON, keep up your hard work and keep the ales at the standard you have got them as i go to alot of pubs and your ales are 10/10 and directors is the best i have tasted for along time.
|
Watched the football in here last night with my 2 sons, had 4 very good pints of directors, the atmosphere was good, good service and polite staff this is the best pub around
|
A decent Wetherspoons in what is a run-down area of Croydon. Friendly service, a relaxed atmosphere and real ales from smaller brewers. On my visit there were three ales from Twickenham Brewing Co. I tried the Grandstand. The pub is very handy for West Croydon station and Tramlink stop.
|
I went in here again last night on my way back from London, had a few pints of directors it is the best directors in the area, the only problem a couple of the staff are not sure how to pull the real ales, the head was to big a couple of times but i asked for it to be topped up and the members of staff had no problem about doing it and were very polite about it
|
I have moved to Carshalton, have not been over here as much as i would like,as this pub has improved over the years, but did pop in about 6 times when the ale fest was on. The ales were very good and i was amazed how many ale were on. I enjoyed St Peter's old style porter, Sharp's gentle Jane, Oakham rollercoaster, Caledonian old seadog ipa and many more. Thanks for the good ales
cbc88 - 28 Apr 2010 10:33 |
I have been going in here for a few months now, it is the best pub around. The ales which have been served are excellent. While the beer fest is on every time you go in you have such a choice of ales always about 9 or 10 on . The staff work very hard you dont wait to long at the bar like some of the other wetherspoon pub around .
|
What can i say about this pub great ales, good food, hot plates and the staff are the best i have seen in a Wetherspoons. Went here last Saturday evening with 4 friends and had a really good evening. I like this pub because the staff have time to talk to the customers and help them if needed. I am looking forward to the beer festival which starts on 7th April anyone who likes real ales should go here the ales are kept well and served good.
|
What can i say about this pub curry club was very good, i had a few pints of target which were very enjoyable, my wife had a couple glasses of wine. We have only been to this pub twice and both times stayed alot longer than we should of. To me this pub is more like a local the staff and customers have very good banter going on between them, which you do not see in many pubs these days. We will being trying steak club and a roast soon so i will be reporting again. It is the only pub we have found that you can relax and enjoy your food and drink since we moved to Purley
|
My wife and i went in here yesterday for lunch about midday, it was the best food i have had in a wetherspoons pub for ages, to my surprise the plates even came out hot which does not happen very often. The service was very quick which is another thing that does not happen in wetherspoons, very often i have walked out of many wetherspoons because i have waited so long, also the staff are very polite helpfull, even had time to bring our coffees over to the table. I will be back and spreading a good word about this pub as it always gets knocked for being rough i have heard many a bad word about this pub , but please trust me it is the best wetherspoons around here for food, service and staff. i have found a pub a last. keep up the good work .
|
Not a very inspiring 'spoons, with some rather dubious clientele as well. At first it appeared that there were a reasonable selection of real ales on, but several were 'available soon' and unfortunately the King's Happy New Beer went as it was being poured. Not really a place to linger, so had a quick pint of something else and moved on.
|
I went to this pub Saturday and Sunday with my wife, Saturday for breakfast before shopping, and Sunday after shopping for a roast . The food was lovely it came out hot some of the other wetherspoon i have been to the food is not that hot. The staff are so helpfull you dont get that very often in wetherspoons . I will be going back and will be telling my friends how much this pub has changed and how friendly and helpfull the staff are keep up the good work.
|
After a disappointing start to the evening in The George, in George street we sat down to sample O�Hanlon�s Red Ale 4.5%. It has the ruby red colour mentioned in the tasting notes, but only just caught the fruit flavour.
The award winning Kings old Ale 4.5%, brewed by WJ & King had a dark Smokey flavour and an excellent choice for a Firework night party.
Blackcurrent fruit flavoured Iron lady 4.1% was another we tried, from Batemans brewery...... defiantly good taste.
|
It�s a convenient pub with the bookies just opposite and a bustop nearby. It looks daunting from the outside as the spit and a drag brigade block the doorway. Don�t let us put you off. Any boisterous regulars are usually kept in line by Cathy who sees all on her CCT.
The clientele is varied, mothers with children, shoppers, couples and lone drinkers. A family area at the back is spacious, great food a wide selection of ales and the service is quick...most times.
After our game of pool earlier, we decided to visit the Ship to sample a couple of pints of Tongham�s OTT. A Strong black beer at 6%ABV.......delicious. On the wine front, the Rioja and Tryst can be purchased by the glass but the if you enjoy something more palatable the Ch�teauneuf du Pape is available only by the bottle.
We decided on some food and I ordered the Ship�s new line of Large fish (which overlapped the diameter of the plate) with chips and peas. Our food arrived just in time to study form for the next race.
They had a curry tasting night there recently to promote some new dishes and the Thursday curry club is very popular and recommended.
The toilets are poorly signposted and the Gents loo still floods.
Hudge - 18 Oct 2009 03:56 |
This pub after a long while in the doldrums is now on the up. A few weeks ago i paid a visit and was served quickly with a FULL pint of delectable ale from EvanEvans Brewery.The locals were rather boisterous at a rather early hour.I had just visited someone in Mayday Hospital , this is a reasonable distance to walk to afterwards. I will try again soon.
|
The main bar has a couple of raised seating areas and there's an eating/family area at the rear, much like the layout of a lot of JDW's really. Good selection of festival ales available plus loads of TV screens showing Sky Sports.
|
Went in today for breakfast with my wife and 2 kids for breakfast around 11.30, the breakfast came out quick and hot, the service was very good considering only one staff working and the pub was busy .this pub has really improved in the last year KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK I WILL BE BACK
|
went out with a group of old work mate from bt last night ,was not sure where to go but most of us wanted curry ,so we decieded on here , we had a goodnight, curries were good the best i have had in a wetherspoons can you believe the food came out hot and hot plates , not to be in many wetherspoons, staff did not seem to be to happy , but we had a goodnight and will be going back and very soon keep up the good currires.
|
Most Wetherspoon's are full of pissed up pensioners.The Ship of Fools is different.The pissed up pensioners here are ethnically diverse.The internal decor is tired and although the lavs dont smell,they certainly are grim.Two people behind the bar is OK when quiet but causes long waits when trade picks up.However the SoF has two redeeming features.Firstly the beer quality is good , they normally carry around 5 guest ales either from microbreweries or a range of seasonal beers,such as five winter brews before Christmas.On Tuesday the Honeydipper from Freeminer was on good form.
The other saving grace? It's a lot safer inside this pub than outside on the mean streets of West Croydon.
|
Despite what I wrote on 8 August last year I re-visited this pub to meet some ex-colleagues. There have been some changes. It appears to have been refurbished or at least the carpet has been cleaned and some seats/stools have been recovered. Unfortunately the state of the toilets has declined even further with no toilet roll holders whatsoever - the rolls are now placed on the floor!! The soap dispensers are starting to disappear. One good thing is that the overpowering smell seems to have gone.
There were 5 guest beers on including "Exmoor Beast"
Since my last visit the staff have changed and there is a new manager although the service is very slow.
|
A beer Festival starts on the 5th of February iIam told it will be �1.49 for guest beers, 99p for card carrying CAMRA members.( it should last four days ).
|
Disappointing Spoons; messy, poor beer range and average quality, nothing to lighten the atmosphere.
|
I know I shouldn't have high expectations when going for food in a Weatherspoons pub, but given that this was voted as the place i would be having my office Xmas lunch, I at least thought I might get a decent bit of turkey. But no, instead I was treated to a few wafer thin slices of processed turkey roll. Mmmm!!
Couple this with the abusive locals who seemed to take umbridge at the fact that we had jobs and a toilet area that requires a proficiency in skating to negotiate, and you're left with one of the most miserable pub experiences in all of Croydon.
Of course, the beer was cheap and there was a reasonable selection to pick from, but without a decent environment to drink it in, it's rather academic.
|
good choice of ale in the ship the last few weeks ,i am really looking forward to the ale fest, also pub has got in the good beer guide this year, well done keep the good work up
|
am working locally for a couple of weeks so popped in. quite a revellation. a very large pub that seems to be run by one shift manager unaided by a pathetic bunch of moaning swearing bar staff .the first indicator is all the customers standing there asking to be served by CATHY i expected to see a vision of mother theresa or kylie .then into vision came the aforesaid CATH a very commanding efficient lady that has full command of her ship let down by her staff . no team as we all know can have one super star . in general a typical spoons
|
I NOW ONLY USE TO SPOON PUBS IN CROYDON NOW HERE AND SKYLARK BOTH KEEP ALES GOOD, POPPED IN ON TUESDAY HAD STEAK CLUB WITH ALE 10/10. NEW MANAGER HAS MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE HERE PUB IS 100% JUST LIKE THE ALES
|
OUT SHOPPING ON FRIDAY, POPPED INTO THE SHIP OF FOOLS, GOOD PINT OF PURE GOLD 10/10, ALES ARE KEEPED WELL IN THIS PUB ALWAYS 2 OR 3 ,ON PLUS 5 HOUSE ALES WILL POP IN AGAIN
|
I visited this pub about 2 weeks ago and again to-day. On both occasions there was only 1 'guest' beer available with 3 pumps showing 'available shortly'. I don't know what Wetherspoons' definition of available shortly is but it was not in the 3-4 hours I spent in this pub, each time.
It is obvious the pub has had a change in personnel including the manager and the proficient cellar man that used to be there, to the extent that it is now not worth visiting. To add to the decline the toilets are disgraceful with 2 urinals leaking and the stalls having vandalised toilet roll holders. Soap dispensers just about remaining on the wall and this is not helped by an overpowering smell.
As far as I am aware this is a CAMRA recommended pub but I think that even they would have to reconsider based on current performance.
According to the manager the CAMRA members who drink in there are quite happy with the current situation, bearing in mind there used to be at least 4 'guest' beers always available!!!
It is obvious from my comments that I will not be going back.
|
Peculiar place this one. Fairly scummy pub upstairs, incongruously luxurious toilets downstairs.
|
THIS PUB HAS IMPROVED OVER THE LAST YEAR THE SERVICE CAN BE GOOD IF YOU GOT THE RIGHT MANAGER ON DUTY BUT ONE OF THE MALE MANAGERS AND A COUPLE OF FEMALE STAFF NEED TO GET SOME MANNERS. I GO IN THE SHIP AFTER WORK A FEW NIGHTS A WEEK AND IT HAS GOT A GOOD ATMOSPHERE AND THE FOOD IS GOOD SO IF YOU ARE IN CROYDON GIVE THE SHIP A GO
cbc88 - 20 May 2008 16:42 |
This is a standard Wetherspoon's with the usual goood range of cheap real ales, and the usual extreme variability in the quality of their cellarmanship.
|
The puddle of vomit outside should have warned me off, but like a fool I went in.
This pub went "smoke free" a few days ago. It now has a very unpleasant aroma which is possibly a combination of stale beer, unwashed people and semidigested stomach contents.
I've drunk in some rough pubs in my time but the smell here put me right off. I turned on my heel & left.
anonymous - 9 Apr 2007 17:22 |
Not a bad place. Handy for West Croydon train, bus and tram stations.
|
West Croydon? A Charles Bukowski novel? Some other part of the world? I never know where I am in this place. Only come here to meet people and move on. Funny old crowd here. Bit mad at times. Can be a bit edgy too. Below average for a Wetherspoons.
|
Whilst this is rated higher than the George, one of its fellow Wetherpsoon associates in Croydon, I am not persuaded that as a pub in terms of atmosphere and environment, that it is actually preferable. It is in an ethnically mixed but slightly "edgy" area of town, is far more modern in design, and frankly I find to be rather sterile, even at the bar, which seems to stretch on for miles.
I have to concur that the ale selection is wider and more reliable in availability - the Ship gets GBG entry whilst the George never has. But I don't find that the quality is so much better. The service here is certainly superior.
Like so many JDWs, to the discerning ale-drinking punter, the saving grace is the well-kept range of interesting beers. Otherwise, it's pretty dull and you'll need a large group of friends to generate any sort of fun.
|
I visit this pub at least once a month. The added bonus is that is straight across the road from West Croydon station. It serves a good selection of real ales. There is quite a knowledgable cellar man employed there. The pub is a bit dark and scruffy and would not really be for those want to drink in comfortable surroundings. It's not helped by the first impression gained as you walk through the front door and see some of the reprobates sitting there; but you should persevere.
anonymous - 20 Sep 2006 19:35 |
Probably the best Wetherspoons in Croydon, with fewer "Sorry Not Available" pumpclips than The George. The service is good (for Wetherspoons) and I've never had a duff pint in several years of occasional visits. The toilet problem alluded to in an earlier post must have been solved - all was sweetness and light recently.
|
This place is very aptly named. Not only does it suffer from the usual Wetherspoons' "sticky table syndrome" (I am sure the staff are issued with sprays of dilute PVA glue to spray on all horizontal surfaces), but the toilets smelled like a medieval tannery.
Last night not only was the bar understaffed, but the bitter included in the food offer was "off".
One to avoid like the plague.
|
Not great. Handy. Cheap. Wetherspoons. Not a nice place to be at 11 on a Saturday nite cos you are kicked out into the street, and they open the doors wide open even when its cold outside. Not the worst pub in Croydon, could do with chilling out, tho.
|
Easy access from West Croydon Station. Cheap beer, cheap "food", the pub represents value for money, but if its atmosphere you want try some of the smaller independent back street pubs in Croydon. It's ok for a quick pint and a bite to eat but I wouldn't spend longer than necessary there. From my only experience there last year, Jeff Sandy is not wrong.
5/10
|
Best Wetherspoons in Croydon, usually decent selection of ales. However can be a bit of a problem waiting to be served, but there again this is typical of Wetherspoons in not having adequate bar staff
Jeff "Sandy" - 22 Oct 2004 00:56 |
Okay, so this might not be the best pub in the world, but is one of the best of Wetherspoon I've been in (and I have been in a few). You get your usual selection of people that you find in a JDs from teenagers to elderly people. From the people that would go in any pub just to get cheap beer and to smart suited professional types.
But somehow this pub has a lot more character then your typical JD Wetherspoon pubs, and doesn't feel as much of an old gits pub as some of them do.
Still on saying that, it's not a place that I'd particularly go to all night, every night. Maybe if you want somewhere to go for a quick couple in it is quite a good JD Wetherspoon pubs.
Mr. Lover Lover - 23 Mar 2004 15:06 |
this pub kicks ass & is cheap....but you must buy literally 1 second after last round otherwise they won't serve you
dani - 6 Jan 2004 14:16 |
Right opposite West Croydon train station means less time on the threatening streets outside.Typical Witherspoon pub,lacking in atmosphere but very cheap.Mixture of punters from down and outs to suited punters.Good for a quick drink though but overall a grubby pub.
D Smith - 26 May 2003 12:43 |
A fine example of a "reasonably good" Wetherspoon pub. "Good" relates to the excellent quality guest beers at �1.50/pint or thereabouts. The staff, as in all wetherspoons, are friendly until ten past eleven each night after which wholesale changes in character take place. A good pub to start a crawl - visit the Princess Royal nearby in Longley Road off Sumner Street to continue your crawl! Enjoy
|
