please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Great pub wonderful location. Welcoming hosts and bar staff lovely - and great music Just been last Sunday fantastic blues band. Food really yummy esp fish n chips and roasts huge for hungry people! Home made Yorkshire pudding. I am a local and keep going back because there is a lovely atmosphere and dogs are welcome :-)
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Decent pub and manager/owner seems a nice guy who wants to please the customers. I have only been on very busy days so this review may not be relevant on quiet mornings/afternoons however staff could do with a bit of training on who to serve next.Manager/Owner on the ball however.
Nice outside area. A few real ales on tap. The two we tasted were good and enjoyable. Food good as well but expensive but not much alternative.
No complaints about the pub. The chavs , in the beer garden, who want to tell you about their fancy new cars. Well that's another story.
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The location is great and the staff are nice but the range of Greene King beer is not brilliant and more could be made of the pub.
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In here yesterday for the first time in years and only two others in at 1.30pm.
This is because they have about 30 or so sitting outside.
Anyway very pleasant interior with very polite bar staff.
They have 4 hand pulls for London Pride, Golden Hen, Tribute and Adnams Ghost Ship.
I had a very nice pint of the latter for £3.85 which is a bit dear in my book.
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Maybe we were just lucky but popped in with my mate last week, having been often enough on a match day where the atmos is fantastic.
Had a couple of very nice pints served by very pleasant staff (no sign of landlord or lady as mentioned in so many posts!).
Will certainly be back on our next toddle along the riverside.
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What a waste of a great location. Poor quality beer. Did not eat but the food looked very average.
Outside area full of fat ugly mothers with their equally unattractive offspring and heavily tattooed other halves.
Experience spoilt an otherwise pleasant walk along the Thames.
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I recently enjoyed a couple of Pints of Black Sheep here on a warm Sunday afternoon.
A great location next to the Thames with a choice of a small Bar inside, Tables outside or benches right next to the River.
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The ex-staff review here is too heartfelt to be anything than honest .I ordered a half from the landlord who promptly served me a pint as he was too busy berating another barman to listen. When I pointed out his error he suggested that it was good beer and I would thank him for it. It wasn't and I didn't. Great potential. Get this lot out and watch it blossom.
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I'm a bit surprised by some of the previous comments about the service here. We visited early yesterday evening (the pub was reasonably quiet but certainly not empty) and each time we went to the bar were served promptly and politely. If anything, I'd say that the staff had recently returned from a customer service course where they been taught to try and up sale (no I don't want nuts etc with every round) and engage the customers in conversation. Not that those are complains.
The beers was fine - Pride, Golden Hen and something else - though at �3.65 a little expensive.
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The lovely landlord who everyone clearly has sooo much respect for is a Leicester Tigers supporter and he closed the pub very early on the premiership final day (none of the other town centre pubs closed early like they do on international days). As a long-time Quins fan, I'm slightly ashamed to say I found this highly amusing :-)
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What a let down! I was here this week with a couple of friends. It was not majorly busy in the bar with two people waiting to be served in front of me. I waited to be served while 4 people who walked in behind me got served first. Then the 'barman' who looked like he'd just got out of bed proceeded to serve the 5th person who walked in after me, the customer politely pointed out I had been waiting a while. When I placed my order the drinks were being given in plastic tumblers. When I asked if he had glassess he grumpily said "no, if I had them I'd be putting everyone's drink in them"! Oh, I'm sorry I thought this was a pub! Beer in a glass?, in a pub? how dare I ask! I and my friends promptly turned around and walked out. Such a shame that this pub is in such a state. It's in a great location and feature wise is quite nice, but this member of the staff and the other member of staff on that night- girl with the green hair (yes green hair) who also looked like she had just got out of bed, need to go to the school of manners and have some training.
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- badabing56
I take my hat off to you. Never have truer words been written.
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The Barmy Arms has all the potential in the world to be a fantastic pub. It's location is amazing and on rugby days there's a real buzz about the place. Having worked at this pub and having read a lot of the comments from other reviewers I can confirm that the couple who run this establishment are an utter disgrace to themselves, their staff and the brewery which pays them their salary.
The landlord has a serious drinking problem and has the tendancy to fly off the handle at innocent punters for no apparent reason when he is boozed up and treats his staff appallingly. I'm completely flabbergasted as to how he's allowed to run a pub for a Co (even though he refers to it as 'his' boozer, its not!) and when his behaviour is so erratic and aggressive after drinking, which to be frank is from morning until he passes out on a daily basis. I would like to feel sorry for the Landlady but she has only herself to blame for being loyal to such a 'character' for so long and God only knows how she can stand his behaviour/halitosis but unfortunately it appears that some of his behaviour has rubbed off on her as I agree that at chucking out time she has the tendency to be aggressive to punters who are quietly finishing off their beers and rudely hurries them out the garden and off the premises. There wasn't a shift that went with out some kind of drama unfolding infront of my eyes which could've been easily avoided. If you're unfortunate enough to be look 30 years old then this definitely isn't really the place for you as you will be sneered at and made to feel like you're only worthy to drink in the Wetherspoons on the High Street.
I lost count of the amount of times I'd see innocent looking people, some with families or girlfriends being turned away from the bar for wearing a football shirt (its 2012 and The Barmy arms is hardly The Ritz), ironically being turned away for being drunk even though they were less drunk than the Landlord and most disappointingly the arrogant, aggressive and rude manner in which the landlords treated customers. I can only imagine this is done to inflate their ego's and make them feel like they're doing something special with their lives and not 'keeping the riff-raff' out as was so commonly used by the landlord. Twickenham and its pubs patrons are quite possibly some of the most middle class in the UK and riff-raff is hardly a problem in the area.
If you're looking for a nice pub in Twickenham, there's plenty more nice and with a friendlier vibe. If you're a football fan (about 50% of the UK population I imagine) don't even bother setting foot in the Barmy Arms, if you're under 30, again, I wouldn't bother, if you're in a male only group of friends - stay away, if you're looking for a bar job in Twickenham whatever you do stay away from The Barmy Arms. The couple running this place are drunks, a disgrace and the brewery need to recognise all of the complaints and comments on this board and take action.
I imagine when the landlords read this comment they will raise their arms in up-roar and feel a tremendous sense of injustice has been served but they bought this upon themselves. The Landlord is too hammered to remember all of the times he has acted out of line and been rude and aggresive to his patrons and staff and the Landlady is too loyal for her own good.
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Sadly I cannot give a rating for this pub as I didn't manage to get served. I arrived when the rugby clock on the tv said 61 minutes and had not even been acknowledged of my existence when full time came up at 81 minutes! There were about four people waiting/being served when I arrived followed by about 7 others who were served despite arriving AFTER me.
Perhaps they couldn't see me as I'm only 6.5ft and 15 stone.
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I love reading the reviews for this pub. Good entertainment.
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Great riverside location means the beer garden is a really nice place to spend a warm spring/summer�s evening. Food�s pretty good standard pub grub too. Small inside though.
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Great place for Sunday drinks .. The food is great and the drinks are well priced .. One point to keep in mind .. They do not serve people wearing football shirts .. It�s the rule ..
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This is a great pub, the landlord is pleasant and keeps the pub in order. A high volume pub at match days has to be well organised, so as to maximise the enjoyment of the majority of patrons in this pleasant area of west london by thames; and if certain people who are in the minority have grievence about this, then this is their own behaviour/action; in simple terms, if you over do it on the brews and start acting out of order, then the landlord is doing what is best for the majority of the customers. To enjoy this pleasant landmark in a wicked suroundings by the river, the action of drunks giving it large should not be tolerated if it spoils the enjoyment of others; Act like a dickhead and the landlord and will treat you as such.
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Stood outside with the masses pre kickoff, turned to my mate and said 'don't know why we always meet up here, it's not even that nice a pub' A statement that raised a chorus of agreement, and I suspect the one sober thought I produced that day.
Never the less, I imagine we shall meet up here again for pre match drinks in the foreseeable future.
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I have never had a particularly bad experience in this pub. I have been told off for wearing a football shirt. It was a very old FC Barcelona t shirt -not even official kit or anything- that I cycle in (I don't even like football that much). All a bit bewildering but that's their rules and it was all handled with humour and calmness.
The beer is nothing to rave about. I've never had to take my pint back but as with so many pubs the Cask Marque sign is barely deserved. The 'please tell us what beers you'd like us to stock' sign needs to be removed or supplemented with a sign saying 'This sign is for decorational purposes only'.
The staff have always been curtious and friendly except a couple of occasions on rugby days when the staff were downright dismissive and uninterested. They weren't the usual staff (maybe St Mary's students- god help us) and didn't recognise me as a local. I had to practically beg them to disengage from their cliquey interchange and pull me my drink. Then again rugby crowds do bring out the worst in many people.
Its strongest point is its beer garden- great on a balmy day. Nice one the Thames.
Basically a sound- main criticisms would go to Punch Taverns themselves.
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I think If we discount the comments posted on rugby days (never a reflection of a pub when its full of 100's of drunk rugby boys) and posts by the managers mates we can see a pattern emerging.
I have witnessed this pattern first hand.
Was in the garden with my brother when a fight broke out a few tables away, wasnt going to intervine until the barman who was trying to split it up started to get a kicking. We went over (only ones in a full pub garden) and started pulling people off and picked up the barman. Fair bit of shouting and swearing then calmed down as the scumbags walked off. While in the process off asking the barman if he was Ok, I was punched in the back of the head. Turning round I'm confronted by the manager who is s*itfaced (its 6pm on a saturday) and has to be dragged off me by the barman. Police have turned up by this point, manager, now joined by his equally obnoxious wife, is calling me every name you can imagine and has to be led away by the old bill. I can understand he maybe caught the wrong end of it but after his staff and other punters explaining we were only protecting his staff his appology was, and i quote, 'your still a ****, **** off your barred'. Saw him in another pub few days later and he had no memory it. I have never been back and never will until he leaves but have had to witness his drunken ravings in other pubs, mainly about rugby and mainly because people dont share the same narrow minded opinions as him. Oh and the brief impression i can remember of the place was the poor tasting beer and miserable staff.
AVOID!
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We had a great time at this pub on Saturday night, spent a lot of money and stayed until they closed. The staff were excellent, very polite and engaging, and at closing time came around with plastic cups and asked us to leave shortly. A little while after this, the landlady came out - who hadn't been around all evening, and hadn't served or spoken to us - and began to shout very aggressively that we had to get out immediately. She physically manhandled my friends and in particular a friend of mine who wanted to get his girlfriend's drink back, particularly as it had been put into a plastic cup so that she could take it with her should she so wish. It was basically the worst customer service I have ever experienced; I went back and asked for her name so that I could make a formal complaint. After shouting at me in disbelief and saying that she was the landlady so there was no point in me complaining, she slammmed the door in my face. I'm aware that it's difficult to complain about the way you are treated when it's obvious that you've been out somewhere for a drink, especially on a Saturday night, and that in many ways it will seem hard for my argument to have any weight as it can easily be passed off as drunken ranting. But that argument would mean that this whole website could be written off as vitriolic, which isn't the case. I just can't understand how manhandling and shouting at customers who have spent a lot of money in your pub is in any way good customer service; she has lost herself around twenty customers, and ensured that by word of mouth she will probably lose herself more. I only hope that someone else reads this review and chooses not to go there; there are plenty of other great pubs in Twickenham where you are treated like a human being, by staff who are aware that you are effectively paying their wages.
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ps coggit,what boycott??????nothing on any other sites?????
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was in sunday pm,good visit...nuff said
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I was treated absolutely disgustingly by the staff. I was in Twickenham shopping with my boyfriend and fancied a bite to eat and a drink. Asked at the bar for a food menu and whilst looking at the menu one young girl behind the bar interjected and asked how old we were. On answering that we were 18 (we will be 19 in a few months) she told us that we would not be served as we were under 21. No apology, explanation or sympathetic words. We hadn't even ordered drinks and are more than happy to supply ID. We were totally embarrassed and went to another pub where we had a meal and drink with no problem whatsoever. If we had been with a group of 20 students on a pub crawl after an exam you could understand but this was totally disgusting. My father who chairs a real ale society and who had recommended the pub can only believe that the Barmy Arms wishes to lose trade. He will now be recommending a boycott of this establishment from his society and as many contacts as he has in Twickenham. Since when was it acceptable to ban under 21�s? A pub would be in serious trouble if it tried to ban entry based on colour, creed, race, sexuality or even an upper age limit, so why should responsible drinkers over 18 be treated is this way?
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Went to the Barmy Arms both before and after the Aviva Premiership Final. I was not alone, the place was absolutely rammed. But this being said, I was served very quickly and the beer was good to boot. The management here must be congratulated to be able to deal with the large volume of fans
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Another great place for watching the world pass by, by the River in Twickenham.
Not a lot happening on a Weekday afternoon, but the Pint of London Pride went down well.
Plenty of Seats outside alas a cold wind spoiled it a bit, .......................I shall return when it is warmer.
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This is a great pub, the landlord is pleasant and keeps the pub in order. A high volume pub at match days has to be well organised, so as to maximise the enjoyment of the majority of patrons in this pleasant area of west london by thames; and if certain people who are in the minority have grievence about this, then this is their own behaviour/action; in simple terms, if you over do it on the brews and start acting out of order, then the landlord is doing what is best for the majority of the customers. To enjoy this pleasant landmark in a wicked suroundings by the river, the action of drunks giving it large should not be tolerated if it spoils the enjoyment of others; Act like a dickhead and the landlord and will treat you as such.
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lol.......................you owe them a return vsit,and this time pay.i remember student days...what a laugh
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All the posts on this place make great reading! I've only ever been to the pub once, and that was forty years ago. I'd hitched down from Brum with my girlfriend, whose best friend was a barmaid at the Barmy Arms so we went in and she fiddled us drinks because we were all students and therefore broke. I was stood at the bar with my pint and a chap came up next to me and asked our barmaid friend "Do you sell chocolate?" "Errr,no, this is a pub", she replied. "Oh," he replied, and walked out. "Did you clock who that was?" she asked us. "It was Pete Townsend from The Who. He lives next door but one".
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should have added that the went to the cabbage patch....avoid
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really,really dont understand whats going on,was there last night 10/03/11,good ale,good service,a few people in,all in good spirits,and a very good two hours.
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I am really surprised at some of the comments here. As a regular visitor (mostly in the Summer months) with my daughters, I have always had a great time here. The london pride is always excellent and have found it a welcoming place..
I have to say that Twickenham has it's fair share of pubs that draws unsavoury types but have never encountered that here and maybe that is down to the landlord not tolerating it. That's not having a dig at people that have posted here but hopefully just adding some balance to this.
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I have also witnessed this landlord in action, or rather not in action. He was slumped on a stool at a table, clearly pissed as were the three or four retards that were his mates. The language was obscene, despite several ladies being present nearby. How on earth a drunken lout like this gets any sort of job is beyond me. The breweries are worried about pubs closing, but instead of moaning about it they should overhaul their recruitment policy. A pub in Thames Ditton where I live had a similar individual as manager, and following a string of complaints posted on the review page the brewery have at last kicked him out. If the brewery owning this pub don't act it will serve them right if the place closes.
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Just re-living the weekends antics to a work pal, and a point that came up was our visit to the Barmy Arms!
Really amusing, because I was just looking for the pubs number online, as I wanted to give them a quick call to have a chat with the Landlord, but this site has come up first, & reading the comments it would appear I will be wasting my breath.
As it now seems we have been victims of this lunatic as well!
Quite a funny carry on, but I suppose it could have been worrying to someone of a more fragile nature.
I must add, before I go on..that it was a rugby Day, and having owned very busy licsensed establishments, and been on the wrong end of bullish customers actions on similar busy sporting days, I can say I Understand that as a person in a postion of being responsible for a drunken rugby crowd, then I would be a `bit on edge` also.
However, I would have thought it a wise move, on expecting such a crowd, to have had the employ of a fair few very large door men.
However, the long and the short of it was that due to our group enjoying ourselves, we were asked to leave by the loony Landlord, funnily enough though, it was the end, and it did seem that this chap was just looking for a bit of Drama.
My reaction (with my 6`5" snarling pal by my side) was Sod off, we`re going no where. To which LL replied, this is my pub, I am the licensee, i want you to leave now!. My answer was simple..NO.
Now this situation could have taken a nasty turn for the Loony Landlord, but we however had more pressing issues like getting to the next open pub. What now makes me a gast thinking back is, this man was in fact responsible for the drinkers on his premises, and seemed more drunk than us, and we were on a jolly up.
He was particurlarly glassey eyed, and when told we would not be leaving, he didnt really say or do much else, just sort of looked on, and ranted to himself.
But as the landlord, and under the licensing act, he has to suply a certain amount of door staff to the ratio of people, licensing authorities/police licensing unit, also take a very dim view of Drunk publicans, and it makes you wonder if a coherent licensee was on site at all? (accident waiting to happen?)
Anyway, LL`s actions as witnessed in person do seem to sum up for me the comments left by others, and I`m sure some on here may have a more personal gripe, but these are comments based on a genuine experience at the hands of the loony Landlord, but what else would you have expected at the Barmy Arms? as for previous comments regarding Punch Taverns, I think when they advertised the pub for Lease, they obviously stated, ` Looney Landlord wanted for the Barmy Arms` and thats what they got, so they couldnt possibly be expected to clampdown, and I suppose nor should I.
Apart from that, Nice views.
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Popped in one afternoon, asked for a couple of pints. As he began to pull one pint he caught the second glass with the pump clip. As it appeared to be about to topple over, I mentioned it. "No it's not" he snarled. "Oh, I'm sorry Imentioned it" I replied. Strange atmosphere. The beer tasted fine although I wouldn't rush back.
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please look at my other reviews on pubs in the area
this pub has gone down hill so much its unbelieable
it has the best location in the area but no custom except rugby days
dirty toilets rude staff could be the cause of this
ambience1
housekeeping1
value for money1 only because of river
service 1
would not go back untill under new management
full copy of independant report sent to punch
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Surely there is a health and safety issue here having two notorious drunks running a pub.
They take �30,000 on match days. imagine what a properly run pub could do with that.
Don't give them any more money. They will only spend it on more alcohol and give you even more abuse. I have noticed that they are starting to be violent...
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The most recent reviews hit the nail on the head. An amazing location over looking the eel pie boat yards but totally ruined by the obnoxious landlord and lady. I have tried to visit it a number of times over the years and have always felt that the landlord is going you a favour by serving you. I have given up trying and will not be returning until the horrible couple running it leave. Avoid!
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This evening I visited the Barmy Arms.
Unfortunately, one of our party fell from the heightened beer garden on route to the bar, hit her head and collapsed. She went out cold and was white as a sheet HOWEVER NOT (And I really mean) NOT DRUNK. We tried to get her to the facilities, to which we failed. After requesting some assistance from the bar, the barman called upon, I presume, the landlady (who had not seen us all night) and (no word of a lie) dragged my friend from the stairs of the pub by the head to the ground in front of the pub, slapping her around the face shouting "you're a bit too old for this" and "we don't have this here" to which my friend came around, utterly embarrassed. I am utterly shocked and appalled. My friend FAINTED. Being brought up in the pub trade and knowing how one should behave in this position makes me write this review to never recommend this establishment. Utterly appalling.
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This is the most beautiful pub in a fabulous location.
It is run,however, by a couple who give off a very bad vibe. They clearly loathe their clientele and they have as a result no regulars despite their setting.
If you want to be made to feel really unwelcome after a hard day at work then go here.
This couple do not come over as hosts, most people think they are just really rude fellow drinkers. They stand around in the pub or garden and just make snide comments at people. This should be the most successful pub in London but these two drag it down to their little chav level
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i write this some weeks after my visit to the barmy arms so to ensure a balanced and non-impulsive review of the place. quite simply the landlord and landlady quite simply rude, obnoxious and nasty indivduals that should they not be in a pub that benefits from a prime riverside setting would i'm sure would have driven this place into the ground within a a couple of months of taking it on. aside from being utterly rude and damn right aggressive to myself and friends for genuinely no resason WHATSOEVER, i also witnessed them scowling for other victims (punters) to do the same. an absolute bizarre and horrible experience and i'd never EVER give a single penny to this sh*thole again.
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I popped by the 'Barmy' the other day, to check out the World Cup football scores. The tide was over the tow path (a car nearby had wet wheels....and was getting wetter...!) The pub was busy, outside, but I was surprised to see black-board signs up declaring this pub "Football Free Zone"...!!
So i sauntered around to the 'Eel Pie' and watched the Brazil game there instead....! :o(
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We popped in here a couple of Saturdays ago.
It was busy, due to the lovely weather, but this is not a place to seek out.
There was a very annoying middle aged drunk, who kept wandering round, trying to sit at peoples tables.
The burgers looked interesting and was being cooked to order outside.
My Deuchars IPA was ok and was served promptly and without fuss.
This place could be so much better. Indeed, there are far better pubs within a few minutes walk. The Barmy Arms really needs to up its game.
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Perhaps the Barmy Army land lord and lady are indeed a riot; the key phrase "when you get to know them" says it all. They are in the hospitility business - the onus is upon them to be hospitable. Without this, i will never get to know them...and nor will any of my drinking friends.
The inference that "i am not friendly" is missing the point - i am a customer, and i have a preference for a degree of cleanliness, politeness etc.
Frodos_mum is clearly a fan; i am not. The average rating of 4.1 speaks volumes to me!
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Spot on wicker man
Speckled hen should keep her 'fowl' comments to herself and stay in her henhouse. The landlord and landlady are a riot when you get to know them - if you make the effort to be friendly yourself - great people with a great sense of humour and run a tight ship evidenced by the fact that its busy and full of regulars and visitors all the time. The facts speak for themselves - they are busy.
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a consistently unpleasant experience can readily be experienced here - there are far far better pubs in the locale
dirty, appalling manager with no concept of customer service, really needs to up its game
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Barmy Arms. ..... If you have ever had the pleasure of having been verbally abused by the landlord you would certainly not go back to it. Twickenham has friendly pubs, great eateries, great beer and friendly and polite staff who like to see their customers happy, none of this replies to the Barmy. The landlord is just as the name suggests and more, I guess it's just a matter of time before someone takes action?
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i would like to know if anybody looking at this site has a phone number or address for peter parr, who used too be the landlord here a few years ago.if you have please post,and i will contact you via this web site.my name is kevin and i have known peter for over 30 years,but lost contact when he left the barmy.if you do have his phone number please tell him i am trying to get in contact,just mention the greyhound in streatham,back in the 70s,pete and i were old pals,and would love to hear from him and lynn again,thanks to anyone reading.p.s.i used to come over via the ferry from the new inn at ham common,and have very good memories of being stuck in the barmy when the river flooded
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I have never had a particularly bad experience in this pub. I have been told off for wearing a football shirt. It was a very old FC Barcelona t shirt -not even official kit or anything- that I cycle in (I don't even like football that much). All a bit bewildering but that's their rules and it was all handled with humour and calmness.
The beer is nothing to rave about. I've never had to take my pint back but as with so many pubs the Cask Marque sign is barely deserved. The 'please tell us what beers you'd like us to stock' sign needs to be removed or supplemented with a sign saying 'This sign is for decorational purposes only'.
The staff have always been curtious and friendly except a couple of occasions on rugby days when the staff were downright dismissive and uninterested. They weren't the usual staff (maybe St Mary's students- god help us) and didn't recognise me as a local. I had to practically beg them to disengage from their cliquey interchange and pull me my drink. Then again rugby crowds do bring out the worst in many people.
Its strongest point is its beer garden- great on a balmy day. Nice one the Thames.
Basically a sound- main criticisms would go to Punch Taverns themselves.
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Adrian Parker Esq? I dont quite know how to explain this to you without you getting yourself all worked up into a little tizzy. I am not the landlady or landlord of the Barmy but a regular customer. Quite a few locals know me so if you are popping by you can ask if I am around. Frodo is actually the name of my dog.
You really should get out more and make some friends - you seem to be a bit of an eccentric and not a particularly charming one. You also need to pay a teensy weensy bit more attention and aim your sniping at the originator of the insults rather than the respondent.
Finally you are living in the 21st century pet - maybe you should put your quill down and have a little rest, you might then start making some sense.
Lovely day for the Barmy folks - been packed lately in the good weather. Hopefully see all the other regulars there later and over the weekend! :)
Frodo's mum (and Tim)
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The Barmy Arms is a Twickenham riverside pub situated opposite Eel Pie Island. The pedestrian footbridge giving access to this traffic free island is little more than a stone's throw away.
The pub's main bar area is quite small and narrowish, but there's a larger room down some steps at the left. Low ceilings in the main bar contribute towards quite a cosy and pleasant ambience, but there's that distinct generic cut-and-paste chain pub feel to it. I gather that it's part of the Punch Taverns portfolio. At the front of the pub is a large covered seating area. There's a separate outside bar here which I imagine is only used on sunny weekends or when there's rugby on.
On the beer front, the 4 pumps were serving London Pride and Youngs Ordinary ( 2 pumps each ) - a selection hardly designed to excite - but I did see a notice in the gents inviting me to "Please tell us of any guest ales you would like us to stock". Presumably nobody has ? The pub prominently displays Cask Marque accreditation and my pint of London Pride, served by an exceptionally sycophantic and annoyingly over-smiley foreign barman, was pretty good - � 3.15p.
I found this to be a pleasant enough, if somewhat unremarkable, pub. Finally, having now read the previous reviews and the plethora of unfavourable comments, I ought to add that I did not witness any inappropriate or aggressive behaviour at any time or anything that would specifically discourage me from returning here should I choose to do so.
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Well, well, well,
the INNKEEPER MASQUERADING AS A HOBBIT'S MATER doth protest too much....
We in England are blessed with the Mental Health Act 1983.
Could it not be invoked in respect of the people you so shamelessly libel?
Or indeed, what are ASBOs for?
Or will Frodos_Mum's allegations not bear scrutiny, methinks?
Perhaps, to misquote Luke 4:23, it is more a case of "Innkeeper heal thyself"
It saddens me; I, who have lived in this pleasant corner of England man & boy, to see what should be a pleasant hostelry descend into a skulk of snarling, name-calling jackals.
Frodos_Mum, you really do demean yourself with the insults you hurl so casually and frequently at others.
Grow up.
Turn the other cheek.
People living in glass houses should really not throw stones...
PS. To create the apostrophe so sadly lacking in your missives, just hold down the SHIFT key and the "@" key together.
It's simple, really it is
And, oh & yes...
Well, not to put too fine a point on it: your bogs.
Not really up to a Twickers standard.
More suited to an West Wickam crackhouse, old bean
Spruce them up, there's a good fellow.
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Clearly cretinous dandan and his puerile foul mouthed yobby mate have mental health issues. They hurl uncouth abuse at people who disagree with their aggressive, ignorant and loutish behaviour. Point proven indeed. This is why the landlord, landlady and staff dont want you in their pub ruining the friendly atmosphere and everyone elses enjoyment. Dont come back. Youre not welcome and youre not wanted. Go back to the pond you crawled out of. Had a great time at the pub yesterday - no ugly boorish little yobs around.
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Ah and so I came to be at this den again last week,
A hovel thats walls are stained with more misery than the slums of Calcutta, a
building more ravaged with madness than High Beech's asylum, a castle
whose king has called for a shepherd boy to play soothing song, only for
the king to eject the poor herdsman for 'causing trouble' as he walked
to the castle walls...
The Barmy Arms' pet dog, the River Thames, gently licks its
master's ruddy face, watching his owner's snarling jaws and alcoholic
fury rise up at its loyal pet; still stand on the shores of the Thames
at Twickenham.
And like the slums of Canning, the Barmy Arms remains a riverside
dwelling that sailors pass, with trepidation similar to the fear they
first feel in the swells of Cape Horn. And the sailors who watch, watch
the public house's swollen corpse belch out the fetid; the denarian
workers, the semi-retired quadragenarians , the quinquagenarian
millionaires; all adorned with distended, sanguine noses and thick
unfastened cheeks that radiate contempt for the less articulate and
those with upbringings less fortunate than their own.
And 'pon my last visit I found that the landlord doth still exist (although less so), and so too do his friends like Frodos_Mum, and his male grouping of weary years; lost hope that still drink and stare, and stare and
drink - and they still do not welcome you or any other 'Pond Life', like cyclists, shoppers and troublesome, law-abiding couples who should unwittingly try to enter its doors. I beg all denisens of the local area to avoid this establishment and try the Eel Pie, or the Fox...
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Spot on dandan76. for outing Frodos_Mum [single post, hidden profile.] F_M was obviously an odious little turd at school who never even mastered the possessive apostrophe and uses that assumed name when when molesting Canada Geese perhaps?
Anyway when last at the Barmy, I left my lad in charge of my pint while I went over to my motor for a muffler. Good thing I was sharpish because one of Mr Nasty's minions was trying to remove my half consumed pint. Upon my return, the fellow soon desisted but had the termity to call over Mr Nasty to remonstrate with me. The smelly oik tried the "not from round here then" patter on me. The utter cheek of it. Fellow needs a good ducking in the Tideway to teach him some manners, what?
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travelled over from East london, and visited this pub with friends who live in twickers. friendly bar staff, good pint of pride and a great evening! mens lavatories could do with a clean though...
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Dont think we can be talking about the same pub. Landlord/Landlady and bar staff are the best, really lovely. We are local and regulars (as are the 40 odd friends there at the weekend). I guess the problem is rude yobby people with big mouths using bad language in front of regulars and children, and arrogant obnoxious blow-ins who think they have a right to disrupt a harmonious atmosphere whenever they like. One of the reasons we love the pub and the people who run it is that they dont put up with yobby and mouthy people - thank God for that - its about someone put the pond life who wrote these complaints in their place. Please dont come back to the Barmy - we are having a great time without you.
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not a bad pint, great location, bar staff be friendly enough, food takes LONG ENOUGH but okish when arrives! mention the owners, cantancerous idiots who wouldnt know how to smile if you paid them..... seriously needs some new ownership before it slips in to the river, as it be half way now (excuse the pun)
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It's becoming obvious to all and sundry now that this place is putting Twickenham on the map not in a good way.
I can only refer all gentle readers to the 3rd May's comments of the knowledgeable and erudite "StMargaretsman" :
There are excellent substitutes in the area which all may feel free to use. (sic)
A sentiment well said.
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Had a very pleasant evening in this pub, RUINED BY THE OBNOXIOUS CRETINS THAT RUN THIS ESTABLISHMENT.
Towards the end of the night, the barman told me that they were closing the garden area and asked me to move either into the bar or outside the garden. I moved outside and finished my drink. I then told my friends I would pop to the toilet and then we could leave. This is where it got interesting.
As I walked to the pub, I saw a woman and a man arguing. Not wanting to get involved, I gave them the wide berth. I was then grabbed by the woman and shoved towards the exit of the garden. I was utterly bewildered and struggling to comprehend what was going on. I asked the barman who was outside at the point. �Sorry, I was just trying to get to the toilet, what�s going on?�
�Sorry, we are closed�
�Ok. Wouldn�t it have been better to have told me that, rather than manhandling me out?�
As the barman went to explain, the woman (Landlady) came over and gave me a torrent of abuse.
�Hold on, I am not trying to argue here, I just wanted an explana......�
The Landlord then comes over starts shouting at me , tells me to f*** off and bars me.
�I am not trying to argue here, I was just asking for a bit of courtesy�
�This is private property (followed by swearing drowned out by the original patron arguing with the landlady)
�What makes you thing I would want to spend another penny in your pub?�
�This is my property, now f*** off�
I returned insults and left.
I have never been treated with such disrespect in a bar in my whole life. I was absolutely livid at the fact that I had put money in the pocket of these people that have absolutely no respect what so ever for customers. A simple we are closed would have avoided a potentially very nasty incident, had they treated customers with more violent tendencies than myself.
Do yourself a favour. DO NOT VISIT THIS PUB UNTIL IT IS RUN BY PEOPLE WHO TREAT CUSTOMERS WITH RESPECT.
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I used to frequent this pub of an evening, especially in winter months when it seemed cosy and welcoming inside. Good ales, nice and quiet generally. However, I went there for lunch today with colleagues and had the worst treatment I've ever had from any establishment. Having waited over an hour for lunch to arrive (being told it would be a few minutes every 5 minutes) I went to the bar to politely request a refund. The barman gave me the refund and the waiter told me food was seconds away. I returned to the table to find the landlord had followed me and ranted to me and my colleagues that the refund meant we weren't getting the food, even though it was now ready! So we had waited one hour for nothing but wholly unwarranted abuse. The venom spewed by the landlord was supported by the Gollum-type waiter who had become equally malicious, now turning to support his master, muttering abuse at us. Please, please do not go to this pub until they get new management.
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Fourth ever visit to this pub when Irish played Leicester on Sat. Twice on match days, once before a concert and once just for the beer. Gotta say i've loved it every time and we shall return again & again and look forward to it - see you guys at the start of next season for the double header - keep the Guinness just as you do! You Rude? Obnoxious? Derranged? Nah, not you, just misunderstood - like me!
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A bit of a khazi to be honest, gets rammed takes ages to get served, not nice at all!
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Lovely location often great group of people there, ruined by the Landlord and worryingly it seems i am not alone. I do hope his brewery read this. They have a real problem with this one!
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I note recent comments are somewhat adverse of the Barmy and its landlord, though DarlesChickens, does do a reasonable parody of making light of a very serious issue.
As a local resident and user of the pub, I and my comrades have rarely ventured there for some 6 months. The increasing irrationalit y of the "guvner" is a given and grows ever more severe.
However, in defence, he is quite charming and an excellent chat in his moments of lucidity.
The beer remains good, i'm told, but alas not for me or my comrades.
There are excellent substitutes in the area which all may feel free to use.
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Dear comrade BITE,
One of our fellow reviewers, going by the name of 'NicktheBMW' or 'DaveCourtneyfan1' or 'BeardAleLad' complained about my last comment and had it removed. On reflection I realised that my words may have offended someone. They appeared to be provocative and unnecessary; chosen to cause offence to the landlord and his well run business. Hopefully they did.
I wanted to point out to you all that this is a fantastic pub in a fantastic part of London (That is the review for any of you too thick to have extracted it from the previous one of mine that you deleted). But I also wanted to echo the comments of countless other reviewers when I said that the landlord's own paranoid and strange behaviour may be the result of his constant drunkeness. Illogical expulsions of law-abiding drinkers may be caused by the imaginary problems he creates from his alochol sodden mind.
And I hope that the person who had my previous comment deleted, yes that's right: you... I hope that that person is filled with an immense sense of grandeur at their heroism. May I suggest that that human being treat themselves to a drink of alcohol to reward their quick thinking?
I know a terrific little pub in Twickenham by the river. One that falls onto the rolling waterway, watching peacefully over Eel Pie Ait. They can go there with their beautiful wife; the wife who finds everything they say witty and everything they earn equally attractive, go there and order a drink of alcohol. And as they recline in the orange light, watching the evening leave they can look up and see a kind barman. A shortish nervous barman of two-month employment, one who shall ask them to finish their drinks and leave. Many a patron will stare in adopted-embarrassment, every drinker will observe with pity in their eyes.
And as that person, the one who deleted my comment, walks home searching hopelessly for the reason as to why they were ejected they may think,
They may think back to my post that they deleted. Think about their heroism and how the feeling of pride has now been replaced with a feeling of humiliation at the publicness of their treatment.
And I hope that the person who deleted my post, the same one who themselves has fallen victim to the landlord of the Barmy Arms will continue to reflect. I hope they log on to BITE and post a critical comment about this pub. And as the feeling of catharsis descends over their beareded face they will watch as another reviewer reports their comment for deletion.
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Can we please have back that wonderful review by Darles Chickens? Why was it removed? One of the best pieces of writing i've ever seen.
I must go in to check this landlord out. could become a cult. (that's Cult, with an "L")
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This place is getting worse and worse, please vote with your feet and drive out the criminally obnoxious idiot who is currently running the place!
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Pretty simple really, this pub used to be quite a laugh before this landlord arrived. Now it is an abusive hole where you can't relax, chill or enjoy a pint without fear of being verbally attacked by the boss.
I agree with all previous comments and to whoever the management company is behind the scenes...PLEASE rid Twickenham of this pathetic excuse for a landlord and restore it to its former glory as a fun place to meet, eat and drink. HE IS RUINING THE PLACE!!.
Many friends who are connected to Rugby clubs won't go there anymore, I for one will be joining them.
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I am afraid to say the Landlord of this pub is a total disgrace to his profession. An aggressive toad who obviously enjoys picking fights with his customers and then surrounds himself with a bunch of bully boys in case he gets his head knocked off!! This is a pub to avoid at all costs particularly if you are a rugby fan- there are plenty of other great pubs in Twickenham but the Barmy arm has a totally barmy landlord who should be marched off the premise to the nearest psychiatric hosptial My rating for this pub -28
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I reckon the only reason this place keeps going is cashing on on rugby days. Word of advice for anyone coming to Twickers and wanting pre or post match beers - AVOID, AVOID, AVOID. Go to the White Swan up the river, the Eel Pie or Cabbage Patch, this place is an utter disgrace to the area. I was in with a mate and was stunned to witness the agressive and threatening behaviour of the landlord to a group of lads enjoying a quiet beer after the rugby. Plain clothes police seem to hang around here all the time as they know he is going to explode at any moment.
To call this pub a rugby place is an insult to the game as was his attititude which is totally against the of a sport he claims to be a supporter of.
I'll be voting with my wallet and never going there again, if everyone does the same perhaps we can get this landlord relocated to a maximum security psychiatric ward where he belongs.
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avoid avoid avoid. saw the bar staff punch a puppy (in the face)
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unbelievable, popped in for a pint after Quins Vs Falcons, the landlord started on two of our group. complete idiot. avoid at all costs.
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utter shitpiece, the landlord is a joke
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Sorry but I have to disagree the Landlord has ruined this pub and as a local of Twickenham, I can assue you that a lot of people who used to use the Barmy now avoid it because of the rudeness of this idiot. I would rather spend my money anywhere else than here , I have seen him being treatening violence to customers for little reason. He belongs in a prison not a pub.
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Oh My God, all of you got away lightly.
I walked into the pub on an England losing match day, and had the misfortune of making a comment to the landlord that the England team were crap.
Well, the shit the shit hit the fan.
He pulled out a cattle prod, and proceeded to stun me. Thinking this was an English initiation to rugby, I was not too perturbed. But he followed up the prodding, by dragging me down to the Thames, where he proceeded to WATERBOARD me for at least 10 minutes. At this point I realised that I had fallen foul of a crazy publican. I then proceeded to correct my erroneous statement about the England rugby team, at which point he pulled me out of the Thames, hugged me and dragged me back inside the pub for a pint, which he paid for.
Well, we are now best of friends and I fully understand his way of running this great pub.
It takes a great deal of work to run a pub, and do it successfully. So if a few individuals fall foul of my new friend, it is because they were out of line.
Let England win, ban cattle prods and make friends.
(Take this post with a pinch of salt.)
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Stood outside with the masses pre kickoff, turned to my mate and said 'don't know why we always meet up here, it's not even that nice a pub' A statement that raised a chorus of agreement, and I suspect the one sober thought I produced that day.
Never the less, I imagine we shall meet up here again for pre match drinks in the foreseeable future.
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Guys
I have to own up to frequenting one of the landlords' previous pubs, which was in Crowthorne. There, as here, he polarised opinion - although not in quite so one-sided a way.
My consistent experiences of his pubs (I've used three of his over the years, including this one) has always been:
always decent beer (he's a cellarmaster, whatever that means)
good value, better than average quality pub-chain food;
good staff (better than the average, anyway);
And the landlord; OK - he is florid-faced (not unusual in a landlord), and very opinionated - but I've always found him amenable, except with punters wearing football shirts, when he can be "a little" abrasive : Not surprising given the pub location, name and heritage.
C'mon, England do "curmudgeonly", brilliantly - it's our USP. - what do you want, plastic smiles and false sincerity?
negative opinion would be generated on the surface, if you just based a visit on previous blogs and had preconceptions.
Embrace the man (metaphorically speaking - for god's sake don't touch him) and cherish a bit of old fashioned English quirkiness before we all go american and plastic.
See you there on the 7th Feb for the footie (rugby that is)!!!
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Good location and nice outdoor area by the river. However 3/4 ales were off when we went. When we came back later at 10.15 (on a Saturday) we were told there was no more service at the bar and we'd just missed last orders. When we asked the landlord why we got the shouted response 'because I said so!'. Definitely won't go back.
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I feel that I really must update my previously negative review about this pub.
In fact it's considerably more abominable than I remember it being. The shameless little fleshy landlord still holds court over his public palace, slurring indistinguishable orders at frightened staff.
One wonders whether the Twickenham commmunity would rise up one day; storm the building and kill the pudgy, red-nosed slob as he sat there prosperously; shouting "Get out!" They could put his swollen head on a spike at Traitor's Gate?
Don't visit this pub, it is a truly unrewarding experience.
anonymous - 30 Nov 2008 14:15 |
Had avoided this place as i thought it would be some sort of plastic touristy place with rugby shirts all over the walls. To be honest i was put off by the name. However i discovered that it was quite a traditional pub and the bombadier was in fine fettle. Think the manager was out but i saw 3 respectable lads turned away as they were under 21 ??
Surely they could relax that law.
Has been called the barmy arms for over 50 years ?? Anyone know the origin of the name ?
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The barman (manager?) has been unpleasant most times I've been in recently. This evening I was sitting indoors in a small group and he wedged open an external door some two yards away from us, creating instant chill. Horrible.
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I visited this pub again recently and really enjoyed the experience. As I said in a post around Christams time, I have always found it to be a friendly and welcoming pub with great food (an excellent bbq this time around with very creative options). You will find that the beer is kept excellently,particularly the London Pride. The river view is superb.
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Give this 3/10. Really only good for the tourists....Mediorce beer. surly bar-staff, rude manager, antiquated bogs
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I went to this pub at the weekend and the manager was drunk and aggresive. We had a disagreement about the music at which point he over-reacted and hurled abuse (supercillious c**t a particular gem). We left and vowed never to return.
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it is common knowledge that barrunner has left this and other pubs under a cloud
Take a read of the previous published comments from barrunner... Hasn't the time changed?
Hell hath no fury like the purile comments barrunner resorts to when not welcome in certain establishments
We all know who you are Mr T. Get a life
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The landlord is drunk, rude, obnoxious and aggressive his wife is not much better. The irish boy struts around drinking like he owns the place when the boss was not insight.
I have been in the pub trade for 15 years and have never seen customers be insulted shouted at like here.
Myself and some friends went in for sunday lunch and it was disgusting. The roast potatoes blatantly fried, who knows how long the veg had been sitting around for boiled to mush. the meat could not have been a cheaper cut full of gristle and fat and gravy had to be from a packet.
The outside was filthy and dirty and we saw a member of staff polishing stuff and then not even bothered to wash his hands served another customer.
I will not be going back, if you have been threatened by the landlord from what I have seen, I would take action.
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I popped into this pub before going to Pantomime in Richmond (oh yes I did). Really enjoyable atmosphere with friendly bar staff. A good clean place with well kept beers(London Pride was spot on). Great location by the river.
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This is a great traditional British pub run by a solid, respectable Landlord and his wife. Lovely beer and a great place for drinking in.
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The Landlord and his Wife who run this place need to be congratulated for the turnaround of this old establishment. they have brought a professionlism and high standards that was much needed. The result is a pub with goof food, good range of ales and largers.
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Good beer, nice location.
Manager and wife friendly and charming...unlike some of the comments below.
Good place to go for a few quiet pints. Bar staff efficient but they have their blips.
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I was a regular at this pub a few years back. I went to see World Cup rugby last weekend and was so annoyed. The new landlord is a drunk! He verbally abused several customers! To add insult his WIFE JOINED IN!!!! Himself and his wife and CHILDREN (no other children are allowed in at this time!!) made themselves cosy infront of the big screen while customers battled to the bar to be served by unsure staff. It was extremely busy and the staff were doing their best, but I think the Landlord should have got off his backside!
This used to be a fantastic pub - Get rid of the GIT landlord and bring back the old 2 who were just fab!!!!!!!!
anonymous - 24 Oct 2007 16:07 |
+Quite a cosy place and was good for watching the rugby.
+great location.
-Food was disappointing,
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Location,location,location....this should be one of the best pubs in Twickenham.This landlord(and wife) have no idea of how to run a pub,if it wasn't for the location (only bettered by the White Swan)rugby days,concerts and the ocassional dragonboat race this establishment I imagine would be out of business.I will be rating this pub as 1 due to the fact that they serve beer.Judging by previous comments the owners need some customer service skills and I will not return until a new landlord arrives.
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A dreadful experience last summer, i went here with my girlfriend whilst staying in Twickenham at a friends and watched in horror as the drunken (?) blothchy faced thug of a lanlord ripped into a table of students. I really hope he doesnt run this lovely pub now, in fact I quiet hope he is dead.
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The licencees make this a great pub to visit and enjoy a pleasant afternoon or eveening.
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A superb pub by the Thames in Twickenham. I have been a local on and off in this pub over the years and at last there is a Licensee that has provided a place that decent people can come to for a drink without being subjected to the obnoxious behaviour that is tolerated in a few of the other pubs in the area. Excellent food (try the burgers)and friendly staff. As is often the case, the only comments on this website are by a minority that have had what they consider a bad experience. Few people write to compliment good service and that is a fact of life. This place is a gem, trust me.
anonymous - 2 Jul 2007 20:49 |
do the police/council know the landlord is drunk most of the time,this must be an issue for them to investigate,as im sure they will when i phone them in about 3mins time
anonymous - 26 Jun 2007 11:08 |
Further to my previous comment I have to add my discovery of a bizarre and very dishonest policy in this pub. The price list states that a 'dash' of mixer is 34p and a large dash 68p. I visited on friday and was charged �1.63 for a dash of coke. When I queried this I was told by the (very obviously inexperienced and therefore not to blame) girl behind the bar that there is no place on the till for them to enter the 34p or 68p dash, so they are instructed to charge for a 9oz glass!!! Note, a 9oz glass, not a half pint even! That made my bacardi and coke (I know, shame on me, but it was for my husband who was too full for another beer) �3.97!! Will not be back.
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Great location, they could do so much with this pub. Instead it's really quite dirty inside, a bit of a mess outside and they always seem to have run out of key stuff. The Eel Pie and White Swan are much nicer.
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if u want to buy half a shandy for 3.03p then this is the place to go......you get ripped off by the landlord most of the time...you get funny looks from him...like what u doing in my pub/get out/u look wierd....sort of look if he dont like the look of u he would chuck you out
anonymous - 18 Apr 2007 13:15 |
Having been unable to get IN the pub 2 Sundays ago because of the enormous 'throng' of people outside, after England beat France at rugby in the "6 Nations".. I decided to give it another go yesterday. What a difference! A quiet pub! No crowds 6 deep at the bar. No-one outside at all really! And I was one of two waiting at the bar. Staff were pleasant enough, except for the Italian looking barman who just looked at me as I waited to be served, and then decided to walk off without saying a word! Apparently rearranging menus on tables was more important than serving a customer..!) No, I'm not angry, just amazed that such poor bar service does actually exist. You hear about it occasionally, but when it actually happens to YOU it kinda makes you want to get up and walk around the corner to the 'Eel Pie' instead! So I did! Where I got served straight away by a smiling fair haired girl, half his age..!!)
Maybe I'll give the 'Barmy Arms' one more try next Sunday, they can't disappoint 3 Sundays running..can they..?? TJ
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Interesting to read the review of the 18th December. Seven of us were thrown out of the pub by a pissed land lord on Saturday Night. The reason?? Asking for my money back after the fag machine ate my money. Staff refused to give me a refund saying the manager would not allow it so asked to speak to him. Next thing I know this guys has come round the bar and is literally squareing up to me, telling me I'm threatening his staff!!! Finally got my money back but only after landlord and now his wife had shouted us out of the pub.
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was an old friend of the old landlord,pete,i had the new inn at ham and often took the ferry over for a pint or three,does anybody have an adress for him ?? kevin
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Can be variable. A great spot to sit outside in the summer, but often not the friendliest of staff. And why do they keep running out of draught beer and offer only keg? this has happened several times.
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I still feel angry regarding my experience at this pub even though it was a couple of weeks ago now After enjoying a couple in the Eel Pie and The Fox with my best mate and a long time friend that was up from Brighton for the weekend, we decided to walk round the corner to the BA for a change of scenery. It was only around 7pm and we were certainly not drunk. I have frequented this pub many times over the years but am by no means a regular, I have had some decent food and the location is nice, but I will not be returning. On approaching the pub this time around, there was a mixed group of around 8 mid twenty something�s outside, deep in discussion. As my two friends and I went to walk in, the group shouted to us that we shouldn�t bother entering if we were going to swear inside the premises. We took this to be some kind of joke, but they assured us that they had all just been asked to leave for swearing in conversation, not at the staff or the management. Not at anyone in particular just a bit of industrial language. We laughed politely and went to walk in. No sooner had we walked through the door, the landlord asked us to leave and said we were not welcome and would not be served. I had never seen this scarlet faced gentleman before and hope I never have the misfortune of meeting him again. We asked him for an explanation and he told us �you know the group outside, so you are not welcome here�. We told him that they had just told us that they had been thrown out and we had just come from the Eel Pie but he was adamant we knew them and very rude with it. The bloke obviously has some issues! Don�t get me wrong I don�t particularly like hearing the F word every other word but I have never been made aware of a law being passed making it illegal to swear in public houses. He must either have more money than sense or a complete lack of people skills brought on by the slow pickling of his innards over many years. Rest assured he will be missing out on hundreds of pounds of trade from me and my friends in the future as I spread the word about this place. There is also no shortage of decent pubs in Twickenham these days. I suggest if you want a friendly and welcoming riverside pint, you try the quaint homely Swan, just up the road. Joe (29) Twickenham.
anonymous - 18 Dec 2006 22:33 |
look i know the landlord can be an @rse sometimes but i'd rather that then it turn into somewhere like the george when every night is a chav free for all.
plus it means that on a rugby day you can relax and sign along to sweet caroline knowing that your not going to get involved in any stupid scraps and get your pint tipped over your head.
i would hate to see anything about this pub change, its got fantastic memories for loads of happy rugby fans attached to it.
anonymous - 13 Dec 2006 18:24 |
I don't give a monkey's what anyone says, this is a great pub real fires in the winter, outside bar in the summer. Excellent food and the beer is looked after perfectly.
Staff are good except for a scrawny goffy chap behind the bar who is always eating and thinks he is really funny [probably needs to get laid].
Miss the indian guy behind the bar always looked after me and my friends, really nice guy. BRING HIM BACK. The new irish guy seems to know what he is doing and is the closest they have got since they other guy left.The big chap left as well he always looked tired but was sort of entertaining.
The best place to go on a rugby day, and the landlord and landlady do not stand for all the riff-raff so never any trouble and is a football free ZONE great during the World Cup.
If you are thrown out probably for good reason. The pub was shut down during the football world cup to protect its customers from bloody hooligans.
There are 3 lovely dogs that frequent the pub as well a black one, a brindle both really sweet and baby jack russell, so a dog lovers pub.
I highly recommend this pub to anyone.
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I went to this pub as a starter to a nite out on thursday nite. i was quite suprised to see the pub quite empty only a couple of men drinking and a handsome young man behind the bar. the barman said hello and seemed polite and even recomended a nice white wine for us to drink which was lovely. wish i could go back but i dont live local but im sure the pub will continue to do well if the rest of the staff are charming like james behind the bar.
anonymous - 17 Nov 2006 01:20 |
Went in on Sunday whilst down to watcn the rugby, fairly quick and efficient service with friendly staff. Nice location on the river and the outside bar was a bonus. Was packed though.
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I'm a local and I practically live here in summer! Great location and quality food. Service can be poor though... I've avoided this place on several sunny afternoons because I couldn't be bothered waiting 20 minutes for a pint.
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I've lived here years and don't know a single local who goes here. Always had rubbish beer, always, so why bother? Let the tourists have it.
anonymous - 14 Oct 2006 01:53 |
went here on Sunday for lunch, must have been the worst sunday lunch I have ever had, and it was �8.75! The gravy was thick and tasteless, the roasts were deepfried, the veg was almost raw, the meat (beef)was bought pre cooked/sliced and warmed up, the yorkshires were not homemade. I couldn't get a cup of tea or coffee as the machine was broken!!?? (obviously didn't know how to use a kettle). The staff weren't particularly helpful either.
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Nice pub when its empty but awfull when full up...hang on thats all pubs
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came here with a big group, great service, great staff, no complaints, we had a good laugh. thanks
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I like this pub.
I had mussels for lunch, overlooking the thames.
A pint of Adnams.
Pleasant staff in uniform.
Funnily enough, I then went and seen The Stones play at Twickenham. Quess what, they played Sympathy for the Devil.
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Gosh! I'm really surprised at all the negative comments about this pub. I have always found it to be really pleasant and it's location is great (especially for the summer months) Staff are always lovely too.
XXXXX - 18 Aug 2006 17:37 |
Nice location by the river, but this place has no other redeeming features and I would only recommend it to people that I dislike intensely
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straight up, no nonsense pub for the kind of cock that likes rugby and jeremy clarkson and thinks a land rover is desirable. hope it closes.
anonymous - 21 Jul 2006 14:22 |
Now the location of this pub is splendid, right on the river & great for a cold one on a hot summer�s eve. The beer's not too bad either.
Unfortunately that's where my enthusiasm ends. As well as slow, harassed looking & a little rude, the bar-staff are generally hopeless. Now my view is that this is the management's fault, especially as I've seen the way the couple who I assume run/own the pub talk to staff like they�re excrement. Not called for & not professional at the �front of shop�.
Interesting to hear that you�re not allowed in with football shirts, especially as there�s always a bevy of rugby shirts in there on a match day. Also interesting is the fact that they give you a crappy plastic glass if you go outside but are happy for you to take a bottle out. Sums up the idiocy of this place.
My advice, get a 4 pack & sit just opposite by the river. This pub, to be blunt, is utter dog toilet.
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A place for bigots. I heard it was closing for good a while back and was actually pleased. Poor ale, poor staff, rough-looking place and close enough for the river rats to come in and pour you a pint!
Avoid.
Ps apparently the first place The Stones played Sympathy For The Devil. Well, it is is hellish now!
anonymous - 6 Jul 2006 15:23 |
Was politely asked to leave by a short barman. No reason given but maybe the fact I was wearing an England football shirt, sober and with my 5"2 girlfriend made me a risk.
Appauling treatment for anyone to endure. Like the bloke said below, I wish them nothing but eternal misery. Their lives would be bettered by a sudden loss of existence.
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Went for lunch on the bank holiday and this seemed the perfect location, sunny day by the river with a few beers and good food? Raw sausages and cold chips and staff with faces like slapped arses when i complained. Especially the trout from the kitchen. Drinks were good and thats about it. Would come back for a drink but not food. Bar staff were the saving grace.
anonymous - 1 Jun 2006 15:19 |
This is a good pub in a good location, it sits across the way from Eel Pie island and has a good outdoor seating area. As a regular I would recommend it to everyone.
Well I say 'everyone', more like 'everyone who is making �50k and has a new baby on the way'. I'd recommend it to people who admire the opinions and thoughts of men called: Austin Healey and Brian Moore.
Yesterday after months of drinking here I was politely asked to leave for 'having had a few'. I had drunk half a pint of lager. Prior to arriving I hadn't drunk alcohol for 2 weeks. They had served me my first pint 20 minutes earlier but in the time that had elapsed had decided I was now a dangerous threat.
I am a school teacher. Yes indeed, I am entrusted with children on a daily basis yet it would appear that I am not to be trusted with adults. "Were you with a rowdy group of friends?" I hear you cry. No. I was drinking with my friend who is a cameraman. On a Monday evening.
I was confused, I was embarrassed. Not just for myself but also for the barstaff. Like Hitler's secret police they were carrying out the Fuhrer's orders.
I don't ever want to return but I would recommend that you do providing that you are not a teacher, cameraman, nurse, under 40, Irish, Black or a dog. Do them a favour by going straight down to the police station and turning yourself in.
It is a reassuirng thought that one day the person who booted us out will die. His existence cannot possibly add anything to the lives of other people. It is merely a reminder of the injustices in our world. We have children starving to death in Africa and in TW1 we have middle-aged landlords drinking themselves to death.
anonymous - 30 May 2006 22:33 |
I canot rate this pub enough!! It's just great and the outside bar for drunken post rugby / football games it excellent, fun and non-agressive. Worth a visit at all times as well due to good staff, food and drink.
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I really like this pub and the Sid James bloke at the bar made me larf, he has a way with the words that really upsets women,GOOD ON HIM MAY HE CARRY ON.
anonymous - 22 Mar 2006 09:07 |
Went there last Summer and after two drinks came out to find my friend's car partialy submerged. The barman helpfully pointed out that we shouldnt have parked there before suggesting we stay for another drink.
anonymous - 19 Mar 2006 00:01 |
I really do like it in here but for the love of god, PLEASE get rid of Sid James at the bar, laughing loudly and horribly after every lewd, sexist comment he made and effectively driving us out.
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I have been enjoying this pub for quite a few years but afraid shall not be going back. Went in on a quiet sunday night to have some celebrations with a friend and ordered a cple of bottles of champagne. The Bar owner was looking rather inibriated, and at the end of the night politely asked us to F*** Off as we were still finishing our drinks when he wanted to go home. We had no idea what the time was and were never advised to leave prior until this very drunk and very agressive inebriated bar manager or owner was rude, reeling and abusive and swore at us!. You just dont talk to punters like that and i shall never be going back!
anonymous - 7 Mar 2006 11:13 |
Good pub nowdays, and great staff who run it now. Makes a change from the last managers.
An interesting comment I saw on this site regarding a Lime and Cider incident was actually overheard by me on the day (I have never heard of anyone wanting this combination before). The person ordering the drink was asked a few times if they really wanted Lime and Cider and they said yes. It was only when the girl who the drink was ordered for said that it was meant to be Lime and Soda that the problem started. If you order a wrong drink you should have to pay for it.
I rest my case.
May this Pub go from strength to strength.
anonymous - 23 Feb 2006 11:39 |
I've been in here a lot recently and am saddened to read the poor reviews. In my experience, the service has been nothing short of excellent. The bar staff are so friendly, they really give the impression that they love being nice and helpful (especially Luke, he is the epitome of the perfect barman) and we�ve always been made to feel very, very welcome. It�s warm too. The food is delicious, similar menu to St Margaret�s Tavern but not quite so extensive and with noticeably bigger portions - I think it may even be a little cheaper, although don�t quote me on that. The beer has always been cheap in this pub and I�m pleased to say it still is, I got two pints of ale for less than a fiver and I thought those days were well and truly gone! A truly wonderful and vastly improved place. I just hope the negative experiences of people on this site are rarities as our experiences have honestly been genuinely outstanding.
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After frequenting the Barmy for a number of years, I was very dissapointed by the rudeness and unnessecary behaviour I received at 4pm on New Years day 06.
A simple misunderstanding with my order, I received a pint of Lime and Cider (Strange combination), rather than lime and soda.
The attitude and demand for payment of an unrequested item was completely unnecessary and I left feeling incredibly disapointed. What a shame. I frequent this pub often and do not expect to be treated so rudely and spoken to so aggresively. Certainly not heckled at by the man in charge (I presume) when we left.
Please speak slowly and clearly when placing an order.
anonymous - 1 Jan 2006 18:34 |
There's loads of pubs in Twickenham, unfortunately not too many of them are that good. The Barmy Arms however, never fails to disappoint. Nice people, nice atmosphere, nice garden. Food portions have in the past been a little on the small side, but all in all pretty pleasant.
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Sorry your wrong Katileen I'm not the landlord of the and don't even work in the trade. I just know where to go for a great real ale that is looked after properly. Also he does a nice mulled wine and would highly recommend it now its getting to the season for it.
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Woops, I was talking about a Sunday lunch and THURSDAY evening! I probably sound like a liar now, oh well...
I just noticed something very peculiar, it looks like 'Beer Baron' seems to have only commented for this pub and The Yacht...and the landlord of The Barmy Arms used to run The Yacht and this pub...hmmm...funny�
It�s good to hear that the landlord was cheerful one night...he seems to be so miserable!
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This pub is mainly about its good location being so close to the river and has to be judged accordingly. There are better pubs to be had in Twickenham but if its a nice pint by the river you're after in summertime or a "living room" feel in winter it makes a good alternative. I have to say though the landlord is prone to being miserable for no obvious reason (although reading previous comments I now have a better idea!) They do a good pint of Kronenburg for those bemoaning lack of premium lager...
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Big improvement on before.Inside space an improvement on before and real ale is to die for.Only real problem is it gets too busy sometimes.Oh and did I mention the landlord likes Rugby!!!
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i agree with kathleen food is now total tosh at a ridiclous price for what you get,service is terrible. i have seen more life in a fossil and as for the new management i asked to see him/her on a number of occasions to complain only to be told that they are on a break (down another pub according to one regular) again. Always used to use this pub under the old regime and recomended it to fellow rugby fans but won't be humiliating myself in doing so again. I would rather drink in the George now and that is sayin something about the Barmy's decline
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Usually head for the Barmy Arms when in Twickenham.
It's always been alright for me and the food has been OK on the few lunchtimes I have eaten there.
But best of all is match days after the game, especially if the weather is decent and you stand outside and enjoy the buzz.
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I have visited this fine pub on several occasions and found the food and service to be excellent (I THINK Kathleen HAD GONE TO A DIFFERENT PUB). A fine selection of Ales is always on tap, and I�ll have to agree with Lord Nelson that the landlord makes you feel welcome on every occasion
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Visited this pub on several occasions. Burgers, I agree, are great but so is the rest. Real ales to die for - changes frequently. Last visit was Friday evening. Landlord made everybody thoroughly enjoy Trafalgar Day. The feeling we got was of a really traditional pub. Most amused to find the pub clock is actually a couple of minutes slow! We loved it, and will return. P.S. If "Katileen" DID return that Sunday evening, I think she would probably be MOST unwelcome after 10.50!
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Had an excellent Sunday roast here - gravy tasted fine.Maybe the chef just gobbed in yours due to your attitude......
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fine wee pub,friendly bar staff,nice beer,(try the burghers)
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This pub is horrible. I've gone once during the day on a sunday where the wait for food was over an hour and after that, the carrots were cold and the gravy tasted like spit. I thought I would give it another shot in the evening. The pub manager came to say hello, but smelled horrible and was quite drunk. He did not make it a friendly place at all.
When I was at the bar, I ordered a drink with my two friends, when I was interupted by the manager yelling at the guy who was serving me to whipe up the bar. I couldn't believe this guy.
after FINALLY getting my drinks, I was promtly kicked out at 11:15, even though my watch and my friends watches said 11:10! it left me with a not so good taste in my mouth, and I suggest to NEVER GO HERE!
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Had an excellent pint of Adnams Broadside yesterday,the service was very quick and attentive.Sat outside in a very pleasant atmosphere-looks a decent pub to me...
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"magicks" comments below ring a bell.
Staff have no idea how to change a barrel (or even turn the label round to indicate the beer isn't on). "New" outside beer garden wasn't open (even on an August saturday night. (is it ever), and the pub has a clock that runs 5 minutes fast. They refuse to serve people queueing since 10.50 when their "fast" clock ticks over to 11.00.01 and then insist at 11.15 that anyone using their garden pours the remnants of their pint into a plastic glass and leaves the premises taking the plastic glass with them.(according to the Manager this tactic is purely to "get people off the premises even if they have to take their beer with them".
Not much has changed as far as I can see except the menu now has "Twickenham prices" eg "�7.25 for Sausage and Mash and the staff are even surlier than ever.
Still at least it'll be closed in a few weeks for the winter. (possibly a 6 month window for the staff to go on barrel changing training and the management on customer service).
Avoid (like the plague)
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Visited for first time since the refurb.
I think I might have been expecting more as the pub didn't seem that much different, apart from the old restauranty bit being now expanded. It has definitely improved the pub though. Didn't eat so can't comment on whether the food has improved.
TheGP - 26 Aug 2005 09:01 |
An outstanding pub in a perfect location with a excellant atmosphere. A great variety of beers and food was available.
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After a 15-minute wait for service, my pint was easily half an inch short. I asked the barman (in perfectly civil terms) to top it up and was greeted with a mouthful of abuse about my �attitude�.
On speaking to the manager, he declined to resolve the problem and suggested that I had drunk the amount that was missing from my glass. The manager was very aggressive and would not accept that one of his staff might have served a less than perfect pint. In preference to solving the problem, he then invited me to take my money back and go elsewhere, which I accepted.
This must be the worst service I have ever received. This incident put a nasty tinge on an otherwise excellent evening. If this is indicative of the new management, then I fear for the future of what used to be a lovely pub. If you value fair measures and good old-fashioned customer service, avoid like the plague.
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Well well, I am MOST impressed. Went here for lunch today and enjoyed a couple of newly appointed Stellas with my food. The refit has really opened this place up and has been done tastefully whilst retaining the rugby-oriented feel it was known for. The old restaurant has now been opened up to be a permanant part of the pub and is a designated no-smoking area (hurrah!) which, in itself, has immediately increased the seating capacity ten-fold, the window seats have fitted benches around the bays, instantly quadrupling the number of seats (this goes for the hidden seat at the back too). So it will no longer be just a summer pub - many seats available inside in winter!
Food is considerably more expensive and erring a little in the direction of gastro-pubesque BUT that said, it is very tasty - an enormous improvement. The brewery is the same as the one that owns St Margarets Tavern and they certainly know how to make a pub work. The outside bar is opening soon and will be having BBQs throughout the summer. Very friendly and competant bar staff.
It looks like this pub is finally stepping into its own and realising the enormous potential its picturesque riverside location deserves. Well done.
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Recently been taken over and awaits reopening, they've been holding interviews for new bar and restaurant staff at St Margarets Tavern lately. Has had a good lick of paint outside, let's just hope it reopens pretty quickly given that summer is upon us and the White Swan - the only other pub on the river in Twickenham - has limited outside seating. Watch this space...
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Food is rubbish- Had a mixed time in this pub, enjoyed some good evenings in here, also been involved in some aggro. Never seem to get a decent pint in here either. Yet, yet.. It is a nice location so in summer is definitely worth a visit, perhaps in the afternoon when not so busy.
TheGP - 18 Feb 2005 13:47 |
Nice pub by the thames opposite Eel Pie Island. Good for a couple of pints before the rugby.
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Pleasant little place. Great in summer for watching the world go by on the river. Can be a problem getting served when it's busy tho and we all hate drinking beer from a plastic cup and they usually run out of glasses. Food not recommended.
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I love this pub. The staff, location and locals (like me) are so friendly...the only thing is the food is a bit "microwave" friendly. Not one for the home cooked meals unless its Sunday I am afraid...but lunch time snacks are good. One of the only places in Twickenham who actually knows how to clean his lines properly!!!! Guinness is always good.
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you cannot say a bad thing about this boozer. Me and the missus frequent it every now and then and i can't fault it. friendly staff, good atmosphere and it doesn't fill up with kids...it's probably one of the best pubs in twickenham. in the summer you can sit outside by the river, what more do you want, blood?
jason - 17 Oct 2004 18:27 |
Every pint they sell is bad. Do they wash the pipes or glasses? Could be a great pub due to its location, shame beer is poor and decor worse
Peter - 12 Aug 2004 13:34 |
Great beer, friendly service and in a great location for either watching rugby or just sitting by the river watching the world go by. Music on a sunday as well
Steph - 11 Aug 2004 14:38 |
Quite a good summer pub, although personally the raucous crowd and the tiny bar make it an acquired taste.
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good pub, but service is a problem in the summer as the bar is tiny...wiat until 6pm and order double drinks when the evening shift starts
Richard - 5 Aug 2004 15:56 |
Twickenham seems to have many pubs that are great for drinking in the open air, The Barmy Arms is one of them. Loads of outside space and riverside drinking - the place is always buzzing after a big match at the rugby, but can also be good for just drinking on a Saturday night.
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I really like real ale and I really like football (or "soccer" if you prefer). Will I like this pub, or will I think it's full of pompous snobs who claim to like rugby but can't actually explain half the rules? Difficult to tell from the posts so far.
k - 25 May 2004 13:20 |
Nice pub, good beer and decent customers (no need for premium lagers - they only attract soccer chavs). Real ale, rugby, cricket = heaven. Lager, alcopops, soccer = hell!!
Owen - 25 May 2004 12:19 |
Always get a good welcome when I take a group from our Centre;
Good Staff,Good food,good prices!
Planning a few trips this summer with our Members.
Brian Raybould - 24 May 2004 11:24 |
Great pub! Visited it before and after the Army/Navy match at Twickenham and the place was heaving with rugby fans drinking Guinness from the outside bars. They still had no premium lager outside (Foster's was available) though, so it looks as though Paul's still looking for cellar space! Great atmosphere, great music (taped, not live, but a good choice). Well worth a visit.
Tony - 21 May 2004 16:38 |
Given John's comment, I'm down there tomorrow! Lived here for years but never been there much,. The odd pint in summer. But no good beer really and tiny inside. Need to try it again soon.
They do go for it some days wiht live bands etc and they really do hammer it, great atmosphere outside, so well done to them.
David - 18 May 2004 00:58 |
Yep, great pub for a pint by the river. Also good to get a seat near the fire in the winter. Good atmosphere and friendly staff - never been very impressed with the food though.
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Fantastic for summer afternoons drinking beer by the river.
James - 26 Apr 2004 12:30 |
lots of rugby fans - and
no soccerfan chavs to lower the tone.
anonymous - 22 Apr 2004 16:10 |
I would just like to say, I think the female bar staff are the best looking in town! John
John - 22 Mar 2004 17:26 |
I lived in Twickenham for the past three years. Simply put, the Barmy Arms was my choice pub for any occasion. You can't beat it.
Greg - 17 Jan 2004 16:49 |
Nothing wrong with this pub - although I would steer clear on a Rugby day. Great in the summer with it outdoor drinking area right on the river. A delight
Good for: Versatile one this. Summer nights outside or winter days inside.
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Used to love this pub early 80's. It was the favorite drinking well of many students. Glad to see it's still around. In those days premium lager was no problem.
eve - 18 Nov 2003 15:59 |
I know it's a bit late to reply to James' comment but I actually work at the pub.
Our cellar is about as big as a very average front room and can only fit so much beer in with the space we have. We do know the rugby fans are coming but we can only sell what beer we can fit in our cellar! We're trying to think of more ways of storing beer ready for the forthcoming rugby days.
Rugby days are class though, good atmosphere to work and drink in.
Paul - 31 Oct 2003 15:26 |
I used to like this pub, but was put off after visiting Twickenham for a rugby final a couple of years back. I couldn't believe thay had NO premium lager available on tap AT ALL! This was a poor oversight from a pub which knew it was going to be rammed full on the day.
Must try harder!
James - 18 Aug 2003 12:03 |
Nice pub with nice staff, but WHY cant they serve COLD lager?
Ben - 18 Aug 2003 11:16 |
Damian,
Pete is the manager there as me and my father owned The Fox on church street directly behind the Barmy. will try to get the email for u if there is one ok.
anonymous - 12 Jan 2003 17:13 |
I always seem to end up in the Barmy Arms after teh Rugby... They normally have a couple of bars outside (serving Guinness) since it is generally packed to capacity on International Match days... great pub and lively atmosphere.
Big Dog - 28 Nov 2002 15:48 |
