please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
A scrawled message in chalk on the outside blackboard says "under new management". Whether this was left by the out going manager as a farewell, or by the incoming manager as an invitation I could not tell and I doubt if it matters much anyway as it's the third landlord in 12 months.
|
To all, especially cellarbuoy...though I havent been to this pub, I am involved in writing business plans for people who want to run pubs such as The ale House......whatever their motivations, my clients apply in good faith, looking primarily to run successful businesses, often looking to turn round the fortunes of neglected sites - like The Ale House. Your dislike for the pub is valid, if your experiences in the past have been bad, but the negativity shown to new tenants, without giving them any sort of chance is extraordinary. Without new tenants, more and more pubs will close and then where will be? You will certainly have less reviews to post.......
|
This place has opened up again, I guess on some kind of short term basis.
Cant imagine it will be for very long
|
Well Eddie
If you want to avoid contact with people like me, i.e. discerning pub goers who appreciate good service, great beer and fine food, (or idiots as you would call us) all you have to do is carry on as before, running crappy pubs serving sour beer and revolting food.
I do have a question which I would like answered if you are prepared to do so, which I doubt. What is the name of your latest venture? I think it important that you let us know so we can avoid inadvertently entering the place.
|
CELLARBOUY , you have clearly had a bad experience in the pub in the past, you have no guts and just write rubbish behind a troll name, get a life !!
We have not gone bust, We new have a new, better,business opportunity which keeps us out of contact with idiots like you.if you have any questions or indeed something to say make contact with me to discuss further, although. Out doubt you will.
I will admit however, The Ale house is a challenge for anyone due to its past reputation and will take someone strong and fully committed to turn it around. Now then who is next for the venom of Tom Thumb and his cell mate !!
|
Ha Ha, after all of the discussions about this pub, what with the landlord pretending to be a bona fidea customer making a genuine comment and all of the other skullduggery, the fact is there is now a big sign advertising that the pub is for let (again) so the lard arse of a publican wasn't all he made himself out to be, and is just another failure, one of many that have tried to make a silk purse out of this pigs ear of a pub. Too be fair, he has lasted 18 months which is a lot longer than most people gave him, but now he has gone bust.
No doubt the owners will find another mug to give it a try, no doubt they will then change the name again and no doubt fail again.
|
The reviews posted on here are terrible and some perhaps below the belt.
I thought this pub was ok, nothing special but ok.
Taunton is a pretty dreadful town for pubs i had know idea how dreadful until i did this pub crawl.
7/10
|
does anyone else know that rugby and crispy are actually mr Cullen and his son how sad on false advertising loose lips
|
I must say I am shocked by the personal attack om Mr Cullen, as I said earlier he is not everyone cup of tea, but I think Tom45 has gone to far in his 'Review' it is clear for anyone to see he is either a competitor or indeed has an axe to grind. Interesting that he only comments on mr Cullen's property.
having spoken to a few people in the town, it would appear Mr Cullen has ejected a drug dealer recently and reported a thief to the police,, both in The White hart i do not think he has had any issues in The Ale House, in fact I watched the Man U v Liverpool match at the weekend and it was a great atmosphere in the pub.
|
I find it very intriguing how Tom45's account only appeared to support cellarbouy in his pursuit of personal criticism of this pubs landlord and has only ever commented on The Ale house and the Landlord I thought as you said it was a review site? How about review another pub and stop making what I can only assume are frequent visits to this pub you claim to hate!! As for the White Hart this isn't that pub its elsewhere on this site plus I live near there I do not see frequent broken windows and as for the assaults I'm not aware of any but I'm sure Mr Cullen will take your rather serious and as far as I can tell unfounded allegations very seriously!! Does a review site really give you the legal protection to make such liable allegations? I wouldn't take that risk it's a review site!! I think you have personal issues here and you are a abusing this sites true purpose. NONSENSE aside I still love this pub sports is my thing so frequent here a lot and the White Hart occasionally it's more a music venue not really my thing but its good.
|
my concerns about the white hart are that the landlord assaults customers who don't fit his criteria infact 2 in the last 4 weeks he is also an extremely obnoxious man at the ale house as an ex publican I think im in the position to make the comments I do !!!! I commend anyone who is willing to take a pub on in tjis economic climate but I also feel it is only right that I am able to voice my concerns on sites such as this so people can be informed of what the pubs and the staff are like in pubs they may want to visit!!!!!!!!
tom45 - 26 Aug 2013 19:39 |
Hi Tom45, in the interest of fairness I would just like to point out The Ale house DID have in access of 80 people in for the Lions Rugby. I also note with interest that they have recently been awarded The Cask Marque. Maybe u should give it another go.
I am interested in your comments with regards the White Hart, in my opinion it is one of the safest pubs in the town and has great live music, although I do agree with Spursdiver, Mr Cullen is not everyone's cup of tea.
|
As a "neutral" in what seems to be a lively debate - to say the least - here is my impression of The Ale House. I never had a problem with the beer & enjoyed various real ales there. The food seemed good, although a bit expensive for a town pub. It was rarely busy except for during televised rugby matches, but the atmosphere & decor was fine. My reason for not going there any longer is that I don't get on with the licensee, who is not everyone's cup of tea
|
I thought this was a review site ? obviously not mr Cullen seems to to take one persons comments to heart and as he has another pub that seems to have windows smashed on numerous occasions you would have thought constructive criticism wouldn't be to hard for him to take !!! the beer was shit and anyone who has had a pub would know that it doesn't take 3 months to get your beer lines clean as for having 80 plus people in his pub for a mid morning kick off rugby game who does he think hes kidding ? obviously himself ! if he cant accept other peoples opinions maybe hes in the wrong job
tom45 - 24 Jul 2013 01:01 |
Great atmosphere in The Ale house n Saturday for the 2nd Lions Test, only slight complaint, they could have had 4 Ales on instead of just 2, looking forward to the final test, I need to get in early to get a seat. Well done.
|
Hi Guys, I am Eddie Cullen and I am not sure what has even done to so offend CELLARBOUY and tom45 but the Ale House is a work in progress, we opened for business on 1 Feb and prior to that the lines were a mess. It took us time and money to get the beer lines upto the standard we required. I am amazed by te comments about our food, the meat is local sourced from an award winning butcher. If there is a problem with anything in the pub I will gladly refund anyone who is not satisfied, but surely you need to give us te opportunity to sort things out prior to posting on websites such as this. If either of the gentlemen wish to discuss this further please feel free to call in or give me a call on the phone. Either wy I would like the opportunity to try and reassure you of our good intentions.
As a side, we had 80+ people in The Ale house yesterday enjoying good food, good beer and rubbish rugby !!!!
|
Been back in this place for the British Lions match not are they only opening early for it they were doing breakfast as well fantastic busy as well considering the time, fantastic atmasphere, great day, great pub.
|
Just joined this site as I have recently moved back to Taunton and have popped in a few pubs. I wanted others thoughts not sure what to make of the site though as I've been in this place a couple times now first for a few drinks during the football the place was pretty busy I enjoyed my self the landlord (I presume) came out with chips and a few other nibbles at half time seemed ok, so I took my other half in for food early evening mid week I had the ribs she had a burger it was fantastic the place was fairly quiet the Landlord was not there only 5 or so people in the pub the guy behind the bar was good though made us feel really welcome and chatted to everyone. I'm not sure what Cellarbouy problem is I check all his comments for a bit of info I'm not sure if he even enjoys being in a pub or socialising never seen a good comment from him and Tom 45 a new account so I'm not sure if genuine or is in fact Cellarbouy. What I'd say is visit the place yourselves and have a look I thought it was great I will be going back.
|
fair play to cellarbuoy and tom45 I have also had the misfortune to go to the ale house and couldn't agree more with their comments ! the food was horrendous and the lager had a sour taste which I imagine is down to infrequent line cleaning rugby3 seems to me to obviously be the landlord mr Cullen who has put in his last review what can only be construed as a thinly veiled threat towards cellerbuoy !!!!! so rugby3 why don't you put your true identity on this page? dirty backwater pub { and I use the word pub in the loosest sense} obnoxious staff wont be going back again !no wonder pubs are shutting
|
I thought this was a sight to put your personal review if this is not the case what is the point of having it I gave an honest review and after reading the new comments it seems the positive comments are more of an advert and maybe it is mr Cullen posting comments maybe he ought to read the negatives and work on his attitude before taking offence to a comment and I wish I knew cellarbouy so I could have a pint with him its a dead beat pub in a dead end of town wake up
tom45 - 27 May 2013 19:50 |
The two previous posts cannot be considered bone fide. Both are gushing in praise for this dump of a back street boozer. Fluffy's post is his one and only post, and Rugby has made a total of 4 posts, two about this pub and the other two about the other dump of a back street boozer that is owned by the same fat slob. Ex military? do me a favour, the guys just a slob, end of
|
I can only imagine, CELLARBOUY & tom45 have got a grievance against the landlord, he runs a very good pub in the town, and yes he is a no nonsense sort of guy who runs a tight ship. Just what is needed in this pub.
Cellar rat, I notice you complain about 95% of the establishments you go in,why not just buy a takeaway from a supermarket and let honest people make a honest living.
Or even better, identify yourself to Mr Cullen and call him the names you describe from behind the pseudonym you use. I doubt you will. Now back to the Ale House to the Ale House or a nice safe beer.
|
Quite clearly cellarbuoy and tom45 must drink in dead end pubs and don't know what there talking about. I went in the ale house a few days ago and the atmosphere in there was brilliant its a safe pub now not full of idiots any more and the food was beautiful. The staff were all friendly and dressed smartly. A brilliant pub and will be going back
|
have to agree what a dead end pub talk about polishing a turd and with a rude northern landlord that hasn't got a clue what hes doing ,bad pint bad company and wouldn't even bother trying the horse burgers as place is not on the clean side and the bar man stank
tom45 - 17 Apr 2013 16:37 |
Not being harsh at all. I went in to check it out, the place was empty except for some obese slob with his feet on the table totally engaged with his laptop. After about 5 minutes (and after looking up to see me still waiting), the slob managed to get his arse off the sofa and get behind the bar to serve me. Seems like this lard arse was actually the publican (Mr E Cullen). Presumably he eats the pubs burgers and probably nothing else by the look of him, so I guess the burgers must be edible; the beer (something from a cask) was hardly drinkable; ominous for a pub named the ale house.
|
THIS PUB HAS CHANGED NAMES AND OWNERSHIP. I THINK CELLARBOUY IS EING A BIT HARSH, THIS HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED BEYOND MY EXPECTATIONS, GREAT FOOD, GOOD REAL ALES AND A WARM FRIENDLY WELCOME WITH TE ADDED BONUS OF VERY GOOD ITALIAN COFFEE AND FREE WI-FI.
WHAT MORE COULD I ASK FOR, OH YES SKY SPORTS, THEY HAVE THIS AS WELL. GOOD LUCK THE CULLEN FAMILY, YOU HAVE MADE A GOOD START.
|
Cool Easter Monday in Taunton- Hunting around for a pub where I could enjoy a
relaxing meal and still enjoy the local crowd with a bit of live sport on Sky -
When I came across "The Ale House" formerly known as the Criketers currently run
by Landlord Mr. E Cullen of the White Hart (not just some mug)
Nice layout of sofas and tables Free secure Wifi Welcoming staff- good selection of ales/lagers and a unique menu, guaranteed you won't find anywhere else in Somerset I was truly satisfied with the rack of BBQ ribs and can't wait for the 20oz T-Bone steak and for the ones of you that like a bit of HEAT try the Ultra-burger -
All I can recommend is that you pop in and see for yourself
|
Oh well, they've got another mug to give it a try. Changing the name to "The Ale House" which sounds promising but I doubt it'll change much, The usual scum bags from the nearby doss house will return. Never sure why everyone who comes to this pub feels it necessary to change the name so often but they do.
The signage states "REAL ALE REAL BURGERS" Made with real Polish horse meat no doubt.
Suppose I better give it a try, but its at the arse end of town so I expect too much
|
Well, not sure what the attitude of the "new" manager was, but whatever it was it wasnt much good. The place never seems to be open (i.e. it has closed down) so the new manager lasted about three months. Blink and hes gone. Still, no great loss except the dross that did use this pub will now move on to somewhere else. However there are enough piss poor pubs in town that will be happy to accommodate them.
|
There is a large blackboard outside which says
"NEW MANAGER, NEW ATTITUDE"
Doesnt say what that attitude is, but the old attitude was "COULDNT GIVE A TOSS" so I guess it cant be any worse than that. Will have to pay a visit.
|
Does anyone know who the girl is who used to smoke outside? The "well endowed" brunnette? Does she still go there as I havent seen here around for awhile.
|
Yup, Shit corner this is. 3 of the worst pubs in Taunton all within vomitting distance
|
Jesus, Worse than the pub across the road (crown and sceptre) is this shit hole corner?
|
Uh my god is this place the pits. Absolutely grim, vile. Makes a wetherspoons look sophisticated by comparison
|
Just moved to the area and have joined this site since doing so today in fact!! Definatly wont be popping back in this one!
|
sad
|
Grim
|
my god wot a piss pit
|
Naval and military crowd who seem to herd together, migrating to new pastures, eating all the crops and moving on again!!
|
This pub seems to have opened up again with another poor sucker trying his luck. It seems to be the same sort of format as before with discos & karaoke. All the same stuff that has been tried and failed before.
Good luck, they'll need it.
|
Appears to be re-opened now.
|
This pub was closed this week when we looked in.
|
You are right yo yo my friend, the other two on this cross junction are both better. Indeed, the hair dresser on the fourth corner is a better place to spend idle hours than the cricketers ever was, but so what?
|
The two times I was in there it was unpleasant. The other two pubs on the same corner are much better. A bit ironic with cricket just coming on.
|
Yep! this ones closed down now.
|
This place was closed over the bank holiday weekend.
Can't tell yet if this is a permanent closure but it will come as no surprise if it is.
Watch this space.
|
I've been here and I'm confused at what the pub is trying to acheive. It's in the wrong part of Taunton to be a "gastropub" yet the memory lingers on when it was the domain of the Marines. Last year after the cricket, myself and father in law went to the Crown and Sceptre instead.
|
There are plans to redevelope this part of Taunton with fancy new shops and apartments.
I don't suppose there's any chance of them redeveloping this place. pity.
|
THE CRICKETERS EH ?
I asked the bar man what the state of play was. He didn't know what I was talking about.
In fact he did't know who was playing: he didn't even know that the Somerset County Cricket ground was just a couple of hundred yards away.
He did't seem to know much at all
|
YO YO should also be aware that not only are false postings being made by staff / friends etc, but also that any negative comments left here are frequently removed.
Makes the pub look doubly bad
anonymous - 21 May 2007 23:13 |
A somewhat less than average pub.
I went to this pub when the cricked was rained off.
I would have rather sat in the rain.
|
Clean, tidy and brightly lit but that's it. No more, no less. Just your average pub.
|
Decent pint Of Deuchars I.P.A. 2 be had, Friendly Service, Bit pricey only down fall. 6/10
|
Unfortunately the 4 very positive reviews on Jan 25-26 seem a bit suspicious. Two by anon, and the other two by registered users that have never before posted a review, nor ever posted another, two months later. It looks like the landlord called his friends, or employees, and had them put up good reviews. The result is that the pub comes off looking bad.
|
A much needed renaming and refurbishment has transformed this pub into a pleasant place to enjoy a pint.This pub will appeal to those who enjoy good beer and something outside the average food offer.Live music is much needed at this end of town as well as a pub that promotes local cricket.Definately worth a visit!
anonymous - 26 Jan 2007 15:48 |
I can't believe I'm commenting on the same pub as the earlier posts! This pub has a nice welcoming atmosphere with good drink and food, served by happy staff. I'll be going back regularly, having just moved into the area.
AandK - 25 Jan 2007 23:06 |
A much needed decent pub in this part of Taunton.Love the decor, especially the sofas, good beer and a decent selection of wines.Tried the food which was very nice and good value.Looking forward to visiting again when they have live music.Would recommend this pub to my friends
anonymous - 25 Jan 2007 17:08 |
What unfair comments, was he/she having a bad day? Nice clean friendly pub with brilliant grub! You must try the Paninis! Certainly has our vote. Planning a big night out there next Friday and will definately be there for the next band! Keep up the good work, Taunton needs you!
|
Not a brand new pub at all. Just one that has reopened again, with a different name after being closed for some time. In fact this pub seems to spend more time closed down than in trading mode. That, and the fact that the pub opposite (harpoon louis) has also just gone out of business should have sounded warning bells to the new owners, but it didn't.
I was there on it's first opening night (one could hardly call it a 'grand' opening.The owners looked as though they had been there for several years ie thoroughly bored and disinterested.
Charismatic bar staff NOT.
I don't know how long this manifestation will last.
Naming it the cricketers makes a lot of sense. It'll probably last as long as a Somerset innings.
|
A brand new pub near the Crown & Sceptre. The exterior holds some promise. The name "Cricketers" and the prints of Victorian cricketers on the walls seem a bit at odds with the rest of the interiour decor, possibly described as Frank Lloyd Wright meets National Health Service lounge. What look is this place going for? It just doesn't work visually. However, everything is shiny and new and that has to count for something.
3 pumps for ales: Courage, Duechars, and one to be named later. The wine was adequate, and the rest of bar selection seemed standard.
The staff was efficient and friendly.
The large FLW menu on the wall offered panini's, sandwiches, coffees, cream teas, and hinted at tapas.
|
