Shakespeare, Totterdownback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This pub has really gone downhill since the new owners have taken over, it used to be rough before they took over but now it is just a major drug den and im surprised they havent been shut down yet. Rude staff when i visited and whilst going to the toilet i even got asked if i wanted to 'buy' which i quickly declined and left. The owners also own the Star and Dove just down the road which is completely the opposite end of the spectrum. Makes me wonder why they have such a nice pub and ruin their reputation with running this dump. Wouldnt ever go back.
|
Went in for cheeky one or two and was served a couple of nice ales I had never seen anyway else. The music was great, if a little loud. I had come in for a conversation, not a shouting match with my drinking companion. Didn’t brave the toilets mind but the bar staff were pleasant enough
|
Walked out of here as was greeted with such indifference by a bloke behind the bar who just ignored me and a friend, and we were the only ones in there! Went in there a couple weeks before and tried to engage in conversation with woman behind the bar who was as miserable as sin! Its not my favourite place in Totterdown-The Oxford is far more appealing.
|
Doombar,Otter,Butcombe & Skinners on draught. I opted for the Skinners "Betty Stoggs" that was well kept and very quaffable. The pub was friendly and comfortable and not what I was actually expecting. 7/10
|
Nice enough street corner local, although it's unfortunately lost the buzz that it had a few years ago when Mad Ernie was there. It seemed relatively quiet at 11:00 on a Saturday night, although I didn't spot any of the problems that others have voiced. I didn't drink any beer or visit the toilets so I can't comment on them. There did seem to be five hand pumps on though, sporting what appeared to be a good choice of ale.
Also Stowford Press, Cheddar Valley, Natch & Blackthorn cider.
|
Ugh.
I visit here I suppose about once a month,usually when Barry the oldies DJ is playing,but its sad to say that he is one of the few positive points to about the place. The ale is usually Bass and Deuchars,which actually isn't ever that bad-although the handpumps have seized up!!! Ale pouring means a barman on his knees under the counter and some kind of a valve being opened!!! The gents that the venerable MisterX alludes to are absolutely PUTRID-however after an absence of about a year there's a light bulb in the cubicle,though I wouldn't risk my bits by getting too close to the porcelain. There are 6 "MAGIC" air freshners in the gents,they must be magic cos it seems they do the same job as mops,buckets,bleach and elbow grease. Or so the management seem to think.
The clientelle are usually zany,on recent visit most people were rat arsed at 9pm,some stoned woman was being told by two blokes they were in Guns and Roses and she was (genuinely!) believing them. Strange though that the place was healthily patronised. Bar staff were hopeless,it seems the landlord was away and had left some clown in charge. Not seen the MONA for a long time,has she gone to an art gallery????
Crazy place.
|
Maybe it's a good thing you've not yet met the landlady Quinno, yet again an_ecunemical_matter hits the nail firmly on the head in his summing up. Even the "Mona Lisa" managed to raise a smile once when she blew off so surely this good lady could smile now and again. Sorry but it has to be said, very poor attitude she displays and lacks any charm or grace. What "decent" host would start stacking the stools/chairs on top of the tables a whole hour before closing time is even called? None I know that's for sure! As said, landlord seems fine but this lady has all the charm of a rattlesnake and it's little wonder that apart from weekends the Shakey is often very empty.
Apart from this .... Beer range is good and served in fine fettle. Outside area's very relaxing and most of the punters good people with a nice bit of music & live gigs. Gent's toilets are shameful though and stink and often this can waft through the whole pub putting one right off their ale and one also finds feet sticking to the carpet whilst walking. There are sadly too many things to dislike about this place that could so easily be corrected with a bit of cleaning, paint, charm & personality.
|
A rather super pub in the fast-gentrifying area of Totterdown, though the regulars are quite often the old-skool 'downers of my childhood.
As mentioned, 4 excellent real ales (Good Beer Guide quality), served in a nice interior with a few outside seats.
Evidently haven't yet had the pleasure of meeting the landlady, I've usually had decent service.
Recommended, especially as it's quite simple to walk to from town.
|
How can I best describe this pub-ENIGMATIC? Back street boozer,often busy,4 good real ales,though sometimes left down by poor service. Landlord/landlady-undecided on what to make of them,the bloke is okish,the woman could eat you without salt for opening your mouth.
Indie type music often played,good rare 70s/80s stuff played by Barry on Thursday nites. Bristolian type frosty atmosphere from some regulars. Like I said an enigma.
|
|
