Tower Arms, South Wealdback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Closed two weeks ago for re- development.
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Why do I do it to myself?
On the face of it, this pub has everytging going for it. A lovely location off a reasonably quiet country road opposite an old stone church and access to Weald Park for walks and country fairs.
Inside the pub, the promise of real ale on tap in a cosy bar area with the old spit and sawdust wooden boards and fireplace, or on a sunny day out the book to the wonderful garden area with games area provided.
If that walk has left you famished, pop back to the restaurant for some of the best food in the area.
And yet, the positive foundations are shaken to the core every time by the service which on every occasion I have visited has been truly diabolical.
Walking into the bar, its clear that as ever theres only one ale on tap with the rest of the bar pump disappointingly swing me their backside. The available ale is Specked Hen which is a fine point but time and place, a little heavy for the sole decent pint on tap. This is all the more disappointing given that the fine Brentwood Brewery is only half a mile up the road.
Then the service, ignored for 5 minutes as the solitary barmaid busied herself moving things around on the sideboard. Then another punter turned up and waited 2-3 minutes before being served and back to washing glasses for the barmaid, at which point clearly disturbed by my presence, I was finally served.
"Do you want something, then?" uttered with an insouciance laced with indolence and a certain sense of jaded ennui at the prospect of having to pour another couple of pints for a customer.
No ale, so Urquell and Peroni then, at which point the barmaid reaches for a glass about 1/4 full, pours these dregs into another glass and begins adding from the tap. Now maybe I'm being unfair here but frankly I'm still in shock, having only just managed to pick my jaw off the floor.
If you're in Brentwood try the Victoria, The Rose and Crown or any one of the other delightful pubs in the area but if you're ever tempted by the Tower Arms take a right into the restaurant and leave as soon as you've sampled the top quality food.
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Three reviews in one...
The bar was full of locals at 6pm and there seemed a good atmosphere. Then more came in after bellringing. Then there is the odd bargame of getting the hoop on a hook. Must be an essex thing. Due to the unseasonably warm weather, I stuck to Kronenbourg. Soz ale fans.
The food was excellent - with great service in a nice area. Just be carful that you order veggies if you want them.
The highlight was the rooms - exceptionally high standard and each looks uniquely presented. Much better than a grotty chain pub for the same price.
Very friendly staff.
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stunning setting opposite a beautfull church in a hidden little village. the bar area is a really nice place to spend an afternoon or evening. nice wooden bar in the middle, lovely country trimmings. decent set of locals who hold court up one end of the room, and add a nice atmosphere ot the place. very good service from the bar girls, pint topped up without asking. great place.
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Recently visited this place on a Sunday after a fine local walk. The extremely busy beer garden was not a place to dwell for more than the time it took to gulp down my over-priced, flat beer. The only food being offered alfesco was served from what looked like a converted garage and basically consisted of sausages, burgers or jacket spuds. And who thought it was a good idea to have loud music playing?... in a country pub garden! Do these people know nothing? Such a shame as it's in a lovely location.
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Not a bad place for a beer and a bite. The conservatory area out back gets a bit hot in the summer, but there is the choice of alfresco eating on the patio, which I agree is a bit run down.
There is usually adequate car parking, but occasionally if there is a function on in the village school the car park fills with illegally parked parents' cars, with the owners having no intention of using the pub. Perhaps the pub should invest in a clamping service!!
Otherwise a safe enough bet, in a quaint location, but nothing to get too excited about.
jcraf - 26 Oct 2008 00:36 |
I can confirm that Ross Kemp used to sup here, he used to live up the road though I never set eyes on him. I thought the selection of beers was poor with the ubiquitous Green King IPA as a flag ship. If it does now serve ale from local breweries then I would welcome this improvement. The garden game is Petanque and there is an unusual and difficult indoor game involving a horn on the wall and a ring on a cord. There used to be table top skittles as well I think. Great atmosphere in the two wood paneled drinking areas, never eaten myself but looks good. The tower of the name refers to a Tower that used to exist in the country park behind the church oposite, I think there was a tunnel involved. I would recomend a visit to this historic and picturesque boozer.
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Should end with 'don't expect the Ritz'...
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I am surprised that nobody has posted anything about this pub as it has been here for 'yonks', and used to be Ross Kemp's local (allegedly).
They serve a fair selection of real ales, including local ones such as from Brentwood Brewery. The food, served in the large conservatory, is reasonable and there is a good selection. Last time I ate there, in a large party, the service was slow, but the manager did apologise. There is a pleasant beer garden, a bit run down, in which they play petagne (if that is how you spell it) - a French version of bowls. Amusingly for 2008, there is still an outside loo. i would recommend it, but expect the Ritz.
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