please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This is a convenient pub when changing trains in Basingstoke. We had just enough time for a swift half. It's a small place, with a central bar. For such a small place, it had a few ales - 1648 Winter Solstice, Rudate Viking, Bowman Wallops Wood, Sharp's Doom Bar & Courage Directors. Would visit again in similar circumstances.
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First pint was cloudy which I had changed, second pint was insipid and I left half of it. Landlord didn't seem that bothered - all part of the 'game'. A good beer guide entry sadly lacking in good beer certainly not worth leaving the station for.
anonymous - 25 Jul 2013 18:14 |
Busy early evening and the barstaff seemed a bit stressed by it all. The pint I had was average but the fish and chips were good. Small seating area outside, at the back, which was a bit overgrown and not as comfortable as it should have been. More of a smoking area than a garden. Not a bad pub but the reviews had probably led me to expect better.
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Needed a pub for a beer and food, before a show in Basingstoke. This pub is perfect: excellent selection of well kept beers and four real ales. I had a burger, I know that doesn't sound very interesting but it was home made and very tasty with mushrooms and blue cheese. Other meals also looked great. This pub is small and not posh, but the locals are friendly and the staff attentive, courteous and fast.
Good luck to them, I will plan more trips to the Anvil based around my visit.
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Pop into this pub regularly. Staff are friendly. Beer is good. Nice atmosphere too. Have not tried the food but looks pretty good to me.
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Its still lovely - we went here a week or so ago ( we go about once a year when we go to a concert at the Anvil) and contrary to some recent comments the landlord greeted us and couldnt have been more helpful - ensuring all the early meals were on time ( delicious pies as he recommended). Great beers and the wine choices better quality than most pubs. Seems to still be popular with the locals as well as us visitors and I can see why.
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This pub has been ruined by the new landlord nick Allen he's rude and aggressive and offensive to staff I for one won't be returning let hope he gives up soon and this can go back to being a nice local friendly pub
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The Queens used to be a lovely pub with friendly staff and good beer and food. The food is still excellent and most of the staff are still friendly but the new landlord is rude and the beer is mediocre. Go to the Bounty instead!
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I visited this pub with my husband on Sunday lunchtime. There was plenty of chat going on, and, wonderfully, no music!
We had a Sunday lunch each, both of us had tender roast beef with nicely roasted potatoes, yorkshire pudding, and a side plate of properly cooked vegetables. They were cooked through, but not mushy.
The puddings of lemon meringue pie and rhubarb crumble with custard were delicious. Well done! We had an enjoyable sunday lunch for �8.95 each- really good value.
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i called into the queens arms the other night on the way home from work,and was rather shocked to see the change in the place since the last time i was there,what once was a very busy fibrant pub when it was run by a very talented landlady has i am sorry to say gone down hill ,the lanky bloke behind the bar who i presume is the new landlord seemed to all six'es and sevens ,there was no atmosphere at all the beer salection was alright but not briliant ,i did not try the food as i had to catch a train , i hope this was just an of day as in the past i have had some good nights there
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It's been a while since I visited Basingstooke so I popped into the Queens Arms before catching my train. Very handy for the railway station. Last time I was there the landlady was a very efficient young woman who somehow seemed to effortlessly blend running a business with being a chatty host. The atmosphere was that of a well run traditional local with loads of banter, great beer selection and wonderful food. She's not there any more which is a shame. In her place is a high energy (some might say hyperactive) bloke who darts around everywhere getting in the way of the bar staff. (I overheard one customer refer to him as Basil Faulty.) The beer range was OK but the pint I had was, well, not great. It tasted as though it had been on for longer than it should have been. As my train was due I had no time to ask for a replacement but it really shouldn't have been served in the first place. The food menu seemed fine if a little dumbed down and there were people eating. But the atmosphere I remembered had gone. OK, new regime new way of doing things but I miss the old Queens Arms.
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Nice friendly proper pub near the station with good beer.
Well worth a visit
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Unfortunately, attempting to get food at lunchtimes is impossible due to the vast quantity of "suits" from the adjacent businesses clogging up every possible last inch of the place. Lot of potential in the right hands.
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Shame to see this pub is for sale. Was in Saturday, beer choice and quality perfect. Spoke to the Landlady and understand the reasons behind the sale, hope she can find someone that keeps the pub as good as it is now. NO SINGING ;-)
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See it's up for sale, �70 grand and it's yours.
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The Queen's Arms is a slightly run-down looking pub which seems a bit out of place in the modern town centre, but stepping inside is like entering a different world. The reception was a bit odd, and the staff a bit reserved. The clientele was mixed, ranging from a suited idiot who couldn't work out how to pay to a CAMRA cliche, quietly yet harmlessly knitting his own yoghurt in the corner. This is clearly a CAMRA haunt, as evinced by the various awards around the walls and the CAMRA newsletters from various parts of the country (though, curiously, none from Hampshire).
The beer was fantastic, and despite appearances, the landlord abviously cares a great deal about it. There were 4 ales on when I visited; I tried both the Springhead Ginger Pig and the Ascot Ales Alley Cat - both were outstanding, pefectly kept and served at the right temperature.
This is a great beer pub and surely a must for any town crawl. It's also very close to the station, so worth breaking a journey for and ideal if waiting for a train.
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Milds in May! A fantastic day at The Queens yesterday. Excellent stuff indeed.
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Could'nt rate this place highly enough. Great beer, great food and great staff. The beer is a bit price but im prepared to pay it for the good condition its always in and the great atmosphere, the staff are always friendly and polite. Some of the negative reviews must have had an off day or the pub is not to their taste. Ive been drinking in their for years and ive never been let down. The food is always good home cooked, perfect every time
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Popped in for the first time in a long time, sorry to say but the place looked shabby and tired, not many in and no atmosphere.
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Popped in for an early evening drink. 4% real ale at �3.17/pint :-(
All radiators off and rather chilly, although an oil heater in the corridor to the loo made that a more welcoming place that the cold bars and staff.
Warmest thing in the place was the beer.
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Excellent beer excellent food best pub in Basingstoke
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Paid a visit here last Sunday afternoon. Very freindly pub with a good selection of Christmas ales from Thwaites, Tring, plus one other I can't remember) all in top condition (they are featuring 39 in total this month). Good reasonably priced menu consisting of snacks to mains including a full sunday roast (beef on this occassion). My ham, egg and chips and my friend's corned beef hash were both excellent. Staff very apologetic when they messed up the food order but was offered a drink as compensation (which I politely refused). Would visit again if in the area.
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We went there at midday on a Thursday while visiting an elderly relative in a nearby nursing home. The pub, which is quite small, was absolutely packed. We were lucky to get the last unoccupied table.
Despite being absolutely full of people eating and ordering meals, I was soon served at the bar and our snack meals arrived fairly quickly.
I drank B&T Shefford Bitter (3.8%), in very acceptable condition but rather pricey at �3 a pint.
So, a bustling, congenial small urban pub with friendly staff. I'll certainly patronise it again.
anonymous - 26 Nov 2009 18:01 |
A nice pub tucked away very close to the train station, very good for quality real ales and if you're waiting for a train then it's a must visit.
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5 ales on yesterday when I visited - Corage Best, Loddon Hullabaloo, Sharp's Doombar, Mauldons something and a beer that I've forgotten! A bit pricey but the quality was OK. Fairly busy in the evening. Good for a quick beer between trains but I wouldn't spend too log there - not sure that my bank account would allow it!
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Open normal hours Bank Holiday Monday 25th May BBQ 12-8pm
posted by member of staff
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Great little pub. Fantastic food. Superb ale. No telly! Well done Donna!
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It's been several years since I was in here last, The internals have changed since making it a lot more open and airier. 2 real ales I had were both excellent.
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Excepting "Old Boots" and the legendary "Quinno" I didn't recognise any of the reviewers here which made me think there might be a bit of a conspiracy going on here-however I visited for a quick pint between trains,the welcome was good,the place was tidy and had the feel of somewhere that seemed to be making a good effort. However �3.40 for a pint of Downton beer was a bit painful. Pubco pub with freedom on ales I presume?? Oh well.
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The best pub in Basingstoke bar none. Donna, Helen, Mark and the team make you feel so welcome you just don't want to leave - it's a regular haunt at lunchtimes and evenings, the beer is great, the food is fantastic, the pub is cosy and the garden is now even better with the new decking. We just LOVE it! A real pub with nice people - what beer was invented for.
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Thur 23rd Apr, St George's Day special evening menu
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'Newish management'? ....... I assume you are talking about Donna and Mark. They have been at the Queens for over five years but then I guess the previous landlord was there for over twenty ...........
Don't worry Queens lovers there has NOT been a recent change of management. Thank God!!!!!!
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The newish management looks to be making big improvements in this busy pub next to the station. Varied choice of good ales plus the usual range of fine keg beers. Decor is a particularly odd brewers tudor with genuine 16th century fibre glass beams. Older but not old customers and very much less chavvy than you normally find in Basingrad. Actually a very pleasant place to wait for a train, in fact you will probably end up missing one or two trains.
anonymous - 16 Feb 2009 11:52 |
New - 'Meet The Brewer' night 8pm onwards Wed 25th February 09. Dave Maggs of West Berks Brewery will be @The Queens to discuss brewing and answer questions. Register your interest and advance questions on 01256 465488, via e-mail to [email protected] or in person at the bar. Posted by member of staff.
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Wonderful evening last night. Really good quality beers, particularly enjoyed the Type 42 and the Wild. Brilliant. Thank-you.
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Congratulations Mark and Donna. The entry into the 2009 Good Beer Guide and the launch of it from The Queens tonight reflects the amount of hard work that you put in to selecting a wide variety of beers and keeping them in excellent condition. Well done guys. Here's to many more years of your good drinking environment.
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North Hampshire branch of CAMRA are holding their launch of the Good Beer Guide 2009 at The Queens on Tuesday 14th from 8pm. Should be a good night with lots of fantastic real ales to try.
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Have not been in this pub for about 25 years, internally it does not seem to have changed a bit! Good range of beers in excellent condition. Nice touch if you leave your mobile number they will text you when each new guest ale is put up. Will not leave it so long before a repeat visit
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Popped in for a couple of beers the other night after getting off the train. Very pleasant indeed. I'll be back!
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Went here for lunch today. Nice friendly pub. Good beer and food.
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New ('Play Your Cards Right' style) Sunday night quiz. Weekly 8pm Sunday
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Without doubt the best pub in Basingstoke. Seriously considering making this my permanent regular drinking venue. I only pop in about once a week at the mo but every time I do there is always a great choice of ales which are supberb on every occasion. If I manage to tear myself away from my local I will definately choose The Queens first.
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This super little rail station pub is fast becoming an essential stop whenever I�m over to see my friend in Amazingstoke.
A good variety of ale in good shape (my Hop Back Entire Stout a couple of days back was particularly good condition) with a nice clientele mix � office workers, builders, rail staff etc that makes for a comfortable and lively atmosphere.
Obviously proud to show off their ale, with the pump clip display on the far wall showing a good variety.
Recommended, not just for a �quick one before the train� but for a proper session.
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Do they still do free tampons in the ladies? that's the best idea ever!
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Great selection of beer, friendly staff, very busy on a Friday lunchtime but still served quickly and with a smile. Excellent.
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Nice little pub with a good menu, had a very pleasant lunch today and enjoyed a lovely pint. This pub serves your usual beer but also prides itself on the lesser known ales which it changes on a regular basis sometimes two guest beers at a time. The landlady also offers a text service to inform you when they have got a new beer in which I think is a brilliant idea! As a person who enjoys trying different ales I couldn't ask for a better pub. It has very traditional decor and welcoming friendly staff. No bloody sky sports yippee! and a good jukebox to top it off, will definitely be going back.
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Donna and Mark have been awarded the Cask Marque. Well done
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New evening menu. New lunchtime menu. Sunday Roasts. (posted by a staff member)
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A comfortable, friendly pub with an adventurous choice in guest ales alongside Courage Best and London Pride. A great place to wait for a train, or even the next one, or the one after that.
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Great little pub and always garaunteed a nice evening. No football no pool table but a great jukebox. Food is excellent. A good variety and even the chips are homemade.
anonymous - 11 Oct 2007 11:09 |
Go to this pub, it's one of the few traditional pubs left in Basinstoke as opposed to new town centre bars.
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Nice little smoking shelter round the back.
anonymous - 10 Jul 2007 20:26 |
An excellent pub. Donna and the staff are very welcoming even at busy lunchtimes. The food is tasty - with huge portions. And there's a good varied selection of beers.
A varied clientele - local people, people from SWT, and nearby office workers. A friendly atmosphere.
anonymous - 17 Jun 2007 11:49 |
As the reviews have been so good for this pub went last night and was not disappointed! The food was v good and excellent value, nice little courtyard garden out the back. Will definitely go back.
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I find it really difficult when leaving Basingstoke train station to prevent myself from going in to this pub! The beer is always top quality, immaculately kept and very fresh-tasting, and from a wide range of independent breweries. Loddon's Ferrymans Gold a particular recent treat. The atmosphere is friendly and never intimidating, although the no-smoking section certainly brings a different perspective to the earthy quality of the main bar. I have never eaten there, but the food always looks exceptional. They have regular specials which always sound interesting, and the menu would certainly indicate that the food is home cooked! Personally, I can't wait to eat there.
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It is a nice little traditional pub and I would agree about the food, but please can the staff smile a bit more, and can the bar be left clear of of the older fogies so that I can get noticed to order my pint?
anonymous - 6 May 2007 20:25 |
Gordon Ramsey once said 'ban microwaves'. Having said that he admitted that every world class kitchen has at least one. So for all you complainers, the food here is VERY good and if you do not like it I suggest you speak to Donna who will be more then understanding to your views and will listen. This is a very good pub and it always will be!
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My name is Donna and I am the landlady of The Queens Arms. Recently a number of comments have been posted on this web site and I feel it is time I had my say. Obviously our pub is not going to be to everyone's taste but that is to be expected. We are a small, old fashioned independant pub which means you will get a completely different experience to those of a top of town chain pub. In response to the anonymous comment posted on 6th April, if you believe we serve bought in frozen microwave meals you obviously have not tried our food. Yes we use microwaves (we own two), but which modern kitchen doesn't. Our microwaves are used to re heat homecooked dishes to order such as our Chilli con carne or cottage pie. Most of our food is prepped daily on the premises. We do real chips (spud peeling takes an hour every morning), our ham is cooked in our oven from fresh whole gammon joints and we make homemade burgers from fresh minced beef. We are very busy weekdays lunchtimes with office people who believe our food is fresh and fantastic value. I could go on but the best way to find out is to pop in and try it for yourselves. Enough of that! we would like to thank everyone who has posted constructive comments on this site - postive or negative. We are always willing to listen to peoples opinions as that is how a business like this grows. (ps to anonymous who thinks I am the sexiest landlady - Thankyou! it has caused some discussion at the bar)
anonymous - 7 Apr 2007 13:14 |
I think it's about time I put in my five pennyworth. To their credit, Mark and Donna have kept the pub very much as it was under Terry and Beb. Any changes that have been made have been subtle and all have been improvements. The beer is more consistent now and the variety has considerably increased. The Queens always was a chatty, community pub and that certainly is still the case now. That comment re the microwaves is hurtful and simply not true - yes, some dishes are prep'd in advance but most are freshly cooked. The quality and range of the dishes on offer is extremely good and I would recommend the pub to anyone wanting to sup or dine in a traditional pub that has lost none of its charm over the years. And there aren't many Basingstoke town pubs that can boast that!
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I enjoy working in this pub. The ethos is to make everyone, regular and new visitor, welcome. Donna and Mark have very high standards. It is a pleasure to work for them and with them to endeavour to create a "real pub" atmosphere where all our customers can enjoy their visit. Sometimes it is too busy to be sociable with everyone but we try very hard to make you all feel valued as customers. It is a fantastic or should I say funtastic pub to work in and that is in part because of the variety of customers but also because I feel very much part of the team. If you visit I hope you have a very good time I will do my best to make sure you do.
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I use the Queens seven days (and nights) a week and believe me if it wasn't excellent in every way I wouldn't go there as often as I do. The cask beer is top notch and the choice is much greater than in other Enterprise pubs. This year the pub is featured in the Good Beer Guide and very deservedly too, in my opinion. Yes, the beer prices aren't cheap but if you want Wetherspoon prices go to Wetherspoons. What you get in the Queens (that you don't get elsewhere) is a great pub atmosphere, with consistently excellent and varied beer and an imaginative food menu. I don't find the staff anything other than friendly, helpful, chatty (when they have time) and efficient. The pub also boasts definitely the sexiest landlady in Basingstoke (and quite probably in Hampshire and possibly in the country). She'll kill me for that!
anonymous - 1 Apr 2007 10:38 |
Less of a comment here, more a rant....(heh heh) The Sky thing is a big prob for pubs of this type - the charge from Sky is based on the rateable value of the pub; town centres & near stations like this can be up to �12k or �14k or more for Sky. Now if profit on a pint is (say) �1, then to cover the cost you have to sell 2,000+ EXTRA pints EVERY week JUST because you have Sky. That's an awful lot of footy and an awful lot of people all watching it and drinking an awful lot of beer. I don't think that the required numbers would even be able to see the screens, never mind fit in the pub! OK, you could ask the Licensee to put their job, career, licence, marriage etc etc on the line and try using Al Jazeera...the last one I saw doing that is the (now closed down) Irish pub in the Old Town...QED. It's a bit different for pubs in large chains because they can spread costs like this over a wide base and anyway, if they're brewery-owned, look at the massive profits they make....so a tax-allowable loss on a Sky license? Why not? The Queens is, I think, independent and so don't enjoy the economies of scale available to Yates or Wetherspoons; they pay higher prices at the breweries and yes, their beer is more expensive but I'd have to say that I've never had a bad pint in the Queens. Some I haven't LIKED, but that's different and that's CHOICE for you. As for the staff being not always friendly and old, try Wetherspoons. They're miserable and young(ish). Seriously though, I use the Queens a couple of times a week and while the staff don't dance on the tables, I don't know many people who are blissfully happy at work. I think they're fine. We on our side of the counter have to remember that a pub is also a business and the livlihood for those who work there. OK, enough pomposity. I'm going now. Bye. x
anonymous - 28 Mar 2007 00:38 |
I use the Queens quite regularly and think it is a very good pub. Always welcoming and pleasant to be in. Keep up the good work!!!!!!
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Nice pint in the Queens?! i am sure they make more than that from the people who go in there to watch the football over the season and the knock on effect that it has!! Seems very shortsighted to me!!
anonymous - 20 Mar 2007 11:26 |
Not just rumours - licensees have confirmed they are getting rid of Sky Football next season. But with Sky charging about �15,000 pa can you blame them? at least us non-footie mad pub goers will be able to enjoy a nice pint in peace.
anonymous - 20 Mar 2007 11:15 |
Very expensive for a very small pub staff not always friendly and Old rumours have it that the footie is not going to be shown next season!?
anonymous - 20 Mar 2007 08:30 |
disagree with fiftyfive - i have always found the pub staff to be really friendly and welcoming. are you sure you had the right pub!?
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Fantastic food, all home cooking no frozen rubbish!best home made burger I've ever had. Guest ales change constantly. had a fantastic pint of B&T black dragon mild. banter at the bar makes you feel really welcome. def worth a visit.
anonymous - 12 Mar 2007 22:59 |
Why do the bar staff look like they do not want to be there?
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Interesting guest beers, frequently rotated and well looked after. Extensive range of good food, reasonably priced and (since 1st Feb) enjoyable in a non-smoking area. Friendly management. I'll be back.
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I agree with anotherpintplease, a very nice pub which I like. Although I would say a bit pricey. I do not mind though as the extra pence makes for a great atmosphere and a really good night. Good London pride!
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Probably the only proper pub near the centre of Basingstoke. Well worth a visit, although perhaps a bit down to earth for some. I like it though.
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Close to the railway station, and really the best choice for a round before or after your journey. Televised sport is part of the appeal, although on my visit the music was on so the football came without commentary. Good selection of ales.
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I don't agree with the comments describing the Queens as a '...relatively quiet backstreet pub." As a regular, I would say it is a very lively and busy pub just next to the train station. Hardly back street! As for the music - well it depends what you put on the juke box. Agree about the food. The beer, though, deserves special praise, especially the cask ales which are of excellent quality and are sourced from as wide an area as the licencees can negotiate. They (Mark and Donna) have spent a great deal of time and effort trying to get the widest range of cask ales they can from within the Enterprise Inns list. All credit to them. Jim Turner - 15 February 2006
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A good relatively quiet backstreet pub. Food looked good with generous portions. Chilli Cottage Pie recommended. Lousy music 8/10
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Brings back memories of drunken afternoons with my then Boss Terry P. We both always had a skin full (after our meetings of course).
Nice Pub, Nice People, Nice Beer - Nice!!!!
Must go back and visit it again soooooon.
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I make a point of visiting this pub on each of my few viits to Basingstoke. Friendly staff, beer is always good and generally something I haven't tried before. Food quality is very good and - IMPORTANTLY - tastes fresh. Look forward to my next visit!!
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It's about a year since Mark and Donna took over the Queens and a great job they are making of it, too. Although they are restricted in the range of beers (pub company's rules!) they have researched exactly just what they CAN get and so we have the benefit of the best choice possible. The cellar has been extensively upgraded with auto-tilt stillaging and improved flood control (!). Consequently the quality of the draught beer is now very good and it's very consistent. Food is extremely good value and very tempting. (I have, on more than one occasion, stayed for an evening meal there even though I've bought food at Sainsbury's). A very competitively priced Christmas menu is currently available. Of course, I'm biased as it's my local but it is one of the very few traditional locals left in Basingstoke which seems to concentrate on theme bars and kids' boozers. Jim Turner - 19 November 2004
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NICE
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As Jim says, the beer range is very good. Recently the Hopback Summer Lightning ang GFB has been on, but these ran out very quickly and have been replaced by the Crop Circle. More Hopback on the way soon though. Very good pub, with the food getting better all the time.
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I look forward to trying the roast Jim, sounds very lovely. The Queens is in my top 5 pubs in Basingstoke and I imagine I'll be going in there again very soon.
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The beer range is becoming more adventurous. Last night I was drinking Whitby Black Dog Synod and very good it was too. Sunday lunches, by the way, are not just available at lunchtime. I returned from a pub crawl to St Denys at about 6.30pm and was starving. Ordered a Sunday roast and within ten minutes I was tucking in to a very good value roast meal.
Jim Turner - 19 Feb 2004 17:10 |
As the rugby season approaches this is a place to be. I am told that commencing Sunday 15th February "Sunday Roasts" will be a new addition to the already great menu. Go on give it a try !
Carole - 11 Feb 2004 10:03 |
I have started to use the Queens Arms on a regular basis again. The new licensees, Mark and Donna Elvidge are an enthusiastic young couple whom the locals have really taken to. Beer quality is very good and although currently the guest beer availability is restricted due to the pub co's rules, I am advised that M & D hope shortly to be able to source locally brewed cask ales. Becks is no longer sold; in its place is Grolsch. There is no Special Brew. The food menu has been extensively revised with old favourites sitting alongside new dishes. Apart from all the above, I am pleased to report that the Queens has not changed very much at all to date.
Jim Turner - 4 Feb 2004 13:19 |
This place is great. Friendly atmosephere. Food is very good and well priced.
John - 3 Feb 2004 14:40 |
This place is great. Friendly atmosephere. Food good and am reliably informed that Sunday Roasts are not long away. Watch this space . . . . .
Carole - 3 Feb 2004 12:35 |
Used to use this pub to calm down after being brutalised by the local railway Co. Looking forward to trying tapped Becks. Wonder what else they do.
Steve - 1 Jan 2004 20:18 |
I visited the Queens last week, and unfortunately the new management have withdrawn the Special Brew. On the plus side, the pub is now open all day which it wasn't a few months ago. June is still there but the dog has gone.
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I quite like the Queens, very convenient for the trains, buses and taxis. Quite small and cosy with a traditional look. Got taken over by new management a few mons back, asthe previous landlord sadly passed away. hink June and the dog are still there though. It's the only pub in Basinstoke that serves bottles of Special Brew, as well as Becks on tap. Very nice!
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If you get off the train at Basingstoke and stumble out on the town centre side, you'll only be a stones throw from the Queen's Arms. I dropped in after a recent trip back from London the other day. I used to visit this pub regularly when it was run by an old gent and his wife - the real ale used to be top notch. Not so on my visit, where the girl behind the bar didn't stop chatting to a mate the whole time I was being served my awful pint of Bombadier. I think I'll give it a couple of weeks and try again.
Moz - 15 Nov 2003 00:06 |