please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This pub has completely changed, having recently reopened as a gastropub.
I didn't try the food, but it smelt good, and the diners, who constituted the majority of the clientele, seemed to be enjoying their dinners. The pub has clearly moved upmarket. There were at least four real ales available, including Conservation from the Red Squirrel brewery, while I had a pint of Olde Trip from Hardy & Hanson. My pint was not bad but could have been a little fresher. The bar staff however were a little amateurish, and it took two of them five minutes to deliver my pint and my mate's half. This pub is now more of a restaurant, but I guess if that's the price of keeping open we have to accept it. If you're a real ale drinker who likes a more traditional pub, I'd recommend you try the Swan in the next street.
|
I went in this pub for the first time recently and, as it hasn't been reviewed recently, I thought I'd register and add my two pence worth.
Apparently this pub was refurbished in late 2013. It is no longer a trad old boozer but is more like a bang on trend gastro-pub with olive and khaki paint and those filament light bulbs you see everywhere now. People who like trad old boozers are going to the Swan in the next street.
The landlord is new to the trade but is enthusiastic and is making a success of it. Obviously it is food led now but is a Green King "Local Hero" so the GK microbrewery tries out new brews here and the landlord is allowed to choose non-GK ales. The lagers are Estrelle and Tudor.
Ales were perfectly acceptably kept and you can have a straight glass or a jug. Worth adding to any Bushey pub crawl.
|
What a great old traditional boozer! Good beer, friendly staff and Britain like it used to be. If they cud put Sweeney on the TV, blue bag of salt in the crisps, Supercockle at 9.30pm and a row of Ford Anglias and Consuls in the car park, it wud be perfick.
|
Very well presented pub. Beer is Green King so I had a pint of Gunniess.
|
Just been in the King Stag after it's refubishment, it a totally different place.
Well done Tom.
Was there on Thursday on its reopening, place was packed
|
This has been my local for a few years now, great little pub.
anonymous - 29 Oct 2006 14:36 |
Was in here on Friday, found the place to be a nice little boozer,competitive prices, very busy though.
anonymous - 17 Sep 2006 22:55 |
"I noticed that this pub is also rated highly on the CAMRA website." - posted by anonymous, 7 June.
Can you back that assertion up with a link please? I'd be genuinely interested to see it - I can't find any mention of this pub anywhere on CAMRA's site.
anonymous - 14 Jun 2006 17:13 |
I think the new landlord seems a good bloke and hope his plans for guest ales comes to fruition. But at the moment this is a very average pub and I'm puzzled by its high ratings!!! Some very enthusiastic fans are at work methinks!!! 6.5/10 from me if I was honest but I want to like it more (its a local in my new area) so let the good times roll
anonymous - 7 Jun 2006 14:45 |
Nice to see people sticking up for this charming pub, have always had a great time in here, can be a bit crowded sometimes, but thats life.
|
I have been very amused by certain comments made about certain pubs on this site, and have tried my hardest not to get involved. but the temptation was to great.
I live in watford, and over the past few years the town centre has became what can only be described as a hell hole, for young hooligans, so our only retreat is to go a taxi ride just outside of Watford and into Bushey. Now over recent years, the horse & chains, the White horse and the White hart have all closed down, so our favorite public house is the King Stag. The people in here are always friendly and the service is second to none, the beer prices are also very competitive, all thought they have gone up since the landload became a tenent.
now that i've taken the time to write in I would like to say hi to my good friends Tim, Douglas, Bill, and the girls behind the bar, you do a grand job ladies.
|
Would like to rebuff the comments made by your resident doubting joe.
As a person who knows the landlord, I can inform you that the cellar is being enlarged to cater for the landlords next project which is to stock a greater supply of Ales, he is at present in contact with six different micro breweries and is looking to extend the amount of Real Ale he sell. this is the only refubishment he has planned. He took over the tenancy of the King Stag just over a year ago from Green King and has turned this place from a rambling old gentlemans pub, into a decent place for all age groups.
the person with the grip, i'm sorry but you make a lousy critic, but a great comedian. and just so you know I have tried all the pubs in Bushey, some I grant you some should be pulled down, but the ones I have commented on are very decent, I see you also had a dig about the Red Lion in St. Albans, dangerous game "IloveBushey" ( had to mention your name)
|
I had a good time playing darts and drank a lot of beer.. recommended by me..
anonymous - 1 Jun 2006 09:06 |
With only two or three exceptions, almost every one of the multitude of users who have reviewed this pub in the last few months have made NO OTHER POSTS on the site at all and again with very few exceptions all of these users made the comments immediately upon registering. Couple that with the fact that in each case the same spelling mistakes keep cropping up and - well I smell a rat frankly.
anonymous - 31 May 2006 17:02 |
The pubs in Bushey have been declining rapidly over the past few years, so it ver pleasing that that current landlord of this place has turned this place into a very charming and welcoming pub.i've never seen an angry face in here just smiling happy people having a great time.
shame to see people are giving 0 / 10 for this wonderful pub.
anonymous - 31 May 2006 14:14 |
Suspicious that three supposedly different posters have all logged in within an hour or so of each other to post arrogant rebuttals of my review... are we really to believe not only that this place is really the most visited pub in Britain (because it has more rating than any other pub on the site), and that it has a legion of fans sitting poised by their computers? One bloke I reckon - perhaps with a multiple personality disorder or maybe just with a desire to mess around with the ratings on this site. Strange.
For your information I was here in both February and March. Instead of being rude why not actually say something sensible as a rebuttal? Like for example - how could you argue that the beer selection is anything other than completely standard and average? Bombardier? Abbot? Anything more exciting or varied?
And if the place is so perfect why is it being refurbed soon?
And what's the chip on your shoulder about London?
|
I meet the wife in this pub, so it does have some negative points...... :)
anonymous - 31 May 2006 14:08 |
Best pub in the area by a nautical mile.....
anonymous - 31 May 2006 13:57 |
Would have to disagree 100% with the last comment and would think the last time this person visited the pub was decades ago..
|
If Tom's getting the big one out, the King Stags my home for the next month and a bit. Three lions on my shirt, and you better believe it !!!!!!
Should take a leaf out of Aide Boothroyds book and practice the penalty shootout after tonights game with Hungary.
Remember it's 40 years ago since you know what. support England and your local pub at the same time..
All the best lads do it for all us football mad idiots..
|
If your gonna watch the world Cup in a pub, this is the place Big screen and civilized atmosphere, aswell a great beer. Come on ENGLAND !!!!!!
|
Popped in for a swift pint last evening, found the place to be all its cracked up to be, a very charming, friendly place. even had a game of darts ( a sport which seems to be dying out in pubs these days)
great pub worth a try.
|
This is a fantastic booser, one comment to all you negative joes out there, TRY THE PUB BEFORE MAKING STUPID COMMENTS, also know where Bushey is efore judging.
This happens to be my Local, if you have a problem with the pub, please come in and ask for Tim, and we can discuss futher the qualities of the place.
|
This a brilliant pub, great beer and friendly staff back in there tonight.
|
I thought the service was excellent, waited no more the seconds before I was served, glad to here about the micro breweries, that is very positive just hope he chooses the right one(s), because there are a few duds out there.
You was'nt at the party by any chance the other night.
|
Very glad you enjoyed the pub "Dirtycash". I believe the landlord is in discussions about taking in some Ales from micro breweries.
As you said Thursday's are a bit busy due to the quiz, and Fridays and Saturdays are just the same, due to the "open the box" competition. even though it was busy I bet you did'nt wait more then a couple of mins to get served, on the real busy nights he normally has at least 6 people behind the bar.
|
Had too try this pub as it got some very good ratings on the CAMRA website. picked the wrong night to go though, thursday night was quiz night impossible to get a seat, but the Ale was more then fine, The Abbott ale was just perfect.
Although the place was packed the clientelle were very friendly, got invited back to a private party after the pub closed, and the boss was not best pleased this morning. ; )
I work in central London, and must say some of the public house's or as they are known bar's in London tend to lack the warm feeling and character of a good old suburban pub. Would agree with the comment made by timbo previuosly, the young ladies behind the bar were vary charming.
I will definately be using this establishment again.
9 / 10 from me.
|
This pub is a nice litte retreat, have seen some negative and positive comments about this place. I would have to say wonderful pub. good selection of beers and when the Czech girls are behind the bar great company, oh and your ok too Leianne. :P
|
I think the person who posted before must have gone on a bad night. Always a good welcome from Tom and the girls. Keep it up!
anonymous - 2 May 2006 15:54 |
4/10, not the best pub in town, pretty quiet, boring warm flat ales (only one of which was available last time I was on, and they had the guinness off too, so a pint of lager it had to be, booooooooooooo)
|
This is a wonderful suburban pub, full of character, Shame some of you people knock this pub before trying it. This is a busy, but very pleasent establishment.
|
Nearly always busy, very quaint pub, could do with a lick of paint though.
|
I was surprised, but pleased to see this charming pub at the to of your list. The landlord has done a great job with this pub.
anonymous - 31 Mar 2006 10:10 |
After a round of golf at Bushey golf course, i decided to give this pub a try, saw it was at the top of your chart.
I must admit, I was a sceptic and wondered why such a pub would be so highly rated. I was pleasently surprised. the pub was very hospitable, good selection of beers at reasonable prices, was a little disapointed there was not food though, after speaking with the chap who runs the place he informed me he stopped doing food over a year ago.
Great little welcoming pub. I give it an 8.
anonymous - 28 Mar 2006 16:11 |
This is one of my favourite pubs, always get a good welcome. Cheers Tom!
|
I forgot the lovly Czech barmaids, lovly girls.
|
Not bad for a middle of nowhere pub. lol. Lots of tasty women get in there from all nationalites, English, Irish, Swedish, German, Norwegain, French. and even some people from the Isle of man. can't be that bad a pub then. I the beer's not bad either.
all the best.
Mike Hunt
|
I would have to agree with the last comments here, I work for a local graphic design company, and this is a favorite after work haunt. It's a pub you feel has a lot of character and charm, OK, I would agree the decor could do with some fixing, but otherwise a tip top public house.
I feel the comments made that it was in the middle of nowhere are a bit laughable to anyone who has actually been to the pub.
Good selection of beer's at a reasonale price. definatly the best pub in Bushey, that there is no doubt.
Keep up the fine work Tom.
anonymous - 14 Mar 2006 10:38 |
I would just like to say the previous comment made here is not very true. I would like to know this persons definition "of the middle of nowhere".
The pub is situated just off the High street. It is in the middle of a residental area, and has a well used road which goes right by.
As regards the so called mock-tudor decor, I would say it fits rather will with the surrounding area.
The pub was always busy, with a friendly landlord and barstaff, the selection of drinks was as good as anywhere. and they also served good food.
I think you will find "ANONYMOUS" ( not even brave enough to use your name), that is why it is at the top of this chart. But i will say everyone must be aloud there opinions.
When ever i'm over from my native Sweden, I will always try to visit The King Stag.
I have therefor upgraded my rating from a 7 to a 10.
|
why is this top of the chart all the time? its in the middle of nowhere and looks like the kind of mock-tudor monstrosity that make suburbs the misery they are
anonymous - 10 Mar 2006 16:22 |
What can I say about this pub, well quite alot.
I visited ths establishment on many occations while on business in the UK, and found it to be very chaming. Not your usual rough and ready pub, but clientele with some pedigree. The quiz nights were always fun, but the quiz-master is a right blond bimbo.
Ladies if your looking for a man with some standing in life this could be the right place to check them out.
The pub is a lovely Tudor style pub, with some fine decor.
Pub is well recommended.
|
For information Tom the landlord has taken the tenancy on from Greene King. As said elseware the ale is in tip top condition.
|
It's been a while, but I spent many happy hours in here. I can see it from the back of my friend's house.
I hear it's under some sort of threat?
Say hallo to Cindy.
|
This is a nice little pub, although its been a while since i've been there.
used to have great food, and a great selection of beers, I believe it is now a freehold.
Worth a try if ever your in Bushey.
|
Good beer and a Dart board, thats good enough for me.
|
This is a great little pub, i've been away working in Germany the last couple of years, so it was great to come back to a typical English pub.
Tom the landlord is a great bloke.
definatly a 10 10 from me.
|
I agree with Noorrm, the pub has a tudor style on the outside, but is warm and welcoming on the inside, this is a pub to try without doubt.
very friendly landlord.
anonymous - 6 Jan 2006 09:48 |
Found this to be a charming pub, lot of character. good atmosphere and good selection of Ales.
my rating is 8 10
|
Hi all,
Been to this pub on many occations, mainly at lunchtime, nice little pub, good atmosphere. and some tasty men get in there sometimes (Girls). Not sure about the beer prices as i'm not keen on it, but the wine is resonable.
I give the pub 7 out of 10.
|
Great pub, very friendly, good selection of ales and a couple of very good dart player ( Wayne and a Norwegian chap).
|
Nice little local pub, its been a while since i've been in there but the punter are friendly enough. ( most are a bit long in the tooht though.) The barmaids make the visit worth while though.
|
Comfortable local pub. Nice decor with the ubiquitous Greene King IPA and Abbott Ale on for real ales. 6/10
|
This was an old haunt of mine years ago, and glad to hear that it has still kept its touch, lovely pub!! must visit next time I'm in the area - moved to North Wales so dont get much time that way now! Keep it up
anonymous - 5 Sep 2005 00:25 |
Quiz night is a must, so nice Czech bar maids aswell.
|
I have aquinted this pub on many occasions, the thing that attracts me is the fact that it is the only pub in the area with a dart board, and the Ale price are reasonable.
|
Quiz night on thursdays and Open the Box on saturdays.
Friendly pub, cheap ale.
|
This is a great little pub, the landlord is a very nice chap. The beer is quite cheap, and this is one of the only pubs in Bushey with a Dart board.
|
I found this to be a friendly pub, with great atmosphere, and the beer is cheaper then the pubs on the high street.
On thursdays there is a quiz night which begins at 21:00, this is a bit of fun and the winning team recieves a drink each.
A good reason for the lads using the pub is the good looking young ladies working behind the bar.
This pub is definatly worth a try
|
Not a bad pub but a bit rambling.
|
No pool tables but a good dartboard, fruit machine and a very friendly atmosphere. Very friendly and welcoming landlord and a good range of beers and spirits. Voted as best real ale pub.
Andy Phillpot - 24 Feb 2004 15:10 |
