please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
There's a site admin?
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This post is from a visit a few weeks ago - have spent a month or so trying to get my BITE password reset and had no response from the site admin at all. Finally remembered password today so this is the first of a couple of 'old' posts which I'll then follow up with some from earlier this week.
So popped in the Jollies a little while back and its had a redecorate since I was last in - very bright and airy and much improved on its scruffy old self.
Had a pint of Wadworths 6X (a favourite of mine from the 80s) - it wasn't bad at all but could have been a bit colder for my taste.
Food looked good but didn't try any - its done by Big Mike's Calypso Kitchen which I think is the chap who used to run a now defunct bar and restaurant around the corner.
There's an outside seating area but it fronts up to the street and a very busy traffic junction so its noisy and the air polluted.
Downside for me was the 'piped' music - played a fair bit to loud. Friends tell me that the live music nights can be quite good.
Pip-pipp.
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Was served a distinctly vinegary pint of Pride, which they changed promptly enough - yet then spoilt that with a fairly surly "there''s nothing wrong with it".
Plainly unfamiliar with decent Pride - a la The Royal Standard or The Builders - or what Sarsons smells or tastes like in a glass then.
Second one wasn''t much better so abandoned that and, given the chippy (Sarsons, geddit?!!) response above, switched to Trib and, when that ran out, Proper Job: both of which were fine.
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Tried this pub after being told that the music nights were good.
Instead, found a pretty run down place with a live band playing the most out of tune noise south of the river! Too loud for a pub this size and sounded like someone was murdering a cat :(
Seems most of the punters agreed too, as when the noise started, they all went outside, which said a lot. How the owners don't realise, god knows!
Seems anyone can pick up a guitar and call themselves a band.
Beer wise, pretty average. Glasses a bit dirty, like the rest of the place.
Didn't try the food, so can't comment. Chips looked like chips, so guess that's something.
Maybe somewhere that's seen better days. Punter told me place recently changed owners, so perhaps that has something to do with it, like.
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Cracking music evening and the beer was top notch and in good nick. The best pub in Purley for my money.
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I thought it would be a more sophisticated pub but not so. The beer was fine but not exceptional, the service was average - polite and functional although the price of the drinks was a little on the higher side of average.
The pub seemed to have seen better days and there was a general worn look about it. Worst of all was the loudness of the music which drowned out any attempt to have a conversation. How people could hear each other beats me so not a place if you want to make conversation. Clearly, the "music" was divorced from what was showing on the television screens.
The group I was with left after one drink as it was just impossible to talk.
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This pub could be alright if the owner spent some money on it, otherwise it remains what it is- a dump. The insides look like they haven't been touched in about 40 years. The bogs have got that well used look and feel about them, although they don't stink. On the upside I have never had a bad pint there as far as I remember.
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It was all ripped out and mucked about with about ten years ago and never recovered as far as I am concerned. It is now expensive and has an abandoned out-of-hours-music-venue feel. It could be a gem but will need work.
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I thought I would brave this pub again yesterday, I wish I never did. The bar staff were the same, just standing around talking, and I get the feeling they dont care and just doing it for the money. I observed males sat at the bar who appeared drunk and were still being served. The bar was sticky and dirty from beer. And I have to agree with the last post, the music at weekends is poor, and it is just noise, I cant say I have seen a good band in their. Mind you most of the customers are so off thier hands I dont think it really matters. The Saturday I was their I saw a man enjoying a white power. I am sorry, I am only being trueful, this is one pub I will never return to.
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I have to agree with a lot of the previous posts, cliquey, dirty, bar staff that aren't interested in serving people and has attracted the worst of the local people.
When you first go in you think it could be a gem but the illusion soon fades. The decor is tired but would be ok if it was clean. Take a look at the loos and think what the kitchen must be like. Eat here and you'll be worried (rightly or wrongly) about what you might get.
The worst thing for me is the music, can't the management tell the difference between noise and music? Most of the bands they have on are dire!
If you catch them on a night with no music and avoid the food (and the long haired lush from the store over the road) its not too bad. Those nights are rare though
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In my most recent visit to this pub, I was very disapointed. It took me an age to be served while the bar staff were just standing around talking to each other.
A big disapointment.
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One of those pubs you think twice about going in but once settled you realise it was a good decision made - Youngs and London Pride ale on offer (possibly one more but it had been a long afternoon), both well kept made all the better by the warm welcome from staff.
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The pub itself isn't bad at all - it could probably use a makeover though traditionalists will cry out no
Ive been in here several times and the service has always been friendly and curteous. It has some benches front and back, and live entertainment and quiz nights scattered throughout.
My biggest gripe is that theres a very clique vibe to the patrons here in which some live and die down here, and it can give an 'our pub' mentality to proceedings
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Just to add a coda to my recent-ish post. Foud it less-nice late on (10pm or so) a couple of weeks back. Only a few punters in, apart from some clearly l-o-n-g term sad alcohol abusers from the store over the road. Not agressive or dangerous just foul-mouthed sad specimens with no where else to go and made me feel uncomfortable that I was intruding on their space.
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Just found the Jolly Farmers at Purley: live music several times a week with a good variety of musicians, great atmosphere, no hassle, have supplied my details to be added to their mailing list
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Its okay in here. Have been an 'on-off' visitor for twenty five years when Damian (sp) was THE regular and Noel ran the Dog and Duck round the corner by the cinema - both pub and pictures sadly now gone. Anyway, I quite like this place, a good mix of proper people in an a decent pub. Credit to the landlord and staff - well done! Get some better pictures of the place though ;-)
Pip pi..........
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Great staff, management, as a single female, feel comfortable day or night there, great crowd & place is for me centre of Purley community. It is welcoming, friendly, comfortable, traditional & REAL pub :).
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Agree with most of the comments below - not a great pub but where else could you drink in Purley?
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Come on Jaffa, get a grip. The place is fine - I go in several times a week on the way home frm work and the staff are, without exception welcoming and polite. The beer is kept well - Pride and Bombardier generally sound. The bands on a Friday are all from pretty much the same mould, but mostly they are good musicians and entertaining. Cant find much to fault what is, after all, a town centre pub. Its certainly the best in Purley
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Don't know about "going downhill rapdily", but agree the rock thing is being really rather overplayed. Last night's lot - 'Rock the Boat' - were particularly mundane. Not much better than the average 6th Form band, perhaps less so.
It has rendered Friday a dull, noisy finish to the week, rather than a 'jolly' one.
That said, two leading bluesmen - Samuel James and David Gogo - were on recently; and it seems that Wednesday nights (occasional only) are the ones to focus on.
Bombardier and Pride were in good order yesterday.
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Sadly the Framers is going down hill rapidly. What was a decent local has become a very grotty music pub, serving up very average blues / rock covers almost every day of the week and the prices are a joke - �3.25 for Guinness! It wouldn't be so bad if the bands know more than a few songs but it's the same thing day in day out - it's not as if the practise is helping them get better either. If you're tempted to try the food have a look at the loos first - if they're in such a state and are on show to everyone imagine what the kitchen's like. It's a real shame as 6 months ago it was a great place and I went there a few times a week. These days to enjoy yourself in the Farmers you need to think "Smoke on the water" is the greatest song ever, and your girlfriend/wife needs peroxide hair
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Best pint of ruddles "county" i have quaffed in yonks served up in a proper tankard, u beauty!!! 7/10
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I sometimes wonder, from some reviews on the site as a whole, where 'common' people are supposed to drink? While there's a geezer element to this pub, it is surely behaviour that matters - not tattoos or dress?
I think the below must be a disgruntled ex-member of staff. Yes: things have loosened up since the manager (but not owner) changed; yet since the new regime began, I have not seen any problems in this pub - and I go roughly twice a week.
In fact, there was more yobbery to be seen in the Grandstand Bar at Lingfield one recent Saturday than there has been in the entire two years since the new owners arrived.
It's not the greatest pub in the world, but it's not bad - and certainly the best in Purley.
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This pub used to be fairly decent but since the manager left last year the pub has descended back to the hole it was before.
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Blokes with love hate tatoos on their hands need I say more!
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Been back and starting to love this place for a drink (or few) on the way home via Purley. Went in on a Thursday and there was a quiz on, the place was again filled with a good atmosphere. Staff are very good, I am not a regular and they are learning my name and what I drink already, I like that in a pub!
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It's a nice enough pub, with a good selection of beers, including some decent real ales. Pity some of the clients are a bit chavvy, but I suppose there's not much that can be done about that.
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Friend has moved to Purely so met him here on a Wednesday night for a couple. There was a band on at 9 that were very good. Went back Friday night for another band, who were also very good. Staff are friendly, atmosphere is very good. Didn't notice any chav's myself but then only been there twice. (So far!!) Going back though..
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Some lovely people drinking in there at the moment. Shame about the bitchy fat girls though.
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Nice pub, friendly helpful staff. But no food on Saturdays despite advertising food outside.
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All the old chavs are worming there way back in shame the owner does not now!
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Much, much, much improved since the new owners took over about 18 months ago. Good (rock/ blues) live music every Friday and Saturday (with 'special' acts on occasional Wednesdays). Decent pint; and largely chav-free environment for a pleasant sojourn.
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A few years ago I vowed never to return after a dealing with a miserable barman. But I've noticed a different look about it recently, and broke my self imposed exile a few weeks ago to catch some music. Sure enough, its much better - probably the best pub in the area now. A couple of good beers on too.
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Me and Mrs C have trekked here on a few occasions and have found it a better pub than most on the Brighton Road into Croydon. Clean, bright, with a range of food and drinks to suit most palates. And the addition of music/band nights that would appeal more to the over 25 is welcome. All-in-all a change very much for the better.
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has improved greatly down here! I only live round the corner and I have now made this my local, good music in here on the weekend, think the locals are still getting used to the new music policy, as me and the missus were having a good old dance in here only to look behind us and find the whole pub just standing there staring blankly at the band.
Still good boozer now well worth a visit when music is on!
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It's OK at after work time at least, though presence of smoking teenage girls with kids in prams is a bad sign. Beer is OK, good choice, everything clean and tidy, and staff friendly enough but it's only really good for a quick one if you're waiting for a train or something. Despite its vast prosperity Purley is a dreadful area for pubs.
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Just been back to the Farmers for the first time in years. What a superb traditional pub now. No TV screens, just good beer and a very convivial atmosphere ......... and they serve to midnight !!
Seen the notices about the live music at the weekends, so will be back soon to try a weekend evening.
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Just been back to the Jolly Farmers after a couple of years. What a change. The place has been totally refurbed but still retains the traditional pub 'atmosphere'......... and with new toilets ! The range of live muso from the middle of the road blues / rock bands on a Friday night to the excellent musicians at the Open mic night on a Sunday night must be the best in the area....well maintained beers, friendly staff and a good 'hassle free' environment ...... wot a good pub !!
anonymous - 12 Jan 2007 11:35 |
went here the other evening and thought it was a verry nice pub freindly staff sanmagel on tap 9 and a half out of 10
anonymous - 1 Dec 2006 15:58 |
Please visit this pub and draw your own conclusions. Under new management and so much better than it used to be. This place is on the way up. Great beer, friendly atmosphere. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights and the best jam night for many miles around on a Sunday night.
Just try it, you may be in for a pleasant surprise. Purley has a proper pub again.
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This pub is situated on what must surely be one of the ten busiest road junctions in London.
Check the map out.
Sitting outside - even in the nicest weather - must be a bit of a trial - given the level of traffic, not all of which is going to the monster Tesco Extra opposite, where a case of 24 Strongbow 500 ml was �12-49 this morning.
I have never visited this pub - some of the earlier comments haven't been encouraging. Obviously better more recently.
Ought to try it, I suppose .....
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staff down there are dopey and very slow. customers are not much better
anonymous - 15 May 2006 14:49 |
I'm assuming you were also in the Jolly Farmers on a Sunday Night to enjoy the live music. Steve Whipp was great. If you had stayed right till the very end you would have seen the staff from behind the bar deal with the crowd you're referring to. They handled it really well, much respect.
I was close to what was being said and I know they won't be back in there again.
anonymous - 28 Mar 2006 23:00 |
And now the pikies are back every sunday
anonymous - 28 Mar 2006 12:56 |
Chilled, laid back, friendly atmosphere these days.
Great choice of real ales too and always in good condition when I go there. Greene King IPA, Adnams Explorer and Old Peculiar when i was there yesterday and Henry's IPA and others due on in the next few days
anonymous - 10 Mar 2006 12:44 |
Live Music Every Friday, Saturday And Sunday (Open Mike night)Late Licence Come Along And Enjoy
anonymous - 27 Feb 2006 16:34 |
At 4am, suffering from insomnia... I thought i'd post a message about the place I've just worked in for the last year and a bit - After reading previous comments, with much laughter I might add. I'd like to tell you all how much the place has changed. Since the pub has been under new managment from August it has changed dramatically. There is a friendly inviting atmosphere with lots of new faces as every day passes. It is now definitely a comfortable environment to be in. The tv's have been removed (a great decision I think) changing the clientele completely. Food is on everyday with a great choice to chose from, and there are now 2 evenings of the week where they do "open mic" night. This gives musicians/singers/and anyone who wants to have a go, the chance to get up on the mic and entertain us all. Just life the board outside reads, "The JF - Come inside you just might like it!"
anonymous - 14 Oct 2005 04:09 |
Under completely new management since about August. The place has been cleaned up considerably, the TV screens have gone and as a consequence the clientele who have been associated with the pub have also gone. There's a choice of real ales and homecooked food. The difference is amazing. Now owned by the same people who have turned the Good Companions round in Warlingham.
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Nice bar staff, shame about the customers. The minute you walk in you get the impression that the six beefy guys sat at the bar have been there since last week, and that they wouldn't hesitate to knock you through the wall if you so much as look in their general direction. Definitely a local's local. Been a few times, and it can be nice during the summer as it seems to be the only place with proper outside seating, but it's not really a redeeming feature.
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To be fair to the place, this pub is a good pub but unfortunately due to poor management is has gone down hill now for quite some time. I used to drink there and in a 9 month period I or friends were witnesses to 2 firearms incidents, pikies kicking off, fights galore, some bloke almost got filleted and a metal bar had an intimate relationship with another bloke�s skull. The place itself is a good old fashioned sawdust on floor pub and once you are �a local� you will be alright, currently ensure you are either under age or have drunk in there for 30 years or don�t bother going in, not until the management changes anyway
anonymous - 17 Jun 2005 10:27 |
I'm definately not part of the Burberry Brigade but I'd consider the Jolly as my watering hole. Like the rest of you I disliked it very much however as it was my mates' pub of choice (its the middle point between Banstead and Sanderstead....well kinda....and near my old sixth form) wants you get used to the 'natives' its actually a nice place to go - and this is coming from a guy who was accused of stealing when there during the summer - now the locals have got used to me they're friendly chatty etc. Prices are definately not a rip off as long as you find out whats on promo first.
Steve - 20 Oct 2004 15:14 |
pikey palace - until recently the only place you could watch football in purley though. Full of three stripes, baseball caps and moschino - you know the routine. If this pub was a t-shirt it would have HACKETT written across it's tits...
Anthony - 26 Aug 2004 11:52 |
I agree with John Clarke(stop running, its ok mate)...but its horses for courses I suppose and I suppose everyone deserves a pub to call their own....its not mine though!!
Pat - 20 Aug 2004 21:19 |
To call this place a Pub is unfair to Pubs. I walked in the door alone and it was like a scene from a Western movie with every punter turning to see what I was doing there. I mumbled and left....I am still running!
John Clarke - 19 Aug 2004 18:34 |
its a burberry brigade joint!! steer well clear
abby - 3 Jun 2004 20:19 |
The most unfriendliest pub i have ever been to. it seems to be full of travellers. The landlord seems gutless as when it is getting rowdy hides upstairs. The place is like a zoo animals everywhere one to avoid at all costs. The pints are dreadful the bar staff put on a brave face though.Price are a rip off to enter at your peril it was a nice pub back in the day
hannibal - 2 Mar 2004 10:01 |
