please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
An excellent venue. Bar prices are reasonable and the bar staff are very welcoming. This is a stylish, chilled out venue very suitable for non-africans who dare to think beyond football and Murdoch newspapers. Obviously, there is a strong Ghanaian theme by way of music (hip-life/R&B), cuisine and beverages. As a whole, Gold Coast captivates the essence of Ghana culture and offers that west African experience to folks of all cultures and backgrounds. My only disappointment would be the door staff (specifically an east Asian man) who unfortunately forgot his manners. Nonetheless, once this venue dispenses with his services, I feel assured it will truly embrace the spirit of AKWABA (welcome in Twi language)
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The Spread Eagle was in my family from before the second world war to about 1962.
It was a working mans pub with an off licence on the left hand side and on the Cobden Road side was an outdoor "Gents"
Long time since I have been back there. Can anyone tell me if the horse mounting block is still there?
John
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I used to know this as the Spread Eagle, when Natalies family owned it, back in the 80's. Nat and I hung out a fair bit - i was the only backpacker in the area back then, known by the publicans as 'Kiwi'.
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I hold my hands up londoncabby. The amount of pubs closing down is a truly depressing sight and you're right, it is a refreshing change to see some opening and thriving as this one obviously has.
Were William and Francesca the couple who ran it when it became The Pleasant Pheasant in the late 80s?
The next time I'm down on my old stomping ground I'll definitely pop in and open my mind a bit more rather than letting nostalgia get the bette rof me - good luck to the GCB and all who sail in her!
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In reply to MervPayne, I too remember the previous incarnations. During the '70s I used to play league darts and the 'Spread Eagle' as it was then was a family run pub with musical entertainment at the weekends. After the landlord died the landlady took it over until retirement. The recession hit many locals and the Spread did not escape. As manager replaced manager, the decay turned into rot. The breweries and pub owners did not help one iota. The pub closed until taken over by William and Francesca. The pub reflects the multi cultural aspects of my home, South Norwood. Many areas change and so do the pubs, some for good some for bad. This I feel is for the good. Real ale will probably not sell well there, but the Ghanaian bottled beer is good tasting and strong. By always looking back one does not see the present or anticipate the future. There has been numeruous pub closures in the area so any pub re-opening is good news.
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Oh dear. On my 'reminiscence tour' of my childhood home last year I was disappointed not to have time to visit my old local drinkery 'The Pleasant Pheasant' - depressed as I was by the sorry state of my other two haunts - The Cherry Trees and Portmanor. It's a sad endictment of how the area is going when we have to have an African theme pub. Yes the food may be great and no, you may not hear a racist or sexist comment, but then in the heyday of its previous incarnation, 'The Pheasant' was a cracking friendly old pub where you could enjoy friendly banter and a warm welcome. No racism then either! I virtually lived there during the 1990 World Cup. It was run by a middle aged couple whose names escape m (like they say: if you can remember, you weren't there!), but they were brilliant hosts and the pub was a credit to them. They left shortly after I moved out of London and it apparently reverted to the old name of The Spreadeagle and its rep nosedived with it. I'm sure the Goat kebabs and Kelewele are great and good luck to its owners for their innovative and brave venture, but I still find it somehow deeply saddening...
And yes, I know I shouldn't criticise until I've been there, and I'm sure if I did I'd enjoy myself, but it's not the Pleasant Pheasant is it? HArRUMPH.
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Back again to try the food, but the kitchen was closed for refurbishment. It opens again in early March, and so the full menu is temporarily unavailable.
However, there were Chichinga (goat and chilli kebabs) and Kelewele (fried plantain), both of which were delicious.
Recommended!
Cheers,
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I am a local from South Norwood and have been using the Gold Coast from the beginning. When my wife and I first visited it we were among only half a dozen or so white faces there. BUT WHAT A WELCOME WE GOT. It made a refreshing change not to hear racist, homophobic right wing unpleasantries. The staff are friendly and helpful. The owners, William and Francesca, are even more so. There are normal draught beers as per any pub but I recommend the Ghanaian bottled beers. Weakest is Star, but others worth trying are Gulder, Stones and Club. Imported Guiness is an respectful 7% and one can have Ghana or Nigerian Guiness. The food is very reasonable and can be HOT!! Try the 'finger food' first. Good sounds are played together with live jazz. Football and sport is viewed and it was the place to be during the World Cup 2006. Friendly, lively, great food and ambience. Be warned though that it is quiet up to about 9pm and then takes off til around 2am. Enjoy.
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Has the immediate impression of an up-market bar on entering - comfortable seating, soft but not dim lighting, and a long well-stocked bar.
The only thing missing is a selection of real ales. I'd give this place 10/10 if they served a couple of well-kept local ales rather than rely on the usual national fizz brands.
Didn't try the food, but others tell me it's worth trying.
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Been there a few times and its a great atmosphere, courteous staff and very friendly down to earth Landlord and Landlady..really good ethnic food,
anonymous - 22 Jun 2006 15:00 |
This pub is amazing! Definatey a 10 out of 10! The landlord and landlady are the friendliest you'll find anywhere so I am slightly disappointed by one of the previous comments that said different. They do not tolerate drunken, anti social or discriminatory behaviour. It is a great pub to go and socialise no matter where you are from, has excellent food and good selection of drinks.
The staff in general are always friendly and all have excellent customer skills.
You can watch the footy here too as they have a big pull down screen in the bar - would be a good spot to watch the World Cup!
The beer garden is superb and they also have a BBQ area and although I haven't been to one, I have spoken to folks that have and they are recommended a visit.
The key to this pub/ restaurant is that they treat each and every customer with respect, but in return, they ask that the customers respect each other and the staff.
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The Gold Coast Restaurant & Bar in South Norwood is a fantastic venue to entertain family & friends during the week or at the weekend.
The traditional Ghanaian food served here is very good and remarkably consistent. The menu is extremely comprehensive and the dining areas are set over 2 floors. There are plenty of drinks available from all over the world from a very well-stocked bar.
The music often played here is an eclectic mix of Soul, Jazz, R&B and traditional African music. Intermittent live music & dance performances as a well as guest DJ guest appearances are listed throughout the year.
There is a wonderful traditional-style patio garden to the rear of the venue where BBQ'S often take place - usually in the spring/summer.
Live premiership & European football matches featuring Chelsea, Manchester United or Arsenal are extremely popular at this location.
Check-out the Gold Coast Restaurant & Bar If you are thinking of where to go next with your friends or family!
anonymous - 8 Mar 2005 14:36 |
good food, loads of drinkd from ghana and a great place to meet up especially friday & sat to meet with old friends from ghana
anonymous - 12 Jul 2004 16:36 |
self centered bar staff and owner with little or no respect to patrons. Good food thought but rubbish customer services.
I am who i am - 23 Jun 2004 19:37 |
Tastefully and thoughtfully decorated. Good food, great company very friendly staff. Great landlord. Try it!
Cilinnie - 15 May 2004 12:04 |
The brightly lit & decorated Bar does bring a much needed wider choice of drinking venues in the area, other than the usual 'traditional flock carpeted ' Pub. Friendly bar staff too.
Arthur - 23 Apr 2004 17:12 |
very cosy, and good atmosphere!
excellent west african food! good value for money too!Friendly bar staff too. it's worth checking out!
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The ambience is good. There is a champagne bar upstairs for those who don't want to be seen with their mistresses.
The best West African delicacy, jollof rice is served here.
naasei - 31 Mar 2004 11:48 |
newly opened. Seems they spent all the budget renovating the exterior.
The interior is slighlty reminiscient of a hotel lobby in Lusaka.
Stuart - 20 Feb 2004 13:30 |
