BITE user comments - 16jamesdoc
Comments by 16jamesdoc
The George and Dragon, Ilfracombe
The oldest pub in Ilfracombe and it shows, with a bulging front wall going back to the 14th century! Comfortable and welcoming inside with some nice local beers.
12 Aug 2017 09:22
The Ship and Pilot, Ilfracombe
Potentially a good neighbourhood pub. It looks promising from the outside; the interior is unmodernised which is fine if beer is the priority. What put us off, and apparently some other visitors, was a local bloke who was effing and blinding like no tomorrow. There are places for people like that but not in the Ship & Pilot.
12 Aug 2017 09:17
The Pack O Cards Inn, Combe Martin
A nice traditional building with a cosy atmosphere. The Exmoor Gold, a reliable local standard, was on while I was there. What made the trip really worthwhile was the Tuesday night quiz, one of the best of its kind I have played anywhere.
12 Aug 2017 09:11
The Morden appeared to be undergoing decoration when I went, so it wasn't obvious until I got close that it was open. What a nice surprise however---good beer, nice staff and a lively atmosphere. There was a 7-piece trad jazz band who filled the place up. It was nice also to be over 30 and not to feel old in a pub!
28 Apr 2017 09:01
The Pear Tree Inn, Hook Norton
A friendly village pub, which in these difficult times survives through being the tap room to the Hook Norton brewery. A warm welcome and with all the current Hook Norton range on handpumps, a good preview for a visit to the brewery. Strongly recommended.
25 Apr 2017 09:27
I wonder how long this traditional delight will survive gentrification. This is a gastropub but not as we know it, with meals at less than £5. About 5 handpumps with at least 3 of them brewed locally. Just because the floor doesn't seem to be level doesn't mean you're not under the influence anyway; it is in line with Vernon Street outside. Enjoy while it lasts!
15 Apr 2017 13:02
A survivor from the wholesale developments along the Strand, this is an unusual wedge-shaped Victorian building. It's been a bit hipsterised inside but I won't hold that against them. An excellent Brimstage Sandpiper light, and in mid-afternoon I found a sunny place to enjoy it.
15 Apr 2017 12:56
On the edge of the Georgian Quarter, this pub should benefit from the gentrification of the area. I was going to have only one pint but stayed for three. The Ship & Mitre Silhouette should cut down on my Guinness intake in future! When I was there (a Wednesday) there was a three-piece Cajun band, who reminded me how closely related that style is to Irish music. Also a cut above the one-man-and-his-guitar types around the Cavern Quarter. Strongly recommended.
15 Apr 2017 12:53
Friendly back street pub which has survived the test of time, and a nice fire to warm me up from a chilly April night. The Bragdy Heavy Industry porter is a heavy, treacly brew that will warm you up even further. Well recommended.
15 Apr 2017 12:46
An Irish pub as in Dublin, Cork or Dungarvon, not as the London chains imagine them to be. Nice late Victorian décor. The bar is narrow so it suits slim people, as does the function room upstairs. A sufficient number of handpumps which we gave a good seeing to; not sure why the barman didn't seem happy about this but oh well..........
17 Nov 2016 18:19
A remarkable range of real ales (16 when I was there recently) makes this a must-visit place. Helpful staff and no "music" as well. They have resisted the gastropub tide by not serving food at all, but you can bring food in from the Philpotts down the street.
14 Oct 2016 10:03
A quiet, unassuming Thwaites pub a short walk from Haverthwaite station on the heritage railway, which combined with a boat ride down Windermere makes a nice day out. When we (a party of 8) were there on a Wednesday afternoon, we doubled the clientele numbers and it deserves more recogniyion.
10 Jul 2016 15:15
Metropolitan Bar, Baker Street
A fine traditional building with a high ceiling, it's an impressive place with a good range of beers. Not too crowded on a Saturday evening, with just about right of buzz. Don't be put off by the bouncers at the door!
21 Apr 2016 19:05
The Angel in the Fields, Bond Street
Since I have a fondness for pubs with good architecture, especially late Victorian or Edwardian ones, I liked this pub immediately on walking in. The neo-Gothic arches and wooden panelling are superb. Sam Smiths is not my favourite beer but they do compensate by keeping the prices down; £3.10 a pint made it a cheap round!
21 Apr 2016 18:57
An appropriate name for a mock Tudor building. Some reasonable beers and a nice old-fashioned atmosphere. Some of the other customers were interested in shouting (re the Monty Python Interesting People sketch) when I was there but I'm sure it's OK usually.
21 Apr 2016 18:53
Catford Constitutional Club, Catford
I can only add to my 2014 post, strongly recommending this rather quirky place, especially for the Tuesday night quiz. However it is in danger of closure this autumn, so please be sure to sign the petition to Lewisham to keep it open. London needs all the pubs like this that it can get.
28 Mar 2016 11:53
Some of the adverse comments about this pub are very old and it deserves a much higher rating than it has. It's a well-run, unassuming back street place with a good selection of beers, well worth a visit.
23 Jan 2016 12:20
Re my recent post, I am glad to say that after I made a complaint to Nicholsons, they apologised profusely and agreed to send me a beer voucher. So I'll be returning to the Kings Head quite soon.
23 Jan 2016 12:14
I think this pub deserves a better rating than 3.7 but I see the last review was 4 years ago. A fairly modern décor to a place with a nice traditional name (at least they didn't shorten it to Percy's or something). The staff are friendly and there are 4 handpumps from their local brew (the IPA in particular was very good). The only problem was the gents' lavatory was out of action but hopefully that will be sorted soon.
14 Jan 2016 19:32
A traditional pub with that rarity, snob screens. Rather busy and noisy when I was three on a recent Tuesday evening, but otherwise OK and the beer was fine.
14 Jan 2016 19:28
When I ordered a pint of stout last Saturday, it had a vinegary taste and it seemed to have gone off (my friends had a taste and they agreed). However the barman thought otherwise and insisted that he had served several pints of this beer today without comment. This could have meant that the bottom of the barrel had been reached. Usually when this happens, the bar staff concur with the customer without question but on this occasion he refused to give me the benefit of the doubt. I left the beer unfinished and won't be returning here until Nicholsons reply to my complaint.
11 Jan 2016 10:15
The North London Tavern, Kilburn
Formerly the North London Hotel, the building is a classic late Victorian gin palace in a road of multcultural shops. Inside, it's quite noisy and dark but the decent beers make up for it (and you might need them if heading south to the Guinness-only pubs in the High Road!)
28 Oct 2015 12:46
Brighton has a plethora of small pubs and this is one of the best, quiet and unpretentious. The Dark Star range is second to none (apart perhaps from its local rival, Harveys). A must.
28 Oct 2015 12:42
The Triple Crown Inn, Richmond
Off the beaten track, which ensures a dedicated band of punters. It has a slightly lived-in appearance inside but no objection to that---I would hate to see it become gastrified. A friendly atmosphere and a good range of beers; long may it flourish!
28 Oct 2015 12:40
A good unassuming pub with several real ales and antique furniture salvaged from churches, offices etc. The food is mostly cold: cheese, chorizos etc., nice but not if you're supposed to be on a diet!
28 Oct 2015 12:36
The King Charles I, Kings Cross
A nice selection of beers, including the local N1. I didn't mind the basic no-frills atmosphere but later in the evening the music came on really loudly and spoilt what would otherwise have been an excellent boozer.
28 Oct 2015 12:31
The Vat and Fiddle, Nottingham
The brewery tap for Castle Rock, it has all their beers on handpump plus several more. They offer discounts for CAMRA members. What better way than pass the time waiting for the train?
25 Jun 2015 11:31
The Hand and Heart, Nottingham
A lively, atmospheric pub with pleasant service. The tables where they serve meals are set in the caves---my first experience of eating underground! They also provide more space than the front bar area, which can get busy.
25 Jun 2015 11:28
A pleasant enough place with a nice upstairs room. However the beer left something to be desired; either Youngs have gone off the boil since their relocation or the staff weren't looking after the beer, which tasted insipid. On one occasion the barman had to be prompted twice to top the glass up. There are better drinking options around Victoria.
2 Nov 2014 12:43
Situated in an impressive Edwardian building full of atmosphere, this pub is ideal for meetings (of which I attended one recently). The range of Fullers beers plus a guest is fine on quality. Quantity is another matter however and at around £4 a pint, the glasses ought to be filled up without one having to ask for a top up (this happened twice when I was there). Not everyone who drinks there is as rich as the bankers who "work" in the area. If you want to save money and be sure of a full pint, you might prefer the Crosse Keys round the corner, itself a magnificent Edwardian ex-bank.
25 Sep 2014 10:40
Sited in a lively and slightly edgy district of Birmingham, this is a nice traditional pub, probably Victorian. The beer selection wasn't enormous but satisfactory (Ginger Pig and St. Austell when I was there). Live music on Saturday evenings to which you can boogie along if there's space! A good discovery.
27 Aug 2014 13:52
The TFC reminds me of an excellent pub I visited in the 1980s called the Bradfordian---in fact it may be one and the same place. A basic, classic traditional heritage pub with 8 handpumps (or was it 10?---I stopped counting). Not to be missed!
15 Aug 2014 10:17
A nice locals' pub which has survived the hipsterification of this area. Traditional decor and Harveys Best ensure a pleasant evening.
25 Jul 2014 14:19
The Hillsborough Hotel, Sheffield
A spacious bar area which has evidently had a makeover recently. Good beers at good prices and well worth a visit on a crawl in the Hillsborough direction.
21 Jun 2014 12:08
A nice traditional pub with several small rooms, an active university crowd and and several handpumps.
21 Jun 2014 12:06
The Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield
I didn't have the bad experience of the previous reviewer and enjoyed the various beers on handpump (strangely, Kelham Island wasn't one of them but there were plenty of others). Rather noisy on a Saturday evening but since this was a good sign for the pub industry, I could put up with it.
21 Jun 2014 12:03
A traditional little pub with nice Victorian fittings (mosaic flooring etc.) The best beers were Salamander but there were others as well. Strongly recommended.
21 Jun 2014 11:54
An excellent traditional little pub in what is an industrial wasteland (apart from the nearby Kelham Island Tavern). Twelve handpumps and meals at under a fiver make this place hard to beat.
21 Jun 2014 11:50
The New Barrack Tavern, Sheffield
A tram ride up to Hillsborough, this is just the place to start a crawl on a wet Saturday morning. They serve Castle Rock and several others in this traditional boozer. The large stage and collection of vinyl records on the walls leave no doubt as to its musical leanings.
21 Jun 2014 11:47
Over a dozen handpumps! A fantastic Edwardian palace with traditional tiles and a skylight, just in case you needed to check the clarity of your pint. I bet this has been responsible for a few missed trains!
21 Jun 2014 11:43
Catford Constitutional Club, Catford
A welcome substitiute to the Catford Bridge Tavern and run by the same people who used to run that. It's set out in "shabby chic" style that wouldn't be out of place in Shoreditch and attracts a mainly young crowd (apart from us 60-somethings). With 6 handpumps, including recently two Rudgates, it can't go wrong. The excellent quiz on Tuesday nights will help to lubricate any brain cells surviving the beer consumption (although it would be nice if they manage to turn off the music in the quiz room).
14 May 2014 12:25
The Charles Dickens, Southwark
A bit noisy but 6 handpumps and a friendly Wednesday evening quiz more than make up for this. None of the problems reported by the previous reviewer applied when I was there recently. Well worth a session.
4 Apr 2014 12:35
A pleasant pub with some good beers (Portobello when I was there) and good to find a place that's open on a Saturday evening in an area consisting mainly of offices.
2 Apr 2014 14:14
This is now known as the Windsor Castle (BITE PLEASE UPDATE). Sam Smith's isn't everyone's favourite beer but you can't argue about the price. When I was there on a recent Saturday evening, it was comfortable with plenty of space and mercifully, no music!
2 Apr 2014 14:11
The Hoop and Grapes, City Of London
A decent, unpretentious pub on the edge of the City. Shepherd Neame has not been one of my favourite beers but the Whitstable Bay is nice and light. Also this pub had a good guest beer from Holt's when I was there recently.
16 Jan 2014 11:07
In what is a desert area for pubs, this is an oasis. Quite a trendy place; three beers on handpump and a decent wine list.
15 Jan 2014 10:55
The Ravensbourne Arms, Lewisham
A spacious, prosperous place to brighten up Lewisham High Street, with 4 exotic beers on handpump. A slight quibble was that there were no session beers when I was there recently but the Hastings American IPA was excellent and blotting paper was provided by an exceptionally good lunch!
2 Jan 2014 20:58
An upmarket hotel bar with several hand pumps. Maybe I'm easier to please than some of the other reviewers but I quite liked the "trancey" sound.
29 Oct 2013 16:50
A comfortable pub with all the Jennings range. Don't miss the quiz on Thursday nights!
29 Oct 2013 16:42
Some would say that Stoke-on-Trent needs some TLC and if this (and the White Star and Wheatsheaf nearby) it's got it. The Glebe is an impressive Victorian building, with nice service and decent Joule's beers.
29 Oct 2013 16:34
The White Star, Stoke-on-Trent
A nice Victorian building with all the Titanic range plus several guests, and memorabilia from 1912. A pub to remember.
29 Oct 2013 16:29
Far from being a traditional boozer in name and appearance, it however ticks the boxes for lovers of traditional beer. Very nice.
29 Oct 2013 16:26
On walking in, your first impression is the bright, trendy interior which might put off the lover of traditional boozers. However there at least 8 hand pumps and the beer quality is excellent so it should not be missed on a pub crawl of Shrewsbury.
29 Oct 2013 16:22
A nice historic pub in the old part of Shrewsbury with several hand pumps.
29 Oct 2013 16:17
Something of a time warp in the heart of Chelsea in that you don't stand out for being aged over 25. Gay friendly, a bit quirky and equipped with Brain's of Cardiff, hence ticking at least 3 boxes if not 4.
20 Oct 2013 14:34
It has been gastrified but there's plenty of space to relax in the drinking area. A nice warm fire as well.
20 Oct 2013 14:29
Potentially a nice small neighbourly boozer, with 4 handpumps. However if a recent Saturday night was anything to go by, the mindless "music" was perfectly matched by pushy, shouty crowds. They obviously liked it but anyone over 25 might feel different.
20 Oct 2013 14:28
Pleasant City pub with 4 hand pumps and for such a location, pleasantly uncrowded (on a Tuesday night anyway). Good function room downstairs.
26 Sep 2013 17:41
Convenient, comfortable and central, and not crowded for watching international football (mind you, the quality was good for people staying away). The Saltaire Blonde was very moreish.
20 Sep 2013 18:00
You don't go there for the real ale because there isn't any. What this pub does have is a quirky, lively and apparently gay-friendly atmosphere. Saturday nights might not be for the faint-hearted but for a taste of traditional Birmingham life plus some good 1980s reggae from the DJ, it's definitely worth a try.
19 Aug 2013 12:22
Another Inspector Morse type of place with low ceilings, small rooms and a decent supply of beers. If you were wearing a tie that didn't already feature in their collection, they used to threaten to cut it off! Anyone looking for a traditonal pub in the heart of Oxford won't be disappointed.
15 Jun 2013 16:13
Well worth the detour down a side alley and a classic old-style Oxford pub. The beers could be better but deserves to be part of the Oxford scene.
15 Jun 2013 16:06
Probably not the best for meals because the tables are small, but otherwise a fine example of a traditional Oxford pub with low ceilings, acres of woodwork and nice service. They have some good session beers but the Old Hooky shouldn't be missed either.
15 Jun 2013 16:03
The Post Office Vaults, Burslem
Yet another pub which makes Burslem worth visiting to make up for its lack of scenic beauty. A nice friendly place with several good beers. We had to get the volume of the TV turned down but otherwise, no complaints.
1 Jun 2013 15:53
Everyone living in or visiting Staffordshire or Cheshire should know about the Blue Bell. It's small and intimate with a magnificent supply of beers (the Whim Arbor Light was one of the best when I was there recently). My only gripe was that they forgot to call last orders, otherwise I would give it10 out of 10.
1 Jun 2013 15:06
Very nice in the current climate of back street pubs dying like flies, to see the Wharf doing well. Traditional pub games and 6 hand pumps set the scene for a classic pub.
1 Jun 2013 14:57
The Bollington Brewery may not be to everyone's taste but personally I was happy with their beers. The Vale is quite an upmarket place serving good Thai curries among other things.
1 Jun 2013 14:54
As a town which has fallen on hard times, Burslem would appear to need some TLC and the Bull's Head seems to be it. As the brewery tap for Titanic, it has all the range and when I was there recently, the Steerage was particlarly fine. And for one used to London prices, I was pleased to get this at £2.65 a pint. The juke box has some quriky selections too.
1 Jun 2013 14:32
With so many Coach and Horses in London W1 it's easy to mix them up! The beers are nothing special in this one but it has a nice intimate atmosphere with an unusual triangular seating area. It would be nice some time to see the upper floor when they aren't holding that event that frustrates so many independent visitors---the private party.
29 Apr 2013 22:18
A good range of hand pumps (Phoenix Hopsack especially) and I didn't suffer the bad service that one recent reviewer did, quite the contrary in fact. Its shabby appearance might put some people off but it's a friendly place. And if you want to hear Purple Haze, Dazed & Confused and
Paranoid in the space of 60 minutes, you know where to go!
29 Apr 2013 22:08
An essential stop on the real ale trail and a fine Art Deco building as well. With 11 hand pumps of British beers, not to mention the imports, there's something for everybody. If you want a quiet pint, Friday evening is not the time to go but in a city where so many pubs are sadly closed, it's nice to see this one doing a healthy trade.
29 Apr 2013 22:00
The building is already on the CAMRA national inventory but it ought to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well---an absolutely fantastic fin-de-siecle extravaganza. The beer was good too---Liverpool Organic to name but one. If they hadn't been playing "Brown Eyed Girl" on the PA I would have given this pub 10/10.
29 Apr 2013 21:56
A friendly old-fashioned boozer with a good selection of north-western beers, especially the Beartown Bearly Spring. Maybe it was my imagination after the beer but it has an unusual sloping floor! When I was in, a certain non-Merseyside Premiership team was playing in the Europa Cup, so not much interest from the locals but the barmaid kindly tilted the screen to give me a good view.
29 Apr 2013 21:52
A friendly and well-run neighbourhood pub. Young trendies looking for a nightclub atmosphere may be disappointed but most mature drinkers will love it. The fact that the Calthorpe now has guest beers such as Purity Gold is all the more reason for going there.
17 Apr 2013 17:36
After years of closure this has reopened and reinvented itself. It's not quite a gastropub but with the large space for eating, it's getting on that way and it looks a bit brash for this unassuming part of Kennington. However the beer is excellent with the full range of Oakham brews, a nice change from the usual Kentish beera round here.
11 Apr 2013 09:39
Back Door / Burlington Arms, Mayfair
Off the beaten track, this is a nice quiet pub---on Saturday evenings anyway. And three cheers---either they don't play "music" or their PA system wasn't working! The beer selection is not huge but enough to satisfy most people; they had Sambrook Pumphouse when I was there and very good too.
28 Jan 2013 08:58
The Artillery Arms, Old Street
A traditional, busy pub which some might find a bit noisy. However it's like this for a reason; besides the Fullers, the guest beers supplied for the festival were good.
17 Oct 2012 10:13
Nice to find this pub flourishing in a neighbourhood that looks a bit rough for some. If you're after naked ladies, look no further because it's the name of the Twickenham brew! I might have a gripe about the "music" which was a bit obtrusive, and the stools which are not very comfortable but otherwise I wish the management every success.
11 Oct 2012 08:46
The Grape and Grain, Crystal Palace
The decor would be regarded by some as somewhat tired but I have no other complaints. The beer festival which started on 5th October was superb, the Fyne Jarl being particularly impressive. With the festival beers being served under gravity and at �3 a pint for CAMRA members, a long session was called for. Even were it not for the festival, the regular display of handpumps would have satisfied all tastes.
11 Oct 2012 08:40
The Glasshouse Stores, Piccadilly Circus
A long and narrow interior (like what so many of us beer drinkers are not!) and usually plenty of space at the back even on busy nights. The Sam Smith's which they serve is like Marmite; you love it or hate it. On balance I'll give it 7.
2 Oct 2012 09:34
It's nice to find a Badger's house in the heart of Soho, and like several other pubs around here, small is beuatiful. Busy but if you persevere, you will find enough seating inside.
2 Oct 2012 09:30
A comfortable pub with an interesting layout and enough good beers to satisfy.
2 Oct 2012 09:24
The Blythe Hill Tavern, Forest Hill
It's the sort of place where you go in for 3 and finish with 7 (Dark Star Hophead when I was last there). A great old-fashioned pub which thankfully has not gone open-plan You will get a choice of TV sports to watch (they like racing but you can also see football or cricket as well). Not to be missed and convenient for the trains---if you can stagger down the steps!
3 Sep 2012 20:21
It's sad to see one of the best-run pubs in Poole closed by a greedy pub company. This was a classy place where you got a warm welcome and could be sure of not being bothered by yobs. Even worse news---I hear that Paul, the ex-guvnor, has died. He was a great bloke and I am very sorry to know that he is gone.
28 Aug 2012 10:50
A decent Fuller's pub. If you're there on the right Sunday evening, don't miss the quiz.
28 Aug 2012 10:43
It looks promising from the outside but the clientele looked and sounded oikish to me. Still, when there are no handpumps apart from Greene King, what do you expect?
28 Aug 2012 10:41
A nice friendly Ringwood pub. I could have done with the volume for the live music being turned down but when I returned the day after (Sunday) it was enjoyable.
28 Aug 2012 10:39
The Poole waterfront has a remarkable selection of pubs and this is perhaps the best of them, with a full range of Badger beers. Look out for the live music; this may be your nest chance to hear bossa nova this side of Rio!
28 Aug 2012 10:35
They have only one handpump (Ringwood) but the welcoming atmosphere more than makes up for this. One of the friendliest pubs in Poole.
28 Aug 2012 10:30
Maybe I'm old-fashioned but the Brewhouse appeals to me because it's how most pubs used to be---all pub, no gastro. The beer is the best in Poole and believe me, the competition around here is fierce. A nice neighbourhood atmosphere and the management is friendly.
28 Aug 2012 10:21
Not for the faint hearted if you're averse to steep hills but worth it when you get there. If you want to avoid lots of squeaky families you might not want to go on Friday evenings, although it does thin out later. The food is good, the service is friendly and there is a good supply of beers, especially the Flatcapper Ale.
5 Jun 2012 11:18
The beautiful setting by the Avon make this a popular place. Too popular in fact if you're looking for a quiet session, but it does improve after 9-ish when the families start leaving. The range of Box Steam beers is reliable. There are a number of bohemian types around and on Saturday nights you may be treated to some good live music from Calico Jack.
5 Jun 2012 11:12
A nice back street pub with wooden fittings. The beers were good; too bad about the punctual closing time because we were up for at least one more.
5 Jun 2012 11:01
A nice looking little pub with a vaguely Continental air. Some of the comments on the notice board are unprintable and hence highly entertaining. When we were there we thought the Glastonbury Spring Load was slightly past its best but maybe we were unlicky.
5 Jun 2012 10:57
A bit gastro-ish for some hardcore beer lovers but justifiably popular, both on the beer and the food fronts.
5 Jun 2012 10:52
Probably the best choice of beers in this part of Bristol. I sued to think Aramis was a kind of aftershave but it's also a gold, hoppy brew from Arbor and very nice too. The pub manages to be quite trendy and intimate at the same time.
5 Jun 2012 10:50
The trendy atmosphere might put some people off but the Bristol beers are reliable. It might be a bit grim in winter but on our vist the weather was beautful for enjoyment of the waterfront activities.
5 Jun 2012 10:45
Generally comfortable but don't let the toilets put you off. The management are friendly and obliging and will put on a barrel of something nice if you ring in advance (but be specific about your ETA because on our lunchtime visit they were expecting us in the evening!) The quiz on Monday nights is definitely worth the trip.
5 Jun 2012 10:42
A decent village pub without being exceptional. Popular, understandably because if its location by the river, when the weather is good.
5 Jun 2012 10:36
A pleasantly quirky place with several small, wooden-panelled rooms. These include the service area which is called Death Row because of the format with would-be customers sitting in a line. Several good local beers and a friendly atmosphere.
5 Jun 2012 10:31
A spacious pub with a bohemian vibe and several good beers. What spoilt it for me was the loud music; had it been live, this might have been good entertainment, but for trying to hold a conversation it was a dampener.
5 Jun 2012 10:24
A pleasant, quiet pub to relax for an extended stay for enjoyment of the beers on hand pump.
5 Jun 2012 10:21
Nothing out of the ordinary, resembling some of the other pubs around here e.g. the St. George, but quite comfortable and civilised, on the Saturday night that I was there anyway.
8 May 2012 20:20
More of a gastropub than an old-fashioned boozer but quite nice all the same, deep in the heart of Chelsea, with a couple of good cask beers on and a friendly atmosphere.
24 Apr 2012 14:28
I don't often rate 10 out of 10 for a pub but the Bartons deserves it. It's a fantastic Edwardian building replete with terracotta, ceramic tiles and those little windows above the bar (does anyone know what they are called?) Several good Oakham beers available, all in good condition, leaving Bishops Farewell to the last! The Thai lunch is very good value at around �5.50 and the service is nice too. I think the pub could do with some more lunchtime customers, so don't hesitate to take the number 7 bus from the city centre and prepare for a long session!
22 Apr 2012 18:03
A lively pub deep in the posh heart of Mayfair with a decent atmosphere. I wouldn't mind if they turned the volume of the "music" down however; this seems to be a feature of other pubs in this group (e.g. the Blue Posts in St. James's and the Clachan in Soho). If they must play it loud, why don't they do some Jimi Hendrix and not this navel-gazing Britpop.
10 Jan 2012 09:36
Standard Shepherd Neame beers, most which were run out by 10 (on 22nd Dec 2011). The pub is an interesting mixture of small rooms, passages and alcoves. The Back Room is where the noise comes from; a punkish band followed by a 5-piece with 2 female singers. A pleasant throwback to the pub rock days of old (apart from paying �5 at the door but money well spent, after hearing the Cardigans' My Favourite Game).
23 Dec 2011 17:36
A decent Fuller's pub in the heart of Belgravia, with a small-is-beautiful atmosphere.
22 Dec 2011 14:40
The Fighting Cocks, Horton Kirby
A decent local in a prosperous village that seems a lot further from London than the 25 miles would suggest. Two good beers (Harveys Best, Dark Star Hophead) are usually on.
3 Oct 2011 22:19
The Surprise at Chelsea, Chelsea
It's good to find this traditional Chelsea pub open again. It's a touch on the trendy side for some tastes but it has a pleasant atmosphere and some good beers. The Windsor & Eton Star and Garter was brilliant---served in old-fashioned dimple glasses as well..
21 Aug 2011 16:18
What a relief to find a nice, quiet, traditional pub deep in the heart of Chelsea. The staff are very nice and so are the real ales. You can even watch the X-Factor on the TV! (although there's enough space in the pub to get away from it as well).
21 Aug 2011 16:15
Back in the day, this pub used to be my local and I was sorry to see it close, hence glad to find it open again. I was immediately disappointed, however, with the way it has morphed from a good old-fashioned boozer (complete with visits from George Best and Tom Baker) to a noisy, uber-trendy gastro-bar with no real ale. I have to be careful because with its evident popularity, one could say that 100 people can't be wrong but after reading some of these reviews I'm inclined to think that maybe they are wrong, after all. Fortunately there are two or three more traditional pubs around which evoke the Chelsea that we remember and love.
21 Aug 2011 16:11
An unusual, atmospheric pub which is run by a couple of ex-wrestlers, so anyone with an interest in this subject will be pleased to see all kinds of memorabilia from the glory days of the sixties and seventies (anyone remember Johnny Czeslaw and Johnny Kwango?) Apart from that, although only just outside the M25 it retains a nice rural atmosphere that makes it feel like 100 miles from London. When I have been there, the beers have always been O.K. (Harveys, Dark Star and/or Dartford Brewery).
21 Aug 2011 16:00
Judging from the furnishings, they are trying to be trendy. Judging from the "music", endless, metronomic club stuff which is probably what is played at nightspots in Ibiza, they are failing.
13 Aug 2011 16:01
Having seen some of the other reviews, personally I'm glad that mobiles are banned because in such a small pub, the last thing you want is someone else's boring conversation to intrude on your own. Is it such a hardship to go outside for a minute if you want to use the phone?---it is sheltered from the rain, after all.
In a world of too many clone pubs, it's good to find a place with its own quirky character. Whenever I go, I find some boxing poster or sporting trophy that I haven't noticed before. I don't know where the complaints about the staff come from, because I've always found them friendly and welcoming. Also if you want to hear some music you haven't heard for years, AND not too loud (anything from Tony Bennett to Bo Diddley!) this is the place. The Adnams is fine as well. Some people might find the seating a bit uncomfortable but otherwise I would strongly recommend this pub.
7 Aug 2011 12:46
A neighbourhood pub which is probably fine if you are a regular, less so if you're a visitor like me. Not too bad but a bit basic and if you're looking for prettier country pubs in north Somerset, I'm sure there are plenty. It might have been my imagination but I thought the Butcombe was a bit stale.
1 Aug 2011 22:25
I was nearly put off by the Greene King sign but fortunately they have a Hook Norton guest beer (which is kind of ironic since it's the local brewery). It's popular with ageing hippie types but it takes one to know one!
27 Jul 2011 22:26
A piece of history, with a function room at the back said to have been used for meetings by Oliver Cromwell. It may not suit those who are looking for lots of action, but if you want a chin-wag in peace ond quiet, this place is for you. The Hook Norton beers are good and the staff are pleasant. Probably the best pub in Banbury!
27 Jul 2011 22:22
Rightly regarded as Wetherspoon's flagship pub in London in an impressive Edwardian building. The staff are efficient. A common complaint about Wetherspoons pubs is that most of the beers are too strong, but this time (20th July) they had 3 beers at under 4.0% including a Mordue, a Brentwood, and the exceptional Dark Star Hophead.
22 Jul 2011 12:32
Tweedies Bar at Dale Lodge Hotel, Grasmere
Not very promising from the outside because it's part of a hotel, but the beers are very good and the staff are attentive. There's a garden for warm weather or sport on TV when it rains, so you can't go far wrong.
18 Jul 2011 10:15
This is in a beautiful setting but hard to reach without your own transport. There are several excellent local beers on hand pump. The food is good as well, although when we were there the staff didn't get the orders quite right, probably due to being short-handed.
18 Jul 2011 10:10
The beers are OK but not outstanding (Jennings) and probably the most expensive in Keswick. The patio at the back is useful if you're in a large party.
18 Jul 2011 10:03
This has improved since last year. The beers are acceptable and they have a Wednesday night quiz (not to be taken too seriously). The guvnor was happy to let us linger after the other punters had gone home.
18 Jul 2011 09:55
In a town with a good supply of pubs, the Dog and Gun is the best in my opinion. There are several good local beers on hand pump. It gets busy in mid-evening with diners but with good reason because the goulash is legendary (if you can't manage the full size dish, the smaller version is normally ample). Also to be enjoyed is the Thursday night quiz; proceeds to go a local mountain rescue charity but they also give out small prizes like packets of sweets which can be enjoyed on the mountain hikes!
18 Jul 2011 09:52
Like several other pubs around here, pleasantly small and quiet, with a fair supply of beers. If you're there on a Saturday evening, it's best to make it your first port of call because it closes early.
18 Jul 2011 09:41
Pleasantly small, and quiet enough for a proper conversation. Helpful guvnor.
18 Jul 2011 09:37
As Wetherspoons go, one of the better ones with quite a good supply of real ales. The staff are well trained and pleasant. A good place to finish a Saturday evening because some of the nearby pubs close earlier.
16 Jul 2011 13:01
The Dark Star Hophead and the Westerham and Nethergate beers which they often serve should not be missed. A friendly, traditional pub with a Sunday night quiz to challenge what is left of the grey matter. Off the beaten track but transport connections are pretty good.
16 Jul 2011 12:41
Nice to find a decent pub in this exclusive part of London, and on Saturday evenings neither too quiet nor too loud A good port of call between Sloane Square and Victoria.
16 Jul 2011 12:28
A tiny pub and for someone who thinks that small is beautiful, it gets a good rating from me. It's good to see this place survive at a time when several pubs in this area have closed. The barman was a bit indifferent but this was offset by the decent Young's beers.
16 Jul 2011 12:23
A pleasant neigbourhood pub slightly off the beaten track in a residential area, with nice staff. Plenty of outdoor seating and space in general (on Saturday evenings anyway). Decent beers. There is a supply of second-hand books at nominal prices.
16 Jul 2011 12:20
A good range of beers on hand pump; not cheap but this is to be expected in Mayfair. Comfortable seating and pleasant, attentive staff (although reading some of the other reviews, maybe I was there at a good time, Saturday evening).
16 Jul 2011 12:07
A nice, small, old fashioned pub with just enough buzz for me to wonder why other places bother with canned music. The full range of Fuller's beers.
16 Jul 2011 11:59
At least 6 real ales on tap, some of them quite exotic. Prices are high but you expect this in Mayfair, especially since it's next door to one of London's trendiest nightclubs. As to atmosphere, it's a fine balance between being quiet on some nights and noisy on others but if you don't like the noise you can always pretend to be a smoker and chat to the other punters outside!
16 Jul 2011 11:53
Pleasant service and several real ales. However on my recent visit, the so-called music had been cranked up so as to make conversation difficult. Worse, this forced other people's voices to be cranked up as well to screechy level. This is a shame because otherwise it's a decent pub but I won't be returning until they turn the volume down.
16 Jul 2011 11:47
Pier Hotel, Ilfracombe
Evidently modernised recently with a shabby chic atmosphere, this could have been a pretentious place but in fact was perfectly okay, with friendly service. The local Wizard White Witch at 4%ish, was moreish. I wouldn't have minded if they had changed the "music" to something more traditional although they did manage to educate me by playing "Delgadito"!
12 Aug 2017 09:28