BITE user comments - 4_ale
Comments by 4_ale
This pub ticks all the boxes. On the Island for a day trip we passed it several times throughout the day and each time became more convinced that it would serve us well for dinner - it just looked like a 'solid' sort of place. And it didn't disappoint! On pump were a Ringwood ale, and Wadworth 6X and Henry's with the Henry's keg up on the bar (also had Mild on tap, plus several lagers and my wife very much enjoyed the house white), impressive menu of imaginative locally-sourced dishes (with a good line in seafood) at sensible prices and a warm genuine pub atmosphere without trying too hard (I agree with robdscarter's post below). The staff were all friendly and courteous and when the food arrived the portions were large. Sadly we'd started with garlic bread which did not leave enough room to finish our mains, which was a shame, as they were really good. The chips were perfect! Best pub I've been in for a while and my first 10/10 rating.
24 Jul 2010 22:03
Not a bad little place, if a bit 'local'. No objection to going in here, but would not seek it out particularly.
19 Jul 2010 17:44
A spit 'n' sawdust type of place with surly and disinterested bar staff and scruffy and intimidating regulars. Only good point is that it that it serves Harvey's Best, which is a lovely ale - although quality of condition is variable. Generally avoid.
19 Jul 2010 17:41
Very welcoming - a lovely cosy little country pub with hearty food and good beer. Barman who I think was also the manager was a very friendly chap. Would definitely stop here again if I'm in the area.
19 Jul 2010 17:27
The White Horse, Holme Next The Sea
Stopped in for one for the road after a grey day at the seaside. It was eerily quiet (although it was fairly early on a tuesday evening), but we enjoyed a lovely pint of the magnificent Adnams. Although we were not eating we were very impressed by the length of the menu! You'd struggle not to find something you'd like. Barman friendly, although we got a little growl from one of the pub dogs when we walked in. With a few more punters to give a bit more atmosphere, this could be a cracking place to come on a cold rainy evening, and the menu looked promising for people wishing to eat.
19 Jul 2010 17:23
The Bowling Green Inn, Wells next the Sea
Forgive the pun, but I wasn't bowled over by this place. The staff were welcoming and friendly and the Woodforde's Wherry well kept, but we were relegated to a table by the drafty doorway and the only menu was on the board above out table so we had lots of people standing near us, peering over our heads to read the menu, which was rather off-putting. The steak and kidney pie with chips was excellent, but the vegetables were terrible and over-boiled. It did appear to be "Pensioners' Tuesday" which didn't do much for the atmosphere. All in all, I'd probably come back, but just not on a tuesday lunchtime.
19 Jul 2010 17:15
A lovely cosy pub which served a very nice pint of Woodforde's Wherry. Good character and prompt service. I wasn't bowled over by the choice on the menu, but that's more personal preference than a criticism. Would certainly come back for the beer and the ambience though.
19 Jul 2010 17:06
A welcoming little pub which I have visited on quite a number of occasions recently. Ate there last week - the menu is pretty much all-Italian and there is plenty to choose from. The carbonara was excellent. Good beer (the ubiquitous GK IPA + guests), polite service and a cosy country atmosphere consistent with its olde-worlde thatched roof exterior. Real fire in the winter a plus. I believe the manager is relatively new and he seemed like a very nice bloke. I will continue to come back.
19 Jul 2010 17:01
Nice little pub with an intimate atmosphere and some good ales. Stopped in for a couple last week after reading good reviews below. Friendly barman and locals, but things were spoiled a bit by the middle-aged couple who spent the whole evening sat at the bar kissing noisily and inappropriately and irritated everyone in there. Would definitely come back, provided that couple aren't in there again!
19 Jul 2010 16:49
A good pub this, although a bit of a hike from Chertsey town centre. Cosy ambience inside. The bar isn't always adequately staffed and service can be a bit slow and impersonal when it's busy (it does get very busy on hot summer weekends), but that said, last time we were in, the waitress was very happy to serve us some ice cream even though we had earlier said we weren't eating, and ice cream wasn't even on the menu! This pub for me really comes into its own on cold winter afternoons when the fire is blazing. Food quality and portion sizes are good and there's a reasonable selection of ales to choose from, including the stalwart London Pride. We live locally and come here quite often.
19 Jul 2010 16:40
Did not much enjoy this pub - we did visit on St George's day though, when it was festooned with flags, filled with rather boisterous locals and had some rather 'seasidey' seafood on offer at a trestle table. Atmosphere wasn't quite what we were expecting, but should probably give it another chance on a 'normal' evening.
19 Jul 2010 16:30
The seating areas are cosy and the ambience is quite good but the bar prices are very very steep. Definitely one of the better places to go in Chertsey town centre though if you're after a relaxed drink with friends.
19 Jul 2010 16:25
Good banter with the bar staff who were very good humoured despite being very busy. Good atmosphere and an imaginative menu although we didn't eat there. Nice garden. A good pub for winter or summer.
19 Jul 2010 16:20
Stopped here for a couple after a day at the seaside. Very friendly barlady made us feel welcome and I enjoyed two pints of SN Master Brew. Lovely quiet garden and deck outside and a cosy atmosphere inside with what seemed like a good mix of locals and people passing through - would definitely come back.
19 Jul 2010 16:16
The Sutherland Arms Hotel, Brora
I understand this is under relatively new ownership and it's looking very good so far. Menu is very broad, above average quality and portion sizes are good. The range of proper beers was a bit limited and ran out while we were there at 8:30pm, leaving only nasty lager and bottled ales so they do need to sort that out. However the main feature of this pub is the "whisky shop" at the front, with display cabinets absolutely stuffed with whiskies. The whisky 'menu' is vast and organised into themes with different age bottlings available for most whiskies. There are also tasting trays from between about �13 and �30 which are also themed. You could spend a serious amount of time here! Ambience is good and quite cosy. Definitely recommend. 8/10
19 Apr 2011 18:50