BITE user comments - Alex6
Comments by Alex6
The last review is spot on. The pub HAS lost it's charm AND its character, which is such a shame. It has been cloned into yet another common and garden gastro type pub, all too frequent these days, with expensive prices. I used to love to go in there but now prefer some of the other pubs in the area like the Swan. Management must be doing something right as the pub is always packed in the evenings. Too packed for comfort in fact. There are enough pubs in this area to give this one a miss.
26 Dec 2007 21:45
I went in this pub yesterday for lunch and unlike last reviewer think this pub is better than The Queen's Larder especially pricewise and more value for money! Lunch was very tasty, not usual sort of bland tasteless pub grub you seem to get in so many Central London pub. The woman behind the bar was extremely pleasant. The wine was very reasonably priced and had a lovely taste to it. But I would agree with the last reviewer about the interior. Seems slightly grim. Could be brightened up a bit. A pub I'd certainly recommend to anyone in the area.
6 Oct 2006 12:15
I went in this pub for the first time in about 6 months last Tuesday and I was stunned at the changes. It has been beautifully done up with the victorian features kept instead of being ripped out like they seem to be in old pubs these days. It has a wonderful cosy atmosphere and makes a nice change from all the bland looking gastro pubs with their modern usually uncomfortable furniture, which all look the same and seem to be springing up everywhere. I found the Victorian features quite stunning especially the old tiles and ceiling lamps. It was a lovely hot day and sitting out in the garden was a real treat. I like the small fountain on the wall. I felt like I was on holiday sitting out there. The owner was extremely pleasant as were the staff. Also as a woman on my own I felt very comfortable going in there. The wine was tasty as well. I really think this pub deserves 10 out of 10. It has been very lovingly restored and it shows. I will most certainly be going back there again many times! In fact next time I will try the food.
14 Jul 2006 22:05
I last visted this pub a week ago on Thursday and was disappointed that coffee was no longer served, especially as I was with a friend's 93 year old mother who does not drink and who wanted a coffee or tea. We were told by the owner that there is not even a kettle on the premises. I realize that this is a pub but many other pubs now serve coffee and/or tea, which I think is a nice touch. The atmosphere in the pub has also changed. It is wonderful for the owner moneywise, as it is always crowded body to body like a rugby scrum, but unpleasant if you want to go there for a nice quiet drink in the evening. The pub has lost its charming atmosphere. It used to be quite a friendly local pub in the Bloomsbury area but now seems to be more and more full of corporate types ie "lots of suits". The pub has lost all its character. The wine is more expensive than other pubs in the area and tastes of an inferior quality. The staff are all excellent and must be completely exhausted after the hoards of people they have to serve. I have been going into this pub for over 13 years but after last Thursday, think I will change to the Rugby Tavern instead. It has personality which the Queen's Larder now lacks, and I feel very sad about that as I've always had great affection for the Queen's Larder. I would like to know if anyone else feels the same way I do about the changed QL?
29 Dec 2005 17:44
The Bell Inn, Benington
Went to this pub for lunch a couple of weeks ago. It has recently been taken over by new management. The food was fantastic. Best freshly prepared hamburger and chips I've ever eaten. The meat was top grade and hand formed instead of smashed into a flattish patty. It was seasoned with fresh herbs. The chips were the real thing instead of the tasteless fake pap you usually get in a pub when you order chips. The selection of evening meals looked delicious. The food was also very resonably priced. It was such a treat to have REAL food not food taken out of a microwave with bits stuck to your plate. My friend had an omelette which she said was one of the best ones she'd ever had. Made with fresh farm eggs of course!!Dessert was homemade bread pudding covered with REAL custard cream and not the bright yellow packet of custard usually used. Extremely tasty. We talked to the manager who was very enthusiastic about the preparation and cooking of his food and he told us he bought all his supplies locally and wants to use seasonal food. I can't praise the food here enough and hope that the manager keeps up his high standards. Any serious foodie should make a special effort to go to this pub. Location is lovely as well. Staff and manager very friendly. Wine excellent. Don't know about the beers. Pleasant decor with the creme de la creme being a discovered 18th century painting above the fireplace of a hunting scene. In my opinon this pup has everything going for it and I hope the new managers can make a real go of it. In fact I liked it so much my husband and I are taking his mother there for Sunday lunch this Sunday. Anyway, give it a try.
16 Jul 2008 09:25