BITE user comments - BearCraig
Comments by BearCraig
Gordon Bennnett bar + kitchen, Surbiton
On the face of it, this place is completely inoffensive (apart from a few self important individuals announcing the latest dull episode in their city job for all to hear).
The menu out-punches other places in its sort of category. I just feel this place has the look and feel of a restaurant/bistro than a bar.
The closely packed identical tables and chairs also give it a battery-hen ambience and seem to rob the place of any soul it might have.
20 Sep 2006 10:30
I stopped in at this pub when I was up at my best mate's son's christening. The food I got was some of the best home cooked honest grub I have ever had at a pub (steak pie) and the staff were probably some of the most friendly and helpful (I don't work for the pub, by the way).
Can't recommend it more highly - really really good pub.
20 Sep 2006 10:20
Has the potential to be really, really good. Promising from the outside. Thoroughly good egg guvnor who puts on non-tacky entertainment. In fairness the decor inside is utterly depressing and drab/tired. If it was gutted and redecorated with a bit of natural light it would be everyone's first choice.
20 Sep 2006 10:15
The Punch And Judy, Covent Garden
The only thing going for it is its location as an easy place to find. It has absolutely no charm or redeeming qualities about it whatsoever. (unless you are an alcoholic)
20 Sep 2006 10:10
I went to this Pub on 10/09/06 with an open mind. I found the following:
1) Rude, disinterested, offhand, manager who had to be spoken to a second time in order to get eye contact.
2) Restaurant packed with queues of people waiting to speak to the disinterested manager, wondering how long their food would take to arrive.
3) Refurbished modern decor.
My view is that this pub fosters utter apathy to customer service by its management because it can and does get filled to bursting point on a Sunday. It is a money making machine and you are a money giving unit. They want you in and out quickly. Everyone wants lunch by the river - so this place gets packed.
The environment was pretty much loud, LV/D&G handbag carrying females, doing a budget South London impression of Nicole Ritchie. Clearly, they were accompanied by preened, gelled Hoxton Fin types with just about enough brain power to breathe, swear and push number 2s out their arses.
I am quite fussy about where I feel comfortable. Was hesitant about the tatty Swan down the road and actually was suprised by a quieter environment with better value, well prepared, honest food.
12 Sep 2006 18:20
The Crown, Thames Ditton
Very mediocre experience here on Mothers' Day. Infact below mediocre. No flowers on tables, no extra staff - nothing to indicate anyone had given any thought to the day.
Meal was poor for a gastro style pub. Starter minimal and slow - 2 prawns. Kedgeree was stodgy and microwave heated (apparently), chicken dry and tough, vegetables tired. It really was a poor imitation of something else. The next day I went and had lunch in Portobello Road at the same price and so, so much better. A good manager needs to grab this place by the scruff of the neck and get the menu and preparation sorted out. One person waiting tables on Mothers' Day is very amateurish indeed.
21 Mar 2007 17:17