Bar Fringe, Manchester

Second visit last night, five ales (all new to me), the Elgoods was taken off (so many pubs will still squeeze out the last pint and hope you won't notice), with the York Centennial and Otley O-Garden particularly wonderful. Great music, great atmosphere. A great, great pub.

27 Jun 2008 00:21

The Dripping Spring, St Leonards on Sea

Sought this out as a CAMRA member. Had the temerity to enter with my six-year-old son, intending to go through to the garden. I would have got a friendlier welcome if I'd entered with Osama Bin Laden on one arm and the Iranian president on the other. I was curtly informed that my boy wasn't allowed, and when I politely enquired "not even in the garden?" the woman behind the bar snapped "Only if you're eating". So I scuttled out while the locals stared at me with mildly amused disdain.
The beer might well be fabulous, unfortunately I didn't get a chance to try it.

9 Apr 2007 21:39

The Royal Oak, Rusper

Not quite sure what the pre-November 2006 reviews were about, but the post-November Sarah and Clive era reviews are spot on. They have completely turned around this neglected gem (and I speak as someone within walking distance who has been dying for this pub to become great again). The beers are always excellent, the food simple but superb, and the hosts charming (great dog, too).
They are currently renovating the outside. Do visit whenever you can.

9 Apr 2007 21:04