BITE user comments - Cropstar
Comments by Cropstar
Just went along bychance earlier tonight. Hadn't been in there for months because it was such a dive before. However, its been completely revamped. Very nicely done. The old bar which dominated the centre of the pub has been scrapped and replaced by a smaller bar in the corner. The bright lights and Sky Sports have been replaced by more subtle lighting and no TV's (makes a refreshing change). There was a good selection of drinks, about 5 different beers IIRC as well as a proper ale on tap.
The beer garden had recently reopened and was quite pleasant; certainly a lot better than I remember the old incarnation which had no lighting.
The pub had apparently just started selling food. Can't vouch for it but the menu certainly seemed quite good.
Anyway, all in all, a much better pub following the revamp; will definitely be back
13 May 2008 00:50
Good traditional pub. Has a lot of regulars, but certainly not unfriendly. Has quite a good jukebox, not stuffed full of the regular pop/RnB you find in most places. Also has a darts board, pool table and shows the football, but without the charged up chav element you get in other places.
8 Mar 2008 15:54
The Old Bull & Bush, Shepherds Bush
Total dive. The place is really run down and is hardly ever busy. The advert says it has the "coldest beer in town" but I'd extend that to the reception of the place too.
Heard its being totally refurbished soon, can't come too soon.
5 Jan 2008 18:36
OMG, what a transformation. It's kinda weird, because the Hop Poles used to be *so* bad that it was fun on occasions to go down and experience the worst of chav culture.
Went along earlier in the week, not a chav in site. They've ditched the Sky Sports and now just have quiet background music. The pub has been fully refurbed, making it much more welcoming.
The best bit was going upstairs. There's now an upstairs bar and seating area too, plus quite a large patio area. Only downside was no patio heaters but I guess you can't have it all.
9 Nov 2007 12:01
The Stinging Nettle, Shepherds Bush
Went down on pub quiz night, reasonable atmosphere, fast service and couldn't fault the drinks. Okay, the music was a bit obscure but that's all I'd have against it. Not sure why so many comments are so negative.
2 Oct 2006 00:47
Fairly uninspiring place. The only plus is that there's a fair bit of outside seating out the front. Pool tables have gone and it just seems soulless now.
Service was quite quick, but only because it was so empty!
24 Sep 2006 17:46
Small but great little bar just off the main Chiswick High Road. Not a huge range of drinks but the place has some genuine character. They also put live music on regularly at weekends. Tiny little beer garden at the front (2 beer benches) but its an underrated gem.
14 Jul 2006 18:43
The Packhorse and Talbot, Chiswick
One of the worst pubs in Chiswick. Despite its good location, it remains a rather souless place. Food and beer are nothing to write home about. Service is regularly poor as well.
The pub attracts chavs in the same way flies are attracted to s**t. I suppose at least it means they avoid the other local pubs.
14 Jul 2006 16:08
Excellent locals pub. Although only a stone's throw away from the dual carriageway, you wouldn't know it.
Good selection of beers and good food. Seating inside is okay, but the best thing about the place is the huge beer garden. Although not overlooking the river, its a great place to while away time in the summer, almost has a village atmosphere.
14 Jul 2006 16:02
Very busy pub. Full of Aussies but that's Hammersmith for you. Great pub when the sun's out, I've seen over 200 people mingling around outside on some days. Service is normally quick even when busy. Expensive like people say but most of the pubs in this area are.
The downstairs bar is pretty dingy and can almost resemble a meat market on some days. However, there's also an upstairs bar which is slightly better. The best place is to sit on the terrace overlooking the river, although you'll normally struggle to find seats there.
14 Jul 2006 15:58
Not sure why so many people are negative about this pub; its very good at what it does. If you want a traditional pub then you're probably better going elsewhere, as a gastropub its competing more against local restaurants than pubs.
The food is excellent, its designed more for couples and groups of people going out for a meal rather than someone who wants a burger with their beer. The pub is well decorated and the lighting/candles give it a nice atmosphere in the evenings.
One of the co-owners bought out the other recently and since then the beer garden has been refurbished into one of the best I know. They've also updated their selection of beers.
14 Jul 2006 15:48
The George and Devonshire, Chiswick
Nice local pub. Has recently been refurbished but still retains its traditional character. The new tenancy has definitely improved things, they now have a more varied selection of food as well.
Admittedly its rather noisy if you sit outside facing the Hogarth roundback. Fortunately there's a good sized beer garden out the back too.
14 Jul 2006 15:40
The Sun, Shepherds Bush
Another real shithole. You end up having to shout to have a conversation because the old people sitting at the bar in incapable of having their own conversations at a normal volume.
Has an outdoor concrete area which is equally unwelcoming.
Marginally better than the Old Bull & Bush, but its rather like comparing a sticky turd to a regular turd. Thankfully, the Greyhound and the Orchard are nearby, run by people who know what a good bar should be.
17 Jul 2008 17:08