BITE user comments - E17Bee
Comments by E17Bee
Surly moustache man still there behind the bar four years after Gilloo commented on him! Other staff friendlier though. Agreeable pub with airy, vaguely "old/trendy" atmosphere, huge windows looking out over secluded Victorian square, and remarkable Victorian conservatory roof over dining section. Decent beer, not cheap but not too expensive for the area. Chips OK, not the greatest but a reasonable portion. A nice unexpected backstreet find but could be better.
31 Mar 2015 08:31
The Stapleton Tavern, Finsbury Park
Improved and trendier since Antic took it over, but expensive at £4 a pint. Despite the price my pint was flat and cloudy, which didn't impress me, but when I took it back it was changed immediately and the offending beer was taken off, which is what should happen everywhere but rarely does.
31 Mar 2015 08:19
Dropped in here as it's one of the few pubs singled-out for a mention in the guide to the town and the wall paintings sounded interesting. What a disappointment - only one real ale (the ubiquitous Doom Bar), unnecessary anonymous vaguely-dubby piped musak, and done up in the sort of comfy lounge-bar way that unimaginative pubco's think will appeal to tourists. Shame - it's a lovely old building and could be so much better. Go to the Three Fishes or the Loggerheads to see how it's done!
29 Mar 2014 09:53
Reportedly renamed yet again as Tommy Flynn's, with one real ale, but seems most of the music has gone elsewhere. The utterly-fab Whats Cookin club has moved down the road and round the corner to the Ex Servicemen's Club in Harvey Rd.
24 Nov 2013 17:39
Has had a makeover, but otherwise doesn't seem to be very much different from what it was before, and at least it does real ale. Still, it seems to be doing well, and you can't knock that when so many pubs are struggling.
16 Feb 2013 12:12
Latest update: pub is apparently open again on certain evenings only (eg weekend gig nights). Better than total closure, but doesn't exactly bode well. Anyone know any more details of what exactly is going on here?
16 Feb 2013 12:08
Fabulous pub, far removed from its 60s incarnation as a bog-standard Charrington house. Great range of beers, friendly staff, good atmosphere - and a loyalty card scheme, giving you a free pint after nine stamps! Suffice to say I called in for "just the one" and stayed for several, even though I had to get back to Walthamstow. I'll be back!
13 Feb 2013 12:40
Went in there last night not realising it was no longer a Wetherspoons. Very disappointing: of the six handpumps, four had Courage Best and two London Pride. Very limited food range if you don't fancy Thai, and fairly desperate atmosphere dominated by table of middle-aged drunks bellowing at each other. Drank up and got va bus up the road to the utterly wonderful Sussex Arms!
13 Feb 2013 12:36
Has just closed unexpectedly. No idea what's going on, but this vast Victorian gin palace is a neglected gem - it must be saved!
22 Jan 2013 16:40
The Rose and Crown, Walthamstow
Oh dear, Buster1955, someone had clearly rattled your cage on 17 Oct! About as inaccurate a review of a pub as I've ever read, bearing no discernible relation to reality. Best pub in Walthamstow, and for several miles around. A real community local, and much more besides.
4 Nov 2012 15:50
Re the opening hours, NB it doesn't open till 4 00 most days. Makes sense given the location, but bear in mind if planning a visit.
4 Nov 2012 15:41
Definitely the tiniest pub I've ever set foot in. Warm welcome and excellent choice of ales, though mine was on the flat side. Beware of the rather unusual opening hours before planning to visit however.
4 Nov 2012 15:35
Looks like an olde-worlde thatched idyll from the outside, but walk in and you find yourself in what is clearly the local lads' pub. Everyone was friendly enough though, the guest real ale was good, and the young neck-tattooed barman proved surprisingly knowledgeable about the Soham railway disaster of 1944. Imagine it gets lively on a Saturday night though, and I wouldn't want to spill the wrong person's pint accidentally.
4 Nov 2012 15:27
Lovely little no-nonsense pub with welcoming atmosphere and the best-kept pint of HSB I've tasted in a long while. A backstreet gem, well worth seeking out.
4 Nov 2012 15:10
These developers just don't give up....there's yet another planning application in, this time for part-conversion to residential use. Deadline for comments and objections 8th Nov; check Hackney Council website for details of the application and how to comment.
4 Nov 2012 15:03
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. One-time legendary music venue run by that excellent Irish singer Joe Giltrap (who's still out there performing on the circuit), tragically closed circa 2000 for conversion into a restaurant, now just another bog-standard Irish pub with decent Guinness but no real ale. The site of the stage area (once graced by so many great bands - Balham Alligators, Ron Kavana, Reg Meuross, Hank Wangford, John Chibadura & the Tembo Bros, Robb Johnson, Slim Dusty, Paul Young & Los Pacaminos.....) is now occupied by the pool table. A travesty; call in for a half, shed a silent tear, and move on. Come back Joe!
4 Nov 2012 14:58
Well revamped in stripped-down trendy-bar style (not unlike Red Lion in Leytonstone) - bare boards, quirky wall decoration, mixture of squishy sofas and distressed wooden furniture etc. Eight handpumps, of which about five seem to be in use at any one time. Very busy on reopening night - predominantly young Stokey/Hackney type crowd plus a few curious locals who'd wandered down from the Rose to check it out. Excellent beer range and quality (esp the Titantic Choc n Vanilla Stout - yum!); upper end pricewise (around �3 50 a pint) and they need to watch the measure (they were very busy so I'll let 'em off this time). Friendly and efficient bar staff (and plenty of them), overall good vibe and nice atmosphere. The following night there was a healthy-size crowd in early on, ranging from groups to one or two parents with (well behaved) babies/kids. Be interesting to see how trade holds up and develops once the initial excitement has died down, and the acid-test will come on a wet Monday night in a couple of weeks' time, but a very promising start and a welcome addition yto the Walthamstow pub/bar scene. Good luck to all involved!
4 Nov 2012 13:10
About to become even better, as it's being taken over by the fine folks who've been running the excellent What's Cookin music nights in various local pubs for the past 8-odd years. So good music as well as good beer will be on the menu from now on!
5 Sep 2011 21:40
The Rose and Crown, Walthamstow
Errrrr.....hang on, oftenscore6 - you can be a finalist without actually winning the final (that's how the Cup Final works, for example). Thus with the Rose in the years in question. So I don't quite see what your grouse is.
5 Sep 2011 21:37
Why is BITE still listing this pub as Zulu's? I told you guys three months ago it was now the Red Lion!
5 Sep 2011 21:32
Revisited it recently with friends; beer was OK but our pints were mickey-takingly short measure, and when I asked for them to be topped up it was done with very bad grace. We drank up and headed for the Bree Louise.
14 Aug 2011 15:31
Has been closed for some time, but looks as if it might be reopening as a pub again.
14 Aug 2011 15:27
Closing in December for conversion to a supermarket - another gig venue lost.
14 Aug 2011 15:26
Let's not give up on the place just yet! New manager has introduced St Austell Tribute - well kept and reasonably priced - plans guest ciders during the summer, and has started putting on gigs. Its best hope for the future would be to become a full-on music pub - the Plough has closed and the Standard is set to follow suit in December, so there's a definite gap in the market there and the building is ideally suited to it.
17 Jul 2011 17:03
Now reopened; looks just the same as it did before it closed. They'll need to up their game now Zulu's has been transformed and reopened as the Red Lion.
13 Jul 2011 13:11
Now reopened as the Red Lion - thoroughly excellent it is too. Just one minor criticism - all the beers are served through tight sparklers.
13 Jul 2011 13:10
Been closed for several weeks, but apparently reopening shortly. Hope the new landlord puts some decent beer in....
7 Jul 2011 12:30
The Rose and Crown, Walthamstow
Well, I've been drinking in the Rose several times a week for over three years, and godson's waspish description is by no means an accurate reflection of what the place is really like. Compare his comments with the others on this site, consider the clutch of awards the place has picked up since the present regime took over (most recently East London CAMRA Pub of the Year) and draw your own conclusions.
7 Jul 2011 12:29
Walked in and asked how strong the guest ale was (it wasn't shown on the pumpclip); barperson couldn't tell me. I said I'd have a pint anyway, whereupon she found the line was full of water (so why wasn't the clip turned round)? Settled for a pint of Discovery, which tasted OK, but expensive and a bit cloudy. Fullers need to get a hold of this place; they've spent a lot on doing it up but currently it's an object lesson in how not to run things. Until they do, go a few hundred yards to the Magpie and Crown in one direction or O'Briens in the other.
13 Jun 2011 12:56
Reopened again, reportedly under a temporary manager while Enterprise Inns look for a new tenant.
18 Apr 2011 11:43
Currently closed yet again. Nobody seems able to make a success of this place.
30 Mar 2011 17:26
The Prince Albert (Rose's), Woolwich
Revisited this pub a couple of days ago after a gap of 2 years or so, and found it much improved. Friendly service, good choice of beers (inc Woolwich Ferry at �2 50 a pint, and excellent Sharp's Stout), good simple pub-grub rolls, and friendly atmosphere with interesting quirks (eg the river-scene mural and the lizards in their vivarium - a bit of a change from the usual pub dog/cat!). Something of a locals' pub, but non-locals are made to feel welcome too. A backstreet gem, to which I shall undoubtedly return.
15 Feb 2011 20:31
Just been sold at auction. New owners' intentions not yet known. Enjoy it while you can - how many W/stow pubs boast a thriving folk club, open mic, blues, rock and quiz nights AND several real ales? We don't want to lose it - and we don't want another overnight conversion into a betting shop.
25 Oct 2010 21:11
The Pig and Whistle, Walthamstow
Has been closed for a year or so, but looked like it was being done up last time I went past.
25 Oct 2010 21:08
"Closed until further notice", for the second time in 4 months, after its last brave attempt to reinvent itself (as a pub-cum-curry house) ended in failure.
25 Oct 2010 21:00
The Vine (Bull & Bladder), Brierley Hill
This has been one of my all-time favourite pubs for over 30 years and it is utterly fabulous. Pity some of the current staff seem intent on turning surly grumpiness into an art form.
8 Oct 2010 17:00
Tired, rundown atmosphere, indifferent and not-exactly-welcoming service, cloudy pint of Burton (as a non-local visiting for the first time, I got the distinct feeling that querying its quality would not be a good idea)......this may have been a good no-nonsense boozer once upon a time, but it's gone badly to seed. What's it still doing in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide?
5 Feb 2010 14:17
Absolute belter of a pub - excellent range of well-kept beers, and wonderful atmosphere. Mine host was a dour man of very few words, but I can live with that when the pub is so good!
5 Feb 2010 14:12
Nice historic pub, friendly locals & service, very good pint of Spitfire. Not sure about the huge St George flag draped over the outside though - could be open to misinterpretation....?
5 Nov 2009 21:28
Now reopened - a forthright, no-frills but friendly house with Greene King IPA on handpump - only real ale locally. Deserves support.
5 Nov 2009 21:22
Superb building, rip-off prices. Drop in for a half as an excuse to look around, then head off down Borough High St for the Royal Oak in Tabard Street.
30 Sep 2009 15:24
Full range of Harvey's beers (including the Dark Mild), lovely traditional small-pub atmosphere, friendly staff and regulars, wonderful food....quite possibly the perfect pub. A visit is essential.
30 Sep 2009 15:22
Nice pub, good beer, with folk club out the back on Thursdays - but I got the distinct impression that the barman only indulges in friendly banter if you're a local. My comment (twice) that the Rebellion was on good form met with total silence.
21 Sep 2009 20:41
Utterly wonderful - real character, terrific beer. Wish I lived nearer so I could pop in more often!
21 Sep 2009 20:37
An absolute gem in idyllic rural location opposite the church. Lovely old stone pub with about 6 ales, all drawn direct from the cask. A must-visit.
7 Jul 2009 16:20
The Pub on the Park, London Fields
I spent an agreeable afternoon in the garden bit a couple of weeks ago; beer was quite acceptable but a bit above what I'd expect to pay.
22 Jun 2009 20:54
Superb pub with excellent range of beers, friendly and helpful staff, decent food and wide-ranging clientele - including the chap who brings his ferret in. Quite right too - why shouldn't ferrets be able to enjoy good pubs like the rest of us?
22 Jun 2009 20:50
A wonderful house - landlord really knows how to run a pub. And they have Mild on too!
22 Jun 2009 20:43
Not impressed on my last visit; expensive beer and rather iffy atmosphere.
20 Jun 2009 14:04
Superb, individualistic pub in lovely riverside location - good locally-brewed Rebellion beer, "interesting" decor (!) and excellent food in generous portions. Well worth a visit - and the station's only a 10-minute walk away!
20 Jun 2009 14:02
The excellent Whats Cookin live-music nights upstairs are the best thing about this place. Otherwise there's no reason to stop off here, still less to linger. Pity, because it could be a really good all-round pub. At least the recent introduction of bottled Speckled Hen makes up slightly for the lack of real beer.
20 Jun 2009 13:58
Recent bouts of verbal handbags in these columns should not be allowed to detract from the main point, namely that this unspoilt backstreet gem is the best pub in Leytonstone - excellent beer, friendly service and good atmosphere/cross-section of punters. And great live music once a month too!
20 Jun 2009 13:55
The Rose and Crown, Walthamstow
Has been totally turned around by the current management team. To go from a standing start to winning Cask Marque accreditation and East London/City Pub of the Year runners-up in 15 months is a remarkable achievement by anyone's standards. Best pub in the area.
20 Jun 2009 13:47
Leaving aside the astonishing torrent of recent vitriol (who are these people, and why don't they slag off a pub that actually deserves it?), there's good news: I dropped by on Sat night to find the best pub in Leytonstone still closed, but mine host and several regulars busily painting the bar. Mine host informed me it is due to reopen on Thursday 12th. Hoorah!! And there's live rockin' blues there on Sunday 15th (early evening) with Little George Suaref and his band.
9 Feb 2009 19:34
Pub was closed and in darkness on Sat Jan 24th - notice in window saying "Closed until further notice due to licensing problems". Hope this isn't the end for the best pub in Leytonstone.
26 Jan 2009 20:06
A much improved pub in recent times - 3 guest ales on tonight at very reasonable prices, friendly service, nice atmosphere, and the food looked good from what I saw. Check it out, even if you've not liked the place under previous regimes - I think you'll get a nice surprise.
2 Jan 2009 20:49
The postings from 14-28 Oct are so wide of the mark that I can only think it must be part of some orchestrated campaign. Why do people feel moved to post wildly inaccurate slurs about the best boozer in town? Get a life, guys!
3 Nov 2008 21:24
Pleased to see the pub now has real ale (Harveys Sussex on Saturday, when I dropped in prior to the footy).
27 Aug 2008 16:36
The Rose and Crown, Walthamstow
This pub is improving all the time as the new owners progressively sort it out. Beer quality is now consistently good, and the guest ale range changes all the time - reasonable prices too. More events and gigs etc are planned. At last Central W/stow has a really good pub - hurrah!
27 Aug 2008 16:35
Excellent pub which I never knew existed till last weekend, when I was tipped off about their weekend beer festival. Great range of well-kept beers, friendly service by people who obviously love their job, and live music too! I shall be back!
27 Aug 2008 16:31
A fine down-to-earth house, no frills, good beer and friendly service. A proper pub, with the bonus of riverside views to watch the swans and the trains go by.
1 Jul 2008 19:28
Excellent house - great beers and friendly welcome. Always a pleasure to visit!
10 Jun 2008 21:22
The Duke Of Wellington, Shoreham by Sea
Wonderful down-to-earth pub - great beer, great bands, great atmosphere, and run by a landlord who loves his job. Top.
10 Jun 2008 21:20
Considerably better these days - had a good pint of Greene King IPA tonight for a bargain 1 99, and they also had Abbot and Bombardier on handpump. And the garden is nice to sit out in on the rare days we get good weather. Worth checking out.
10 Jun 2008 21:18
Is this place ever open? It always looks closed when I go past on the bus. If and when the adjacent Lea Bridge station reopens (the subject of a long-running local campaign) it will help boost trade - if the pub survives that long.
2 Jun 2008 20:46
Tatty, grubby dive with no proper beer and sullen service. On a recent lunchtime the sparse clientele including two guys checking their dodgy DVDs or market gear, a p*ssed/spaced-out woman wandering around haranguing people, and a couple of kids in pushchairs. Lovely though rundown building, prime location - this could be a great pub; at present it's anything but. Whoever runs it needs to get his/her finger out or find another job.
22 May 2008 21:55
The Rose and Crown, Walthamstow
This pub continues to improve; good beer at very reasonable prices (�2 55 for Pride or Adnams!), very friendly staff and lots of plans in the pipeline. If I want to pop out for a quick one, I now drop in here rather than heading for the bus stop and going further afield.
22 May 2008 21:49
Shock horror - they've got the builders in and half the pub is shut for gutting and refurb. Maybe this signals a long-overdue improvement.
22 May 2008 21:44
Just noticed my comments referring to the Loaded Dog dated 17 Nov have got onto here by mistake. Webperson, can you correct please? Cheers!
21 Apr 2008 21:24
The Rose and Crown, Walthamstow
Dropped in last night and was most encouraged. The horrible fake olde worlde decor has almost all gone, as has the incessant TV footie, and Adnams and Greene King IPA were on handpump in good nick at very reasonable prices. Friendly service, and the new owners obviously have major plans. Whisper it softly, but all the signs are that Central Walthamstow could at last be getting the really good pub it has lacked for so long.
14 Apr 2008 16:42
A lovely characterful pub with a wide mix of punters, usually-decent beer (though this can wobble occasionally) and friendly staff. Put it this way - I get a bus across W/stow to have a pleasant relaxing pint here.
2 Apr 2008 21:27
In process of being done up - hope it may reopen. Was once a reasonable boozer with live bands - sorely needed round here.
2 Apr 2008 21:24
The Rose and Crown, Walthamstow
I hope you're right. I live 5 mins walk away and would happily drink in here regularly if it had consistently available & decent real ale. As it doesn't, I walk past it, get a bus from the bus stn and drink in the William IV in Leyton. Central W/stow badly needs a decent pub, and this could be it if the owners want it.
2 Apr 2008 21:22
I'm bemused by the last few reviews. I went in there last week; got a friendly reception and though they had no real ale (why not?), the barmaid helpfully offered me a bottle of Greene King Abbot which was most agreeable. I sat and enjoyed it while reading my paper; at no stage did anyone try to thump me, offer me interesting substances or anything else of that ilk. They do live music too, which is another plus.
30 Nov 2007 21:17
Returned there last Saturday en route to Maldon Town v Waltham Forest. Still the best pub in a lovely little town which it is always a pleasure to visit.
30 Nov 2007 20:45
Hit its nadir a week or so ago when I walked in to be informed by the singularly charmless barmaid that there was NO real ale on at all! In a Wetherspoons!
30 Nov 2007 20:41
Under new and welcoming management which seems to be making a real effort. Sunday roasts, quiz nights, karaoke, occasional live music - and Greene King IPA on handpump! Drop in & give it a try.
9 Sep 2007 17:19
The Rose and Crown, Walthamstow
Went in the other night and found all the real ales off. On enquiry was told they'd be on in a fortnight. A FORTNIGHT? Would you open a bakers and tell your punters there'd be no bread for two weeks? I don't think so. No excuse.
3 Aug 2007 21:12
Notice outside says Real Ale is back. I shall research this & report back here, as it's a good no-nonsense bar with character and a friendly atmosphere.
27 Jul 2007 21:03
The Lord Rookwood, Leytonstone
Went there the other week for a jazz gig, and was most impressed. Genuine friendly East London boozer, welcoming service, Youngs beer, and a great gig. Check it out!
27 Jul 2007 20:53
The Hope and Sirloin, Farringdon
Tried it again after a long gap, attracted by the "Under New Management" banner. Still overpriced, still mediocre.
12 Jun 2007 21:32
The Lord Palmerston, Walthamstow
Vastly improved of late - now has a good community-local atmosphere, friendly welcome, food menu and - surprise surprise - real ale reinstalled after many years absence (Fullers London Pride - only �2 10 a pint too). A very welcome addition to an area very badly off for decent (or indeed any) pubs.
1 Apr 2007 17:53
Wonderful, atmospheric old pub with great choice of real ales. Recommended.
17 Mar 2007 11:40
Bad news - the pub's lease is up for sale. The building's listed, but what's to stop the new owners changing the beers or removing the real ale altogether, and generally mucking about with the place's unique character? I've alerted the local CAMRA branch but have had no reply, which I'm not impressed with. We need to safeguard this gem of a pub at all costs - there are too few like it left.
17 Mar 2007 11:37
Potentially a very nice pub, and I've had some agreeable visits here, but it's let down by poor management. Yesterday I popped in for lunch, and all three real ales went off in succession. Moreover, nobody seemed inclined to do anything about it, like putting another barrel on. I run a bar myself, and if I ran it like that I'd be out of a job.
14 Feb 2007 17:49
Vast and usually-deserted pub which hasn't improved despite recent refurb. No real ale, endless succession of cr*p MTV rap videos, few customers....how it survives is a mystery. Only saving grace is the friendly staff.
24 Jan 2007 21:51
The Rose and Crown, Walthamstow
I know; the apparent change of policy lasted about a week. Seems to be linked with the Bell in some way, as the R&C opened on New Year's Eve till 7, then the Bell opened 7 till late. Why oh why can't we have one really decent pub in Central W/stow, instead of having to get a bus down to Leyton?
24 Jan 2007 17:40
Great pub, great beers, friendly staff & punters....wish it was my local. Look out for the legendary occasional Sunday lunchtime gigs by the mighty Robb Johnson, which have been known to last from 12 30 till 4 30.
27 Dec 2006 19:53
The Basketmakers Arms, Brighton
Utterly superb - excellent range & quality of beers, friendly & helpful staff in abundance, loads of character (and characters), and what looked like very good food. I've never given any pub a "10" in my life before, but I really can't pick any fault with this one.
27 Dec 2006 19:48
The Rose and Crown, Walthamstow
Reopened just before Christmas, though still has "To Let" signs up. New management advertised Christmas Eve as traditional family night with mulled wine & no loud DJs, and real ale is back on (Adnams & London Pride) so they seem to be making an effort. I hope they succeed; Hoe St & central W/stow need an alternative to footie pubs with blaring TVs and loud music. Nothing wrong with that in itself, but sometimes you fancy a change.
27 Dec 2006 19:42
Popped in on Saturday afternoon; only a handful of punters, mostly watching Arsenal mullering Spurs, and including one unpleasant racist oaf who seemed determined to pick a fight with someone (the sort who could start a ruck in an empty room). I drank up & left. Pub has "Lease for sale" sign up, so who knows what the future may hold. Hope it's better than at present.
3 Dec 2006 17:09
The Prince Albert (Rose's), Woolwich
Should be a great pub but it looks like the management have got lazy & are resting on their laurels. I came in here the first time a few months ago because I was visiting South of the water & it's the only GBG listed pub in Woolwich. Good beers, proper rolls at a decent price, but on the two occasions I've been in the barstaff have been grumpy and unhelpful (eg when the jukebox malfunctioned) and the place has a general feel of rundown grubbiness. If I was a new recruit to CAMRA and this pub was my initiation, I'd recoil. Leave them out of the next GBG - it might make them get their act together.
29 Nov 2006 20:34
Came in here after an unimpressed lunchtime visit to the Bell, & thought this was one of the best Wetherspoons I'd been in for a long time. Excellent choice & quality of beer, friendly & helpful staff, decent food, nice warm atmosphere - I could have stayed all afternoon.
29 Nov 2006 20:22
Overpriced beer, no lunchtime bar snacks apart from relatively expensive Thai (despite misleading sign outside saying there was), poor atmosphere. I drank up & went to the Wetherspoons, & wished I'd gone in there first.
29 Nov 2006 20:18
Bar staff attitude seems to have improved dramatically of late. Live open-mic night on 1st Sunday of month well worth checking out. Good range of beers too. If only we had a pub like this in Central W/stow.
29 Nov 2006 20:12
Can't understand the carping about the food by previous commentators. My mate & I had a very good meal a couple of weeks ago. Good beer & friendly service too.
29 Nov 2006 20:09
The Rose and Crown, Walthamstow
Currently closed for no known reason. This morning, looked like squatters had moved in.
29 Nov 2006 20:07
Now even better, as Shepherd Neame Kent's Best has replaced the Courage Best!
29 Aug 2006 18:48
Obviously weren't geared up for a busy August Bank Holiday Monday - not enough bar staff, all except one real ale had run out by mid-afternoon....not impressed.
29 Aug 2006 18:34
Excellent house in interesting & historic building, with excellent beers. Fast & friendly service, even on busy Bank Hol Monday with Otway's Return packing out the Market Square!
29 Aug 2006 18:32
Surprised to find it still closed in August, on Hobble on the Cobbles day. What's happening with it?
29 Aug 2006 18:29
Utterly wonderful old-style backstreet pub - great beer, wide range, welcoming atmosphere, friendly landlady. Wish I lived nearer so I could visit more often. (And I'm sure the landlord's dour demeanour is only an act!).
16 Aug 2006 16:27
Are you sure you've got the right Swan? Doesn't sound like the same pub to me!
16 Aug 2006 16:20
Superb, friendly no-frills boozer which has miraculously escaped being tarted-up despite its location. Good beer too, including locally-brewed Rebellion Blonde. If I lived in Marlow it'd be my local for sure!
16 Aug 2006 16:18
Nice pub with good beer, but when we arrived the bar area was full so we took our pints to sit in the "restaurant" area. Within 10 minutes we were told politely that that area was only for diners, even though it was by no means busy. We therefore drank up & left, otherwise we might have stayed for another. Be a bit more relaxed & flexible about these things, guys!
16 Aug 2006 16:14
The Eagle and Child, Forest Gate
Not so; it's still there (albeit closed) and has been spared despite the demolition of the site next door. Maybe it will be refurb'ed and reopened....?
8 Aug 2006 14:50
One of the better Wetherspoons; good range of beers at very good prices, & decent atmosphere. Even found an interesting book to read on the bookshelves!
7 Aug 2006 13:39
Went in last night - first time for a while. Solitary barperson (blonde stunner with limited English) looked blank when I asked for a pint of London Pride, said it wasn't on, then poured it anyway. It was undrinkable. Not sure if pub has changed management since my last visit, but whoever's running it needs to get a grip fast. Pity because it was an OK local before.
18 Jul 2006 11:57
Not too keen on the recent revamp, which has swept away a lot of the decor & oddments which gave the place its character, but the beer's still good and it's now open Sundays.
12 Jul 2006 17:10
Could well be; the cover photo of their truly wonderful Muswell Hillbillies album was taken in the front bar.
12 Jul 2006 17:00
I hear from local CAMRA sources that the developers' appeal against refusal of planning permission was upheld, so the Oakdale is sadly not long for this world. Make the most of this gem while you still can!
25 May 2006 16:02
Lord B is a bit harsh there, I feel. Went there on Sunday night for the monthly open-mic music night - good variety of acts (folk to rap) and three good beers - London Pride, Adnams Broadside and Dark Island - at reasonable prices. Gentrified decor is a bit odd, but crowd was a mix of Bright Young Things and earthier E17'ers. Service prompt if a bit take-it-or-leave-it. All in all, not bad at all, and a welcome enhancement to Walthamstow's less-than-brilliant pub selection.
9 May 2006 11:21
Used it again the other week after a 6-month gap. Good pint of very cheap Bass - "Things are looking up!" I thought. But then I used the gents (disgusting), then they rang the bell and cranked the music up absurdly loud to (presumably) get rid of people.....so all in all, still seriously unimpressed. If only Wetherspoons had got hold of it...
10 Apr 2006 16:24
Judging by that posting, sounds like it's taken over the title "Roughest Pub in Britain" from the erstwhile Ship opposite the station (now the Post Office).
28 Feb 2006 17:35
Seems to have got a bit better recently, but they still never seem to have enough barstaff on. Good beer range but quality not 100% reliable on my occasional visits here. On the whole, prefer the Spotted - far more convivial.
28 Feb 2006 17:32
A proper traditional pub, much bigger than you realise at first. Dearer than the Barking Dog but preferable atmosphere in my book. Didn't realise the Wallop was Directors spiked with port - that explains why I sleep so well after a few here!
28 Feb 2006 17:30
Pleasant boozer with decent drop of Adnams when I called in on Sunday. Rather amused to be asked to remove my cap in accordance with the "No hoodies, no hats" notice on the door. Obviously I still look a bit lairy at the ripe old age of 53!
21 Feb 2006 18:20
Got a very good review in the local paper this week, & apparently has Youngs Special on handpump.
3 Feb 2006 12:00
So have I. It says it will be decided by the Planning Inspectorate on the basis of an exchange of written statements by the Council & the appellant. Views on the appeal are requested & must be sent (3 copies) to The Planning Inspectorate, 3/01 Kite Wing,Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN, to arrive by March 3rd. Quote ref APP/Y5420/A/06/1197720. One point I shall be making is that the original rejection (on grounds of scale & appearance) made no mention of the loss of amenity that closure of the pub would cause.
2 Feb 2006 13:01
Discovered this one on Saturday by pure chance (due to House Full signs at the Sheepwalk's Sat night gig). What a wonderful gem of a pub! A real traditional 2-bar local in the oldest surviving "village" part of L/stone; lovely atmosphere, friendly service, fascinating pictures & memorabilia around the walls, and three beers on top form - Deuchars IPA, Broadside & Bombardier. Top boozer.
17 Jan 2006 12:09
The Rose and Crown, Walthamstow
Beer OK (usually London Pride & Adnams). Folk club upstairs Sundays, but arcane council rules mean you have to register as a member 48 hrs before you want to go. Never encountered bad country music; more usually bad rap/dance music playing obtrusively loud. One of worst Gents toilets I've ever encountered. Two cubicles, neither with a toilet seat, and one without a door. Door of other one doesn't bolt. No excuse for such disgusting facilities in this day & age.
29 Dec 2005 16:41
Pub now reopened as the Waltham Oak (owned by the Big Pub Company). Looks quite flash inside as viewed from the bus.
29 Dec 2005 16:37
Pub is now being done up & looks on the verge of reopening. Will keep tabs & report developments here.
2 Dec 2005 17:57
Down-to-earth local which can get lively esp on karaoke & ladies' darts nights. I only drop in now & then, but I've never found it unfriendly. Indeed, about 20 years ago the aged pub dog of the time bit me (or rather, gummed me) on the leg, and the then landlord was so apologetic he pulled me a pint on the house. OK pint of London Pride, and a useful stop-off if you've hit one of the long gaps in the evening train service to Barking.
2 Dec 2005 17:50
What a wonderful pub - but why no Real Ale? But for that, it would be a 9 in my book, but I had to go over the road to Wetherspoons for a pint of the real stuff at halftime during the gig - so that makes it a mere 5 I'm afraid. Sorry guys.....
17 Nov 2005 11:36
As someone who objected formally, I got a letter last week from Haringey Planning Dept stating that the demolition/redevelopment proposal had indeed been rejected. However the reasons for rejection were the scale & design of the proposal, not the loss of a valued amenity etc, so it's not beyond the bounds of possibility that the developers will simply reapply with a scaled-down proposal. So a watch needs to be maintained. Meanwhile I spent a thoroughly excellent evening there on Saturday. If I lived round that way, this would be my local for sure.
7 Nov 2005 15:46
The Lord Palmerston, Walthamstow
When I first moved to W/stow in 1998 this was a decent comfy local with real ale, then they tarted it up and went keg-only. It's only a short walk from my house and I never go in there now; says it all I think.
5 Oct 2005 18:46
Was OK when it first reopened (was previously a wonderfully tatty & down-at-heel establishment called the Tower) but is now a loud, soulless Young Persons Pub with very erratic beer. Central W/stow deserves a much better flagship pub than this.
5 Oct 2005 18:43
Splendid traditional boozer with good beer, friendly locals & all sorts of stuff going on (quizzes, bands etc). Heard disturbing rumours of an imminent refurb last time I was in; hope they don't spoil it.
5 Oct 2005 18:39
Was closed & boarded up when I went past on the bus the other week. It's a big pub so doubtless represents a prime redevelopment site.
5 Oct 2005 18:35
The Smugglers Tavern, Warren Street
Went there last night & they had Rebellion on as guest ale - a nice surprise. Decent pint & the pub seemed an agreeable enough small local to me.
16 Sep 2005 18:25
Finally got myself over here a few weeks ago - what a lovely boozer! Excellent beer range, wide range of events, gigs etc, and pleasant garden out back. Only slight irritation: the regulars tend to occupy a line of stools along the bar so you have to order your ale from behind or between them. But I can live with that.
15 Sep 2005 13:47
Now extensively refurb'ed & reopened following takeover by the mighty Bees. Refurb is a pretty standard job; only reopened Aug 05 so it hasn't yet had time to have the pin-sharp newness knocked off it & acquire that lived-in feel. Much better than it was (and the Fullers real ale is back on, praise be), but could do with a few more tables to fill up its wide open spaces.
15 Sep 2005 13:38
Excellent house - good beer well kept, friendly atmosphere, wide range of music, comedy etc in back room....a gem. Now why can't we have a pub this good in central Walthamstow?
15 Sep 2005 13:23
Good folk club out the back on Sunday nights which regularly books visiting American roots/country acts. Also approx fortnightly 60s R&B revival gigs upstairs at the Eel Pie Club night. Beer can be pricey but
�2 50 gets you a good pint of Deuchars IPA.
15 Sep 2005 11:16
Pub is now much better; real ales whittled down to Fullers (plus occasional guest) but kept in decent nick. Still a wide mix of punters, pleasingly cluttered decor, papers to read & friendly atmosphere. Put it this way: I regularly get a bus over here from the far side of Walthamstow rather than drinking in W/stow itself.
15 Sep 2005 10:49
Filthy McNasty's II, Twickenham
I went there last night for the first time as they had an act playing I wanted to see. Dark, dingy, cavernous, most beers off, and near-deserted except for a small knot of people in front of the stage, and directly behind them a noisy bunch who obviously had no interest in the music whatever. I left after 10 minutes leaving half my pint undrunk. Nuff said.
15 Sep 2005 10:10
The White Bear, Hounslow
First went here in 1969 when the Hounslow Arts Lab ran gigs here (saw David Bowie here then!). Was also venue for Grail Folk Club in early 70s, run by Downliners Sect main man Don Craine. Pub has undergone a few changes over the years, but at least it's still here, still serves proper Fullers beer, and survives as a lively, basic boozer when so many have closed down.
5 Apr 2015 23:20