BITE user comments - FieryJack
Comments by FieryJack
This is my local and it's pretty good. In general I go to pubs for a pint rather than for food: the Rocket succeeds with both . Rarely have I had a bad pint and when that's happened, it's been changed without fuss. Beer choice is better than average pubco-standard, with Pride, Landlord and Harveys the offerings. Would be nice to see another guest ale from time to time, but maybe Acton punters aren't that fussed.
The jewel in the Rocket's crown is the food. Under previous ownership it was good but a bit pricey. But now the food is still really good and the prices have been cut. It must be one of the best value eateries in the south of England. The service is excellent: really friendly, efficient and definitely scores 10 out of 10.
If there's a down-side to this pub, it's the audio system in the main bar. The speakers are tiny and tinny, the sort you could buy for a tenner a pair. After a while this grates, which is a shame because the variety of music played is varied and interesting.
16 Jan 2010 09:12
The Red Lion and Pineapple, Acton
A wide range of well kept real ales at �1.69 a pint. Who's complaining? OK, so it's Wetherspoons and atmosphere won't ever be in huge supply. And though I see another correspondent plainly disagrees, personally I find their staff really helpful and polite. I've never waited more than 2-3 mins for a pint. Plus you can always get a taster if you ask.
It's Acton so it will never be a great night out. Acton's a bit of a dead zone unless you are Antipodean aged under 35. But what this pub does very well is provide a decent pint. Wished I went in when they had Yellowhammer.
29 Nov 2009 22:56
What I don't get is why this pub hasn't got a higher rating than 7.x. It really should have an 8 or 9 as it is by far the most consistent pub in London for good beer (though the Bree Louise comes a very close second).
I go to The Harp maybe once or twice a month and there are so many things I like about it, most of which have been covered in the previous 20 comments. There have been times when the beer hasn't been quite right, especially with the troublesome (over-lively) but superb Hophead. But it's never a problem as the engaging staff just change it regardless without no fuss or any hit of West End attitude.
And they don't rip you off. �3.10 a pint is pretty good for the very centre of town.
29 Nov 2009 22:47
Went there on recommendations from BITE reviews. Was not disappointed. Excellent beer, tastings not a problem, fair pricing, warm fire, nice mix of people. Would go there more frequently if I lived in Reading. Some of the people I went with thought the area was a bit scuzzy but as they mostly herald from nice twee villages I guess it was a minro ulture shock. Don't be put off. This pub is well worth checking out.
3 Jan 2009 22:10
Went this afternoon, was quiet but still had 4 (possibly 5 beers) available, which is pretty good considering it's straight after new year and a delivery was clearly overdue. Friendly welcome, excellent pint of Hogs Back TEA and British Bulldog from a brewer I can't remember.
A proper local, so much better than the overpriced gaffes down Northcote Rd.
3 Jan 2009 22:05
The Red Lion and Pineapple, Acton
it's 'spoons so never going to set the world on fire. But the beer is consistently very good. I've hardly ever had to take a pint back and if required it's changed without too much fuss. I admire their policy of supporting a wide range of micro-brewers in addition to Greedy King and the other larger ale makers. And �2.05 a pint or �2.20 for 5%+ ABV is pretty darn good in cash-strapped 2012.
The atmosphere is not brilliant, nor is it bad. Never seen any trouble in 10 years. Most people keep themselves to themselves.
18 Jan 2012 14:41