BITE user comments - Ginger_Beard
Comments by Ginger_Beard
A food pub, not much atmosphere for the drinker, but stools at the bar. Staff friendly and the food is good.
11 Mar 2012 19:49
Superb home made food, very highly recommended. Excellent choice of well kept local ales. Roaring fire. Dog friendly. Shame there are not more locals at the bar in the evenings. Well worth a visit.
11 Mar 2012 19:46
The Earl of Normanton, Idmiston
Beautifully furnished with interesting items all around, very homely, lovely real fire. However the food is poor quality, the landlord cold and surly and the beer disappointing considering it is in the Good Beer Guide.
11 Mar 2012 19:42
We visited for lunch on a busy sunday in May, the cider was like vinegar, the ale without any head or effervessence and the cola had too much soda in the mix. We tried changing the cider which was undrinkable, the landlord tried it and after wincing said there was nothing wrong with it, "nobody else has complained". After much fuss it was changed, but this is not an attitude we expect. As a local accomodation provider we are no longer recommending this pub to our guests.
5 Aug 2011 10:45
Well kept beer (Butty Bach, John Smiths Cask and a guest), pleasant beer garden and friendly welcome.
5 Aug 2011 10:37
The best pub food we have had in ages, and some very good beers. One was not quite perfect, but was changed without question for another from a new cask. The barmaid was very friendly and welcoming. Live music after our meal and the views outside made the evening complete.
5 Jun 2010 00:22
There's been a big improvement on the quality of the beer over the last year or so. Brodies Brewery, brew beers far better than brewers who have been around a lot longer, and at just �1.99 it is exceptionally good value.
17 Jan 2010 16:03
A must for real ale fans with a great range of draught and bottled beers, including those from the pub�s own Hardknott Brewery. Meals are made with fresh local ingredients, but are rather more expensive than average. Note tables must be booked in advance. Children are not catered for, with only specialist soft drinks and an adult menu. Dogs welcome. Don't ask for shandy, chips or Carling.
28 Sep 2009 16:24
This friendly establishment offers good value in comfortable surroundings. Highly recommended home-made food, Camra approved ales, well chosen wines and a huge malt whiskey selection make the Brook House well worth a visit. If you can�t bear the stuffed animals in the main bar, there is always the cosy snug, smart restaurant or on a nice day, the beer garden.
28 Sep 2009 16:20
This pub is one of a row of terraced houses a short walk from the town centre. It is like stepping into someones front room, and has a very homely atmosphere. A locals pub, but visitors will get a warm South Wales welcome from both punters and staff. Lively, even at 5pm. The unremarkable choice of ales are nevertheless kept exceptionally well.
1 Oct 2008 22:58
I am sorry to read ohmeohmy had a bad experience here. Like other contributors the beer has always been good whenever I've visited. Another local pub worth a try is the Cuckfield, good for Belgian ale, but also serves British real ale.
1 Oct 2008 13:52
The Rugglestone Inn, Widecombe in the Moor
Beer always tastes best when served straight from the cask as it is here. The food is also to be strongly recomended. A great pub.
28 Sep 2008 14:20
The Union Inn, Moretonhampstead
What a shame, despite an excellent meal and a well kept beer, I will not be returning here. My visit was let down by one thing, the unpleasant, unfriendly, everything too much trouble cock(ne)y barman. I enquired about food, and as I was looking at the menu, he poured me a drink and immediately charged me for it, despite the fact I was clearly about to place a food order. Then 30 seconds after paying for my drink by cash, I paid for my food by credit card, there will be a charge as it is under �10. If I had paid for the drink at the same time it might not have been under a tenner! He rolled his eyes impatiently when another customer was ordering. I felt very unwelcome.
28 Sep 2008 14:15
A real gem! Great real ale range often including a stout or other dark beer. Food is good, especially their delicious curries. Always get a warm welcome, it is one of those home from home pubs. Treasure it.
28 Sep 2008 14:04
Great atmosphere, but can get crowded in the evenings. Good selection of Belgian beer, including a guest on draught. Also the real ales are usually perfect, the Brewers Gold went down a treat last night. Agree though the unisex toilets do let the side down.
20 Mar 2008 19:59
Called in for the first time this afternoon, the very friendly Canadian bar maid and excellent Maredsous Abbey Ale made for a pleasant experience.
5 Feb 2008 22:35
A very warm welcome was received from landlord and regulars, the beer comes from micro breweries such as Mighty Oak. Hard to find, but well worth the effort.
12 Dec 2007 19:26
I agree it is a shame this pub doesn't stay open longer, the demand is there. I was sad to hear that the cat recently passed away, but as a place to drink a great pint the Nag's is alive and well, at least until 11pm.
15 Sep 2007 13:47
The Old Dispensary, Whitechapel
Since reopening this pub has greatly improved. The beers are all well looked after, and as well as regular Deuchars IPA, there are usually 2 or 3 guests on too, from breweries such as Everards and Dark Star. On the food side quality is also the watchword - their real homemade chips are delicious.
15 Sep 2007 13:40
Called in while on route to the excellent Three Horseshoes at nearby Duton Hill. Unable to try the food, as the kitchen was only catering for a private party, but the Adnams was fine. The Horseshoes had a greater and more interesting range of guest ales.
10 Sep 2007 13:51
Lots of noisy young kids (i.e. 18-24 year olds), Brahms on breezers and crap lager. A place to avoid.
6 Aug 2007 11:40
The Kings Head, Holmbury St Mary
Superb, unspoilt cosy country pub. Very friendly welcome and excellent range of beer, makes me want to return soon, even though I live 40 miles away.
6 Aug 2007 11:35
When I visited this pub earlier in the week I was disappointed. I ordered a pint from the pub's own Leith Hill brewery, Hoppily Ever After, it tasted very vinegary, when I queried if it was supposed to taste like this I was told it was, and it was suggested I add a dash of lemonade to take the bitterness away. The second beer I tried, Crooked Furrow was fine, but the third, a dark porter, Tallywhacker, was also vinegary, certainly unlike any porter I've ever tasted. Maybe the water they use to clean the lines or brew the beer is the problem, as I was told they would not refil my water bottle (essential for walkers). The Polish bar maid inplied the tap water was not fit for drinking and tried to sell me bottled water. However, the tap water, I obtained from the gents tasted fine.
4 Aug 2007 17:26
Visited the Swan for their recent beer festival, what a superb day, great barbecue, fantastic range of beer from mild to barley wine via a fruit beer that tasted of raspberry ice cream! Thanks to all involved.
17 Jun 2007 00:07
Very warm welcome to an English traveller in search of good food and beer. The curry I chose from their sizable menu went down well with one of a selection of ales from across the UK.
16 Jun 2007 23:34
The Jerusalem Tavern, Clerkenwell
Great range of beers all tasting perfect, worth s visit just to admire the superb interior. Can't wait to visit again.
25 Apr 2007 21:09
The Bleeding Heart, Clerkenwell
A venue ideal for a sophisticated date, where you can also get good beer. Three Adnams real ales were available, including the delicious Oyster Stout, as well as Bitburger lager.
The staff were very welcoming and the atmosphere relaxed.
25 Apr 2007 21:02
On myt latest visit the bar staff were extremely friendly. General atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant. A must to visit.
25 Mar 2007 02:17
Hopefully this pub will lose it's reputation of being a place that serves poor quality beer, admitedly at a cheap price, to poor quality louts who can't take their drink and just want to fight. Since a new manager has taken over beer quality has improved, all we hope for now is for the undesirable element of the clientele to frequent the nearby dive (Prince Albert) instead.
25 Mar 2007 02:05
On beer quality this is one of the best Weatherspoons in the area, though lacks atmnosphere, like too many pubs in this chain has a corporate feel about it, like a supermarket or (heaven forbid) Harvester.
25 Mar 2007 00:59
The Duke of Edinburgh, Wanstead
When I visited last month it was packed with people watching the football. The beer was not memorable and the atmosphere was not condusive for a quiet drink. We moved on to the Nightingale down the road.
25 Mar 2007 00:50
When I last visited a few years ago it was a bit dark, scruffy and dingy. It has been cleaned up, is brighter and more welcoming. Excellent range of good beer, non-smoking room and very comfortable and relaxing. I will be going back soon.
25 Mar 2007 00:46
There is a quiz every Sunday night, the first Sunday of the month being an excellent music quiz, even though we lost miserably!
10 Mar 2007 21:51
The Oscar Wilde mild went down a treat last night, Black Sheep bitter is also on at the moment.
31 Jan 2007 19:33
Used to visit up until a couple of years ago, had great entertainment and surprisingly good London Pride. The downside was the immature clientele, either they were getting younger or I was getting older!
24 Jan 2007 23:47
The small back room is a great intimate venue for seeing live acts, whilst the bar at the front is where the local go to drink well kept Fullers beer or the Portuguese managers' native brew Sagres.
19 Jan 2007 13:09
PS I forgot to mention, the gents urinal is in full view of the District Line, I could see 200 commuters on their way home to Upminster...I just hope they didn't see me, for their sake!
19 Jan 2007 12:49
I left this pub feeling like a smoked kipper, lots of city workers unwinding with a packet of fags after a stressful day. Didn't really enjoy the Old Growler, perhaps after a gruelling Tube ride, my taste buds weren't ready for something so sweet. Then on came Nethergate brewery's Umbel Magna ale, a dark porter like Growler but with corriander. Very nice providing you like the said herb of course.
19 Jan 2007 12:47
What a great atmosphere, very relaxing - couples chatting, locals reading the Guardian, soft reggae music in the background before a pianist and singer beautifully performed a few easy listening classics. The Adnams Broadside was delicious. Will be going back very soon....
19 Jan 2007 12:36
The food in the Pembury isn't cheap, but it is excellent value. The imaginative Pembury grub is made from fresh, locally sourced (where possible) ingredients. If you want mass produced, processed run-of-the-mill pub food, there are plenty of other places around, but they are very often not much cheaper.
17 Jan 2007 11:20
Great to find a pub that has live music and serves decent beer (the Bass is well kept). When there isn't a sports match or band playing the jukebox is on.
17 Jan 2007 10:46
The Cock and Woolpack, City Of London
Very friendly landlady, excellent beer, relaxing venue.
7 Jan 2007 15:04
A time machine in Mile End Park of all places, well I never, it is like stepping back to 1975. For real ale lovers don't despair, there are two handpumps, which on my visit served Adnams Bitter and Itchen Valley Godfathers. So put on your flares and platform shoes and head down to E3.
16 Dec 2006 22:27
The King William IV, Hampstead
Don't get me wrong, I don't mind paying �3 a pint if the beer is perfect, but unfortunately it was served too warm and didn't taste me (see my comment on the nearby Holly Bush where I ended up).
16 Dec 2006 22:18
You know a good pub when you don't taste the beer, the beer tastes you! Oh and even if you don't drink ale it is worth a visit for the architecture, atmosphere and food.
16 Dec 2006 22:13
The best comment has to be "IKEA showroom with beer". Two refurbishments ago this was a great little boozer. One consolation the beer is still OK. Some interesting brews were available at the recent Embers Inn Beer Festival. Good beer, shame about the decor!
19 Nov 2006 00:24
Thanks to Steve, Tom, Simon and all the other staff for an excellent beer festival. The Milton Mammon tasted superb after being left a year to mature, went down well with the Stilton.
Just whet the appetite for the Pigs Ear Beer Festival round the corner at The Ocean in Mare Street E8, it runs from the 5th to the 9th of December. Can't wait...
18 Nov 2006 23:58
Had an excellent pint of Nethergate IPA, here in the summer, it tasted just like my very first memories of beer! Ah bliss.
14 Oct 2006 16:19
Hard to find, but well worth the effort. Just off the (muddy!) Essex Way long distance path from Epping Station, it provides a welcome sight with excellent home cooked grub and well kept real ale. Tiny pub but very popular, arrive early.
14 Oct 2006 16:14
One house beer and three ever changing guest ales from the likes of Mighty Oak, Archers and other micros. The beer is usually excellent, though I've had occasions where the condition hasn't been 100 per cent perfect and in summer it can be warm, especially the first couple of pints. Worth a visit though.
14 Oct 2006 16:04
The Royal Oak is one of the best pubs in Chingford, but that isn't saying much I'm afraid. The pint I had in there two weeks ago was so cold I couldn't taste the beer, though had a half last night which was better. Other than that, the saloon bar is a very comfortable place to relax over a quiet drink, and the public bar for Sky Sports, bar billiards and darts. The food menu is basic and when last sampled this summer, not all that good.
13 Oct 2006 11:57
The beer in this pub is rarely in anywhere near good condition, and the last time I was there the Speckled Hen could have been Sarson's. The clientele are what you would expect in a pub showing TV sport. In other words a pub worth avoiding in an area with plenty of better places.
13 Oct 2006 11:42
How refreshing! Not just the well kept 8 real ales, but a bar uncluttered by multinational lager branded fonts. The beer comes from the excellent Milton Brewery, as well as Micros from around the country. On a recent visit virtually every beer style was available on tap, Dark Mild, Bitter, Wheat Beer, Golden Ale, Strong Bitter, Stout and Barley Wine. A large range of continental bottled beers and draught Budvar Budweiser are also available. Locally sourced home made food is also available, and is superb.
12 Oct 2006 11:56
The best pub in Walthamstow by pints. One of the few places regularly serving mild (Mighty Oak's Oscar Wilde), as well as cornish ales (e.g. the excellent Sharpes Eden), Belgian bottled beers and an extensive wine list. The sophistcated background music and great atmosphere make this a must visit venue.
12 Oct 2006 11:42
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The Shire Horse, Grateley
Has the feel of someone's front room, which every pub should have. Friendly landlady. Shame the beer was past its best.
11 Mar 2012 19:52