BITE user comments - Harbottle
Comments by Harbottle
A cracking pub located a short walk from the town centre, best visited on foot via a circular walk along the estuary to Kyson Hill, back down the lane, over the level crossing and across the recreation ground. That should give you a thirst!
Anyone who has seen any of my other comments will know my pet theme is small town & country pubs that offer too many beers, with a decline in quality as a consequence of inadequate turnover (try saying that after eight pints of Broadside!) The Cherry Tree seems to buck this trend, however. I have visited on several occasions, and although they seem to offer upwards of five or six ales, I have yet to have a bad one! Always welcoming, friendly clientele, dogs welcome - highly recommended!
27 Jun 2009 11:37
First of all let's dismiss this 'grumpy' business! I have visited on several occasions and always found the staff and clientele to be pleasant and friendly. (How many 'grumpy' landlords keep a stock of biscuits behind the bar for visiting pooches?) Another of Woodbridge's wonderful character pubs, what is not immediately evident from the front is the quiet, secluded garden area to the rear.
I would have liked to rate this pub higher, but unfortunately it has fallen prey to the 'more is better' mantra in offering at least five real ales. The result being that the beer, whilst perfectly drinkable, tends not to be in tip-top condition. Pubs in small towns and villages rarely have the turnover required to keep five or more ales in good condition. Overall, though, this pub is well worth a visit.
27 Jun 2009 11:18
My second visit to this pub, having previously walked out here in the spring. The first thing to strike me was the fact they only had two beers, and God bless 'em for it! The result on both occasions was an excellent pint in perfect condition. (When will landlords ever learn that unless you are running an extremely busy city-centre pub with a huge turnover, you can't offer a choice of five or more real ales and keep them in good condition. )
Back to the White Lion, and the beers are served straight from the barrel. Adnams at �2.80, as I recall, which seems about par for this area. Following on from the previous entry, the 'Richmond-on-Sea' set were in evidence, but apart from the odd occasion when Mellors drops in to slake his thirst after a vigorous workout with her ladyship, 'Richmond-on-Sea' is what you get in this neck of the woods! The other great thing about this pub is its delightful location near the upper reaches of the Deben. The best way to visit is via a superb circular walk of around 6 miles, starting from Woodbridge , following the estuary through Melton, and taking in the villages of Ufford and Bromeswell. The beauty and diversity of the Suffolk countryside leave me wondering why people pay a small fortune to queue up at airports.
One small black mark - dogs are not allowed in the pub, which means you have to bugger about tying poor Muttley to a table while you go in and order your beer! Maybe the sight of drooling canines puts the 'Richmond-on-Sea' set off their game pie?
27 Jun 2009 10:49
The Old Mariner, Woodbridge
In reply to Biggles, in fact I have tried the Sekforde Tap! Had three pints and (surprise, surprise) one was excellent, the other two were OK but far from prime condition. Having only visited it once will wait until I have made at least one or two more visits before posting comment!
18 Jul 2009 10:48