BITE user comments - Jonnysaint
Comments by Jonnysaint
Agree with the previous comments. Straight forward boozer. Bigger than it seems with space to sit out back. Will pop in again when I'm Cowes bound.
3 Jan 2013 10:31
Handy for the Bestival. Well, that's if you object to paying the £4.20 they charge for a can of Bulmers cider, Root beer or whatever the hell it was.
The Hare & Hounds supplied me with Goddards Fuggle Dee Dum of a good quality throughout the weekend. Apart from the odd festival goer, there weren't many other people present. Service was always prompt and courteous. The interior was spacious - nothing memorable however. Can't remember the other ale available at the time (this was September 2012) due to the Fuggle.
14 Dec 2012 18:58
Whilst visiting from the UK, I made a concerted effort to visit this place during my time in Brooklyn last year. I'm glad I did. Myself and a friend popped in early one afternoon. It was quiet with maybe two other blokes sat at the bar. Service was friendly - as it always seems to be in NYC (not like some of the miserable bastards we have here in the UK) and the range of ales. Wow!! I had a job counting them all. Amazing. Top boozer and will definately make a point of visiting the next time I'm Brooklyn bound. Top marks.
15 Dec 2011 18:41
I recently stayed here with friends. A good place to stay, too. First and foremost the ale was good. I lashed back several Castle ales. The T.V. in the main bar was a tad too dominant for my taste however, so I blocked this out by knocking back a few more Castles. The breakfast in the morning (Saturday and Sunday that is) was good and unexpected. A pleasant back street pub, I would pop back again given the chance.
15 Dec 2011 18:32
The Lion And Lobster, Brighton
We stumbled on this pub completely by accident, being unfamiliar with Brighton. It was a Saturday night and England were playing. The place therefore was packed in the downstairs bar. The place turned into a maze!! We headed upstairs and found ourselves at another bar. A friendly young lady showed us to a table and even fetched us a drink which was unexpected. (I don't mind saying I fancied the young lady - give her a pay rise).
The decor was to my taste: Dark reds wall with wood panelling I seem to recall. The ale was good and varied. So good and varied we had to return the next evening to make sure.
Leaving the place on the Saturday night was an experience. We seemingly exited the same way we went in only to find ourselves coming out of an entirely different door. Either we'd knocked back one too many Dark Star ales or this place is a gateway between two dimensions. I look forward to returning in 2012 to put this theory to the test and under strict, laboratory conditions, too. A nice find and fully recommended from me.
15 Dec 2011 18:27
The Prince Of Wales, East Cowes
Having been past this pub for years on the bus during my visits to the Island, I finally had the chance to venture inside for an ale the other night. It was early evening and quiet - a selection of ales available including a Bass xxxx mild. Myself and mate enjoyed a Hobgoblin. Nothing overly fancy about the place, which I like. The TV in the main bar area could be a distraction, so sat in the other room. Look forward to returning.
10 Nov 2011 12:57
The Propeller Inn, Bembridge Airport
I popped in here several years ago, but it was a 'flying' visit. No pun intended as this 'pub' sits next door to the Bembridge air strip. Quite a large and spacious interior. A selection of ales available. I had a local Island ale. The biggest surprise was the side room I found myself in. Unbelievable. Machine guns hanging from the ceiling, rocket launchers leant against the walls, hand grenades propped up on shelves. No lie!! A militaria collection tucked away. For my hour in the Propeller, I spent most time reading all the war related info on the walls and studying the artifacts. Its worth popping in for this. Can't miss the place either. It had an armoured car parked outside in the large parking area. Didn't check the food, but will do next time I pop in. A real quirky venue.
10 Oct 2011 08:29
I was looking forward to my visit to the Pilot Boat this Autumn. My first visit was in 2003. I've visited a couple of times between, every two years or so. It seems each time I do, I find the place has undergone work of some description.
Only a year ago, there was a little side room, just off the bar. This was a nice area to drink your ale and read the press. Unfortunately on returning this year, I found the place had yet again undergone work. The side room has evaporated and worst still the place no longer has the feel of a pub. It has become some fancy restaurant hybrid thing. I was unimpressed, took my Island ale outside, drank up and left. The only saving grace in my opinion now is the fact they still serve up ale, but for how long?? Surely only a question of time before a monopoly of fancy lagers served up in daft glasses shunt the ales from the bar. I guess this is a sign of the times. More and more the history, character and authenticity of pubs are being wrenched out in favour of money orientated and profit making generic and dull eateries which is what this has become.
The area outside is large, however. If you're there for a drink and a bit of a chat with pals - which is what a 'pub' used to be about, didn't it? - head outside, away from the hordes eating.
10 Oct 2011 08:21
The location is great. Staying at a nearby campsite, our first evening negotiating a route to the Culver Haven Inn was a bit of a challenge. When we eventually arrived (after steering ourselves through a field of cows and that's not easy in the dark) we were rewarded with a pub that serves up several ales. I stuck to the local Island brew 'Vectis Venom' - when on the Island, drink the Island ale!!
The service was friendly. As already mentioned, the building is modernish. Initially, I thought we had taken a wrong turn and arrived at someones house. But the interior is spacious. Turned up too late to sample the food and come to think of it the views!! The second night we visited, the Downs were shrouded in fog from the sea, the nearby monument looming eerily. This gave the place a certain Hammer Horror atmosphere. (If only I were wearing a tweed Van Helsing type cloak and cap). I am determined to return during the day sometime soon to take in the view and better still another pint of Vectis Venom.
9 Oct 2011 09:42
The Waterfront Bar, Totland Bay
Returned this March having last visited 2 years ago. The place appears to have new management. Is this the case?? A better variety of ale on supply, friendly staff, nicely done out - at least I think its been done out. It looked a little more spruced up from what I remember. My rating has gone up. Good on ya. Would like to visit daytime to take advantage of the Solent views.
22 Apr 2011 08:43
The Platform Tavern, Southampton
Good selection of ales. had something from the Triple fff brewery. Spacious with plenty of places to sit. Have visited before and will return another time. Not bad at all.
17 Feb 2011 10:49
Nothing to add that hasn't already been said. The exterior and interior is fantastic. Sat upstairs in the 'gallery' section. Had a good pint of Itchen Valley breweries 'Hampshire Rose'. Unfortunately, the TVs blasting out football ruined the vibe - would be better without all that. But all in all a great pub with plenty of character. Hopefully it'll keep on going for many years to come.
17 Feb 2011 10:46
The Bath Arms Hotel, Warminster
I popped in here for lunch with a friend the other day. A nice exterior - could use a lick of paint here and there, but grand looking neverthless on the main Warminster strip!
Quite a large interior. The TV's blasting out music were a distraction however. The food was well priced and good. The ale was fine - well kept. Despite a ramshackled feel, the place was okay. Service was friendly and prompt - the young brunette lady serving behind the bar was my highlight. Fancy popping back because of that fact. Give her a pay rise.
6 Feb 2011 12:21
This was the second time I'd visited the Solent Inn, the first way back in 2006. Back then we had plenty of time on our hands and worked our way through a good range of ale. This time, however, I was slightly disappointed with the range - Abbot, Banks and London Pride. I had a Banks which was nice enough. The interior has a homely lived in look - at least the half of the pub we sat in. It is deserving of more than a quick pop in and one drink - hopefully I'll get a chance to spend longer here in the future. Black board up behind the bar with upcoming ales. Good venue for music too judging by the list of bands coming up. This is a pub focused on pub things - bands, darts and booze. Good to see.
23 Jan 2011 13:34
The Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis, Southampton
Agree with the post below. Same generic Wetherspoons look inside. Spacious. As with any Wetherspoons establishment, good for one thing - the range of ales. If it wasn't for the ale range, I wouldn't bother. As it is, I had a 'Moondance' from the local Triple fff brewery. Well kept and tasted fine.
16 Jan 2011 08:58
Not bad. The range of ale was limited - being a Sam Smiths establishment that's all that was available, but it was good nevertheless. The place was busy and loud (visited during the evening). Relatively small corner pub but quite spacious inside. Nice ceiling, too!! Nothing fancy - a straight forward boozer which is what I like.
7 Jan 2011 11:13
A small pub. A selection of St Austell ales available. Wasn't too impressed with the place - well, that's a bit unfair. Not a fault of the pub. I think it was the other clientele at the time of our visit. It was just after lunch and seemed every benefit cheat and work shy fop was in there spending all their money on booze. Take these people out of the equation and I'm sure it'd be a great place. The T.V. was on - as the previous post commented on - this was distracting. It takes away the social side of a pub. If you want TV, stay at home and watch it.
9 Dec 2010 14:17
The Chainlocker and Shipwrights, Falmouth
The range of ale was excellent - several Skinners available. It was a most welcome sight having just gotten in from a torrential down pour. It was a hard decision to make, but we figured it best to stay in the pub until the rain had passed over. The bar area has a traditional look to it - lots of nick nacks which leant character to the place. The ale was well kept. The bargirl was friendly. Hope to return another time when I'm in Falmouth.
9 Dec 2010 14:12
Hadn't been in this place since its renovation. And what a cock up thats been. The place had changed into a teen friendly type establishment. The Tribute ale we had was poor. The blonde bargirl seemed more keen to chat to her dullard friends than serve us. Won't be popping in here again unless its gutted.
9 Dec 2010 14:03
We weren't in the place long enough to soak up the atmosphere - something I shall put right next year when I'm in Cornwall. The locals eyed us up and down as we entered - I take it this is a locals type establishement. The barman was polite. Had a pint of Stogs. It was good. Large bar area with several ales on at time of visiting. Need to spend longer in here really. Gives me an excuse to do just this another time...
9 Dec 2010 14:00
Arrived one lunchtime. The bar girl was friendly. The Black Prince ale from St. Austell was excellent. Will visit again to spend more time here.
28 Nov 2010 09:32
Had a pint of Proper Job which was fine. The food was okay. The interior was covered with large screen TV's which I'm not a fan of. I agree with the last comment regarding kids - a child was screaming its bloody lungs out when we visited (one lunchtime). Why are kids allowed in pubs??? More a family orientated venue and a noisy one at that.
28 Nov 2010 09:28
Generic Wetherspoons establishment. Beer was good. Food was adequate although bordering on the luke warm side...
28 Nov 2010 09:24
The Bell And Compass, Charing Cross
Busy on a wet Saturday night, but nothing special. Several ales on. Handy for a last drink before Waterloo. Better off visiting The Harp just across the road.
3 Oct 2010 13:27
The Branksome Railway, Branksome
Rolled in here from an event down the road. It was a Saturday night, somebodies birthday disco was in full swing and the place was writhing with an abundance of young ladies dressed as whores through to Guantanamo Bay prisoners. This didn't set a good picture for me on entering, so I picked a path through the 'dance floor' to the bar so I could peruse the booze. First and foremost, I judge a pub on its ale line-up, not clientele.
A nice selection of ale on of which I sampled most. Sat in a corner section with friends, away from the celebrations taking place, I weighed up the place. Its a nice venue. High ceilings, spacious. The gents was a tad dog eared, but I don't rate pubs on how good the toilets are. You go into a pub to booze, not hang around in toilets. Imagining for a moment the young revellers and the laziest DJ in history - (he put on a mix CD and stood there pretending he was doing something) - had been evaporated by a War of the Worlds style laser beam, the place would be very good. With the train station opposite, it was handy for my mate who had to travel back down the line to Weymouth.
26 Aug 2010 12:02
The Still and West, Portsmouth
Been looking forward to visiting this area of the town and especially this pub for a while. I wasn't disappointed.
The decor is standard fair really, but its the location, right on the waters edge where you can look out across the sea that makes this place special. Boats of all sizes trundle past. A Fullers pub, so Fullers ale was the order of the day. I had an ESB - very good it was too. We ordered food - chips, sausage and fish cake. This was excellent. The fish cake tasted of fish, unlike alot of those white 'foam' type affairs you often get. The sausage was at least a foot long. Madness! If you come here to eat, starve yourself before hand. Glad I popped in.
22 Jul 2010 08:32
The Standing Order, Southampton
Standard Wetherspoon decor. Ventured in mid morning one Wednesday a few weeks ago. As with any Wetherspoons, it was the lure of their ale range. And what a good range. I knocked back a good pint of Cotleigh 5% Buzzard I think it was. Pretty much characterless, but you've got to weigh up the pro's and con's of such a place.
26 Jun 2010 07:09
Was drawn inside by the board outside. "Try an Olde Tart for only �2". Thought I'd give it a go. Turns out the Old Tart, which is an ale by the way and not an actual old tart, (although there are quite a few in the area), wasn't a bad drink. Especially at two quid a pint. Service was satisfactory. The pub itself was relatively empty. Lots of places to sit. I suspect it gets busy when the theatres kick out. The gents toilets was a tad dog eared, but I don't tend to rate pubs specifically on their toilets. Thats unless they're really poor. This set of bogs was passable. Good for a pitstop and a quick Old Tart, but nothing special.
1 Jun 2010 10:46
And now it seems they've got members of staff to post comments...
3 May 2010 13:36
King Harry's Bar (Glenbrook Hotel), Shanklin
I've always liked King Harrys bar - situated in Shanklin Old town, it was a real discovery when we came across it ten years ago. Anytime I get a chance, I'll pop in. Not so easy when you live on the mainland, but I try to make the effort regardless!! Good ales, low ceilings and pokey little corners which gives it character. I've eaten here before with the gang - back in the day when the girls dressed as serving 'wenches'!! Not sure if that still goes on, but a nice touch. Coming down some steps, off the main street, its in a good location. With the chine right behind, you can go for a stroll after (or before or both) booze, right down to the sea. One extra note would be the gents toilet - like a living room with a couple of urinals in the corner.
31 Mar 2010 10:05
A Fullers pub - popped in to see if the new 'Bengal Lancer IPA' was available. Unfortunately not but had a 'Seafarers' instead which is just as good. Ate lunch here - had a chicken, leek and something pie. Very good. Alot of food and well made. More an eating type establishment, suited to families, its a fair enough place. Clean and tidy. Good service.
28 Mar 2010 12:37
Nice exterior and location - generic looking place inside. A family establishment. Had Sunday lunch - satisfactory. The pint of Goddards Bitter was fine. Best part of it was the young lady who served us. Lovely.
28 Mar 2010 12:32
As you'd expect. Same furniture as the Wetherspoons in Penzance, maybe even some of the same old chaps boozing. Range of ale was good however, the reason I gave the place a few points.
28 Mar 2010 12:29
This is one of the best pubs on the island. Always has a fine selection of ales available (about eight I believe) and food is fairly priced. I'm a visitor to the island and try to visit the Travellers Joy when I'm there. Some island estblishments are these family orientated, plastic fake tourist trap type places. I'm sure tourists love them, but I don't. I like the traditional, take it or leave it boozer, which is what the Travellers Joy is.
25 Mar 2010 16:19
The Waverly - as a vistor to the Isle of Wight, I've been travelling past this pub on the bus for the last ten years on an annual basis. Never set foot inside until this year. Myself and friends felt it about time we checked out the supposed range of ales.
The interior is so so. A nice large bar - disappointing however when it turned out the only ale available was 'Spitfire'. We settled for a pint each of this. Neither good nor bad. Well, heading more bad. Not the best I've tasted. Being a Saturday, football was on all over. Handy for the walk from our bus and the better pubs in the heart of Newport, I won't go out of my way to return soon. Disappointing seeing as though it held a 'mysticism' for myself and the gang all these years. Like waiting for a fancy present at Christmas , unwrapping it to find a sub-standard version bought from 'Pound Land'.
25 Mar 2010 16:14
The Original White Hart, Ringwood
I agree with the comment below. Normal, run of the mill chain type establishment. Music was a tad too loud for me and any place with a 'sports bar' out back doesn't bode well. At least there were a couple of Ringwood ales on... as you should expect being only a stones throw from the brewery. (Best and Old Thumper). The bar staff were friendly and I was promptly served.
I have eaten here before, too. The tables were a tad grimey - the place could've done with a clean. Nice location, however, facing the main town square.
27 Feb 2010 11:47
I've visited several times. Usually a number of ales on - last time I stuck with the Islands own 'Fuggle Dee Dum' by Goddards. Good pint too. It generally is. The place wasn't particularly busy as I visited one Monday lunchtime. But I've walked past on a friday evening - people pouring out onto the street. Personally, I go for the quieter boozers, but lots of people outside is a sign of the places popularity. Not my bag though, especially when all those people are ignorant sailors, reluctant to make way for you as you struggle to get passed, on your way to 'The Union Inn' just down the road.
The interior is fine. I ate here last year. It was a curry which was nice. Service has always been polite and prompt however. All in all, not bad.
14 Feb 2010 18:07
Not a bad pub for the hour I was there. I rate pubs on service, interior, location and most importantly, the ale.
Well, location wasn't bad. Just a nip across the road from the tube. Interior is large and spacious. Too many record sleeves stapled to the walls for my taste - just keep the decoration authentic. The ale was good. A couple of pints of Wooden Hands 'Cornish Mutiny'. Really good booze. It was daytime during my visit so relatively quiet. Service was prompt and polite. Bit of a smell which we noticed when we entered the place, though. Old booze at the bar??
10 Feb 2010 16:18
I was pleased to see The Ship has been modified inside. The nautical 'props' and 'theme park' type theatrics have gone. An extra ale is now available, which is a bonus. Sofas in there, carpets, more comfotable places to sit. Better than it was. Good effort. My rating has gone up.
5 Feb 2010 10:51
The Dolphin did me an excellent curry. Had a couple of pints of Tribute to go with it. Friendly and effecient service. One of the better pubs I've visited during my visits to Penzance.
28 Nov 2009 20:24
Same generic Wetherspoon look and layout you get anywhere, but you don't visit a Wetherspoons for this. You visit for the ale line-up. Slightly disappointed the Christmas ale line wasn't on but settled for something else that was quirky. Good price too. Service was fine.
28 Nov 2009 20:21
Didn't really take much notice of the exterior at the time I visited as it was pouring down with rain. I just ran to the closest pub with several friends. Unfortuntaely, it was here. Uninterested bar staff - some joker with floppy hair and a tie who couldn't really care less we were paying customers. The ale selection was sub-standard. We're I Cornwall I thought as I glanced through the generic line-up of Bombadier and whatever else was there I didn't fancy. Luckily a friend called me, so I spent most of my time outside on the phone. But it was one of those places crammed with fruit machines, locals and not much else. Won't bother returning.
28 Nov 2009 20:18
Excellent. One of my favourite pubs anywhere. It is a quintessential Cornish pub, perched on the end of the harbour, overlooking the sea. On one of my recent visits, the waves were crashing onto the rocks, the rain hammering down and sea foam spraying the pub windows - sounds like a disaster film, but it only added to the place. Being stuck inside the authentic Ship and looking out on the howling weather only added to the visit. The fire was going, lowly lit laterns glowing and several pints of various Sharps ales made this a Cornish pub experience one to remember. I didn't want to leave and can't wait to return.
28 Nov 2009 20:13
Friendly service and good booze - we had several pints of Skinners 'Figgys Brew'. On one visit we dined. The food was very nice. The fire was going which made the place homely on a windy, wet November night. Will visit again.
28 Nov 2009 20:05
Visiting this pub was one of the main points of our 'mission' down to Cornwall recently. Having visions of some 'Disney' meets 'Poldark' type theme affair like the debacle 'Lands End' has become up the road, I was pleased to enter a traditional venue with character. Alot larger than I expected with plenty of space. A couple of Skinners were available - we settled for several pints of 'Ginger Tosser'!! Very nice. We sat by the fire place which made the place more cosy on a windy, November day. Service was good and the bargirl was very welcoming and friendly. I liked it and look forward to returning next year.
28 Nov 2009 20:01
A great looking place. Plenty of space to park. The young lady behind the bar was friendly and welcoming. Had a pint of ESB - one of my favourites. The place was busy - appeared to be darts night. Nice inside. Will visit again at some point.
15 Nov 2009 15:53
The Ship and Shovell, Charing Cross
Am sure I posted a review about a year ago, but managed to pop into the 'snug' half of the Ship and Shovell the other night. Was surprised there was space to be honest as previously it's been packed.
A couple of pints of Pickled Partridge went down nice. Sat upstairs in a homely room. All in all, great place. Check it out if you're in the vicinity.
4 Nov 2009 10:26
The Harp - for ages I'd walked past only to be put off by it being crammed to the rafters. Not a fault of The Harp - it shows how popular a place it is. I just like to take in a pub sat down with no hassles, noise and all that.
I popped in at midday on Wednesday. Virtually empty. I had an excellent pint of Dark island from the Orkney brewery - there were at least 5 other ales on. All good ones. The venue is long and narrow, untouched by modernisation. By that I mean it hasn't been gutted and turned into something generic.
Service was good. Surprising, however, alot of the pubs in the Beer in the Evening top 40 are London establishments. There are quite a few pubs similar to The Harp (I'm thinking in the New Forest & Isle Of Wight) which is my neck of the woods, that don't get a mention. Just as good. I guess its because of the amount of traffic The Harp and others like it see on a daily basis from locals and tourists alike.
I'm not knocking The Harp - it is a splendid pub and I've given it an 8/10. One of the better places I've visited in London.
23 Oct 2009 11:58
Recently read in the Daily Echo the Tollhouse was to close. Hopefully it'll be saved and not turned into yet more over priced flats Lymington doesn't need.
A pub with character in the day - one of only a few left in Lymington, it will be a shame to see it go.
13 Oct 2009 13:30
Reliable pub. I've been in several times. Usually an Island ale on of some description. Have eaten at the George, too. Try the steak pie - amazing. Spent most of a Saturday afternoon in the George when 'The Goldie Lookin Chain' were on stage at the IOW music festival one year. I thought to myself, I'm not watching that rubbish. I'm going for a pie and a pint of ale at The George.
26 Sep 2009 18:43
Popped into the Turfs the other night. Been drinking on and off in here for years and years. I'd heard a rumour it had been gutted and turned into a generic wine bar type pub. I was happy to see this wasn't the case when I went in recently. All the character remains. Good range of ales. It has a Cask Mark too. It is a proper forest pub, only a few of which remain unspoilt.
26 Sep 2009 18:01
Dropped into the Horse and Groom a couple of Saturdays ago. Unfortunately, for us, there was a football match on the TV so the place was packed. We attempted to make our way to the bar, but were poked and prodded by the local neanderthals with pool cues. "Oi, mate. You're in theway".
Apparently we were blocking their view of the TV. Here I was thinking a public house was a place to be social, not sit around watching TV. Anyway, unable to see the ale on offer because of the rude clientele hogging the bar we thought 'stuff this' and left. We headed to the far superior Kingston Arms down the road. At least your get treated with respect there.
26 Sep 2009 17:29
RogerB summed it up with his comments. Great location, great interior. Ale was good. Looking forward to another visit this November.
18 Sep 2009 14:07
Had been looking forward to visiting the pubs in Porthleven ever since passing by, sat on the bus, during a visit to Cornwall in 2004. The Harbour Inn is in a great location. Was excited to get in there and try the ales. Unfortunately, my excitement was short lived - waiting at the bar for ten minutes with no acknowledgement from the staff started the excitement to subside. Seeing the range of ales available, raised my spirits a tad. This went down hill again - the 'service with a scowl' attitude of the staff needs looking at. Games machines and the token plasma TV ruins the interior. Appart from the ale and the location on the coast, its a so so boozer. Could be better. Start by replacing the staff that were there last November. Will pop in again this Nov to see if any change.
18 Sep 2009 14:06
The Godolphin Arms, Godolphin Cross
Stayed in a campsite a mile up the road November last year. This was the nearest pub - fortunate for us it was a good one. The ales were good. We spent most of the time knocking back the excellent Betty Stoggs by Skinners of Truro. We had food on a couple of our visits which we also found to be good. Comfortable interior with nice bar staff, I'm looking forward to visiting again when I'm in Cornwall again this November!
18 Sep 2009 13:58
I agree with the last comment. I recently visited for the beer festival. The range of ale and cider was very good although when I first entered the newly refurbished bar I wasn't sure if it was the same place I visited back in March!! Back then, it had a sense of character. Now, despite the service and food and booze being good, it feels like a generic bar that could be anywhere.
Bit of a shame, but its just been done so shall return in the future to see how things develope.
17 Sep 2009 16:19
It has a great exterior. Really impressive. Unfortunately, I wasn't so impressed when I set foot inside with my mate.
It has alot of open space - I personally prefer the smaller, pokier pubs but that's just me. The barman was friendly. Range of ale (which is why we went in) was limited. The pints of Spitfire we got were pretty rough. Not the greatest. I'll pop in another time. Maybe it was just an off day.
17 Sep 2009 16:11
The second visit for me at the Kingston last Saturday. The first one being a tad hazy a few years back!!
It's an excellent pub. Good ale and good friendly service. The interior is comfotable and cosy - it feels more like a friends living room!! Made to feel very welcome and certainly one of my favourites on the Island. Highly recommended from me.
17 Sep 2009 16:00
I feel I have to write another comment regarding the Kings Head and its service. The venue is nice. Ale - so so. The service however on the last visit was appalling. Priority is given to the wine swilling sailors. A 'stuff the locals' attitude was evident. I've been going to The Kings for years. This particular evening there were two at the bar - a girl and the owner presumably. The owner could see me waiting to be served (for about five minutes) but continued with his conversation over the bar with a group of friends. I was ignored. Eventually I was served a duff pint of ale. Myself and pal left, not to return!! (This was a few months ago). Make taking care of the locals who visit all year round your priority.
9 Sep 2009 12:34
The Borough is a pub I pop into every so often. It's not on our regular pub 'tour' as we've seen it more as a locals place. You know the type of place - 'what are you doing in our pub' type attitude. So we've tended to go only go in twice / three times a year, which going by our last visit is our own stupdity.
The service was great. Had a chat with a nice lad behind the bar. Had a good range of ales on including a regular guest ale that changes. The interior is homely - games half and a quieter seating area. Will definately be popping into the Borough alot more. One of the finer pubs in Lymington and maybe overlooked.
7 Aug 2009 17:22
I like the location of the Union Inn. It had a nice atmosphere when I last went in with the lads earlier in the year. A range of Fullers ales (since its a Fullers pub) so I usually knock back the Chiswick. Kept well. Haven't tried the food so can't comment on that. If you're in West Cowes and get a chance, pop in.
12 Jul 2009 08:34
I called in here last March with 3 friends. It was a Saturday night and a very unwelcoming atmosphere. We only popped in as it was on our bus route.
The ale was fine. We had a selection between us. Reluctant to return however due to the local elite making visitors feel uneasy and guarded.
10 Jul 2009 13:58
Stayed virtually next door to The Red Lion during our annual pilgrimage to the island in March. Its a nice pub serving well kept Goddards of which I had several pints. The Landlord was friendly as were the locals. The food is good - had fish and chips last year somewhen. look forward to returning next March for a few jars.
10 Jul 2009 13:55
I'm not sure what it is, but The Musketeer went down the pan a bit for us a year or so ago. I think it was because the service wasn't exactly 'with a smile'. More like no chit chat, take your money and dump change in your hand by some sour faced old trout.
Fortunately, someone else was serving during our Christmas /New Years visit. Good atmosphere and smiles all round. Something I was pleased to see continuing when we visited again a month or so ago. Pleasant chit chat at the bar with the landlord and a decent pint of ale. Hopefully The Musketeer continues on this path. It can be a great pub.
10 Jul 2009 13:47
The Fisherman's Rest, Lymington
I agree with the comments made by forcam. We only pop in for a 'Seafarers' these days. The interior is nice - nautical bits and bobs. The staff are friendly. A pub I have visited on and off for years. The atmosphere on Christmas Eve when we popped in was excellent. Really good. Mince pies going round, music. Looking forward to a similar atmosphere this year!
10 Jul 2009 13:42
Three or four ales usually on. Too be honest, this is the only reason why we visit. It caters more to toffs (!) but has a nice garden at the rear where its pleasant to knock back a Goddards Fuggle Dee Dum (Isle of wight brewery).
The ales are always kept well - I've never had a bad one unlike other places in town. All in all a reliable joint on our ale circuit around Lymington.
10 Jul 2009 13:39
The Waterfront Bar, Totland Bay
It is in a great location. Spent a while walking up the shore to find the place. Looking out onto the sea and the mainland beyond that is the main selling point of this place as the chap before me (southernspire) pointed out.
Unfortunately, the choice of beer was slightly poor. We put up with a pint of London Pride each - for some reason I can't stand London Pride. I only noticed they also sold Directors Best on the way out. Get rid of the crappy booze and get a few more ales in there!
2 Jun 2009 18:28
I'm a fan of the Wild Duck having visited with my girl friend many times. The range of ale is always good. I usually opt for the Theakston Old Peculiar or the 'Duck Pond' ale.
Good decor - stuffed animals, lots of nooks and crannies as other people have pointed out. Wooden beams. A cosy feel. Food is good. Bar staff are always friendly. Can be busy. Whenever I'm in Cirencester, I try and pop along to the Wild Duck for a glass or two!
12 Dec 2008 11:46
The Shakespeare's Head, Holborn
I dropped in whilst passing last night hoping for the large Winter selection I've been told Wetherspoons have on. I got there to find nothing!! The pint I had was nice, but can't you get some of the Winter Warmers in there please?? Again busy busy busy.
5 Dec 2008 18:11
The Jack Horner, Tottenham Court Road
I've already commented, but agree with the comment below. I've been in the Jack Horner for my ESB (great pint) twice in the past two days during my visit to London... When are you putting the London Porter on??? I noticed it in bottles behind the bar along with Golden Pride. Can't the light 'Discovery' take a break for Winter???
5 Dec 2008 18:08
The Hope, Tottenham Court Road
Not a bad pub - I visited with my girl friend recently. Pleasant staff, got acknowledgment as we entered and were promptly served. Like the review said, there were TV's and sport - personally I prefer pubs without them but thats just me. I had a pint of Full Steam Ahead - at least thats what I think it was called. Never seen it before so tried it. Sat upstairs where there was no one else for a quiet chat. Appart from a couple of tramps wandering upstairs looking for somewhere to sleep and getting asked to leave by the landlord, it wasn't bad for a drink. I may pop in again if passing.
5 Dec 2008 18:05
The first time I went to this place was to do a set down stairs at the 'Pearshaped' comedy club on a Wednesday. Went in the other day on a Monday - very quiet, three bitters/ales on. So so. Will go again when I do a comedy set.
1 Dec 2008 10:22
The Ship and Castle, East Cowes
Found ourselves waiting in the cold wind for the chain link ferry to West Cowes plus I was busting for a slash (!) so we popped in. Its a pub I've walked passed a few times but never ventured inside.
Several locals at the bar but friendly and polite staff. Sat down for a decent pint of whatever ale it was. I agree with Happydudes comments about the TV. Was on quite loud and attention was drawn to that as was the whole pubs. Not bad though.
28 Nov 2008 14:21
The Rodney - Fair enough pub. Nothing special about it really. Served St. Austell 'Tribute'. A good pint and reasonably priced. Bar staff were nice.
23 Nov 2008 18:32
The second time I've visited the Blue anchor. The Spingo special is an all time classic ale. Shame I wasn't there for the xmas special but something to look forward to next year as I'll definately be returning. Unspoilt, full of character, what a pub should be. Own brewery out back. Brilliant!
And it was never quiet or empty. Always people streaming in to test out the Spingo. I myself trvalled 220 miles for it. Another couple we met there had travelled 400. A local man told us how people travelled from Holland to visit!! No doubt people from further afield than that have made the pilgrimage too, because it is a pilgrimage. An ale prigrimage of the highest order and one of the top wonders of the ale world.
23 Nov 2008 18:30
I like the Kings Head for its interior. Little nooks and crannies to sit down in. Unfortunately, it is home to alot of the yachting fraternity and always busy with the tourists during the summer season.
Food is good - this seems to be the priority though as in alot of pubs these days. The booze (in particular the ale) is so so. A range from HSB, Speckled Hen, London Pride, Adnams, a Ringwood, maybe a local Romsey one - good range but not always looked after properly. Can be a bit of a lottery whether or not you get a pint of vinegar.
Recently, the Kings Head has been good. Full pints too instead of stopping a few centimetres short like days gone by. All in all, not bad. A staple boozer on our circuit. Shame can't do away with the pesky 'I'll speak louder than you cos I'm more important' type posh people.
30 Oct 2008 08:11
The Ship and Shovell, Charing Cross
I originally saw this pub on this website - I hadn't seen it before. Over the weekend I was fortunate enough to find it (just down an alleyway from the tourist trap oub The Sherlock Holmes. Having the pub split in two and on opposite sides of the alleyway is a novelty. One side was busy so we opted for the other. Got a nice pint of Thirsty Ferret ale. Nice decor, quite laid back and quiet for a chat with the missus. Good.
28 Oct 2008 19:10
The Shakespeare's Head, Holborn
I'm not really a fan of these large Wetherspoon pubs. But I was pleased to see them holding an 'ale' festival this month. Drinks were cheap and I was served a nice pint of CAMRale brewed by Wadworths especially for Wetherspoons, so worth it for that. It was a Saturday night when I went in there with the girl friend and it was packed. Not a very personal or intimate type pub but the booze was good.
28 Oct 2008 19:07
The Prince of Wales, Freshwater
The Prince Of Wales - this pub is splendid. Tucked around the back on a corner. Myself and the gang first found it back in March and what a quality pub it is to. We ventured in mid morning for the first pint or two there, returned in the late afternoon after a long stroll around the area and were drawn back for a thrid time (!) at the end of the night!!!
Friendly with a very warm atmosphere. Great lounge bar. Selection of ales - one a Ventnor brewery offering if I remember right. Like the chap pointed out in the other comment, it has a little kiosk too which gives it charm and a feeling of the old days when pubs weren't ruined by stupid fools ripping the guts out and turning them into generic wine bar / restaurants.
Long live the Prince Of Wales!!! Can't wait to return next March. Or earlier if I can.
13 Oct 2008 10:38
Longs Wine Bar and Bistro / Jazz Cellar, Lymington
Detritus. This place has gone right down the pan. Ten years ago it used to be a nice little venue. Some decent ales, jazz on a Wednesday and Sunday. A range of people turning up. Nowadays its just the kids. Kids euro fizz booze, no space, cramped - well it is on a saturday. Good maybe if you want to dance to the sounds of Chaka Demus and Pliers, rubbish for a proper drink and chat with your pals. Best off going to a night club for this sort of caper - not trying to squeeze a night club into a boozer. Bloody daft.
13 Oct 2008 10:27
The Jack Horner, Tottenham Court Road
Visited recently one evening. Obviously busy - people had finished work, on Tottenham Court road etc. Full range of Fullers ales. (I suppose it would do being a Fullers pub). Had a good pint of ESB and will visit again next time I'm in the area.
9 Oct 2008 14:06
The Walhampton Arms, Walhampton Hill
The Walhampton Arms - a family food type establishment. Not that thats a bad thing if popping in for a drink. The place is clean, sofa area for lounging in which is nice.
Booze wise, it always has three ales available, usually good ones. Last night a selection of Ringwoods, including 'seventy eight' which I had a pint of.
Never eaten in there but always seems busy. Yet to catch a jazz band who seem to play every so often. Has a little courtyard for sitting in and a family of 'swifts' (birds) who provide entertainment by sitting on a wooden entrance beam. All in all not a bad place.
2 Sep 2008 06:56
This is my favorite pub in Yarmouth. Has a selection of ales, usually kept well. Does tend to get busy at weekends, but is to be expected. Its the best pub in Yarmouth. And whilst I'm here, please please please don't do what the Wheatsheaf did a few years ago and have a generic wine bar overhaul. It would kill the place. Its smashing the way it is.
11 Aug 2008 18:11
I agree with all the things previously said. Why do people feel the need to tear the guts out, the heart and soul of a place and replace it with a generic 'anywhere look wine bar' style. Inside, sat at the bar, I could be in any bloody bar in the country. The decor has ruined the place. It says nothing of the area or the Island. A few years back, it used to be a great pub. Unforunately, its the one I tend to avoid when in Yarmouth these days. Hoepfully 'idc's comment becomes a reality and new owners return it to some of its former glory.
11 Aug 2008 18:08
To the membber of staff at The Ship. Who cares how much money was spent on a refit. I don't. Do you? This pub has always put the tourists and sailors ahead of the locals. It did in the past and it did the other night I went in. The range of drinks sums it up. Too many fancy bits of decoration here and there. Looks more like a set from an episode of Howards Way than a proper pub. Sorry, restaurant which is of course what it has become. Pub secondary. I can see Mitchells & Butler the new owners waving their fingers at the locals now saying "stuff you lot. This ones for the sailors". All in all a pub I try to avoid these days. A shame no matter how much money has been spent on it. Remember Ship member of staff, you can't polish a turd.
8 May 2008 16:37
This place has gone down the pan. It's very popular with the kids who appear to have taken this place over. Anyone over the age of 21 will feel out of place. Nothing spectacular about the booze. They serve a couple of Ringwood ales if you are desperate to come in here. Large seating area outside which fills up with kids who can't handle their booze. Smashed glasses, drunk boys staggering around being pricks. Live music - mostly rubbish local bands with the odd exception. To cater to the kids again. If you're a serious boozer or want a decent chat and atmosphere, don't come to this kindergarten. Go to a proper pub - the nearest from the Tripp being either The White Hart or Musketeer. The Tripp along with the Fusion across the road is totally off limits for me. The two of them serve up a crap evening.
18 Apr 2008 09:50
Poor. Back in the day it used to be quite a good 'pub' - pub being the word here. Nowadays the emphasis is on food. Its more restaurant than pub and that's a shame. The bar area is pretty much the same as when it was the Old English Gentleman and more recently The Black Cat, but the rest...blah. It looks like a layout from Habitat or MFI. Pouncy chairs and sofas. I think their preferred customers are weatlthy people with alot of money to spend on Thai food. And that's one of the problems with Lymington pubs in particular. So many have gone for the posh refit, serve food policy and 'two fingers at the locals'. I stopped going in The Fusion in early 2005. The staff at the time were rude. Nothing outstanding about the ales either if you're an ale person. If you want a decent pub atmosphere don't go here. Head down the high street or better still out of the High Street. In a word - rubbish.
18 Apr 2008 09:44
The Stanwell House Hotel, Lymington
In a word - Detritus. For a hotel bar, it used to have a nice little layout. The booze was never kept well however. Boddingtons and Flowers that both tended to taste more of balsamic vinegar than booze.
Recently, (the past year or so) the bar has had an over haul for the worst. Like the comments below, its now in a small box area - emphasis on this place is food. That's where the money is if you want to fork out on overpriced rubbish. Booze wise, its a sorry state of affairs. Its somewhere I try not to go into these days. Like alot of the places in Lymington high street, its catering to a sailor money orientated clientelle. Stuff the locals is the ethic here.
4 Apr 2008 09:54
The Angel Inn, Lymington. Ah yes. Back in the day (around ten years ago) it was quite a nice town pub. These days its just your standard Brewer Fayre type place. No individuality about it. Fridays and Saturday nights and it becomes one of those noisy joints where all the tacky stop outs hang about. Shouting, smashing glasses. A kids pub basically. Quality of booze - I only drink ale and these aren't kept very well. The last time I was in there and ordered a pint of Ringwood ale, I got a glass of vinegar in return.
Its predominantly a lager swilling place to accomodate the morons. If you must go, check it in the morning for a tea or coffee and a read of the newspaper. Stay clear of it during the evenings however. Its an uncomfortable place, blokes joustling in a 'personality type contest' - my trainers are better than yours etc etc. Had a Christmas dinner in there (not my choice but a work thing). The vegetables actually arrived after the Christmas pudding. No lie. There they were. I was amazed. No sod seemed to care.
4 Apr 2008 09:45
The Waggon and Horses, Lymington
A quality pub. Despite attempts at changing it in the years preceeding 2007 and thus ruining it, new landlord Pete has turned it around - putting back in the darts board and pool table which were removed by some bloody fool. Generally turned back into a friendly, laid back pub and not some foody, gastro place. Good friendly chat with the locals, selection of Wadworth ales - pump and bottled. Good food from chef. Plenty of space. A nice place to unwind and have a decent drink and chat. Big car park available. Bike spaces.
3 Apr 2008 16:14
The Golden Bowler, Stubbington
Nice pub serving good real ale and food. Stopped by for Sunday lunch (which was very nice) accompanied by a pint of Ruddy Darter. I've been in once before and look forward to popping in again to work my way through the 4 ales they have on.
3 Dec 2013 12:35