BITE user comments - KOTB
Comments by KOTB
Pearsons Arms, Crab And Oyster House, Whitstable
I have now dined here since the refurbishment and can highly recommend it. There were a choice of a couple of decent beers on draught including a Gadds stout. Other bottled beers were also available including desset ales such as Greenwich Meantime. The food was to die for, I had the scallops in their shells and the shoulder of lamb. Service was much improved and it wasn't a complete wallet buster so well done Richard Phillips !! Will return again soon.
2 Feb 2012 08:36
Travelled to Dorset on 28th Jan for a horse-racing club member visit at a local stable. We had booked this hostelry for lunch and werenot disappointed. I had a pint of local brew Jimmy Riddle which was very pleasant . A carvery lunch it was and reasonable at a tenner. If you are in the area I would highly recommend this pub.
2 Feb 2012 08:30
Popped in here last Sunday and rumours of Snecklifter on the pumps proved correct. Very pleasant. Thought it had been done out very nicely, will be returning soon. And then sample the food.
18 Jan 2012 20:06
Popped in here on the off chance for lunch today...very quiet but some nice beer on including Apprentice from Maylands brewery, a tasty drop. we ordered food and it was home cooking at its best, would recommend the steak and kidney pie !! And reasonably cheap too. Its by a big church and is a bit of a local maybe but give it a try !! Also had a game of darts !
18 Jan 2012 20:00
Revisited this pub, now under the capable guidance of Phil.
All appears to be in very good shape. Had lunch yesterday with my wife and 3 yr old boy. Amongst ales on offer were Doombar, very fine and a cheeky porter from Gadds brewery called Dark Conspiracy, also excellent. This helped wash down the homemade turkey rabbit and bacon pie, delicious. My wife said the fish cakes were to die for and my little boy enjoyed the sausage and chips. The dining room is lovely and the staff attractive and very helpful. I would strongly recommend this pub, it ticks all the boxes !!
19 Dec 2010 10:39
Pearsons Arms, Crab And Oyster House, Whitstable
The Ladhimself, while I find your reports whimsical, and occasionally vaguely amusing, perhaps it would be better to stick to the facts, therefore enlightening viewers of this forum to the pros and cons of the local inns. I mysef have not yet visited the newly refurbished Pearsons, but I will in due course despite your rather bizarre comments.
13 Dec 2010 07:54
Popped in for lunch here. Two real fires greeted us and friendly service. We both had the locally sourced pork and leek sausages with eggs and chips, delicious. A choice of Shepherd Neame ales, so I plumped for the Late Red, also delicious.
Even more impressive was learning there is a fish restaurant downstairs, open every Friday and Saturday night, again, locally sourced fish.
Will definitely return soon and will give the restaurant a try too.
7 Dec 2010 16:16
The Chestfield Barn, Whitstable
Have to agree with the previous post. The juke-box is horribly out of place and too noisy. Didn't even last as far as the live music. Sadly our Sunday trips for lunch at The Barn have come to an end.
15 Feb 2010 16:06
Just popped in for a pint and maybe a bite to eat. Only 3 people in here. Ordered a Directors which was ok and then made the mistake of ordering lunch. The menu had today's date on it, so cause for optimism wasnot unfounded. Ordered roast pork. It came stone cold.A revolting thick gravy clung to the meat. The roast spuds looked like they'd been cooked last week and the vegetables likewise. Asked for a refund and got my money back.
The east european barmaid looked a bit non-plussed, as if this was a daily occurrence.
So, to sum up: Lovely old fashioned boozer, no music or tv or fruit machines. Bliss. The food though, pure hell !
19 Jan 2010 15:19
Contrary to previous posting, I found the food very good AND the service. Will be returning soon ! The waitress made a fuss of my little boy, thanks Dana !!
13 Jan 2010 11:25
Spent an enjoyable afternoon in this pub, yesterday(Sunday). Travelling from Whitstable to see a concert nearby, The Compton Arms was delightful. The busty barmaids were a joy to behold(Roxanne and husky Sarah) and went out of their way to make us feel welcome. The food had stopped by 3, when we got there, but Roxy produced a plate of roast potatoes, free ! I had several pints of Bonkers Conkers, very good. Watched the footie, Chelsea v Liverpool with a crowd of jubilant Gooners, (they had won 6-2 earlier). Great atmosphere here. One other thing- I am sick of people moaning about the price of a pint. You're in London for Christ's sake, what do you expect ?? Will definitely return some day.
5 Oct 2009 07:39
The Chestfield Barn, Whitstable
Have returned many times since my last posting and all good. Sheps have apparently retained ownership of The Barn but have sold the business. The new owners have said there will be different beers coming in. The Sheps are on at the moment, the Late Red is particularly good. The food has improved further in my opinion.
Well worth a visit.
1 Oct 2009 12:40
The Four Horseshoes, Whitstable
Popped in here for the first time for a pint last night. Like walking into my front room it was so bright. No music, no tv on(expecting the cricket or Aston Villa) and just two locals talking about the joys of thai massage and masturbation. Not exactly what I had in mind ! Only Masterbrew and Kents Best on, not a great choice for a Sheps pub, and �2.95 a pint to boot.
Swiftly downed, then walked down the hill to the Ship.
Willnot return.
19 Feb 2009 09:24
This pub featured in the Press last week, its landlord advertising for customers, no training given ! Well, my wife, young son and I duly signed up on Saturday lunchtime. The Adnams broadside was delicious, so much so that I had three pints and let the wife drive home !
The food was excellent and the menu very good; my 20 month-old boy was given a nice high-chair and we sat in the dining-room/conservatory.
The service was first class and the staff cheery and polite.
May make this our Weds night venue as the beer was so good !!
16 Feb 2009 10:43
Ignore my previous report, it was intended for The Plough Inn just up the road, apologies !!
4 Feb 2009 13:29
Ignore my previous report- I was thinking of the Plough Inn at St John's road Swale-apologies !!
4 Feb 2009 13:27
A few of us dropped in for lunch here yesterday. An old worldy pub, a little dark and just tucked round the back of Holborn tube. A little jazz playing quietly in the backround gave it a relaxed feel. Good ales on offer-Spitfire, Theakstons, Caledonian Drop The Bar all kept beautifully.
The food didn't quite come up to expectations: The Famous Fish and chips was ok but I felt the batter not crispy enough; The crispy belly of pork was apparently a little soggy and the steak and ale pie adequate.
Nevertheless,the service was good.
All in all, will definitely go back, a real pub !!
4 Feb 2009 10:49
Went here for sunday lunch in early December last year.
Big pub with Sky and a large restaurant/carvery.
The Carvery was good with the exception of the frozen roast spuds !
Kid friendly tho and fun for the kids in the garden.
Good choice of ales on, I chose the Ruddles.
All in all, cheap and not bad at all.
3 Feb 2009 10:54
Popped in for a pint lunchtime for the first time a few days ago; Winter Warmer and Discovery I think was on...The Warmer was ok, not brilliant.
Typical pub of yesteryear with some nice features but didn't try any lunch from the predictable menu as nobody else was, usually a sign...!
I think its just a drinking pub but pleasant enough...
30 Jan 2009 10:13
Popped in for lunch 2 days ago at about 2-ish. Timothy Taylor and Greene King IPA available, plumped for the Timmy's which was good.
Pretty empty in there. Very nice friendly girl served us so good start.
Ordered fish and chips twice and took a seat at the back. Food was promptly served and tasty. Can only assume the food must have been very late the last time as somebody had appeared to have bitten a huge chunk out of a neighbouring seat !
Needs a little TLC I think...
30 Jan 2009 10:10
Just been for lunch here. Good beer on offer-Discovery, Pride, ESB and Woodfordes Wherry, the latter we plumped for, delicious. Served by the little sexy smiley babe with piercings,she's an asset to this place.
We all ordered mains and on the whole quite satisfactory, albeit microwaved maybe. The music in the backround was unnecessary, and the noisy Germans behind us just took a bit of the gloss off a pleasant experience.
Will return though !!
29 Jan 2009 15:21
Popped in yesterday evening for a pint. Once I'd worked out how to get in the place and which door leads to which bar I got to the bar and ordered a pint of Samuel Smiths for me and a scotch and soda for my mate. �4.10 is a pretty cheap round and the beer was ok.
Looking around the place I concluded there were too many unnecessary partitions(wondered if the British government had been in here before me) so in fact not a big place due to this. It was very busy with all sorts of people, mostly city types and tourists, mostly rude and pushing to the bar !
Also very hot in there.
Willnot return.
29 Jan 2009 07:34
Just a footnote to add to my previous comments
The skinhead has gone;
Keith, a 60 yr old with a penchant to alcohol now installed.
28 Jan 2009 12:04
Went here one Sunday lunchtime last month . Big pub with its own restaurant/carvery. Had lunch which was reasonably priced and tasted good except for the frozen roast spuds. Quite busy, so assume it has a regular clientele. Kid friendly too.
3 or 4 ales on, I chose the Ruddles, very nice !!
May go back...
28 Jan 2009 09:45
Pearsons Arms, Crab And Oyster House, Whitstable
Went for a meal here last night. On arrival we had a drink at the bar where Gadds No7 could be found before going upstairs to the restaurant.
We were cordially greeted by the maitre 'D and led to our table. A wonderful smell of fresh hyacinth pervaded the air. Having read that one of the chefs had worked at The Quatre Saisons (Raymond Blanc's pad) we had high expectations. and were not disappointed. One of the best meals I have had in Whitstable ! To start I had one of the specials, pan fried giant prawns with a delicious dip that I can't recall. Absolutely divine, followed by another special, whole mackerel on a bed of spinach with onion gravy. Again, heaven. My wife and father-in-law also chose fishy meals so we picked a crisp Vin de Pays D'Oc white. Nice mineral finish and recommended by the Maitre 'D. It wasn't busy, it being a tuesday night and I daresay not cheap(I didn't pay the bill!) but what a fabulous dining experience. Just the one ale on though, I think deliveries must be Weds ! Ten out of ten, Pearsons, keep it up. Will return soon.
28 Jan 2009 08:01
Popped back yesterday for lunch, it was pretty quiet in there.
Still good food and good service but couldn't help noticing all the particles of food stuck in the furrows of the table...probably enough for a burger I suspect ! So come on BC, scrub those tables, I don't wish to be put off my steak before its served up !!
23 Jan 2009 11:04
My friend is a regular here...here are his comments...
The only pub I know where the landlord has his own fridge full of bottles of Becks(not for sale to the public) .
16 Jan 2009 14:44
Ship Centurion Arminius, Whitstable
Went back here on Weds night and pleased to report the ales were all very tempting and tasty- Adnams and Black Dog as usual but also Okell's Porter from The Isle Of Man and Newman's Red Cream Ale from Wales.
A good night all in all, well done Rowland !
Jade may return to fill in, nice one !
9 Jan 2009 12:08
We thought we would give this little pub a go last Weds night...tried the door but was bolted !! The landlord opened the door, muttering he was just getting his supper. Absolutely no-one in there at all. I know it's January and all that but bleedin 'ell where are the regulars ?? He just said it's an awful time for the pub trade. Saying that, the ale on offer was Pride and Rockin' Rudolph and they were both good. Could here a pin drop tho, so moved swiftly onto the Ship.
Probably better to visit at the weekend I suspect !
9 Jan 2009 12:02
Again, just around the corner for us. Great Badger beer in here, Foods ok and staff are friendly. A good one.
2 Jan 2009 15:45
Bung Hole Cellars and Wine Room, Holborn
Have been here a couple of times. Had the Wallop and was absolutely positive it was either watered down or the makers have changed the recipe. Its lost some of its kick. The manager wasn't really interested, he was adamant its the same as always.
The food is expensive for what it is, so won't be going back.
2 Jan 2009 15:17
Our local. The pub is a bit small but Nigel knows how to keep good beer.
The staff are vey polite and the pub is well kept.
2 Jan 2009 15:15
I have been here lots as I work around the corner and quite frankly its my fav place to go in this horrid area of London; great ale, great service and the food is terrific.
What more can I say...
2 Jan 2009 15:06
I went to this pub a few times last year. Its round the back of the High Street, out of the way but the beer is always good. I have had most of the Sheps but not the Mild. Yet ! Yes, there are cats and dogs but as I like both it didn't put me off.
Nice open fire and played darts too. Has live music.
Overall not too bad at all.
2 Jan 2009 14:08
Ship Centurion Arminius, Whitstable
My favourite pub in Whitstable ! The ale is always first class, Rowland knows how to keep ale. Adnams and Black Dog are superb so are the guest ales.
An eclectic group of customers, mostly regulars make the atmosphere good and welcoming. The food's ok too.
Roland needs to get some darker ales in, IMO and the loss of Jade behind the bar was a blow.
Still, good beer is good beer, keep it up !
2 Jan 2009 13:44
The Duke Of Cumberland Hotel, Whitstable
Went here on 18th December for a lads drink.
A large Sheps pub with restaurant. Have eaten here before and the food was average, nothing special.
The beer I chose was Bishops Finger and Porter which were both good. Hardly session ales, but what the hell...!
Bar staff friendly but overall the pub lacks a bit of atmosphere IMO.
2 Jan 2009 13:39
The Coach and Horses, Whitstable
Contrary to HTM69 my visit to "The Corpse And Hearses" was dire.
Hardly anyone in there and the beer was abysmal. I ordered the draught Porter and it was definitely off. They don't know how to keep ale.
Willnot be going back.
2 Jan 2009 13:36
The Chestfield Barn, Whitstable
The Barn is one of the best Sheps pubs that I have been to. The building itself is charming and the interior doesn't disappoint. There is a roaring open fire too. Upstairs is the restaurant part of the pub which is well maintained. The food is mostly locally sourced and delicious !
As for the ale(me being very particular about !) its always a great pint. At the moment Spitfire and Bishop's are on and there are still some bottles of Xmas Ale left in the fridge.
went there for lunch New Year's day and we all enjoyed it. Good service too. Will be heading back soon !!
2 Jan 2009 13:32
The Bear and Ragged Staff, Crayford
Went here last night for supper, had a lovely sirloin steak cooked to perfection. There is a good choice of ales here and peroni for the lager drinkers. The barmaids were cheerful and very courteous. The pub has had a refit too. Would recommend this .
3 Aug 2016 07:59