BITE user comments - LittleFamilyFish
Comments by LittleFamilyFish
Has been re-opened. Still owned by Thwaites. Now does food.
5 Sep 2011 22:10
Paid our first visit since the new owners took over. Good selection of well kept beers on offer from a row of about seven handpumps. In addition 10 ciders / perries on offer. Also a blackboard advertised a selection of bottled world beers. Prices reasonable and staff / landlord friendly. Food is served and there is occasional live entertainment. Worth the few minutes walk out of town.
7 Mar 2011 13:32
Closed for a while. Re-opened under a new name and now closed once again.
15 Nov 2010 14:20
The Rising Sun re-opened Friday 15th Oct having been totally refurbished. The new owners have done a great job. On the bar is a straight row of ten handpumps. On the opening night three of these were selling a range of beers from the local Mossley brewery Millstone. Beer quality excellent and at prices lower than surrounding pubs. In addition to the exisiting wood burning stove they have opened up two previously unused chimneys and these now have open grates. The floor has been replaced and a new bar installed. The toilets have been renovated and are now clean & tidy. Looks set to be an excellent drinking house. Good Luck to the new owners. Make the effort to visit if you're nearby.
18 Oct 2010 14:44
Quite rightly removed from the Good Beer Guide and currently closed for refurbishment by the new owners. New owners used to looking after busy local GBG pubs for their parents! This looks set to become the best pub in Mossley - watch this space.
16 Sep 2010 16:35
No real ale and renamed as Relish Bar & Grill. Garden cut in half - for sale as development opportunity? The trail of grease and fat flowing down the outside wall from the kitchen fan has been cleaned up but is beginning to reappear.
16 Jun 2010 12:32
The Marton Arms, Thornton in Lonsdale
After reading about this pub in the GBG we stopped off for a pint whilst passing. As previously described by others the pub is in a great location opposite the church and is a nice old pub with plenty of seating inside and out.
On entering the row of 18 handpumps is quite impressive but on our visit the range was very disappointing with all the beers being commonly available beers from large breweries, T.Taylor, Black Sheep etc. Beers tried were passable but not at their best. Old Rosie Cider was also available. Whisky selection was very impressive - the numbered bottles went over the 300 mark!
10 Jun 2010 15:16
Nice old pub in a small quaint village. Oudoor seating available on cobbled area in front of pub. Welcome neither friendly nor unfriendly. Several Cumbrian ales on offer were well kept but the most expensive I've yet to encounter for such low gravity ales. The feeling of being fleeced distracted from what would otherwise have been a pleasant visit.
10 Jun 2010 14:56
The Magnet has recently been re-opened by one of the owners of the nearby Crown and boasts an excellent selection of up to 14 hand pulled real ales. Real cider is also available and there is a menu with a large selection of bottled beers from europe & the usa. A brewery has been installed in the Cellar and in the next couple of months the "Cellar Rat" brewery should begin to produce a range of ales for sale in the pub. Can't wait to try them. Excellent pub.
29 Mar 2010 17:12
Cosy & friendly roadside pub in quiet location. To reach the pub from the car park involves crossing a small foootbridge over the river that forms a border of the large beer garden. A good selection of well kept real ales always available and the good value food is served in generous portions. Well worth seeking out if you're in the area.
29 Mar 2010 17:06
Friendly locals pub a few minutes walk from the centre of Slaithwaite. 4 handpumps and beers well kept. Good beer guide entry. Live music advertised.
1 Feb 2010 13:34
Excellent selection of real ales on offer. Like a mini beer festival every day. As previously mentioned ciders, perry, draught continental beers and unusual snacks also available. Check out their website for up to date info on what's on each handpump!
5 Jan 2010 09:07
Good selection of well kept beers available. Guest beers from local micros. Good staff and quick service despite being busy.
5 Jan 2010 09:01
Visited last weekend as the pub is in the Good Beer Guide. Only 2 Jennings beers on offer and the one tried seemed to be served a bit on the over-cold side. Welcome was not unfriendly, but merely indifferent. Sport was overpowering with large screens at either end on the pub and additional tv screens in the centre showing very loud football and horse racing. Food looked good but that's all I can think of in its favour.
26 Oct 2009 12:55
Typical JDW conversion close to the railway station. A good selection of real ales and lots of Cumbrian beers available last Saturday. All beers tried were in good condition and the staff were efficient & friendly.
26 Oct 2009 12:51
We often call in here for tea when visiting the nearby Bury Met. There's usually a selection of 6 or 7 guest beers in addition to the Spoons 3 regular ales. The beer quality has always been good and the staff efficient and friendly. One of the better JDW houses.
2 Oct 2009 10:54
The Turf is hidden away at the end of narrow alleyways in the centre of Oxford. Due to it's location a lot of the clientelle are locals rather than passing tourists. 11 cask ales are on offer and there was also a cider on handpump (Old Rosie). Low wooden beamed ceilings greet you on entering and the whole building is oozing with character. Beers tried were all on form and though busy the service was friendly and efficient. There's plenty of outdoor seating and it's position makes it quite a sun trap in Summer. Food wasn't tried but looked good and prices seemed reasonable. Deserved Good Beer Guide entry and well worth seeking out if you visit Oxford.
11 Aug 2009 15:54
Back in the 80's I used to travel out from Coventry to this pub for the great range of beers, the unspoilt building & friendly atmosphere. I've since left the area but last weekend was passing so paid my first visit for about 20 years and I'm pleased to report little has changed, although I don't remember the conservatory being there before. The range of cask ales was excellent and the beers in top condition, although a bit pricey. The huge inglenook fireplace is still there as is the large outdoor seating area. Unfortunately another thing that hasn't been modernised is the opening times and on a busy, sunny Sunday afternoon they closed the bar at 3pm, not to re-open until evening. Will remember to arrive earlier next visit.
11 Aug 2009 13:40
Old thatched pub in the village of Cropredy. The pub is on a small lane, opposite the Church and just a few paces from the canal towpath. The bar is tiny and had just one member of staff behind it on our visit, but despite being busy everyone still got served quickly and in turn. There were 3 real ales on when we visited and those tried were on top form, although perhaps a bit expensive. Food is served and the menu includes an interesting mix of dishes along side traditional pub favourites. It's not particularly cheap, but not over priced either and all of top quality. There is a pleasant garden to the rear by the car park. The pubs car park is very small and on road parking limited. Well woth a visit.
11 Aug 2009 12:30
The Duke of Wellington, Lichfield
We sometimes call in here for a beer when passing through. There's usually about 6 real ales on offer and they also have Thatchers Heritage cider on handpump. Beer is always in great condition and this weekend was no exception. Pub is very much a locals, community pub and the regulars, staff & owners are friendly. They have a real fire in Winter and a large beer garden for Summer. Infact there's probably more outdoor seating than indoor. Deserving GBG entry and previous award winner.
10 Aug 2009 12:25
Still excellent! Great beers & great food at low prices. Slightly larger choice of food since last visit. Friendly staff and good atmosphere.
7 Aug 2009 11:16
Good selection of well kept ales from the Pennine (formerly Porters) brewery range and up to two guests. Real Cider also available. Good prices, clean & friendly taditional boozer. Free wi-fi and interesting bar snack menu (Cuban tapas).
3 Aug 2009 13:39
Utterly appalling bar staff. Serving whoever is in front of them, even if they've only just walked into the pub and others have been waiting many minutes. Paid our first visit here last weekend and after waiting nearly 15 minutes at the bar whilst they served regulars, females and any new arrivals finally left without having a drink. Wish I'd checked comments on this site first. Staff should be sacked. Aviod this pub.
3 Aug 2009 13:35
Paid a visit a few weeks ago, as we had also heard that the pub had changed hands, were selling new beers and had a new chef. Sadly, little appeared to have changed. The same few mass produced national cask beers and if anything a more basic pub grub menu (burgers etc) than before. There were only 3 other customers in the pub on a Sun teatime and no one came to serve us so we left and went elsewhere (Riverhead).
30 Jul 2009 13:44
Classic old pub located close to Albert Dock. Home to Wapping micro-brewery and their own beers, along with other micro's guest beers, are available along with a selection of Belgian bottled beers. Their own beers were on top form last weekend when we visited. Food is available until early evening and the dishes we tried were very tasty, good portions, at reasonable prices. There was even a special offer on the beers to get a free pint! A must visit for any real ale lover.
28 Jul 2009 13:37
The Fly in the Loaf, Liverpool
Great pub with various drinking areas. Pub is owned by Isle of Man brewery Okells and their beers are complemented by an ever changing, good selection of other micro-brewers beers. Beers are kept well and on every visit I've made the staff have been friendly and efficient. Good atmosphere, clean and airy and the front windows are great for watching the world pass by.
28 Jul 2009 13:26
Nice pub in lovely location as described previously. Outdoor seating by ponds with wildfowl wandering about. Pub very popular with diners and there is only a small indoor area for non-diners. Buffy's brewery is behind the pub but the pub is not a brewey tap. Two beers and a cider on handpump on our visit. Beer kept well but very expensive.
27 Jul 2009 13:35
Nice pub in a great location, close to coastal path, waterfall and sea bay. Four handpumped ales available (Bushys, Marstons & 2 Wytchwood on our visit). Clean, tidy pub with friendly staff. Outdoor seating area at front of pub. Food was fresh, tasty and good sized portions. I believe it has new owners since the last comment on here. The seven of us that visited last weekend were certainly all pleased with the beers and meals.
27 Jul 2009 12:16
Great pub serving a range of hand pulled ales, with local beers and guests from other micro's. All beers tried were in top form. Friendly & efficient bar staff when we visted. Various small rooms to choose to sit in and some games to play including table football.
27 Jul 2009 12:06
Traditional locals boozer serving perfect pints of local beers. Pub full of character and characters. Handy for the ferry terminal.
27 Jul 2009 12:00
Happy to report on a rare thing these days. The Roaches Lock has re-opened! There are 3 handpumps on the bar selling cask beer and last Sunday these were Theakston Best, Bombadier & Adnams. Pub & Beer Garden were busy and lots of people were taking advantage of the pub meals which were being served all day. Good luck to the new keepers.
6 Jul 2009 21:50
After reading the 2009 Good beer guide and as we were passing we called here last Sunday lunchtime (around 1pm). Pub was closed.
30 Jun 2009 12:09
Impressive 16th Century Country manor house set in it's own grounds, complete with lake. No less than 12 handpumps on the bar serving an interesting mix of beers including local welsh and other micro-breweries. All beers tried were in top condition. Huge selection of Whisky also available. There were plenty of friendly staff so we didn't have to wait long to get served despite it being busy when we visited. The food menu was impressive and all the meals we saw being served looked (and smelt!) very tempting. The large beer garden looks out over the lake and has ample seating. Will definitely re-visit this pub to eat at some time in the near future. The only thing stopping me give this pub a 10 rating is that the beer prices are a bit steep (well over �3) so a 9 it is. Well worth seeking out.
30 Jun 2009 12:04
This is more of a cafe bar than a pub. It is located on the station platform of the Ffestiniog steam railway and the pub section contains much railway related items, including an actual train in the corner! There are six handpumps on the bar selling a good selection of ales, including welsh micro's. All beers tried were in excellent condition. Food is served in cafe and evening meals also available most nights. Food can be eaten in pub area. Busy with locals as well as tourists. Bar staff & locals seemed friendly enough on our visit. Good beer guide entry.
29 Jun 2009 15:18
This pub is the station buffet and is located on the railway station platform. 2 handpumped real ales available. The regular Purple Moose brewerery Snowdonia was in perfect condition. Friendly landlady & locals. Pleasant beer garden to rear. Good beer guide entry.
29 Jun 2009 14:28
Welcoming pub in the centre of Barmouth with four handpumps selling real ales. 1 Jennings, 2 Marstons & 1 Ringwood last weekend. Quality not brilliant but all drinkable. Good mix of locals and tourists.
29 Jun 2009 14:16
Nice chilled atmosphere in this pub but only one real ale available, a very poor condition and overpriced Pedigree (�3 a pint). Looks like the pub is more of an eating establishment than a drinking place.
29 Jun 2009 14:12
Pub sits below Harlech Castle and is divided into distinct bar area and restaurant area. Four real ales were on offer last weekend. Quiet when we visited but locals & bar staff were friendly. Outdoor seating available. Good Beer Guide entry.
29 Jun 2009 10:15
The Alex sits off a traffic island on the outskirts of Caernarfon town centre. It has a bar to the left and a lounge to the right. There's usually 2 real ales available, Bass & Flowers Original. Beer quality is ok. The Alex is far enough away from the town centre not to attract pub crawlers and tends to have a more elderly regular clientelle. Nothing to shout about but a decent friendly enough pub.
10 Jun 2009 09:39
The Punchbowl is located in a sleepy village near to Millom and is the brewery tap for the Beckstones brewery. The pub can be reached by train using the Green Road railway station request stop followed by a very pleasant 20 minutes walk up to the pub. Both the landlord and the regulars were extremely friendly and knowledgable about the beers available. On the bar was an array of handpumps with 4 beckstones beers on one side and then another 3 pumps with guest beers on the other. All beers tried (7 of them) were in great condition. The pub only opens in the evenings (6pm) except for Sundays, but is well worth seeking out.
1 Jun 2009 15:34
Pub is located below the castle, close to the market place, in the centre of the town. Visted yesterday afternoon and despite a couple of handpumps not being in use there were still about 7 real ales to choose from, generally from local breweries. Got served straight away (with a smile) and at less than �2 a pint the New Inn is great value. The various rooms to choose from looked cosy and inviting but with the good weather we joined the mainly elder generation regulars outside who were friendly enough. Would definately re-visit if in the area again.
1 Jun 2009 15:24
Called in here whilst passing through after reading Good Beer Guide entry. Just as described. Lovely pub with very welcoming landlord, situated opposite village green complete with Maypole. Four real ales and a fifth handpump for real cider on the bar. The beer sampled was in perfect condition. Food menu contained some interesting dishes and although not sampled comes highly recommended. Only there for half an hour or so yet ended up in conversation with several very friendly regulars.
1 Jun 2009 13:34
Called in here yesterday as we were passing. Six beers were available and those tried were in very good condition. There was an extensive menu on a large blackboard and although we didn't eat, many others were & the food looked extremely tasty. Clean welcoming pub with outdoor seating and lower level garden at the rear. Good Beer Guide entry. Would re-visit again if passing.
1 Jun 2009 12:25
Great old pub, next to a Church on hilltop above Delph. Pub dates from the late 1700's. Amazing panoramic views and a pleasant terraced garden for alfresco drinking. Real fires in Winter. Often busy with walkers at weekends. Used to have 4 handpumps but one has been replaced by an electronic device apparently dispensing cask Black Sheep. Nearly always a Millstone beer available and the house beer Royal Oak is brewed nearby as well (Moorhouses I think). Beers very well kept. Have eaten here several times over the last couple of years and it has always been quality food. Has been a Good Beer Guide entry for many years.
26 May 2009 12:26
Pleasant old pub in the tiny hamlet of Ogden. Used to be a Thwaites pub but new signs now show it to be a freehouse. 2 handpumps at the end of the bar were dispensing Skinners & Youngs beers this weekend. Beer quality average. Friendly owners / staff. Reasonable priced food is available - wasn't tried but looked & smelt good. Pub is very handy for a refresher after walking the nearby reserviors.
26 May 2009 12:09
I have re-visited the Church Inn on two occasions since I posted my negative review back in February and to give praise where it's due I have to say that the service and beer quality were fine. On the first visit the pub was very busy but the bar staff were efficient, served everyone promptly and in the correct order! We ate at the pub that evening and we were all satisfied with our meals. On the second visit, this weekend, the pub was less busy but again we got served straight away and all beers sampled were in passable condition.
18 May 2009 09:15
Fairly typical JDW with a large open plan room. Visited Sunday lunch and atmosphere was fine. Staff were efficient and friendly and there was a good selection of festival ales available, although the quality was variable. Large outdoor seating area handy for sunny days.
27 Apr 2009 13:53
The Anglesey Arms Hotel, Caernarfon
Three handpumps on the bar but choice limited to mass produced national brands. Made up for by wonderful outside seating area next to castle walls with views out to Anglesey.
27 Apr 2009 13:47
Traditional little pub in the centre of Conwy. Bar staff & regulars very friendly. 2 handpumps on the bar were both serving ale from Welsh micro-breweries at just �2 a pint. Both beers were in excellent condition. Food wasn't tried but looked good and the prices were low. Rear garden is a pleasant Sun trap.
27 Apr 2009 12:34
Beer well kept but choice limited to major national breweries. Friendly owners & good value basic pub meals served.
27 Apr 2009 12:26
Paid our first visit here Easter Sunday afternoon, hoping for some good real ale & something to eat. On arriving a band were setting up and they just over dominated the whole pub. It's only a little pub and whilst I'm all for live music this isn't really the right sort of venue for heavily amplified stuff. Of the 6 handpumps on the bar 3 were turned round. Of the 3 beers that were available 2 were national major brands that you get everywhere. Due's Due though, the beer we did have was well kept. There was no food available when we visited and having escaped upstairs to the only free table the table was covered in stale sticky beer. Not a great first impression and will not bother re-visiting.
15 Apr 2009 13:46
The Top Lock is a great canalside pub with outdoor seating in their front & rear gardens or on the canalside. They have a range of about 7 or 8 well kept real ales and a good mix of pale & dark beers are usually on offer. A regular GBG entry. They do good value food & staff are friendly & efficient. Locals also very friendly. Not the easiest pub to find but well worth it when you do. We often stop off here for refreshment if passing by on the nearby motorway and have never been disappointed.
15 Apr 2009 12:15
Fair choice of real ales & well kept beer, but I should hope so at the extortionate prices they charge! Pleasant enough on our visit last weekend, but we will not bother re-visiting at those prices.
8 Apr 2009 12:39
Single roomed pub just off the main road through Bollington. 5 Real ales on offer last weekend. 2 from their own Bollington Brewery and three guests. Between us all 5 beers were tried and all were well kept and on form. Food is well priced and the homemade Lamb pie and real chips was lovely. Staff friendly. Great pub that will definately be re-visted.
23 Mar 2009 13:45
Amazing selection of beers. 15 Real ales from micro's - many that new that they're not even listed in the GBG. Large selection of Belgian and other European beers, many also on draught. Friendly efficient staff ensure fast service even when pub full.
12 Mar 2009 12:35
Old pub located close to Salford Central station and only a short walk from Manchester centre. Six handpumps selling a varied mix of well kept ales. Friendly staff and regulars. Good value home made food available. Pub hosts live music, theatre and artists. Interesting Juke box not overpowering. A great boozer.
12 Mar 2009 12:16
Great selection of well kept ales, generally sourced from lesser known microbreweries. About 10 or so available last weekend and real Cider on draught too. Close to Salford uni and only a short walk from central Manchester.
12 Mar 2009 12:10
Visited The Sun last Friday afternoon and were the only customers. Suspect it gets busy in season though. Very friendly welcome and 8 real ales to choose from. A mix of Cumbrian and other micro breweries beers on offer. Beers tried were on form but a bit overpriced (as Coniston seems to be). Pub is currenly having the first floor refurbished. Didn't try the food so can't comment.
3 Mar 2009 13:54
The Black Bull Hotel, Coniston
Lovely pub and brewery tap in the centre of Coniston. Visited last weekend and between us sampled six of their own house beers. All were in excellent condition. The beer is overpriced, however, especially when you consider it's brewed on the premises. Didn't try the food so can't comment on that.
3 Mar 2009 13:46
The Swan has a good selection of beers from local Cumbrian and other micro breweries. Visited last weekend and all beers tried were in great condition. Staff and regulars were friendly and despite sport being on the tv screens it wasn't too intrusive. A proper community pub.
3 Mar 2009 13:41
Great, friendly, lively pub opposite Greenfield railway station. Good range of very well kept real ales. Real cider also available. Supports live music and local bands perform regularly in the bar (free).They also have a venue room upstairs for more well known artists and these are usually reasonably priced. Major sporting events are shown on big screen in upstairs room (leaving pub itself for non-sports fans). Beer garden has fantastic views over Greenfield to Saddleworth Moor and BBQ's are common on summer weekends. Deservedly popular regular Good Beer Guide entry. Excellent pub.
2 Jan 2009 10:19
The Gatehouse Tavern, Coventry
Small one roomed pub just a couple of minutes walk from the city centre. Four real ales available - 2 regular & 2 guest. Real cider and Belgian bottles also available. Excellent value lunchtime snacks - the doorstep buttys are huge & could even be free if you draw the right card! Big screen sports dominate when on but quiet and relaxed the rest of the time. Outdoor garden area pleasant in Summer. Regular good beer guide entry.
12 Dec 2008 13:34
Nice traditional pub a few minutes walk from the town centre. A good selection of beers include two rotating guest beers. Food prices good and specials of cheese and pates from a dedicated fridge at the end of the bar. Beer a little overpriced maybe but a nice pub with pleasant atmosphere.
8 Dec 2008 18:05
Good selection of beers and those tried were well kept. Staff friendly and tables cleared and cleaned regularly. Visited on a Friday night and there was a good mix of people and a relaxed atmosphere.
8 Dec 2008 18:02
The Rawson Spring, Hillsborough
Large Wetherspoons pub in a former swimming pool building. Have a large selection of guest ales. Staff efficient (got served straight away on each visit to the bar) and food quality good. Right next to Hillsborough tram stop.
26 Nov 2008 13:31
Oops - I got this mixed up with the Rawson Spring (also JDW). The Bankers Draft is the one in the city centre. Fair selection of ales and efficient staff still applies.
26 Nov 2008 13:29
Large Wetherspoons pub in a former swimming pool building. Have a large selection of guest ales. Staff efficient (got served straight away on each visit to the bar) and food quality good. Right next to Hillsborough tram stop.
26 Nov 2008 13:26
Large Wetherspoons pub at the end of Slough High Street (the opposite end to the Rose & Crown). Paid two visits this week & found both the Landlord & Staff very helpful and friendly. The beers sampled were all well kept and there was a good selection available. There were several beers still waiting to come on but the clips were marked as such.
20 Nov 2008 10:45
Old pub at the end of Slough High Street and a regular Good Beer Guide entry. Only has one or two real ales but these are very well kept. A traditional pub inside but large plasma screens in both rooms are a bit distracting. Friendly landlord, customers and pub dog!
20 Nov 2008 10:35
The Griffin Hotel, Heaton Mersey
Great traditional Holts pub serving well kept Bitter & Mild as well as the occassional seasonal beer. Varied selection of snacks and inexpensive, tasty lunctime meals. Good beer garden as well. I always visit when in the area. Best pub on Didsbury Road.
6 Nov 2008 15:48
7 real ales available last weekend and a good selection too. Good atmosphere too - kids not welcome in pub! food looked good & keen prices too. Staff friendly. Will return next visit to Coventry.
21 Oct 2008 13:09
Three Horseshoes Inn, Bubbenhall
3 real ales, cheap food. No real atmosphere. Chef unable to cook steaks!
21 Oct 2008 13:06
Royal George Hotel, Greenfield
Essentially a food pub although you do get a few drinkers at the bar. Three Lees beers are well kept and include the excellent Moonraker. Vised last night and all 3 beers were in top form. Food is good value and all members of our party were impressed with the quality.
15 Oct 2008 12:43
The Witchwood, Ashton Under Lyne
Prices have been lowered back to reasonable levels but only 4 beers available on a Sat afternoon.
13 Oct 2008 15:13
The Manor Arms, Broughton in Furness
Friendly little pub with a good selection of real ales at reasonable prices. Cider & Perry also available. Visited Saturday night and there was a mix of all ages enjoying the well kept ales. Wish we could have stayed longer! Will definitely re-visit.
17 Sep 2008 11:37
The Brown Cow Inn, Dalton in Furness
Friendly staff & regulars in this pub serving a selection of five local real ales in fine form. Old Oak beamed pub with dining area upstairs and lots of outdoor seating. Serves food all day and has good value cheaper daytime options. Big TV screen over the fire looked totally out of place but luckily wasn't on when we visited.
16 Sep 2008 14:04
Fantasic place! A great selection of real ales available either from their own brewery or other micro / independent breweries. Cider, Perry, European beers. Bottled European & World beers, Whisky & spirits menu - all at good prices. Traditional games and a selection of board games available. Home cooked food including lovely pasties with varied interesting fillings. Spotlessly clean accommodation with a hearty breakfast at excellent value rates (and discounts for CAMRA members). Friendly owners, staff & regulars. New windows at the front of the pub now give even better views over the estuary and mountains. A proper traditional pub run the way pubs should be - A well deserved winner of the many awards that adorn the walls.
15 Sep 2008 15:28
Nice pub just outside the gates of the National Trust's Sizergh Castle. 4 real ales on offer (2 Thwaites and 2 from Cumbia on our visit). The food appears to be mainly locally sourced and looked and smelt fantasic, although not sampled. Very busy with diners and castle visitors yesterday afternoon. Outdoor seating at the front of the pub quieter than indoors. Pianist and singer, whilst ok, seemed a bit unneccesary in whats essentially a dining pub.
15 Sep 2008 14:30
The Strands Hotel, Nether Wasdale
Lovely pub/hotel in quiet village close to Wast water. Great views of the mountains from the outside seating. 5 or 6 well kept real ales on offer but unfortunately this didn't include any from their own on-site brewery on our visit. Friendly landlady. Interesting menu but did not try the food. Does not open until 4pm on Saturday but there's always The Screes over the road.
15 Sep 2008 14:17
The Screes Inn, Nether Wasdale
Nice pub, situated in a quiet village close to Wast water and offering a choice of 3 real ales. A smart, clean, tidy pub thats open all day and has outdoor seating, with great views, to front and side. Don't forget to try The Strands over the road too.
15 Sep 2008 14:09
The Witchwood, Ashton Under Lyne
Paid a visit this weekend to find they've raised their prices by about 60 /70 pence a pint! They had some good beers to choose from but were charging �2.80 and �2.90 for beers around the 4.5% abv mark. This would be expensive for Manchester and is certainly well over the top for Ashton. Is this greed or are they deliberately trying to run the pub down?
8 Sep 2008 10:37
One of the better JDW pubs. A good selection of well kept regular beers and imaginative guest ales. Can usually get served quite easily and staff helpful every time I've visited. Food arrives quickly so ideal for a meal prior to plays, concerts, cinema etc.
1 Sep 2008 14:41
Paid Odder a visit a few days ago. They had a couple of real ales on offer and the Marble Summer 08 was excellent (although a bit pricey). Didn't try the food but it looked good.
1 Sep 2008 14:33
Large pub with basic bar area, comfortable lounge and upstairs function room. Marston's pub serving well kept beers from their range. Outdoor drinking areas to front & rear. Value food served lunchtimes.
27 Aug 2008 11:24
The Riverhead Brewery Tap, Marsden
Fantasic micro brewery / pub / restaurant. Now owned by Ossett but still brewing great ales on the premises. You tend to get 4 or 5 Riverhead Beers, a few Ossett and one guest to choose from. Upstairs restaurant has daytime & evening menus and amazing specials. Real quality food at reasonable prices. Staff are always helpful and friendly. Outdoor seating overlooks river & weir and is ideal in Summer. Only a short walk from canal and railway station. Dog friendly.
26 Aug 2008 12:31
The Bowling Green Hotel, Douglas
Yet another keg-only pub in a real ale desert. Push through the smokers to enter.
26 Aug 2008 12:11
Friendly pub next to the harbour. Two real ales available when we visited - both in good condition. A live band was also setting up. A good pub and rarity in a town that otherwise seems a bit of a real ale dessert.
26 Aug 2008 12:08
The Sidings has what must be the largest selection of real ale on the island. On entering you're greeted by about 8 or 9 handpumps selling a selection of different ales. Approx half are beers from the island breweries and the others usually from the NW UK. Beer always well kept, making the place a regular CAMRA GBG entry. Pub is situated between Castletown and the airport and is next to the steam raliway station. The beer garden is next to the railway line so the trains pass by the beer garden. Food served lunctimes (not Sun).
26 Aug 2008 11:41
The Glue Pot (Castle Arms Hotel), Castletown
Great pub located between the castle and the harbour. The outside terrace overlooks the harbour. Only one real ale - Okells - but very well kept. Pub is a regular entry in CAMRAs Good Beer Guide. Good value food is served lunchtimes (not Sun) and portions are generous. I recommend the fishermans platter for seafood fans.
26 Aug 2008 11:31
Big pub on the square opposite the castle - only one real ale - Okells, but well kept. Rear games / TV room very noisy and full of younger clientelle - front lounge a bit quieter and used by more mature customers. Some tables out the back for outdoor drinking. Food is served at lunctimes & often live music in the evening. Accommodation was clean and satisfactory but breakfast is not included & charged extra if you want it. We visited on a bank holiday weekend and in the evening the place was full of extremely drunken people. A fight even broke out at teatime one night and the police arrived & carted them off in a van! A fairly common occurrence here apparently.
26 Aug 2008 10:35
The Ash Tree, Ashton Under Lyne
One of the worst Wetherspoons i've ever been in. Lots of handpumps but when you ask for one of the beers you're usually told it's not on (or quite often that a whole row of 5 pumps are not on) - no turning round of clips, "sorry not available" or "coming soon" signs here. Staff vary between ok and appalling and they don't seem to have any policy on who gets let in so often full of gangs of drunken chavs - or worse! Almost impossible to get served when busy. Not pleasant at night. Ashton's a dump but there's better places than this if you are stuck there.
20 Aug 2008 12:26
A good selection of real ales are usually available from this Good Beer Guide listed pub. Prices are slightly above average for the area and it can be hard to get served when busy (small bar & regulars first). Basic pub meals served. Small outdoor terrace by Car Park. Joins in as host pub for the big Saddleworth events (Rushcart, Beer Walk etc) Brass bands perform concerts alternate Summer Sunday afternoons in the car park (The Diggle Hotel at Diggle hosts the bands the alternating Sundays.)
19 Aug 2008 10:52
Slightly above average Wetherspoons. A few local guest ales as well as the 3 usual real ales. Food usually good and often busy on curry & steak nights. Can be difficult to get served when busy. This is a live sports pub so noisy and crowded when sports events taking place. Pub is located on Stalybridge's crumbling, grotty, half boarded up, third world shopping precint so can be a bit rough. Chav & sports wear abounds. Gets busy at night with all the pre-club crowds getting a cheap drink before hitting "Staly-Vegas"
19 Aug 2008 10:15
Fantasic, well worth the short walk from the City Centre. Great beers from their on site micro brewery (the best Ginger Beer ever), good selection of guest ales, Ciders & Perrys; good food; good atmosphere; great building. Little sun-trap garden area out back. Hard to leave!
18 Aug 2008 14:38
The Beer House has indeed re-opened. Paid a visit on Saturday and 3 real ales were available. Pedigree and 2 from Dunham Massey brewery. There was a menu for bottled beers (europe & uk) and a blackboard advertising food specials. Food looked a bit overpriced but didn't try it so can't comment. They appear to be renaming the pub as The Angel & were advertsing wine at �20 to �30 a bottle so may be trying to attract a more affluent crowd. Despite the nearby redevelopment I can't see this place attracting the wine bar / bistro type customers and on my visit everyone was going straight to the handpumps and drinking real ale. The Beer House was always firmly in Manchester's Northern Quarter's beer trail and these were certainly the clientelle using it last Saturday. Hopefully the new owners will realise and increase the cask selection to keep the custom. At least the place is open again, clean, friendly and selling decent beer. Good luck to them.
18 Aug 2008 14:00
Bar Fringe continues to serve a great selection of beers. 5 changing real ales on hand pump, multiple fonts selling Belgian lagers & fruit beers and a large selection of bottles from Belgium and beyond. Friendly and knowlegeable staff. Walls full of interesting items, bottles, rats, motorbike! etc. Belgian "Brown Bar" style boozer and a must if you're in the Northern Quarter.
18 Aug 2008 12:35
Have paid a couple of visits to The Bank recently and on both occasions there's been a fair selection of real ales to choose from, although somewhat over priced, and they have tasting notes attached to the pump clips to give you an idea of what you're buying. The pub is a grand old building and it's history can be read on the back of the menus. Clean tidy pub with a relaxed atmosphere in the daytime - have not tried it in the evenings. Good value food is available all day and they specialise in sauasages with various fillings.
18 Aug 2008 12:15
The Royal Oak has changed little over the last 14 or 15 years since Ray took over. Still serving good condition regular real ales and guest beer(s). The clientelle are generally still your local Earlsdon residents rather than the pub crawling, pre-clubbing youths and drunkards that are taking over the area these days.
14 Aug 2008 13:59
The Cottage used to be a great local community pub, but now is just another fake plastic bar attracting students, pub crawlers and pre-clubbers that Earlsdon is full of in the evenings. They have about 5 real ales to choose from and they are fairly well kept but other than that there's not much more to recommend about this pub.
14 Aug 2008 13:48
Good selection of beers on offer - including Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild! Friendly pub with pleasant outdoor seating area for summer / smokers.
14 Aug 2008 12:52
The White Hart is a large stone built pub / hotel / restaurant in a quiet location opposite Lydgate church. The bar serves a good selection of regular and guest real ales and they are kept well - thus it's a regular entry in Camra's good beer guide. The food is high quality and the chefs have won awards (so expect the prices to reflect this). The staff are generally friendly, unlike the majority of the customers who appear to be ten bob millionaires who all look down their noses at each other. There's some benches outside for alfresco drinking away from the diners where you'll meet more genuine people.
14 Aug 2008 12:25
This pub enjoys a great location on the side of the Huddersfield canal at the Roaches Canal lock. Inside the main pub it's a bit drab with little seating but there's a larger annex room set up for eating. It has a fairly large beer garden overlooking the canal, but on my last few visits the pub was either shut or open but devoid of customers. It has also been devoid of real ale for many months with three empty pumps greeting you at the bar. This leaves overpriced keg as the only choice. They occasionally have live bands here but the place is too small, you can't really see anything and forget trying to get served at the bar! A shame as it could be a great pub.
13 Aug 2008 15:09
Cosy, friendly little stone built pub on the towpath of the Huddersfield Narrow canal. The best kept pint of Robinson's in Mossley. Can be accessed from the road or by steps from the canal towpath. Has a small terrace with seating overlooking the towpath. Dog & walker friendly. Advertises accommodation.
13 Aug 2008 14:50
The Butchers is one of the friendlier, more pleasant pubs around Top Mossley but until recently it had no real ale and no ventilation and so a visit there for keg beer meant getting totally kippered in tobacco smoke. A year on from the smoking ban and it still smells of stale smoke but it is slowly diminishing & they are also selling 2 real ales. On last visit these were Courage Directors and one from local micro Greenfield. Closed daytime - opens teatime. No food.
13 Aug 2008 14:38
The Festival has improved greatly since I used to drink there in my youth (quite a few years ago now!) The previously large open plan room has been divided into separate bar and lounge areas, there's a pleasant garden area with benches, they have the cask marque and serve 3 well kept real ales. Good value home cooked meals are served until early evening and children are welcome until 9pm. A friendly estate pub used by local families and residents.
13 Aug 2008 13:59
Excellent micro-brewery pub producing a good range of beers from light hoppy beers to dark stouts. Beers available are mainly from the Globe, plus one or two guests usually available, including Thatchers real Cider on handpump. As well as the attraction of the beers the Globe has a small menu of home cooked vegi & vegan meals where you can get a starter and main dish for less than a fiver! Have eaten here many times recently and it's always been great. Upstairs there's a music venue and sometimes there's live acoustic music downstairs. Comfortable friendly pub inside with an outdoor garden area at the back. Beware though! Check opening times if travelling as it doesn't open until teatime in the week and is shut on Tuesdays.
13 Aug 2008 12:41
This JDW house is one of the better of the chain and stocks quite a few guest real ales as well as the usual three. Staff friendly & helpful when I've visited. Good outdoor seating area but little car parking space. Food average.
13 Aug 2008 12:27
Further to my last posting, the food is good and the service excellent.
12 Aug 2008 15:33
The Smithfield Hotel, Manchester
The Smithfield has an impressive array of handpumps dispensing a great selection of real ales. A must on any visit to the Northern Quarter.
12 Aug 2008 15:28
Often call in here when passing Hayfield and never disappointed. Well kept beers and interesting choice of Guest Ales. Not tried the food but it looks good and is popular. Friendly and comfortable place. Large car park and outdoor seating near church and cricket field. Deservedly regular entry in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide.
30 Jul 2008 11:53
The Harts Head Inn, Ashton under Lyne
The Hartshead is in a prime location, sitting as it does in fields below the beacon tower of Hartshead Pike. It was previously a keg-only pub but now has the cask marque so I thought I'd pay it a visit. Very disappointing. Just 2 cask beers, ridiculously overpriced and the Black Sheep tasted foul. Not end of barrel off, but as though spoonfulls of salt had been added. It's a shame as it has a great garden area and appears to serve good food. Fine if you only want keg and a meal but not a place for good beer.
29 Jul 2008 13:51
The White Lion now has a great selection of real ales and on our visit all those sampled were well kept. The menu looked interesting and reasonably priced but unfortunately we visited on a Monday night when the kitchen was closed (it's open Tue to Sun). The place has had a recent refurb and has a comfortable, airy feel. There's a large window at the rear of the pub with good views over the hills behind. Background music was kept low and the place had a nice, relaxed atmosphere. The staff were very friendly and when I commented that I'd just heard one of my favourite tunes played the person at the bar (Landlord?) gave me the CD! Will certainly be returning to sample more beers and the food.
25 Jul 2008 15:42
Saved from demolition by developers (currently running riot in Bottom Mossley) thanks to a protected Ash tree in the centre of the beer garden. The pub has 2 real ales - one from Mossley's Millstone brewery and one from Greenfield's Greenfield brewery. The beer is always in top form. The Woodend serves traditonal pub food and snacks all day, with generous portions at reasonable prices. They have also recently begun offering a changing selection of imaginative, tasty sounding, specials although I've not sampled any of these yet. It's a family friendly place and has a large beer garden with a kids play area. The pub appears to be getting increasingly popular and this weekend the Landlord is organising the first Woodend Beer Festival, with around 30 beers in a large marquee in the garden. Hopefully as trade increases the 3rd handpump on the bar will start being used as well. Watch this space as they say.
25 Jul 2008 15:11
Royal Northern College of Music Bar, Manchester
The bar is located in the foyer area of the RNCM and is a great refreshment area if you're attending a concert at the venue. Even if you're not there for a concert it can be worth a visit as it's a busy place used by the college students, often carrying all manner of musical intruments about. Unusually for such a place there's a good selection of Real Ales. They appear to be keeping several Copper Dragon beers permenently but also have guest(s) on sale. There's a large selection of Single malts behind there too! The beer is well kept and the prices are in keeping with the centre of Manchester, as opposed to a college. There's various eating options available (to suit all pockets) depending on when you visit and often live jazz music takes place on a small stage near the bar. Manchesters other music venues should take a leaf out of the RNCM's book!
25 Jul 2008 14:27
Two Boats Inn, Long Itchington
Visited this pub last weekend. My first visit for over 15 years. The place has hardly changed. Excellent canal side location, five real ales, including a mild, and food served all day. The Abbot and Adnams were in fine form. The snacks were well priced and were generous portions. Staff friendly and helpful.
23 Jul 2008 14:18
The Witchwood, Ashton Under Lyne
The Witchwood has had a rocky ride in the recent past, but the new owners have managed to turn the pub around and it's now once again the premier real ale outlet in Ashton Town Centre. A great selection of ales are on offer and a taste is offered if you're not sure which to go for. The staff are helpful and friendly but remember this is a music venue also and the jukebox can sometimes be a bit loud. There is, however, an outdoor area you can use and the bar area is also quieter than the main room. This is a little bit of Old Ashton that's like an oasis amidst the new Office / housing developments.
23 Jul 2008 13:52
The Bishop Blaize, Old Trafford
This JDW pub is classed as a live sport pub, but apart from major events the pub is generally fairly quiet and the TV screens unobtrusive. The staff are very friendly & helpful and the beer kept well. In addition to the standard Abbot, Pedigree & GK IPA they serve an interesting range of 2 or 3 guest beers. Unless you're into football avoid Man Utd home match days as all the furniture is removed, the kitchen closes, bar prices rocket and the chanting will deafen you.
23 Jul 2008 12:38
Friendly pub just a minute walk from Mossley Railway station. Six handpumps serving a well kept range of beers, often from local breweries. Generous portions of food at good prices. Small outdoor seating area that catches the Sun in the afternoons. Bizzare mix of music to cater for all tastes. A great pub!
23 Jul 2008 12:02
Used to be a great pub. Spent many hours and pounds there whilst Paul & Bev, Fleming, Alex then Martin ran it under the Porters name. On my last visit was short changed by �10. The rude and unhelpful landlady and staff refused to check the till and denied till was up the next day. Will not be returning! Use the Crown instead!
23 Jul 2008 11:40
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The Fleece Inn, Mossley
The Fleece now has a good selection of well kept cask ales.
21 May 2015 11:39