BITE user comments - Lupulus
Comments by Lupulus
Visited 4 times in last few months. "Angry, surly barman" is hardly the cuddly type (I believe there are other pubs in the area that cater for that need!) but I've never had any problems with him. Always prompt to serve, knows his ales and the only time I've been given a bad pint was end of barrel (it happens) and it was changed without question. A good selection (5) of Brodies excellent ales with Kiwi being the favourite amongst our company. Also tried their new key-keg offering which was full of flavour but I am not a fan of this over-chilled, over-priced fad called "craft" ales.
3 Sep 2012 11:56
Pleasant bar although agree about the intrusive tv. Found staff to be attentive and friendly. Inhouse brew was "Mike's Mild" - not to my tast but seemed in good nick. My pint of Tradewinds not in best condition but drinkable. However, end of barrel reached soon afterwards and next one on was Crofters Pale. Barman aware I had taken one of the last pints and, without prompting, poured a Crofters for me without charge, despite the fact that I had nearly finished the TW. He'll go far! (And I shall return.)
30 Aug 2012 12:49
"...couple of paninis, one chicken and bacon and the the other roasted peppers, sun dried tomatos and cheese"! What about the bloody beer(intheevening)??
Excellent couple of pints of An Teallach Brewhouse Special in a stunning setting overlooking the loch. Orkney Raven also on tap.
30 Aug 2012 12:35
Beautiful part of the country, the journey is more edifying than the arrival. No handpumps, usual selection of fizz on tap, Cairngorm Tradewinds and various An Teallach offerings in bottles. Friendly barman explained that they have tried cask ales but were unable to shift enough to keep in good condition. Fair enough but why keep these beers alongside the lagers & ciders in a glass fronted fridge? Far too cold for such product. �3.85 per 500ml bottle.
30 Aug 2012 12:19
There are apparently only two pumps, serving varying Scottish ales . However, a careful hop-hunter will find and a third, usually serving ale from the Plockton Brewery , in the locals bar at the back. For some strange reason, they don't seem to publicise this fact. Staff not particularly friendly and, after charging a ridiculous price for an admittedly lovely pint of Comarty Something, tried to charge �1 for access to wi-fi, explaining that this is the norm in these parts. Bollox it is, thought I and repaired to the Plockton INN which is much more friendly and more reasonably priced (and btw the wi-fi is free).
28 Aug 2012 14:32
Best in town. 5 pumps including Trade Winds and Cromarty HC. A long afternoon!
28 Aug 2012 13:54
Still up for sale, still a good selection of ales for Scottish breweries. On the night: Inveralmond, Strathaven, Orkney, Cairngorm, Cromarty. Even more ciders. Friendly and with a very good band that night.
28 Aug 2012 13:45
Beautiful old bar but expensive at �3.85/pint. Even at that price, they seemed more interested in serving cream teas than ale when we visited and bar service was therefore slow. Shame because they had two of the finest ales in the Highlands on tap - (Cromarty) Happy Chappy and Hit the Lip.
28 Aug 2012 13:32
Never mind the food: this site is supposed to be about beer.
Two pumps, one dispensing Doombar (!!!??), the other "Eagle Bitter" which the item behind the bar informed me was rebadged Tetleys. As I wouldn't travel 400 yards (never mind 400 miles) for either of these, and would rather get soaked than drink them, we returned to the rain and headed back to the Castle.
28 Aug 2012 13:13
Sooner or later, the end of a cask will be approached and the last couple of pints may be iffy. All you have to do is ask them to change it. In my experience, quality here usually varies between very good and excellent.
26 Oct 2011 13:37
Yes, but any beer??? I go to a pub for a pint of bitter. I can get the rest at home.
I note that the new web site offers detail of their menu (item 1: carrot & coriander soup) but the drinks page is "coming soon". Guess the direction of this one! Hope I'm wrong but...
1 Dec 2010 11:02
One of the most impressive station pubs in the country but �3.10 for Black Sheep bitter?? In Newcastle??? Wouldn't pay that much when you get off the train at Kings Cross.
15 Nov 2010 14:03
Overpriced poncy cocktail / fizz bar. More atmosphere on the moon. No ale on tap.
15 Nov 2010 13:53
Cavernous fizz outlet with Irish accent and NO ale (Caffreys & Tetleys smoothies do not count, ffs)
15 Nov 2010 13:42
The Brocket Arms, Ayot St. Lawrence
Beautiful old building and grounds with an interior that would gladden the heart of any pub lover. Such a shame that the staff don't make an effort at efficiency and friendliness to others outside the immediate circle of their cronies. If it were not for the character of building, these people would desevedly be out of business.
Beer selection tends to be mid-strength, mid brown with the most consistent being "Brocket Bitter" - Nethergate to you.
9 Nov 2010 10:47
This is no longer a pub and hasn't been for years (not since Whitbread bought it and identified each table with a number). It's a restaurant with an attached bar (dining not mandatory).
Having said that, one can usually find TT Landlord amongst all the lager dispensers and it's a comfortable place to head for when out walking on the common or becoming bored with the cricket opposite.
8 Nov 2010 14:45
The best pub in St Albans or my name's not Titarse Pokeferret III.
Needs character behind the bar, imagination when sourcing beer (yer a free house ffs) and someone to remove the smell of acetic acid from the dingy room in which they host their "beerfest". A quick JHB if it's raining, then on to more uplifting territory.
4 Oct 2010 17:30
This place has been steadily improving in recent years and the addition of a regular guest ale alongside the safe stock bitters has made it a worthwhile stop. Certainly the best boozer in Colney. Last week, they celebrated their deserved entry in the 2011 guide by selling White Dwarf at �1.99/pint. Not sure why they tried to ruin it by serving through a sparkler but this was removed by request without a fuss. "and leave it off dear, we'll be back for 2 more in a minute." Good pub.
4 Oct 2010 14:49
A more interesting selection of ale these days and often some very good bands on Thurs nights when it can get rammed. I've never noticed a smell of chlorine although one or two of the groupies smell as though they would benefit from its application.
Agree with Bonser about the Clipper. Will someone please get their finger out regarding the brewery!
4 Oct 2010 14:32
Best pub in Brighton imho. No sign of "purple sprouting" herbivorous inconsequence here (not that one seeks it!) - just some fine ale in 1st class condition and a proper basic pub atmosphere. Even the urinals were reasonably fresh on last visit.
4 Oct 2010 13:08
Agreed, Sherlock. Perhaps someone needs to come out of his kitchen and kick some arses and, perhaps, smile whilst doing it!
4 Oct 2010 11:36
Savanna @ The Black Lion Inn , St Albans
Take it off BITE?? It is sheltered from the elements, open in the evening and sells two ales. It therefore qualifies (far more than some of the fancy licenced snack bars that get a puff on this site).
Pride & Landlord during last visit. Landlord too cold as usual but otherwise OK. Not a traditional pub feel but welcoming and friendly. Wouldn't set out for an evening here, but wouldn't pass it either.
4 Oct 2010 11:25
Long time ago we enjoyed an excellent band here with many pints of Proper Job to cool the ears. Last visit found it to be occupied by pushchairs, burger & chips, a smell of stale cooking oil and nappies (and no drinkable ale) Music advertised was Sat night karaoke. Sad.
1 Oct 2010 18:33
Unlike the seafront "pubs", this one seems to cater for people who are legally old enough to drink. Pleasant atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and a wider range of ale than the usual offering in these parts of Tribute or Doombar. Never had a bad pint in here.
1 Oct 2010 18:25
The Crooked Billet, Colney Heath
Well run freehouse with 4 pumps - 1 permanently on Tring Sidepocket, remainder a variable selection which is sometimes uninspiring but always in good condition. Cosy in winter once they get round to lighting the fire. Far the best pub in the village.
1 Oct 2010 15:11
The Royal Oak, Rusper
Well said TWG. I have noticed a similar problem between certain pubs and a certain senior member of the local commissariat in South Herts.
3 Sep 2012 15:29