BITE user comments - Maldenman
Comments by Maldenman
Hidden away down a side passage between Pall Mall and King St, this is a single carpeted room with wood panelling and a number of plates displayed all around on a high shelf. There are a few horse brasses, small pictures and cartoons, and some copper jugs and steins hang over the bar area. The bar is in the corner giving a kind of L shape to the room. Seating comprises pew type benches with cushions and small stools.
St Austell Tribute and Adnams Bitter on the two pumps.
28 Feb 2010 12:09
Very narrow inside with limited seating consisting of a few high tables with stools and a drinking shelf opposite the bar on a side wall. I liked the leaded windows with the stained glass inserts including the golden lion motif in the curved front bay. Further windows above the shelf face onto the side passage. The bar is attractive with carved detail and a green tiled gantry with flower/leaf designs. There is what appears to be a Royal coat of arms on the side wall next to the bar almost hidded from view. I'm not aware what the significance of this is unless someone nips in now and again for a sharpener or two!
Two banks of handpumps, in three's. The choice of two was repeated, being Twickenham Grandstand and Gales Seafarers, with the third reversed.
I didn't visit the upstairs theatre bar.
28 Feb 2010 12:01
One room winding around the central bar. A slightly unusual interior with rather eclectic decor ranging from 1970's style lightshades, modern art on the white walls, a variety of non matching chairs at tables of differing sizes. Tables have candles and there are cacti on the window cill. Some years ago this pub was like a 1970's museum piece, particularly with the fake black beams and posts screwed to the walls. The beams remain but have been painted over. The old red Skol sign is still displayed on the outside gable wall.
The pub is home to a cheese club, and a selection of more unusual cheeses are available served with bread and home made chutney.
It may sound a bit trendy even pretentious, but I felt the place to be relaxing and enjoyed my stay. Good beer helps of course, there are three handpumps; the selection was Ringwood Best Bitter, Wychwood Hobgoblin and Titanic Lifeboat.
There is a large garden/patio area to the rear.
26 Feb 2010 10:44
Close to Earls Ct tube, this is a Fuller's Ale and Pie conversion from a former bank premises. The interior is quite impressive and belies it's recent change of use. One large area winds around a central horseshoe bar. There are some rather perfunctory screens marked "Pies" and "Beers", but the high ceiling has a preserved cornice, an elaborate column by the bar provides support, and old cast iron radiators keep the place warm. Flooring is a mix, with wood and tiles in the main area, and a rear dining section has carpet. A mix of seating includes some high tables with stools.
All Fuller's current range on, I tried the new Bengal Lancer IPA which was pleasant but at the seemingly local going rate of �3.55 far too expensive (see my review of the nearby Courtfield).
16 Feb 2010 18:51
A large street corner pub opposite Earls Ct station. The ornate gold embossed signage is in contrast to the black painted brickwork. I don't know why pubcos do this, it's not easily reversed once trends change as they surely will.
The interior is one large high ceilinged space, the ceiling being dark red and the walls a mix of wood cladding and dark patterned wall paper. It all leads to a fairly gloomy environment despite the lighting from a number of ornate chandeliers. The front area has the bar, mainly wooden floors and a mix of high tables and more traditional seating. Towards the rear the area is carpeted with wood panelling, old photos and banquettes, plus small tables, all a bit crammed in.
Six handpumps, 5 on, Pride, Taylor's Landlord, Brains Bitter, Dark and Bread of Heaven. Thwaites Lancaster Bomber was "coming soon". Not a bad spot with well kept beer and a traditional feel, but hey, �3.55 for a pint of Bread of Heaven, that is simply too much. Despite reducing my rating a notch for this the current 3.8 is too low and probably reflects a previous incarnation.
16 Feb 2010 18:36
A very nice old timber framed building several hundred years old, the interior is laid out as a series of interconnected rooms or spaces with the bar continuing through most. Now rather incongruously set in the midst of Crawley's New Town sprawl, this could have the feel of an old country inn, but for me it fails. Uniformed staff, chalk boards everywhere advertising this and that, and the emphasis on food detract from that old homely feel, and instead give the appearance of Ye Olde Worlde kitsch.
Hall & Woodhouse beers, Sussex, Badger Best and Fursty Ferret on yesterday.
There is an extensive outdoor area which I guess may be pleasant in summer.
14 Feb 2010 14:16
The Artillery Arms, Old Street
Re previous strange post. No it isn't, the picture is of The Artillery Arms.
2 Feb 2010 20:40
A single room Fuller's house near Surbiton station, a couple of slightly raised areas are carpeted, while the main bar has a wooden floor with a tiled splash zone against the bar. The bar on a side wall is polished dark wood with some etched glass mirrors. The ceiling over the bar has an attractive stained glass rooflight. Seating is mixed, but there are a few of the oft maligned high tables and backed stools. Local history photos, a few books on a shelf and 3 plasmas, presumably for sport.
Better than your usual station pub, ESB, Pride, Gales Seafarers with the HSB clip reversed. �3.30 though for ESB, but it was in fine fettle.
30 Jan 2010 09:42
Not the tourist hell I thought it could be on a Sunday afternoon, instead I found a pleasant Nicholson's house, with the usual wood floor, dark wood panelling etc. Mixed seating some of which is seperated by fairly recent glazed screens. A long narrow interior, the bar being about halfway down on one side. The bar floor is "tiled", seemed to be the rubber/cushion floor type. Another, more ornate and attractive room beyond the bar is seemingly just for eating.
Impressively I was offered the choice of a straight glass or dimpled jug. Beers were, Thwaites Nutty Black, Pride, Jennings Lancaster Blonde(�2.95...not bad nowadays for round here), Tim Taylors Landlord and also Golden Best.
The beer was in good shape, and this is somewhere I'd certainly duck into again.
24 Jan 2010 21:25
A well regarded and celebrated house with an exceptional choice of traditional ales. There are eight handpumps in two banks of four, shared between the upper and lower bars of this pub, split between two front and rear street entrances. Both sets of pumps are double clipped to show the full range.
The interior is a little dated, and functional, traditional tables in fours, plus banquettes around the external walls. A dart board and fish tank complete the picture. Brewery mirrors,occasional photos but a bit spartan really.
Never mind all that, for the real ale drinker it is heaven, on my visit seven on, Oxfordshire Marshmallow, Weltons Horsham Old, Skinners Cornish Knocker, Pride, fff Altons , Adnams Broadside, and Moorhouse Black Cat.
No one will knock that choice, and the pub is welcoming to real ale drinkers, even if the interior and decor seem from a different age.
21 Jan 2010 22:06
First impressions were great, the preserved tiled exterior, and the old Truman's Eagle presiding over the corner entrance door, all boded well. Once inside, just excellent, two rooms in the old traditional style, although the outside doors suggested the front bar was once two, the front room has the bar, a seperate area to the rear served via a hatch. Loads of interesting old photos, but my favourite bit of decor was the 1961 price list for Truman's Ales; Bitter at 1/5, best, 1/8 and mild at 1/2. Where is that Tardis when you want one!!
Fires lit in both rooms on a cold day, a real homely feel with curtains at the windows, spotless tables and carpets, even a chiming clock.
Great quality beer, Youngs Bitter, Pride, Adnams Bitter, Hogs Back TEA, and Hook Norton Hooky Bitter.
A superb pub with real character situated in an area of good pubs. Don't miss this one.
21 Jan 2010 21:47
The Cocoanut, Kingston Upon Thames
A local community pub, situated just off the Fairfield and a short jaunt from the town centre. Comfortable and traditional in style, the central island bar has the two main rooms seperated by an arch. There is a further small snug like room to the rear. Wood panelled walls, leaded light windows with green inserts, a good mix of seating with standard tables but also larger circular ones allowing larger groups to congregate together. Some of the latest trendy low sofas and tables too.. The lighting is to say the least, subdued, dark I'd say, I considered offering 50p for the meter..
Mirrors, paintings and photos comprise the decor, Fullers beers, well looked after, last night had Pride, HSB, and Jack Frost. No ESB though, is it me or is this beer becoming harder to find?
A pleasant spot for a quiet couple, away from the excess of the town centre.
20 Jan 2010 23:07
The Cocoanut, Kingston Upon Thames
A local community pub, situated just off the Fairfield and a short jaunt from the town centre. Comfortable and traditional in style, the central island bar has the two main rooms seperated by an arch. There is a further small snug like room to the rear. Wood panelled walls, leaded light windows with green inserts, a good mix of seating with standard tables but also larger circular ones allowing larger groups to congregate together. Some of the latest trendy low sofas and tables too.. The lighting is to say the least, subdued, dark I'd say, I considered offering 50p for the meter..
Mirrors, paintings and photos comprise the decor, Fullers beers, well looked after, last night had Pride, HSB, and Jack Frost. No ESB though, is it me or is this beer becoming harder to find?
A pleasant spot for a quiet couple, away from the excess of the town centre.
20 Jan 2010 23:07
The Marlborough, Kingston Upon Thames
Dropped by tonight with the intention of supporting a new venture in a reopened pub. I have to confess to being a little disappointed, the pub is marketed as a free house but just Courage Best, Badger Sussex Best and Pickled Partridge. The Partridge may well be pickled but having a vinegary tang was I thought taking the description a little far.
The entrance leads into a room with the bar opposite, a side door leads to another space with a serving hatch, but mind the step down, easily missed as its on the line of the door.
A strange ambience, the lighting is quite bright, and I found the clientele a little unsettling if not threatening, and the constant moving in and out and shouting between the bar and outdoor smoking gazebo rather irritating.
I'm glad its reopened and provides a service but not to my taste sadly.
20 Jan 2010 00:28
The Artillery Arms, Old Street
A nice old traditional street corner pub, now one space on the ground floor with a small fairly ornate island bar. Wooden boarded floors, some exposed brickwork, covered in a variety of mirrors, stained glass screens. Other decor is a mix of old photographs, portraits etc, seating is pretty traditional plus some stools at drinking shelves at the front window. A TV over the corner entrance was showing some rugby highlights show. A friendly welcome and I liked the feel of the place.
Clientele at lunch was a mix of suits and locals, but its probably far enough from The City to avoid its worst aspects.
Further seating upstairs was not visited by myself.
Good quality Fullers Ales, I had the Chiswick, but there were Pride, ESB, Discovery and Porter on too.
Bunhill Fields Cemetery opposite is worth a wander around too.
18 Jan 2010 18:09
I popped my head in here yesterday afternoon, out of curiosity really. Of four handpumps, two appeared unused and two were reversed. The ambience felt dismal almost depressing with much of the clientele appearing pretty down at heel. I didn't stay.
18 Jan 2010 09:54
Situated as it is in the podium of a large 70's office block, this place certainly will not win any awards for character. Despite some of the previous reviews however, my visit on Sunday afternoon was quite pleasant and the pub and clientele were perfectly civilised. I do accept however that pubs can be very different places at different times.
The front entrance leads to a wooden floored area with a few traditional four seater tables plus longer tables with bench seats. Up a couple of steps to the main room with the bar on the side wall. A plasma on the end wall was showing football. There are a couple of alcoves off the main area offering seclusion.
A surprising range, I felt, Jennings Cross Buttock (odd name!), Ringwood Porter, Wychwood Hobgoblin and Brakspears Bitter, discounted at �1.99.
It's part of the Marstons Taverns chain, and I did feel that a lot of the adverts around for cheap food and drink deals gave a bit of a 'Spoons feel to the place.
Nevertheless I felt the place fine for an afternoon pint and I'd pop in again.
18 Jan 2010 09:51
Please. Something needs to be done about self embellishment on here. Never been near, just fed up off pointless transparent reviews.
No rating, I'll leave it to the landlord.
14 Jan 2010 21:25
An attractive exterior with the old Truman logo, see photo above. The interior is a bit "Life on Mars", reminding me of many pubs I frequented in my early drinking days some 30 years ago. Two room layout with the pool table dominating the bar, a couple of blokes were playing darts. The lounge side has banquette seating with the bar opposite, Sky Sports News showing the few football results on a wiped out Saturday due to the freeze up. The walls are decorated with lots of old photos of the area plus a few framed old adverts.
Pretty down to earth but friendly. They do Pie and Mash here, not sampled by me.
Three pumps, one reversed, Pride and something by Wychwood, which was ok and at �2.60 good value.
10 Jan 2010 12:12
The Crown and Sceptre, Fitzrovia
A curious place this, clearly once an imposing street corner gin palace with several rooms, now it is all one space and has clearly been visited by that Laurence Llewelyn Bowen bloke from "Changing Rooms". The walls are what I'd describe as "Military Green" with lighter green leaves stencilled on, and the ceiling is matt black. A light shade appears to be made from antlers, and there is a goats head on the wall. There is some traditional seating but also the modern trend for low sofas, although here with standard height tables so I'm really not sure how that works! Four doors hint at the original multi room layout, at least the original (?) glass corner lobby has been retained. There is also an attractive tiled bar frieze/splash area around the central island bar, which has no central bar back, just a hanging empty picture frame.
Mainly a younger studenty set, plus a few older media types. A number of speakers on the walls suggest maybe a music venue but I didn't spot any adverts.
Pride, St Austell Tribute and Purity Pure Gold (�3.30). Certainly not my type of place being more of a traditionalist but the beer was fine.
10 Jan 2010 12:01
Pleasant street corner pub in the shadow of the Telecom Tower, it has its own rather gothic tower built over the corner entrance, shown in the picture above. K and Q picked out in gold on the door glazing. One room downstairs with the bar on the end wall. The central now closed door clearly shows the original two room format. Decor consists of an odd mix of kings and queens through history, including a framed playing card set, and rugby/cricket pics/memorabilia. Rugby seems to be an important element here, Leicester v Wasps on yesterday enthusiastical watched by groups of fans.
Plenty of seating with banquettes around the perimeter, small square tables and stools and bar stools. The bar has those little hooks, useful for hanging your coat or bag.
St Austell Tribute, Adnams Bitter, and Purity Mad Goose, with Deuchers reversed on the fourth pump.
Good beer quality and spotlessly clean, well worthy of a look in.
10 Jan 2010 11:17
Underrated street corner pub, part of the Nicholson's chain. Splendid original interior, large stained glass oriel rooflight at the rear, Rubenesque ceiling murals, ornate tiled ceiling frieze/cornice, and large carved wood framed mirrors along the side wall. Wood flooring, the lengthy bar is along the side wall of this deep narrow room.
Six handpumps, five on yesterday. Thwaites Nutty Black, Caledonian Auld Acquaintance, Sharps Doom Bar, TT Landlord and Pride.
Yes, due to its location, it gets a bit rammed with tourists, and the clientele are mostly transient but the service was still good, and it was pleasing to see the barman taking the time to describe the beer types to a group of tourists who had ducked in out of the snow.
10 Jan 2010 11:00
A timber framed building dating from the 16th century, the interior has low beamed ceilings, exposed brickwork, some stone flagged floors. All one space but the long layout allows for a feel of seperate areas. The front carpeted area has a large fireplace. Several framed news clippings on the walls are of interest, particularly the details of the partial collapse of the building in 1995. It has been sympathetically restored using substantially the original beams etc although a couple of newer posts are evident (and rather necessary I imagine!)
Four hand pumps served at the time Deuchers IPA, Courage Best, Wychwood Hobgoblin and my choice Hogs Back Advent Ale, a pleasant seasonal fairly dark brew.
The burger and chips were only a fiver, but to be honest although the burgers were home made and passable the chips buns and salad were not great.
4 Jan 2010 17:10
The Canbury Arms, Kingston Upon Thames
In for an office do for 20odd people. Decent food and service and 5 well kept ales, Surrey Hills Ranmore, Taylors Landlord, Harveys Sussex, Sharps Doombar and something else that escapes me, more mainstream I recall. Its a foody pub, not a drinking place but it does what it does reasonably well. Gripe today was despite the fact we put nearly �800 quid into the place, the lad who requested an extra scoop of ice cream on his pud was denied unless he paid more! Not acceptable, perhaps we should have withdrawn the non compulsory tip of over �80 in protest.
Rating dropped a point.
18 Dec 2009 22:58
I should have mentioned that this pub tends to be closed on Saturday afternoons, opens at 6pm I believe.
6 Dec 2009 15:00
A long narrow pub on a street corner, brick floor to the front area then down a couple of steps to the wooden floor bar area. The ceiling here is very high and vaulted, leading me to wonder as to a previous use, perhaps a grain store. A dummy on a bicycle is suspended from the ceiling, watched by his comrade sat alone at a small table on the faux balcony on the back wall.A couple of large sacks hang from the ceiling also.
A seperate rear room has a variety of random nic-nacs on shelves.
This part of Cambridge is rich in pubs and a good selection on here also. Oakham Inferno...very good....St Austell Tribute, Woodforde Wherry, Brains Top Notch were the guests plus house beers Wells Bombardier, IPA, Youngs Winter Warmer....alternates out of season with other Youngs brews I'm told, plus Adnams Broadside.
Probably the nearest good ale pub to the station, around 7 mins brisk walk.
6 Dec 2009 14:49
10 pumps on the bar serving mostly non mainstream ales, but also yesterday another 6 in the rear yard as the pub was celebrating the Mill Rd Winter Fair by hosting its own Old Ale Festival. A gazebo affair was a good idea as the weather was particularly inclement.
The bugbear is still the reserved table policy which results in a number of empty tables while punters stand in what is a very narrow space. We chose to ignore the reserved sign and sit down anyway.
6 Dec 2009 11:53
A good spot for a pre train pint just set back from the Marylebone Rd so has more of a local feel than other nearby bars. Its listed as Euston but it is as near to Kings Cross/St P as it is Euston.
Serves 5 Sheps beers although Kents Best was off on Saturday morning. A decent enough pint of Late Red at �3.30, which seems to be the going rate in London SN pubs, expensive as it is.
One largish room, broken by what I think is a stairwell in the middle off one wall. A mix of seating, generally traditional in type but with a drinking shelf and stools by the front door. Various framed caricatures on the walls, I didn't bother looking who of, a couple of big screens were showing Sky Sports News muted but with subtitles.
6 Dec 2009 11:42
The pub is now in the 2010 GBG. Four on, two in each bar so you need to go through to check what is on. Black Sheep Bitter and GK IPA in the lounge and Adnams Bitter and Camerons Fireside in the bar.
I'm rather surprised to see no reviews since my previous visit two years ago as it seems a popular pub. Two screens in the bar for sport, and the pub is very convenient for Histon FC.
6 Dec 2009 11:27
JB's comment below just about covers all angles. This is an excellent village local with a friendly welcome. Loads of breweriana, I liked the Watneys Red Barrel and Double Diamond signs, both glowing red. Two rooms with all pumps in the main bar. The side room has a dartboard.
I'm sure I am yet to see so many beermats stuck to a ceiling as here, there are jugs and pots hanging too. A radiator is painted with a slogan in support of "The Mariners"...Grimsby Town I guess, and another area proclaims "My Other Team is Histon FC".
Six plus a cider yesterday lunch, White Horse Village Idiot, Oakham Bishops Farewell,Everards Tiger, Tring Blonde, Mighty Oak Oscar Wilde, Theakston OP.
Warm and comfortable, the fire was burning on what was a chilly damp day. Highly recommended.
6 Dec 2009 11:22
Worth a visit for the rather splendid interior, especially the island bar with the etched glass reversible screens. The seating either side of the bar has seemingly hundreds of old actor/actress portraits. Otherwise there is wood panelling to the walls, red boarded ceiling, cushioned bench seating. The rear area is set at a slightly lower level. A door leads out to a tiny rear courtyard.
There was an impressive (for Youngs) guest range, with Titanic Iceberg, St Austell Tribute and Deuchers IPA supplementing the Ordinary, Special and Bombardier.
One minor grumble again noted by others was that only one person was serving leading to a bit of a queue building up.
One can only hope that The Lamb will remain untouched by The Wells/Youngs interior design team.
22 Nov 2009 09:29
The Marquis of Granby, Fitzrovia
Popped in as The Newman Arms was closed. This is a street corner routine Nicholsons, fairly subdued lighting, dark wood floors as expected. A single squarish room with a central squared horseshoe bar. Nothing special but not unpleasant. Pride, TT Landlord, GK IPA, and Camerons Autumn (�2.95). Some round metal topped tables, others wood standard four seaters plus a couple of drinking shelves with stools at the windows. My stay was rather rushed and curtailed due to the impossibility of shaking off the old bloke who persistently tried to engage me in conversation about when Lee Harvey Oswald shot John Lennon.....WTF!!
The current 5 score is about right.
22 Nov 2009 09:15
Found it closed today at about 3pm. Not sure if Saturday/weekend closing is routine, as other pubs locally were all open. Not rated.
21 Nov 2009 18:44
An unscheduled stop due to The Rugby Tavern nearby being shut on Saturday afternoon. A single long narrow room with the bar on a side wall. Wood floor with a tiled splash area by the bar. the tables were a bit crammed together I felt, and it was a bit too warm inside on a mild November day. I found the place to be a bit "plastic" in so far as no original features were discernible, and nothing felt even vaguely old and worn in. There are the usual old photos and pictures on the wall, a plasma TV showing Sky Sports News is oddly set in a gilded picture frame on a central chimney breast. My notes say it looks like a chain, but I couldn't work out which, but it looks like Rex below has answered that one.
Cheerful Eastern European staff, and in fairness a well kept pint but I had to ask for a top up. Brains Top Notch (�3.08), Doom Bar, Theakston Old Peculiar....not seen that around here for a bit, Pride and Old Speck Hen.
It was ok but fairly underwhelming to be honest.
21 Nov 2009 18:36
A proper old traditional street corner boozer, thankfully not messed around. A little strange to find what is clearly a long standing Youngs house this far north of the river but the windows have the Ram lower etched portion.
Now a single room with the bar along the back wall but still visible is the old centre access now covered by an exterior bench and interior radiator in between the upholstered bench seats. This tells the tale of the once multiple room layout.
The bar is attractive if functional with some carving and a brass footrail. Carpeted, traditional seating with cast iron wooden topped tables and stools/banquettes. A sign directs upstairs to a dining room but I didn't look in and doubt it is used much, very quiet Fri afternoon.
Youngs Bitter, Special, Winter Warmer and nice to see, guest St Austell Tribute. Brim full pint, no request for a top up needed here, great old pub that reminded me of pubs of times now gone. TV in the corner and one fruit machine but not intrusive. Hopefully the brewery will leave this place as it is.
20 Nov 2009 23:21
The Sekforde Arms, Clerkenwell
A little tucked away but probably the better for it, occupies a corner on a couple of Georgian streets, interesting curved front elevation in the crook of the two roads. The exterior has I'd guess original yellowish (ochre) tiles. The bar is opposite the side...perhaps now the main.....entrance, as the pub is now all one space. Despite this there is an area beyond a central chimney with an arch either side to a seperate area complete with a dartboard. The bar itself is fairly attractive if not original, seating is of the round three legged cast iron table variety with stools and upholstered banquettes. Half wood panelling, curtains at the leaded windows, a few local pics of yore plus the Sekforde Coat of Arms. Red painted possibly Lincrusta ceiling, all in all, a good old traditional London pub, not yet and hopefully not to be "improved" by Youngs/Wells.
The usual Youngs range of Bitter, Special and Bombardier, although there is a guest policy here. Just gone was Titanic Iceberg, coming soon St Austell Tribute..................on today the "guest" was Courage Best. Hmm, always the lucky one.
Food was going down well and no wonder, very competitive prices with sandwiches for around �3, snacks and so for similar and mains around the �5-6 mark. A short trot from Farringdon Stn, worth a look in I'd say.
20 Nov 2009 22:49
The Pakenham Arms, Clerkenwell
A large single room, wrapped around the bar. All hard surfaces, wood floors etc plus music and a busy environment make for a noisy space, but its ok. Three plasmas showing cricket on my visit competed with the music and chatter for attention.
As said before, opposite Mount Pleasant sorting office so plenty of posties in, welcoming to all though, and a pleasant lady behind the bar who expertly served three seperate orders at once!
There are two banks of four pumps, Sharp's Doombar(x2), Cornish Coaster, Adnams Broadside, GK IPA, Hogs Back TEA, and Jennings World Biggest Liar(x2). Certainly a good range and my Coaster was an acceptable �2.75.
Long opening hours to accommodate the workers, open Christmas Day too it said on a few posters. Dispensers sell sweets........I've never quite got that in a pub.
Beware the confusing steps on the way out of the gents!
20 Nov 2009 18:24
The Old China Hand, Clerkenwell
An unusual spot, long and narrow, yet with two clearly defined areas, the front section with the bar and a more secluded strip at the back. The interior is modern and has a mix of what I can only describe as Oriental/African decor and furniture, especially the seating and tables which vary in design. Dim Sum is a speciality it appears. The general theme was reinforced by a low volume, chilled world music soundtrack.
A distance from my idea of a traditional pub, but I still liked it, four pumps but only two in use on my visit, O'Hanlons Port Stout and Sambrook's Wandle. Tried the Wandle and it was in good nick.
I didn't sample the dim sum, but some bloke did call in for a takeaway while I was in.
20 Nov 2009 18:11
The Old China Hand, Clerkenwell
An unusual spot, long and narrow, yet with two clearly defined areas, the front section with the bar and a more secluded strip at the back. The interior is modern and has a mix of what I can only describe as Oriental/African decor and furniture, especially the seating and tables which vary in design. Dim Sum is a speciality it appears. The general theme was reinforced by a low volume, chilled world music soundtrack.
A distance from my idea of a traditional pub, but I still liked it, four pumps but only two in use on my visit, O'Hanlons Port Stout and Sambrook's Wandle. Tried the Wandle and it was in good nick.
I didn't sample the dim sum, but some bloke did call in for a takeaway while I was in.
20 Nov 2009 18:11
A one room pub with a bit of a modern feel. The entrance door is glass with a large metal handle, a bit like entering Boots, once inside, some traditional seating, functional wooden bar, a couple of fire places but not sure if used. There is some sort of Laurel & Hardy theme with model statuettes in a few areas including a fire hearth. Wooden floor, a rear courtyard, tonight they were setting up for a private party, but we were made welcome and didn't feel chased out.
Three pumps served Surrey Hills Shere Drop, Skinners Betty Stogs plus an Addlestones cider.
The very friendly landlady was apologetic about the party closure and tried to direct our group to local pubs serving decent real ale but also explained that Guildford is not great for real ale drinkers.
14 Nov 2009 22:00
The Leathern Bottle, Godalming
A small and traditional local, very convenient for Godalming Town FC...next door...its a small single room with a raised area up a couple of steps to the right of the bar. Carpeted throughout, mainly traditional table and chair style with bar stools and pew style benches in the raised area. A dartboard in the corner was being excitedly used, there is also a fruit machine, plus a couple of TVs showing Sat PM, horse racing and rugby.
A bit of a canal/narrow boat theme with pictures and old boat name plates about.
I liked it here, fire lit on a very blustery day, good local feel. Pride and Hogs Back TEA, Tea at 2.75 in good condition.
The food menu is no nonsense and good value stuff with sarnies around �2 and mains in the region of �6. No fancy stuff.
14 Nov 2009 21:32
Only GK beers today, agreed an admirable range, but all GK still. The cider choice is still good.
All the guest pump clips remain on the ceiling beams but sorry, today's choice disappointed me, especially as I'd directed friends here. Less than impressed. Sorry but my rating drops from v good to average.
14 Nov 2009 21:00
I had a glance in on my way to the station and was tempted inside by the bank of handpumps. It is a bit of a barn, one huge space and a high ceiling, and the music is a bit loud, but as station pubs go its pretty good. Live sports, (rugby dominates....on TV plus a large shirt selection) but also several screens with Sky Sports News on allowing for a check of the scores of the proper shaped ball game. There is also a monitor for train information. A few pics and memorabilia of the age of steam, a variety of seating, including an extensive outdoor area.
Eight handpumps, Thwaites Lancaster Bomber & Wainwright, Hoskins Hob Best Mild & Dolphin....lightly coloured hoppy and bitter.....Titanic Iceberg, Inveralmond Independence, Houston Brewery Co Festival Ale, and GK IPA. A bit pricey but it is next to the station with a transient clientele so no real surprise I guess.
1 Nov 2009 12:10
Side alley entrance to a traditional two bar layout. The bar is continuous through both rooms along the back wall but the hand pumps are in the rear (Dragoon Lounge). The front room is The Yeoman Lounge. A slightly dated feel, black and white beamed ceilings, white walls, sparsely embellished with the odd local photo, and a patterned carpet. Traditional standard chairs and tables plus bar stools, no fancy high seats or sofas here. There is a rear courtyard for outdoor drinking/smokers.
A no frills functional town pub really, good beer choice of Tring Phantom Monk, Cottage Whippet Howling Ale, Loddon Hullabaloo, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Pride and a Weston's Cider. A friendly group of locals at the bar politely moved over as I arrived to allow me a look at the choice of beer.
The slightly retro feel is reinforced by the prescence of an 80's style sit down two player video game, sadly not Space Invaders, in the front room.
The pub has its own branded glasses, a nice touch.
1 Nov 2009 11:53
A rather shabby careworn interior, wooden floor, scruffy old tables, stools and benches. The walls and ceilings are literally covered with hundreds of beer mats, behind which the bits left showing are a dark nicotine brown, whether from age pre the smoking ban, or by design I don't know. Mobiles not to be used, an old tin John Smith's Magnet Ales sign, metal/rock from the juke box....not overly loud though.....and great beer.
The main bar has a real Boho/studenty feel, but step up to the raised area and follow the corridor round and there are a series of tiny individual booths, seating from three or four up to around six, in privacy. Most unusual.
The clientele are mixed, metalheads, biker types, students, beer fans but also shoppers and even me. Great selection on, yesterday had, West BerkshireOldFather Thames, WB Dr Hexter's Wedding Ale, WB Mr Chubbs Lunchtime Bitter, Church End Stout Coffin, Burton Bridge Have a Heart, Ascot Alley Cat, Isle of Purbeck Harry's Harvest Pale, plus for cider fans, Westons Old Rosie, Perry and Vintage. There was also on draught something called Lovibonds Henley Gold and Henley Dark. A search reveals this to be a craft brewery, based obviously in Henley, but the beer is served from continental style fonts so I'm guessing that it is of the filtered keg variety.
I loved the place, a very laid back anything goes/all welcome vibe, and I'll be back some time when I have the chance to do a proper tour of Reading pubs.
1 Nov 2009 11:31
Clearly a very old village pub/inn, timber framed with black and white exterior and low beamed ceilings. The pub has four connected areas, one end seems to be purely for dining, as perhaps is the room behind the bar, deserted on my visit but interestingly the exterior (unused) door is marked "Locals Bar". No Royston Vasey feel to the place though, however I was a little unsure of the "meet and greet" style reception on entering, but I suppose the place is a small hotel too.
Back to the pub, the bar area is warm and welcoming, the fire was not necessary today, but I bet it makes for a cosy atmosphere on a crisp day. The fireplace in the "Locals Bar" is huge, Inglenook style.
Generally wooden floors, mix of seats including wing back chairs by the fire....The comedy character "ver ver drunk" sprang to mind.....Whitehouse(?)....old photos, pics of the area etc. The courtyard outside is nice with plenty of seating but I do agree the parked cars take the edge off it a bit, Clarkson would love it though, no old bangers here! Nice hanging baskets, and climbing plants, Wisteria I think.
The building itself is large and nowadays includes accommodation. I'm fairly sure there was a brewhouse here once, the front attached cottage is "Malt Cottage" and at first floor level there looks to be a grain store, now converted.
Fullers now, Pride, Gales HSB, Chiswick and Discovery. �2.80 for Chiswick.
A good looking food menu, ranging from the pricier Chefs Specials, but also including smaller offerings and sandwiches/snacks. A nice spot.
31 Oct 2009 20:11
Stopped by while walking across Walton and Banstead Heaths. A little isolated, helping to give that country feel, The Bell retains the traditional two room layout with a central bar. A welcome from the cheery landlord, proper fires, though not burning on a mild day, horsey pictures and theme, toilets are Colts and Fillies....a bit naff....brasses, duelling pistols, books, mainly reference on a shelf. Darts in the vault/saloon. Dog friendly too, and a sign states walkers welcome so no snootiness here either, this is no "gastro" joint, in fact no sign of food at all.
The beer mats around the bar suggest a good guest policy but I reckon I was rather unlucky today, Pride, Youngs Bitter and GK IPA. The blackboard said the guest was Robinson's Wags to Witches, but not on this afternoon sadly. The Pride was a bit cold. I liked the pub and its ambience but only a 6 for now, a less mainstream choice would have gained a higher mark.
25 Oct 2009 18:03
A friendly welcome from the landlord, after I'd been thoroughly checked over by the pub dog, and I found the landlady charming and helpful too taking the trouble to check out the train time for me. This is a proper old pub, low beamed ceilings, fireplaces, tankards and bed pans hang from the beams and numerous bank notes from around the world are fixed to surfaces too. Three main areas, two fronting the street either side of the bar plus what looked like a dining room at the back. Busy decor with horse brasses, rowing photographs, hunting scenes etc, and a collection of toby jugs hanging above the bar. Lighting is subdued. A mix of seating at mainly copper topped cast iron tables but there are a couple of impractically low sofas. The dartboard is another of the unuseable type with furniture in front, there is also a piano, not sure if it is ever used though.
The beer is good here, Brakspears Bitter and Oxford Gold...a much better pint than I had earlier in the day elsewhere, plus Wychwood Bountiful. I asked about the Wychwood as I'm unsure about some of their beers and I was given a taster....it was actually pretty good.
Well worth a look in.
11 Oct 2009 10:12
The Bird In Hand, Henley-On-Thames
Pleasant town pub a short walk uphill from town. The main bar is now one L shaped area with the bar in the corner. Carpeted, small tables with a choice of benches, settles and low stools plus stools at the bar. Framed collections of cigarette cards hang on the wall, there is a plasma screen near the bar, showing rugby on mute yesterday afternoon, though I noted the hook up to the lap top for the England game later. Towards the rear is a proper family room with children welcome....none were in...and doors lead to a garden complete with aviary.
Very dog friendly, the pub has its own and a couple of the locals chatting by the bar had a hound in tow. The secondary stable type door is presumably there to prevent escapees.
A good selection of ales, Eccleshall(Slaters) High Duck, Hook Norton Hooky Dark, Loddon Hoppit, Brakspears Bitter and London Pride. Nice to see one of the bar drinkers move straight to one side so I could see the selection. Pump clips above the bar indicate a good changing range.
A comfortable welcoming place with a warm vibe, I'd certainly pop in again if passing nearby.
11 Oct 2009 09:16
A tricky one this, first impressions were very good, a real old fashioned country pub feel in the front bar, wooden floor, old benches with leather backs, a group of regulars chatting away at the bar, the fire was burning (although not really necessary yesterday). The walls are literally covered with large stuffed fish in glass cases, there is a bookshelf of reference material, and a dartboard in the corner, although how this could be safely used in such a small room is another question. To complete the picture a dog slept in a basket under the bench. Beers on were Brakspears Best and Oxford Gold, Hook Norton Hooky Dark, and Wychwood Bountiful. I went for the OG, which was a jaw dropping �3.40, and in very mediocre condition. On looking around most locals were not drinking real ale, so to serve four perhaps isn't a good idea?
Behind the front bar there is a larger room, set out rather clinically with rows of tables set for eating, this area has none of the rustic charm of the front room. Many have commented on the standard of the food but I did not try it so no judgement on that.
The large rear garden has nice views and also contains a beehive.
I'm still unsure about my overall opinion, the location is nice, the front bar is like something off The Archers, but the rear room was not in keeping and the beer was not great and over priced. As Quinno states "I really want to like this place...." but its just not quite right at the moment.
11 Oct 2009 08:25
This is a pub I know well although I have not been in for a couple of years, it is on one of my regular walking trails. Never had a problem but I see the previous two reviewers coincidentally have both visited this pub, and no others, on the exact same days, not once, but twice. How strange is that?
9 Oct 2009 21:50
Enjoyed the beer festival yesterday, 25+ ales plus a couple of ciders at �2.50, great value. Good stuff.
3 Oct 2009 22:32
Braved a visit last night and I have to say there have been some improvements. The pub is cleaner and the tables were cleared, the beer was in decent condition and pints pulled to the top of the glass too. Pride and Bombardier on. I'll up my rating slightly to acknowledge.
30 Sep 2009 12:52
Chick, I imagine the flat beer you refer to was on stillage, ie straight from the barrel?
29 Sep 2009 15:03
The Charles Lamb, Angel, Islington
The attractive exterior still has the brown half tiled facade, plenty of planted tubs, and cafe style outside seating occupied by youngish well-heeled locals. Inside to the main room with a large inner corner bar with a carved bar back and feature clock. The lower area of the bar is painted light green, as is the wall panelling. The walls are cream above and the ceiling white; the overall impression hints slightly at a continental cafe/brasserie but does not detract. A side room was taken over with diners. Food is a priority here it seems but not to the exclusion of drinkers. The menu includes such pub staples as rabbit rillettes with cornichons, and morcilla and pear on toast, no pie and mushy peas here. It is all a bit "Islington" really but I enjoyed our short stay, a good selection of decently kept ales, Dark Star Hophead, Butcombe Bitter and Cottage Whippet Jack Boxer, plus a real cider, Thatchers something.
Worth a look in if in the area and to be commended for serving three decent non-mainstream ales at pub prices too, �3 or just over.
27 Sep 2009 09:02
Have I been drinking? The stained glass lettering is SWL...Strand Wine Lodge!
27 Sep 2009 08:38
There never seems to be anywhere to sit in this large Nicholson's pub, whenever I arrive its like the last seat has just been taken! Deservedly popular though and not cause for complaint. The usual Nicholson's abundance of dark wood, this pub has very high ceilings, a tiled floor and bar edge, a huge and attractive feature fireplace with a frieze adjacent of women picking grapes. Above the fireplace is a gallery area which was full of diners on my visit, but I don't think it is exclusively for eating.
The pub name apparently came about due to the regular custom of the coal heavers from the nearby riverside. previously it was the Strand Wine Lodge, the letters YSL are picked out in yellow glass in the leaded windows.
I received friendly and chatty service, beers on are TT Landlord and Golden Best, Pride, GK IPA, and the guest was Daleside Autumn Leaves, at �2.85 good value for this part of town.
There is also a wine bar area downstairs in the basement but I have never ventured down there.
I agree with others, better than its current rating of 5.4, worthy of a 6 in my estimation.
27 Sep 2009 08:35
Old pub not far from the river dating from 1755, it is alleged Jerome K Jerome penned part of Three Men in a Boat here. As befits age, low black and white beamed ceilings, wooden floors, seating is settles with cushions plus open backed wooden chairs at a mixture of cast iron three legged tables and the occasional longer wooden table. The front area, clearly once seperate, now seems to be the dining space although no one using it at 5pm on the day of my visit.
A couple of fireplaces, some old pictures of the area and river and an impressive line of pewter tankards over the bar.
What looks like old stables in the rear yard are now partly converted into another area, I assume for hire or perhaps barbeques and the like.
Rebellion IPA and Mutiny, Pride and Brakspears Bitter.
26 Sep 2009 19:52
The word "quirky" appears in some reviews including that in the GBG, and it certainly is. A strange place with its front terrace right on the riverside, the main front area has the bar and a raised area for the bar billiards table. Walls and the ceilings are covered in flags. To the rear is "The Bounty Bar", an unusual room which had me feeling like I'd entered the pub's private area, especially as there was some ironing/washing left on a table. A shelf in here has books and videos (VHS!) for sale; the pub also sells greetings cards, and ice creams.
A sign over the entrance says "Welcome to the People's Republic of Cocksmarsh.....The Laws of Common Sense Apply" Another board also announces that muddy boots, dirty hounds and children are welcome.
Rebellion beers, Grumpy Cow...cheers abteilung for clearing that one up, it had me confused....Mutiny and Blonde. The Blonde was a little too cold resulting in a haze but it was drinkable. �3.20 here, probably the going rate for a riverside location.
The front terrace is a sunny and popular spot and I expect it gets rammed at weekends and holidays.
Overall, I'm not sure, its certainly different but I prefer a more pubby pub if you know what I mean.
Closed in winter during the week I understand. I'd suggest phoning first especially as there is no direct vehicle access.
26 Sep 2009 08:53
I note this business is unrated here. It looks like it needs to remain so, its a restaurant not a pub.
25 Sep 2009 21:07
A simply lovely historic place, old gnarled timber beams and posts support the very low ceiling in the bar area, two inglenook fireplaces including an old wood burning stove, stone flagged floor, old leaded windows, hops wound around the bar, just gorgeous. Seating comprises upholstered wooden benches and settles, plus stools, cribbage board and shove h'penny board available, a few books on a shelf although one is entilted "Memories of Slough".....John Betjamen not a former patron then?
A rear room was set for dining, bench style seating to the front also.
Point to note.......if you need the gents its called "Cobs".
As for the name, it seems "Swan Upping" relates to the annual census of the Mute Swan population on various upper reaches of The Thames, a ritual since the 1200's.
The beer.... 5 on handpump, Pride, Bombardier, GK IPA, Doom Bar, and Brakspears Bitter. Hmm, could be better and a lovely pub like this could have gained a top range rating with a better range plus a local guest. I would however comment that my pint was brim full with no need to request or argue a top up. �2.85 for Doombar is ok to me for here.
25 Sep 2009 20:59
Now has Brentwood Brewery Co Roy Rogers rebadged as the pub beer. Still a good selection and I even popped across to have a snoop at the pool table this visit. Good to see pubs like this busy in the current climate.
20 Sep 2009 09:34
Undiscovered on previous Grays visits, this is a fairly large comfortable pub serving two changing real ales. Yesterday afternoon had Bays Best and Roosters Yankee, with something from Exe Valley and Maldon waiting in the wings.
Now knocked through into one area, the room winds around the central bar. Darts, bar billiards and pool are played, and three TVs show sport. The walls are literally festooned with old pictures, tin signs and adverts, a collection of old West Ham programmes and hundreds of beer mats from previous offerings. A couple of sofas, banquettes, traditional tables and bar stools. No indication of food being served but seemingly acceptable to bring stuff in from the adjacent shops.
Opening hours worthy of note, 3-11 Mon-Thurs, 1-11 Fri, and all day Sat/Sun. A good spot, worthy of a visit if in the area.
20 Sep 2009 09:30
Honest down to earth boozer, still retains the original two room format of lounge bar and saloon/vault. Some blue tiling remains to the exterior, with the colour scheme continuing inside in the saloon side with blue carpets and varying shades of blue on the walls. Racing on the box with a number of punters taking a keen interest.
Old Speckled Hen and Brakspears Bitter on handpump.
Very convenient for Grays FC being just over the road.
Not a destination pub but fine for a last quick one before the match.
20 Sep 2009 09:06
A pleasant country pub situated on a crossroads adjacent to the village green. I was rather pleased to see the set up with two bars, one set aside as a dining room with the other more pubby and traditional. So many pubs in locations such as this regard food as their raison d'etre, making drinkers unwelcome; not so here.
The bar is carpeted, bar on the back wall with traditional bench and table seating to the side and front walls, the other wall sports a dartboard. Walls are wainscotted. A couple of fruit machines are thoughtfully located in the lobby so are less intrusive. The other room, set for dining has character also with black timber beams.
Outside seating to the frontage facing the green, another area to the side has a large gazebo.
A former King & Barnes house, now serving Hall & Woodhouse beers, usual range plus a seasonal Lemony Cricket, a citrus flavoured hoppy summer ale. B&B advertised.
A nice spot on a summer afternoon, I imagine equally attractive with the fire roaring on a winter's day.
13 Sep 2009 18:43
A pleasant enough town pub with a friendly welcome. An L shaped area with the bar situated in the crook of the L. A few traditional tables, bar stools and a couple of high tables with stools in the window. The layout is such that the pub will be easily crowded.
The area to the side of the bar feels a little seperate, there are more comfortable seats here, and two matching fireplaces but its hard to see how this could have been two rooms unless it was partly private quarters at one time. There is a dartboard here too, but with a table set in front. A seperate dining room is accessed from this area, set behind the bar. A rear courtyard plus a handful of chairs and small tables at the front cater for the outside drinkers and smokers.
A blackboard behind the bar advertises a variety of themed evenings through the week, pool night ( I didn't see a table), darts, open mike, live music and so on, which suggests to me an active management with an interest in seeing the pub thrive.
Beers were Rebellion Mutiny (�3) and London Pride. Decent value standard pub food starting from �4.95 although I didn't sample.
13 Sep 2009 08:41
The Hand and Flowers, Maidenhead
A sign outsides claims this is a "modern traditional pub" whatever that is? Inside plenty of the old pub remains, stained glass windows, wooden floor, fireplace in the rear area. The furniture is new, high tables with stools in the large clear glass front window, and rectangular standard tables seating four opposite the bar.
I found this to be a routine town pub with nothing remarkable to note, except the price of the beer. I am used to �3+ in London but surely �3.25 is above the going rate out this way?
A Brakspears house, four handpumps, two serving Bitter, plus Oxford Gold and Honey Bee. The Honey Bee was a nice refreshing drop and in good nick.
13 Sep 2009 08:26
In tonight and sadly I have to record now a Greene King house. The only guest, Everards Tiger went straight away. An absolute travesty, a decent riverside pub now a shadow of its former self. Additionally on complaining about short measures and large foamy heads on the beer, it was due to the GAS! Would someone like to explain why gas is required for handpulled natural beer?
Rating substantially reduced. Real shame.
26 Aug 2009 22:26
I have been advised that the so called ale from the cask is actually not. I admit to being somewhat surprised at the time, and feel rather daft to have been fooled by what is probably edging towards misrepresentation, if the accusation is correct.
I suspect it is, rating reduced accordingly.
26 Aug 2009 22:20
The Lord John Russell, Russell Square
Seemingly named after a twice serving Victorian Prime Minister, the pub is just far enough away from the mainline stations on the Euston Rd to avoid that just passing through feel. A single room with a slightly curvaceous (can you describe an inanimate object such?) bar on the end wall. A number of blue cast iron columns support the hefty floor beams over. Wooden floors with a small yet attractive black and red tiled fringe/splash area in front of the bar. Standard wooden tables, with little vases of flowers, chairs and settles, all without cushions. Decor includes an old print of the pub plus a montage of a few of its architectural highlights. A fair old range of beer mats above the bar suggests the two guests change regularly.
Regulars seem to be Deuchers IPA, 6X, Bombardier, John Smith's Stonemason's Reward (what's this?) with two guests, Caledonian Fringe Benefit and Davenports Heatwave.
The food menu, not tried, looked to be honest pub fare at reasonable prices.
I thought it to be ok, the feel of a proper pub, and seemingly with a smattering of regulars early evening.
25 Aug 2009 20:15
Well preserved attractive tiled exterior, the interior is split into two main areas. The bar is straight ahead on the back wall on entering, this carpeted area opens up to a slightly raised area on the left with traditional seating and a few bits of railway memorabilia to catch one's interest.
Duck through a very low doorway to the right into an area with a wooden floor, dartboard, plasmas showing Sky Sports and a dartboard. It doesn't have the feel of a saloon/vault though probably as there are a couple of sofas around the fireplace as well as the standard wooden tables and chairs. The closed off door to this area has "Jug and Bottle" marked in the etched glass. Beyond here to the rear a few tables are set up outside adjoining the car park.
Fullers beers, Pride, Discovery and HSB, but no Chiswick or ESB although there are seven pumps available.
Behind the pub is a large building and I wonder whether this was once part of the premises, perhaps stables or even a brewhouse? Research required.
16 Aug 2009 10:14
Kind of L-shaped with the bar in the internal corner of the "L". Black and white beamed high ceiling, panelled walls, large full height windows with stained glass top lights. Carpeted, small traditional tables generally, chairs stools and benches, a few bar stools. All tables set for food with mats, cruet sets and so on Sat lunch, a bit disconcerting but no issue for drinkers, this is a beer pub not one of those gastro places that freeze drinkers out. A nice spot just off the canal, plenty of outside seating too but no waterside views, its about 50m off the towpath down a lane. A covered outdoor area has a bar football table, I guess this large shed is well utilised for the beer festivals The Fox holds from time to time.
Saturday's selection were Pride, Doom Bar, TT Landlord, Cottage Silly Mid Whippet and Morrisey Fox Blonde Ale. Be aware there are two banks of handpumps, the one nearest the entrance had the staples on with the two guests located on the second set around the corner.
A very pleasing spot for a couple this one, I enjoyed it here. You can buy postcards of the pub for 20p from the bar too!
16 Aug 2009 09:54
The George, Great Portland Street
A large L-shaped space, the bar on the back wall of the main area has an attractive tiled floor splash area, mostly wooden floors elsewhere but carpeted in the rather elegant area to the side which has dark wood panelling, etched mirrors and a few framed prints. The bar back has more etched glass. Comfortable seating with upholstered banquettes, a couple of leather covered benches plus a mix of traditional chairs and stools.
TVs at each end, both muted, showing a choice of Sky News or Sky Sports News. Some sort of latino sounds playing.
Its a GK pub company place so has IPA and Abbot, OSH was off but also on were Everards Tiger and Brewsters Decadence (4.4%) a pleasant light hoppy beer.
I'm not a fan of GK but it is rather pleasing to see an increase in the availability of choice in their pubs recently, and I quite liked it in here.
16 Aug 2009 09:39
Tudor style building on a corner plot, one room on the ground floor however it is easy to see how the pub was once divided into two or possibly three areas including a small snug at a guess, as a former door on one side is still present but blocked by a drinking ledge across it. It is quite dark inside, there is a lot of dark stained wood, and the superb old leaded windows with their obscure glass and old Wm Youngers stained inserts don't let in that much light. The windows pick out the WmY name but also "Scotch Ale" and "Mild and Pale Ales". The bar is on an end wall, seating is traditional plus stools at the bar and drinking shelves.
Upstairs are the toilets and also a dining room, I didn't visit though so no comments there.
Beers on were Pride, OSH and Theakston BB. I had the BB and it was in good nick.
There is a basic food menu over the bar on a board, I have to mention that this includes Spam Fritters! That takes me back to primary school, back in the Jurassic age.
In all, a reasonable find and worthy of a look in. I really didn't take to the country style music background though.
15 Aug 2009 21:19
Any chance of a guest ale ptg, or is that not permitted by Young's terms? Some pubs did Deuchers and others Doom Bar last year but the policy seems random. The PoW was my local many years ago, and I still have good feelings for the place.
12 Aug 2009 21:52
Largish single space around a central bar, with the aforementioned raised area at the front. From sitting here there is a raised wall/bulkhead containing a large number of assorted prints and paintings of a variety of things. Friendly staff, as said tasters offered. Pump clips of previous guests over the bar.
Pubby feel with a local crowd; the immediate area has a small range of local shops as well as the pub so probably serves a small village London community, very close to town. A pleasant spot on this early evening visit.
Beers as described by Rex below.
12 Aug 2009 18:55
The Fountains Abbey, Paddington
Totally unremarkable place, one huge gutted room, raised area close to the entrance, ok for sport on TV and I imagine a reasonable choice for a quick pint before a train but that's about it. A few original features have somehow escaped the attention of the pub designers.
10 Aug 2009 14:01
The Royal Exchange, Paddington
Functional one bar pub with the bar on one wall and seating opposite, opens up to a slightly raised area to the rear with copper topped circular tables where a TV is located at the time showing England's capitulation to the Aussies. I am unsure the mainly Irish locals were too concerned.
Lots of horse racing pictures, empty champagne bottles on shelves.
GK IPA and Brakspears Bitter on handpump. Braks ok and drinkable.
9 Aug 2009 23:33
One of those quirky pubs with all sorts of seemingly random paraphenalia to look at; there are however some themes, notably a Royal one with pictures of various royal family members through the years, some pub tables are marked with the various families, eg Stuarts, Tudors. The Royal crest stands above a mirror. Over the bar are numerous photos mainly of 1970's TV actors and names, there is also a hint of a military theme with a number of pictures and an aircraft propeller mounted on the ceiling adjacent to a youthful Prince Charles in uniform. The front windows are full of shelves of cups, toby jugs, plates etc, while a Union Jack and Stars and Stripes flag flank either side of the entrance.
The central dark wood island bar has brass plates fixed to the counter presumably in memory of former regulars. Upholstered banquette seating, carpeted. Details of the Cato Street conspiracy are displayed (Cato St is opposite).
Beers choice was unremarkable in Youngs Bitter, Adnams Bitter, Wadworths 6X and Bombardier. Comments about the quality on previous posts are acknowledged, but the Adnams was ok yesterday. Thai food is served and seems popular.
8 Aug 2009 12:58
Looked reasonably traditional from the outside, but not really so on entering. Rather cafe style, with mauve/lilac walls and the lower panelled area painted white. Small single room with a corner bar, wood floor, tea light candles on the tables. Quiet 12ish but quickly filled up and the food appeared popular. Pride and Pedigree on handpump, the Pride was of mediocre quality.
8 Aug 2009 11:34
Not in my experience Pagey, are you sure you have even been there?
3 Aug 2009 19:01
Where do I start, a seriously quirky place with numerous rooms, nooks and crannies, chock full of the oddest collection of paraphenalia I have ever seen in a pub. There is no way I can list them all but there are stuffed animals, (a donkey, leopard, a baboon in a kilt and a gull in a cage), plastic and papier mache hams hanging from a beam, an aga, suspended model aeroplanes, an old set of handpumps, clocks, tin and cast iron signs, blow lamps, hundreds of key rings hanging from a ceiling, an upside down Christmas tree, a collection of fire buckets, dried chilli peppers adorn a window surround, numerous book cases all around and so much more. One set of seats are numbered and tip up, looks like they are reclaimed from a football stadium somewhere, I'd rather like to know which one. There is also a bar football table.
Part wooden and part stone flagged floors, old timber beamed ceilings. Outside seating to the front and also the side with an area under the cover of a pergola.
Beers were, Flowerpot "Flowerpots", Hop Back Summer Lightning, Ringwood Best Bitter, Andwell King John plus one badged Black Boy Bitter; I'm not sure what this is, the barmaid thought it was from Ringwood but as they already had BB it wouldn't add up.
An interesting place with good beer. Not one to miss on a Winchester crawl. Prices on a par with other pubs visited, not a cheap town for beer with prices similar to London, generally �3+.
3 Aug 2009 12:29
Old town pub with timber beamed ceilings and posts, old fireplaces, some exposed brickwork. The Tudor style black and white frontage is apparently much more recent.
Two small rooms, the bar is in the corner of the front, upholstered banquettes and settles here, old theatre flyers in frames and an enormous stuffed pike in a glass case (caught 1898 it says). The TV in the corner was showing motor sport but no one seemed to be watching. The rear room felt bleak and spartan to me and I'm not surprised nobody was sitting here, cut off from the bar and no windows. There is plenty of external seating to the frontage.
Beers were on handpump, Ringwood Best Bitter & Old Thumper, Pride and Flowers Original.
3 Aug 2009 12:12
Pleasing to see the attractive green tiled exterior has been preserved in this community pub in a residential part of town. The interior has been updated, the bar is central and the (now) one room wraps around either side. Light coloured pine type chairs and tables plus a few sofas, light coloured wooden floors with rugs. Pot plants, candles and flowers on the tables, functional modern bar with a tiled frieze. There are framed adverts of probably long gone local businesses, old maps and the odd tin sign. There is also a bar billiards table in the "Smoking Room" to the left of the bar. A selection of board games is available.
A good range on, Everards Tiger, Triple fff Brewery Moondance, Itchen Valley Godfathers, and GK IPA. Well kept and brimfull measures too.
I personally prefer a more careworn feel to a pub, but this was still a pleasant relaxing spot.
3 Aug 2009 11:36
Up a few steps into an open plan space, but still two distinct areas. Ahead is the bar and a wedge shaped room with sanded floors and tables, bottles on a high shelf, beer mats above the bar. To the right, up a few more steps is a carpetted area with more traditional seating in fours, more suited to dining. There are fireplaces in both sections.
5 handpumps, Wadworths JCB, Henrys Original IPA, Butcombe Bitter, with two reversed, 6X and Bishop's Tipple.
An extensive food menu offers 13 varieties of burger amongst other options. The pub is a music venue with a number of forthcoming bands advertised and has a bit of a younger vibe but was relaxed and laid back on my afternoon visit. The radio was tuned in to Test Match Special, I didn't see a TV.
3 Aug 2009 11:21
Convenient for a last quick one before the train, small single L shaped area, light coloured walls and bar with a wooden floor give an updated modern feel lacking a little in character. Four handpumps, two on dispensing Pride and TT Landlord, one reversed ( Summer Lightning), one unclipped, while virtually hidden behind a pillar (and missed by me until after I'd ordered) were two on stillage, Irving and Co Spinnaker and Frigate. The clientele were generally rather young, lively and boisterous and the music was a touch loud for a middle aged grump like me.
3 Aug 2009 10:52
Down a couple of steps from street level into a genuine old tavern with uneven floors, wonky walls and a low beamed ceiling ("Duck or Grouse"). The log burning fire would be grand in winter, there is a mixture of seating, from settles, stools and old benches, to an old threadbare armchair which appears to be the pub dog's favourite. Hops are entwined along the bar and picture rail, some of the photos and paintings on display are for sale.
There is another room to the rear (available for hire so it says), and down a flight of steps to a rear garden area.
Beers priced according to gravity, currently from �2.80-3.20, my visit had Hogs Back TEA, Ringwood Best Bitter and Ballard's Midhurst Mild on handpump, while Bowman's Quiver and Flowerpots Bitter were on stillage behind the bar. A real cider was also available, name unrecorded, sorry.
Snacks available, no main meals, but you are allowed to bring your own takeaway with a nominal �1 charge for crockery and cutlery. Two pint take outs are offered, and curiously hammocks are sold here.
A lovely spot with real old rustic charm, from another age. Highly recommended.
3 Aug 2009 10:39
Trafalgar Freehouse, South Wimbledon
Chatting to some locals and the staff today in The Hyde Tavern, Winchester. On being asked if I was local, and replying no, from near Wimbledon, a drinker at the bar immediately said, "Do you drink in The Trafalgar?" Reputations clearly travel.
2 Aug 2009 20:07
The Crown and Sceptre, Kensington
localboozer if that is true it is indeed a shame. I have to say on my recent visit things just did not feel right.
2 Aug 2009 20:01
A characterful old place, central bar with seperate areas winding around either side. The bar itself follows around providing serving areas to all parts, the bar back is nicely carved too. Traditional seating plus bar stools, parquet wooden floor, wood panelled walls, lots of signed photos of film stars, old clocks, mirrors etc. Two sets of what look like antelope antlers displayed in the left side area above the fireplace.
Six handpumps, four on today, Mordue Workie Ticket, York Brewery Constantine, Daleside Pride of England and Ind Coope(?) Burton Ale. Although it appears that a Northern beer festival has just been on it transpires that the selection are sourced from the "Finest Cask" range. A brewery map and tasting notes are pinned up adjoining the bar. A pleasant spot.
1 Aug 2009 18:15
A veritable maze of small rooms, nooks and crannies. The LHS room on entering is marked "Coffee Room" on the etched windows. The interior is dimly lit, wooden floors and panelling, some painted exposed brickwork, old photos of the locality etc. The old Benskins signs and adverts survive and add character and historical interest, but I also like the Thomas Crapper ad next to the toilets which is rather quirky yet apt. One nice touch I noticed is the sign advising of the last tube train times from the nearby station, what a good idea.
Food looks good and sandwiches are made with home baked bread.
Four handpumps, one unclipped today. Adnams Bitter, Hook Norton Hooky Gold and Harveys Sussex Bitter making a rare appearance this far north.
1 Aug 2009 17:51
An odd little place with split levels, enter to the main room, wooden floors, two fireplaces containing unusually small coal burning ranges, a very low bar such that normal size stools are sufficient to sit at it. Decor is generally military, shields, pics of guardsmen, model planes fly above the bar, but also cartoons, caricatures, photos of celeb drinkers, horsebrasses etc. Additionally old gaming machines feature, such as the still picture box (3d) and a penny machine to win Spangles.......bloody hell I remember them! The upper lobby next to the toilets has a further two old fruit machines.
Down a flight to another rear area, more nik naks including a set of ice skates with wooden blades.
Beer wise pretty average, Adnams Broadside and Bitter, the bitter was tired and past its best.
In summary, well worth a look for its curiosity value, maybe my beer today was an unlucky one.
31 Jul 2009 22:37
Superb hidden away mews pub, outside are well tended floral displays, and a Grenadier Guardsman's hut. The inside is museum like, the front room has the bar straight ahead, wooden original floor, leather cushioned well worn settles, cast iron wooden topped tables. panelled walls, from a ceiling beam hang old oil lamps, pistols, pewter tankards, hunting horns and so on. There is a guardsman's bearskin proudly displayed on a shelf over the fireplace.
Through an arch to two rear rooms, parlour style....I'm guessing original landlords quarters.....now set generally for dining, tiled fireplace, military pictures/photos.
Four Angram pumps serve a range today being, TT Landlord, Pride, Batemans XXXB, and new to me, Vince Minty's Stronginthearm Ale (4%).
Don't be fooled by the old style handpumps in a bank in front of the fizzy stuff.
This pub has rules, lots of them, plastic glasses for outside, mobiles on silent, and oddly no photography for security reasons.......yeh right. No problem anyway with me sitting there and writing my copious notes!
A nice touch is the sale of Cumberland sausages on sticks (�1) as a snack to enjoy with your pint.
31 Jul 2009 22:05
The Horse and Groom, Belgravia
A very small single room, albeit with additional room upstairs(not visited). Situated on the corner of a street and a mews, a few traditional tables with stools and upholstered banquettes, plus the odd earlier stated high tables and stools, not to my taste either Rex. Dark wood panelling, laminated cheap wood effect floor, beamed ceiling; the pub name is picked out on the etched windows. Plasma screen in the front corner. I reckon 20 people in here and it would be full.
Shepherd Neame, Kent Best, Spitfire and Whitstable on, the Whitstable was clear but tired and lifeless.
An unusual touch is the umberella stand by the door, seems like a touch from another age.
31 Jul 2009 21:41
The Elephant and Castle, Kensington
Lots of dark wood in the typical Nicholsons style, settles, stools and banquette seating. Wooden floor, old photos, several of the Indian Raj era, but more interestingly the small area to the rear of the bar has a number of framed copies of newspaper headlines from momentous days of times gone by, such as the 66 world cup win. moon landings, D-day and more.
Hops entwined above the bar, friendly but perhaps I was slightly unlucky today beer wise, four pumps, two serving Pride, plus Pedigree and Caledonian Top Banana.
I am reliably informed that the late great Dave Allen used to drink here.
19 Jul 2009 21:17
The Cumberland Arms, West Kensington
Good old traditional feel corner pub, impressive floral displays outside compliment the blue woodwork well. Front corner entrance, with the bar L shaped directly ahead. The area opens out behind the bar with a slightly raised area beyond. The interior has wooden floors, traditional seating at scrubbed wooden tables, wood panelled walls with a muted colour scheme above. The pub is rather foody but to its credit not to the detriment of drinkers, a reasonable selection of Pride, Hop Back Summer Lightning and Harveys Sussex (3.20) on today. The chalkboard does advertise a huge wine range.
A nice place but my pint was pulled unbelievably short, so much so that I assumed the barman would return to top it, however I had to call him back to do so.
19 Jul 2009 21:07
The Crown and Sceptre, Kensington
Having read the reviews on here I really expected something rather different to what I found. Three pumps, two on, serving Hogs Back Summer Ale and TEA, but the Summer Ale was not in any condition to drink. In fairness the barman pulled the TEA through as he hadn't served any for a while and it was passable. The pub itself though is rather odd, a traditional corner site but now knocked through into one area, full height non-original doors/windows, a crazy yellow/orange/terracotta colour scheme, yet a seemingly original bar back and incongrously a high shelf containing a collection of blow torches. There is a dartboard (next to the entrance), seating varies enormously in style, from shabby old banquettes to trad and low sofas all jumbled together. Distressed wooden floor. There is a raised area to the rear. Very quiet on a Sunday afternoon, two customers inc me, the radio blaring out did little to enhance the experience.
19 Jul 2009 18:24
A convenient stop for a quick pint if you have 20 mins or so to kill before a train as I did, but that's about it. Large and impersonal with several connected areas. Stone flagged floors, fake beamed ceiling and lots of dark wood do not detract from the general feel of total mediocrity. TV screens were showing the cricket, which amused me slightly as I guess this place exists on reeling in the tourists as they emerge from Riverside Station opposite; I'm sure however the Americans love cricket.
Beers on were 6X, Ringwood Fortyniner, and Marstons Pedigree. �3.30 this far out of town suggests clearly where their market lies. My pint was pulled very short too, had to ask for a top up that blatantly was obviously required.
12 Jul 2009 18:27
The original part of the building has character with low beamed ceilings, wooden floors a fireplace and lots of paintings, photos and maps of the locality, including a framed letter from Queen Victoria who judging by the writing may well have trained as a doctor. I sort of see why the more modern areas have been designed to match the original but fake ceiling beams in straight sawn timber stained up do not look vaguely convincing.
A more modern feeling area to the rear has a dartboard, and there is outside seating to the rear side area.
As a freehouse however I'd hope for a more adventurous selection than Pride, OSH, Adnams Broadside, although there was a proper Addlestone's cider on too. Oh, and yes, I did need to ask for a top up.
12 Jul 2009 18:15
Roadside pub with a central bar, the room wraps around either side. a modernist style pretty minimalist interior with low sofas, an unusual pastel colour scheme in green, lilac and orange. The bar area has a wooden floor but the adjacent seating section has a rather loud tartanish carpet. There is some outside seating to the front.
Rather sports oriented, with a number of screens showing this afternoon a competing mix of the Lions rugby and Wimbledon tennis.
Hogs Back Summer Ale on, the other pump was reverse clipped (Tribute).
Fancy sounding food menu but not ambitiously priced.
4 Jul 2009 19:15
The Happy Man, Englefield Green
Lovely old style village pub, and as lazybeer says, a gem. Very traditional with three seperate small drinking areas, parlour style, with wooden floors, wooden settle/benches with cushioned seats. There is a garden to the rear, where beer festivals are occasionally held. The bar mantle and several walls are covered with beer mats from previously served ales, there are pictures of classic comedians, but card players may enjoy the picture "The Winning Hand" in the main room.
I thoroughly enjoyed my short stay here, the landlord was very friendly, knowledgeable and interested in his beers and pleased to see my interest too, with tasters being offered both on arrival and when a new one was added. Normally four on but the guv stated today he is running at three due to the current hot weather as he needs the turnover to be quick enough to keep the beer in condition. No complaints with that honest assessment.
This afternoon had, Hopback Summer Lightening (the regular), Wayland GBA, and Andwell King John. A Caledonian banana beer was being pulled through for later as the KJ was going.
A fine example of an increasingly hard to find proper old pub, superb.
4 Jul 2009 19:06
Enormous town pub with hotel rooms available. Several drinking areas with a mix of high tables and stools, low tables with sofas, what happened to the old fashioned trad pub table with your pint at easy reach. Rather upmarket and I'd say aspirations of grandeur looking around the various rooms. The conservatory leads out to a rear garden terrace with a barbecue.
Youngs beers however just Ordinary Bitter, Bombardier and I suppose "guest" Courage Directors, how devilishly exciting.
An unremarkable pub in a town full of unremarkable pubs.
21 Jun 2009 21:07
White weatherboarded old riverside pub overlooking the confluence of the Wey and Thames. Several different areas inside, the saloon bar is traditional in style, standard tables, carpetted, rugby prints and a set of oars on the walls. A small snug is adjacent. Beyond the saloon is a more formal dining room with a bright airy conservatory off this. A terrace and gardens step down to the riverside.
The pub sells itself as a free house and has the CAMRA badge outside, so how disappointing to find just Courage Best, Directors, Youngs Bitter and Marstons Pedigree. I mean come on and shape up, but when you consider the Pedigree was �3.60 it suggests money not choice rules here. I know this is Weybridge but still.........could be an excellent venue but lazy.
21 Jun 2009 20:53
More of a wine bar than a pub feel, but not uncomfortably so. A large range of Belgian beers served plus a few continental lagers but also Dark Star Hophead served in marked lined glasses. Served slightly cold though in my opinion.
Narrow layout due to the side bar, opens out slightly either end, but not a big place. Seating comprises a couple of sofas, some stools at drinking shelves made of reclaimed timbers and some small "pouffes" ( small soft stools without backs....I'm sure that's what they are called). Some exposed rather ordinary brickwork, slate effect floors and some stained timber cladding. The bar has a multi coloured effect wooden veneer.
A jazzy/bluesy soundtrack, laid back kind of feel. Certainly not traditional or pubby but its ok in its way.
Belgian beer tasting sessions are advertised.
20 Jun 2009 18:33
Very large open plan space, high ceilings and large windows to each street frontage. Stairs lead to an upper level (not visited). Big on sports it seems, very busy and boisterous this afternoon with rugby fans watching SA v The Lions. There are a couple of pool tables in the far corner.
The size, layout and ambience were not really to my taste, but the beer range is it must be said, first rate. On stillage behind the bar are Hogs Back TEA and Hop, then on handpump were Atlas Wayfarer (a golden very bitter ale), Westerham Freedom Ale, Sharps Honey Spice, White Horse Giant, and Boxing Dog Cider. One pump was unused. No mainstreams and the clips on the end wall indicate an excellent rotation policy.
20 Jun 2009 18:22
The Boaters Inn, Kingston Upon Thames
Pleasant location right on the river bank and in a parkland setting. The interior has a modern feel, an L shaped room, wooden floors with occasional rugs, a mixture of seating types including high tables and stools and a few sofas as well as the more traditional. A narrow terrace directly overlooks the river and there are a few typical benches set outside.
An impressive line up utilising all five handpumps and not including any of the usual suspects; a good local feel too to the selection. Sambrooks Brewery Wandle, Surrey Hills Ranmore Ale, Pilgrim Silver Sovereign, Hogs Back TEA, and Brakspears Bitter. I have to say the Ranmore was superb and just the job on a hot afternoon following a river walk from Richmond. Whitelands Farm Hampshire "Cirrus Major" cider and "Midnight Perry" also on from plastic barrels behind the bar. A blackboard says Twickenham Summer Gold and Hogs Back Summer Ale coming soon.
Live Jazz advertised for Sunday evening (21st June) but not sure if a regular venture.
Reading other reviews perhaps I struck lucky today with the beer range but I'm not compaining, first class selection in a great riverside setting.
15 Jun 2009 19:01
Sad news if The Benwell really has gone, my local back in the early 80's while a Newcastle Poly student. A real old fashioned boozer then ( with the odd lock in too.) Weekend nights were wonderful with a right old sing a long going on at last orders. As for the "face punching fun" that was surely The Adelaide next door, part of the shopping centre.......its been a long time though.
12 Jun 2009 23:23
Re Brewery Tap I said Courage but perhaps I meant Watneys? Or did both use this site at one time?
7 Jun 2009 21:55
A large L shaped open plan space, obviously once different areas. The bar wraps around the inner corner of the "L". A mix of seating of all kinds including sofas around the fireplace, the window tables have great river views. The floor starts with wooden boards, becomes stone flagged and finishes carpetted to the rear. Very friendly and personable staff, a genuine welcome and impressed that the barman took the trouble to find out for me who brewed one of the ales as it wasn't clear on the pump clip.
Right next door to the Stag Brewery, so I imagine this was once the brewery tap (Courage), they now brew Budweiser (no comment needed). The pub was apparently also once the finishing point for the boat race.
Nice to see proper access for disabled people, both to the pub and the riverside terrace.
Two sets of three handpumps served today, Pride, Brains Old Brewery Bitter and Wickwar Bankers Draft.
The food looked good, Sunday roasts at 8-85, choice of beef, lamb or turkey, with small portions available at 5-65. Really good to see a riverside pub with great service that doesn't simply rely on its setting to get trade, well done.
7 Jun 2009 21:48
This place has to be witnessed to be believed. Marketed to families with a licence to allow kids in, the tables are covered in spilt orange juice/coke, full of so called families getting trashed on crap keg beer/lager, while their off spring run riot. Crushed crisps into the carpet complete the picture, so bad it is beyond comprehension. I've not recorded the beer, doubt there is any cask anyway, it was just a vision of hell . My very first zero.
1 Jun 2009 21:34
The Wibbas Down Inn, Wimbledon
One of the worst examples of a Wetherspoons, poor disinterested staff, beers regularly off, the management would do well to look in the nearby Spoons like The Edward Rayne or The Coronation Halls.
30 May 2009 14:08
The Spring Grove, Kingston Upon Thames
Nice back street community pub, as Rex states below deceptively large inside. The drinking area is now all one space but clearly once was three perhaps four rooms; having said that the columns and piers still give a feel of separate areas. Recently revamped but in a fairly traditional style and not "gastro'd" like some Youngs places. Pool table and a dartboard still, I like it but it would be better if the beer wasn't Youngs/Wells. No guest/Deuchars spotted.
28 May 2009 19:31
Small one room pub with a central bar, a few careworn tables and chairs but also pew type seating, wooden floors and a random mix of nic-naks including an old (50's?) fruit machine(1d), pics of Elvis, a red indian chief, more strangely a display case of Barbie or Cindy dolls; the petrol pump remains outside. There is a fireplace to the right of the bar.
I found a friendly welcome from the barmaid and the small gaggle of regulars seated around the bar. Previous comments about beer quality are noted but all was fine with my beer yesterday and filled to the top of the glass too.
Downton's Quadhop,Adnams Bitter and Sambrook's Wandle on yesterday-nice to see some locAle-even if some wag suggested my pint was pumped straight from the nearby river. Biddenden Bushell Cider also on handpump. I liked this rather boho place a lot.
Not sure about the rear decked outdoor area though with its uninspiring view of the car park of a dull 90's apartment block.
24 May 2009 08:36
This is a large riverside two bar pub, with a dining room off the rear area. The front bar is fairly traditional, and the rear area is a conservatory type space, with sanded wooden floors (albeit with a seriously tatty old central carpet), there are a variety of chair and table types and arrangements. Outside on the river there is an extensive terrace with a barbeque going and a skiffle type band playing this afternoon.
I'm sure the pub plays to its strengths and attracts the custom of the new locals in their riverside apartments, and in that I have to say it seems to do it well. The terrace was packed, the barbie doing a roaring trade.
It certainly isn't my kind of pub though, and I find its current high rating and regular top 20 position bizarre. To me it would be worthy of a 6 at best but the clientele lose it a further mark, being yuppie sorts, buggie pushing Henrietta's and the type who approach the bar and say "Can I get....."
Youngs standard range of Ordinary, Special and Waggledance, plus Bombardier and Deuchars IPA. The Deuchers went as the barman pulled it through and in fairness he offered an alternative immediately. I did notice however the clip wasn't turned around.
Very overrated.
23 May 2009 18:39
Doesn't look like many BITErs visit here does it? Popped in for a couple today, still above average for a 'spoons and not looking tired or careworn. Decent staff too, my first choice of Dorset Durdle Door went just as the glass was filled, the barman noticed immediately and offered a replacement. The Thwaites Wainwright did the job, nice golden ale served with sparkler as I imagine is intended in its homeland. Other guests today were Titanic Velvet Curtain, and Moorhouse Black Cat.
17 May 2009 17:57
A pleasant back street oasis situated on an "inland" section of The Thames Path National Trail. The main bar area has original wooden floors and tables with old church pew seating. The L shaped area beyond wraps around and contains a bar billiard table plus some further more traditional chairs and tables. This area is carpetted and also contains a few reference books and board games. The decor is bright with green panelling and plenty of modern art pictures as well as of the old locality.
A pleasant atmosphere with a group of regulars happily chatting at the bar this afternoon. The high top of the bar is covered in old beer mats.
Pride, ESB, Nethergate Priory Mild, Batemans XXXB, Cotleigh Tawny Owl were the selection, well kept and a first rate spot, well recommended.
15 May 2009 23:28
Not too sure I like the windowless feel, and low vaulted ceilings, as it feels a bit claustrophobic when busy. The exposed brick walls are covered in black and white portrait photos, someone suggests these are former regulars of the old Wheatsheaf? If so there are one hell of a lot of them!
A mix of seating from sofas to ordinary chairs and tables plus bar stools. A very strange room at the back with a dining table and a selection of chairs reminded me of some kind of boardroom. A front alcove houses a dartboard.
Now for the beer, a decent range, Youngs Ord and Special, Red Car IPA badged as Return of the Sheaf, Red Car Best Bitter, St George's Charger, Thwaites Original, Elgoods Double Swan, Black Hole Super Nova, Nethergate Umbel Ale, however they are, as said by others, served at a temperature befitting a lager. There really is no point having decent ale on if it is too chilled to taste properly. Perhaps the cellar is cold, who knows but this really does need sorting out. Oh, and lose the tea light candles on the tables too please.
15 May 2009 22:45
The Marlborough, Kingston Upon Thames
Yes I believe mictechnic is correct, there has been a lot of activity around the pub lately, the shutters are off and a sign proclaims "Opening soon as the Fairfield Arms" Good news.
13 May 2009 23:43
Surprisingly off radar on previous Cambridge trips, but we were pointed in its direction by a friendly local post match, and a worthy inclusion it was. Enter through a door marked "Jug and Bottle" to a small traditional bar, beyond which the pub extends to a rear games area with two dartboards and two pool tables then back round again completing the circuit with a comfortable lounge area. Still a traditional back street local, very friendly, we were straight into conversation with a group of locals. A large selection of board games seemed to be popular. I didn't record all the beers, I believe there were 7 pumps including a cider, but I recall Milton Dionysus, Thwaites Original, Marston's Pedigree and TT Landlord. There may have been an Adnams offering plus another more unusual one which had just gone off. The Empress' location makes it a good addition to a local crawl involving The C Blue, Kingston and Live and Let Live.
27 Apr 2009 09:30
Very enjoyable visit yesterday, good range of ale on the ten handpumps, friendly and well informed barman, fairly eclectic soundtrack at background volume. I recall this pub from a Cambridge jaunt a few years ago when it was a fairly run of the mill GK outlet and music venue. It now has a relaxed, slightly bohemian feel, decor is mainly old tin signs plus other artifacts including the Hobgoblin. A sign outside states that the pub is a football free zone, so no TV/Sky Sports in here. Shelves contain a few board games and old copies of the GBG and other beer books.A broad selection of Belgian beer too, with menus on the tables.
Yesterday's selection was, Banks and Taylor Dragonslayer, Shefford Bitter and Shefford Dark Mild, Sharps Atlantic IPA, Oldershaw First Class Bitter, Nottm Rock Bitter, Oakleaf " I can't Believe its not Bitter" ( a cask lager), plus staples Wells Bombardier, Youngs Bitter and Courage Directors. A cider was on behind the bar too, but I didn't record the name. Highly recommended.
27 Apr 2009 09:16
I'm a bit surprised to see all these negative comments on here, this pub used to be the nearest to my parent's shop on Brook Lane, so I know it well but not since the early 90's. It used to be a thriving local, pretty much working class but no bother, Boddingtons tied at the time. Shame to see it has gone a bit down. Hopefully someone will come in and restore the place to where it should be. It used to be a good real drinking house, certainly preferable to The Trooper. I won't leave a rating as I've not been in for ages but I'd hope the Gardeners can pick up and survive. No food? Ham, cheese, beef barmcakes will do a job around here.
23 Apr 2009 20:22
Cottage feel with low beamed ceilings, panelled walls, upholstered banquettes and patterned carpet. The extensive naval theme includes portholes set in the bar top. I've not really much to add to trainman's comprehensive review below as there is no need to duplicate comment/description. Having taken note of the reviews of this pub's previous incarnation however it does seem to be a tremendous achievement by the current landlady and her staff, well done indeed!
Yesterday we had Dark Star Hophead, Freeminer Slaughter Porter, Marston Moor Honey Rabbit and Daleside Old Leg Over, plus the Wilkins Farmhouse cider.
17 Apr 2009 08:16
Two rooms, lounge style bar to the left on entry, and a saloon/vault to the right with a busy dartboard. The lounge has stucco white walls and dark timbers, a bit 70's really, beamed ceiling, and lots of small tables arranged in lines restaurant style. Food seems important, although no one eating at 4pm, the fish menu looks good. The high shelf around the room contains literally hundreds of beer bottles. A slightly raised area has a stand up piano. The fireplace has a row of books along its mantle, and the pub advertises a book exchange scheme, a nice idea. Loads of horse/racing pics as per the name.
4 handpumps, Bowman Quiver, Courage Best and GK IPA, one unused but according to the guv will generally have another guest.
16 Apr 2009 20:52
Kingsmeadow, Kingston upon Thames
Not sure why this is on BITE being a football club bar, however having been in for the sake of completeness I'll rate it. As for its function it does very well, there is a real ale, changing, and as the location expects plastic pots. I've been in a lot worse of the ilk, and as its on here and serves a proper beer, I'll give the place a 5.
10 Apr 2009 22:11
The Tide End Cottage, Teddington
Dropped by during a walk along the Thames Path. A pleasant enough spot late afternoon with just a handful of customers. Fairly dark inside, a number of small alcoves off the main bar area, some have nautical items, pictures, maps and the like. I was a bit concerned having seen the GK sign, but in addition to IPA and Olde Trip, there were Ruddles County, Bath Ales Gem and Hydes Jekylls Gold. The Gem was in good condition. The pub sign at the front depicts a scene from Dunkirk in 1940. Outside seating to the front is non smoking, smokers are catered for in an area at the back.
8 Apr 2009 07:27
Homely village local with two rooms/areas either side of the bar. Both rooms are what I'd call parlour style with log fires, ticking clocks, old cast iron three legged tables with wooden tops. A small grandfather clock in one corner (think it may actually be a grandmother clock?). Decor includes local scenes and also Mediterranean prints. The landlord is of Spanish origin, he is actually called Julio Iglesias but I'm pretty certain he isn't the 1970's crooner! A picture in the gents is entitled "The Supreme Challenge", it depicts The Grand National horses including Red Rum jumping Bechers. B&B is available. Drinkers need to beware the old hours, ie close at 3pm in the afternoons. Three handpumps on the bar serving at the time(late January) Thwaites Original, Marstons Pedigree and John Smiths Cask.
7 Apr 2009 09:02
A large pub/hotel with an emphasis on food especially seafood dishes. Still ok for a pint though with Harvey's Sussex Best and Porter plus Westons Old Rosie cider available yesterday. Fairly upmarket though with that hotel feel. The bar is centrally located on entering, a number of areas to choose from inside. A large inglenook fireplace with chopped logs indicates a roaring fire may be an attraction, but not yesterday, it was very mild. Plenty of outside seating to the rear with the usual wooden bench tables.
A small snug bar by the entrance gives some character, but to be honest this place wasn't "pubby" enough for me but I'm sure it will appeal to its target clientele.
A very well kept pint though and served to the brim.
5 Apr 2009 17:18
Pub of the day on yesterday's Lewes jaunt. A compact pub with a central bar, fairly limited seating and easily full, as it certainly deserves to be! Mainly wooden floors, small carpetted area to the rear, various pictures, breweriana etc, including some fascinating old 60's beer mats from a time forgotten. One picture of "The Burning of Richard Woodman" is very macabre and relates to the 16th century executions of protestant martyrs, 10 of which occurred in Lewes.
On a much lighter note, the pub has an ongoing garlic growing competition, where cloves were planted on the shortest day, to be harvested on the longest.
The local Toad in the Hole game is also played here if space allows.
Very well run and friendly with it, yesterday we had Harveys Sussex, Kiss,and Porter, Welton's Schneider Gold, not a lager type as I expected but a full flavoured ale, Dark Star Espresso Stout, Hammerpot White Wing and Black Rat cider. Top marks to the landlady as my pint of Kiss looked a little tired, she immediately spotted it, poured herself a small taster and offered an alternative without any words being spoken. That's got you a 9 instead of an 8!
Not sure who supports Swindon Town and who Berwick Rangers but both teams are well represented around the pub.
If you only do one pub in Lewes (which would be silly) make sure its this one. They did us carry outs too!
5 Apr 2009 17:06
Being the brewery tap this pub seemed a good spot to start the day. Pretty busy even just before 12, with a mix of people drinking, chatting and ordering food. Stone flagged floor, beamed ceiling, a few brasses and nic-nacs, wood panelling and a fireplace to one end with a portrait over of whom I imagine is the original John Harvey. Two booths either side formed of barrel surrounds. The smaller "History Room" has a couple of sofas and a few tables.
Hadlow, Armada and Mild on handpump, plus Addlestone's cider. Sussex Best on stillage behind. The brewery and shop are located at the end of the street by the bridge.
Second visit early evening found the pub just as busy meaning we sat outside until the chill sent us on to The Gardeners.
5 Apr 2009 16:48
Very handy for the station for a first or last pint, but rather disappointed yesterday with the limited selection. Popped in early to find just Harveys Best and Flowers on with three pumps reverse clipped. The side snug seems to be the cider bar, where Hecks Farmhouse(6.5%) and Double Vision(7.4%) were on, but again other pumps unused. A music venue with a stage in the corner of the main bar. Partly wooden and partly stone flagged floors, there is also a papier mache tree!
Later visit pre match at the nearby Dripping Pan only to find no real ale left at all, so supped a quick half of cider. Perhaps our small band of travelling fans had drunk the place dry. On reflection, I should've stayed for a few more ciders to anaesthetise me for the dross to follow. I note the current high rating, perhaps I was unlucky choice wise, so I'll try again on another Lewes visit.
5 Apr 2009 16:28
The Elephant and Castle, Lewes
Very sport orientated, with screens all over showing football, rugby and racing on Saturday. Having said that not unfriendly, overly noisy or unwelcoming. A choice of several areas to sit, and view, good beer range too which is unusual for a sports bar. Arundel Stronghold, Brakspears Bitter, Harvey Sussex Best and Old Rosie cider. Pool and bar football in the side room. Certainly worth a look in on a Lewes crawl.
5 Apr 2009 16:12
Surely Fullers are a better evil than GK. At least the second Battle of Lewes was won, to a certain extent. Sussex Best remains and was the choice of three of our party yesterday.
The central bar splits two areas, front and back plus another side room. Pics of old Lewes,lots of beer mats and pump clips. The local Toad in the Hole game is available in the side room, as is a dart board. Nice old pub, up the hill behind the castle. The current low rating I suspect is the legacy of the GK era, its a reasonable 7 for me.
5 Apr 2009 16:02
Decent town pub, the front bar is comfortable with upholstered banquete seating, high shelves with old bottles, beer trays, clock etc, decorated with pics of old Lewes, display of clay pipes and a nice touch, the old plans of the building showing the original multi room layout. One complaint, it was very warm in the front room, nice day outside but no need for heating.
The rear saloon bar was livelier, sport on the big screen, pool and darts going on.
The selection was, Harveys Best, Armada, Salopian Matrix, Hammerpot Madgewick Gold, Cairngorm Trade Winds and Biddenden Kentish cider. Coming soon are Dark Star Festival and Faversham Whitstable Creek. One pump was unclipped, another reversed.
A fine pub, clean and tidy, nice to see tables wiped and cleared straightaway as punters left.
5 Apr 2009 15:52
A pleasant and welcoming pub just up a lane from the riverside. Small front room with the bar in the middle, banquette type seating to the perimeter and a fire burning in the grate made for a homely feel. Assorted nicknacks, pictures, model boats and other nautical stuff. I could see a further small room through the bar seemingly with small tables laid out in a way to suggest an eating area more than a routine bar. Some bench tables to the front and another outdoor terrace area to one side.
Youngs beers plus Deuchars which appears to be a standard guest in some Youngs pubs these days. I didn't see Bombardier although it could have been on in the other room. TV in the corner showing the boat race.
30 Mar 2009 13:33
As stated below, 4 pumps but just Pride and ESB on. I opted for the ESB which was served in a proper marked stemmed glass and was well kept.
I see what others mean about the lightly coloured wooden tables, I certainly prefer dark wood but despite this it is not an unpleasant spot. A single room with the bar to one side, exposed black timber ceiling beams (which I'm sure are decorative not functional), reddish wainscotted walls, pictures, mirrors etc. A collection of dictionaries, film guides, music reference books and the GBG are available, I assume to settle a few discussions.
Two tables outside have limited appeal facing the road and traffic. Food looked honest basic fare at good value, eg sandwiches �2.95, all day breakfast �5.50, spag bol �4.50.
I'm not sure if the music came from the jukebox or some 1972 K-tel album; "I'dLike to Teach the World to Sing" came on at one point!
In all a no frills honest boozer.
25 Mar 2009 10:13
A central curved bar dominates the space, the area around has a number of tables, all different in style and with non-matching chairs again all of a different style to each other. I assume this to be some sort of design statement but I don't get it personally. A slightly raised area is to one side of the bar. Fairly minimalist decor, cream walls, white ceiling and black wood, foreign film posters and the such. The main entrance area may have some original glazing, and still features the mosaic tiled step with the original name "The Freemasons" picked out. A not unpleasant low key Ska music was playing at background volume. I suspect the pub has gone a bit gastro(?) nevertheless it was v quiet mid afternoon and no signs of food/people finishing lunches.
Three handpumps, Everards Original, Sambrooks Wandle and Westons Organic Cider. The Wandle had a slight haze but was drinkable. Served in an old dimple pot.
An unusual pub, probably marketed at local trendies but not really my sort of place really, far too mucked about with.
25 Mar 2009 09:58
Worth the hike from Clapham Junction (or you can jump on the 319). Large imposing frontage particularly for a pub on a side street, one area inside however semi divided by a brick pier, arch and glass screen, giving the area around the fireplace a feeling of seperation. The pub dog seems to like this area, although he didn't seem to mind me sitting on the opposite sofa.
The main bar area has a mix of seating, wooden settles in front of the windows, chair and tables and bar stools.
Board games are aplenty, a couple of tellys for sport, book cases, film posters and sporting photos( some boxing stuff includes "Our Enry" blood splattered) adorn the predominantly red walls. A big display of beer, wine and champagne bottles fills a shelving display.
A very comfortable and laid back feel, 8 handpumps, but only 4 in use, Hogs Back TEA and Hop, Harveys Sussex and St Austell Tribute. Not sure reading the previous reviews whether there are normally 4 or sometimes more?
An outdoor gazebo/marquee to the rear caters for smokers and outdoor drinkers.
24 Mar 2009 17:24
Smallish pub with a homely "cottagy" feel. The bar is immediately in front on entering, wooden floor, high stools and the occasional table here. To the left is a carpetted area resembling an old aunt's living room, with a proper fireplace, old pictures, dried flowers etc. Not immediately obvious is the further room to the rear of the RHS mainly used as an eating area. Daily newspapers are available as are board games. There is a smallish TV in the old aunt's parlour. Quiz night is Wednesday.
Pride, Courage Best and guest Harviestown Bitter and Twisted served from the three handpumps. A pleasant and cosy spot but having regard to the stated real ale policy and its GBG entry I expected a slightly more interesting selection. The B&T was in good fettle though.
24 Mar 2009 09:42
The George and Dragon, Thames Ditton
A fairly large and comfortable pub, seemingly popular with diners and the well heeled locals. Enter to the bar in front of you, the pub is generally carpetted, leather sofas and armchairs plus more traditional small tables and chairs, wooden wainscotting to the walls. A rear dining area has wooden floors.
Sport is big here, Sky Sports showing old cricket reruns this afternoon, but posters advertise Prem league plus rugby fixtures. Decor includes Rugger shirts and England 66 stuff including the red shirt and Nobby dancing. Prints and maps of the local area complete the scene.
Very "villagey" feel and a good local support evident but there is money around here. Sheps beers, well kept but I did need to request a topper for a very short pulled pint of Spitfire. Marked glasses used.
23 Mar 2009 20:19
A very large pub with a traditional lounge and saloon bar set up, divided by the bar. The lounge is split into two distinct areas, the front is bright and airy with large windows facing the street. Seating is mainly red leather sofas, there are bookcases, flowers etc; the rear section has wood panelled walls, stained glass windows and a small stage to one end, bands and comedy are advertised. Sky Sports on showing the cricket with the volume down. A door leads to the rear garden.
The exterior has some fine green tiles, and a few benches to the frontage.
I didn't look in the saloon bar but it sounded fairly lively.
Friday nights are advertised as curry night, and being a Friday I could just smell the preperations in progress, good it smelled too.
There are four hand pumps in each bar, double clipped so the full range can be seen. Archers One Eyed Snake and Golden,Sambrooks Brewery Wandle, Downton Honey Blonde,Hogs Back Utopia, Pride, GK IPA and St Edmunds Ale. Various pump clips decorate the top of the bar.
Very impressive, I'll have to return for one of The Red Lion's beer festivals.
21 Mar 2009 12:13
The London Apprentice, Old Isleworth
The pub is located in an attractive (and probably lucrative) riverside location with a comfortable terrace outside overlooking the Thames and some creek entering it. Inside, the main bar has wooden floors with black and white tiles to the front of the long bar down one side of the room. Seating areas are seperated by opaque glazed screens but these are fairly recent I guess. Two adjacent entrance doors give a clue to the original layout. A few old Isleworth Brewery etched windows have been retained. The music playing was a touch too loud certainly for the afternoon.
Another room to the rear is quieter, carpetted and with fairly old good quality wooden tables worthy of a fairly grand dining room.
The outdoor terrace was really rather pleasant on a sunny March afternoon although I reckon space and tranquillity would be at a premium on a sunny summer weekend. An adjacent slipway gives access to the river and its "beach".
Beers were Doombar, Adnams Broadside, GK IPA and Flankers Tackle and Gales (Fullers?) Swing Low. The Doombar was clear and smelled ok but tasted a bit flat, as if past its best.
21 Mar 2009 12:01
The Magpie and Crown, Brentford
A large single room with a central curved island bar, clearly once seperate areas. Wood panelled walls, banquette seating and bar stools. Amongst other maritime artifacts an upturned rowing boat hangs from the timber beamed ceiling. Two fireplaces, once likely to have been one in each bar, now contain rather ancient looking gas fires, opening these up again would make a significant improvement. There is a bar billiards table to the rear of the left side. The TV on the wall was off but I imagine sporting events may be shown.
Beers were, Twickenham Grandstand Ale, Hogs Back Utopia, Salopian Darwins Origin, Moorhouses Black Witch plus Orchard Wye cider (6.6%). Some unusual continental beers too, Salzburger Steigl is one I've not seen previously. The blackboard shows that 2183 real ales have been sold here since 04/01/96. Clearly a good rotation policy then.
The interior is a bit tired, and there is a musty smell but the beer is good and this is a decent pub to include in a crawl of the area.
21 Mar 2009 11:47
A small L shaped single room, with the bar in the corner diagonally opposite the entrance. Wooden floor, banquette seating to one side, high tables with stools to the front of the bar and window seat drinking shelves, good for watching the world go by. There is an exposed brick chimney and fireplace adjacent to the bar. A plasma screen sits at high level in the rear corner, showing some kind of music channel at the time, mercifully with the volume low. There is a great painting/print on the side wall of a game in progress at nearby Griffin Park, titled "The Bees at Home". They are playing rivals Fulham, the away section has 5 fans and a panda..club mascot(?)..Ouch!
Lots of events take place here it seems, Tuesday has an acoustic jam session night, bring your own instrument. The quiz night (Wednesday) has "stupid questions and pathetic prizes" Ha!
Beers were, Pride, Downton Quadrillo, Twickenham Grandstand Bitter and Scattor Rock Quarryman. In addition there were Westons Country Perry and Trad Scrumpy.
Noting some earlier comments, this place is a bit blokey and certainly lively but it is also friendly and welcoming. I liked it very much.
21 Mar 2009 11:35
Perfectly pleasant Fullers local down a side turn off the High St. At first it doesn't look too promising as you pass industrial units but don't be fooled. A good range of Fullers ales on offer, including the new Hock, a very drinkable dark mild. I didn't see any guest beer though.
You are very close to the river and Grand Union canal here, hence the series of steps up to the entrance as a precaution against flooding.
Posters on the wall inside indicate the pub is an occasional music venue.
21 Mar 2009 07:48
Woodins Shades, Liverpool Street
I'm unsure about the previous review, I certainly didn't find this pub to be too bad although it was early on a Saturday and relatively quiet. I imagine it is heaving with suits post work. It is a chain pub too, its a fairly typical Nicholsons, with wooden floors, high ceilings supported on columns.
The Sicilian landlord was very friendly and genuinely interested to know what I thought of his latest guest beer, Springhead Sweetlips ( a nice hoppy golden ale). His service was fine but the other staff did need prompting for top ups. The place was doing a roaring trade in full English breakfasts which did look rather good at 4.50.
Pride, youngs Bitter, TT Landlord on in addition to the Sweetlips, one pump reverse clipped. I didn't visit the upstairs bar/dining rooms.
8 Mar 2009 10:09
Another enjoyable visit yesterday, a relaxing and friendly spot with a decent range of well looked after ale. Sad to see the drug notices and artex on the flat surfaces in the toilets but at least it shows the guv takes a no nonsence attitude to such practices. I still haven't seen the hexagonal pool table in here as you need to leave and re-enter to visit the other room, and I didn't bother.
Courage Best, Nethergate Augistinian Ale, Taunton Ale and a winter ale called Siberia on yesterday, not sure who brews the latter.
8 Mar 2009 09:59
The Ship and Shovell, Charing Cross
I suppose to do this place properly you should have a drink in each side, but sadly not the time. The larger side has 4 pumps and a TV, the quieter opposite bar 3 pumps, all serve Hall and Woodhouse beers, not my particular favourite but ok for a bit of variety. Some nice etched glass in the larger bar, wood panelling in the neighbour, a strong naval theme throughout with pictures of ships and Admiral Cloudesley Shovell after whom the pub is named. A smaller bar upstairs is known as The Crows Nest.
An ok place but I can't help but feel it is as celebrated for its quirkiness as much as any other feature.
1 Mar 2009 09:02
The Salisbury, Leicester Square
A well preserved interior, a nice old horseshoe bar splits the main area effectively into two spaces. Lots of etched glass in the front windows, interior screens and mirrors. Carpetted with a mixture of seating. There is another small room to the rear of the left side. Stairs lead up somewhere but this was roped off. The walls of the stair down to the toilets are covered in theatre flyers, reflecting the location. A sign in the window states "Sport Free Pub, no TV".
Very busy but well staffed and no issues with the service apart from needing to prompt for a top up.
6 pumps in two banks of 3, each side, serving at the time Bombardier, Youngs Bitter, Deuchers IPA, TT Landlord, Doom Bar and Brain's St Davids Ale, curiously priced at �3.09.
1 Mar 2009 08:50
Pleasant oasis close to Covent Garden. Well tended baskets and shrubs to the front. Dimly lit, bar with brass footrail to one side with the majority of seating opposite. Full of assorted bric a brac, everything imaginable in brass, a couple of old street signs, plenty of Beatles memorabilia over the bar, pics, album covers and discs, (is there a connection?), and the aforementioned dark wood panelling covered in portraits,landscapes, cartoons and caricatures. There is even a deers head.
Dimpled pint jugs hang from hooks over the bar, but I didn't spot anyone drinking from one.
Brodies IPA and Special, Crouch Vale Brewers Gold plus one pump reverse clipped, additionally a real cider, Janet's Jungle Juice, 6%.
Busy and chatty Saturday afternoon, I just sneaked a seat as a couple left after I got my pint. No sign of a TV and music playing at a very low volume.
In all a nice spot, but a touch too gloomy to read my book.
1 Mar 2009 08:39
A visit purely due to a train delay and a full bladder. Sadly the toilet code has changed since my last visit so I was embarrassed into buying a drink. Despite this, having found my nadir of station bars some years ago in Birmingham New St, I now consider these places more objectively. A below ground level bar, at least serving real ale, usual suspects, ie Pride, Youngs, Deuchers, but you need to keep on top of the staff re filling your glass. My pint initially was so short I thought the cask had run out. It does however serve a purpose and the beer was ok.
A good place to play watch the punter try the toilets having pretended to seek out a friend before finding out the code is needed.
28 Feb 2009 22:20
Potentially this is a decent pub, the greeting was friendly, the service good, and I liked the layout. Squarish main room with the bar against a side wall, a central drinking shelf with small glass screens,(are these snob screens?) seperate seating to the side also divided by screens. A small snug type room sits at the rear. lots of dark wood and a "lived in" feel. A tiny courtyard at the back caters for the smokers.
However, the ale selection was Pride, Youngs Bitter, Adnams Bitter, Bombardier and Deuchers IPA. A dull and dismal line up.
14 Feb 2009 08:04
An unscheduled stop yesterday, this is a fairly large Nicholsons with a big main front bar, and a smaller more comfortable raised area to the rear. Stairs curve up at the front to "The Black Princes" dining rooms. The main bar area has wooden floors, panelled columns with drinking shelves attached, and seating along the side wall. I preferred the rear section with its chequered tiled floor, stained glass rooflight and smaller tables. There is a long upholstered bench along the back wall. Architecturally rather grand but spoilt a bit by the air-con cassettes and duct boxiing on what was clearly once a decent ornate ceiling. TT Landlord, Pride, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Springhead Polar Beer, and Skinners Splendid Tacle on yesterday. The usual Nicholsons sausage menu is rather heavily advertised. The current rating is very low to me, the place isn't particularly special, but ok for a stop off.
14 Feb 2009 07:56
I echo the opinions of a few previous reviewers, this is a welcoming and relaxing spot to spend an hour or so, a pleasant street corner single room pub, lots of wood panelling, caricatures of politicians in keeping with the location. A couple of more unusual display cases, one of a range of corkscrews and another more strangely of quarrying explosives! Perhaps this is a Guy Fawkes link....Large windows all round give a clear view of life passing by outside. Youngs Bitter, Spitfire, Marlow Rebellion Mutiny and Tring Jack o Legs on yesterday.
14 Feb 2009 07:44
The The Old Monk Exchange, Westminster
Sorry, forgot to add there were two handpulled ciders too, Thatchers Heritage and Cheddar Valley.
14 Feb 2009 07:34
The The Old Monk Exchange, Westminster
A surprisingly large subterranean pub,and fairly busy in the afternoon. Nice cheery welcome from the young girl behind the bar who also knew how to pour beer properly and to the top of the glass,top marks for that. Lots of exposed brickwork and wooden floors, large floor area with a choice of seating, but I reckon can be cleared if needed for functions, but there is a raised area similar to a terrace with a number of arches over, wine types announced over. A laid back bluesy jazz type soundtrack and SSN on muted, but a bit echoeing due to hard furnishing.
Beers on, were Bath Ales Barnstormer, Twickenham Strong and Dark, plus GK IPA and Abbot.
Ticked a few boxes for me and a new discovery too,
13 Feb 2009 20:48
High St Fullers pub, with a rather bland and modern feel inside. Knocked through into one space, the lighting is too bright and the nondescript dance type music a little too loud. The bar on the side wall has several handpumps but only Pride and the former Gales HSB being served. The old guy sitting at the bar was so off his face he could hardly function, yet he continued to be served.
Not one to visit again I think.
10 Feb 2009 11:56
Now a single room with a central rectangular bar, though clearly one seperate areas. Carpetted, a mix of traditional seating at small tables, upholstered banquettes, some bar stools and to the left of the bar, two Chesterfield types sofas, and an armchair around the fireplace with a flat screen TV over (showing football with the sound down). Decor is mainly old photos of the surrounding area, some rugby pics and a signed shirt and a display of US Police badges, rather unusually. Very clean and tidy with a bit of an austere feel, mature clentele, I can't imagine this place ever being noisy or rowdy. Nevertheless a not unfriendly welcome and a relaxed ambience.
Decent looking specials menu, fairly priced, eg pork hock in cider and apple gravy with mash, �9.95, soup and a warm baguette is �3.50.
Decent Sheps ales, served in the appropriately marked glasses served from 5 handpumps. No Porter though.
10 Feb 2009 11:50
The Bloated Mallard, Teddington
I'm really not too sure what this place is trying to be, its certainly not my idea of a traditional pub, unless zebra striped seat cushions and tea lights are suddenly de rigeur. I had arranged to meet a mate here as its next to the station; entered to find three unclipped handpumps, no one behind the bar. I never found out if they served any real ale as my mate turned up and we left. I believe The Bloated Mallard is meant to be some kind of skit on the famous Fat Duck. Personally I just think its a silly name.
10 Feb 2009 11:39
New purpose built pub ,part of a new housing estate. As my experience of Northwich pubs goes not too bad, J W Lees Ales well kept but in my view a little too family friendly with kids running around everywhere. I'm not against kids in pubs but I think there should be defined rules and as the law requires, family areas/rooms rather than a free for all. Refreshing to see however a new development including a proper old boozer, up a mark for that. Good Steak and Ale Pie too.
1 Feb 2009 22:11
Easiest the biggest Wetherspoons barn I've been in, but having stuck my head into the few adjoining pubs a better option. Decent range of local and micro brews but served very cold. A sign over the bar states "All draught beers served between 1-3C" I can only assume the locals like it that way.
31 Jan 2009 21:48
Oh dear, read the postings below and it seems an awful experience. Popped in today while exploring the area, no previous knowledge, but found things ok. The lad behind the bar told us that the place is now under a new individual owner, having taking on from the dubious Punch Group. Lovely old coaching house, well maintained, serving Hancocks HB, Black Sheep Bitter and Youngs Bitter.......In Cheshire for God's sake. ( I'm a SW Londoner)
Two main rooms in the NW style. ie lounge and vault, but a bit posh for a vault as I knew it. Big screen TV. Loads of dark wood panelling, comfy chairs and old tables with edges raised, I'm guessing for shove h'penny?
27 Jan 2009 22:01
Another Chessington pub under threat. Planning application submitted for demolition and another block of flats plus one retail unit. If it succeeds lets hope the unit might be a replacement pub. Not holding my breathe on that one.
22 Jan 2009 22:47
Spot on wizzard, stuck my head in today as it looked ok from outside but four pumps serving Pride, what about the other Fullers beers? Didn't stay so no rating.
11 Jan 2009 19:45
Some mixed reviews below but I liked it here. A pleasant riverside location close to Hammersmith Bridge, with flowering baskets and tables overlooking the Thames. Internally there are wooden floors and panelled walls to the main L shaped area, with a further space behind containing a couple of Chesterfields and low tables. Another room upstairs plus a small terrace provide good river views.
Decor is river/ship based as the locale with oars, ships lights, anchors etc. Some interesting framed photographs include one of flooding in the vicinity from 1928, together with a framed newspaper article from the West London Observer dated Friday Jan 13th 1928 concerning the same event.
No issues with the beer or service, I did need to ask for my pint to be topped up but this was done with good grace and a smile. Beers were, Sharps Doom Bar, Taylors Landlord, and Brains SA.
11 Jan 2009 18:49
Currently closed, signs say to be refurbished, no rating left.
11 Jan 2009 18:39
Lovely old riverside pub that seems to ooze history. Low ceilings, wooden beams etc, you enter to a small room with the bar to the right. Further right is the tiny snug referred to by RR earlier and he is quite correct 2/3 people and this is full. From the bar area up a few steps, minding ones head, to a rear drinking area then a small conservatory with a rather sad looking vine growing over the roof, although it is January. Beyond is the terrace with good river views and with another area accessed via a cast iron staircase.
The bar area has a few photographs of the historical locale plus some rowing 8's.
Well kept Fullers, brim full pints, Pride, ESB, Chiswick and Discovery.
A worthy stop in the area or on a riverside stroll.
11 Jan 2009 18:35
First impressions can clearly deceive, approach via a pleasant gentrified street to outside tables and planted baskets, enter to a warm busy bar with a fire burning, old beams and the suchlike. Then try and get a drink. One clearly inexperienced person serving at the bar, two blokes swanning around as if busy but seemingly not really doing much, and virtually a third of the bar top full of unwashed empties. Finally served, nearly two inches of froth/head on my beer and the barmaid plonked it down and vanished. Waited another two mins for her to return and requested a top up which was grudgingly given with an audible sigh.
Full to the maximum with people eating, I hope they got better service than I and other drinkers did. I shall not be returning.
Sharps Doom Bar (�3.80!!) Adnams Broadside, Theakston Black Bull and Bombardier. In fairness the beer was well kept.
11 Jan 2009 18:16
The White Horse, Parsons Green
Yes it is a little upmarket and Sloaney but at the same time it really is very good. A large imposing pub, a central horseshoe bar in gleaming polished condition, wooden floors, and possibly the most extensive range of seating possible from benches to traditional chair and table through to formal dining and then armchairs and sofas. Decor includes old brewery photos and beer adverts from the UK and overseas. The Dolls and Pistols signs for the F/M tiolets are a little odd though. Although ostensibly one main space, the feel and decor changes as you move around giving the impression of seperate rooms.
As for the beer, well on handpump there was Pride, Harveys Sussex, Black Sheep Bitter, Cottage Golden Arrow, Adnams Broadside,Abbeydale Last Rites...11%...I didn't chance this one, and from the US of A, Sierra Nevada Brown Ale. The couple I had were in very good nick and full pints too. There are other speciality beers including Anchor Steam Beer and Merry Christmas, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale from the USA and Duvel Green, Winter de Koninck and Greenwich Meantime Chocolate also on draught. The fridges contain a good range of Belgian bottles with the appropriate glasses available to serve them in.
The bar was very busy and most tables taken but refreshingly the place was very well and efficientely staffed so no waiting.
The food looked very good also. Highly recommended, but avoid Chelsea home games.
11 Jan 2009 18:02
The William Morris, Merton Abbey Mills
The pub is actually part of he Merton Abbey Mills market area, one of the buildings of the former Liberty Mills print works. It was converted and substantially altered some 20 years ago when the old riverside works were turned into today's attraction.
The pub has a central bar, flagged floor on entrance with a carpetted area with plenty of seating behind overlooking the Wandle. The upper bar tends to be closed but is available for hire, A side room has wooden floors and panelling and has a traditional feel. Lots of exposed brickwork.
Sounds good, but it really does not maximise the potential or opportunity it is given. Disinterested staff and an indifference to the beer served let this pub down. Superb location, history etc, but wasted.
Four seemingly working handpumps, five once but one has the handpull missing. Only two on, others not even reverse clipped, both serving Batemans, XB and Valiant.
9 Jan 2009 23:12
The Druid's Head, Kingston Upon Thames
Part of the Hogshead chain so the usual GK suspects on offer plus Black Sheep Bitter. Large pub with a further bar upstairs which is available for seperate hire. Clean and tidy and well run but not overly exciting.
20 Dec 2008 08:45
Now sold and a planning application in for demolition and a rebuilding of a form of sheltered housing.
14 Dec 2008 17:08
I confess to being a little confused by some of the reviews below. I've known The Ram for a fair few years and apart from occasional slow service I've never had any problems. My visits do tend to be lunchtime or early evenings so perhaps things change later on, who knows? Anyway, I post as I find.
Enter to a squarish room, bar to one side, the seating is a mix of wooden settles and chairs to the tables around the walls, there is a central raised shelf/table with stools. A single Chesterfield sits rather oddly in the front corner nearest the bar. Through to a narrow drinking area with seating along one wall, the long covered garden is beyond and runs down to the Thames.
Wooden floors and stained wood panelling make for a fairly dark environment, the area in front of the bar has black and white mosaic tiles. A real fire burns in the grate. Two large plasmas, one on yesterday showing Sky Sports news with the football scores updating, volume at a very low level.
Seven on with a bit of a seasonal flavour; Pride, Youngs Bitter, Bateman's Rosey Nosey, Mauldon's Midwinter Gold, Wychwood Winters Troll, Hydes Rockin Robin and Theakston Old Peculiar. No problems at all with the two tried (Gold and RR).
14 Dec 2008 09:21
An unscheduled stop yesterday but I'm glad I did. Unusual shaped mock timbered place, a smallish bar area with more (unvisited) seating upstairs. As RR says below, a nice feature is the retention of the old Wm Youngers windows. An impressive array of pump clips over the bar and along the ceiling beams indicates a good guest ale policy.
The menu yesterday was OSH, Pride, TT Landlord and Brains Top Notch. Good beer and at �2.95 betwixt the West End and Mayfair not bad these days.
15 Nov 2008 14:52
The Pontefract Castle, Marylebone
Large Nicholsons pub, wooden floors and a lack of soft furnishings make for a noisy environment when busy as it was with the post work crowd. I sat on a stool at a raised table but it was clear the floors are uneven as the chair wobbled and my pen rolled off the table twice.......my excuse and I'm sticking to it. The spiral stair climbs up to the top bar, then again to a little mezzanine with its own small bar, but only TT Landlord on HP up here. Downstairs there was a good selection, TT Landlord, Sharps Doom Bar, Badger First Gold, Tribute, Pride and Stonehenge Eyeopener.
15 Nov 2008 14:40
Straightforward single room street corner pub with a central bar. Ornate bar back with etched mirrors and the brass golden eagle keeping an eye on things. A collection of Toby Jug style teapots sits on a shelf over the bar. Mainly cast iron three legged circular tables plus a drinking shelf. Some stools at the bar. The former local street sign "Marylebone Lane W1" forms part of the decor. All woodwork including the bar is painted what I can only describe as magenta, but it does not detract.
A very welcoming quiet oasis from the madness of Oxford St, Pride, Tribute and Brakspears Bitter yesterday.
15 Nov 2008 07:56
8 on again yesterday, laudable selection with no mainstream stuff. Loddon Rin Tin Tin, Saltaire Blonde, fff Altons Pride, Mordue All Hallows, Hoskins Exs, Springhead Spooky Juice, Redcar Best and Centurions Ghost Ale. Thankfully no issues with beer quality re the couple I tried, Saltaire was especially good.
As others have said, a fairly spartan interior, limited seating and standing room. Noticed the mosaic tiled step in the centre window booth suggesting the original entrance was here.
One criticism, a fairly mild day for November yesterday but the fire was blazing away making it seem a little hot and uncomfortable.
15 Nov 2008 07:44
Nice old saloon bar with lots of dark wood, low level lighting, pots and steins hang from the black beams. Old leaded windows. The bar itself has coloured glass above the counter, seating is a mixture of stools, benches and settles. Another room upstairs was not visited, there seems to be another downstairs but this was roped off.
Not unpleasant for a stop off but a more adventurous beer range would improve this place. Bombardier, OSH and Adnams Bitter yesterday.
15 Nov 2008 07:34
The Inn On The Lake, Godalming
With all due respect tealight this is Beer in the Evening not Breakfast in the Morning. No rating obviously.
10 Nov 2008 20:54
The entrance leads to the bar area, left to another room with a bar billiards table, panelled walls and books on a high shelf, a TV also sits high up in the corner. A large selection of board games are available. Beyond are two further drinking areas off the back of the bar, very comfortable and traditional with hops entwined along the picture rail. A great welcoming pub with a good atmosphere, justifiably busy last night. The traditional looking food menu includes the like of beef stew, pie of the day, gammon egg & chips and a curry, generally around 9 quid.
St Austell Tribute, Spitfire, Deuchars IPA and Tring Colleys Dog on offer; tasters offered by the staff. First rate!
9 Nov 2008 12:29
A warm homely and cosy feel at this old pub with its low ceilings, real timber beams etc. Fairly quiet Saturday evening, sadly a sign of the times, but a few small groups enjoying quiet conversation and good beer. The bar is split between the two main rooms with a sort of snug with a hatch to the back bar providing further seating.
Black Sheep Bitter, TT Landlord, Pride, Harviestown Bitter and Twisted, Titanic Anchor, and Rhymney Brewery Bevans Bitter (superb condition). I think the Watneys Red Barrel was off!
A nice pub, it grows on me with each visit.
9 Nov 2008 12:10
A fairly modern even minimalist feel inside but with hops over the central bar hinting at tradition. Wooden floors and a lack of soft furnishings make for a noisy environment. A mix of seating includes drinking shelves against the walls. Some photos of old St Albans.
The on site Alehouse Brewery supplies Farmers Joy and Clipper IPA, Pride Adnams Bitter and TT Landlord also.
Xmas lights up in the windows already!
9 Nov 2008 12:01
Busy and lively both yesterday afternoon and early evening, popular with football supporters with a large plasma in the front bar and a smaller screen in the little back room showing games. Very much a LTFC fans pub (even the tiles in the gents are in club colours) but absolutely no problems with our sizeable group of visitors setting up in the back room. The front bar has bookcases either side of the central chimney/ TV, whereas the back room has a homely feel with various pictures including an old map showing the pubs of the former Wm Youngers estate.
Efficient and friendly service, very good beer, Everards Tiger and Beacon are the house beers, supplemented yesterday by Milestone Plot and Treason, Slaters Premium, Burton Bridge Tall Order with something from Mauldons replacing the Slaters when it went. Recommended.
9 Nov 2008 11:52
A single room with a L shaped bar in the back corner. The boxed in section of ceiling through the middle of the bar implies once two rooms either side of the central entrance door. Now a pool table occupies one side with basic chair and table seating to the other. Traditional feel to the place, various pictures as decor and an exposed brick fireplace with a few brasses. Clean and tidy, tables cleared and wiped immediately, a good sign. Outside there is a garden/terrace with a series of gazebos for the smokers.
Four handpumps serving at the time RCH Tender Loving Care, Tom Woods Harvest, Brakspear Bitter and Houston Tartan Terror.
9 Nov 2008 11:41
The Betjeman Arms, St Pancras International Station
As station bars go this place is ok. The bar area on entry is rather dominated by the canteen style servery, and the service pipes and ducts in the ceiling would be better hidden. The dining rooms beyond however have a rather elegant feel befitting the building in which the pub is located. Good to see toilet facilities too not requiring a charge or code for access. Good real ale policy with the bar's own beer brewed by Sharps. Pleased to catch the Aleway Festival yesterday, a good venture, and a couple of decent halves were quaffed as we waited for the train.
9 Nov 2008 11:32
Pleasant enough visit to the JDW beer festival yesterday. Beer on form, St Austell Proper Job better than Tribute in my opinion. Noted a few tables were left uncleared. The staff need to keep on top of these little details if the place is to remain a cut above most 'spoons.
3 Nov 2008 14:10
Sadly now delicensed. Expect demolition and redevelopment soon. Another community facility gone.
2 Nov 2008 03:29
Imposing solid looking building in a prime riverside spot, elevated to allow for high tides with the seperate side entrance to allow access under said conditions. A raised terrace to the front overlooks the river; a more intimate upper balcony is accessed off the higher level inside. The interior is elegant and retains many original features including wooden shutters to some windows.
A Youngs house with the usual offerings but also St Austell Tribute, also spotted recently at The Rose & Crown in Wimbledon Village. Is this a new Youngs/Wells policy? If so I'm in favour.
25 Oct 2008 10:37
The Triple Crown Inn, Richmond
My visit mid afternoon possibly doesn't do this place justice as being the only customer takes the edge off the experience somewhat. A single rectangular room, bar against one wall and traditional tables with bench/chair arrangement opposite. The decor is made up of rugby photographs, plates, jugs and various brass artifacts but does not succeed in masking a slightly shabby tired feel. The TV on the front wall was showing some unnecessary crappy US sitcom, why?
Brains Rev James, Pride and Twickenham Naked Ladies on, Twickenham Original being pulled through to go on later. Pump clips of previous guests all along the bar . Pies and Cornish pasties available at �2.20. Decent beer but down a mark for the TV.
25 Oct 2008 10:26
Pleasant Fullers house convenient for the station but tucked away behind the main street. Central island bar with brass hand and foot rails, bar stools and a mix of booth seating and chairs and tables around three sides. A seperate conservatory/dining room to the rear. Clearly a rugby pub, memorabilia and paraphenalia associated with the oval ball are everywhere, even on the ceiling.
A traditional feel however with lots of brown stained wood. Benches and tables in the attractive small front garden area.
Pride, Chiswick, ESB, Discovery, Red Fox (autumn ale, 4.3%), and HSB ex Gale's all available at the time of this visit. Friendly and helpful guvnor behind the bar too.
25 Oct 2008 10:09
Unremarkable pub situated on a small lane off the main drag. A single room downstairs (I note the earlier comment about an upstairs room but I didn't spot this), bar against the side wall with bench and stool seating around sanded tables opposite. A small garden area to the rear. A rather irritating soundtrack of some kind of "dance music" playing to no one in particular. Four handpumps, one not in use, St Austell Tribute, Sharps Doom Bar and Bombardier.
25 Oct 2008 09:55
The Rose and Crown, Wimbledon Village
Pleasant and comfortable if rather well heeled village pub. An island bar but the space around is now all one, likely to have been anything between 2 and 4 areas once I'm guessing. A more modern conservatory at the rear with a garden beyond. The main bar remains traditional in style if rather plain, and seemingly has so far avoided the "Youngification" of many of the stable. The usual Youngs beers but most pleased and a little surprised to find St Austell Tribute too. This may be a permanent fixture rather than a guest as they have a supply of Tribute marked glasses too. I am however surmising.
8 Oct 2008 17:08
Immediate warm and convivial feel on entering, a really relaxed feel. Some tourists as referred earlier but as museum types clearly a better class. No crass behavior observed! A single room now with a mix of seating but a quick check of the etched windows suggest earlier there was a saloon, public and private bar. The bar along the internal wall has an elegant carved back with mirrors.
6 pumps (5 on at the time) serving Skinners Betty Stogs, Cairngorm Autumn Nights, Pride, Theakston Old P, Sharps Doombar, and Morrissey Fox Blonde Ale. A very pleasant visit, well recommended.
7 Oct 2008 17:36
Its all been well documented but this is a pub worth a visit purely for the superb interior. A huge island bar, panelled walls with tiled inserts, a spectacular ceiling with a tiled frieze below, supported by decorative columns. The entrance step and side corridor have mosaic floors and the original snob screen dividers have been remade and replaced. Fantastic mirrors too. The place positively gleams as well. Superb and laudable restoration, other breweries please take note.
Oh, and Sam Smiths OBB at 1-86 a pint in this location!
7 Oct 2008 17:27
Pleasant spot situated on a corner of two alleyways behind Holborn Tube. Lots of dark wood, an ornate plastered ceiling, mainly alcove seating with bar and shelf stools. Various pictures of mainly ships and lots of maritime paraphenalia. Wm Youngers stained glass windows indicate a previous life.
5 on, St Austell Tribute, Theakston Bitter, OSH,Deuchers and Bombardier. The "coming soon" board includes Everards Sunchaser and Holts Pioneer....new to me as an ex Mancunian.
A decent enough spot for a beer or two.
7 Oct 2008 17:17
The Bloomsbury Tavern, Bloomsbury
This place is so much smaller than it looks from outside, where there are 3 entrances. A fairly unremarkable but not unpleasant interior with a single room having the bar along the inside wall with seating opposite, plus bar stools. Further seating available upstairs. Nice stained glass windows with heraldic shields picked out. Sky Sports on mute.
A Shepherd Neame house now, Nicholsons picked out in the glazing over one door but not any more I think. Good to see the Late Red back at this time of year.
7 Oct 2008 16:56
The Bloomsbury Tavern, Bloomsbury
This place is so much smaller than it looks from outside, where there are 3 entrances. A fairly unremarkable but not unpleasant interior with a single room having the bar along the inside wall with seating opposite, plus bar stools. Further seating available upstairs. Nice stained glass windows with heraldic shields picked out. Sky Sports on mute.
A Shepherd Neame house now, Nicholsons picked out in the glazing over one door but not any more I think. Good to see the Late Red back at this time of year.
7 Oct 2008 16:56
The Bloomsbury Tavern, Bloomsbury
This place is so much smaller than it looks from outside, where there are 3 entrances. A fairly unremarkable but not unpleasant interior with a single room having the bar along the inside wall with seating opposite, plus bar stools. Further seating available upstairs. Nice stained glass windows with heraldic shields picked out. Sky Sports on mute.
A Shepherd Neame house now, Nicholsons picked out in the glazing over one door but not any more I think. Good to see the Late Red back at this time of year.
7 Oct 2008 16:56
Others have mentioned the interior but it really is architecturally superb and pretty well unspoiled. The huge curved bar purports to be the longest in the country, who am I to argue, I haven't seen one longer.I particularly like the snug by the entrance nearest to CJ station with its etched glass and half panelled snob screens, marginally messed with as now signed as a through route to the toilets to the rear. The rear room/area has dark ornate panelling and a feature stained glass window whereas the front area is brighter, has elaborate cast iron fluted columns, high ceilings and chandeliers, but with dubious aspects to traffic outside, although the former Arding and Hobbs (Debenhams now) building is of quality.
As for the beer, a good changing range of real ales, the current selection being Pride, Taylors Landlord, Harveys Sussex, Adnams Broadside, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Beartown Bear Ass, Batemans Falling Leaves, Okells Autumn Dawn and Everards Equinox, delightful by the way.
Food seems realistically priced with standard fare, sausages seeming to be a speciality.
A decent place, I note a few mixed reviews below but no complaints from me.
6 Oct 2008 17:29
Popped in after a country walk. Just GK ales, surprisingly served straight from the barrel. Passable pint of IPA in fairness. Quite a modern interior and a huge pleasant beer garden. A bit of an emphasis on food with steaks priced by the ounce. Roasts advertised and a outdoor barbeque for the nicer days.
27 Sep 2008 19:17
A genuine warm welcome at this lovely 400 year old pub. The place is unusual in that it appears to be a GK house, yet has an excellent guest policy with good rotation, evidenced by the scores of pump clips hanging from the ceiling beams at the back of the main bar. The pub is also Surrey & Sussex CAMRA cider pub of the year 2008, with three real ciders plus a perry on pump yesterday plus plenty more in bottles. House beers as expected are GK IPA, Olde Trip, Abbot, supplemented by Davenports Original (Highgate), Dorset Piddle and Oakham Bishops Farewell(gorgeous).
Two of the guests were on stillage in the cellar as were further ciders, the pumps are double clipped.
The pub is entered via a small snug with a flagged floor, leading into the main bar with beamed ceilings. A real sun trap garden lies to the rear. Seating is a mixture of settles, traditional chairs and stools adjacent to a drinking shelf.
The staff offer tasters to help you decide and carry outs are available. The forthcoming Halloween beer festival will have a West Midlands theme.....make of that what you will!
27 Sep 2008 07:59
Perhaps my experience wasn't the usual but I struggle a little with this pub. 7 pumps serve a range of proudly advertised ales, 6 on on my visit. Adnams Broadside, OSH, GK Abbot, Black Sheep Bitter, Hook Norton Old Hookey and Hogsback TEA. So not terribly exciting then.
The service was quite frankly poor. Mid afternoon required a wait of a full 5 mins to rouse the landlord from the other bar, despite calls from the other customers of "shop". The pub dog got served earlier than me.
A strange arrangement with two seperate bars, with no connecting room, the general feeling was that the landlord lives in the "old school room" bar with the leather chairs and plasma TV, while the regulars use the bar. A curved bar area, black beams and the usual copper artifacts. A rather shabby feel to be honest, a real opportunity but I'm unsure the current owner has the heart in it.
26 Sep 2008 21:50
Er, no, not you elsie, the poster below. No complaint with your post but if you have a rating to add, it all helps. Cheers Maldenman.
24 Sep 2008 23:40
Elsiepop he's a troll who's been mixing it across the site with a number of log ins sadly. Not a genuine reviewer.Purely a comment so no pub rating left.
24 Sep 2008 22:17
A great pub, seemingly incongrous in its setting amongst dreary new town houses and the maze of dual carriageways, roundabouts and underpasses. Eight pumps dispense a good and unusual range of ales, note the pumps are split between the front bar and the lounge to the rear. Earl Soham Albert Ale, Tring Jack O Legs, Clarks Classic Blonde, Shepherd Neame Canterbury Jack, Everards Tiger, Northumberland Brewery Legends of the Tyne on, another being pulled through but not considered ready by the enthusiastic barman. Yes, Trainman, I've been in that pub depicted in "The Stranger". Thankfully though this one wasn't it. Excellent.
14 Sep 2008 11:19
The Old Cross Tavern, Hertford
Lively and friendly town pub, the best of the Hertford selection tried yesterday. Eight handpumps, serving six at the time. Mainstreams Pride and Landlord, Mighty Oak Oscar Wilde, Red Squirrel Natural Blonde, Laugh and Titter...barman claims this is a house brew?, plus something else I seemingly didn't record. A good selection of Belgian beers too although it was amusing to see the guy drinking Kwak with the glass in a wooden holder. I'm sure its supposed to be the proper way. Fairly traditional town style interior, a mix of exposed brickwork and wooden panelling in the single bar. Decoration consists of cases of beer bottles and jugs and tankards suspended from the ceiling beams. A big old log fire for the colder months. Recommended.
14 Sep 2008 10:36
Comfortable friendly and well appointed end of terrace local in a quiet gentrified part of town. Almost a rural feel to the locality. McMullens Cask, AK and seasonal Harvest Moon. Pleasant looking rear garden and a restaurant area to the back of the pub. Decent looking menu included half a lobster for 11.95.Largish plasma showing football scores, decently turned off when the prog finished and the Saturday dross commenced.
14 Sep 2008 10:20
Had a quick look in, seemingly now just Fullers ales on and not even the full range showing on the clips. I visited this pub many years ago when it was a thriving convivial freehouse serving a great range of cask ales. Evidently things have changed. Shame.
No rating left even if tempted as didn't stay and sample.
14 Sep 2008 09:20
Nice old building with timber ceiling beams, three connecting rooms from the main bar area. Split from the town by the terribly planned through road. Unfortunately a GK house serving IPA and Abbot, Old Trip, plus Bury St Edmunds Westgate Brewery advertised "Bonkers Conkers".....I know not this brewery or its beers....on research it seems the brewery shares GK's address. Just a feeling the way it was presented as purporting to be a guest is typical GK shennanigans. More punters outside smoking than in, including possibly the landlord, as the "Thanks Lads" doesn't usually come from the pavement outside.
14 Sep 2008 01:19
Long established Fullers house located in a small mews in the heart of Belgravia and embassy land. Comfortable clean and fairly opulent as befits the locale. Outside drinking is not permitted so possibly not one for the smokers. Pride, ESB, Discovery, Chiswick and Gale's HSB available, ESB priced at an irritating 3.05!
Impressive floral displays outside.
7 Sep 2008 11:28
Pleasant laid back local hidden away in a quiet back street opposite a more recent development of mews houses with seriously OTT ostentatious entrances. Welcoming and genuinely friendly, I had mixed feelings on arrival having seen the Greene King sign outside however it was pleasing to see a guest (Titanic White Star) on offer, good it was too. A calm comfortable interior with beamed ceilings and mainly open booth type seating plus bar stools. Old photos, brewery diagrams and information about the pubs nomenclator Lord Compton, who apparently died of a fit caused by bathing in the Thames after dinner. A decked garden area outside completes the picture.
The plasma was showing Wales' WC qualifier but with the volume at a low level.
7 Sep 2008 11:20
I have to agree with some of the reviewers below, an excellent range of beers but the place itself has a strange almost uncomfortable feel that I struggle to describe. It just doesn't feel very "pubby". White walls, bright lighting and a seemingly random mix of chairs and tables. Homemade pies are a speciality and seem popular but the food smell needs to be dealt with; a decent extractor would help.
10 ales on, Moorhouse Black Cat, Sharp's Cornish Coaster plus Doombar, Harveys Sussex and Adnams Broadside all on stillage behind the bar, supplemented by Marstons Pedigree, Cottage Champflower, Adnams Explorer GK Abbot and Deuchars IPA on handpump. Two real ciders on offer too.
Certainly a good venture especially so close to a mainline station and gives the Doric Arch a run for its money. The ambience could be so much better though.
7 Sep 2008 11:06
The Hope, Tottenham Court Road
A former favourite of mine from some years ago, but I hadn't been in for a while. Six pumps but only two on yesterday, Pride and Wooden Hand Brewery's Cornish Buccaneer. A decent brew but served slighly hazy. This is a smallish street corner bar with a wooden floor, panelled wainscotting with seating around the perimeter of the L shaped bar area. A further room upstairs remains unvisited by myself. A better beer choice would up this a mark as would a good clean and tidy as things are a bit shabby it must be said. I'm not sure what the Jolly Roger flags are for. Stand Up is advertised on Tuesdays at four quid.
7 Sep 2008 10:50
I note some of the more negative reviews below but no problems encountered on my visit. London Pride, Landlord and Thwaites Lancaster Bomber on, one pump unused. The beer quality was good and 2.95 for this location is acceptable too.
A historic pub worth a look for the fine tiled interior, supplemented by large ornate mirrors. A small seating area to the rear with shelf seating opposite the bar. The Orwell bar and dining room upstairs gives further options. Various sausages seem to be the pub speciality. The descent and return from the gents is somewhat perilous, as the door opens across the steep staircase.
7 Sep 2008 10:36
Sits in a prime location with glorious views over The Downs and racecourse. Pleasant well appointed garden to the front but the pub interior is rather modern and soulless. It seems to be more geared for dining and probably rakes it in on pleasant Sunday afternoons, Mothers Day etc not to mention race meetings. London Pride and Flowers IPA (who brews this now?)with other handpumps unused. Sparklers on the handpumps.
I'm sure it ticks the boxes for the target clientele but location excepted, its not my kind of place.
4 Sep 2008 17:37
Fairly quiet on a Bank Holiday mid afternoon but post the lunch rush. Three areas, a restaurant to the front, bar at the rear sandwiching a small central pool room. The bar has a stone flagged floor, partly carpeted and a long wooden bar against the back wall. A pleasant garden has several of the usual bench tables and a fish pond, thoughtfully fenced to prevent accidents. B&B available in this picture postcard village. Surrey Hills Shere Drop, in v good nick, plus Youngs Ordinary. Nice full pints too!
25 Aug 2008 18:33
Very mixed clientele and a very dark interior with wood panelled walls.A decent beer range, with Twickenham Summer Gold and Grandstand taking centre stage, supplemented by Sharps Doombar and Brakspear Bitter.
Real historic appearance from outside, but the 1970's carpet and musty smell needs sorting.
Traditional dartboard but with a table and chair set in front.
23 Aug 2008 21:57
Stuck my head in the door, no customers at 5:20 pm. Most pumps turned around, just Adnams Bitter showing. Walked, no rating.
23 Aug 2008 21:29
A funny place this is, a little bit pub and a lot cafe/bar. Lots of tables set for meals, white linen etc, but still ok for a pint. A bit like a Cafe Rouge, TBH. A Sunday afternoon venue for the local yuppies I reckon, papers, books and board games are there. Hepworth Sussex...lazily poured on high, and Sharps Doombar on HP. Beer just acceptable but slightly hazy.
23 Aug 2008 21:26
Trafalgar Freehouse, South Wimbledon
To think I used to live 10mins walk from here many years ago and I didn't know of the place.......
Great selection of ale served in convivial surroundings. Dark Star Hophead and Sunburst, Oakham Endless Summer, Rudgate Ruby Mild (4.4%), WJ King Red River plus the house ale Thrupenny Hop, brewed for the pub by Pilgrim of Reigate.
This is not a pub you can pop into just for one!
23 Aug 2008 08:16
This pub retains a fairly traditional interior, something of a rarity these days as many Youngs pubs are being "updated". There used to be two seperate rooms but is now open plan, but still with a feel of seperate drinking areas. Ordinary and Special on, no sign of Bombardier. Beer ok but it doesn't taste the same these days. Pleasant garden area to the rear.
23 Aug 2008 08:07
See comment below from SD, suggests closed all day Tuesday. Not indicated to my recall on the sign on the door so Again I'd recommend checking.
27 Jul 2008 16:53
Worth the slog uphill from the station in the summer heat, a pleasant bright and welcoming place. Hancocks HB, St Austell Tribute, Brains SA, Batemans XB, Adnams Explorer and Abbot Ale on today. A side room contains a bar billiards table and juke box, there is a piano in the L shaped main bar. A seperate rear room was set up for a party later on. The rear walled garden is pleasant with a decked area, the remainder grassed. Generally traditional table and chair seating with a couple of chesterfields by the front entrance. Papers and board games available. Leaflets in the bar advertise jazz on Thursdays but an earlier post says different so probably worth ringing ahead. A beer and cider festival is advertised for 22-25th August.
Opening hours should be noted, Monday 6-11 and Sunday 12-9. Rest of the week 11-11/12. No food Mon and Tues according to the sign showing the hours. Free WiFi available for those who need to take their laptop to the pub with them.
26 Jul 2008 16:48
The Raynes Park Tavern, Raynes Park
Fairly typical large suburban pub, opposite RP station. Now fully open plan although I suspect there were several rooms as originally built when the railway came through and the suburb was expanded. A Barras chain these days, beers on were Pride, Bombardier and Stonehenge Pigswill. Average and passable condition. There is a dartboard to the left of the bar, assuming entrance from Coombe Lane.
23 Jul 2008 21:06
My promised revisit following my mistaken trip on the day of the RU club final,Doh! What a contrast, busy, lively and chatty with drinkers spilling out into the street outside. A mixed clientelle all seemingly enjoying good beer and conversation.
Hall & Woodhouse Badger, Tanglefoot, K&B Sussex, and seasonal Fursty Ferret. A great town pub.
19 Jul 2008 09:52
Surprisingly quiet early evening although this seems to be a theme reading earlier reviews. Reasonable pub close to the bridge and river, nice interior with lots of nooks and crannies. Mariners charts, river maps etc abound. A rear open unfenced garden looks out onto 1970's townhouses, I'd grow a hedge or something.
London Pride, Brakspears Best and Wychwood Hobgoblin. The Hogs Back TEA was sadly off.
19 Jul 2008 09:43
The Duke of Connaught, Windsor
Pleasant enough and livelier late afternoon yesterday than other nearby hostelries, a nice feel to the place with log fires, trendy French film flyers for B-movie horror flics. A tiled passage leads to a paved rear garden.
The four ales suggested in the write up above were only three, sadly all GK, IPA, Abbot and XX Mild. A guest would've been good. The XX Mild was in top nick it must be said.
A pub of great potential and clearly well run, I'd just prefer a better range of cask ales.
19 Jul 2008 09:36
Genuinely friendly welcome and goodbye on departure, very clean and comfortable, even pristine but very bland interior. Four handpumps but every one dispensing Windsor's ubiquitous choice of London Pride. Disappointing choice.
19 Jul 2008 09:22
Open plan L-shaped room with fake timber beams and lots of horse brasses, old kettles, hunting horns etc.......in fact anything made of brass is hung from the ceiling. Very 1970's feeling and a generally down at heel drab atmosphere yesterday afternoon with a number of exclusively male lone drinkers watching golf on tv while nursing pints. Very locals feel, off the tourist trail here. Fullers/Gales but only ESB and HSB on, Pride off. In fairness the beer was fine.
19 Jul 2008 09:17
Characterful pub down a narrow lane in prime location close to the castle. Some evidence of pandering to the tourist dollar with Ye Olde Worlde Signes around the bar but not exclusively so. London Pride, Spitfire, Brains Rev James and Skinners Ginger Tosser on yesterday, the Doombar and A.N.Other..someone's Gold..were both off, signs indicating the lines were being cleaned. Tasting notes are provided above the pump clips. Coming soon are York Brewery Guzzler and Okells Summer Storm.
A wooden island bar, fireplace with the option of a real fire, lots of mirrors and clocks sum up the ambience. A raised seating area looks to be predominantly for dining. Signs advertise speciality pies from Dunkley's of Northampton, together with a description informing our American visitors what a pie is!
First pub of yesterday's stroll around Windsor and probably the best. "Ashby's Ales" picked out in mosaic on the rear entrance step.
19 Jul 2008 09:10
A little off the beaten track being the other side of the by-pass from the town centre and fairly quiet at 4pm yesterday. Two handpumps but only one in use, serving Pride. Nevertheless it was pulled through in quantity before serving......apparently mine was the first of the day! Decent condition it has to be said.
Quirky sort of place with all sorts of nik-naks, old clocks, tin signs, theatre and film flyers, a large metal lighthouse and a US airforce model biplane suspended from the ceiling. Wooden floors, a mix of seating and candles on the tables. Nice garden to the rear with more tin signs and two WW2 arc lights......not sure if they work, bet the neighbours like them if they do!
A friendly Highland Terrier completes the scene. All in all a relaxing pleasant place, a better beer selection would warrant a higher rating, perhaps there isn't the demand/through pull?
19 Jul 2008 08:55
The Pilot Inn, North Greenwich
I can't really add too much following RogerB's eloquent and accurate review below. The Chiswick was refreshing in taste and price at �2.55 and I agree the garden at the rear is very nice and tidy too. I found the landlady to be very efficient, friendly and welcoming to visitors and regulars alike. Its always nice to be acknowledged straightaway on entry and she made the point of checking later that everything was ok.
11 Jul 2008 16:53
My first visit to this temple of good beer and I wasn't disappointed. Packed out and a wait to be served through the throngs at the bar but that's popularity. Three from Dark Star, Hophead, Summer Solstice (excellent) and Mild for May, plusLomond Gold, Milestone Black Pearl and HB Clark Heady Daze plus a cider and a rare perry. An impressive range of bottled beers from Belgium, Germany Czech Republic and the USA plus some Belgian stuff on draught.
An unusual looking place from the outside, looks like two converted houses, this place serves fine ales to a broad range of discerning drinkers, as well as myself there was a stag party, a large number of ale enthusiasts, a couple of off duty binmen and even a bloke in a Dukla Prague shirt.....not sure if it was the away version! (One for the Half Man Half Biscuit fans).
A must visit for any keen ale drinker and one I'll certainly return to.
21 Jun 2008 12:36
Traditional old Harveys house with a carpetted lounge and a public bar with wooden floors. Bigger than it first appears, the lounge opens up to a quieter room behind this in turn leading on to a large conservatory type space. A garden area lies beyond.
Music and theatre posters decorate the walls, the etched window to the bar proclaims "Smoking Room". How times have changed.
Harveys Sussex Best, Hadlow, XX Mild, Olympia Golden and a wheat beer, Copperwheat I think on handpump. Two proper ciders too, Addlestone's and Westons Organic.
21 Jun 2008 12:18
The Basketmakers Arms, Brighton
Street corner Fullers/Gales house on the edge of the North Laines area. A very relaxed ambience with a definite bohemian feel, wooden floos and bar, traditional seating; the walls are adorned with tin signs and old tin boxes of the Oxo or tobacco type while beermats and cigarette cards decorate the area around the bar. A real mix of clientelle from trendy 20somethings and student types up to OAPs with yours truly somewhere in the middle I suppose! An eclectic mix of non mainstream music plays at a subdued volume so not preventing conversation. An efficient friendly hands on guv presides, and makes sure everyone entering is greeted and thanked on leaving.
The food looked good and the menu suggests an emphasis on locally sourced and organic produce. Daily specials are listed on the chalkboard over the bar.
Beers were ESB, Pride, Discovery, HSB, Butser and Jennings Cumberland.
Very pleasant and enjoyable, worthy of inclusion in any crawl of the area.
21 Jun 2008 12:05
The Battle of Trafalgar, Brighton
Fairly unprepossessing from the outside but that changes once through the door. A genuine welcome and quick service even though the place was reassuringly busy in the early afternoon. Wooden floors and tables, green bench type seating and green walls over a timber wainscot give a comfortable relaxed feel. 2/3 "rooms" albeit open to each other but all having the feel of a seperate area. A garden is situated at the rear off the main bar.
Harveys Sussex, Adnams Explorer, London Pride and Tanglefoot on the handpumps.
I'm not sure of the significance of the mini statue of a teddy boy/rocker toting a machine gun or whether it is Elvis or some other? A bookshelf contains some shabby volumes, many with a cricket theme.
21 Jun 2008 11:48
The Park Tavern, Kingston Upon Thames
Nice and comfortable with a homely feel, one room almost split by the central wooden bar. Bench seating and bar stools, carpetted so none of the echoing noise you get in some more minimalist places. Lots of unusual nick nacks around, notably an East Riding Constabulary plaque and a set of manacles.....no stealing glasses here then. A stuffed parrot sort of bird presides over the cig machine. Sporting prints, mainly rugby adorn the walls and beermats of earlier guest beers on the ceiling and around the bar.
It was lively and chatty, the Euro football showing on the small tv but the plasma on the wall was off.
Efficient service and a very good line up of regulars TT Landlord, Youngs Bitter, Adnams Broadside, Pride, and guests Hogs Back Friday 13th.....I assume today's special, not sure if brewed for today or renamed, plus Elgood Cambridge Bitter. All in all very nice but jaw dropping prices, �3.40 for the EGC!
13 Jun 2008 20:03
The Salehurst Halt, Robertsbridge
Lovely country pub in a real rural location. Apparently owned by two local families after the pub was threatened with closure. Great views from the garden which is split between the terrace and grassy area. The history is quite interesting, this is hop country on the Kent Sussex borders and I'm told a small gauge railway used to pass here carrying the golden hops. Seating also out front to the lane and a single bar with wooden floors, and dried hops around the bar. Frieindly welcoming service, Harveys Sussex Best and Dark Star Summer Solstice. I could have stayed all afternoon. The food menu looked very good too, but so good to see its not sold out to foodies at the expence of drinkers unlike some other local pubs.
8 Jun 2008 21:11
Dreadful. Down at heel, soulless and depressing. No local competition so with the correct leadership this place could be a thriving community pub in what is a generally nice affluent area. A pubco place run without pride or interest, the exterior and interior are tatty and lacking in maintenance. Adnams Bitter and London Pride on with a felt tip written pump clip.
7 Jun 2008 18:22
The Prince of Wales, Twickenham
A fairly ordinary no frills pub but serving good beer. The local Twickenham Spring Ale and Sundowner plus Cornish St Austell Tribute and Sharps Doombar on today. One room with a central horseshoe bar, TV on for the ubiquitous rugby. Traditional table and chair seating plus a couple of Chesterfield type sofas, and a fireplace adorned with horse brasses which together with the pub mirrors add a bit of a retro feel to this 40 something correspondent.
31 May 2008 18:30
Note to self. Please make sure there is no rugby on before going for a drink in Twickenham. Plastic glasses and loud TV. No rating as not representative of the usual ambiance I suspect. Will pop back another time.
31 May 2008 18:21
A cavernous echoing barn but a superb selection of beer for the discerning drinker. A rare London outlet for Cambridge's Milton brewery, serving seven of them yesterday, all tasted, perhaps all actually, on very good form. Also available were two from Great Oakley, Delapre Dark, and Welland Valley Mild plus Tydd Steam Swedish Blonde, Black Friars Spring Tide and Gwatkin real cider. A tremendous selection. A pool table(with purple baize) and also a bar billiards table add to the attraction. Very impressive all round.
31 May 2008 10:25
The Pride of Spitalfields, Shoreditch
Nice traditional pub, no frills just good beer, reading previous posts the selection of ale is standard. The Crouch Vale BG was on good form it must be said. Didn't sample the food but seeing the prices it looks to be exceptional value. Very homely feel, bottles on a picture rail level shelf and an old piano at the rear of the bar.
31 May 2008 10:12
A little unusual looking situated as it is, for a moment I thought I'd stumbled across a Travelodge, however first impressions can deceive. "A Country Pub in London" a sign on the wall proclaims. There is also a plaque commemorating three members of the Canadian Fire Service who were stationed nearby during WW2.
A large pub split into two main areas, with a small snug open to the main bar. The right hand room appeared set up for dining. A broad range of different seating including sofas, leather armchairs and bar stools as well as the more traditional. Wooden floors with rugs, a long central bar against the back wall and candles on tables. A selection of board games and newspapers are available, quiz night and a forthcoming blues band are advertised.
Five handpumps but only 3 beers on yesterday, Sharps Doombar, Taylors Landlord on two pumps and Adnams Bitter. One pump unused.
Pleasant enough for a couple after a walk on the common but I can't get rid of that hotel feel.
30 May 2008 08:43
Not much new to add seeing over 250 comments to date. Full of character and welcoming. Regulars are Black Sheep, Taylors Landlord and Harveys Sussex. Good enough without the guests, on this occasion, Harviestown Bitter and Twisted, Adnams Explorer and Batemans Valiant. Spotted the intimate upstairs parlour style room I've never noticed before.
Only one minor gripe, the front windows fold back to allow in air and light, and also smoke. It seems de riguer for smokers to stand outside chatting through the opening to friends inside so a lot of smoke blows back in.
19 May 2008 17:59
Great line up of 8 real ales, Adnams Bitter, Archers Golden, Elgoods Double Swan,Titanic Anchor, St George Dragons Blood and two from Moorhouse, Black Cat and Blond Witch. The Edgars Pale Ale I believe is from Vale and not a special for the pub, unless anyone knows better?? The area above the bar is covered in beer mats from previous guest ales.
Comfortable rectangular room downstairs with a mix of seating including bar stools and a chesterfield sofa. Large plasma TV over the rear door switched off at the time of this visit.
Food looked good and included a "fish butty" which looked like a big chunk of battered haddock/cod in a bun with salad and chips for �6-95.
Very pleasant, beer perfectly kept, fairly quiet of an afternoon but I bet it fills up later. Wish these places opened at weekends.
19 May 2008 17:48
This pub has so much potential but is really underachieving. Lovely Victorian building with lots of original features inside and out, numerous drinking and eating areas inside the rambling interior. I counted 9 handpumps of which just two were operational, one serving Youngs Ordinary, the other somewhat unusually had Mauldons May Bee (seasonal)on. The MB was only just passable, slightly hazy and to be honest I would have changed it if there was a possibility of getting something better.
Come on Royal Oak, you could do so much better than this.
10 May 2008 11:13
It is indeed a sympathetic conversion in so far as it is clear what the former use was and is celebrated in the decor and pictures on the walls. Seperate gallery drinking area with views over the main bar. Eight different ales on handpump, including 5 guests which rotate. Seemingly good turnover so beers in decent condition. Perfectly acceptable venue with the bonus of Spoons prices.
3 May 2008 10:59
The Robin Hood and Little John, Bexleyheath
Fine welcoming and friendly with a superb selection of well kept ales. Busy as it really deserves to be, on offer were Adnams Broadside and Bitter, Harveys Sussex, London Pride, Sheps Kents Best, Brentwood Best, Brakspears Bitter and Brains Reverend James. An old building apparently swallowed by suburbia, timber beamsetc, but evidence of some unsympathetic refurbishment sadly. Certainly worth a look though.
20 Apr 2008 15:01
Thriving buzzy community pub a short walk from the town centre, nice friendly welcome and happy to order a taxi for us(even if it was driven by Evil Kneivel's more risky double). Plenty of seating in the two bars and an outside area that looks well tended and I guess is nice in summer. Courage Best, Taylors Landlord and Adnams Bitter. Landlord and Adnams in very good nick.
20 Apr 2008 14:54
I've just reread the GBG entry write up for this pub and I'm wondering if the writer was somewhere else. "friendly staff make everyone feel welcome...." No dogs rule, what about the one wandering round the place?
I don't like to post negative reviews, as I try to choose pubs I think I will like but this was a wrong un. On entering the barman/landlord seemed totally put out to have to actually go round to the service side of the bar and serve us, sorry to disturb your chat with your cronies fella.
Beers are Sheps but only two on, Kent Best and Spitfire. Signs around the place suggest this is a community pub with all kinds of activities and events on, but there were just a few rather dubious characters and the landlord yesterday. I think I know why.
20 Apr 2008 14:48
This pub features in the GBG, yet the selection is a rather uninspiring GK IPA, Abbott and Morland Original Bitter. The place is clearly popular and was busy and lively at 6pm, warm and comfortable too. A nice old building in a pleasant street, but a decent guest beer wouldn't go amiss.
20 Apr 2008 14:41
The Crown and Thistle, Gravesend
Easily the best of the Gravesend trio tried yesterday, warm comfortable and clean, friendly welcome, decent toilets etc. A more unusual line up here, The local Gravesend Shrimpers was new to me, Dark Star Hophead, Hampshire Ironside Best, Purity Premium Amber Ale, and something I didn't record fully from RCH. Highly recommended.
20 Apr 2008 14:32
This place has the feel of a country pub in the town, very low beams, timbered, with an unfortunate contrast of a modern bleak and austere entrance with not surprisingly the only two vacant tables. Darts are evidently popular here and the dartboard has a sign adjacent stating "Scores under eleven, 5p in the box". The food servery hatch is right next to the dartboard, could be some close calls there!
Youngs Ordinary. Spitfire, Everards Tiger and Summer Lightning on offer. The hotel section could be useful for those who over indulge?
20 Apr 2008 14:25
First pub of yesterday's trip, very handy for the station. Calls itself "The Real Ale Pub" on a banner outside, a bit quirky inside with a music theme, discs, guitars etc on the wall. It felt a bit 70's in style. Two from Archers,Spitfire, Summer Lightning, Old Bear Hibernator(bit strong for an opener)and Pedigree. Good range, the pub is a little frayed at the edges and the sticky floor and tables could do with a wipe but ok. Perhaps someone could tell the bloke smoking on the step by the entrance that its only polite to move out of the effing way when people are trying to get in.
20 Apr 2008 14:15
I've never been a Wetherspoons fan, but I decided to try this place after reading the reviews. To be honest it is ok, nothing special mind but ok. The local area isn't too good for pubs so I regard this as a positive addition. The beer was in good nick, and for a Spoons the clientelle and atmosphere were comfortable, rather well heeled and relaxed. I'd go as far to say a nice ambience and probably the best pub in Raynes Park. Tough shout between 6 or 7, 6.5 if possible.
17 Apr 2008 21:48
A stones throw from The White Hart, another pub with a good real ale policy. A bit more bohemian than its neighbour without the sports emphasis.
Beers on were Brentwood Spooky Moo, Mighty Oak Burntwood Bitter, Cottage Great Eastern and Maypole Flanagans Extra Stout. A bit unusual a selection as all were darker heavily flavoured ales; perhaps something lighter would improve the choice?
The landlord is friendly enough and likes to talk about his beers. A beer festival is advertised from 20-24th March I think it was with up to 20 on offer, most will be on stillage.
16 Mar 2008 12:09
Big old pub now surrounded by 60's tower blocks and flats. Impressive real ale policy in what I imagine is a difficult area, but certainly the pub is thriving. Busy both lunchtime and evening with rugby on earlier and then football later. Comfortable main bar and a more spartan bar/vault adjacent with another TV and pool table. Function room to the rear.
Crouch Vale Brewers Gold (excellent), Crouch Best, Dark Star Porter and Sharps Special on the four handpumps. Belgian beers also available.
16 Mar 2008 12:04
The Seven Stars, Chancery Lane
Unusual old pub with a narrow bar area and small rooms to each end. As others have commented a steep spiral staircase leads up to the toilets with rooms visible either side seemingly being part of the living accommodation. Mind your head on the way back down! Legal themed pictures and film posters adorn the walls.
Adnams Bitter, Broadside,Black Sheep Bitter and Dark Star Espresso coffee beer available on my visit. Beer a bit pricey even for the locale.
16 Mar 2008 11:39
The Willoughby Arms, Kingston Upon Thames
Good community local run by an enterprising landlord who clearly knows how to make a pub like this thrive whereas other similarly located pubs can struggle. Two seperate bars, one given over to sports and games (darts and pool table plus machines), with the front bar being more for drinkers. The sports bar has a museumlike collection of signed shirts, pictures etc and footballs and club pennants hanging from the ceiling.
Good selection of ale, Bombardier and Pride supplemented recently by Surrey Hills Shere Drop, Twickenham Scrum Down and Caledonian Six Nations. Nice to see the beer pulled through before my pint was served too.
Signs advertise a good deal for rugby fans during 6 nations games, 4 pint jugs of Twickenham Scrum down or Marstons Sweet Chariot for �8/9.
16 Mar 2008 11:18
The Charles Dickens, Southwark
A great find in the South Bank hinterland not far from the Tate Modern and that pedestrian bridge across the river. Fairly quiet and chilled in the afternoon, timber wainscotted walls, wooden floors and settles. The Charles Dickens theme is maintained by prints of a series of Dickens characters on the walls. L shaped centre bar, with the same shaped room to the front and a rear area with two large rooflights set up seemingly for food with a servery counter. Two large TVs showing Sky Sports on one and Ch4 racing on the other, both muted.
Six good ales available on handpump, all priced at a fair �2-85. Ranging from 3.0 to 4.5 there were Harveys Dark Mild, Slaters Original, Cottage Whippet Gold Cup, Mighty Oak In Seine, and St Patricks Stout, and Highgate Irish Whiskey Ale. Those tasted were in very good condition, the friendly Irish Guv seems to appreciate decent ale.
The blackboard over the bar displays well priced honest pub food such as ham egg and chips �5-95, Steak, onions, chips, mushrooms, tomatoes �8-95 and Lasagne with chips for �6-95.
A good find and worthy of many a revisit.
15 Mar 2008 09:47
The Hole In The Wall, Waterloo
Perennially scruffy boozer under railway arches just outside the front of Waterloo Stn. Trains rattle overhead, causing the place to vibrate however the ales on offer are generally in good nick. Usually 6 or even 7 on offer, with the usual suspects such as GK IPA, Bombardier, Pride Etc represented, but other options, last visit included Dr Okells IPA from the IOM, Sharps Doombar, and Hogs Back TEA.
Always busy as you would expect outside a main station, sports shown on the big screen in the rear bar. Toilets grim.
15 Mar 2008 09:23
Large town centre pub with several drinking areas, always busy.Lots of wood panelling, some sofas etc, library of reference books. The usual selection of Youngs/CW bombardier available, but as usual in these tied pubs no guests. Youngs beers certainly not the same as they were before production moved.
1 Mar 2008 06:27
Reliable Harvey's house with two bars, the font has high ceilings, chandeliers, etched windows and a choice of traditional chairs or wooden settles. Old theatre flyers adorn the walls. The back bar is more like a parlour with its fireplace and cosier ambience. Not quite the full range, Sussex Best, Pale, Old, and Mild. Guest beer for Valentine's being Kiss at 4.8%, a sign over the bar challenges punters to ask the barmaid for one.
23 Feb 2008 13:27
An old favourite, an old friend even. Twelve handpumps dispense superbly kept ale from mainly small regional breweries from around the UK. Harvey's Sussex Best is generally on as the house beer. My recent visit found in addition, Tring Brock Bitter, Hopdaemon Skrimshander IPA, Mauldon's Silver Adder, Cupid Otter, seasonal I assume from Otter Brewery, Black Hole Cosmic, two from White Horse, Giant (with uncensored pump clip)and Wayland Smithy, HB Clark Aquarius, You've Urned It. Additionally there was Weston's Traditional Scrumpy.
There isn't a lot to add to the mainly contented numerous other reviewers except to say it is an easy place to lose an afternoon or evening.
The only gripe which is unfair is that it is a victim of its own success so I've never found the pub any other than busy. Even then service is efficient.
23 Feb 2008 13:22
A large village (well suburban really) pub, quite busy early evening. Three seperate areas plus a dining area to the rear, although tables in the left side room were set with menus and condiments too. Extensive food menu of regular dishes plus some ambitiously priced specials.
Five ales on handpump, Taylor's Landlord, Youngs Bitter, CW Bombardier, Shep's Spitfire, and Adnam's Bitter. To me, if you are going to serve five there should be a bit more effort to get a more interesting guest or two in? The beer tried was in fairness top notch.
A rather nice cast iron and tiled fireplace in the left bar was somewhat unusually hidden from view by a table. Would've made a nice feature.
Not bad, a bit large for my taste, but certainly serving a decent pint. Better than its current 5.2 rating.
21 Feb 2008 19:37
Reasonably pleasant village pub facing the green. Comfortable raised seating area with leather sofas to the right of the bar, and an area with tables seemingly for dining to the left. The bar area itself has a couple of tables and a few bar stools. There is a garden plus gazebo to the rear and a scattering of the usual bench tables to the front overlooking the village green.
London Pride and Adnams Bitter, the guest was Joseph Holt's 1849, a Manchester brew. I've not encountered 1849 before, being a Mancunian myself I always liked Holt's Bitter. I found it rather dull, a dark beer at 4.5%, drinkable but not at its peak I suspect, rather lifeless. I doubt the pub has the through trade at this time of year for more unusual guests perhaps?
21 Feb 2008 19:27
Great village pub close to good walking country, with a real dedication to serving a range of good ales. A real log fire burns in the grate, and a hum of conversation dominates, rather than music. Genuinely welcoming and friendly. The house beers are Ringwood Best Bitter, Harvey's Sussex, and TT Landlord; guests were Triple fff Alton's Pride, Hammerpot Red Hunter and Ballard's Nyewood Gold.
Well worth seeking out.
18 Feb 2008 07:49
Smart and tidy but a bit impersonal. Nice location in a slightly elevated position overlooking pleasant countryside. Adnams Bitter , Broadside and Fullers Pride on, spare handpump with no clip I assume is where the Harvey's others have referred to normally sits. Not the sort of pub I imagine has regular session drinkers but having paid �6-10 for a pint, a coke and some crisps it wouldn't be!
9 Feb 2008 17:42
A deceptively large pub, apparently under recently new management. Not a bad range, Abbot Ale(cough), London Pride, but also Brakspear Oxford Gold-the guest-Sharp's Doom Bar, and the local Twickenham Sundowner. Pool table in a seperate area, pull down screen assumed for sports events. A large array of bottled ales on display behind the bar.
The beer was good, Blues bands are still advertised, bit foody; lets hope the new management maintain previous standards. No reason yet to suspect they won't.
1 Feb 2008 17:32
The Brewery Tap, Wimbledon Village
Modern style interior with cream walls and exposed brickwork although a fire was burning in the grate. Mix of seating types. Plasma TV on the wall not on at the time, jukebox playing. Original plans of the building on one wall, a nice detail.
Deuchars IPA, Theakston Mild, Adnams Bitter, London Pride, and Rebellion Roasted Nuts, 4.6%, seasonal brew, in good nick it must be said. Not a bad range, most local pubs here serve just Youngs.
1 Feb 2008 10:39
Hall & Woodhouse beers, unusual for London. Badger First Gold and I assume seasonal Pickled Partridge on. �2-40 for First Gold, good value for central London. Two (gas coal effect) roaring fires, newspapers in a rack at the bar. Not much seating but a sign indicates more available in an upstairs room. Decent boozer worth a visit.
31 Jan 2008 16:52
The Carpenters Arms, Marble Arch
Five of six handpumps on, Archers IPA and Empty Pockets, Strong's Best Bitter, Clark's Classic Blonde & Harvey's Sussex. Ipa and Strong's tried, in good condition. Friendly welcome, Hendrix CD playing, very enjoyable. Good free house, basic food, (paninis, omelettes, all day breakfast) available. Sky sports on muted.
31 Jan 2008 16:47
The Live and Let Live, Cambridge
Another fine backstreet Cambridge pub with a worthy selection of ales, six yesterday plus a traditional cider. Adnams Bitter and Everards Tiger are the house beers, Nethergate Umbel Ale another regular plus three changing guests. All sampled yesterday were in fine condition. The clientele here is more mixed than other local pubs and older, less of an obvious student presence.
27 Jan 2008 15:39
Fine backstreet local, ten real ales on tap, five each side of the bar, mainly from local or micro breweries. Busy in the early evening, unfortunately though the pub has a policy of reserving tables so it ended up a bit crowded. Garden to the rear took up some of the punters but it was a bit chilly after dark so we moved on, the pub has tough competition nearby! Still an essential stop on any Cambridge crawl and at 20 mins probably the best venue for a beer drinker's pre match pint before heading for The Abbey.
27 Jan 2008 15:26
Superb. Eleven ales on yesterday, nearly all from small regional breweries, five or so on stillage in the back room. Friendly and welcoming, laid back atmosphere lunchtime, busier later in the evening with a large student presence. Plenty of seating, roaring fire, just excellent.
27 Jan 2008 15:20
The Fox and Grapes, Wimbledon Common
Its nicely situated on the edge of The Common, 2 rooms split by a central bar, but very food oriented and as others have said, pricey too. I didn't partake but seeing �12.95 for a burger on the menu I wasn't tempted to either.
The beer range is refreshing in this Youngs dominated area, a couple of mainstreams in Directors and GK IPA, but TT Landlord, Sharp's Doombar and Welton's Old Cocky available on my visit.
Sports prints on the walls all a bit SW19, ie Tennis and "rugger". The lounge bar layout is full of symmetrically placed square tables, sadly to me making the impression of a dining room rather than a relaxing bar.
18 Jan 2008 16:12
A fine backstreet pub, unusual for the area, the full range of Tim Taylor's beers plus 3 guests, Bath Brewery Gem and Barnstormer plus Downton's Chocolate orange....didn't try this as it doesn't sound like my cuppa. Warm, convivial and friendly, large wooden tables, huge Sunday roasts, in all a cosy spot for a leisurely Sunday afternoon with the papers. I assume its different when Fulham are at home though.
16 Jan 2008 11:23
The Wych Elm, Kingston Upon Thames
Decent enough community local serving Fullers Ales in excellent nick. Chiswick, Pride, ESB, all on in good fettle. Warm and welcoming and pints readily topped up to the line so no complaints here. I'm told the food is good too.
19 Dec 2007 16:12
The Canbury Arms, Kingston Upon Thames
Not sure if I'd call this a pub or a restaurant, certainly a Gastropub anyway, but with a decent selection of beer. The food is excellent, and the line up the other day was Twickenham Best, Harveys Best, Hook Norton Old Hooky plus something else I don't recall, so there clearly is an interest in serving proper beer not just food. I just felt that if we were to arrive at lunchtime or evening peak with the intention of just drinking we may feel uncomfortable as it seemed all other customers were there essentially for meals.
19 Dec 2007 14:08
The Hand and Raquet, Wimbledon
Popped in recently and like some others was disappointed to see that the once decent range had diminished to just two, something by GK, IPA I think and Titanic Lifeboat which to be fair was ok. Busy and (very) noisy but not the pub it once was I'm afraid to say.
1 Dec 2007 14:10
So much better than I expected following the walk from Westferry DLR past dodgy looking 60's estates and bland recent "regeneration"
Great river views from the small deck at the back, even if it seems London was only developed after 1986, where has all the history gone? No smoking outside as well as in, suits me if not all.
Marstons Ped, Adnams Bitter, TT's Landlord and my choice Otter Ale on yesterday, OA a bit heavy and rich for a lunchtime I might add. A sign at the bar encourages customers to vote for their choice of guest ale, an excellent idea.
Upstairs is a restaurant, and perhaps the finest pub toilets I've seen in ages, loads of original green Victorian tiling and mahogany. All assuming you get upstairs without knocking yourself out on the seriously short of headroom steep staircase, although to be fair, warning signs are there.
In short, great little pub worthy of the journey.
24 Nov 2007 15:47
Simply gorgeous pub. Ticks all the boxes, good ale, historical interest, warm and convivial. Timbered ceiling, wood panelling, lots of paintings and a small snug off the rear lounge named "Ye Closet". Attentive bar staff (with aprons), my pint was topped up to the brim immediately and without asking, rare nowadays. Adnams, Caledonian, Nethergate Old Growler, and my choice Rooster's Yankee on yesterday, plus Thatchers Cider. I didn't eat but the range of snacks are very well priced, toasties for �1:50,Scotch eggs etc �1:25 and hot sausages for 60p!
As seems to be usual wherever I go, the outside is wrapped in scaffolding so I couldn't judge the exterior however even though the Xmas Decs are up already I'm awarding my very first 9 to this place.
24 Nov 2007 15:11
I'm possibly being unfair to The Peacock as I visited on a Friday afternoon and it is closed at weekends so only having one pump of 3 working serving a mediocre Sussex Best can be understandable. Pump clips behind the bar suggest a decent range normally available even if they were mostly mainstream stuff. It was rather quiet and being a large single room this means little atmosphere. Bland interior, fold down big screen for sporting events, and a pool table upstairs.
Perhaps I need to try again midweek?
24 Nov 2007 14:51
A pub I always feel welcome in, small single dog leg shaped bar, always well kept Sheps ales (no Late Red sadly yesterday, my favourite ShN beer). Convenient for Victoria but enough off track to seem like a street corner local. Caricatures of varios politicians adorn the walls, previous customers perhaps?
24 Nov 2007 14:38
I note the mixed reviews and complaints about food, service, etc. Visited as a stop off during a walk, didn't eat but had a decent enough pint of Crooked Furrow. Found the barman personable and friendly. In my view a worthy venture simply for brewing their own beers which from my one off experience tasted fine and was well looked after. In reality a brave and laudable venture in such an off the beaten track location. I possibly need to return on a busier day to test out the service more.
20 Nov 2007 17:32
Pleasant friendly and well preserved traditional old town pub. We sat in the small snug area behind what I believe was once called a "snob screen"? Fairly bland ale selection, ie GK but they did have XX Mild which is new to me. A nice touch on leaving the staff gave us a boxed pint glass each. Another very enjoyable Cambridge town centre boozer.
4 Nov 2007 15:34
I note the mixed reviews but our experience last night was positive, it is small and busy hence the sensible "service area" and queue system at the bar which allows seating at bar stools at the other end.
Fullers beers, a bit bland for a London based drinker but had the guest from the local Milton brewery, I forget which one but a straw coloured enjoyable ale around 4.5%.
The barman was friendly and informative, helping us with our maps and route and suggesting some alternative options. The "Hall of Shame" seems to be for those who cannotr handle their ale, looks like there have been plenty.
I enjoyed it here, a gem. An 8 in my book, a better beer selection would have achieved a heady 9 from me!
4 Nov 2007 15:21
The Champion of the Thames, Cambridge
Pleasant, lively and wecoming, GK ales but the guest was Tom Wood Bomber County, a strong characterful brew. Shrouded in scaffolding last night we feared the worst but open and flourishing. Football on tv but not to the detriment of conversation etc. Certainly worthgy of inclusion in any Cambridge crawl.
4 Nov 2007 15:14
Friendly village local, big screen for football etc, Marstons Pedigree and a halloween themed Wychwood Hobgoblin yesterday. Run by enthusiastic Stoke City supporters, with club paraphenalia around the pub....even the juke box sports the club badge. Enjoyed a good hour or so in here, not at all unwelcoming to strangers as similar located pubs can be.
4 Nov 2007 15:08
Good meeting point for yesterdays football trip. The usual good range of beers available, nice pint of Dark Star Hophead and the excellent all day breakfast for �5.95. Reasonably busy and buzz of chatter at 11:45 yesterday. A good pub providing excellent choice in what is a bit of a difficult location. Not like most "station" pubs.
4 Nov 2007 09:47
Routine Youngs/Wells house, fairly busy as town centre/ station pubs tend to be but nothing too special in fact rather ordinary if Youngs fans don't mind the pun. Beer ok.
26 Oct 2007 02:58
I've not been here for a while but standards remain high. Hopback GFB, Summer lightning and Entire Stout on plus guest Downton Fly Half..... another Wiltshire brew, they must travel together. Certainly a proper pub in what is really a difficult area, well done!
26 Oct 2007 02:48
The Leather Bottle, Earlsfield
Newish modern interior, seems to be aiming for the affluent 20-30 somethings. Absolutely chock full of the afternoon mums club, 3 wheeler buggies abound, plus the noise of bored kids. Don't worry ladies, property prices will fall soon and you'll be able to go back to Fulham/Putney/SW19.
Youngs bitter, spec and CW Bombardier.
Sorry folks but I didn't like it here.
26 Oct 2007 02:34
The Plume of Feathers, Greenwich
A friendly if efficient welcome, log effect fire burning, chiming clock, lots of paintings of galleons, lively atmosphere with a buzz of chatter, you get the ambience. Large TV suspended from the ceiling but not on suggests sporting events shown but perhaps with discretion; the background 80's music left a bit to be desired though. Fullers Pride, Adnams Best and Gale's Trafalger on tap, beer well kept. Snacks available, and a restaurant area at the rear.
25 Oct 2007 10:42
Warm, homely and friendly. Two bars, garden to the rear and some patio tables at the front. Youngs, Ordinary, Special and Waggledance plus Wells Bombardier. Ordinary competitive at �2.52. Food menu on the board well priced too between �6-�7. Opera music playing in the background yesterday, all very relaxing and generally a pleasant place.
25 Oct 2007 10:33
The Cutty Sark Tavern, Greenwich
The building itself and the superb river views aside, the pub is very large and feels rather impersonal. This is of course probably due to its location and history as I suspect most trade is passing/tourist based. Anyway I enjoyed a decent pint of St Austell tribute in the upstairs bay window overlooking the river, even if it was three quid! London Pride and Brain's Reverend James on too yesterday.
Didn't eat but the menu looked ok, standard pub fare generally around a tenner.
25 Oct 2007 10:25
Rather quiet back street boozer, notice on the door now says closed 3-5 Mon-Thurs. Large L shaped room, clean and comfortable. Unfortunately the only cask ale on yesterday evening was GK IPA. There are 3 handpumps though. Lots of old photos including one of the pub with a tiled exterior under the sign for Lion Brewery Ales. The street and pub seem to be named after Pelton Mine/Pit, think its in Durham?
I do like this place and feel it could thrive if a good selection of cask ale was offered.
25 Oct 2007 08:44
The Ashburnham Arms, Greenwich
Visited mid afternoon today and no complaints, Shepherd Neame beers on had the Autumn Late Red which was in top condition. Hard to comment on atmosphere as my visit was late afternoon, but I found it not unfriendly for a back street local. Unusual painted map on the wall of the bar near the toilets of the Greenwich bend in the river. Odd "french" style interior partition between ladies and gents toilets.
24 Oct 2007 22:15
The Prince of Wales, Wimbledon
I find this place a decent enough town/near station pub, certainly been in worse in similar locations. Early evening tonight was convivial and lively, again mainstream cask beers, I had a decent pint of TT Landlord. Certainly worth a good 6, 6.5 if it was possible.
24 Oct 2007 21:57
The Hand In Hand, Wimbledon Common
Brief visit for a spot of lunch, good pint of Youngs Ordinary. The usual suspects from the Youngs/Wells consortium on offer. Good food, monster portion of fish and chips, my partner had home made smoked cod and salmon fishcakes which I'm informed were good. Nice relaxed ambience apart from the noise the dishwasher makes! Daily newspapers available, low key barely audible background music.
16 Oct 2007 14:58
The Haunch of Venison, Salisbury
Interesting for the antiquity of the place, some of the pumps are situated directly over the cellar steps which lead from the bar. Only Courage Best on offer as cask ale yesterday which was a shame given the availability of more interesting beers locally.
14 Oct 2007 10:17
Good ale house serving the full range of Hop Back beers, in clean comfortable surroundings. It feels like you are drinking in somebody's living room and in fact the journey upstairs to the gents had me wondering if I had inadvertently somehow wandered into an adjoining house. Football on the tv yesterday but it was not overpowering. Definitely worthy of a return visit.
14 Oct 2007 10:10
Fine freehouse with a good range of local ales plus Tim Taylors landlord. A bit shabby maybe but it adds to the character, lots of railway memorabilia for those who like such things. Rather cramped and "intimate" gents toilets! Real ale carry outs advertised but sadly no containers available last night so our train journey home was unlubricated.
14 Oct 2007 10:04
Superb selection of Harveys ales in excellent condition, eight available yesterday plus Addlestone's cider. Friendly and welcoming. A bizarre collection of clown dolls and masks around the bar.
Very clean and tidy, the landlord/landlady are clearly proud of this house and rightly so.
30 Sep 2007 10:42
Not a bad town pub, Harveys ales in good condition. This place used to be very smoky but a great improvement now but not all seem to think so as a blackboard over the bar laments the smoking ban as a piece of British life lost! The usual pub range of food available.
30 Sep 2007 10:31
A warm welcome and well kept selection of ales, even if a bit mainstream in selection, ie Flowers, Adnams Broadside, Fullers LP, Spitfire and Bombardier. Better than most in the vicinity and definitely a "proper" pub. Slightly dingy and the toilets could do with a freshen up but overall a decent boozer. No food on yesterday afternoon.
30 Sep 2007 10:28
In my view just about the only pub locally that is consistent and worthy of patronage. Quirky place, walls and ceilings festooned with mostly old sporting paraphenalia such as programmes, posters etc. A great range of ever rotating ales, good honest well priced food, Sunday lunches are excellent value. All beer menus posted on here by the landlady usually weekly.
24 Sep 2007 13:31
A typical "Spoons", good range of competitively priced beers, but as ever a bit subdued, even down at heel inside. Not been in of an evening only lunch so maybe lively later? The immediate local area however has many establishments that cater for the younger circuit drinker.
23 Sep 2007 16:50
The Chequers, St James's
A long, narrow single space with the bar to one side. A few tables front and rear and a drinking shelf to the side, facing the alleyway. Carpeted, with wainscotted walls and a dark red beamed ceiling. As the pub faces a square behind, it benefits from windows both front and back.There are a fair number of beer mats stuck to the side of a stair wall behind the bar, I assume indicative of previous guest beers. The selection on my visit was fairly mainstream, Pride, Doom Bar and Deuchers IPA. Not a bad pint of Doom Bar though.
A large TV in the front corner was switched off Friday PM. Food on offer included fairly priced toasted sandwiches and hot baguettes, generally between �4-�5.
28 Feb 2010 12:20