BITE user comments - Matt_Helm
Comments by Matt_Helm
The Frog & Wicket, Eversley Cross
could be a nice pub. the bar staff seem friendly enough and the beer was OK. But whilst I've only been here twice, IMHO the atmosphere is spoiled by an element of regulars who behave outwardly as if they think they own the place. I'm no stranger to bad language, but if I go out for a quiet drink with the missus I don't really want to be obliged to take in an abundance of over the top loud swearing which is dominating the centre of the pub. Maybe I've been unlucky on my visits.
23 Sep 2008 15:26
The Southwark Tavern, London Bridge
that would be a pointless phone call you're saying these events didn't happen, I'm saying they did. I can't see how that's going to be resolved. One thing I do concede is that I cannot guarantee you were the person I spoke to on the phone, but if you weren't, then you have somebody pretending they are running the place when they aren't.....and whoever that is, was dismissive and was offering the pretence that you do still generally open on a saturday morning, whilst the girl outside the pub stated otherwise - she presumably works there or at least has something to do with the place, because the door was open and she physically stopped me walking in. If she doesn't then you have interlopers on the premises. Maybe it wasn't you personally taking me for a mug, but that's not really the point. Something clearly doesn't add up in the running of the place and I won't be taking my chances again. There are plenty of pubs in London that are organised enough to know when they are open or not and treat punters with default respect.
8 Sep 2008 12:55
The Southwark Tavern, London Bridge
what a shame. I used to enjoy a good breakfast in this pub on a saturday morning and have spent a few evenings there as well. I would have previously recomended it. But last time I attempted to go there on a Saturday morning a few months ago it was closed. Disappointing, but these things happen - I assumed it was to do with football. So the next time, I rung in advance. Called on the wednesday before and spoke to the manager, who told me he couldn't say for sure that it would be open, but he'd had no notice about football traffic to suggest that it wouldn't be. I asked if he would know on friday afternoon if I rang back then. He said he couldn't tell and was somewhat dismissive. Very strange.
Anyway, I rang back Friday afternoon, mid afternoon in the hope it wasn't too busy, but couldn't get through, until eventually someone did answer but put the phone down again - maybe it was simply dropped?!?
So I went there on the Saturday morning anyway. It looked open at first, but a girl outside informed me it was closed. I asked why and she said that a new manager had taken over and they hadn't been open on a Saturday morning for weeks.
I don't appreciate being taken for a complete mug. Won't be going back to the southwark tavern in a hurry.
As I say, a shame. It would appear that the new manager may need a lesson in manners as well as how to run a pub.
5 Sep 2008 16:16
What a shame the interior of this pub was ruined a few years ago. Great location, poor food, poor service, very over priced beer.
31 Jan 2008 16:55
The Magpie and Parrot, Shinfield
Excellent beer and friendly atmosphere. The Magpie and Parrot has a quirkiness that may seem odd at first, but quickly grows on you.
31 Jan 2008 16:48
Glad to hear this pub might be on it's way back to former glory. Used to eat here frequently until it changed management 3 or 4 years ago (memory not so good). You'd get a warm welcome from the previous landlord from behind the bar....the chap who then took over chose to sit customer side, sporting an arrogant attitude that stunk to high hell. A great shame. It's a fair old journey for me to get there now, so I would be interested to read more comments on current status.
31 Jan 2008 16:39
The Boot, Bracknell
fairly innocuous sort of pub. nothing great about it but have been to worse places. however, the beer is massively over priced and the service is poor - at least half the times I've been in the pub there has been nobody behind the bar for several minutes.....not the end of the world maybe, but does make you wonder if you should have bothered. not sure if they are bothered about lunchtime trade but the manor wins hands down (and the manor isn't great either)
23 Sep 2008 15:41