BITE user comments - Phantom_Pigeon
Comments by Phantom_Pigeon
Good food, good beer, good staff, dog friendly, OK accommodation and reasonably priced.
No objections to a return visit.
25 Jul 2017 14:25
The Cholmeley Arms, Burton Coggles
Stayed here for a couple of nights and really pleased we did.
The room was very clean and comfortable, and quite large.
As to the pub itself, it's a great little place. We were made to feel most welcome by the staff and local alike.
There were two real beers on - TT Landlord and Grainstore Springtime. Both in excellent order and reasonably priced. They had GK IPA as well. The food was to die for, and they seem petrified that you will go away hungry - The portions need to be seen to be believed.
As to a return visit, we've already booked.
27 May 2017 17:33
Pleasant little country pub with a main bar and, what they call, the restaurant.
The food is quite good, and is reasonably priced. There were three beers on when we visited - nothing spectacular, just the standard Adnams and Woodfordes. They were ok though.
The evening musical entertainment was very good, and I would return purely for that. However, the "entertainment" provided by a few of the locals, who had been drinking for most of the afternoon, was appalling. Unfortunately, the staff did nothing to quiet them down or ask them to moderate their language - They just kept serving them more drinks. It is for this reason that I have awarded a rating of 4/10, otherwise it would be a 7.
26 Nov 2016 14:54
Bridgewater Arms Hotel, Berkhamsted
Well, we have returned on many occasions, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience but the last was a disaster. After a two hour wait, I asked if they were still serving food, as it had gone 21:00, and asked if there was any danger of ours arriving in the near future? Three of the four meals arrived, the other had been left off the ticket.............
We were not charged for the meal or our drinks, and the apologies were profuse. We were told that the were going through a difficult time with staff. From what I have read on Trip Advisor, they have been going through a difficult time with everything since the beginning of the year.
Another return visit? Not for a long time. Shame really............
14 Apr 2016 12:36
The Millstone is now under new ownership.
The accommodation prices have gone up. The food menu is now quite limited, and nowhere near as well cooked and they haven't got the beer selection they used to. The breakfast has also shrunk in portion size.
Thankfully, some things remain the same - They are still very dog friendly and Linda is still serving breakfast - Ya rite duk........
27 Mar 2016 14:36
Harvester Flamstead, Flamstead
No real beer only John Smiths and Bombardier, I had a Pepsi.
The place is really tired, and could do with a referb, but it's just off M1 j9, so very convenient and cheaper than the motorway services.
Food - Adequate.
16 Dec 2015 11:57
Very clean and a decent pint of Pride.
Food average and adequate.
Not the sort of place to go for an evening as it totally lacked atmosphere.
Staff more interested in sorting out their social lives than delivering drinks.
Not worth a re-visit
24 Oct 2015 11:03
Well we did return to the area, and wow, what a difference a year makes.
The beer is pure St. Austell, which is not to my taste so I had a pint of the Symonds Founders cider. Unfortunately, the flavour had been frozen out of it. I said in my last review that the food prices were a couple of pounds more than average, they are now about four or five pounds over and the quality has dropped.
This pub has been struck off the "Return to" list.
Shame, as it is in a great location and still very dog friendly.
30 Sep 2015 10:28
Visited with a family group of ten and a dog, on Boxing Day.
We were made most welcome and were offered a bowl of water for the dog before we ordered our drinks.
The food was of extremely high quality and represented good value for money.
Two proper beers were on the pumps, London Pride and Sussex Bitter. I can't comment on these as I had wine for a change.
The service was efficient and friendly.
We will definitely revisit when in the area and have no qualms in recommending it to others.
31 Dec 2014 15:16
A relatively small pub with a garden across the road.
It is only the bar, to the right as you go in, and the garden that is dog friendly. Unfortunately, the inside tables are quite close together, so it all feels a little cramped.
As with the Polgooth Inn, I had a couple of pints of St Austell Dartmoor. Once again, it was OK, but I am not a fan of West country beers so it would be unfair of me to comment further.
The food is excellent value for money. I personally think the fish and chips is slightly better than the Polgooth. The staff are efficient, helpful and very friendly.
A revisit when in the area is well and truly on the agenda.
29 Sep 2014 12:27
Excellent pub. A little out of the way but definitely worth the effort in looking for it.
The bar is split into three areas, four if you count the large garden, ALL very dog friendly.
I had a couple of pints of St Austell Dartmoor. It was OK, but I am not a fan of West country beers so it would be unfair of me to comment further.
The food is excellent. Priced a couple of pounds over the average, but well worth it.
A revisit when in the area is well and truly on the agenda.
29 Sep 2014 12:04
Overall, not very impressive.
Large TV screen showing Sky Sports without the sound turned down.
St Austell Harvest Moon one of the beers on the pumps - Far too fruity for me. Great burgers, though.
If I went back, I would prefer to sit in the garden and drink wine.
29 Sep 2014 11:56
As the previous reviewer has said, it's quite dark in here, and from the outside, not that inviting.
However, there is a bit of a "beer terrace / garden" out the back, with loads of tables and seating.
The food is excellent. Fair sized portions, very well cooked, presented well and reasonably priced.
We found the staff to be friendly, helpful and accommodating.
As to the beer, I had a pint of Partridge Best Bitter, from the Dark Star Brewery - Very nice indeed. To my mind, far superior to the Laines, but this is purely my personal opinion.
Certainly no objection to a return visit.
17 Aug 2014 11:34
Stayed at this pub for three nights.
The room was very clean, neat and tidy. Could do with a new mattress as the one we had was a bit squeaky.
The food, breakfast and dinner, was really good.
The staff, really accommodating, polite and helpful. The chef on one of the nights and the following breakfast was not too good at reading orders though.
Dog friendly, Oh yes - Very.
The beer, all that I tried was in good condition and appeared to be kept well. The Millstone Ale was a particularly good brew.
12 Jun 2014 15:06
Called in for breakfast.
I don't know what it was like as they couldn't be bothered to cook it.
I walked out 30 mins after ordering.
2 Jun 2014 13:05
The beer was of reasonable quality, but had to wait an absolute age for the food, which was not worth it.
Paying top price for fish and chips and only getting what can be best described as a pensioners portion is not good.
The only time I got a smile from any of the staff was when she handed back my credit card and receipt.
A return visit? NO.
26 May 2014 14:37
Very much a hotel bar rather than a pub.
However, the staff are very friendly, accommodating and helpful.
The restaurant side is comfortable and the food is excellent at a reasonable price.
The bar side is a bit like a hotel lobby, with sofas and low tables.
As to the beer - Marstons was the predominant brewer. All were very well kept and served. They even had Oyster Stout on tap.
Well worth a visit if you are in the area.
11 Apr 2014 16:30
Not a bad place.
The food is very reasonably priced and the McMullens AK was perfectly acceptable. Will more than likely call in again.
11 Apr 2014 16:17
An OK pub.
Atmosphere - OK
Comfort - OK
Food - OK
Beer (TT Landlord) - OK
Spritzer served as a glass of wine and a glass of soda - Very strange.
16 Mar 2014 13:03
My wife , dog & I spent three very comfortable nights at the Watermill. The room was very clean, cosy and comfortable, a little on the small side but everything else made up for this.
Evening bar meals were exceedingly good and well priced, as is the vast selection of beer. Breakfast was also very good.
If you have a dog this is certainly the place to stay as the dogs are made to feel most welcome, even by being able to sit with you at breakfast.
We shall definitely be returning.
30 Dec 2013 15:46
As has been said, great range of beers mostly from local breweries, served and kept well, and reasonably priced.
The food - Fair sized portions, once again at reasonable prices. I can recommend the goulash.
Very dog friendly and, on the evening we went, seemed to be the busiest pub in Keswick.
A definite return visit is warranted.
16 Dec 2013 11:34
Oh dear, we have been staying at the Kings Head fairly regularly since my last review.
The place has changed - A lot. Unfortunately not for the better.
It is still clean, and the bed we were in was comfortable, but the room was so,so damp and cold.
The food - Expensive and they serve chips (6 or 7 to a portion) in a "Jenga" style, or a little galvanised bucket. What's all that about - It's a pub!
The beer is also relatively expensive, and not as well kept as it used to be.
I think that a lot of other people have had similar experiences as the pub itself, the hotel and the restaurant, were consistently empty.
Other pubs/inns/hotels are available..................
16 Dec 2013 11:04
The Harvester (Ancient Briton), St Albans
Rubbish place.
Chicken was still a bit pink around the bones, the chips were like rubber bands and I didn't even get a full pint of Guinness.
The place is quite scruffy and could do with refurbishment - The same goes for the staff.
My rating of 1/10 is purely for the salad.
8 Nov 2013 16:20
Very much a country gastro restaurant rather than a pub.
Having said that, the food is excellent, as is the beer, and not too highly priced for what you get.
A definite candidate for future visits.
15 Sep 2013 15:16
First the good bits;
Fantastic views, friendly staff, reasonably comfortable, good wine and salad (at least they were supposed to be cold)
Now the not so good bits;
It's a Beefeater with a lack of staff, a very long wait for our food which arrived warm enough to eat if you were quick about it. We didn't complain as we had waited so long and we're going on holiday in a fortnights time.
Really must stop going to these places.........
6 Sep 2013 11:26
Called in a couple of weeks back - Nice place with a massive garden.
Had a pint of Timmy Taylor Landlord, which was on excellent form.
Did not eat there, but there were many people that were, and the food looked pretty good.
A return visit is definitely on the cards.
17 Aug 2013 15:29
The Windmill Inn, Great Cressingham
The food is OK, and the beer is OK.
The location is great.
My wife did object to continually being called "darling" by the barman, though.
29 Jul 2013 13:48
Had a nice lunch here.
The guest ale was good as was the spritzer and the food.
However, there are a lot of low arm chairs and sofas in the bar area, and some of the food is served on wooden boards and wooden plates - What's all that about?
But, despite this we would definitely not be adverse to calling in again sometime.
5 Jul 2013 11:08
We have given it another go and if anything the Hobgoblin has improved.
The food is also very good and reasonably priced.
We will return.
I have raised my rating from 6 to 7.
5 Jul 2013 10:50
The Old Chequers, Gaddesden Row
Sadly Christine and Ron have left.
The pub is now a restaurant with a bar, and has lost all its' charm and has a very strained atmosphere.
The food is still first class, I am very pleased to report.
The beer has changed. Doom Bar and Spitfire are now on the pumps. Sadly, not as well kept as the beer used to be, but on the bright side the GK IPA has gone.
I am going to have to lower my rating from 9 to 6
24 Jun 2013 18:08
This is a really nice pub, with a really nice garden. That's where nice ends..........
The food is excellent. You have to wait a bit, but it is cooked to order. No problem with that. The service was good, friendly and efficient.
There were six beers on the pumps on our visit. Fullers London Pride,Tring Side Pocket and Ridgeway. Can't remember the other three. I had the Ridgeway, which was kept very well and served as a full measure. Very nice indeed.
A return visit is definitely on the cards. I am awarding a very rare 9/10.
3 May 2013 15:12
Food is good, and the toilets are spotless.
Massive garden.
Lousy beer. Mrs wasn't impressed with the spritzer either.
26 Apr 2013 12:21
It's a Greene King pub, so I didn't expect too much. I was right. they only had one beer on the pumps - GK IPA. I had the Guinness.
The food was quite good, and very reasonably priced, but I think the deep fat fryer needed an oil change.
We would call back, though.
20 Apr 2013 17:18
Accommodation - Clean, comfortable but overpriced.
Food - Good and well presented, but overpriced.
Beer - Only one pump in use serving a very overpriced (£3.90 a pint), mediocre Chatsworth Gold.
Return visit - A definite NO.
Try the Manners Hotel a couple of hundred yards down the road - Far superior in every way.
20 Apr 2013 17:07
Hi tortyrobs, I think you mean the Crown and Mitre in Ferry Street........................
6 Apr 2013 10:48
I can only imagine the current rating of 3/10 was made before the re-furbishment. If not, then I can only review as I find.
The greeting was warm and friendly, and the meal was very good indeed.
As to the beer, Doombar, Bombardier and Thwaites Supreme - Not very inspiring, but kept reasonably well. Apparently, the ales are changed on a regular basis, so there could be anything on the pumps.
My rating 7/10, and will return.
19 Mar 2013 12:32
The menu is a bit on the pretentious side for a pub. But, having said that, the ham and wild rabbit pie was delicious.
The pub is warm, comfortable and clean.
They serve a great pint of Burton Porter, too.
31 Jan 2013 14:31
Bridgewater Arms Hotel, Berkhamsted
I agree with thewickingman about the location and the beer selection. I am not a great fan of GK beers in any of their various guises.
However, the food was very good in portion size and flavours. The welcome was friendly and the place itself was warm and comfortable.
A return visit will definitely be on the cards.
20 Nov 2012 17:36
The Three Blackbirds, Flamstead
Nice olde worlde pub at the end of the village High Street. Lunchtime visit.
First the good bits;- Welcoming and pleasant staff, good food at a reasonable price and HPA - Hereford Pale Ale on one of the pumps, on good form and served well.
Now the not so good bits;- Internal seating not too comfortable, big screen television, (fortunately not on during our visit), quiz nights, open mic nights, Sharps Doom Bar and the place was oh so cold.
Possibly visit again, when the weather is warmer, and we can sit in the garden.
4 Nov 2012 12:33
Broads Haven Tavern, Potter Heigham
Like ButchEgg, we stumbled upon this pub by chance.
The pub is a bit like a Tardis; it's a lot bigger inside than you would think from the outside.
The bacon and tomato baguette (it was a lunch-time visit) was really good, as was my pint of Wherry.
Would certainly not be averse to calling in again. Well worth a visit.
26 Sep 2012 10:47
Quite a pretentious pub, owned by the same bloke as the Kings Head in Letheringset, Chris Coubrough, (a local celebrity chef?)
Things didn't start well when I asked for a Pimms, and then had to explain how to make one. I had a pint of Adnams bitter, which was OK, but I have had better.
The food looked good, but we didn't stay to find out.
Good place to nip into on the way past, for a swift half, but wouldn't make a special journey.
26 Sep 2012 10:38
I have to agree with the previous posters, this pub is shabby on the outside, and internally, it's a bare floorboard, small table plain ordinary boozer.
However, my pint of Directors was spot on, and the staff are very friendly.
The courtyard is very clean and tidy, and the food certainly looked good. We didn't eat here so can't comment, but looking at the number of people that were, it must have been.
Well worth a visit.
20 Sep 2012 11:13
The Bowling Green Inn, Wells next the Sea
Thought it about time I did an update, after my recent visit to the area and this pub.
Beer remains good
Food remains good
Service remains good
Rating remains 7/10
18 Sep 2012 13:45
It's about two years ago that I suggested this Pub.
However, we have been back on quite a few occasions, so I can still make a relevant review.
It's a Greene King Pub, which doesn't bode well in my book. However, I tried the Greene King XX Mild. A very nice brew, indeed. The food comes in fair portions, either from the menu or the buffet, and is of good quality, as is the welcome from the Staff. Dogs are most welcome in the bar area. Service is good too. We will definitely call in again when in the area.
22 Aug 2012 11:29
The Full Moon, Hawridge Common
We decided upon the resturant area, as opposed to the bar - Probably a mistake.
The menus and prices were identical, but the area lacked atmosphere.
The food was good, reasonably priced and made a change from your normal pub grub, but still offering the basic fish & chips, burger, steaks, etc..
The Adnams bitter was in good nick too. Not the best I have had, but quite acceptable.
Have to agree with the previous reviewer, the 10% service charge is a bit naughty, but it is optional. We opted out.
A return visit? If in the area, quite possibly, but don't think we would make a special journey.
6 Aug 2012 16:24
The George and Dragon, Newton-by-Castle Acre
From our experience last year, we decided to call in again, on our way home.
In my last review, I wrote, "Not a place to go if you are in a hurry".
Oh my, how true that is.
It was a nice evening, about 6:15ish. My wife and dog sat a table in the empty garden. I went off to the bar for some drinks.
The bar was as empty as the garden - No customers or staff.
I wandered about a bit, thought about serving myself, and then saw the big bell hanging at one end of the bar. I gave it a good clanging, and waited - nothing. I was actually in the bar, on my own, for about five minutes
I decided that we should go on to somewhere that might want my money.
On the way out, I bumped into someone who asked if they could help (The Landlady?) I told my story. She seemed unperturbed and said she would get someone to serve me. I told her she should be doing it herself, but not to bother.
From this incident, I have reduced my rating from 7 to 1.
Needless to say, we won't bother again.
27 Jun 2012 09:51
The Old Chequers, Gaddesden Row
Thought it about time I bought my review of this Pub, up-to-date.
Nothing has made me change my mind about anything in my review of four years ago, and we have been here quite a few times since.
The Pub itself, is off the beaten track and is usually only found by luck or recommendation.
Christine and Ron are excellent hosts, providing excellent food and service, and nothing is too much trouble.
Their Staff are a great bunch, too - Always up for a laugh and a bit of banter. When they get to know you, the standard of abuse is very high, but good natured. They give as good as they get.
Still only Adnams Bitter and GK Abbot, on the pumps, which is a shame. However, both are kept in consistently great condition.
We are looking forward to the next four years
6 Jun 2012 12:09
The Fox and Hounds Hotel, Eggesford
St Austell Tribute and Trelawny on the pumps, when we called in. Both in fine condition and served well. However, as a typical hotel bar, very comfortable, but not a lot of atmosphere. But, you can take your dog in. They have a large water bowl at the reception end of the bar.
The food is a bit on the designer side - Not much of it, quite pricey but very pretty. If you stay at the hotel, the breakfasts are very good indeed.
If in the area, I would recommend you call in. We will.
25 May 2012 10:23
The Fox and Hounds, East Knoyle
We pulled into the Little Chuff car park on the A303, and like amadcitrus, we saw the sign.
It is a real out of the way pub, which welcomes dogs. They sell packets of designer dog biscuits at the bar.
All that aside, I had an excellent pint of Sheep Dip, and my wife enjoyed her spritzer, with our equally excellent ploughman�s. The staff were friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere was quite relaxed.
I do not see any reason for not making the detour, and calling in again.
25 May 2012 10:04
It's a Beefeater so a standard corporate menu. However, the Sunday lunch was pretty good.
As to the beer, only London Pride, but in very good nick.
Might even go back, one day.
11 May 2012 11:20
Crown and Sceptre, Hemel Hempstead
Current rating - 9/10?
A small country drinking pub. The bars get a little crowded, but there is no problem in getting served.
There seems to be a prevailing smell of air fresheners from the lavvies, which is slightly off putting.
The food is ok, served on relatively small plates which are topped-up with chips.
As to the beer, Abbot and GK IPA with four guest ales and a cider, Hedge Layer on my visit. I had a couple of pints of Adnams Broadside. It was good, but I have had better.
My rating - 6/10
16 Apr 2012 09:50
No pun intended, but don't have the fish and chips, unless you want to re-sole your shoes.
3 Apr 2012 09:35
I thought this was a site where people could review pubs, not conduct a slanging match.
16 Mar 2012 09:47
Never been to the place, so can't comment.
However, I tend to agree with you Murgatroyd.
Sticks out like a pork pie at a Jewish wedding.
A load of 1st time reviewers, saying the same thing, around the same time. Got to be a few members of staff, or just one using different names.
13 Jan 2012 10:20
Only pride on the Pump, but not in bad nick.
Food, typical chain (Brewers Fayre) stuff, but serves a purpose - Cheap and Cheerful.
14 Dec 2011 11:29
The Ben Johnson, Weston on the Green
Unfortunately, there were not a lot of customers, (Sunday lunchtime!) which, bearing in mind some of the previous reviews, I found quite surprising. This meant that there was a lack of atmosphere, and the two bar/waiting staff seemed to need charisma pills.
The food was good. Lovely piece of roast beef, but the fish cake was more cake than fish. However, the Village Idiot was on fine form.
A return visit? The Ben Jonson would not be my first choice.
21 Nov 2011 10:36
Visited this pub twice during our short stay in the area, and can only agree with alexw - 6-3-2011.
The food is plain Pub Grub � Nothing fancy. You get a fair portion, at a reasonable price, and it is very good.
As to the beers. Not a very inspiring selection on the hand pumps, Adnams bitter, Old Speckled Hen and Marstons Pedigree. However, the Adnams was absolutely, spot on.
On our second visit, I had the Woodforde�s Once Bittern, straight from the cask. The best pint(s) I had all week.
When we are back in the area, we will make a definite point of re-visiting the Kings Arms.
15 Nov 2011 11:24
Since my last visit, two and a half years ago, The Kings Head has had a massive refurbishment, by Chris Coubrough, (a local celebrity chef?), and is now part of the Flying Kiwi Group.
This is no longer a pub. It is a restaurant that serves beer. In this case, a combination that doesn't work too well.
The food is expensive, but it is very good, as one would expect. But they do have jus on the menu, not gravy - A pet dislike of mine.
I had a pint of the Adnams Southwold bitter � I have had a lot better.
I have changed my original rating from 1 to 6, purely for the food and service.
15 Nov 2011 10:46
The location is great.
The greeting was friendly.
The service was great.
The bacon and ham sandwiches are great. As are the chips.
The pint of Woodforde's Wherry, I had, was great.
They allow dogs into the garden.
But there is something odd about the place.
You will need to make up your own mind..........................
14 Nov 2011 15:54
The George and Dragon, Newton-by-Castle Acre
This is not a pub. It is a restaurant that serves beer. In this case, a combination that works very well.
The food is priced, and served, as a restaurant, not as a pub. However, it is cooked to order, and is well worth the wait.
I had a pint of the locally brewed Newtons bitter - Very nice indeed.
Not a place to go if you are in a hurry.
14 Nov 2011 15:33
I agree, breath should not be held.
I suggested the Toby Carvery in Keighley on 28-3-11, the Milton Head in Buxton on 16-11-10 and The Crown in Gayton, Norfolk, on 31-8-10, still no sign.
They have all been set-up on rival sites though...................................
6 Sep 2011 10:01
The Feathers Public House and Kitchen, Rickmansworth
Well, we went back. Oh dear. Service was very slow, even though there were not as many customers as on my last visit. We waited for so long, I thought that I might have to pop home for another shave. The food, when it eventually arrived, was well presented, but only just warm. The beer was still in good nick, though. I will give it 3/10 this time, so as to average my rating at 5.
If this had been my first visit, I would not contemplate a second.
8 Aug 2011 10:17
The Feathers Public House and Kitchen, Rickmansworth
When I went in, I thought that the place was a little on the pretentious side.
However, the staff are very pleasant, efficient and helpful. They even laugh when the oversize menu gets too close to the lit candle on the table, and catches fire.
The food is overpriced for what it is, but, it is rather good.
As to the beer, I had the Castle Rock, Harvest Pale. An excellent brew, well kept and served just right. Mind you, at �3.60 a pint, it should be.
Is a return visit warranted? Oh, yes.
19 Jul 2011 12:59
June 2011
The staff were a little busy, and very thin on the ground, but remained friendly and pleasant.
The food was the standard chain pub fare, well presented, but could have been a little hotter. Service was very slow, probably due to the lack of staff.
As to the beer, GK IPA and Doom Bar. Neither on my list of drinkable brews. The Guiness was off too. I had a very nice pint of Strongbow, as a last resort.
Called in again on Saturday 9th July. Still got GK IPA and Doom Bar, plus London Pride. I had the mixed grill, but what I got was a cold meat platter that looked like a mixed grill. Since the refurbishment, this place has gone back down to the standard it used to be about two years ago. I have given it 3/10. 1 - they take Tesco vouchers (for the time being, 1 - The Pride was very nice and 1 - The chips were hot. Overall, quite an underwhelming experience.
11 Jul 2011 10:15
The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak
This is not a review, but a leap on the bandwagon.
I suggested a pub last August, another in October and yet another in March this year - Still no sign.
I have sent a couple of chase-up e-mails, but haven't had a reply yet.
7 Jun 2011 10:35
Nice pub with a good garden. The staff, in general, seemed a friendly bunch and the bar staff quite unflustered, even on a hot sunny Saturday lunchtime, with the place being packed. The food looked good too. We only had sandwiches, which were very good indeed. I sampled the "Stokers", which was excellent.
Definitely a pub to return to.
23 May 2011 10:03
The Feathers Hotel, Dersingham
Called in again, two and a half years after my previous visit. My, how this place has changed.
I have revised my rating from 7 to 3. The Woodfordes Werry was good, The steak and mushroom, sorry, that should read, the mushroom and steak pie, was almost tasteless.
16 May 2011 10:21
Called in after a walk with the dog. Doom Bar, Bombardier and London Pride - Not a very exciting selection. Barman seemed to be in a world of his own, far, far away.
Didn't try the food, which, from what I saw, didn't look too bad, and presented in a "gastro" style. But the restaurant area looked quite dark and un-inviting.
Good points - My pint of Pride was quite good, and they have a nice garden.
3 May 2011 14:47
An excellent pint of Yates, supped in the sunshine after a walk around the lake.
The food looked OK too, but we didn't sample any - Maybe next time.
Barman could do with some charisma pills though.
28 Mar 2011 11:11
The food was good, if a bit on the "nouveau" side, but It would still be nice if the Yorkshires were checked that they were hot before they were served. It's also quite expensive for a pub. However, going by the cars in the car park, the prices matched the affluence of the area.
Having said this, the Hooky was in excellent condition, and we would not be adverse to return visit.
14 Mar 2011 11:17
Well it's a Chef and Brewer, so yes, it is more of a restaurant than a pub. Only problem is, it's not very good at being either. The current rating is 4.4/10. How on earth it is so high, I don't know.
On our visit, there was a lack of staff, atmosphere, comfort or warmth. We waited for about 40 minutes for our food, which, by it's temperature, had been sitting on a shelf for about ten of them.
As to the beer, I had a pint of Adnams Broadside. Now, I am a fan of Adnams beers, but if this had been my first, I would never have another one.
A pub to return to? NO, not even if you paid me.
28 Feb 2011 10:02
The John Bunyan, Coleman Green
Went here for a large group buffet after walking the dogs.
Found the staff to be helpful and accommodating. It is a small place, with the tables a little too close together, but it's warm, cosy and clean. As I say, we were there for a specially prepared buffet for about forty, which was well presented and of good quality. I can't comment on the normal food as I didn't have any, but if it is to the standard of what I did have, it should be fairly good.
As to the beer - It's a McMullens house, without a guest, not that I could see. The AK was in great shape, well kept and about the right temperature. Quite likely to go back after, or during, another walk.
6 Dec 2010 14:24
Not a lot to say that hasn't been said.
Food - Good quality, fair portions, reasonably priced
Locals - Very friendly and up for a laugh, either at their expense or yours
General atmosphere - Excellent
Staff - Very friendly and efficient. Nothing is too much trouble
Beer - Kept and served superbly. Marstons Pedigree and Bitter and Adnams, being the stock ales. When we visited, Dark Knight (can't remember the Brewery) and Wincel Sir Philip were the guests. Both excellent brews
Toilets - Sparkling
Accommodation - Very clean and comfortable. We stayed for three nights
Return visit - Oh yes.
16 Nov 2010 11:08
The Marchmont Arms, Hemel Hempstead
A very nice old building that has been re-furbished, and now, unfortunately, has a rather clinical feel to it. However, the food isn't bad, if a tad expensive, to my mind anyway, but the service was attentive. Quite a few lagers on tap, and two proper beers. On our visit, Adnams Bitter and Hobgoblin, both in excellent order. A return visit? Probably.
2 Nov 2010 15:03
The food here is very good indeed. Some may say a little on the expensive side, but, in my opinion, worth it.
The pub itself is a friendly place, attracting locals and tourists alike, and dog friendly.
The stock beer is Adnams. Well, it is Suffolk, and under 10 miles from Southwold. Both the Bitter and Broadside in excellent order. The guest when we visited was Earl Sohams' Gannet. A very tasty, dark mild, also in very good order.
We visited twice during the week, and will return when next in the Area.
11 Oct 2010 11:18
The place really lacked atmosphere. There was only one other couple.
The lunch was not bad. The service left a little to be desired.
As to the beer, quite a selection of lagers, but on the "real" front, GK IPA and Ruddles County, not too exciting. The Ruddles was fairly good, though. A return visit? Unlikely.
11 Oct 2010 11:04
The Three Horseshoes, Bourne End
Absolutely superb setting beside the Grand Union Canal. Must be really great on a warm summers' evening.
Three beers on, Charles Wells Bombardier and Eagle, and Courage Directors. Not too exciting, but the Directors was well kept. Can't vouch for the other two. The food was good, if a little on the pricey side and a little limited for a lunchtime. However, wouldn't rule out calling in again.
14 Sep 2010 15:59
Visited again over the weekend - Chef and Brewer now take Tesco vouchers until August. Food still reasonably good. However, the Adnams was definately sour. It was changed for a Guiness, without question and without extra charge.
24 May 2010 10:23
We called in here at about 5.00pm on a warm, sunny, Sunday afternoon. Surprisingly, there were only a few people in the, quite nice, dog friendly garden, and no-one indoors. Didn't see any of the food, so can't comment on it. I had a pint of Hobgoblin. Not one of the best I have ever had, but this will not stop us from returning for another go.
19 Apr 2010 10:33
Called in for a "swift half", one evening after taking the dog for a walk around the park. We sat in the garden(?) The tables are very sheltered and, hence, coated in dry lichen, and the ground is covered with gravel and fag ends. Not very inviting. The inside is a vast improvement over the garden. Shame about the big screen TV though.
Although we did not eat here, the food appeared to be the standard pub fare, at fairly standard prices. Personally, I prefer the Six Bells. However, having said all that, the place seemed quite popular and my pint of Spitfire was superb.
12 Apr 2010 12:38
The Top of the World, Hemel Hempstead
M & B Sizzling Pub, so the food offers are pretty good. The service was very slow and the decor is a bit clinical, to my mind anyway. As to the beer, I sampled the Brakspear. Not bad at all, if a little on the cold side. I will probably call in again sometime.
31 Mar 2010 10:07
Ffolkes Arms Hotel, Hillington
Not a bad place, but a bit limited on the real beer front. Only Adnams bitter on when I was there at the back end of last year, and no other pumps in sight. However, the Adnams was in very good nick. The food is fairly average, but very reasonably priced. Wouldn't be adverse to calling in again when in the area.
31 Mar 2010 09:56
For a chain pub, Chef and Brewer, really not bat at all.
The staff were a little busy, and very thin on the ground, but remained friendly and pleasant.
The food was the standard chain pub fare, well cooked and presented. Service was a tad slow, probably due to the lack of staff.
As to the beer, I had a very nicely kept pint of Adnams. Really not too sure about spending an evening there. As has previously been said, "average restaurant that serves beer rather than a pub that serves meals". However, not a bad place to go for a lunch.
18 Feb 2010 14:27
The Red Lion has been taken over by Oakman Inns, and completely refurbished. Feels all very nice and airy, and is very comfortable. However, it is now basically an Italian Restaurant, NOT a pub.
The service is very efficient, and the food is very good. Cooked fresh but a tad on pricey side.
They do sell real beer as well. When we went the Marston�s was a bit yeasty and the Adnams was good, if a little too cold, but it soon reached a better temperature.
11 Jan 2010 12:09
The Leather Bottle, Hemel Hempstead
Bombardier, London Pride, GK IPA and Old Speckled Hen, not very exciting at all really. However, Hobgoblin is the guest ale at the moment. I have had better, but it was in pretty good nick. Food is OK, and the service, for both food and drink, was first class. Well worth a return visit.
22 Oct 2009 14:15
Another Ember Inn, but totally different from the Fishery Inn, Boxmoor, just a few miles away. Timmy Taylors Landlord on one of the pumps, and very nice too. The food was served efficiently, and was pretty good. If in the area, worth a look at.
8 Oct 2009 11:44
Going by the previous comments, must have visited this pub on an off day.
Had a pint of Silent Slasher. It arrived very cloudy and would not clear. I was told that that was right. The notes on the Brewery website say different. God, it was awful and impossible to finish.
This is not a pub to which I would return.
29 Sep 2009 14:16
We came here a couple of days after visiting the Royal Oak in Dorchester, and had reasonably high hopes.
Codrington Royal on the pumps. I told the barman that I had never tried this before. A sample was poured immediately, without my asking. Very impressed. The beer was extremely good too. Very well served and kept. Well deserved of the Cask Marque.
The general ambiance was good. The tables were not sticky either. In fact all was going very well - Then the food arrived. To say the mixed grill was overdone is about as kind as I can be. I had to keep checking the menu to see which meat I was eating as it all looked the same and tasted like charcoal. Shame the restaurant staff had vanished. The cook (?) here could learn a lot from the Chef at the Royal Oak.
Would we go back? For a drink, yes. For food, forget it.
29 Sep 2009 11:37
When we went, Hobgoblin on the pumps, mmm.
The service was good, friendly and efficient, both at the bar and the restaurant.
The steaks were cooked exactly to our liking, quite a surprise for a chain pub. Shame about the very sticky tables.
When next in the area, we would not be averse to coming here again.
29 Sep 2009 11:20
Scotsbridge Mill, Rickmansworth
I agree totally with the last two reviewers, this is a restaurant with a bar. It is part of the Mitchells and Butlers Group.
The Adnams was OK, but not exceptional. The same applies for the food, it could have been warmer, but it was reasonably priced.
For the amount of waiting staff around, the service was surprisingly slow, but to be fair, we were a reasonably large party. (16)
Big question: Would we go back? Quite possibly, but only as a party of four - maximum.
14 Sep 2009 10:34
A good selection of lagers, Guinness and Strongbow, but no real beer. They have quite an extensive Thai and "Pub Grub" menu, all at a reasonable price. And not bad, either. But no real beer. Shame really.
25 Aug 2009 14:17
The Travellers Rest, Dunstable
This is a "Vintage Inn", so the standard company menu rules. But, at the moment, they have got some good deals going, and the food is pretty good too. The beers on the pumps, when we visited, were London Pride, Brains Bitter and Spitfire. I will say one thing about the Vintage Inns that I have visited; they really keep their beers in excellent condition. The Travellers rest is NOT an exception. The Spitfire was spot on.
Shame about the location, the garden is next to a double roundabout. Not the fault of the Pub, the building was there first.
19 Aug 2009 10:58
Very nice Olde Worlde type country pub.
Great setting, good staff, good food menu and Badger beers. Not bad eh?
The food was very good, but a little on the expensive side. Food is served in the main bar area and they have a small restaurant too.
Besides the Badger, King and Barnes Sussex Ale (now brewed by Hepworth?) also on the pumps. Very nice light ale, kept in excellent condition and a sample offered without asking.
We will be back.
7 Aug 2009 09:52
July works lunch do.
Tring Brewery Brock Bitter on one of the pumps. Very nice and kept well too.
Food not bad either, and reasonably priced too. The pub itself is a quaint, old fashioned type of place, which, I imagine, has a great, local atmosphere in the evening, but for lunch time, a bit dead. We would go back, but would not be our first choice.
9 Jul 2009 14:44
Quite a selection of Jennings Ales - All kept very well.
This place is more of a resturant and B & B, than a pub. The food is good, served efficiently, and, contrary to the comment by drtimthornton, reasonably priced. A result of the current economic climate, maybe?
As an inn, it is very comfortable. We will stay here again.
30 Jun 2009 11:15
This pub is now owned by the same people as the Horse and Farrier, just across the road. The Salutation seems to be more for the Locals, walkers and climbers. Also seems to have a better atmosphere than the Farrier. When we went there was a selection of about four proper beers, and not a Jennings in sight. The Theakstons was in excellent condition.
We didn't eat here, but the food looked very good.
The rooms are very comfortable, but you have to go across the road to the Farrier for breakfast. OK if it isn't raining.
30 Jun 2009 10:59
Horse and Farrier Inn, Threlkeld
This pub is now owned by the same people as the Salutation Arms, just across the road. The Farriers seems to be more for the tourists. However, having said that, the Jennings beers are kept in excellent condition and the spritzers are served in cut glasses, even if you are seated in the garden.
The food is good too. Served efficiently and reasonably priced. We will be back.
30 Jun 2009 10:46
Beer - Kept and served very well.
Food - Very good. Cooked fresh and served efficiently.
Staff - Attentive and very friendly.
Clientele - Locals, climbers and walkers - all very friendly and sociable.
Music - Live, loud and local.
General atmosphere - Fabulous.
The B & B rooms are very comfortable, with views over the loch. Breakfast can be a rather haphazard affair, all dependant on how early in the morning the staff went to bed.
They let dogs in too. Look out for Louie, the pool playing Collie.
16 Jun 2009 11:03
White Hart Inn, Abbots Langley
This was the venue for this months �Lunch from Work�. Youngs and Adnams were the real beers, and GK IPA. The Youngs was good, as was the Adnams, no-one fancied the IPA.
The place itself is quite small and on two levels. It is clean and quite comfortable, and the food good and is reasonably priced. The service is quick and friendly too, but make sure they write down the food order. The Chef gets confused.
Not sure about spending an evening there, but will return another lunchtime.
13 May 2009 14:31
The food is not bad. Reasonably priced and seemed to be fresh. We sat in the conservatory. Very clean and comfortable, but all a bit tired and in need of a refurbishment, as do the toilets.
It's a GK pub. The guest was Shepherd Neame Spitfire, which had just run out - I had the Guinness.
Would we go back - Doubtful.
11 May 2009 12:02
The Three Horseshoes, St Albans
This is now a "Vintage Inn", so the standard company menu rules. The beers on the pumps, when we visited, were London Pride, Adnams Bitter and Sharp�s Doom Bar. Never tried the Doom before, so I had a pint. Never have been a fan of Cornish Ales, still not. Not the fault of the Pub, just not to my taste.
Might call in again if we are in the area, but wouldn't make a point of a specific visit.
11 May 2009 10:13
Three beers on when we went, London Pride, 6X and Timmy Taylor. All very well kept and served. Well deserved of their Cask Marque accreditation. Look out for Thunderbolt the barman. As to the food, standard chain pub stuff, and the tables are very sticky.
4 May 2009 12:08
The Anglers Retreat, Marsworth
I agree totally with thetwotwins and villageidoit, no frills anywhere, very friendly staff and a great "what you see is what you get" atmosphere.
We sat in the garden where, despite the lack of staff, the tables were kept clear of debris. We only had the ham sandwiches with it being lunch time. They were very good (real ham). As to the other food going past us to other tables, it looked really good and fair sized portions.
I had the Milestone Crusader Bitter. An excellent brew, kept perfectly, served at the right temperature with a smile.
When next in the area, I think we will make a point of trying this Pub again, just to make sure.
20 Apr 2009 09:59
Called in one evening, last November, when we were staying in the area, lured by the impressive sign on the main road. We were the only customers. The food was reasonably priced and the gammon was excellent. Mrs Pigeon was not impressed by the vaguely warm lasagne.
Once things were placed on the table, they would not move, as it was so sticky. As to the beer, I had a pint of Abbot. I left most of it as it was stale. Nice fire.
I have since learned tat the place is closed and being completely refurbished.
31 Mar 2009 10:56
Coach and Horses, Croxley Green
Agree with Winwaloe. That new sign - BAD. The beer is good, the Adnams Broadside was excellent. The food was reasonably priced and not too bad at all, but gammon steak served in a dish? An interesting concept, and makes cutting a bit difficult. As to the service, what service? They had two girls running around serving all the tables, inside and out. We felt sorry for them. They were doing the best they could, but were overwhelmed. A pub to return to? Not by choice.
21 Mar 2009 19:00
The Rose And Crown, Stratford Upon Avon
Food was edible. Beer was drinkable. Service was OK. Filled a gap for a quick lunch.
20 Mar 2009 18:51
Visited as a group from work, lunchtime job.
Not too big a car park, but I suppose there were not too many cars about in the 1540's.
The general consensus of opinion was good food, good service, and characteristic country village type pub.
There were six beers on the pumps, including Copper Dragon Golden Pippin. A light refreshing ale, spot-on temperature, perfectly kept and served with a smile. Being lunchtime, I did not have the opportunity to try any of the others, but I will.
5 Mar 2009 16:06
The Pub is situated at the edge of the Village Green, across the road from the Cricket Pitch. A very nice setting, especially in the summer. Grindletons Old Fecker was one of the beers on the pumps. Kept and served well, and at the right temperature. The food was freshly cooked and not bad at all. Had to wait quite some time though, while it was cooked, which meant I was forced into having another pint - Very sad, but there you go.
Will we go back? Oh Yes.
16 Feb 2009 10:27
Well I went back, and the Abbot was not any better. Had a beef pie for lunch - it was microwaved to perfection. Very disappointing. Will not be going back until it becomes an independent again.
10 Feb 2009 16:54
Every time we have passed this pub, we have said we should call in - Purely because of its location.
Well, we have. Lots of lager on tap and in bottles. For those of us with a more decerning palate there were 2 real beers - Adnams Broadside and London Pride. I was driving so I had the Pride, and very nice it was too, in every way.
The service was OK, but the food? Ember Inns are running a 2 4 1 deal on certain dishes, this actually makes them priced about right.
Would we go back? Unlikely.
12 Jan 2009 12:39
The Feathers Hotel, Dersingham
We have been calling in to The Feathers off and on for a number of years. It has been slowly going down. Last December (2007) it reached a new low and we decided never to return.
However, having found that there are new owners, and heard some good reports, we decided to give the place another try, and are we pleased that we have. Adnams and Bass on the pumps, plus a guest beer - all kept very well.
The food is good, fresh, plentiful and priced just right. Quite surprised to find the main bar packed out on a Tuesday lunchtime, mainly with locals!!
31 Dec 2008 11:36
Well the place could not have been too bad, we went back.
The AK is still at the right temperature, and is still kept very well.
The food and service is also still very good, in spite of all the tables being occupied. Also with a couple of large Office Christmas groups.
A pub well worth taking a look at. Being relatively local, we will probably be back again.
22 Dec 2008 11:51
So this place has closed down - There might be a God afterall.
They probably decided to close before the local intellegencia took it apart - Wise move.
1 Dec 2008 15:29
Went in a group from work one lunchtime - we had some "buy one, get one" vouchers for the food. It's a Chef and Brewer. Food was quite good, but very slow in coming. The staff are pleasant and friendly, but easily confused. Three beers on the pumps, plus the usual lagers. I had the Adnams bitter, very yeasty and took a long time to clear. If I go back, I will see if the Abbot is any better.
27 Oct 2008 14:51
The place has just re-opened after a refurbishment, and jolly nice it looks, too.
The ceilings have been painted white, which, with the lighting, has made it a bit too bright for my liking.
It is still a McMullens pub serving good food. The AK is kept well and served at about the right temperature. They give "small portion" options for most of the menu, which is good. But after seeing the full sized piece of soggy battered fish, I can only imagine that the small portion is a glorified fish finger.
20 Oct 2008 13:09
The Bowling Green Inn, Wells next the Sea
Great little pub. We have been here many times. Not the easiest to find, but well worth looking for.
Woodforde's Nelsons Revenge on a hand pump, very nice. Shame about the Greene King IPA though.
The food is good. Try the ham. It is proper ham off the bone, not the reconsituted elastoplast you get from the supermarkets.
23 Sep 2008 12:32
Jennings Ales - Kept well but served a little cold, but they soon get to a proper temperature.
Not a lot more that I can say above what has been noted by drtimthornton. However, we have always found the menu to be fairly reasonably priced, but can be a bit on the "n'chips" side.
As an inn, it is very comfortable. We have stayed here three times and have no complaints. Other residents have said that the Llamas can make a bit of noise. We will stay there again.
They are dog friendly too!!
23 Sep 2008 12:22
Been here twice now. Beer is very well kept and served well. On the pumps, when we went, was Adnams, (what a surprise), Woodforde's and Dr. Okell. Dangerous stuff this, a real tasty brew that is a little too easy to drink.
The food is good, plain pub grub, nothing fancy. I recommend the Fish and Chip specials on Monday and Tuesday. Very good indeed and good value.
22 Sep 2008 16:25
Quite a large pub and I think that it has recently been taken over by the current Landlord. About 8 or 9 beers on the pumps. Adnams, of course, and Moorlands, amongst some quite obscure brews.
The restaurant is a bit stuck in the 1970's. Very impressive collection of miniatures behind the bar. The tables are a bit too uniformly spaced and the lighting is far too bright - personal opinion. Fish seems to be house speciality, and very nice it looked too!
Look out for the aircraft collection in the back garden. We'll be back.
22 Sep 2008 16:14
St Peters Hall, St Peter South Elmham
St Peters Brewery next door, so no lack of choice or quality. I recommend the Traditional Porter. We ate in the restaurant - WOW what a superb meal, served in the Great Hall. It was a shame that there was only one other couple eating. This meant the place lacked atmosphere. This will not stop us from returning.
20 Sep 2008 17:35
Adnams was on the pumps, but this is Suffolk after all. So was Fullers London Pride and Timmy Taylors Landlord. All kept well. As to the food, it would have been better if the two meals had been served together and not five minutes apart. Good job there were only two other couples eating. Still, been there now. Won't rush back.
20 Sep 2008 17:28
Agree with pj7208, the place is in desparate need of refurbishment. It really is a bit rough around the edges. However, they do have London Pride on tap, and the Guinness was really cold.
As to the food, really not too bad at all. Lets face it, �3.25 for a full carvery? Don't knock it 'til you've tried it!! Still the long queue though.
Not the place to take your Granny for her birthday.
10 Sep 2008 14:32
Can't think of anything good to say about this place. So I won't.
2 Sep 2008 16:38
Beer really kept well and a good selection. Food is good too. Some items are a bit expensive for what they are, but still very good. Not too sure about being charged extra if you are a party of 6 or more. Bit naughty that one.
2 Sep 2008 16:28
The Old Chequers, Gaddesden Row
Tend to agree with buzzy.
This place is certainly NOT expencive. You get a good portion for a reasonable price.
My advice - Have a starter and a pud, or a main. Not too many can manage all three courses, and this includes the local farmers.
Admams and Abbot are the main real beers on offer and they are kept very well indeed. The Staff are very friendly and helpful too.
Further advice - If you want a juke box, pool table or Sky Sports, don't bother. You won't like it here.
26 Aug 2008 17:22
My wife and I visited this Pub two years ago, and it was great.
We decided to call in there this year on our way to Devon. What a mistake!! There were very few people in the place, and now we know why. The beer was yeasty, not well kept at all. The barman really did not want to know, it was an effort to take our Lunch order. 2 x Ploughmans, not over taxing. It took ages to arrive and was not woth the wait.
The place seems to rely upon passing trade - My advice, pass by.
26 Aug 2008 17:12
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Moor Mill, Bricket Wood
It's a Beefeater.
12 Aug 2017 17:30