BITE user comments - Plumpian
Comments by Plumpian
Not quite my local (yet!), but I'm in here at least once a week. Great beer, great people and great staff. Can't be beat really
7 Sep 2012 14:43
I ventured into the Shirley Inn at 9pm hoping that things had changed after my two year absence. What kind of fool am I ???? Oh dear things are beyond bad. Seems the nasties have taken over in a big way. A sinister atmosphere which accompanied a flat and watery tasting pint of lager, which I should have returned but the barmaid looked like she'd flatten me just for the fun of it. I spent many happy years playing dominos and darts in the hangar bar which has since been knocked into one bar, with nice people and friendly staff. Whatever happened???? Anyone know? I could have put up with the chavs but the new clients are something else.
7 Sep 2012 14:37
Having moved away from the area I decided to pop in the Sandrock to check if things had improved. I was the only one in the whole bar on a Tuesday evening at around six, and it stayed this way for a good hour. The barman was less than chatty, so it was a pretty miserable experience. It made me long for the time when the pub was frequented by this dreadful bore who would drone on about Arsenal to the extent that I would glaze over and lose the will to live. Even his monotonous conversation would have been a welcome distraction. It seems to me that they've priced themselves out of the market, as when I ventured to the Surprise later( a pub less than a stones throw away), a lot of the old faces were supping in there, and remarked that no one can afford to drink in there anymore. I must admit that I prefer the decor and cleanliness of the Sandrock to the Surprise, but at least the Surprise has some atmosphere, and most importantly, customers!
7 Sep 2012 14:24
Even Vicky Pollard wouldn't drink in the Shirley. The conversation amongst the regulars is beneath her.
7 Jun 2010 17:34
All the positive comments on this page are from the landlord and his miserable wife (she's the one who has an expression like her finger's gone through the toilet paper). Don't believe me? Well check out all the I.D.s who left good feedback. They've never left any for any other pub, and always leave nice words after a deserved dressing down from a customer. However the good news is that since last week, the pair of them have slung their hook. Hip hip bloody hooray! Woo Hoo. Happy days are here again!!!!!
7 Jun 2010 17:21
Popped in last night (a Thursday) at about 7.00 and found I was the only one in the bar area. There was one table in the restaurant area with 3 people on it which says mountains about the pricing structure, of what is basically 'pub grub'. Even the bar staff will not engage in converstion, as the landlord moniters them through a complex video system which records their every move and sound. (I know this because I was told by a member of staff who I met in the local supermarket.) Needless to say, I drank up my �3.00 + pint rather sharpishly, and proceded down to the 'Surprise', which was really busy. Nothing surprising as it was one of the hottest nights of the year, and if you can't get people to drink when it's that hot, you may as well chuck in the towel.
14 Aug 2009 08:52
I first used this pub back in 1978, when I worked locally. It's hardly changed over the years, and has to be the best pub in Croydon, which I shoud re-phrase and say "It's the only pub in Croydon"!
14 Aug 2009 08:35
I use this pub more than any other in the Shirley area, and have done so for the last 30 years. Minimal changes have taken place, and the beer is superb and reasonably priced. The food is also excellent and I often partake in a family meal on a Sunday, which is rather special. Only criticism is the bar with the coins in resin. I do think it's time for something new!
10 Aug 2009 14:34
As a confirmed Crystal Palace supporter from birth, can I say what a fantastic job the new management have done for this pub.Daniel is a superb landlord, who maintains a friendy an well run establishment. I do not make the aforementioned comments because of my affiliation with CPFC. This pub was the pits under the old management.
10 Aug 2009 14:24
A warm welcome from the bar staff and fine beer on every occasion. I would reccomend a visit.
10 Aug 2009 14:16
A once delightful pub has been turned into one of the UK's biggest 'chav' centres. With three giant TV screens showing football and horse racing on any given hour and on any given day, it has attracted the real dregs of society, who wouldn't know the phrase 'A day's work' if it hit them in the face. Avoid at all costs, unless you like your women in towelling suits who F and blind more than a navvy.
10 Aug 2009 14:10
I've used this pub over the last 30 years, and have seen many changes. Some for the good, but mainly for the bad. The new owner has made vast changes to the interior and also to the food and drink which is served. There is also a new dress code and children are not allowed in the bar area. Overall the changes are good, but the landlord's wife should learn to smile, and adopt some everyday social skills,as she has none. The price of drinks is also extortinate,and need to be lowered.This I think might encourage more people to visit the pub on a regular basis instead of just an occasional visit, and would create a better atmosphere, as this is also lacking.
10 Aug 2009 14:05
The Sandrock Hotel, Shirley
I've just read today's Croydon Advertiser (28/11/2014) with the new Landlord saying how he's spent £30,000 pounds on a refurbishment. Interestingly enough, his previous job was a lawyer, so he's used to embellishment.
£30,000 !!!! More like 30 quid. That's what it costs for 3 x 10 litre tubs of contract emulsion down at B&Q. It's worth going in to have a look, as he's toshed all over the sockets and wires, and it's the old painters adage.....'If It Don't Move Paint It!'. What the slimy git should do is reduce the price of the beer. He thinks he's running a bloody 5 star joint in Mayfair. It's bloody outrageous in there. You'll be lucky to have change from a tenner for two drinks, no matter what the combination, unless it's tap water! I've been in there 3 times now, with three different people, just to show them the naffness of the refurb. There isn't a bloody referb!! Well worth a visit to see I'm telling the truth!
29 Nov 2014 09:39