BITE user comments - RichardEnglish
Comments by RichardEnglish
Having used this pub in the past and had good meals I was looking forward to an enjoyable lunch after a walk with my grandsons. But what a disappointment.
We arrived at about 1155 and the place was open - although, as is so common with badly-run pubs, there were no signs anywhere indicating the opening hours. I was told that they started serving meals at 1200 and so we took a menu and placed our order. Whilst waiting I had a pint of Harveys which was quite acceptable although the cask beer selection was poor with only three beers on sale - and the price was high for the area.
Although the pub was not busy it took 30 minutes for the order to be delivered, which would have been acceptable had the food been of startling quality. Sadly it was not.
I chose a beef and ale pie with a selection of vegetable which cost nearly a tenner. The "pie" was a small earthenware container covered with puff pastry and, although the meat was quite nice the quantity was small. Apart from a couple of carrots and a few mushrooms in the pie, there were no vegetables apart from a mashed potato puree which, by its colour, had some green vegetables included. I was still hungry when I had finished but decided against risking a sweet.
My grandson's chicken burger turned out to be a slice of chicken breast (shouldn't a burger be minced meat?) whose toughness defied the best efforts of his and our knives so I can't comment on its taste. The dog liked it, though.
Although the pub must have been open for at least 30 minutes prior to our arrival, the collection of full ashtrays on the adjacent table (presumably left from the previous evening) was not cleared until 1300.
By coincidence I had a meal the following day at the Lynde Cross, Horsham (a Wetherspoon's house) and had a steak and kidney pudding which cost just about half the price of the Red Lion's steak pie. It was a proper pudding with proper suet pastry, served with ample chips and peas. The quantities were such that I only just managed to finish the meal. Although the Lynde Cross was heaving (it was school holidays) with every table filled, the meal still only took the same time to serve as did the Red Lion's.
Oh, and the Lynde Cross had 12 different cask beers on sale with their prices averaging around two-thirds of the Red Lion's.
As the only pub in Ashington I can only assume that the management of the Red Lion assume they have a captive market. Well, they've not captured me.
16 Apr 2014 10:26
Typically Wetherspoon pubs get downrated by people simply because they are Wetherspoon. However, to be dispassionate and non-prejudiced you need to look at what a pub is, not what you might prefer it to be.
The Lynd Cross has the best selection of Real Ale in Horsham - 12 beer engines the last time I was there, all connected. A good range of interesting ales, including some locals - and all at a very fair price (with 50p per pint discount for Camra members)
Many people who complain are complaining about the clientele - but that cannot, surely, be blamed on the pub.
8 Apr 2014 13:41
Definitely an Anglophiles' pub - and all the better for that. All the beers are local - even the lagers.
And, even more impressively, the wine list has an excellent selection of English wines of most kinds offered at very fair prices (although, sadly, prejudice still reigns about English wine with one customer remarking, "I don't drink English wines - they're too expensive" without even checking the prices!
The only styles of English wine I didn't spot were sparkling rose and sparkling red - although still red (a rarity in English vineyards) was on offer. Sadly the house wines (the only ones available by the glass) were not English and, as I was driving, I couldn't manage a full bottle.
My one small criticism - if you are part of a party (I was one in a party of 51) then the food service is a bit slow.
4 Feb 2013 13:06
An unexpected and fortuitous find in a largely residential (and publess) area. I nearly missed it as its sign is not all that clear and the large external blind (like a shop's) masks much of the front of the pub. I am glad I didn't walk by.
A nicely laid out pub with plenty of tables for diners and with with friendly and efficient staff. There is a good selection of home-cooked food made from fairly local ingredients (the sources are shown on the menu - a very commendable thing). My "Faucett Lamburger" was all that one could have wanted.
Neither the food nor the beer were especially cheap - but we are talking London prices, of course, and I can't complain about the value.
For those who wish to emulate the eponymous Colonel and sample his favourote tipple, gin, there is a very fine selection (32 at the time of my visit). I didn't sample any myself as I am an ale drinker and I was pleased to find 4 beer engines, all connected. The predictable nationals - Sharps and Adnams - took up two of the engines, but the other two dispensed ales from local brewery, Trinity. I tried both and they were in top condition. I would have preferred a greater choice of beers - but I am really nitpicking from the standpoint of a lifetime ale enthusiast.
Definitely recommened.
25 Nov 2012 09:57
The Partridge, Partridge Green
Apologies if "slerpy" actually referring to "perceysledge's" Trolling. The posting is not clear as to whom he or she means by "your".
Sadly there is no edit facility on this board or I'd have changed my posting.
11 Sep 2012 17:27
The Partridge, Partridge Green
Another malicious and inaccurate comment by "slerpy". The definition of an internet Troll is: "someone who posts inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as a forum, chat room, or blog, with the primary intent of provoking readers into an emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion".
Not only are my messages none of these but I also do not use the anonymity of the interent to hide behind a pseudonym in a cowardly manner - as do both "sperpy" and "percysledge".
Indeed, I would say that the soubriquet "Troll" applies in full measure to both these irritating and cowardly specimens of human pondlife. If they had 0.1% of the bravado they appear to think they have then they, like I, would reveal themselves. They won't of course - since that might mean that someone would take issue with them, and cowards never like that.
11 Sep 2012 17:24
The Partridge, Partridge Green
Quote:
Another Ad. posted by `The Dick English` PR firm.
Booring !!!
But at least accurate, informative and properly spelt. Sadly "Pervysledge" seem unable to understand these concepts.
31 Jul 2012 16:19
The Partridge, Partridge Green
Now open for breakfast from 1000, weekends and Bank Holidays. First date Good Friday 2012.
Cyclists, what could be better than a full English and a pint after a ride from Horsham or even further?
1 Apr 2012 17:00
I visited this pub in the early evening whilst waiting to meet someone nearby. I had already traipsed around the slightly depressing environs of Hampstead Road and very nearly walked past as the pub looked closed.
However, I could just see some shadows inside so tried the door and, yes, they were open. A good choice of beer and a good menu - although the prices seemed high even for London. My pint of Doom Bar was in good condition and I spent the time pleasantly enough.
When I left the outside lights had been switched on and the place looked much more inviting - but the dim and trendy lighting inside does the place no favours as it really does look closed - even from only 50 yards away.
14 Feb 2012 12:23
The Partridge, Partridge Green
Dementer, it is my local, I use it just about every day and I will comment about it as much as I wish. I have no connection with the pub other than that of a satisfied customer and, if people find my comments annoying then that is their problem.
I have never spoken other than the truth and - unlike some who post here - I have never been rude about other contributors without their having been rude about me first.
My comments about the pub over the years have not been universally favourable (check for yourself) neither have they been universally unfavourable. Howevere, Quafferman, about whom I commented, has reviewed sixteen pubs since May 2010 - and has found something nasty to say about each and every one of them. Has he ever stopped to think just how much damage his comments could do? Of course, there will be things in just about every pub that might not suit everyone - but if you have criticisms to make then it is only fair that you back them up with facts and suggest what might be done to improve the situation. Your own parting shot "No rating given for this pub" implies that it is not good enough to rate - a quite untrue suggestion. Of course, you have made the comment to try to annoy me - but what you have done is to besmirch the pub. Untrue, unfair and childish.
As "workhard" has written, the ill-mannered and unfair comments that some have made about the Partridge, and about other contributors, have discouraged potential customers; if my positive comments help to offset the ill-informed, ill-constructed and often malicious rubbish that others have posted, then I believe they have done a good job.
29 Nov 2011 10:20
The Partridge, Partridge Green
Since my last comments (in October 2011) there have been a number of changes to the pub, all of them welcome. The food range has been extended and is still using local suppliers; I probably eat there once a week and I'd not do that if the food wasn't good. Indeed, so popular has it now become, that one needs to book a table on popular nights.
I note that "quafferman" in his October comments has been critical of the pub and suggests that "a pub should offer more", but does not suggest what more it should offer. If his idea of a good pub is one with a selection of chemical-fizz lagers, loud music and big-screen football, filled with (male) loud-mouthed ignomaruses who block the bar, then I agree, the Partridge is not the pub for him. But there are plenty of such places in Brighton, if that's what he wants.
The Partridge is a family pub and advertises itself as that. Which is why children and babies are allowed - and a good job too. They cause fewer problems than do crowds of lager-swilling football hooligans. Obviously quafferman never had the problem of having to cope with children back in the days when they weren't allowed in pubs. I did and I can assure him that it is a far better thing for children to be allowed into pubs - yes even with their mothers shock horror - than being forced to sit in the carpark.
27 Nov 2011 12:58
The Partridge, Partridge Green
1. In answer to imbiber. Nowhere did I say that the beer was "shit". Indeed, apart from the fact that I dislike foul language, I would never use such a pointless descriptor which says nothing at all about what - exactly - is wrong with the beer. If I want to describe the deficiencies of a beer I have an adequate vocabulary thus to do without using puerile swearwords.
2. It is complete nonsense to suggest that beer is either "shit" or not "shit". Beer can be any quality from excellent to diabolical and any level of quality between those extremes.
3. In answer to fullbelly - the Hophead is now back to its usual high standard and I suspect that my initial interpretation was correct - that the overwhelming smell of wet paint was affecting my palate. Apart from that occasion I have never had a poor pint in the Partridge since Dark Star took it over.
4. At present the latest Dark Star IPA is on draught - a very fruity and easy-drinking beer whose quaffability belies its 6.2%abv
1 Oct 2011 22:10
The Partridge, Partridge Green
If you have never visted the pub, guildforddrinker, and have never met me, could I suggest that your comments are both impertinent and ill-informed? how would you like it if I were to comment on you and your local in such derogatory terms, whilst having no knowledge of either?
A week or so back I was slightly disappointed with the Hophead, a point that "in1dryboy " has also made. I have never had a sub-standard pint there previously and I put it down to the fact that the pub was redolent with the smell of fresh paint - enough to make any beer taste a bit strange.
4 Sep 2011 16:47
The Partridge, Partridge Green
As I wrote earlier, the people who use this site do so to learn about pubs - they do not want to read the childish and semi-literate offerings of the likes of PervySledge. To be fair, the fault is partly mine; when I was at school I used to get quite unreasonably irritated with my contemporaries who were apparently unable to comprehend what was, to me, blindingly obvious. Many was the row I had in a fruitless effort to try to educate them. It was only later in life that I learnt that some people are simply less intelligent than others, and it is pointless to try to engage them in cerebral debate. I now try only to associate those who have a high IQ and the only nerve of mine that stupid people's comments now hit - is the nerve of sympathy.
So, to update my most recent posting about the Partridge, I would tell discerning drinkers that The Partidge has recently undergone a fairly significant redecoration and modification of the bars. It still only has three bars, but they have been made more different one from another.
The large bar nearest to the 'bus stop is now redecorated and is probably equivalent to the saloon bar of older times. The middle bar has been made into a public bar, with bare but varnished boards. The bar nearest to the patio is now primarily a restaurant. The old Bottle and Jug is still just a passage between two of the bars, innocent of any indication of its previous incarnation apart from a (non-working) bell push.
The menu, whilst still laudably using local ingredients, is rather limited in choice but, unless one is eating there two or three times a week, that is not a major problem.
31 Aug 2011 17:51
The Partridge, Partridge Green
People who use this site, in the main, want to read about pubs. They do not want to read ill-informed, semi-literate and uncalled for comments by the like of percysledge. But since this person (hiding behind his anonymity) has the temerity to snipe at my minor typographical error, let me suggest he learns spelling and grammar. His errors are through his ignorance; they are not typos.
"...Why does he think he know`s best ??" - It's knows, not know's.
"...A legend in he`s own under pants...". - It's his, not he's; underpants, not under pants.
"...it will stand on it`s own two feet..." - It's its, not it's.
And I am trying to be informative about this pub - not run a one-man PR campaign to promote it - although percysledge is clearly running a one-man libel campaign to try to do it a disservice.
26 Aug 2011 13:38
The Partridge, Partridge Green
It is interesting, is it not, that some people find the staff at the Partridge belligerent whereas I find them perfectly fine. I wonder whether the belligerence of the staff is prompted by the attitude of the those who seem habitually to complain about it? Is it a coincidence that they are also the contributors whose posts are typically belligerent?
And, quite fankly, I simply not believe the statement "...the beer garden was full and nearly everyone was drinking lager,..." The Partdieg does sell one tap lager and one bottled - but only rarely have I seen either sold. And how did he know? Did he go and ask the thirty-odd drinkers in the garden? It is difficult to tell from just looking at a pint, especilly if we are speaking of, say, Hophead - a very light beer that could easily be mistaken for a lager from a few feet away.
I visit the Partridge at least once a day and I believe that my knowledge of the way it is run, and its clientele's drinking habits, is pretty damn good. and certainly better than one who goes there once a month or so.
25 Aug 2011 16:03
The Partridge, Partridge Green
It is very sad that a once reliable site such as this countenances the kind of mucky trash that the likes of mukysledge seems to find it amusing to post.
I know from past experience that it is a waste of time to report such junk as the moderators here no longer take any notice of offensive and inaccurate reports.
I now use the more adult sites with the more adult contributors for my information.
Oh, and for mistsiren's benefit - I am aware that I made a typographical error - which is another reason why I don't like this site - it has no facility to edit postings and correct errors. Very poor design.
And for percysledge's benefit, my name is not "dick" or "dickieboy" - it is the name I post under. Unlike people like yourself, I am not afraid to stand by what I post and to stand by it using my own, real name. If I am sanctimonious I am thus without the need to hide behind a non-de-computer.
8 Aug 2011 18:22
The Partridge, Partridge Green
I find the last two comments incomprensible - especially Old Gazza's remark about lager drinkers. In the previous incarnation that was true - but Dark Star have removed all but one of the the lager fonts and most who drink there now are Real Ale drinkers.
Dark Star have all their regular beers on sale, plus guests and specials so I am mystified as to what oldgazza is talking about.
The food selection is limited but is all freshly prepared from local ingredients. If you want a wide and cheap choice, hop on the number 17 and get off at the 'bus station. Wetherspoons is just three minutes walk away from there.
Oh, and percysledge - I fear I cannot understand your argot. I assume it is as offensive as some of your previous rude and semi-literate offerings and I will give it all the credit it deserves, which credit is shown in full below.
7 Aug 2011 15:41
The Partridge, Partridge Green
I find the last two comments incomprensible - especially Old Gaxxa's remark about lager drinkers. In the previous incarnation that was true - but Dark Star have remove all but one of the the lager fonts and most who drink there now are Real Ale drinkers.
Dark Star have all their regular beers on sale, plus guests and specials so I am mystified as to what oldgazza is talking about.
The food selection is limited but is all freshly prepared from local ingredients. If you want a wide and cheap choice, hop on the number 17 and get off at the 'bus station. Wetherspoons is just three minutes walk away.
Oh, and percysledge - I fear I cannot understand your argot. I assume it is as offensive as some of your previous rude and semi-literate offerings and I will give it all the credit it deserves, which credit is shown in full below.
7 Aug 2011 15:39
The Partridge, Partridge Green
Having been away for some while (Canada and then Italy) I haven't been able to keep up with these reviews - although I note with some pleasure that "percysledge" has decided not to post any more unpleasant comments.
It is fair to say that the food in the Partridge is a bit pricey for what it is - but then it is all made with local ingredients, not simply chosen from Brake Brother's list. Frankly, I reckon it's worth paying a bit more to support local suppliers - after all, if we don't use them then they will disappear.
But certainly the beer and the beer choice is beyond reproach and the loss of the half a dozen Foster's drinkers is no loss at all. The pub that has acquired their custom is welcome to it.
26 Jun 2011 13:30
The Partridge, Partridge Green
I don't know who PercySledge is since he (I assume he - his gender is not shown in his profile) hasn't the courage to tell readers. But having seen some of his other comments I urge readers not to bother with his postings which are, to a one, semi-literate, brief and usually unhelful. Many of them, indeed, are insulting - typical Troll behaviour, I would suggest.
He urges "Dickie boy" by which I assume he means me "to get out more" and I can tell him that I do get out, and have drunk beer in pubs in every continent of the world (apart from Antarctica. That I choose not to post about them is my business; I believe in supporting my local.
Anyway, insofar as The Partridge is concerned, I have now had the pleasuer of eating there and can say that the menu complements the beer - a good range of fresh food, well prepared and using mainly local ingredients (whose source is shown). It is my understanding that they will eventually be running specially themed food events - I will keep you posted.
13 Mar 2011 10:41
The Partridge, Partridge Green
I had intended to wait for a while before commenting about the new publicans and the changed pub, now that Dark Star have taken over. However, the changes are so good and so significant that I felt it better not to wait.
Gone are the serried ranks of lager fonts - leaving just one for those whose palates have not yet matured enough to appreciate proper beer. Instead there are eight beer engines, all dispensing good beer. Yesterday there were nine beers on offer, inclduing a brand new Dark Star brew - Hophead Citra, They also had a locally brewed mild and a locally brewed Porter.
From being a very lack-lustre pub it has become one of the finest around insofar as beer is concerned. I can't yet comment about the food as the kitchen has still to be commissioned and staffed.
Watch this space.
26 Feb 2011 21:37
The Partridge, Partridge Green
The present tenants, Clive and Dawn, are leaving on 21 February 2011 and the pub will be closed from then until 25 February. That evening it will reopen as a Dark Star house under the tenancy of Rob and Vicky. Dark Star are brewing a new beer to celebrate the occasion - Hophead Citra.
I will report back once the pub has been running for a while and I am able to give an informed opinion.
17 Feb 2011 14:17
Please note: The Windmill, Littleworth and The Windmill Partridge Green are one and the same pub. Littleworth is the more accurate description, being about 1.5 miles from Partridge Green.
23 Jan 2011 13:55
Please note: The Windmill, Littleworth and The Windmill Partridge Green are one and the same pub. Littleworth is the more accurate description, being about 1.5 miles from Partridge Green
23 Jan 2011 13:54
The Partridge, Partridge Green
Sadly I have to report that this pub has deteriorated greatly over the past year or so - starting when the present tenants decided to sell. Although the sale is going through, at present they are in the interregnum period, made all that more protracted by the shennanigans of the legal eagles (or should I say, vultures) and are thus very down in the dumps.
Presently the pub has no food, no fire, no atmosphere and few customers (although it still does have decent London Pride).
I will report back as and when things change.
14 Jan 2011 10:54
The Partridge, Partridge Green
Ilovemybeer1974's comments have a modicum of truth about them but need expansion and explanation.
Firstly, it is true that the pub is undersupported by locals - but this is only in part due to the pub or its stewardship. The pub has had a bad reputation amongst the locals for many years - long before the present incumbents took it over. Bad reputations take a long time to get rid of and I know from my own observations that many locals have not visited the pub for years to see for themselves what it is now like.
Secondly, the "small group of people who rave about it" is not a true description of the commentators. Most comments are not from locals (although mine, of course, are); most are from visitors, many of whom have travelled many miles specifically to experience what the Partridge can offer.
Thirdly, I suspect that many of those who bad-mouth the pub are the kinds of "lager-louts" who were once welcomed by a previous Landlord and whose absence is certainly not regretted by true beer and pub-lovers.
3 May 2010 09:57
The Partridge, Partridge Green
The comment by "stellaman" (even if the name doesn't tell you all you need to know, the style, spelling and grammar surely does) is, I fear, quite inaccurate and smacks of a commentary from one who has been thrown out of the pub! Maybe he didn't like the fact that The Partridge (to its credit) does not serve Stella Artois chemical fizz.
9 Oct 2009 18:34
The Partridge, Partridge Green
Very good food with generous portions. Only Real Ale is Fullers London Pride but the Landlord say he will add others as and when the demand is there.
7 Apr 2009 17:27
Back to RichardEnglish's profile
The Partridge, Partridge Green
In answer to the (justified) comment about the lack of secure parking for cycles, I would point out that the Landlord has now installed a long section of secure cycle bars.
2 May 2014 09:21