BITE user comments - Schooner
Comments by Schooner
I really like the Chancellors, I have a business client around the corner so it's always a treat to pop in after a 2 hour meeting. There is a real sense of broadcasting history due to the pictures on the walls (and Riverside Studios across the road), you can just picture all the greats propping up the bar at one time or another.
A lovely (slightly) hidden gem.
13 Jul 2009 18:27
Stephan Langton Inn, Abinger Common
It had been years since I'd visited the Langton (at least 10) so I organised a little trip down there with some friends. I must say I was happily surprised, the beer was in excellent nick (and local brews too, Pilgrim and Surrey Hills) and the landlord was a very pleasant and chatty chap.
The decor and general atmosphere were very welcoming even though it was early on a Saturday evening (so a little quiet), the 'break glass in case of morris dancers' wall hanging cracked us all up! Well worth a visit, if you can find it!
13 Jul 2009 18:22
I was passing through the area on Saturday and thought it good form to pop into the Oaks to have a decent pint. I was glad I did in many ways, there was a performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream in progress in the garden! It certainly cheered up what was otherwise a pretty soggy English summer evening. What was even more impressive is that I found out the performers were from The Royal Oak in Rusper, another of the superb pubs in the area, what a refreshing change to see two pubs pooling resources and promoting each other, not something you see too often! The performance was great fun!
As usual it was good to see interesting beers on the pumps and support for local brewers in the form of Pilgrim Crusader. Keep up the good work!
13 Jul 2009 18:12
In the years I have occasionally visited the pub I've seen it rise and fall in its levels of mediocrity and general awfulness. For some reason I decided on a monday night to try it again after an absence of a few years and found it to have sunk to new depths.
The beer had to be taken back as it tasted of pipe cleaner, the bar staff were not impressed and seemed not to believe me, the next beer was beer tasting but pretty awful. There seemed to be a birthday party going on which may have explained the food scattered across the floor and general mess of the place, as with many other comments previously, the upper floor was not in use for some reason. I drank half my beer and left pretty quickly.
I have never been a particular fan of this pub after being threatened (to have certain bodily matter kicked out of me) by one of the bouncers some years ago but I have repeatedly given the place another chance. This was the last time, I cannot think of a single reason why anyone should visit this pub which given its location and attractiveness of the building is very sad indeed.
18 Apr 2009 21:59
Not too bad really, on a few recent mid-week visits there have been a couple of interesting beers on which were in good condition, the young barman was jovial and reasonably knowledgeable of the beers on offer which is always good news.
The music tends to be a bit loud and occasionally it's the radio playing which is a cardinal sin. My main criticism is that it is so bright in the bar, I know this sounds odd but old pubs with bright lighting just don't feel right. Bring sunglasses!
18 Apr 2009 21:43
Uninspiring choice of real ales (although I doubt that was on the checklist for the refurb), lots of nightclub blue lighting and generally stark interior and plasma screens showing MTV.
I'm sure the above points are what the targeted clientele want but the bar really should carry an 18 certificate I.E. don't go if you are any older than this.
18 Apr 2009 21:33
The Red Cross has gone through so many incarnations and facelifts in the past 10 or so years that is seems to be suffering an identity crisis.
The real ale is pretty good and some decent choice (although on a recent visit they were all 'brown' beers which aren't to all tastes these days) but the plasma screens everywhere, loud music and blue lighting behind the bar are reminiscent of a cheap nightclub. The staff were pleasant enough and the other clientele were a mixed but decent bag.
The Cross is about the best place in Reigate to get a decent tasting beer but the mish-mash of decor and loud music make it pretty off-putting.
18 Apr 2009 21:24
There's something about the Birdcage I really like, the staff are friendly (particularly the barmaids) the beer is always good and the atmosphere is pleasant. Always a good spot for an after work pint with friends or the newspaper.
26 Mar 2009 12:05
This should be the first port of call for any discerning beer drinker or homesick pom, the beer is awesome (for Australia) and brewed on site. The food is good and the bar staff generally friendly. Forget the claims of so many other bars and hotels in Sydney, this is the closest you're going to get to a decent English boozer with a colonial, hand built by convicts flavour!
If you only go to one bar in Sydney (yeah, right!) make it this one, highly recommended.
1 Jan 2008 20:33
The Princess of Shoreditch, Old Street
A pretty good pub for an after work beer, the Landlord is usually in good condition and is well worth a second and third pint. There's usually an interesting mix of bohemian types and suits, the music is always good (if at times a little loud, or am I just a little too old?).
The barstaff are friendly but I prefer the cutsie redhead to the blonde!
14 Dec 2007 18:16
A proper London pub with fantastic beer, the only disadvantage is proper London locals and barstaff which don't exactly make the casual visitor feel welcome. If you go for the beer and not the smiles then you'll find this pub well worth a visit.
14 Dec 2007 18:03
A nice looking pub and very interesting and maze like inside. I must however agree with some of the other comments that the locals are a bit unwelcoming, decent enough but it does feel like a western movie when you come through the door, if someone was playing the old Joanna in the corner they would definately stop and stare!
The other let down is the beer, I think it is always an indictment of a pub when the only choice you can bear is Guinness. A so-so pub but try it for yourself (if you like Badger beer).
14 Dec 2007 17:59
The Surrey Oaks is one of those great pubs where the landlord really cares about the beer he serves and the awards on the walls speak volumes for this sensibility. The food won't win any Michelin Stars but it is decent pub grub, I usually go to and judge pubs on their beer, that makes the Oaks a winner in my book.
One of the best pubs I've been to, highly recommended.
14 Dec 2007 17:50
Thanks to the new owners, this pub has turned itself around from the neglected and forlorn establishment it once was. The beer selection is usually excellent and is always on good form. The atmosphere is of the cosy and friendly nature that should accompany a country pub.
The Royal Oak is a hidden gem and well worth a visit.
4 Feb 2007 15:22
The Plough & Attic Rooms, Rusper
What a tragedy, I used to love drinking in the Plough once in a while, the beer was OK, it was quirky and the staff were good fun (anyone remember Paul?). I returned after a few years the other night and couldn't believe how much it has gone downhill, I was aware that the ownership had changed but I wasn't ready for the slide in both quality and manners of the patrons.
On arrival you are faced by a bar-trial by fire as most locals are lined around the bar and don't give the most welcoming of looks towards visitors. It feels like a test of mettle to reach the bar and order one of their very average beers. This pub has been going through several transitions of ownership and I hope sometime soon it gets the landlord it deserves to bring it back to the great country boozer it once was.
23 Jan 2007 02:14
The Fox Revived, Horley
Although comfortable and pleasant, the Fox does feel a bit formulaic and gastro, the decor has a made up and carefully planned feel, not an evolution over time. A bit like a franchise restaurant, what they think customers expect to see and experience.
The decision to supply local brewed beers is to be applauded, Darkstar almost always making an appearance is terrific. Combine this to the an almost constant level of quality and this is one of only three pubs in the area to go for a decent pint (think Newdigate and Ironbridge for the other two).
One big complaint however is when having a drink later on in the evening. From about 10pm the staff get out the vacuum cleaners and do the cleaning. At this point it obviously starts to get disruptive and conversations become difficult. This is irritating and makes you feel that you aren't wanted there anymore. I can't think of any other pubs that do this, why they can't employ morning cleaners like other places, this is a huge let down to the overall experience.
11 Jun 2011 14:12