BITE user comments - SirTricky
Comments by SirTricky
I stopped in The Swan for a quick pint whilst passing through Newark one Thursday Lunch time. Clean but fairly average Pub, only hand pumped Ale was Doombar. I overheard the Landlord say that Doom was very popular with his regulars and that he was going to put a guest on next to it so +1 for that.
I would return again if in the area but would not make a special trip.
5 Mar 2016 07:18
I dropped in to The Castle whilst walking from Newark Castle Station to Newark North Gate. Only one hand pulled Ale on "Theakstons OP" and that was off. So I settled for a Guinness.
This is a down-at-heel Pub with no atmosphere and nothing to commend it
3 Mar 2016 12:19
I've been a "regular" here since it opened and I'm on first name terms with a lot of the Bar staff, so I feel obligated to provide a review.
As others have said, it's a large place and claims to be the largest Station Pub in the UK, when it opened. Yet despite this the space is used very well and still manages to feel cosey.
The food is very good and arrives promptly. There are dedicated teams of "Servers" and Bar staff so it all works very well and I've never had long to wait for either Bar service or food.
It is a Fullers house so there is the full range of Fullers beer plus a few guests.
If I had to find a fault, it would be that there is only one hand dryer and no Towel dispenser in the Gents, and it is eye-wateringly expensive.
The Staff are all very friendly and work diligently, keep up the good work! 9/10
20 Jun 2014 12:15
Came here for a late PM drink with some colleagues. Seems a nice enough Pub, more of the "Traditional" style with a good selection of Larger and a couple of craft beers.
I didn't try the food but what I saw looked nice.
Staff were very friendly.
I would not travel very far to visit again as its nothing "Really" special but it is right outside Farringdon station so convenient if your meeting someone.
I would visit again if I was in the area.
20 Jun 2014 12:03
Closed some years ago, which is a shame as it attracted all the teens and left most other places free of 'em.
20 Jun 2014 11:52
I've been drinking in this pub for over 10 years, but I'm a very infrequent visitor. There is good selection of Ales and Larger and the staff are friendly enough. I have not eaten here so can't comment on the food.
The garden is huge and as others have said well fenced so it's great for small children.
The decor is a little dated to be frank and that is sure to put some people off.
The toilets are clean enough, just dated.
I've never noticed any strange Smells.
When ever I see a glowing revue or a highly critical one, I always look at how many reviews that person has made. If its only a couple it makes me suspicious that this is some under-hand play by a disgruntled employee or another Publican.
20 Jun 2014 11:45
I've eaten here many times over the last 10 years, both in the restaurant and the Pub. The food is always of a good standard and although it is not the cheapest place in Town it is in my opinion well worth paying that little bit extra for.
There is a good selection of larger, beer and wine and they have several Guest ales on at a time. The atmosphere is "Traditional" as its a very old building.
The Staff are all very friendly and service is normally prompt from the kitchen.
The management have started to close one of the car parks in the summer months and turn it into a large "Beer terrace" which does attract a lot of people.
The customers are varied from all ages and walks of life, and there seems to be music on Saturday evenings quite often.
In my opinion this is the best pub in PB to take the Wife and Kids to for a Pub lunch. 7/10.
20 Jun 2014 11:33
The Oakmere House, Potters Bar
I occasionally go in here to eat at lunch time, both in the Week and at the Weekend. Nothing has really changed since Strongers review in March 2009. Its a chain pub with average food, often lots of Kids when the weather is nice so if your looking for some peace and quiet this is not the place.
There is the usual array of larger and "Production" bitter on offer, nothing in the way of guest Ales that I have seen, the spoons on Darkes Lane is a better bet for Ale.
The thing that really lets this pub down is the Staff, some are extremely helpful and friendly, nothing is too much trouble however there are a few that are surly and unfriendly; they really let the side down!
20 Jun 2014 11:19
I have been coming in here since it opened. Fairly average Spoons Pub, food is "OK" and they have a good selection of guest Ales. It is not very "cosy" as its built in retail space that used to be the local Tesco. I don't know if being close to the Rail Station and Bus route is the cause but this Pub is full of older people and those that have the sort of "Job" that allows then to get well oiled in the afternoon.
Great for a cheap bit to eat but I would not take the family there as there are better options in walking distance.
12 May 2014 10:07
I visited twice in April 2014 to eat. The interior has recently been refurbished and it has a modern air. There was a good selection of beers and a few guest ales too when I visited.
The staff on duty were very friendly but young and lacking experience.
The food is satisfactory, the dishes are well executed and presented and generously portioned so are good value for money, if your looking for a Pub Meal and are considering other local options such as Harvester or any of the McMullen pubs in the area then The Brewers is on a par. However the food does not match sophistication of The Sun, also in Northaw, but neither does the price.
I will be returning.
12 May 2014 08:52
Lovely country Pub with a large open garden and hidden down a narrow lane. The Menu is unpretentious and reasonably priced, you'll need to book if you want to dine inside, especially at the weekend. I have visited 3 times in 2013 so far.
11 Sep 2013 15:44
I work very close to this Pub and have been a regular for a couple of years. As others have said its not much to look at, the food looks ok but nothing amazing and I'm not really into Real Ale unless its Fullers :(
However, the staff are this pubs secret weapon, very friendly, and blisteringly efficient. Table service when they are not to busy and the landlord (Phil) runs a very tight ship.
NeverMind must be talking about another Pub or is the landlord or another Pub nearby :o
11 Sep 2013 09:56
A very average Pub with no character. But don�t let that put you off. In an area where pretentious, cramped and expensive watering holes are the norm this is more reminiscent of the average high street bar, the drinks aren�t cheap but not at �City� prices either. I have drunk here on and off for several years and in my opinion its the best of the three in this area. It had a partial refurb in January 2011. B+ for effort.
24 Feb 2011 16:41
Firstly I agree with the reviews that have gone before. Below are my thoughts....
Atmosphere
Built early in the 1900's at the same time as many of the surrounding houses this discreet pub is tucked away and is therefore almost entirely frequented by locals. The Brewery have a policy of not showing sport and the age range of customers tends to be 30 something through to those locals who are past retirement age; with not a football shirt in sight.
Unfortunately the pub was burdened with some less than average management between 2003/2010 and despite the best efforts of some staff it was very often, depressingly quiet. Thankfully someone in McMullen towers has seen the light and at the end of 2010 a new couple have taken over who have an interest in running a pub not just collecting a wage. The Pub now has a lively atmosphere most of the time and at the time of writing has come a long way in a few short months.
Food and Drink
The Builders has tried for a couple of years without success to morph into a restaurant. There is nothing wrong with the food as long as you are content with typical frozen �Gastro Pub� from the wholesalers; in this respect the Pub is very average. Both food and ale are priced high enough to keep the cost conscious away. This McMullen House also suffers the same fate as others from the Hertford brewer; a lack of choice for draught premium larger. It would also benefit from a guest Ale too.
In conclusion, if you have not been to this Pub recently or are new to the area and live close by I would highly recommend giving it a try before venturing further afield. To the management and staff I would say �Well done and keep up the good work�. 6/10.
24 Feb 2011 15:33
PoundPub, Newark
Stopped by one Thursday Lunch time for a quick pint. Only hand pumped Ale was Theakston's OP and that was off. Not much character and seemed to be set-up for live music and large groups.
I wont be going back.
5 Mar 2016 07:24