BITE user comments - Teddy_Boy
Comments by Teddy_Boy
Can't believe I've not reviewed the Sussex until now. As others have said, it's difficult to fault it - certainly not from a beer-lovers p.o.v. Maybe a dozen different ales on hand pump at any one time (and half a dozen ciders) always served in top condition at a good, cellar temperature by enthusiastic young staff who have been trained (or briefed) sufficiently to engage in a discussion about the merits of the various beers on offer. Tasters willingly offered and a loyalty card scheme. My only criticism is that the range has no core; with such a wide choice it'd be nice to have a couple of beers (maybe from the local Twickenham Fine Ales) that were regular cornerstones of the offer. Plus the turnover of barrels is so rapid that the chalkboard is almost useless as it bears no relation to what is on at that time. Music supplied via a record deck playing 60s and 70s vinyl. Decent sized (if rather bland) garden and at least 3 distinct drinking/seating areas in the pub which has a nice trad feel to it. Long may it rein (though these kind of places have a habit of vanishing with the landlord so I'd make the most of it whilst he's happy here!
6 Nov 2012 16:28
[CLOSED]
This is now a Brewdog. Not been in yet but my son says it's great (though his lager-drinking friends wondered why the hell he'd brought them there!)
5 Nov 2012 14:02
Although I'm a died-in-the-wool ale drinker I do generally like this new breed of craft beer pubs. Have to say I was *slightly* disappointed on my visit as I found it very difficult to work out what beers were on and what were off. At least one of them seemed to involve the barmaid disappearing for a while upstairs to find it. As mcroyal says it's chaotically cramped and with hoorays hogging the bar stools is a nightmare getting served. But the range of beers - many available on draught through taps on the back bar - is very impressive. They just need a complete overhaul of the furniture/layout and a better way of publicising the range on offer.
5 Nov 2012 13:55
Called in here mid-afternoon at the end of a costal walk; what a delightful refuge from the ensuing storm outside! We were too late for food but 3 pints of St Austell's very well kept ales and a few bags of crisps were ample compensation. Very friendly barmaid who welcomed our generally over-enthusiastic dog - even offering it a snack. Interior is cosy and inviting. Will definitely return.
5 Nov 2012 13:45
Stopped here en route to Cornwall for a quick lunch and was delighted to find it's one of the few pubs in Britain that does beer flights - a selection of small glasses of the full range of Otter Ales on draught. Friendly service, nice home made soup, interior a little too Al-Bar-One for my taste, but the pub gets 8/10 from me just for the beer flights :)
5 Nov 2012 10:53
This pub now has new owners and happily has reverted to the name of its predecessor on the site: The Royal Oak. It appears to be positioning itself as an international craft beer bar, with a selection of bottled beers from craft breweries around the world as well as a few draft ales and craft beers. The menu makes an attempt to match the food with the beer/country. Still a slightly soulless layout and interior - short of gutting the place that's never going to change - but early signs are that it's an improvement on Sammy's and with a clearer identity and raison d'�tre.
5 Nov 2012 10:39
Really liked this pub - what a surprise! Spotted it in the GBG when looking for a drink near Tate Britain. Doesn't look very promising on the approach, and inside looks a bit barren in the Gastropub style - though stylish enough. But the beer selection is outstanding, with several beers I'd never heard of or seen elsewhere. A bit heavy on the 5% plus beers (including a couple at 10%+ resulting in at least one customer collapsing against a wall while we were in there!) but the bar staff were happy to offer samples in shot glasses, and the American IPA and Dark Star beers were delicious and well kept. Would be a great place for an afternoon session.
15 Feb 2012 12:25
Very smart, middle class, non-pubby pub, distinguished from other over-modernised pubs only by its status as a brewpub and by its enthusiastic and professional staff. 4 beers on when we were there - they only ever have 2 of their own on at once, which seems a massively wasted opportunity, given they brew more than that. Both own-beers (the darker Bonobo and a paler beer of similar 4%+ strength whose name escapes me - either Beaver or Weasel) were very pleasant and well conditioned. But nothing much about the place gave a clue to the fact that they were brewed on the premises. Overall, nice enough but needs to try harder to show it's different to all the other bland gastro-ised pubs out there.�
31 Dec 2011 08:43
Yes, I'm a bit worried that it's being turned into a gastropub. It's too small and too obscure a location to succeed in my opinion. Look at what happened to that one in Colne Rd Twickenham - very similar location. The new landlord is French and has run 2 branches of L'Auberge - including The Kings Head in Teddington, which was a reasonable attempt at fusing French food and trad English pub. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Incidentally, I don't mind the dress code if it's meant as a way of keeping out the loud mouth slobs who John let back in. But if it's meant to gentrify it, it's the wrong pub for that in my opinion.
7 Feb 2011 16:09
A case study in how important a landlord is to the success of a pub. This was London Pub of the Year under the Don. Its decline under the just-departed landlord was shocking. If the pub is lost to the local community as a result it will be nothing short of criminal.
6 Jan 2011 01:05
Went in hear for the first time last night of the beer festival (as a free alternative to the �20 entrance required for the Hampton Court Beer & Jazz Festival!). Even at the dregs of the weekend, there was a reasonable selection although we only realised that the main selection was in the outhouse when it was time to go! Clearly a great find in terms of beer and I'll be back. But given it was a beer festival designed to attract outsiders, I thought the bar staff - one in particular - were pretty offhand and unwelcoming to strangers. A mention of the outhouse selection when I asked what was left might have been helpful (rather than a curt 'just what you can see')
31 Aug 2010 10:57
Been in a few times on my way to gigs recently. Beer is always excellent - I'd like to see Twickenham Ales represented alongside Sambrooks to continue the London theme - and often a mild or so which is good to see. However, I don't get the praise for the staff. My experience as been patchy and I get the feeling their level of interest and knowledge has tailed off. On 2-3 occasions I've stood by the barrels waiting for the staff round the corner to stop gossiping to eachother and they served me (eventually) only reluctantly. Some retraining or weeding out needed, methinks.
25 May 2010 17:07
The Jerusalem Tavern, Clerkenwell
Can't believe I've never heard of this pub. Fantastic throwback to the days of real pubs - looks as though it's shut up from the front but inside it's the sort of look that Davey's Wine Bars used to try to recreate! Just old and wooden and very cosy. Fab beer - a range of 5 different St Peters Ales on draught. My Best Bitter was in top condition. Didn't get the warmest reception from the barman but we *were* hogging half the bar and he was trying to have his lunch - so I'll let him off. Will be back very soon. Food looked average, mind. We ate round the corner at Farm Collective in Cowcross St - excellent pies, sausage rolls and sandwiches :-)
15 Dec 2009 18:14
Amazing transformation. Apart from the Lion this is my nearest pub and for 20 years I've avoided it. Typical big pubco managed craphouse. But now ....
The pub was already on the right track before the refurbishment with a huge improvement in the quality of the beer under Fullers and young enthusiastic staff at every turn (in the past they were few and far between and - consequently - overstretched and useless). Now the refurb is the icing on the cake. It looks great in a modern large food oriented pub sort of a way - don't expect Victoriana but do expect real fires, lots of differently targeted areas (clever given it's generally open plan layout), attractive airy colour scheme and a smartened up garden. Given its location and architecture, If you didn't know the 20/21st century history of the pub you might be disappointed to find it's not a lovely old Dickensian interior. But in view of what its been through over the last 30 years or so - this is as good as we could hope for. No kids in at the moment - it's December - but I'd imagine it will be teaming with them in the Summer. So if you don't like them in a pub ... go to the Tide End.
This has already become my regular haunt since the decline of the Lion under its current management. And if you'd told me that a year ago I'd have thought you were mad!
12 Dec 2009 17:54
Only just discovered this pub and it's now my favourite in the area. Great little traditional one-bar local's pub off the beaten track in a quiet, mainly residential side street. Friendly, welcoming young staff, excellent range of beers with Twickenham's ales in top condition (this is the brewery owner's local). 2 flat screens showing Sky & ESPN (both at the same time, if necessary). Not tried the food - I'm sure it's very good ;-)
10 Oct 2009 14:48
The Prince of Wales, Twickenham
Love this place. Two Twickenham beers (it's the unofficial Brewery Tap - though it's not the nearest pub) decent grub and a great plasma TV. And the dark haired barmaid - is that Jacky? - is friendly and professional; just how a barmaid should be. Decor's a bit barren, and there's been surprisingly few customers a few times I've visited, but it's one of my faves in the area. A lot friendlier and more personable than the Blucher or the Albert
27 Jul 2009 12:02
Always hated this pub for all the reasons mentioned below. I've lived in Teddington for 20 years and have longed for it to be taken over by someone who knew what they were doing and cared. Very excited to discover that Fullers have bought it, and went in late last night for a swift Pride. Have to say that, although the staff were friendly and efficient enough (an innovation in itself!), the decor, clientele and - surprisingly - condition of the beer were all rather depressing. I don't know where the dressed up 18-25 year olds that hogged the bar and open lounge area (leaving the front and back of the pub totally deserted) but it didn't look like St Marys. And they weren't going to move to let us through if they could help it. I hope they aren't going to be regulars. The beer though was the most disappointing I've had in a Fullers pub. Flat, insipid and well ... just generally out of condition. Let's hope it all sorts itself out and October's refurb The Anglers becomes the pub it probably used to be before the days of managed houses.
5 Mar 2009 11:24
I met friends here the other night on an overnight visit (I've met them here a couple of times before, too) and my experience is of a completely different pub to the one described here. I'm surprised the comments here aren't more positive. It's very picturesque, nice, cosy interior, clientele and bar staff pleasant enough; certainly no hint of snobbery or cliquiness, and a good selection of Robinsons beers (including both dark and light milds) in excellent condition. Live Irish music going on in the other bar. What's the problem?
2 Oct 2008 11:57
Went in before a gig at nearby Koko and was reasonably impressed. Decor is a bit spartan and un-pubby in an All Bar One sort of way, but screens were great, Pride was in good condition, and the food (I had a mushroom and halloumi vegi-burger) seemed pretty good, not too poncey though maybe a tad pricey. Bar staffed by fit young girls who could maybe have practiced their smiling a bit more but seemed nice enough.
Ideal pre-gig venue, especially if there's a match to catch up on.
4 Sep 2008 10:52
The Phoenix, Sunbury on Thames
Went in for the first time in 7 or 8 years the other night to see what the refurb was like. Overall, slightly disappointed.
Decorwise the back is a disaster - like sitting in a new church hall. Neither soft and homely nor cool and stylish; just bland and uninviting. The front (where we sat) was fine - as pubby as ever. But the atmosphere there wasn't particularly welcoming: no sign of the owners; perfectly nice bar staff but too young, shy and inexperienced to create any sense of atmosphere, and a few locals who blanked us. Add to this the fact that the Black Sheep was a bit out of condition and I think the new owners need to put a bit more work in.
Having said that, it was an evening trip, so I'll be interested to try it at lunchtime when the sun's shining and the garden's open.
22 Aug 2008 11:52
The epitomy of Gastropub. Go here for really high quality food (with an English/local/seasonal slant) in a pub-ish atmosphere. Surprised at criticism of the beer - although it's not why you'd choose here over another pub it's decent (Youngs and Adnams on my last visit) and in good condition.
The waiters are a bit secretive (no booking allowed and its a mystery as to how and when they let you sit down) and aloof, but very professional.
19 Aug 2008 14:53
Next to my office, this pub is a pleasant enough place for a lunch or post work drink. Big, open and 'woody' (more pine than oak) inside - looks like it was knocked through once but not in a plush way. As others have said, staff and management are very friendly; we have used the upstairs room for meetings on 2 or 3 occasions and they refused to charge us for it.
Food quite reasonable in a burger/steak/soup kind of way and they try to make an effort with the menu on theme days (like St Andrews, St Patrick's etc). Only real disappointment is the beer - one real ale, usually dull (eg Flowers) and often served a bit warm for my liking. They do have a good selection of wine, though.
19 Aug 2008 13:38
The White Hart Hotel, Hampton Wick
Can't see anything I disagree with here.
a. Yes it was a great pub once. I used to work opposite- it was a regular haunt
b. The refurb ruined it as a venue and it is now nothing more than a hotel bar
c. The staff and manager are nice enough but act like they are in the hotel business not the pub trade
d. The beer is as good as you'll ever get. I DO have a Fullers fetish and the only reason I stop here (and I do about once a week/fortnight) is for an ace pint of Pride or ESB.
18 Aug 2008 23:50
The Tide End Cottage, Teddington
Well I'm not sure what hudsonellis is on about. This may not be the greatest pub in the area, but the only thing I can imagine the Anglers outscoring it on is access to the river. The front patio and front end interior of the pub are far better than anything you'll find in its next door neighbour.
The beer's pretty good and the vibe is much more like a real pub. Mind I've been in here 20 times and I've no idea who the landlord/landlady are; that's not good!
18 Aug 2008 23:42
Glad to hear you're putting on the festival, John (aka Trevor 111, DJH and Ted2). Could just be the turning point the pub needs.
18 Aug 2008 23:29
Agree with all this. Only been in a handful of times, but each time I was impressed with the friendliness of the landlord/landlady and regulars. Beer in good condition (though maybe a fraction too warm for my taste - I prefer it cellar cool rather than room temperature), the rare bar billiards and the cute, compact layout and decor make this the best pub in the area for me (since the decline of the Lion in Teddington)
3 Aug 2008 12:21
Sorry guys, but this pub is now on the slippery slop downhill. It's rapidly losing its custom. My last two visits were Saturday lunchtimes. On was yesterday, when there were 12 customers at most in the middle of the lunch period. No sign of the landlord. The other was a sunny day, yet I was able to take my pick of several tables outside, with most of the others occupied by solo drinkers (unheard of under the previous management). The same's true of Wednesday's quiz night; previously you had to get there an hour early to bag a seat, but now you can just turn up and take your pick
The beer's still in top notch condition and there's a little bit more rotation including a second Twickenham Ale (albeit just a stronger version of the ever present Sundancer). But there's more to a great pub than just keeping good beer. It's about personality and atmosphere. This pub had it in spades. It doesn't any longer.
I'm decamping to the Jolly Coopers in Hampton. The landlord of the Lion could learn a thing or two from them.
3 Aug 2008 12:03
Anyone else thinking there won't be a Beer Festival this year? I agree - I'm spending less time (and money) there now. I've even started to make the odd trip to the Tide End for a change of beer, which was never necessary before.
20 Jun 2008 16:14
First signs under the new management are reasonable. In fact, to be honest on the surface you'd not notice the difference - the kitchen and bar staff under the previous regime are all still there and the new landlord (John) clearly knows how important it is to look after his beer.
Whilst I'm a great believer in 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' I was hoping that he might freshen things up a little and impose something of his own personality. It's a bit like moving into a show home and keeping all the decor and ornaments exactly as they are! He even seems reluctant to rotate the beers - the (admittedly delicious) Twickenham Ales Sundowner has been stuck there all through the winter and spring and the opportunity for the likes of Gothick, Strong & Dark, etc passed up.
Still, I'm also a great believer in 'Be careful what you wish for - you might come to regret it.' So maybe we should be happy with our show home :-)
14 May 2008 15:34
What a gem. Went there last night on these recommendations and it's an ale drinkers paradise. 4 beers in the barrel (all keep at a nice cool temperature somehow) including a dark mild (Black Pearl) and 4 or 5 on handpull. Excellent pie and mash (with a choice of 5 or 6 meat and one veggy) and, as I must look like a CAMRA man (I'm not, I have no beard nor do I wear sandles or argyll sweaters) I WAS offered the discount. I was honest and declined. But given that the pies & mash was �8 for plebs and �5 for CAMRA members I'm joining before I go back! Friendly bar staff, too (if a bit too young and East European to be especially knowledgeable about the beer)
14 May 2008 15:04
Excellent pub: warm, friendly atmosphere and a well kept, unusual selection of small brewery beers. I came here as an away supporter for a match at Fratton Park, having been told it was 'good for away fans'. Not a single one - all Pompey supporters! It is in a back street, mind, and parking is nigh-on impossible; the only place seems to be the pay and display in Nancy Road (if there's a space). But it's worth it once you get there. The kind of place you'd happily while away an afternoon session if you had the time.
23 Feb 2008 19:04
This is the nearest pub to me and I have to say I feel blessed to have such a boozer as my local.
If it were a cricketer it would win best Teddington all-rounder. There may more attractive, more comfortable interiors and there is undoubtedly better food. But to be honest you'd be hard pushed to find better kept or more varied a range of beer (even draught mild, occasionally) and the staff are among the friendliest in the area. And the whole package adds up to the perfect local community boozer.
There's a dark cloud on the horizon though, as the owners are selling up to move abroad; let's hope it doesn't become another soulless gastropub. On the plus side, though, it might just become a bit more family friendly, since the current landlady is hilariously rude to children - and to anyone who has them.
29 Oct 2007 15:25
The old pub had two saving graces: the fact that it was a Fullers pub, and the speed of service (even when it was crowded you got served quickly and efficiently). The refurbished pub has only one saving grace: it's a Fullers pub. Staff are typical managed house staff: polite enough bur young and inexperienced. And the pub's soulless.
29 Oct 2007 15:21
The Pembroke Castle, Primrose Hill
Pleasantly surprised by this pub. Chose it to meet people arriving at Chalk Farm tube before going to the Roundhouse - I was so impressed we went back there afterwards to eat. Staff were very friendly - didn't even mind me ordering meals just before the kitchen closed at 10 - and the food and beer were excellent (though, disappointingly, they only seemed to have IPA on at the time - albeit well-kept). Nice interior and a good outdoor area for the summer, I'd imagine.
29 Oct 2007 14:48
Have to say I'm surprised at the postivity here. I chose it on the basis of these comments to meet a friend before going to the Academy. Bit tatty inside. Far from rammed, it was dead - and it smelt. I then ordered a pint of Black Sheep which had clearly been in the barrel too long with a slight vinegar nose. I left the pub after 15 minutes with most of the pint untouched. Avoid would be my advice. If you want a bit of life, try the Oxford on the main road - much cleaner, livelier and a decent pint of Deuchars.
21 Sep 2007 19:30
The Dispensary, Liverpool
Only pub I've come across in the last 10 years that refuses to allow you a taste of the beer. Actually that's not completely true - the guy (presume the manager you're all talking about) did reluctantly pull the tiniest tasting I've ever seen but when I later asked the (much more sociable) young barmaid for one of a 6% IPA I was told it was pub policy not to offer tastes. If they offered beer flights I could understand, but seriously, a policy not to allow even the smallest sample is just antisocial. Shame as the beer is of course very good - especially the Mild. But the Ship & Mitre is just so much more customer-centric, friendly and they gladly offer samples.
10 May 2015 13:22