BITE user comments - Thebman
Comments by Thebman
The Ship and Shovell, Charing Cross
Nice little pub tucked up an alley where most of the tourists wouldn't think to look. Staff were friendly, beer was good and the building was really quirky. There are certainly better pubs in the area but this place is definitely worth popping into for a quick pint or two.
8 Mar 2010 12:47
My first visit here last week and both me and my Dad were very impressed. Great range of 10 ales, all we tried were in great condition. The only problem was the pub was so busy we couldn't get a seat but that's hardly a criticism. We didn't try the food but next time we'll probably give it a go.
A well deserved 9/10 for the Bree Louise, I'd struggle to think of a way to improve it.
26 Jan 2010 10:11
This is a good pub in an area in desperate need of just that. This place would be fairly unremarkable in many other areas of London, however, in the hustle and bustle and desert of decent pubs that Brixton is, this place is a gem. Situated in an attractive square only 2 minutes walk from the tube station, has the usual Young's range (Bitter, Special, Winter Warmer and Bombardier on my visit). Very attractive girls behind the bar certainly help this pubs cause also. A well deserved 7/10 in my book.
8 Dec 2009 12:30
The Man of Kent Ale House, Rochester
Visited for the first time in around 8 months last night (12/11/2009). This pub seems to get better and better with every visit and it was pretty much perfect last time I was here! Fantastic range of ales (10 were all on the go), a folk duo were playing, and friendly staff and locals. The only niggle I have is that it seems quite a lot more expensive than other pubs in the area, but I'm happy to ignore that. This is as close as it can get to a perfect pub in my eyes, I just wish it didn't take an hour and cost �15 for me to get here.
13 Nov 2009 12:47
My first visit last ni8ght (12/11/2009), quite an odd pub really. On the approach it's a very ugly building with very little promise. As you walk in it's much of the same. However, the landlord may just be the friendliest man I've had the pleasure of meeting. The landlady was almost as friendly, as were the 6 or 7 locals propping up the bar. There was only 3 ales on, but they were all very good. All in all I think this is a good pub and I think the landlord/landlady have done a marvellous job with a pub that has such little potential. I'll be returning next time I'm in the area.
13 Nov 2009 10:08
We were actually warned not to come here by some of the locals in other pubs but we ignored them and I'm glad we did. This feels more like a bar than a pub but it works nonetheless. Good selection of around 8 ales and my pint of Brewdog 77 was lovely. Definitely worth a look if you're in the area, 7/10.
27 Sep 2009 10:15
First stop on my mini crawl through Hitchin. This pub is situated in what looks to be a slightly run down area of town, right near the train station. 5 ales were on, 2 from Nethergate and 3 from Tring. My pint was in very good condition. Seems to have a good community feel to the place, a proper old fashioned locals boozer. A solid 7/10.
27 Sep 2009 10:12
Pub number 2 on my mini crawl around Hitchin. Good selection of ales, 6 in total, the two I had were both kept perfectly well. Very friendly bar staff made us feel very welcome. All in all this is a fantastic pub, a well deserved 8/10.
27 Sep 2009 10:10
I had 20 minutes to kill so popped in here for a quick half. A relatively friendly welcome from the Landlord although there was a look of 'what's he doing here' on most of the locals' faces. Pub looks like it's in the middle of a refit, at least I hope it is, there's MDF nailed to the floor by the bar and none of the wooden panelling in the place has been varnished.
Only Master Brew was on offer ale wise, it was served well though. All in all not a bad pub and probably your best bet if you're stuck in Cliftonville. But certainly not somewhere I'll be rushing back to anytime soon.
12 May 2009 10:08
This is a good pub, really don't see how two people before me rated it so poorly. Friendly landlord happy to have a chat. Nice bunch of friendly locals. Unfortunately this is a Shepherd Neame, but as Shep's go the beer here was served really well. There was Master Brew and Late Red on on my visit.
I give this a 7/10.
21 Sep 2008 16:18
This used to be a rock pub, but last time I was in there (mid 2007) it had been turned into a sports pub. Lots of lager louts and undesirables. You won't get ale in here.
8 Apr 2008 19:18
Not all that much to say about this place. Had Courage-Best on, and that was it for ale. Seems to be a sports pub, not my cup of tea really.
8 Apr 2008 19:16
Shepherd Neame on the main road out of Margate. Not a fan of this place, the beer is very poor even for a Shepherd Neame. However, the locals are a friendly bunch so you could do wose than come here.
8 Apr 2008 19:15
Locals pub up an alleyway just off the seafront. The oldest pub in Margate. Probably the best pub in Margate as well, although that's not really saying all that much. It's a Shepherd Neame and usually has 2 ales on including the seasonal. Definitely worth a visit as it is really rustique and a pleasant place to sink a few.
8 Apr 2008 19:13
This is actually a pretty good pub, has live bands 3 nights a week. The beer is pretty crap and very expensive, but the atmoshpere is good and it has a large beer garden. All in all, if you find yourself in Margate, this is one of the better places to go.
8 Apr 2008 19:11
Closed down as of February 2008, hopefully it will reopen soon as it was the only place other than spoons you could get a pint of ale in Margate.
2 Apr 2008 10:20
Wonderful pub in Herne village just outside of Herne Bay. The smallest pub in Kent and the smallest freehouse in the country. The record stands at 33 people and a dog in attendance. Only sells ale and wine for the ladies apparently. There really is no way to fault this pub.
31 Mar 2008 10:28
Sherpherd Neame in the centre of town. Really friendly old fashioned pub, stocks the whole Shep Neame range of ales. Worth coming to if you don't mind Shepherd Neame.
26 Mar 2008 12:52
The Charles Dickens, Broadstairs
Probably the best pub in central broadstairs. Another Thorley Tavern, very expensive drinks. It does have a very good atmosphere though. Usually has a couple of ales on, on my last visit they had Deuchars - IPA and Spitfire, although the Deuchars was barely drinkable. Very popular with 18-21 year olds before they head off to Escape in Margate...
26 Mar 2008 12:45
Greene King in a quiet position less than 100 yards from the centre of broadstairs' nightlife. Really lovely building with a nice community atmosphere inside. Has the usual Greene King range, if only it was a freehouse I would drink here a lot more often. As it stands, I refuse to pay for a Green King beer which limits me slightly.
26 Mar 2008 12:41
The Bradstow Mill, Broadstairs
Thorley Tavern close to the railway station. As Thorley's go, this is probably one of the best, not that that's saying much. Very busy at weekends, often has live bands. Usually one guest ale on offer, although they obviously aren't ale afficianados as it's pretty rancid. Still it's a nice lively place for a drink.
26 Mar 2008 12:38
Not a particularly friendly welcome from the barman/landlord on my last visit. Only Masterbrew was on offer ale wise so not exactly a beer drinkers paradise either. Just pretty average really.
26 Mar 2008 12:32
Gorgeous looking pub up a little side street next to Feeney's. On my last visit they had 2 ales on, kept pretty well. Only problem was that they were not particularly friendly, didn't seem to like the fact that there were young people like myself in their pub.
17 Mar 2008 12:41
Has been closed for around 6 months, however has just reopened. Really small and really friendly pub, not much to speak of beer wise. Definitely worth a stop on a crawl in ramsgate.
17 Mar 2008 12:38
Friendly locals pub just a short walk from the town center. They have bombadier but I wouldn't really trust the ale as it's usually vinegar. Really good range of spirits though.
17 Mar 2008 12:36
I was in there from 3-5.30 in the afternoon on saturday the 8th if that helps.
12 Mar 2008 08:33
I had been looking forward to coming to this pub for a long time. I'm really sad to say that it was a terrible disappointment. The beer was ok, good selection but nothing particularly great, although this is probably due to bad luck on my part as I have heard of many better beers being sold here. However, the barmaid was inexcusably rude. When I intially ordered my first round she huffed, slammed the drinks on the bar, took the money that was that. Then when I ordered a couple of sandwiches she once again huffed muttered 'oh for f**ks sake' took my money. I was in complete shock and bewilderment, what I had done to offend this woman I do not know. I really hope this was just an off day of sorts.
9 Mar 2008 15:39
Great little back street boozer, good selection of ales and a huge selection of Belgian bottled beers. Liveley atmosphere and all the staff/customers are really friendly, also the staff are very knowledgeable about their beer.
24 Jan 2008 14:01
My new favourite pub. Had 7 ales on when I visited on saturday, all of which were on good form. Gorgeous building, great atmosphere, as someone mentioned there's also an open fire which is always nice. It looks like I'll be making the journey to Canterbury a much for frequent thing.
3 Dec 2007 08:27
Absolutely loved this place. Great ales, great music, a great mix of people (mainly student types)and the atmosphere was fantastic. I can't see how people can find faults with this place. I love the fact you have to go through a pasty shop to get in as well, a quirky touch.
24 Jun 2007 14:11
Really nice pub, not normally a fan of the sam smiths pubs but this one was an exception. Very friendly service, a very good pint and a very nice place to chill from the crowds.
24 Jun 2007 14:09
In last night (16th May). Pint of Gadds No7 was really good. However, the barman was the most miserable fart I've ever seen behind a bar. He wasn't particularly rude, just very uninterested, really made it uncomfortable to be in there. The atmosphere was very cold, not an enjoyable experience really.
17 May 2007 12:51
Not overkeen on this place. I was really excited about going here because I'd heard some really good things, it was a big letdown. For some reason I just didn't feel comfortable in there. The budvar i bought was warm, the barmaid didn't utter a word. However, there were some nice looking girls in there...
29 Apr 2007 17:27
Nice place, the old peculier was spot on!
Bit too clean and shiny for my taste, and it was very quiet in there for a saturday night. But I'd definitely go back.
29 Apr 2007 17:24
Not a bad place, but not sure I'd go there again. The music is a bit loud for a pub. Getting in was a kerfuffle as there was a group of lairy blokes all angry cos they got chucked out for some reason. Inside the service wasn't particularly friendly. The woman behind the bar had a go at me for not saying please as well which threw me a bit.
29 Apr 2007 17:23
This isn't the best pub in the world by a longshot, however, if like i was you're doing a pub crawl around soho, then it's well worth sticking this pub on your list.
Had 4 ales on, I had something called Tiger, can't remember the brewery but it was really good. Plus they have a few other european beers like erdinger. Bit of a trendy feel to it rather than a 'real pub' feel.
29 Apr 2007 17:20
I like this place, had a few ales on (the Tim Taylor was really good. It was too busy on a saturday afternoon to sit inside so we drank our beer in the alleyway and people watched.
The doorman, was quite surly but friendly enough once I produced my ID, watching him catch the kids trying to sneak in the side door was quite amusing as well...
Plus opposite the place is a showroom that had a Zonda, Spyker and a real nice old jag. Which was nice if that's your thing.
Better than most of the pubs in this area.
29 Apr 2007 17:17
Avoid this place like the plague. Went there for the first (and last) time on my 21st. The guy behind the bar was unbelievably rude, for example I ordered 3 pints of the extra stout and turned to ask the rest of the group what they wanted. About 10 seconds later he says 'what else do you want, I'm not a f***ing mindreader'. I just found it completely unnecessary. Plus the beers were all incredibly average...
29 Apr 2007 17:12
Went to this pub for the first time on the 28th of april for my 21st. It's an absolutely brilliant place, a real pub in the heart oo London which is really rare. Had 6 ales, tried the black sheep, and titanic, both lovely. Friendly staff, very chatty locals. Just a really nice place to relax in this hectic part of london.
29 Apr 2007 17:06
Thorleys Tavern in the heart of Ramsgates town center. This pub has a great atmosphere, great jukebox, live music, friendly staff and an interesting mix of locals (very alternative).
However, the one thing this pub lacks is decent beer, only has courage directors ale wise. the lagers are all served flat, the beer is just crap. Real shame because with a good selection of beer, this would be my favourite pub around.
28 Jan 2007 19:53
This in possibly the best pub in Thanet. Has your usual guiness, smiths, lagers etc. Also murphys which is quite rare round here. Best of all it always has 5-6 real ales always fantastic.
Still has seperate saloon and public bars, and actually still maintains the traditional price difference between the two.
The staff are very friendly, as are the locals, this pub is just faultless.
28 Jan 2007 19:26
The Tartar Frigate, Broadstairs
As thorleys go this one isn't all too bad. Usually got at least one ale on, although like the rest of brodstairs it's hideously expensive.
Hang on I can't believe someone wrote that Thorley Taverns is a 'fine company'. Obviously they don't know much about them as Mr Thorley has single handedly nearly destroyed all of Thanets pubs. I'll stop there before I start ranting.
28 Jan 2007 19:17
A slightly below average Wetherspoons. Unfortunately if you're in Margate this is one of the only places you'll be able to find ale, so inevitably I come here if I'm in the area. Quite fun to watch the hordes of drunken louts try to start fights with eachothe. I've only got grief a couple of times, usually chavs taking offence at the fact I have long hair (how dare I, honestly)
They seem to run out of their ales on a regular basis, so although it may look like they have 10 ales on, it's actually more like 5. Which includes Spitfire and Courage Best (You'd have to pay me to drink Courage). So in reality they'll only have 3 ales....
28 Jan 2007 19:13
Another Shepherd Neame pub with endless potential, unfortunately it's been allowed to just wither away into what it is now. Only ever has masterbrew and spitfire (the only shepherd neame beers worth drinking are bishops finger and the seasonal ales). Only been in here a couple of times but both times there's just been a few old regilars propping up the bar, just not a great pub, shame.
28 Jan 2007 19:07
There's no other way to say it, this place is an absolute joke of a 'pub'. As the earl mentioned this place feels like it should be situated in St Tropez not ramsgate.
First came here a couple of years back and it was perfectly adequate, Hoegarden was good and they had a fantastic Malt Whisky menu. Went in here a few weeks back, was forced to drink John Smiths and when I enquired about their malt whiskies, I was offered Bells.....
This alone is bad enough, but coupled with the exceptionally high prices, very uncormfortable seating and crappy clientele, this is just not a very nice place to be.
28 Jan 2007 19:00
This place has really improved in the last couple of years, I'm not sure if the managers just didn't like young people but when I first came in here a couple of years back my friends and I were made to feel very unwelcome. However, I've been in here a few times recently and they seem much more friendly and also they now have a good selection of ales. I had Gadds - Sandboy, which was extremely tasty.
28 Jan 2007 18:56
Without a shadow of a doubt this is the best pub in Ramsgate, maybe even the best pub in Thanet (The White Swan in Reading Street may also claim this title).
Always has 4-5 ales of exceptional quality. Last thursday I had a few pints of Black Country - Pig on the Wall, lovely stuff.
Great jukebox, although someone needs to get to the bottom of who keeps putting on all the Shania Twain!
The staff are all very friendly and it has a very interesting mix of locals.
If you're in the area, make sure you check out the Artillery, you will not regret it.
28 Jan 2007 18:52
Great little pub tucked away where hopefully no chavs will be able to find it.
The guest ale is always interesting, Gadds - Dogbolter is on quite regularly. Also there is a large pool room behind the bar, just ask Andy about it. The only thing I would change is to make both of the ales guest, not a fan of the archers.
28 Jan 2007 17:54
Unicorn, Bekesbourne
Cycled to this pub from canterbury. This is a gem of a pub. Lovely interior, the food looks great, had a good chat with the landlord. There was two beers on, Gadds - Common Conspiracy and Westerham - Grasshopper, both were in perfect condition. They do a lot of events here and I think I'll be coming back for the st georges day beer festival. This pub is well worth seeking out.
29 Mar 2010 10:03