Cradlewell, Newcastle

What a shame. I was living near here back in 1978 and this was my local. It was THE pub in the area in those days. The Punch Bowl next door was more down market then - what a reversal of fortunes.
I did go in again on a nostalgia trip in about 2000 by then it has lost it's charm and turned into a chavs place.
And I had such lovely memories.

14 May 2011 13:33

The Princess of Wales, Clapton

I used to live on Lea Bridge road for 5 years - I left in 1984. This was my local and by the time I left it cost 74p a pint.
In those days it was always busy on a Friday and Saturday night - often with a local eccentric playing popular old style cockney songs on the piano.
But, I gather from reading the reviews that it hasn't really changed one little bit (though no food in my days) - the same London style utter rudeness and misery which passes for service.
I left to work abroad for ten years but when I came back I stayed clear of London. These days I'm down in Hampshire - but a couple of days ago I drove past - I'm glad I left the area.

14 May 2011 13:27

The Rising Sun, Clanfield

I moved into Clanfield in 2005 - visited this pub a week later and was so impressed by the utter rudeness of everyone working there that I left a comment - see below.
Now, it's 2009 so I've heard lots of comments from the locals - not one being positive. In fact the place has a reputation for causing trouble at night time with loud mouthed gormless yokels.
I went back in myself - only the once at a lunchtime. Let's be frank, it was like walking into something befitting Leigh Park. What a waste of potential.

5 Jul 2009 20:59

The Waggon, Higham Dykes

Good quality, out of village pub.
Used to be dog friendly, not sure about today.

1 Sep 2005 17:30

The Rising Sun, Clanfield

Moved into the village just a week ago. Visited the pub at lunchtime with my two dogs. Was going to sit outside in sunshine and read the paper. As I was attempting to get served one of my dogs looked in. "Go away" was the insrant response from a young waitress. I asked for my drink, the woman who served me felt it necessary to make more comments about the dog (who was simply sat at the doorway). She then told me it had to be on a lead. I replied I didn't have one. Well, she nearly wet herself in her haste to tell me it was illegal to have a dog breathing air without a lead (it isn't of course).
I went back outside and sat down. The next table had four very pleasant ladies taking lunch - we'd spoken on my way in and the were very pleased with the dogs.
I had only been sat down for 3/4 minutes and the landlord came over to me a simply launched into a tirade about the dogs. The women said they were more than hppy with my pair. He wouldn't have it at all - how dare customers tell him what they wanted - -and sat outside in the fresh air as well!
He ordered me around the back of the pub to a seating area devoid of people. I said I'd go, but that he had lost a customer. Well his response said it all. Rude, agressive and arrogant. A place to be avoided - no warmth or welcome at all.

1 Sep 2005 17:19