BITE user comments - Trouty
Comments by Trouty
Super part of Devon and the pub is in a great spot, the pub it's self is very nice inside and the real ale and real cider in good condition, however, i think they may well cater for the those that have a few extra �50 notes in their wallets! i have been to central London recently, in and around the covent garden area and have drunk real ale for less than what i paid for the pint i had in here, we would've stayed for lunch if we hadn't have been put off by the extreme prices for drink, i paid �4.90 for a half of lemonade and a pint of Champion Ale, i am guessing that it was around the �3.50 mark for the pint which is very excessive in my book. It is a great shame, because i do think it is a great pub but one that i wouldn't return to again unless i had more money or they dropped their prices.
4 May 2011 10:08
The White Thorn Inn, Shaugh Prior
I thought i would write another review regarding the pub, i last reviewed it 3 years a go when Will and Nicky first took this place over.
Considering the pub was in a state of neglect before Will and Nicky took over they have updated various aspects of the pub and one would guess that when money permits they will look at doing other thing's.
I cannot agree with the comment below that the landlord thinks to much of himself and is ignorant, maybe if that person took time to go back and chat then he would see a different side, both Will and Nicky are very friendly and sociable people, they organise lots of things for charity, hold an ale, cider and food festival, host live bands occasionally etc etc. They are now up to 3 ales all of which when i was there were between �2.70 & �2.80 per pint and he now serves Thatchers Cheddar Valley cider for �1.50 per pint!! The food isn't bad either and at reasonable prices and there is nearly always some kind of meal deal on.
I would give it a go, it is not your typical country pub that is small and cosy but i have always found the welcome warm and friendly.
4 Nov 2010 14:56
The Walkhampton Inn, Yelverton
This pub is going from strength to strength! The new Landlord and Landlady have been here for 2 years now and have changed things around dramatically! Food is good and reasonably prcied and they have actually just reduced the price of their Jail Ale to �2.50 per pint so i believe, considering most pubs on Dartmoor are charging any where from �3 to �3.20 usually this is staggeringly good!! when was the last time you heard of a pub reducing it's beer prices!? After all Jail is only made in nearby Princetown, it is not like they have to get it from Orkney!!! Any way, this pub is a delight and is a real hub of the community now, i cannot wait for the sausage and cider festival this year, last years was brilliant and well worth going too.
if you are in the area and you want a real pub then this one or the Royal Oak at Meavy are the best by far, The Rock at Yelverton serves a purpose but it is over priced and is a tourist trap as is the Burrator Inn. Seek it out and ye shall find!!
3 Jun 2010 16:40
Absolute Somerset gem! stopped here for an evening meal on Monday 17th May and i will definitely be going back! food very good and good portions and the real ale and proper cider was exceptional quality! pity i had to leave!! Nuff said!
19 May 2010 14:32
The George, Dorchester on Thames
Satyed in the George for 3 nights recently, what a lovely place! It was reasonably priced for accommodation in this area of Oxfordshire. Your hosts Megan and Liaan were very good, the bar area of the hotel is nice to relax in and they had 3 ales on all at average prices but they were kept well. All in all it was a very good experience and i would certainly return.
19 May 2010 14:25
The Fleur De Lys, Dorchester on Thames
I stayed in Dorchester for 3 nights and i was welcomed into this pub like a local, the Brakspear Best was in good condition and the food looked very nice, the chap behind the bar was really chatty and on the Sunday night we were still in here until 12.40am! he even brought out some freshly cooked prawn crackers for us, top man! I thought this pub was very good, much better than some in teh area and Dorchester is a lovely place to stop.
19 May 2010 14:21
The picture of the pub above must be 3 or 4 years old, the pub has been refurbished to a high standard inside and out and it looks great, the people who run the pub are very efficient and friendly. The good thing about this refurbishment is that they have not lost the fact that the pub is 400 years old, which is a good thing! the ale was very good and i had Loddon Ferryman's Gold which was �2.50 for a pint! The food was cooked to a standard i have not seen in pubs before, it was that good! 17 of us ate their on Saturday 15th May in the evening, food was cooked to perfection and all came out within 5 or 10 mins of the first meals put before us, i had the slow cooked Lamb shoulder with a garlic & nettle pesto, it was divine! There are very few places like this left in this Country where the staff are as attentive serving drinkers as they are serving food. I cannot rate this pub highly enough, try it for yourselves! It is just an excellent pub
19 May 2010 14:14
The Red Lion, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell
Another lovely pub in rural south Oxfordshire, great local patronage by the looks of it when i went here, some good local ales on and a very friendly landlady! very well balanced food menu and well balanced prices which made it easier on the wallet! a good example of how pubs should be!
19 May 2010 14:03
Stopped here for lunch on 15/05/2010, absolute gem of a pub! Food was excellent and the Timothy Taylor Landlord was in superb condition along with the 3 other ales they had on! staff and landlady very friendly and prices were good for this area of Oxfordshire. The pub has a lovely garden to the front and a huge garden to the rear and it is child friendly. To me this pub looked like a real hub of the local community and long may it stay that way. 10/10 for me!
19 May 2010 13:53
The Lord Nelson, Brightwell Baldwin
Lovely looking pub inside and out, pub is right opposite the church. Plenty of money around this area and the prices of the real ale and cider showed this. I bought a pint of Brakspear Best 3.4 % abv and one and half pints of Stowford Press cider 4.5 % abv and it cost �9!!! That put me off quite a bit, saying that, the food looked good and the surrounding's very nice.
19 May 2010 13:41
The Britannia is far and away the best "spoons" in plymouth, nice old georgian building and it is big inside, lots of places to sit to eat and drink, it has 2 real fires which makes the place more homely than most spoons pubs. the Britannia deserves it's place in the Camra Good Beer Guide as it does serve a good pint of ale, there beer is usually in good condition which cannot be said for all spoons houses! the food i think has got alot better over the last year and although it is your typical spoons food, for lunch time it suits the wallet! an all round good boozer and worth a visit!
18 Dec 2009 10:33
Some of my family live in Clearbrook and we have been going to the Skylark for some years now, however the pub has got alot better in the last 4 years since Victor's arrival. His food has got progressively better and so has his real ale! The pub as a building wouldn't win any architecture awards but the inside with it's huge wood burning stove at one end has a decent feel about it. He has 4 ales on, when i was there on Sunday 13th Dec he had, Otter Ale, Jaile Ale, Butcombe Bitter and St Austell Tribute, i tried the Jail and the Butcombe, both in good condition but slightly on the cold side, we also have had food there on numerous occasions and it is very good and the portions are huge, you can guarantee a mediteranean twist to some of his food as Vic comes from Gibraltar. Staff are friendly as is the pub dog "Hooch" the black lab loves attention! i'd recommend the pub to most, they are family friendly, dog friendly,muddy boots friendly, what more could you want!
18 Dec 2009 10:19
Yet again this pub has won the Exeter & East Devon CAMRA branch pub of the year for the 4th successive year, and has now gone into the hat for the South West Regional pub of the year. They continue to serve exceptional quality real ales and food, it is worth the trek where ever you are! Roger is still keeping any where from 15 to 22 ales on at any given time, 6 on hand pump and the rest from his temperature controlled cellar on gravity! This pub is a real testiment on how to stand up to the big wigs that keep putting up the tax on beer and shows that even in the climate where more pubs now than ever before are closing to the public how this can be something that keeps spirits up and is a real heart of the community! People flock to this rural gem from far and wide but Roger and his team never fail on delivering high standards, no matter how hard times are and no matter how demanding some of us can be, their is always a smile when you walk through the door! it can only be 10 out of 10!
9 Nov 2009 15:44
I thoroughly enjoyed this pub, yes i guess if you live up this way you would get fed up with having Fullers beers thrown at you all the time but when you are from Devon and the only Fullers Ale you can get is usually London Pride you are quite happy to sup a good pint of ESB or Fuller Gales HSB or Discovery to name a few, i'm a fan of Fullers beers and although they have grown into one of the big National brewers i think they do extremely well to keep the range of beer they sell and brew and their pubs all traditional. The Six Bells is a lovely pub with a mixture of modern twisted with that Olde Worlde Charm! Teh Ale was in top class condition, i think i must have had 6 or 7 pints of the HSB which i have to say hasn't changed since Fullers Bought out Gale's about 3 years ago and the food was brilliant too, i actually thoughtthis was teh best pub in Thame, however it is a little stroll oout from the centre, if you are staying in the Spread Eagle Hotel turn left and follow you nose for about 7 mins i guess! however the Birdcage and the Swan were good too an dteh Ale was also good.
The Six Bells is definitely worth that stroll, go there or miss out!
19 Jun 2009 13:14
great pub situated on the edge of the Chilterns escarpment, lots of Red Kites to be seen flying around and that is a fantastic sight on it's own! The Whip inn is an amazing pub serving 5 ales on hand pull serving Bridge Farm Cider from Somerset, the Landlord goes down and picks it up himself! the ales were all in top condition and i had a Sandwich for lunch, it was delicious, 6 rounds of farm house ham and English Mustard on delicious brown bread! a real treat to find this pub and it is obviously well known as it was packed! well worth the trek to find it.
However the Landlord has got rid of Sky TV due to the Business costs, fair one! something like �1500 per month!
try this pub it is well worth it!
19 Jun 2009 13:05
Just to let you know that my comment below regarding �3.99 for Cheesy Chips is incorrect, actually a portion of chips or chips with cheese are �2.
If only i could go back now and have another pint of Taylor Landlord!
17 Jun 2009 09:50
The Union Inn, Moretonhampstead
been to Moreton plenty of times from Plymouth, however i have missed going to this pub! how, i don't know! i have usually frequented the bell, never again after my visit to the union! great little pub with genuine locals that like to chat. Was in their on Saturday 13th June and was looking for some where to watch the Lions game, saw they had a big screen from reading the sign outside the pub, went in and politely asked if they were showing the rugby, they said not at the moment but we can't see why not, and there behind a well made wooden case was this 40" screen. The young lady that was behind the bar did everything in her power to make us welcome and so did the 6 or 7 locals in their, they had 3 ales on and Gray's Farm cider from the barrel, i tried teh London Pride which was in top order.
great pub, great Village, will be back
16 Jun 2009 12:59
Excellent pub by the Grand Union Canal, the beer range was very impressive and all looked in good condition myself and a friend had the Rebellion Mutiny, what a superb pint! dark, rich and satisfying! was a pleasant experience, was great for a couple of well earned pints and a good chat, definitely worth a visit, very traditional inside with wood flooring and a huge double sided fire place in the middle of the bar. great place
16 Jun 2009 12:50
Fantastic pub, lovely building in a beautiful part of the world! this pub has a great atmosphere and is one of the best pubs i've been in. The ales were good and in very good order and the staff couldn't do enough to help us. the food was also very good, i had a steak which was cooked to perfection! and it was very tasty. just a superb hostelry.
16 Jun 2009 12:44
What a pub and what a fantastic village! was in The Eight Bells on Sunday 17th May to have a meal, food was fantastic and at a reasonable price! they had 3 Ales on hand pull and 2 on a stillage directly behind the bar, the beer was in good nick and was at a healthy price for this area of Bucks. this is certainly the quintessential English Village and is classed as the home of the TV series "Midsomer Murders".
The pub is very old, i believe it dates back over 400 years, the staff were friendly and attentive and all in all this pub was great, long may it stay that way!
16 Jun 2009 12:40
Visited The Cleave on Saturday 13th June, what a change and a good one at that! Since the old Landlady has left the new couple/family that have taken on this beautiful pub have really made an effort to get it back to how it used be a long time ago! the pub it's self is probably in arguably the prettiest village on Dartmoor, Lustleigh is an oustanding place and the pub sits opposite the Parish Church and next to the Cricket Pitch. Myself and my partner had our children with us and they were happy for them to be in the bar and never said one thing to us, the place was packed as you would expect on a nice sunny day. The beer was well kept with 3 ales on hand pull, Taylor Landlord, Otter Ale and Otter Bitter all in good condition, there was a bellringing competityion on at the church and the pub usually closes in the afternoon, however they kept the pub open all day which says something about the new owners! the food looked very good although i didn't eat but was told that �3.99 for cheesy chips was a little over board, apart from that i can honestly say that this pub is on the up and i now well worth a visit at any time of year!
16 Jun 2009 12:33
Plymouth's CAMRA pub of the year and well deserved, nearly always has 8 beers on tap at any one time, usually from local as well as National brewers, the beer is always on good form and they do a scrumpy on tap from Thatchers called Manglehead (usually called Chaddar Valley in other pubs) and yes it certainly does!! as a high street city centre boozer this is probably one of the best around and deserves it's title from CAMRA.
I was in the pub Saturday just gone at 11am, there were a few happy locals and teh landlord was just about to put extra beers on the menu, we still had 5 to choose from, i had the Triple FFF, Moondance, at 4.2 % it was a very nice pint and at a very reasonable price for Plymouth, i believe it's the cheapest pub in Plymouth for ale outside of Wetherspoon pubs. Keep up the good work.
30 Mar 2009 11:05
I have been to the Poachers at Ide on numerous occasions, coming from Plymouth i have always enjoyed the trip up and then winding your way through the lanes of Ide to find the Poachers Inn.
The pub is on the High St and sits opposite the road that leads to the Parish church, on a personal note, i think this pub is one of the best around this area and there are quite a few decent pubs to choose from, but certainly the best pub this close to Exeter City centre. The pub has a great garden at the back which looks over fields and inside the pub looks and feels great. Upto 5 Real Ales and all of them are from West Country breweries, nice to see a pub that deals in South West beers, i believe Devon is blest with something like 29 Micro Breweries, so there is plenty of choice. The Poachers always has Branscombe Vale Branoc on, which is a superb light gravity ale, the other ales usually come from O'Hanlons of Whimple and Otter of Luppit. The food comes highly recommended and the portions are fair!
Definitely worth a look, an all round decent boozer in a lovely location.
30 Mar 2009 10:47
i think there are 6 pubs in the village of Chinnor, not bad going considering there are around 50 odd pubs a month UK wide shutting their doors! However the Red Lion is probably the best, a lovely 300 year old building with open fires beams etc, up to 4 real ales on at any one time and all in pretty good order, check out their website! landlord and lady both very friendly and informative, before arrival i e-mailed the pub as i wanted to stay somewhere near the area, in actual fact i e-mailed numerous other establishments in the area and never got a reply, with the Red lion i had one with 6 hours of sending it, goes a long way customer service!! keep it up!!
6 Feb 2009 16:17
Cracking old pub, has been in the Camra Good Beer Guide every year apart from one when the landlord changed some years back. You are almost guaranteed a consistently good pint and the food is recommended. prices are a bit heavty mind you, but then thats this part of the Country for you, it's the same down south, i can assure you of that.
6 Feb 2009 16:09
The Cherry Tree, Kingston Blount
Pretty good pub really, has been done up recently and is probably slightly too modern for a village pub, however the atmospehere is convivial and the ale was pretty good. Food is cooked by the french chef Christian but the prices are not too bad for this area of Oxfordshire, it's only about 5mins from Jnc 6 of the M40. definitely worth a visit, but don't expect it to be your typical rural gem inside, if you want that, then The Leathern Bottle at Lewknor or The Red Lion at Chinnor are your best bets, they are only 5 mins from Kingston Blount.
6 Feb 2009 15:57
Forgot to put the phone number on my lost review it is 01837 810253!
9 Dec 2008 15:36
There are not many reviews of this pub but thats not to say that it isn't very good, what it means is that most people can't think of anything else better to put on here that what others have said before!
However this is probably one of the top 3 pubs in Devon, of course that is only in my opinion! I have been visiting this pub from Plymouth for the last 8 years i guess and this is a true gem, it nestles in a sleepy village that wouldn't look out of sorts on a chocolate box, the pub it's self is a fascinating building and dates from the 15th century. It is an old Devon cob and thatch building and it oozes character! Jamie Stuart and Pipp Hutchinson used to own the Double Locks in Exeter and then the Kings Arms in Winkleigh, at the time of running the Kings Arms he also ran the Duke along with a farm, however nowadays he is doing well with just the Duke and the farm, tiring stuff i'd imagine!
The Duke is one of those pubs that doesn't change, but this is a good thing, when you walk in it is one of those pubs that no one looks you up and down, it doesn't matter if you are wearing a suit or a dress or wellie boots with a gun over your shoulder or even if you have your dog with you, this pub is just fantastic, the food is good and of a high standard, the real ale is 2nd to none being served directly from the cask, Cotleigh Tawny and Adnams Broadside as regular and up to 2 guest ales and the rooms are comfy but quirky. In winter the pub is warmed by a huge open fire place, if you're there early it is worth getting the rocking chairs by the fire. This place, although in the middle of no where can get busy and it is worth phoning in advance if you are to book for a meal.
Even with all the pubs closing all of the Country, i think this is one that will always survive, long may it continue.
9 Dec 2008 15:33
now serving Cornish Rattler cloudy cyder! 6% abv!!!! Watch out! Also the Maurice does serve lunch Monday-Friday 1230-1430 last orders for lunch usually about 1415. Mainly baguettes, sarnies, pasties etc, great baguettes mind you! Worth a look.
Ale is still good, and they still do Thatchers Cheddar Valley Cider (scrumpy) you have to ask for it as it is kept in the cellar, lovely stuff! turnover of Real Ale still at a premium, selling Courage Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Summerskills Best, Jaile Ale, O'Hanlons Royal Oak and St Austell HSD as regulars and usually 1 ever changing guest Ale which will vairy depending on Season.
28 Nov 2008 14:57
Absolute gem of a pub! have been to this pub on a bout 3 or 4 occasions now, those stretching over about 2 or 3 years, but haven't been back for about a year now but hope to in May 2009. This is everything you could wish for in a village pub, Thatch roof, real ale from barrels behind the bar aswell as on handpull, decent food at reasonable prices cooked i understand by the lnadlords wife and sometimes himself, and best of all the the friendly nature of the place, Trevor and his staff do fantastically well and he doesn't mind the odd lock in if you're having a good time! on at least two occasions i have still been in the bar playing cards or just chatting with the locals and it's been 1am, on one occasion Trevor even gave us a lift back to our hotel which was in East Hanney so we could get changed and then get back to the Plough ASAP!!! The Ale is always on good form but it was strange that this pub missed being in the Good Beer Guide for at least 2 years, however it is deservedly back in for 2009 and long may it continue! i can't wait to go back.
On one more note, as an outsider and not a local as i come from Plymouth in Devon it was nice after a year when i walked back in i was greated by "Hello Ryan what brings you back here?" it made me feel like i just walked into my local after a few months away, what a way to treat your patrons, the way Trevor is is like the rest of the place, WELCOMING!! 10/10
25 Nov 2008 10:47
Fantastic pub near to the Village of Chagford on North Dartmoor, the pub actually lies in the hamlet of Sandy Park, hence it's name! The ale is good, up to 4 ales on and one served by gavity this is usually the guest beer. food good and pretty good prices. if you want a typical Devon country pub then this it! lovely bar and lounge/restaurant, huge inglenook, worth the drive from Plymouth or any where for that matter!
7 Nov 2008 15:44
Nice pub in a nice Village, Silverton is only about 8 miles North of Exeter, alomost half way between Exeter and Tiverton on the old road. the pub serves it's Ales from a temperature controlled stillage behind the bar, all the beers are drawn directly from the cask and this is the brewery tap for the nearby Exe Valley Brewery, although i understand the other two pubs in the Village also serve the Ale too.
The Pub it's self is full of charm with scrubbed tables and chairs and a lovely solid wooden bar top. You always seem to get a friendly welcome in this pub from the jovial landlady, food is nice too, using local produce and very heart warming, nothing gastro about this pub grub!! Definitely worth a visit along with the Three Tuns at the other end of the Village, i have never been in the Silverton Inn but all three pubs look welcoming, how does a village of this size still have three good pubs and all still seem to be doing a good trade.
7 Oct 2008 11:13
Horse and Groom Inn, Bourton On The Hill
smashing pub in a hill top setting, the family that own this pub are doing a great job, friendly staff and they all know what they are talking about, beer was fantastic and food a delight, they also do accommodation which sounded good after over hearing a conversation, can't fault the pub at all!
11 Sep 2008 16:51
went in here before ringing the bells at the nearby church, had a nice baguette and the others i was with said there food was nice, also tried the treacle sponge, delightful! when we first walked in we ordered 8 pints of Donnington SBA and it was at the end of the barrel, the landlady was quite happy to change the barrel as you would expect from a Camra listed pub, but what made me slightly angry was the fact that she put the new barrel on the same hand pump without cleaning it!! i was not impressed and the new ale wasn't quite clear, it also made me think that if we hadn't have said anything to her she would have happily carried on serving this ale to more unasuming customers. Having said all this, it is a nice pub with a great country feel, but if im ever in this area again i may find somewhere else.
11 Sep 2008 16:48
Went in here after ringing the bells in the church next door, lovely village and a great pub, doors were open before opening time and we were welcomed in, lovely rustic feel about it and good atmosphere, they also have a new restaurant added to the side, the food looked good if not a little expensive but then we are in the Cotswolds, ale was good, Hooky Bitter and a guest, quite imaginative, worth a look.
11 Sep 2008 16:39
Not a bad boozer if you can get away from the Virgins! beer was good and people friendly, proper locals pub!
11 Sep 2008 16:24
went in here on Saturday 6th September, very busy, people watching England, thought it was friendly and bar staff seemed good, spoke to a few locals who chatted to me and they seemed nice too, pub had a good feel about it, 5 real ales on, i tried the broadside and the Batemans xxxB, both were good quality if not slightly cold, worth a trip down Warwick Road before you sample the Sunam Balti House!
11 Sep 2008 16:22
The New Bowling Green, Warwick
great pub, just had a refurb and looks very good, i tried the Wells Bombardier and was very good, didn't try the food but looked nice, staff friendly too, pubs has good character too, worth a visit!
10 Sep 2008 16:57
The Famous Virgins and Castle, Kenilworth
The Virgins is a great place, this was teh place i visited most frequently when i stayed in Kenilworth this last weekend, i had a brilliant meal in here, i had the belly pork which was done with soy and lovely steamed rice, very simple but absolutely beautiful, the ale was in fine condition, i tried the Everards Tiger and Original and also the guest beer which was called Great Crested Newt, lovely pint! the staff are friendly and the place ouses atmosphere and charachter and has plenty of rooms to go and find, this the place to go and find!! if you want a decent Indian in Kenilworth go to the new high street at Abbey End and you'll find the Sumna Balti House, superb!
10 Sep 2008 16:54
Tried this place after a fantastic meal in the Virgins opposite, the beer was in good order, it was one of the Wye Valley products. the place was fairly busy but in my opionion lacked a bit of charachter due to the rather hotel feel to the place with it's white and blue chequered carpet, however if you can look past that what else do you want from a pub, after all the ale was good, so i'll shut up now! definitely worth a visit.
10 Sep 2008 16:48
The Clarendon Arms, Kenilworth
visited this place twice over the weekend of 6th and 7th September, lovely pint of Landlord but ale not very varied, could've done with a higher gravity ale on! had the food in the restaurant up stairs which was good, pub stays open reasonably late too, not a bad place at all and worth a visit if you are staying near the castle, it is opposite some superb thatch cottages!
10 Sep 2008 16:42
Absolutely superb boozer! The landlord and lady are both very welcoming and they keep their ales in super order. They have just won South Devon Camra Pub of the Year 2008 and it seems well deserved to me, i had a pint of Jail Ale and it was probably the best i've tasted in a year, it was sparkling through the glass and was brilliantly clear, i hope this couple stay for a while to come yet. I went in there on a Tuesday evening at about 10.30 after coming from the Isaac Merrit in paignton, The Bay Horse was packed, always a good sign! Will definitely be back.
21 Aug 2008 15:19
The Rugglestone Inn, Widecombe in the Moor
After reading the review by TeeJay i have decided to comment on this beautiful pub myself. i am from Plymouth and have spent many nights in the Rugglestone Inn, i remember this pub when there wasn't any need to deal in food because people went to a pub to drink but times change and teh Ruggle has changed with it, it has kept it's great old look with scrubbed tables and chairs and flagstone floors, yes there is only a small bar area and yes people can eat in their too and yes their is 2 seperate dining area's but that's not say that you can't just drink in their, i have never felt obliged to eat aswell as drink, the new couple that are running the pub now are doing a fantastic job and long may they stay, alot of pubs are dying out, some broadsheets are saying that some 57 pubs a week are closing nationwide and in Plymouth last month some 10 pubs closed, this pub on Saturday night 2nd August was packed, people eating and drinking, no music no nothing apart from a great atmosphere with all manner of people talking to one another, this pub is one of the pubs in Devon that needs to be seeked out! now if you want to feel like you can't drink then you need to go to the Olde Inn up in the main village, the two pubs cannot be compared. The Ale in teh Ruggle is fantastic and the food is to be tried, GO THERE NOW!!!! 10/10
7 Aug 2008 14:26
I have been to this pub 3 or 4 times now having been in the Pershore area on bell ringing outings, i have never once had a bad pint and the food here is simple but great. i always think that Spencer and Marianne are very welcoming. All the beers they brew are fantastic especially the JBO (john bakers original), the garden if the sun is out is good at any time of the year and i know first hand that Spencer himself landscaped it, it is a beautiful place! the pub is simple but kept well and is what most people want from an English pub. Alot of people these days want music, pool tables and TV's, but you can get that just up the road in Pershore, but if you're after great real ale, good pub food and a friendly atmosphere then the Brandy Cask is for you. i have to say that i would give this place 10/10.
7 Aug 2008 14:13
Still a great pub, now serving princetown Jail Ale instead of Adnams Broadside. Unfortunately the Broadside had gone down hill and no matter what the staff did it just wasn't right! Good to see another local ale on though, it sits alongside, Doom Bar, Summerskills Best, St Austell HSD and O'Hanlons Royal Oak!
There are rumours that the Landlord and Landlady are leaving, i wonder if this is true, i think most that are in the pub trade come under these rumours occasionally but if it is true then the locals certainly hope that whoever comes in will be from the area and no the clientele and keep the standard of the beer at a premium!
This is still the best pub in the area and i hope it stays that way!
19 Jun 2008 16:01
South Devon Camra Pub of the Year 2007 and well deserved! The Royal Oak is a classic, Good Ale and decent food, at least 4 Ales on and up to 2 guest Ales, you can put your ale preference on the black board and the landlord/lady will do there best to get it for you! Great idea! The beer is always top quality and the staff are friendly too, conversation rules here with no piped music or TV!
19 Sep 2007 13:20
The White Thorn Inn, Shaugh Prior
Having been in the Doldrums for some time and having around 4 different landlords/landlady's in the past 5 or 6 years it is now under new ownership, Will and Nicky who used to run the Lopes Arms in Roborough Village are now here and are slowly but surely turning the place around. It has been freed from Ushers? and is now owned by a private company and is also a Free House, at the moment Will is serving 2 real Ales, Bass and Spitfire but if demand is there he will probably get different ones in or have guest Ales, his Ale was usually in pretty good order at the Lopes! Sky Sports is used and the food is wholesome, the pub it's self is a good looking building but in recent years lacked atmosphere, this is certainly coming back and i'm sure Will and Nicky will make a success of it.
19 Sep 2007 13:08
The Olde Plough Inn, Bere Ferrers
Having not been to the pub for about 2 years, i decided to go here on Saturday 15th September having read the brand new entry in the "Good Beer Guide 2008" we were the first in at approx 7pm and we had a warm welcome from the Landlord, by 7:30pm the pub was packed full of locals and visitors alike, they had 3 Real Ales on offer, all from Sharp's of Rock Cornwall, Doom Bar, Eden Ale and Special, i had the Special which was in good order and i also tried the Winkleigh Cider Sam's Medium which was excellent! We had the food also and it was outstanding, i had crispy Chilli tiger prawns and then i had the Rib Eye Steak with a brandy and peppercorn sauce, the portions were well sized and the steak was done superbly and was excellent, �3.50 for a starter and �9.50 for my main is pretty good for around these parts! we were actually in and out in 1hr and 15mins, 2 drinks and 2 courses of food for 3 people, not bad in an hour and 15 mins i reckon! Although a lot of people were eating they have kept the atmosphere of a country pub and you wouldn't feel out of place if you had come for a just drink. all in all it was an enjoyable time and we will be back.
19 Sep 2007 12:50
Great pub in a superb West Dorset Village! This Virginia creeper clad pub has everything, good ales, fine food, friendly staff and an attention seeking parrot, which i believe was called Basil! The palmers beer was good although the Palmers 200 was a little on the off side, but as soon as we informed the staff they changed the barrel, the 200 was then in good condition, one of the best stronger ales on the market in my mind, the food was superb and the service fantastic, thanks must go to Jane and Clive Legg for running a good establishment!
9 Jul 2007 10:40
Superb town centre pub just off the main high street in Dorchester, visited here on Friday 6th July at lunch time, the pub was already busy and they coped extremely well with another 20 that had just walked through the door, one lady serving the fine Ale and taking food orders and another bringing out the food both never looked flustered and if they were they didn't show it, first class! i tried the RCH Steam Special which was in tip top condition i also tried the Weston's Old Rosie cider, first class too, they had another 3 real ales on tap all of which looked very good when being poored i know St Austell's Proper Job went down well! the food was very good also and the prices very competitive to say the least, all in all a first class lunch time was had, pity we couldn't stay!
9 Jul 2007 10:32
What a cracking pub! owned by St Austell Brewery and now in the 2007 Good Beer Guide! anyone travelling this way should pop in to this great pub. The pub served up Dartmoor Best, Tribute and HSD and were all in excellent condition, probably the best HSD i have had since drinking in the Bucket of Blood at Phillack down in cornwall. Superb pub situated right on the bank of the River Dart and you will always get a warm welcome from the attentive staff, i was here on a Sunday and they do a superb Carvery, i think it was �7.50 and the portions were huge! the whole pub was warmed by central wood burner and the place was pretty busy which is always good news, especially as Devon was very much in the grip of a storm. I will certainly go back.
5 Dec 2006 12:17
Slapton is a fantastic village near to both Dartmouth and Kingsbridge and must be home to one of the best pubs in Devon! i visited the Tower Inn during a Bellringing trip to the South Hams, it was 11:30am and some of us thought we'd try to get a quick pint before we headed to our next destination, well we got to the Tower and unfortunately it was closed and didn't open til 12, it was raining and pretty cold so we tapped on the door to see if we could come in slightly earlier, the door was opened and the Landlord quickly obliged. the inside of the pub is truly fantastic with Hops hanging from the wall and the bar, the real fire roaring away, it was a lovely atmosphere, i didn't try the food but i understand it is good quality, but i did try the real ale, Butcombe Bitter and St Austell Tribute were on and both in tip top condition, the Landlord was in good spirits and had a good sense of humour i just hope it doesn't turn into a real "gastropub" as i understand it is in Egon Ronay's Gastropub guide 2006! long may this pub stay like it is and cater for locals and passer by alike.
5 Dec 2006 12:05
Have been to or through Stokenham plenty of times but have usually stopped in the Church House which is right next to Stokenham Parish Church, but what alot of people fail to do is to take the 3 min walk up the road from the church and you will stumble on what i can only be describe as a "GEM" of a pub, The Tradesmans Arms is everything a pub should be, it's both their for the local community as well as passing trade and the Landlord is a an absolute Gent! He has turned the pub around in the 3 and half years he has been there, from a "gastropub" where you would be looked upon for having a drink and good conversation to a pub that still serves great food but now welcomes people for drink too! the Real Ale selection is first class and the pub tends to favour local micro breweries but also has a few beers on from national brewers, in the good beer guide for 2006 and 2007 and most definitely worth a visit, in my mind has a better atmosphere than the Church House Inn but Stokenham are luck to have 2 good pubs to choose from.
5 Dec 2006 11:50
This pub is at the very far end of the Barbican in Plymouth, very near to the Mayflower steps. The landlord is an ex police man from Bristol and is a very nice chap. This is a fantastic one roomed pub, from the outside it looks a bit like a old town house and it probably was, when you walk through the door you are greeted by comfy seating and carpets and lots of Naval pictures, they serve all the usual lagers and up until very late they served the best and only Flowers Original in Plymouth! this was dispensed direct from the barrel i now understand that he serves Summerskills Best and this is still served direct from the cask. This a great pub to relax in and a good stop if you want to know about the Naval history of Plymouth, it is also right near the Citadel walls and you have a fantastic outlook over to Mountbatten and the marinas below. Definitely worth a visit. Closed Monday evening!
17 Nov 2006 11:36
Basic, unpretencious but a really great pub! very little aggro for a pub on the Barbican, the Landlord Billy usually props up a stool at the far end of the bar and keeps an eye on what is happening! The Bass from the cask is unbelievable and should be tried, all ages drink in this hostelry and it shouldn't be missed off a crawl along the barbican. This is what Plymouth pubs are all about, I haven't been in for a while but i understand that Billy has had the upholstery refurbished, it's about time really, but the decor hasn't changed and nor should it, this is an old boy of a pub that shouldn't be changed or regulated! happy drinking!!!
17 Nov 2006 11:05
As stated below, apparently the oldest licenced pub in plymouth. This pub is an absolute must for anyone who visits Plymouth city Centre and wants to see what "Olde" Plymouth used to be like! it is like stepping back in time, See the pictures on the walls from times gone by, sip a pint of Hobgoblin or Abbot and listen to the jukebox playing smoke on the water! it's a great place, most of the times i've been in here the locals are usually half cut and playing instruments that seem to appear from no where! makes for a fun afternoon! The "min" as some people like to call it is situated on looe Street near the Barbican Theatre, very near the bus station. Bar staff are always friendly and this pub is a true gem!
17 Nov 2006 10:45
The Ex master mariner from below has now gone and a local couple are now running this beautiful pub. The "Oak" has always been a good pub and is now beginning to have the feel of a great pub! Good real ale always on offer, one of my favourites is the "Jail Ale" fantastic pint, they always have a couple of real cider's on, Westons on Hand pump and then usually a rough cider behind the bar served from the cask. The food is good and has got better and the young couple are really trying hard to make a go of this pub. The building it's self is outstanding, in the summer you can sit outside or you can sit on the village green opposite under the very old Oak Tree an din the winter months you can join in with the locals in the bar and feel the warmth from the huge inglenook fire place. Sometimes they have live bands play here and Seth Lakeman sometimes drops by for a bit of a jam session, all adds to a fantastic atmosphere, the hub of the community i would say!
17 Nov 2006 10:00
I have been to this pub on numerous occasions and it has never failed to amaze me! In Novemeber 2004 myself and my dad stopped here one evening to have something to eat and a few beers, on entering the pub we were welcomed by roaring log fire, friendly locals and Roger the Landlord. I was amazed to see that he had 14 Real Ales on at any one time some sold via hand pumps and other sold straight from the barrel! Roger allowed us to sample the beer and took great pride over them talking us through each one! through the night we had talked to Roger and we got on the subject of Rugby and the fact that in January Plymouth were playing Exeter, my dad asked if Roger would open early to do breakfast for 5 lads, Roger quickly said yes, so in January we returned on a cold Saturday morning to to be welcomed by Roger, 10:30am we arrived and our table was laid up and we promptly got stuck into our FullEnglish breakfast, at 11am we got our first pints and the beer was again exceptional. We have, of course, returned since and the beer is always in excellent condition, i think most people would want Roger as the Landlord of their local, this year 2006 The Tom Cobley won Devon CAMRA pub of the year and South West regional pub of the year and has now gone forward to represnt Devon in the national awards! This is thoroughly deserved and i hope they win! thanks to Roger for his hospitality and we'll be back soon. If you are ever near Okehampton look on your map for Spreyton, it's a little off the beaten track but it is well worth the visit, you wont be disappointed.
8 Nov 2006 16:05
The Bishop Lacey is not just good for food but it's real ale is where it's at! about 6 to 8 on at any one time and 2 or 3 of them are gravity fed, Beer has always been in tip top condition when i've been there after watching Plymouth Albion Beat Exeter Chiefs on a few occasions! Robin the Landlord is always welcoming and likes the banter. Great decorations in the public bar with witches and hobgoblins hanging from the ceiling! can be load on a Saturday night now they have a late license but never the less, it's a great pub with great beer and is always in the good beer guide.
1 Nov 2006 15:27
Been a regular at this pub since i was 14 when my dad used to take me in after ringing the Bells in the nearby church on a Tuesday evening or after weddings on a Saturday. A real gem to most, as it is the only real "country Pub" in terms of look and atmosphere on the Moorside of Plymouth, when i say moorside i mean the Dartmoor side of Plymouth to those who aren't from this area. Friendly locals that welcome visitors, look out for those spontaneous sing songs that happen after the lads return from watching Argyle or Plymouth Albion! The real Ale is top quality and Rick now serves O'hanlons Royal Oak as a regular which replaced Old Speckled hen due to it being reduced in strength! I for one am well happy with that! There are other good pubs in Plymouth such as the Minerva on Looe St which is said to be the oldest Pub and others on the Barbican, but the "Maurice" is one pub that you'll return to time and time again.
27 Oct 2006 15:53
The Waterman's Arms, Ashprington
Another super spot in Devon by Bow Bridge at the head of Bow creek, myself and my wife had gone for a short walk before stopping firstly at the Maltsters at Tuckenhay and then we came here to eat, a fair bit cheaper for food than the Maltsters but yet again beer prices are a little expensive, however, cheaper than the Maltsters from what i had. We ate here and the food was good. certainly worth a stop.
4 May 2011 10:21