BITE user comments - adriancowie1
Comments by adriancowie1
I visited the Kings Head, when cycling past, my group noticed a sign "Cyclists Welcome". When we were in the bar, the landlord proudly announced that the real ales were brewed on the premises. We all four sampled the Bildeston bitter, which at 3.6% is a really good, well balanced bitter with plenty of flavour. There is also a slightly stronger ale at around 4.6%. Nigel the landlord offered to show us the brewery, which is located out the back and we accepted enthusiastically. He explained that the quantities brewed were 9 barrels of 9 gallons each per brew. At around Christmas time there will be a porter available and he also brews an oatmeal stout from time to time. On the late May bank holiday he holds a beer festival, which I shall endeavour to go to in 2011. The pub is a really nice welcoming place with a good food menu also. I highly recommend a visit.
adriancowie1
8 Sep 2010 17:14
I'm amazed to have just learned of the owners decision to replace Bob with a new manager. Since taking over as manager, Bob has consistently provided a range of well conditioned real ales, with a range of excellent guest ales. The food is also of a high quality and the pub has always been well patronised, even during the daytime.
I really cannot understand the decision to replace a winning formula with an unknown quantity, by replacing the person responsible for making the pub so successful and, winning the coveted Camra "Pub of the year" award on several occasions. I really hope that the owners will re-consider their decision.
adriancowie1
24 Jun 2010 11:08
The Claret Free House, Addiscombe
An excellent pub with a good selection of real ales. The recent beer festival was particularly good with around 16 real ales, all available. All ales seem to be priced on strength, starting at around �2.50 per pint for the weakest and increasing in price to about �2.80 per pint for the stronger ales. This seems a fair way to charge as the tax payable is dependent on strength. Most pubs seem to cash in on the tax savings on the weaker beers by setting a standard price based on the strongest beer.
24 May 2010 14:55
Have sampled some excellent guest ales recently, including Betty Stoggs, Phantom & some time back, O'Hanlons Port Stout.
The Regulars, Black Cat Mild, Larkins Traditional & Whitstable IPA continue to be up to the usual high standard expected at this pub.
24 May 2010 14:40
I enjoyed four different real ales which were all of good quality. Nice friendly pub with a food available.
14 Sep 2009 14:15
Very friendly and helpful staff in this bar. Always two Dark Star beers available, with discount for CAMRA members. Good selection of real lagers.
14 Sep 2009 14:05
Several recent return visits to this pub confirm the consistency and quality of their beers, perfect condition and temperature. The standard was very good on each visit and the staff were very welcoming and friendly.
21 Aug 2009 10:16
Three really good regular ales: Black Cat Mild, Larkins Traditional & Whitstable. They always have another two gueat ales on as well.
Food is realy good and Staff are very friendly.
Highly recommended!
7 Aug 2009 09:47
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The Rose and Crown, Halstead
Have been back several times recently and the beers have still been of a good standard and varied. I have also eaten midweek at lunch time and the food was of a good standard and reasonably priced. The menu gave a reasonable choice of dishes.
I would still recommend this pub. The owner seems to be trying hard to provide a good choice of beers and food and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming.
8 Nov 2010 17:23