BITE user comments - alext
Comments by alext
Spent two weeks with a colleague staying here and we both agreed it's the nicest pub-hotel we've ever stayed at. Both aspects were being done to a high standard.
The pub is on the ground floor as one might expect. Friendly staff and plenty of equally friendly regulars. Ringwood ales and the usual lager/cider suspects as well as a well stocked spirit selection - for instance they had two single malts behind the counter. Decorated with victorian antiques and posters. There was a games room but it was never in use when we were there.
On the Inn side there are around ten rooms across the two floors above the pub. All were laid out differently due to it being an old building. Decorated to a high standard - certainly superior to all but the most overpriced of chains. There were duvets instead of dodgy blankets, and more pillows than my colleague or I knew what to do with. They were aware that being next to a main road might be too noisy for some, so earbuds were provided. Surprisingly good cooked breakfasts included in the rate, all of which were eaten with relish.
The rest: Plenty of parking, a popular quiz night on Tuesdays. Free wireless internet requires a free cloud login: was fast once logged in.
If you don't fancy eating here, there are some great restaurants nearby (Gurkha Chef, Art of Siam).
Wish there was a place like this in all towns I have to overnight in.
3 Aug 2009 17:52
Brilliant position. Cape dutch gables. Decor is good. But having been in a few times I can safely say JD Wetherspoons has a better batting average.
19 Jan 2009 00:59
The Windsor Castle, Carshalton
This is by any measure my local - the exterior and bar are a bit grim but the beer garden is good in summer and strangely quiet given how close it is to some busy roads. Friendly staff. Will be back when it is warm.
19 Jan 2009 00:47
Discard your expecations for this one - eclectic to say the least. Rocky Horror Picture Show decorations, old classic posters. More a music lounge or bar atmosphere than a pub. Young scene but not immature. People sharing tables! Meet the anti-pub: it isn't all-bar-one.
19 Jan 2009 00:43
The Original White Hart, Ringwood
Good food but variable service. Short of bar staff. Short of an ale selection although the ringwood best bitter was a good pint.
24 Feb 2007 20:44
This one is the very antidote to the Pretentious Ubiquitous Beerholes. The mens latrines haven't been cleaned.. however this is irrelevant as this is a Public House with genuine Barmaids only interested in serving nothing but a fine pint. And they'll refuse to serve one anything but.
Selection of non-hop brews also for sale : perry and cider available.
4 Dec 2005 01:46
I've been past this pub a few times and a mate noticed it. I suggested we enter. Pleasant suprise!
Abbot Ale was excellent. Scrumpy was on par. Fine setting and furniture. High Footballers Wives quotient - goes with the territory.
4 Dec 2005 00:57
The Running Horse, Leatherhead
I revisited this pub a day later - the beer garden is now nicely mowed, the Guiness fine (they even did the clover on the head) - and a cute barmaid! Nice food too.
17 Mar 2005 13:10
The Prince of Wales, Paddington
A hidden gem. Overlook the quality of the beer and know what to expect and you will enjoy it:
Weekdays : Really good Thai food, 'average' beers on tap, and lots of advertising kids braying like recalcitrant donkeys.
Weekends: The Mongolian Social Centre of London - authentic home-made Mongolian food and drink (tea). The Mongolians are well-behaved, keep to themselves and interesting to talk to if you open them up. The food is great, albeit mongolian, meaning it isn't for vegetarians.
This is actually one of my favourite pubs in London, but I don't come here for the beer.
17 Jul 2013 16:14