BITE user comments - anarchobeer
Comments by anarchobeer
Popped in for a drink a while back, Adnams Ghostship, which was very good. Decided to revisit for a birthday meal later, and was not disappointed. Nice ambience, good choice of menu, well prepared, reasonable prices, good service. Will visit again.
6 Sep 2019 20:44
Pub has changed hands, the outbuildings have been renovated , not sure why tho`. The people running the pub are not particularly friendly. Abbott is still decentish.
6 Sep 2019 20:29
Standard Spoons boozer. Always seems to be packed throughout the day. My dad, pops in for his breakfast, most days.
6 Sep 2019 20:23
Interesting pub on different levels with a great riverside aspect, with plenty of room. Decent food at a reasonable price with a reasonable range of beer other than GK. Would visit again.
6 Sep 2019 20:11
Nice riverside aspect pub, on different levels. However, it`s tired looking and needs a lick of paint both outside and in. Had a pint of Greene King IPA, which was rather good.
6 Sep 2019 20:02
If William Morris came back and saw this pub , presumably named after him, he would openly weep. Did no-one at `Spoons do ANY research about the man himself.???
23 Jul 2018 17:57
Stopped in for a pint after a long walk. Greene King pub , so IPA, Abbot, so I went for the unknown, which was Hog`s Back T.E.A. which was 4.2%. Good strong taste, with a bitter finish. The Swan itself is picturesque , friendly, and glancing at the menu, quite reasonably priced. I`ll give it a go, on my next visit.
21 Jul 2018 21:04
A Greene King estate pub, open planned, but there are plenty of nooks and crannies, and a sunny decking overlooking green space and trees. Visited on a sunny Monday lunchtime, so it was fairly quiet understandably. Went for an all day breakfast, we took advantage of their 2 for a tenner offer. Very good. Had a pint of Old Golden Hen, which was very good. Landlord was genial. Happy Days.
2 Jul 2018 19:03
Anne Of Cleves, Melton Mowbray
Late Sunday afternoon visit. The building is dripping with history and looks great. It even smelled old. The garden looked very inviting , but as it was hot, we retreated inside. Everards boozer so went for a pint of Tiger, which was perfectly good. Did n`t eat, but the staff were friendly and there was a nice relaxed atmosphere. Worth a visit.
10 Jun 2018 19:33
See my review of 11 Sept 2015. I LIKE the pub, but the same criticisms apply. The Oxford Gold was excellent , but the toilets are no better, worse even.This time, the light was n`t even working in the cubicle, and the smell would stun a Rhino at 100 paces. Another patron came in and used the cubicle in the dark. When he emerged, I asked him if these these were the worst toilets he`d ever used. "No," he replied, " but having a sh*t by the the light of my phone was a novel experience." Guys will put up with a lot, but why should we? This is wilful neglect, and the price of the beer is n`t cheap so it could be ploughed back into making both the Gents and Ladies facilities at least bearable. The staff were as indifferent as ever , so , as Oxford is n`t badly off for good pubs, this`ll be my third and final visit.
3 Jun 2018 10:50
The pub has had a recent-ish facelift inside and out by the looks of it. Cream and pale green give it a fresh and contemporary feel. The bar is on three sides, each with it`s own area, one is the saloon bar, another for the lounge, and one for a couple of tables and a separate dining room, which had a party of ten. This coupled with a no-show from a staff member meant that the landlord and the chef were running about a bit. Luckily we ordered before the kitchen closed at 8. The meals were very good, hot,tasty, reasonably priced. l thought that they might abandon the advertised Thursday Night quiz , but no, by ten the pub had filled up and we were away. The three of us finished a creditable third, 1 point behind a table of five, and five behind the winners, who I suspect might have had "hand-held help". Nevertheless, it was a great atmosphere and you should definitely give it a visit, the regulars are friendly and the beer good (Hobgoblin, and Jenning`s Cumberland Ale which slipped down nicely .
25 Aug 2017 20:53
Stumbled across the village after a visit to Buxton and wanting somewhere elsewhere to visit before heading home. After a long walk we visited the Church Inn. I had a pint of Thwaite`s Original which was ok. We would have stayed for a meal but it looked like they had a lot of reserved tables and customers coming in, and a family with three/four kids running in and out constantly made it less appealing.
23 Aug 2017 22:10
Greene King pub in the centre of the village, next door to the Cathedral of the Peaks in fact. The Abbot Ale was good, but not the best i`ve ever had. The lasagne was hot and tasty. The pub was frequented by locals and visitors alike. Nice enough.
23 Aug 2017 21:56
Situated outside the village (10 mins walk) the Anchor is an oak beamed Robinson`s pub, popular with the local sheep farmers, and visitors alike.
Dizzy Blonde was a bit insipid, so Iron Maiden`s Trooper at 4.7% was a bit more like it. Very good in fact. The pub was very busy, which is a good sign, but with a fill-in chef, they were a bit behind, but explained the situation, and it was n`t a problem. The steak & ale pie was to die for, and I told the landlady so,she promptly brought out the lady who made it, who was delighted with the plaudits for her culinary prowess. Nice pub, would return.
23 Aug 2017 21:39
The Hare and Billet, Blackheath
Lovely location by the heath, welcoming atmosphere, with different groups of people, couples, families, girls out for a "catch up", mates out for a drink. Decor is "shabby-chic" for want of a better description,. a lovely wooden floor throughout. There`s a dining area at the back of the pub. Toilets are upstairs and along, past the kitchen ??
My wife has to have gluten/dairy free meals, and although the waitress explained what was suitable, there was n`t much , so she wound up with a plate of chips. (This is n`t unusual sadly) My self and my son had the double burgers, which were really tasty.
But enough of the preamble, to the beer.
A huge range of pumps , and I would have spent all night there, by my wife needed feeding . The dark eyed and wild haired Jessica, who was no stranger to the ink, was charming and welcoming . I went for the Dark Star Pale Ale. I`d not sampled it before, and wow, my taste buds sang. It slipped down a treat, and I interrupted my meal to go and get another pint. Glorious. Definite return when next in Blackheath.
30 Jul 2017 09:34
Popped in for a meal on Saturday afternoon. Very busy, but the staff were excellent and although busy, were courteous , friendly and efficient. My wife has to have gluten and dairy free meals, and the manager came over and explained what was available, and she had a burger with gluten free buns, and fries. All were excellent. My self and my daughter had Billingsgate Pie (fish pie) which was hot and tasty, and we did n`t have to wait very long for our order to arrive. I had a pint of Youngs bitter, which was very good.
23 Jul 2017 11:32
Had a pleasant stroll around Stamford and popped into the Crown for a drink and a bite to eat. It was a bit pricey for a light bite and a pint, but out of the choice between London Pride, and Timothy Taylor`s Landlord, there was no contest . I was not disappointed, I was distraught that the pint was at an end , and I could n`t have another. Outstanding. The Crown is pleasant , inside and out and the beer is well kept. Job done.
17 Apr 2017 19:48
The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, Keswick
Standard `Spoons, but interestingly renovated and decorated. Curry offer included a pint, so I chose Keswick Brewing Co`s "Keswick Gold". Slipped down a treat. I`d have had another, but had to move on.
23 Aug 2016 21:28
Back once again, a year later. Nice Sunday lunch, beef in red wine sauce . The beef fell apart to the touch, lovely. Had a pint of pale ale on draught, which was good. I think they`ve improved the gents toilet during the ensuing year, which was letting the side down. Good service , good food , nice atmosphere. Downside, a glass of wine for £8.50!!! and a 12.5 % service charge that no-one mentioned when WE LEFT A TIP. Disappointing.
23 May 2016 21:14
Agree about the food, very good. There was only Brakspears bitter on pumps, which was good, but I`d have appreciated a choice. We were a family booking of 25+ people, coming from Oxford Bristol Nottingham, Northampton etc, and were in some cases a bit late. The landlady was understandably miffed, but never smiled the whole time we were there afterwards. I would have preferred a hand drier rather than a couple of paper towels in the gents, but ah well. Nice pub, great setting, excellent food, but that`s about it.
4 Mar 2016 19:23
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham
A warren of a pub , full of character, and full of friendly locals who chatted to me from the off. The CAMRA discount was given pride of place on the first bar. The kiwi barman was rushed off his feet upstairs and apologised for the wait. He was interesting and entertaining, and had a good rapport with the locals.. I had a pint of Lincoln Green`s "Little John" 4.3% dark amber ale, which was excellent . I did n`t have the time to explore the rest of the pub, but hope to when I return.
26 Nov 2015 21:01
Busy Sunday afternoon, with Ireland v Italy rugby world cup going on. Lots of people with Ireland scarves, including a Cockney/Irish family celebrating a family birthday, which made for a good atmosphere. The building is lovely both inside and out. Youngs pub so, I had a pint of Special, which was excellent. To eat: a WIld Boar burger with pulled pork, salad and hand cut chips. Not bad for £12, a Beef Roast was £16, a pint £3.64, so London prices, but not jaw dropping. Food was good, service excellent, everyone enjoyed themselves, toilets clean and modern, will visit again, which is handy as my daughter has just moved in nearby !!
8 Oct 2015 18:32
Popped in today (Fri lunchtime approx 12:30) not particularly busy, but it all changed when a party of American pensioners flooded the place. The nooks and crannies at the front of the pub were all taken , as was the rabbit room and rear conservatory. We have a pre conceived idea of our American cousins, especially the more mature variety. However, these folk were charming, ordered quickly and were served quickly. I did n`t partake as the food was so expensive. I felt a bit sorry for them, as they expect good service as a given. The couple behind the bar were efficient, but were blank expressioned. Just a bit of light-hearted banter or just even a smile would have made all the difference, but nothing. I felt ashamed that these visitors would judge all of us from this poor service. I hope not. The toilets were poor, the seat was hanging off the pedestal. I went in because it was close to the Ashmolean and there was the Tolkien and CS Lewis link (like a tourist) so I can`t moan if it`s touristy. (The Lamb and Flag over the road is better, and has more room but is cash only) Me? I gulped down my £3.80 Timothy Taylor Landlord, which was excellent, and went on my way. They do Brakspear bitter as well.
11 Sep 2015 18:45
Popped in yesterday at midday on a rainy Tuesday lunchtime. No-one else there, but the pub would have a good atmosphere when full I should imagine. Castle Rock Harvest Pale tasted good. Unfortunately , they only do food on Saturday lunchtimes, so I drank my pint, which was good, and headed back into the rain.
19 Aug 2015 03:41
Managers come and go, but the New remains the same. Lovely beer garden, good food, friendly atmosphere, and the Abbott is ALWAYS first class.
16 Aug 2015 11:52
Popped in this lunchtime. Castle Road (or the Castle Quarter, if you will) is one of my favourite areas of Bedford so I was keen to visit the Gordon. It`s in the middle of a busy area full of independent shops , so there`s plenty to gaze out of the window and watch , should you wish to. Homely and welcoming, It`s an armchair and sofa kind of place, with a nice dining area and a large garden area. I would imagine it would have a nice atmosphere on a busy evening. I had a pint of Directors. One of the locals pointed out that his pint was off, and the lady behind asked if mine was too. To be fair, it was n`t quite up to the mark as it was the end of the barrel, so we had them replaced with a Youngs Bitter. I had a Panini and salad for £ 4.95 , which could have been a bit hotter in truth, but was tasty. Despite this, I would recommend, and re-visit.
29 Jul 2015 14:15
Attended the Monday night Jazz night which was excellent. Mine host, Tony, sped around both bars making sure everyone was happy. It`s a Youngs pub, and they Special, Lightning and Bitter, of which I partook as I was driving. Pub is modern/traditional with an original wooden floor and a piano. The back area has a couple of sofas which you`ll have a job to get out of. Apparently, it has a beer garden out the back, but I was there for the Jazz. Beer ,atmosphere, decor and mine host were all very good . I`d go back even without the jazz to be fair.
15 Jul 2015 19:04
Friday Lunchtime quickie. Charlie Wells pub, so Eagle, Bombardier and Directors on offer. Would normally have gone for the Directors, but was driving so settled on the Bomber. Tasted good. Pub is in two parts, with a bar and pool table at the back, and a lounge at the front in an L shape around the bar. Huge garden at back with car park and an area suitable for events BBQs and the like. People came in an ordered food. Decent enough, and probably the best pub left in Barton.
11 Jul 2015 22:34
The George and Dragon, Bedford
Popped in at about 1 o `clock, not overly busy, but filled up later. Has a nice spacious,modern outdoor area at the back, but as it had been showery, I opted for a nice little alcove, done out with comfortable chairs, cushions and tables, the walls alternatively, biscuit and mint painted, and books on the shelves. They were doing a Deli sarnie/ side and drink deal for £3.95, but I bought a packet of Pipers` Sweet Chilli crisps ( from nearby Biggleswade) and enjoyed a good pint of Abbott , it being a GK boozer.( I think the deal specified IPA rather than Abbott.) Toilets were clean and modern. Young lady behind the bar was friendly and welcoming, and bade me farewell on my exit. Could n`t fault it.
8 Jul 2015 16:31
As others have said, this is an very impressive building with a high ceiling topped off with a glass dome surrounded by statues. The colours are a bit garish, but overall its a pleasant enough pub.
There`s one very large central room, plus a smaller bar off to the rear. This is pretty nondescript and does n`t really have much in the way of an ambience. There`s also a small rectangular room behind the bar, but its quite narrow and is used as a corridor for people on their way to the loos. It was here that we had our Fish Friday Special. Our party of four had fish,chips, peas, 2 soft drinks, 2 alcoholic (mine, a decent pint of Abbott). The bill was £23, which can `t be faulted, although the fish was over-cooked. The main room was really noisy, and it was only 6:30, which was why we moved. Staff were friendly and efficient, although it was early and the hens and stags had n`t moved in yet.!!!
4 Jul 2015 21:29
Have been going to Woolie for a number of years, and this was our first visit to the Red Barn, mainly because at high season it`s difficult to get in. The Tribute was fine, the meals were fairly standard pub fare. It was steadily busy, but the tables were herded up to one end of the floor, leaving the huge bar area and because it was busy, and the building has a high ceiling (is it a former chapel building?) it has a loud and impersonal feel. The staff were a bit morose too.
4 Jul 2015 21:20
We visit N Devon every summer, as my wife is originally from Barnstaple. We discovered The Crown Inn by chance about ten years ago , and have been back every year since, mainly for their famed steaks. The pub has been modernised and extended over the years, but still retains it`s charm. I always try a different guest beer , and this time it was one called ,something like, Scorachi. It was Japanese themed anyway. Excellent 4.3% ale, slipped down a treat , and I could have spent the night on a session with it. The steaks are starting to get a bit pricey , but when they are this good, quality is worth paying for. The dark haired young lady at front of house worked her socks off behind the bar and serving the meals, but remained friendly and cheery. Book a table in high season. You wo n`t be disappointed.
4 Jul 2015 21:09
Drove past yesterday and it was still closed. Huge waste of potential.
4 Jul 2015 20:56
The Fox Inn, Thorpe Waterville
Visited on a Bank Holiday lunchtime. There were already three lots of diners, tucking into bar meals. We did n`t want anything lavish, so went for the bar snack menu (they also have a restaurant part on the ground floor). Staff were bright friendly and attentive, and my Cumberland Sausage & Mash arrived quickly and was piping hot, washed down with a nice pint of Bombardier. The range of beers was fairly ordinary, and the pub itself was smart and attractive , just "nice".
12 Jun 2015 15:39
Back again to the Vanbrugh, once again for a short-notice Sunday Dinner. Again, no problem, regardless of how much busier it was, and opened out at the back into the garden. Served quickly, the meal arrived quickly, was hot, tasty (Loin of Pork). Had a pint of Vanbrugh IPA (3.8%) which was ok, but nothing special . Good service, nice atmosphere, fast becoming a favourite of mine.
25 May 2015 19:39
Likeable pub with friendly staff and a good range of real ale. I chose something not too raucous Palmers Best Bitter (4.2%) which was pleasant with a dry, bitter finish. Unusually for a food -offering establishment, the L&F was a cash only, but used a computerised till, which crashed!!. The menu was fairly limited, but the barman helped my wife with her gluten/dairy free request, but fell down when they did n`t have any tomato ketchup!! Nevertheless, the oddities aside, a welcoming pub with a good range of ales and pleasant atmosphere.
6 Apr 2015 18:05
Rang for a table when we arrived in Greenwich, and were invited to arrive at 5 for Sunday Dinner, ten minutes later!! The pub has been tarted up, and I popped in to check what the local parking was like and the guy behind the bar, and a pair of locals were very helpful. We were shown our table, and our order was taken and arrived quickly, which was good as the pub was busy, in the eating area and at the bar, with groups of people, which made for a good atmosphere. I was n`t drinking, but noticed that a couple of Meantime ales were prominent on the pumps. The food was hot and tasty, the staff and locals friendly. Unfortunately, there were a family of six that were holding 3 conversations at the same time very loudly, but that can`t be helped, and even the missus could n`t find any fault with it. Will return.
4 Jan 2015 22:27
Popped in this afternoon after visiting the excellent Wm Morris Gallery. Son had the MoBro Burger for which £2 is donated to the Movember Prostate Cancer appeal. At £11.90 it was a bit pricey, but delicious nonetheless. He also had an organic ginger beer from Luscombe Drinks of Buckfastleigh which was good too. I had a chorizo and red pepper sandwich with salad for £5.90. The range of beers was excellent, and I decided on a porter from Bridestone "smokey" @ 4.6%. Very good. The Bell itself is an old Victorian pub on the corner of Forest and Chingford Roads, looks great from the outside, and although large, there are enough sofas and chairs to make it feel homely. Plenty of tables and chairs, and wooden panelled walls. They`ve made a nod to Walthamstow`s most famous son, with some Morris-esque wallpaper on one wall and elsewhere a black and white photo of the great man. Toilets were clean. The staff are friendly and attentive and the food is good. The music being played was Nu-Soul and some light Dub, and generally down-tempo beats. Nice.
12 Nov 2014 17:41
Arrived at 1:30 on Sunday. Unfortunately, it was the day of the Leicester Marathon, so the pub was pretty busy, and the three young men doing front of house were on the bar, taking and delivering orders, etc. They explained that the kitchen was backed up with orders, and could n`t take further orders for about 20 minutes. I drank my Everards Tiger, which was good, and we were told that they had run out of roasts, so we ordered alternatives. Given how busy they were, the food arrived quickly, and was piping hot and tasty. Overall, the food and beer were good, and the staff were apologetic and attentive, the pub itself inviting and homely, so all in all, despite the problems, a good experience, and I shall visit again when I`m in Leicester.
26 Oct 2014 18:27
The Cock Inn, Denford
Rain curtailed our walk around Denford and darkness was closing in at 4 o`clock. The Cock was busy with boisterous locals . The fire was roaring away in the fireplace, but it was too loud for our son, and we went into the lounge, which was tastefully furnished, and just off the lounge , was a cheese-skittles table!!. There were three beers on tap, Tribute, something from Birmingham which I had n`t heard of, and probably the best pint of Phipps IPA I`ve ever had. Will defo come back.
9 Nov 2019 17:29