BITE user comments - ashhowe
Comments by ashhowe
The Hole in The Wall, Southsea
As usual, our genial landlord presented us with a fine array of ales for our delectation and delight. The standard Whole Hearted was there (a pleasure in and of itself) but the fff brewery in Alton was represented well and the Stairway beckoned (although so did the Moondance) and was well received. However, the Palmer 200 from Bridport we had next was an absolute revelation and was quite simply the best pint I've had since I had Jaipur several months ago. Power to the mightylala's elbow...
5 Nov 2011 14:09
Only one real ale on offer still, the Pedigree at �3 a pop which is neither my favourite beer nor price, but nice relaxed environment with interesting decor, and we enjoyed the fish and chips at lunchtime. Also nicely near the end of the bridge across the estuary that we'd just strolled over!
28 Oct 2010 21:38
Reasonable pint of Newmans Autumn Valley Flower, but the food in this cosy pub is the real draw. An extensive menu where you're spoilt for choice, and it was all good and very reasonably priced for the quality. Definitely advisable to book.
28 Oct 2010 21:27
The Hole in The Wall, Southsea
Can't understand why only showing 7.2 rating currently - worth more!!! Continuing provider of the life-giving Hole Hearted, and a constantly changing range of guests -yesterday's Ammonite from Dorset was another good one. And I have a request for TheAlmightyLaLa - do you do requests? Would love to see Hexhamshire beers, and any Kelham Island or Abbeydale beers from Sheffield.
This watering hole continues to be a solid rock in the social quicksand.
14 Apr 2010 22:09
Back again this spring - couldn't sample the Old Humbug as none brewed at the time, but the Whapweasel was stunning yet again. Local cheeses just as tasty. This pub's current rating is the highest I've seen on this site - and deservedly...
14 Apr 2010 22:02
The Feathers Inn, Hedley on the Hill
Plucked this one out of the real ale guide purely because we couldn't get a table to eat at the Ship in Low Newton, and as we were driving back to Hexham this was on the way (kind of). Pleasantly surprised by the menu, then realised that this was Brian Turner's pub, so shouldn't have been too surpised that the food was good! But so was the beer - the Allendale Beacon Fire was particularly fine, but also enjoyable was the Mordue 5 Bridges and the Robinsons Dragons Fire. Very pleasant staff, and although a popular pub never had to wait to get served. Be aware that the car park is a bit small, but this one is definitely worth seeking out, although you won't find it unless you're looking for it.
14 Apr 2010 21:57
We've been visiting this marvellous pub for some 3 years now, as each April we spend a week in Hexham. The Hexhamshire brews are still fantastic, the cheeseboard still lingers on the palate, and the manager and his wife are welcoming each and every time we go in. Definitely the best pub in Hexham, I would agree. The world? Well, the Hole in the Wall in Southsea ranks up there with it...
22 Jul 2008 20:33
The Hole in The Wall, Southsea
I haven't reviewed this lovely pub for 2.5 years, I've realised, during which time we've being going regularly. Still can't find a single bad thing to say - the atmosphere is still welcoming and relaxing, the AlmightyLaLa still keeps a barrel of beer just the way it should be, the ciders keep coming, the guest beers keep rotating, and the eponymous Whole-Hearted still tastes like angel tears on the tongue. The anonymous poster who complained there was no totty - why not take your own along with you?
22 Jul 2008 20:27
Anybody who remembers or reads reviews in here regarding this pub before its refurbishment in 2007 - please ignore all preconceived notions. The "small Indian bite" a la tapas bar concept has now gone, and the place serves quite simply the BEST Indian food that we have tasted, not just in Southsea/Pompey, but anywhere (and I include Leicester where we hail from). This, plus friendly staff, relaxing surroundings and good real ale (Doom Bar recently) make it an essential life-enhancing activity. And when you think that the marvellous Hole In The Wall is just next door... shortest pubcrawl on record.
22 Jul 2008 20:21
Being a hardened southern beer drinker I took the advice of my brother to seek out this boozer as I didn't know Manchester, and have to agree that the 7.3 rating looks considerably low to me. Marvellous building, brilliant own-brewery beer (Ginger Marble definitely better than the southern Blandford Fly from Dorset) and good guests - the Abbeydale Larceny was luvverly. We had lunch and were so impressed with the whole event that we had the chef over to yield the secrets of the sauce on the spare ribs...
Magic pub, great atmosphere. Can't recommend highly enough.
22 Jul 2008 20:03
Recently the 16-year old son of a good friend of mine was asked to leave the semi-deserted pub one Saturday afternoon - this despite the lad sitting with 3 grown men who were drinking beer, yet he was himself only drinking soft drinks. This attitude is not conducive to attracting clientele!
8 Jul 2008 13:40
Beer well kept, and very pleasant for an early evening relax. Food good. If you're lucky the landlord will regale you with his latest store of jokes.
1 Feb 2006 08:52
The Hole in The Wall, Southsea
Visited this little watering-hole as a direct result of reading about it on this website, and was delighted with my decision to seek it out. Hidden down a backstreet, but worth the effort to find out. Oakleaf Brewery ales served in splendid fashion, and two varieties of real cider pleased the girlfriend no end. Good wholesome food at very reasonable prices, very friendly clientele (including the local vicar on one visit). An oasis of calm in the midst of life's trials. I can't recommend it highly enough.
31 Jan 2006 09:56
A splendid small unspoiled pub, outlet for Hexhamshire Brewery beers, which are well worth some attention, especially Whapweasel. The ploughman's lunches, with selections of Northumberland cheeses, are gorgeous.
22 Jul 2005 08:04
The Dipton Mill Inn, Hexham
Not been in for 8 years, but not really a lot changed, thank goodness, apart from a seating area added. Beer still excellent, but busy even at a Tuesday lunchtime.
14 Feb 2023 11:19