BITE user comments - auqeam
Comments by auqeam
Trendy, over-priced and over-rated. The barman and his stains (guess they only have one shirt each then? Maybe they spent the clothing allowance on nice taps??!) could bore from 300 feet, and they all look like they've just come back form being extras in a zombie movie.
Totally devoid of character and charm, but of course, it's each to their own. The place to go if you want to feel 'cool' but traditional pub fans will most likely hate it!!
12 Oct 2008 19:29
Used to use this pub years ago before it went a bit more up market. Have been in a couple of times since and found it tolerable, if people on laptops and mobiles are your thing... Anyway, went in yesterday with a friend and her 2 kids and ordered 4 drinks and 2 portions of chips. Woman behind the bar was a bit curt but no probs as I know what it's like if you're busy, and guessed food may not be quick, so off we went and sat down. Shortly afterwards a couple arrived and placed a food order, which was brought out ten mins later... fair enough I thought, as it was a ploughmans so not exactly time comsuming to prepare, so thought no more of it. Right, 45 minutes later I needed to go back in to 'turn by bike round' so to speak, and thought I would ask behind the bar as to whether everything was ok. Now, before I have a rant, I would like to point out that I am NOT normally someone who moans about pubs in general, and it usually annoys me a bit when I see some poor bar maid getting it in the neck when a customers order isn't there, like, right this minute!! If I hit on a bad pub I usually learn from experience and don't go back, but on this occasion, I just can't help it!! So, off I went to the bar, and there is a bloke next to me who has been waiting 50 mins for a sarnie. When he politely asks the 'lady' behind the bar, she gives him a sharp reply of 'you should have been told it was an hours wait for food - you're order has already been taken out'. God I wish I could somehow make my words portray how rude she was!!!!!
So he slinks off probably feeling a bit embaressed, and she looks at me and barks 'yes?'
In the mean time, I have realized that she has put down cheesy chips not nornal ones (not a big ussue, but by now, i'm feeling it's more a principle thing) and I ask if everything's ok and mention the chip situation and.... Well, if looks could kill i'd be six foot under a tomb stone that might read 'Death by food order enquiry'..... this bird was ready to blow!!! To cut a long story short, she was very very very rude and in got the same treatment as the sandwich man, and having paid for cheesy chips, got non-cheesy ones but no offer of a refund (don't mind that) and i'm pretty sure that 'Sorry' is not in her vocabulary. She was the one who served us and she never mentioned a hours wait, not that it was a problem, but she could have just said 'sorry love, it'll be there soon'. The lad who bought the chips out (5 mins later!) even said she was horrible old wotsit and that ironically, she is head of customer service ha ha ha ha ha!!!! You have to laugh I guess!!!!!
I found out her name but I don't think it's fair to write it here... but if you ever pay a visit to this nice building and you spot an old blonde thing behind the bar who you think would look more suited sat in a hut with 'FIDO' written over it, chewing a bone.... Run away!! x
12 Oct 2008 19:09
Went here for a take away pizza on my birthday last week, two small pizzas. Bought a drink and waited 45 minutes, which really wouldn't have bothered me if we had managed to get a smile out of any of the staff. Used to be really nice once... shame about the management.
21 May 2008 18:41
Without doubt my favourite pub in Sussex. The first time we walked in here we got a vibrant "hello!" from the landlord, followed by a choice of about six different real ales (Pride was nowhere to be seen - what a bonus). They have a limited menu, but don't let this put you off, as the food is the most amazing value, locally produced and well cooked you could wish for, in huge portions too. I love the fact that they have a notice up stating along the lines of 'do not ask for your steak well done here - we make every effort to bring you the best local beef and will not ruin it by cooking all the flavour out', and that the lagers have been nicely shoved down in the corner where they belong. All round it is a friendly proper beer drinkers pub with loads of character and a lovely atmospere. Classic.
15 Apr 2008 18:25
If you like good beer, do yourself a favour and visit this pub. Too many different beers to mention as they constantly change, but to name a few (always in tip-top condition) they've had: Weltons Treefellas, WJ King Old, Prizefighter, Pride'n'Joy, Dark Star Best etc etc. Never the same selection but always something worth trying. Bar food is basic but well cooked (the home-made chilli with chips is excellent) and is great value for money. All staff always happy to chat. A real beers lovers pub, probably not best for families.
15 Apr 2008 17:46
Used to use this pub regularly as they served great value food and a couple of different beers. Heard it was changing to an Irish themed pub a while ago and as we were passing thought we would check it out. only has one standard beer to offer, and the place was utterly devoid of any atmoshere or character, and the beer was like drinking watered down gnats urinary bi-product, for want of a better description. I gave the last 1/4 pint to the plants, Sacrilege usually, but not here. Suprised it's still open.
15 Apr 2008 17:29
Stopped here for lunch as we were passing and as it was getting on for half two, so some other pubs had stopped serving. Not the sort of place we would normally choose as it is quite commercial, but the food was ok, if a bit pricey for microwave / pre-preparred stuff. Quite a few kids running about but they did have a few tables that kids are not allowed at, which was a blessing. Real ale choice was limited to Pride, HSB and Ringwood Best, and actually the HSB seemed to be well kept. Worth stopping if you are in need of a bite to eat outside of smaller pub serving hours, but a fairly standard place with nothing to set it apart from the average. Staff were friendly though.
2 Feb 2008 20:02
The Five Bells, West Chiltington
I've been to this pub a few times in recent months, and have always enjoyed the visit. It can sometimes appear a little dark and dank, this doesn't bother me but if you like bright pubs with lots of noise then best avoided. But if you like a nice beer and fancy a better choice that some pubs offer, it is highly recommended. Last time I went they had five to choose from, all well kept. Landlord was friendly, and the ladies toilets were clean (can't speak for the gents, obviously!). Have not eaten there so are not sure what the food is like but it always smells divine. Gladly for me i'm not vegetarian so Will definately try it sometime.
19 Aug 2007 13:27
Had always looked at this pub and thought 'that looks lovely, will have to go and have a meal there..' so finally got round to it, walked in, the barman / waiter / only person who seemed to be working there said he'd be with us in a minute and walked off. We had a look around, there were quite a few dirty plates lying about, but I guess if the poor guy was working front of house on his own then it's understandable. The place was utterly devoid of any atmosphere, empty of life, and about as inviting as a morgue. We ended up walking out when the guy failed to come back, as did the couple who came in after us. A real shame, as the place is really beautiful, though it has always seemed to have it's problems. As the previous reviewer said, it has now been boarded up, and looks like it might have been vandalised due to what looks like damage to the thatched roof, and pub signs in the garden being knocked off. I work nearby, and have been told that it is being turned back in to private residency, though whether this is true or not remains to be seen. Will keep posted!
19 Aug 2007 12:54
Great pub, nice atmosphere, and exceptional value for money on the food front. Average beer selection (Harveys or Harveys!) not that there's anything wrong with harveys of course, and it is a well kept pint.
Went there for a birthday meal a couple of weeks ago, and none of us could finish the food. Well presented, and the best veg I have eaten in a pub in a long time.
Well worth a visit!!
31 May 2007 18:46
The George and Dragon, Shipley
If you are really, really hungry, and looking for a truly fantastic meal, then the George and Dragon will not disappoint! Really lovely little pub, good atmosphere and well kept ale. Small eaters beware, the food portions in this pub are often very large, (try the steak, stilton and mushroom pie!) but it is home-cooked to perfection, and the service is always friendly. One thing though, the restaurant is very small, and would usually require booking during busy months if a weekend visit is planned. Enjoy!
27 Feb 2007 16:07
This really is the locals' local... two small bars, toilets so cold you can see your breath, and no food served throughout most of the year. HOWEVER, if you stick with it you will come to see that it really is a diamond in disguise. There may not be a large selection on offer (Harveys Sussex and Pride) but the beer is exceptionally well kept, the atmosphere is always nice, and every sunday during the winter everyone is served roast potatoes and parsnips and cheese and biscuits on the house. Not many like that these days! They also do food nights on special occasions during the year, such as christmas and valentines - the christmas do makes for a brilliant night and the food is superb - proper man sized helpings of well cooked pub grub. definately not a pub for those looking for good views, or those with children, but if you like your beer the old fashioned way, it comes highly recommended.
29 Jan 2007 12:36
The Exchange Inn, Hove
Great pub, i'm not usually one for venturing in to towns to drink but this once is my exception to the rule. Always a nice atmosphere and although the beer choice isn't the best in the county by far, there's just something about the place that works very well. Lighting is usually subdued and ambient which is nice in the evening. Music usually playing too, not too loud either. Recommended.
30 Dec 2008 18:34