BITE user comments - blue_scrumpy
Comments by blue_scrumpy
The Great Western Hotel, Exeter
With just time to take in a couple of pubs in Exeter, before leaving Devon and with the Thatched House Inn closed on a Sunday evening, my first stop was the Great Western Hotel, next to Exeter St David's station. There's a good range of ales here. But, they were all pale ales - Thirst Class Magnum Pale, Exeter Avocet Ale, Orkney Northern Light, Skinner's Chapel Rock, Salcombe Devon Amber, Quantock Nice Try & Dartmoor Jail Ale. Locals were crowded around the bar. Others seemed a bit uncouth. I followed one guy out of the gents who was not interested in washing his hands. He then proceeded to use some fairly flowery language whilst criticising various politicians. Seemingly an outstanding model of the community! I didn't quite take to this pub. Whilst, it has a good range of interesting beers, there was a lack of differing styles and the clientele were more like the ones you'd find in a Wetherspoon's.
17 Mar 2020 21:24
Friendly village pub, with a lovely, cosy interior. Locals were having a philosophical debate about the short-term future of the country, given the arrival of coronavirus. They were interested to hear from somebody who was out of town and trying to visit every pub in the country. Sadly, I think my quest may become too easy soon. But I really hope that village locals like this survive the current crisis, as they are integral to our heritage. The ale range was good - Branscombe Vale Branoc, Exeter Tomahawk & Darkness, Salcombe Lifesaver & South Hams Eddystone. The Darkness was the first dark beer I'd seen all weekend in what was my 23rd pub!
17 Mar 2020 21:17
Rural pub where it appears that you cannot get a beer in the evening. Despite it being only around 7pm on a Sunday evening, the pub was in darkness. My best guess is that it still opens. Although the opening hours are clearly unpredictable. As we arrived, a vehicle was pulling away. I'm not sure if this was the owners or whether it was the last customer who had just left. Either way, we'll have to try to come back here one day to see what it is like, assuming it is open.
17 Mar 2020 21:12
What a wonderful out of the way village Hennock is and the village pub is probably the jewel in its crown. We appeared to be the first visitors of the evening. But the young barman offered a friendly welcome. Just the 2 real ales were on - Dartmoor Dragon's Breath & Teignworthy Lifesaver. They also had Hunt's Hazy Dazy as the real cider. Apparently there are lovely views from the rear. But it was too dark to enjoy these. Still a really atmospheric pub though.
17 Mar 2020 21:09
The last time we were in Ashburton in 2012, we missed this pub. But seeing it is now in the Good Beer Guide, we were eager to pay it a visit this time. The Victoria has a lovely location with the River Ashburn running directly behind the rear door. A bridge crosses the river to the garden and car park. The welcome was warm. Dartmoor Jail Ale is the regular beer. Black Sheep Best Bitter was the guest. A real cider occupies the third handpull. This was Sandford Orchards Devon Mist. We enjoyed a complimentary jacket potato with our drink, whilst listening to live music. Very nice place.
17 Mar 2020 21:03
St Austell pub situated just above the River Dart, which was flowing with some ferocity on Sunday afternoon. From the terrace, you can see Buckfast Abbey. Inside, there was a live band in the small bar area. There is a larger room beyond that, where a few were seeking a quieter drinking experience. But even that was too noisy. So, we took to the terrace. Ordering a drink was a particular problem, given the noise. But the ale selection was limited to Tribute, Proper Job & Abbey Best.
17 Mar 2020 20:59
Buckfastleigh is a lovely small town, with a handful of pubs. The White Hart appears to be one of the better ones. But it was quiet on our late Sunday afternoon visit and the solitary real ale was Hunter's Half Bore. But they did also have Winkleigh Sam's Medium cider, which I availed myself of. Gents toilets are outside at the rear.
17 Mar 2020 20:55
This place has recently re-opened as the Station House Hotel. It feels like more of a café than a pub/bar. But they still serve a couple of ales from the Dartmoor brewery - IPA & Jail Ale. A third handpull had Sandford Orchards Devon Red. We enjoyed some nice cake with our drinks - very civilised! Staff were friendly and offer table service.
17 Mar 2020 20:51
The Turtley Corn Mill, Avonwick
More of a dining pub than a drinkers' pub, our only choice was to sit at the bar, as all tables were laid out for diners and there were people waiting for them. This is a fairly large place with a large waterwheel outside, in addition to at least one peacock wandering around and several other interesting features. It did all feel a little pretentious though and prices weren't cheap. Staff were mostly friendly though. 4 ales were on - Otter Ale, St Austell Tribute, Dartmoor Best & Salcombe Gold.
17 Mar 2020 20:48
First stop of a Sunday tour through Devon was this village pub. We fancied a Sunday roast and whilst the lounge/restaurant was full, we were invited to eat in the traditional bar. The 3 real ales were Bass & Dartmoor Legend & Jail Ale. There were also 4ciders - Sandford Orchards The General, Devon Red & Devon Scrumpy & Hunt's Wobbler, in addition to Black Rat Perry. Lunch was nice and it was washed down nicely by the perry. Good, busy place.
17 Mar 2020 20:43
My final stop of the night in Truro was this pub, which is now called the White Hart. I'd passed earlier on and decided to give it a miss, as it was so noisy. People had spilled into a yard at the rear. By the time I decided to give it a try sometime after midnight, the outside area was closed, presumably part of its licensing agreement. Nevertheless, it was still noisy, if not noisier still. The atmosphere couldn't have been further from that described in the last review. Once past the bouncer, I had to fight my way to the bar to find the uninspiring selection of Proper Job, Sea Fury & London Pride. I ended up with a Thatcher's Haze. With nowhere to sit, I was thrust into the middle of the pub, where there was much jostling, lots of drunkenness and plenty of dancing too. People seemed to spilling more of their drinks than they were consuming. The clientele appeared to be mainly in the 40's and 50's. Despite this being my 15th pub of the day, I seemed to be the only sober customer. This was far too noisy for me. But it clearly serves a purpose for some.
17 Mar 2020 20:25
Despite being quite late at night, I was expecting this Wetherspoon's to be much busier. With a nearby cocktail bar reportedly testing customers for the coronavirus, this wasn't a normal Saturday evening though. I had my choice of seating in here. Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar were supplemented by Skinner's Betty Stogs, Porthleven & Lushington's, as well as Ringwood Boon Doggle. Ciders were Weston's Old Rosie, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Cornwall Cider Company Apple Slayer. Nice to enjoy a quieter drink in a 'spoon' than normal.
17 Mar 2020 20:17
Another quiet St Austell pub in Truro city centre. But that may have been due to it being almost midnight. Nevertheless, bouncers had no problem letting me in. Service was friendly. The 3 ales were Tribute, Proper Job & Hicks. Not having tried the Hicks before, I gave that a go and it quickly became my favourite St Austell brew. It is a pity it is seldom found outside of Cornwall. Decent place.
17 Mar 2020 20:13
Busy and noisy bar that is more of a nightclub than a pub/bar. Nevertheless, with most people on a dancefloor, I soon managed to get served and quickly secured a table. There are many screens to show live sport. But with coronavirus decimating the sporting programme, there was only UFC on the TVs. Service was pleasant and there were 4 real ales on offer - St Austell Tribute & Cornish Best & Bath Gem & March Hare. I had the latter, which was hoppy, but good. Not really my kind of place. But not too bad at all.
17 Mar 2020 20:09
St Austell Brewery pub in what was a much quieter part of the city. Only a couple of other groups were in, leaving the barmaid looking quite bored. On the plus side, it was the only pub of 6 I tried in the city without a bouncer or two on the door. Tribute & Proper Job are the 2 ales. I ignored these and went for a Rattler.
17 Mar 2020 20:05
My first stop in Truro was the Old Ale House. It was my favourite pub of the day, having sampled 15 in Cornwall over the course of Saturday. The pub was heaving and a coronavirus expert's worst nightmare. It was hot and noisy, with a live band playing. People were packed in elbow to elbow. The bare boards are littered with disposed nut shells, as complimentary monkey nuts are offered. With the bar so packed and noisy, it was difficult to see what was available and also difficult to make yourself heard. The pub is owned and operated by Skinner's. So, the ale range was exclusively from the brewery - Betty Stogs, Lushington's, Porthleven, Hops 'n' Honey, Sennen, Cornish Knocker & Chapel Rock. Real ciders were available from the Cornwall Cider Company - Apple Slayer, MLG, Rhubarb & Custard Cider, Lyonesse & Spisa Mor. All real ciders were priced as £4.70 a pint. But, with a 10% CAMRA discount, it was only £4.23. I stopped for 3, before I finally decided to leave before I overheated and other pubs closed. I'd very much like to return on a much quieter evening.
17 Mar 2020 19:59
The Falmouth Arms is now more of a restaurant than a pub. But it still caters for local drinkers. I believe the chef has a Michelin star. It's not the sort of place I'd normally choose to eat in. But having perused the menu and secured a table (you normally have to book), we chose to stay and eat. The food was very enjoyable. But as I say, it was all fairly quiet. The resident bird was creating the most noise. The interior was well appointed and staff were friendly. Legend is the regular ale. Tribute was the guest. Opening times are limited to evenings only, apart from afternoon opening on a Sunday. It is located in a tranquil village, not too far from Truro. Definitely worth a visit.
17 Mar 2020 19:50
Quiet St Austell Brewery pub downhill from and outside of the town centre. The kitchen was closed on our Saturday evening visit, which may have been the reason why it was so quiet. Tribute & Cornish Best were their solitary real ales. Fairly average place.
17 Mar 2020 19:45
Busy Wetherspoon's hidden away in the deserted town centre of St Austell. It was a struggle to find a table. The standard 'spoon's selection of Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar were on. As the previous review states, there are also 2 guests. On my visit, these were Great Newsome Prickly Back Otchan & Brains The Rev James. There were also 3 real ciders - Weston's Old Rosie, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. There is a pay and display car park close by. Probably the best option in St Austell.
17 Mar 2020 19:41
Nice pub with a fairly modern interior directly opposite Par railway station. Sharp's Doom Bar is the regular ale here. The guest was St Ives Boiler's. It is fairly open-plan and seemingly attracts a fairly wide-range of customers, including local workers, travellers and families. It was fairly busy, especially compared to our next stop, which was the Packhorse Inn at St Blazey (another not listed on BITE).
17 Mar 2020 19:36
Apologies. Have just realised that I've posted for the wrong pub. This review was meant for the Royal Inn.
17 Mar 2020 19:36
Nice pub with a fairly modern interior directly opposite Par railway station. Sharp's Doom Bar is the regular ale here. The guest was St Ives Boiler's. It is fairly open-plan and seemingly attracts a fairly wide-range of customers, including local workers, travellers and families. It was fairly busy, especially compared to our next stop, which was the Packhorse Inn at St Blazey (another not listed on BITE).
17 Mar 2020 19:35
The New Inn was my 4th pub of 25 in Devon & Cornwall over the weekend. None of the first 3 (Rising Sun Inn at Botus Fleming, Bull's Head at Callington and Cheesewring Hotel at Minions) are listed on BITE and seemingly cannot be added. I quite liked the New Inn. It's a prominent village local with a cosy interior with a couple of rooms. The 4 regular ales are Bass & St Austell Tribute, Proper Job & Trelawny. A guest beer on gravity was Keltek Lance. The big drawback for me was that the Lance was fairly undrinkable. In fact, it was the worst drink I had over the weekend. Whilst I should have returned it, we were already running late to our B & B. So, there simply wasn't the time to get another. I'm sure I was just unlucky, as the pub itself was nice and service was also good.
17 Mar 2020 19:28
Situated in the village-like part of Dorchester known as Fordington, the Bull's Head was occupied by a typical post-work group of drinkers who were either congregated around the bar or playing pool. Tribute & Trelawny were the real ales, with Lilley's Sunset cider occupying another handpull. I later noticed three more Lilley's ciders listed on a board behind the bar - Rhubarb Cider, Pineapple Cider & Elderflower Cider. These would presumably have been fetched from boxes in the cellar. The interior of this pub is very basic. But it is certainly a lively place. I imagine that it gets busy when sporting events are being shown on the TV. Items behind the bar suggest that the landlord/landlady is an Arsenal fan.
12 Mar 2020 20:23
Marston's pub in a residential area next to the railway station. Ringwood Best Bitter was on. But the ale range was slightly more varied than most Marston's pubs with Ringwood Best, Courage Directors, Young's Bitter & Wychwood Dirty Tackle also on. They also had Cheddar Valley cider. The pub is fairly cosy and is split over a couple of levels. Near the bar are some old baker's ovens left over from the premises use as a bakehouse. It was quiet, with just a couple of customers. But it hadn't long opened (only open at evenings during the week). Not a bad pub at all.
12 Mar 2020 20:19
The Convivial Rabbit is Dorchester's micropub. It's hidden down an alleyway. It had a good selection of ales and ciders. But it didn't offer the warmest of welcomes. Ales are dispensed by gravity from behind the bar. There was a Norfolk bias to the beers - Lacon's Norfolk Gem, Stealth Double Crosser, Elmtree Best, Twisted Fly Half & Wold Woild Moild. Ciders and perries are dispensed from boxes on the bar. They had Cranborne Chase Dry, Bridge Farm Medium Dry, Dorset Star Sunset & West Milton Pear Necessity. I would certainly visit again. But from my last visit to Dorchester 3 years ago, I would say that the Blue Raddle is the better pub. Ironically, I think it was the landlord of the Raddle who was drinking in the Convivial Rabbit on my midweek afternoon visit.
12 Mar 2020 20:11
Duchess of Cornwall, Poundbury
Poundbury is a model town developed to the west of Dorchester itself. It's a strangely artificial kind of place. But it does at least have a pub to encourage a community feel. I don't think I could afford to live here though. Just a soft drink for me, as I was driving. But £3.10 for a soft drink seemed excessive. Service from the young staff was pretty much take it or leave it. The interior is fairly grand and is situated over 2 floors with a central staircase. There are lots of armchairs. Being a Hall & Woodhouse pub, the ale range was limited to Badger Best Bitter, Fursty Ferret & Tanglefoot, in addition to a seasonal ale - From The Forager. An experience. But probably not one that I would repeat.
12 Mar 2020 20:04
The Crown is another Palmer's pub, on a busy roundabout at the southern edge of Bridport. 4 of their ales were on - Dorset Gold, Copper Ale, IPA & 200. Real cider was lacking. Locals seemed like a jovial bunch. Although, some of them appeared to have been there for a while. The single room was fairly large, whilst maintaining a cosy feel.
12 Mar 2020 19:59
Pursuit of Hoppiness, Bridport
Micropub on the main shopping street and probably Bridport's best pub. Although, it's been a while since I've been in some of the others. Ales are dispensed by handpull, with casks being visible through the window behind the bar. Ales were The Brew Shack 8 Grain Porter & Bill's Bitter, Brighton Bier South Coast, Siren Suspended In Equanot, Top Rope Sweet Beans Are Made of These & Quantock SLO. In addition, there was a good range of ciders - Dorset Nectar Wildcat, Old Harry Rocks & Sweet Maiden, West Milton Midnight Stumbler, Dorset Sunrise & Dorset Twilight & Bollhayes Half A-Sec. I'd not seen the Bollhayes cider before. So, I opted for that. It was the strongest and probably the driest. A CAMRA discount made it even more palateable. Staff were friendly. This is another decent micropub.
12 Mar 2020 19:55
It's been over 12 years since I was last in Bridport and I'd forgotten how Palmer's dominate the pub scene. The Ropemakers Arms is situated on the town's main street and is probably one of the better Palmer's pubs. Almost the full range of their ales was on - Copper Ale, Dorset Gold, IPA & Tally Ho! The 200 was being pulled through. Their Dorset Orchards First Press was also on. The pub is fairly dark inside and there are tables in a number of different seating areas. There was a good mix of both drinkers and diners.
12 Mar 2020 19:48
The Oddfellows is a real locals' pub situated uphill to the north of Bridport. The barmaid was accompanied by 3 local men at the bar. It felt like a scene out of Last of the Summer Wine, albeit at the wrong end of the country. All of them had a fairly dry sense of humour and were discussing the daily news that was being shown on the TV at the end of the bar. Discussion items involved coronavirus, the budget and the Cheltenham festival. The barmaid was pulling pints in between pealing potatoes and doing the vacuuming. The 2 Palmer's ales were Copper Ale & IPA. They also had Dorset Orchards First Press, which she appeared to be fetching from a cellar for the one guy. The single room has table skittles near the window. A really down-to-earth local that is a good example of a bygone era.
12 Mar 2020 19:23
The Anchor Inn, Burton Bradstock
There was no talk about coronavirus in this village pub. All of the clientele except myself were there for the food. They were all more interested in what the day's catch from the English Channel was, i.e. what would shortly be on their plates. Doom Bar & Jail Ale were the 2 real ales. But I was drawn to the Cheddar Valley, which was an unexpected bonus. Another nice Dorset pub.
12 Mar 2020 19:16
The Three Horseshoes, Burton Bradstock
The village of Burton Bradstock was somewhat busier than normal on my Wednesday lunchtime visit. With the nearby A35 closed, nearly all traffic was passing through what is normally a picturesque village near the south coast. The pub itself is thatched. I arrived at this Palmer's pub at midday in time for its opening. 5 Palmer's ales were on - 200, Copper Ale, Dorset Gold, Tally Ho! & IPA. In addition, their real cider Dorset Orchards First Press was on. Staff were bright and cheerful. Whilst I was there, a number of groups arrived, some just for drinks, with some looking to dine. The better of the 2 pubs in the village.
12 Mar 2020 19:11
The East Putney Tavern was our final stop of the night. We'd just been to the fairly new Ghost Whale bottle shop and bar. Whilst not listed on BITE, it was excellent. The East Putney Tavern has a modern feel. It is set on different levels and had 2 real ales - Oakham Citra & West Berkshire Good Old Boy. My companions finished off the Citra, whilst I opted for the Good Old Boy. Handy for East Putney tube, I wouldn't rule this place out for a future visit.
9 Mar 2020 19:28
Young's pub that has a nice location on the banks of the river. I'd imagine location is its main selling point. Young's Bitter & Cityscape was supplemented by St Austell Proper Job. My Cityscape was nothing special. Probably best visited in the summer.
9 Mar 2020 19:21
I used to like this branch of Wetherspoon's. It was the better of the two in Putney, until the Railway closed. Yesterday evening's visit was however disappointing. The place is about to close for a refurbishment. As such, they were running down the real ale stock. There were just 2 ales on - Nelson Shipwrecked & Nottingham Legend. We later discovered Thistly Cross Whisky Cask cider in the fridge. The pub was still fairly busy. The Shipwrecked was nice enough.
9 Mar 2020 19:19
Once again, this is called the King's Arms. We initially went into the Temperance on the other side of the junction. In hindsight, we should have stayed there, instead of walking out and trying the King's Arms. This is a Wadworth pub serving 6X, Henry's IPA, Horizon & Swordfish. They also had St Austell Proper Job. I went for the Swordfish and instantly regretted it. Vinegar wasn't the word. Rather than argue the toss, I drank what I could before we moved on. The pub itself had some watching the football, some dining and others like us just drinking. I'm sure Wadworth ales would be better appreciated in Wiltshire.
9 Mar 2020 18:56
I'm not sure what to make of this place. With bouncers on the door, a children's birthday party, a few football fans and a clientele that were clearly quiet monied, there was a strange mix of people. Drinks were being served in plastic glasses and also in short measures. Fuller's London Pride, Sambrook's Wandle & Adnams Ghost Ship were on, alongside something called Parson's Pale Ale (possibly Sambrook's Pumphouse Pale). The interior is well appointed. But there was nothing that would possibly encourage me back.
9 Mar 2020 18:51
The White Horse, Parsons Green
My last stops before a match at Stamford Bridge were the Blue Boat and the Craft Beer Co in Hammersmith. The former is not listed on BITE and the latter won't accept new reviews. Our next stop was the White Horse. It was packed with the post-football crowd, in addition to plenty of people in to watch the Six Nations rugby match between Scotland and France. We retreated to the outdoor patio, complete with heaters. Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter & Oakham JHB are the regular ales. Guests were Marble Pint, Great Heck Dave, Five Points Brick Field Brown, Redemption Kazbek & Burning Sky Plateau. There is still no real cider.
9 Mar 2020 18:45
The Hop Poles was my first new pub of the day. With Doom Bar, Atlantic & London Pride on, I went instead for a keg cider. The interior has a large, central bar and high ceilings. Large windows look out over King Street and there is some nice glasswork. Not a place I'd target in future, it was at least open on a Sunday morning.
9 Mar 2020 18:23
The Swan appears to have gone downhill since my last visit. The pub still has a nice interior. But the ale range is diminished and didn't encourage me to linger long. Sharp's Doom Bar is a fixture alongside St Austell Nicholson's Pale Ale. Guests were St Austell Trelawny, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Adnams Ghost Ship & Camden On-Sea & Brew York Turtle Eclipse of the Heart. There were no dark beers on offer. A little disappointing.
9 Mar 2020 18:20
The William Morris, Hammersmith
I made a return visit to the William Morris yesterday morning for a breakfast and a pint. There were a number of Welsh rugby fans in, amidst a typical Wetherspoon's morning crowd. Service was reasonably quick, despite only one barman. The choice was reasonable - Greene King Abbot, Sharp's Doom Bar, Sambrook's Powerhouse Porter, Fuller's London Pride, Shepherd Neame Bishop's Finger, Wimbledon Pitbull, Yeovil Posh IPA, Morland Old Speckled Hen & Kirkstall Dissolution. There was no real cider. It's a bit dark inside. But my visit fulfilled a purpose.
9 Mar 2020 18:15
The Jolly Gardeners, Earlsfield
The Jolly Gardeners was my final new pub of the night, before heading to Richmond for a leaving party. It's almost 10 minutes walk from Earlsfield station, but it is also accessible on bus routes. With the Sambrook's Wandle clip turned round, there was just one solitary real ale. Granted, my By The Horns Hopadelic was very nice. But at £5 per pint, it was not cheap and service wasn't the best. The pub is cosy. But how on earth did this place make it into the Good Beer Guide?
7 Mar 2020 11:28
The Hagen & Hyde is very handy for Balham station and tube, situated just a couple of minutes walk away. The interior is dark and it is a typical Antic pub. There are 3 different levels. The area downstairs beyond the bar is primarily for drinkers, whilst the other 2 levels are for diners. 4 ales were being dispensed - Volden Session & Spring, Thornbridge Jaipur & Sambrook's Scrumdown. I went for the Spring, which was nice enough for a pale ale. There was no real cider and no keg cider. Instead, I was offered Bulmers, Magners or some other fizzy stuff from the fridge. The barman seemed to struggle with basic mathematic skills. After what seemed like an eternity at the till, he ended up asking me how much change he owed me! I normally like Antic pubs. But this one was below par.
7 Mar 2020 11:22
Fairly average Wetherspoon's branch that was the best pub of four I visited in a wide-ranging Friday evening visit to South West London. The usual Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar were all on. They appeared to have had a Meet The Brewer event with the East London Brewery, probably last weekend. So, a few of their beers remained - Pale Ale, Foundation, Templar & Table Beer. Other guests were Exmoor Gold, Dorking DB One & Twickenham Redhead. There were also a couple of ciders in boxes in the fridge - Weston's Old Rosie & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. It was the only real cider I saw during the night. So, I took advantage. The pub was busy and very noisy. One particular lady managed to be much louder than anybody else and was causing quite a stir, with several complaints made to the bar staff. Her group had clearly been there for most of the afternoon and had almost certainly outstayed their welcome.
7 Mar 2020 11:15
Large Greene King pub set next to Motspur Park station. It has a number of different rooms, albeit with an open-plan feel. The first thing that struck me was that it was definitely more of a working class work. Having arrived straight from work, I felt a little overdressed. It was also extremely noisy and there were few tables available. Greene King IPA & Abbot are the regular ales. Guests were Twickenham Grandstand & Windsor & Eton Knight of the Garter. I chose the Knight of the Garter, which was ok, without being anything special. This was my first visit to this part of London. It appears to be the only pub of any note in the vicinity. So, I suspect it will be my last.
7 Mar 2020 11:10
The Cross Daggers was my penultimate pub of the day in Derbyshire, sandwiched between the Traveller's Rest in Apperknowle (my favourite pub of the visit) and the Dronfield Arms. Neither of those are listed on BITE. The Cross Daggers is situated in a village on the outskirts of Dronfield. It has a nice location and a friendly, cosy atmosphere. 4 ales were on - Tetley Bitter, Bradfield's Farmer's Blonde & Black Sheep Best Bitter & Holy Grail.
5 Mar 2020 19:20
The Three Tuns is a large pub next to a roundabout. It's currently closed. But if you head a short distance towards town along Chesterfield Road, you'll find the Underdog and the Dronfield Arms (neither are listed on BITE).
5 Mar 2020 19:16
Thornbridge pub sited right next to Sheffield FC's football ground. When I walked in, there were no other customers. Several others had arrived by the time I departed. Jaipur & Lord Marples are the regular Thornbridge beers. They also had Pollard's & Twin Peaks. Guests from other breweries were Saltaire Café Culture & Drone Valley Ella. They also had Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon cider on handpull. There's a few decent keg options too, including St Petersburg Imperial Stout. I was torn between the Pollard's and the Café Culture and eventually opted for the latter. A nice beer, but a very strong coffee taste. This was my favourite pub in Dronfield.
5 Mar 2020 19:13
After leaving the Peak District National Park, the quality of my Derbyshire pub crawl improved, firstly with the Rutland Arms at Holmesfield (not listed on BITE) and then with the Jolly Farmer at Dronfield Woodhouse. The surroundings aren't quite as nice as the Peak District (this pub is located in a local shopping arcade). But the ale range wasn't bad, despite a lack of darker ales. The 4 ales were Brains The Rev James, Drone Valley Gosforth Gold, Little Critters Blonde Bear & Marston's 61 Deep. Luckily, I enquired about real cider. I was initially offered Weston's Old Rosie. But it then transpired that they also had Thatcher's Stan's Big Apple & Garden Cider Company Plum & Ginger Cider. They offer CAMRA discounts, but only on pints. I also opted for a ham and cheese toasted sandwich, which was good value. The interior has a number of different areas, including a small bar area for drinkers. Most is set out for diners. I sat in a rather dark area not far from the entrance. Worth a visit though. I was surprised that the Jolly Farmer hasn't been in the Good Beer Guide since 2013.
5 Mar 2020 19:05
The Millstone was my favourite of the 3 pubs I tried in Hathersage. It's located just outside the town to the east. Black Sheep Best Bitter & Peak Ales Millstone Best appear to be the regular beers. Guests were Abbeydale Deception & Bradfield Farmer's Blonde. There is no real cider. The pub has a nice location, with a car park opposite on the other side of the main road. A number of diners were arriving as I was leaving.
5 Mar 2020 18:55
Scotsmans Pack Inn, Hathersage
The Scotsman's Pack is situated a little off the main drag, next to a local school. The interior is nicely appointed. Quite a few people were arriving for food. Most of the tables were also laid out for diners. Being a Marston's establishment, the ale choice was limited to their range. Pedigree is the regular ale. It was accompanied by Wainwright, Cumberland Ale, Saddle Tank & Dirty Tackle. Service was friendly.
5 Mar 2020 18:51
My first stop in Hathersage on a midweek visit was the Little John Hotel. It is quite a large place. But I was the only customer. There were certainly more staff. Just the 2 ales from Welbeck Abbey were on - Red Feather and their new creation Men In Sheds. There was no sign of a real cider. Parking is limited and you need to enter your registration plate into an iPad at the bar. There is also accommodation.
5 Mar 2020 18:47
Community pub in a nice village. The café was busiest on my Wednesday morning visit. I was the only customer in the pub itself, which is much larger than it initially appears. 5 real ales were on - Marston's Pedigree, Thwaite's Wainwright, Stancill Stainless, Peak Ales Black Stag & Kelham Island Easy Rider. My Black Stag was very nice. Although the barmaid was struggling, as it was a bit lively. Somebody from the Peak Ales Brewery happened to visit whilst I was there. Apparently the Black Stag is a popular beer. Nice place.
5 Mar 2020 18:42
The Turks Head used to be known as the best destination for real ales in St Helens. So, I've been a few times before. However, it's been a good few years since my last visit and the Cricketers Arms now gets many of the plaudits, having been CAMRA's Pub of the Year in 2017 and reaching the final 4 in 2018. However, being in the area on Sunday, I decided to take the opportunity for another visit. The Turks Head is improved on my last visit. There were 14 real ales on - Ulverston Lonesome Pine & Bad Medicine, Kelham Island Riders On The Storm & Pride of Sheffield, Bank Top Port O'Call, Fernandes Black Voodoo, Rooster's Little Changes, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Abbeydale Doctor Morton's Ship's Biscuit, Oakham Green Devil, Saltaire Cascade, Thwaite's Lancaster Bomber, Kirby Lonsdale Monumental & Well's Bombardier. In addition, there were 8 ciders and perries - Weston's Old Rosie, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, Farmer Jim's Apple Red, Broadoak Moonshine Rum & Raisin, Gwynt y Ddraig Fiery Fox & Black Dragon & Lilley's Tropical Cider & Bee Sting Perry. I thought this was a fantastic selection and chose the Black Voodoo, as opposed to any of the ciders. There are 2 large rooms. The main bar area was showing the football and there was no seating. However, a raised area offered a welcome respite. I have to say that I think the Turks Head is currently every much as good as the Cricketers. A very pleasant surprise and a solid 9/10 from me, based on this visit.
3 Mar 2020 19:53
I must have passed this pub a number of times whilst visiting the nearby Turks Head. It's now in the Good Beer Guide. Although, apparently it is a recent convert to real ale. On my Sunday afternoon visit, it was very busy with all tables taken, people all around the bar and with pool being played. The League Cup final was being shown on multiple TV screens. The real ale choice was Wychwood Hobgoblin, Daleside Old Legover, Slater's Amarillo, Oakham Inferno, Kelham Island Easy Rider & Moorhouse's White Witch. Ciders were Weston's Rosie's Pig Raspberry & Cucumber Cider & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. I'd definitely recommend a visit here and it's extremely easy to pair it with a visit to the Turks Head, a few doors away.
3 Mar 2020 19:43
I visited this Hungry Horse establishment whilst waiting for the excellent Maghull Cask Café to open. Sadly, Maghull Cask is not listed on BITE. There were just as many handpulls in the Meadows as in the Maghull Cask. But Greene King IPA was the only real ale. The pub is a large establishment that focuses on diners, drinkers and sports fans. There are numerous TVs showing live sport. There is also a pool table. I didn't stay long and it's unlikely I'll return. The Maghull Cask Café on the other hand definitely warrants another visit some day. Their beer quality was superb.
3 Mar 2020 19:35
The Waters Green Tavern, Macclesfield
I remember trying to get in here back in January 2009, after getting off a train with quite a few other football fans. Back then, away fans were not being welcomed. 11 years on and I wasn't here for the football. This was my last pub of the night in Cheshire and as often happens, I'd saved the best until last. This was a friendly and simple drinking house, serving a decent selection of all types of ales and a real cider, whilst playing decent music. I could have stayed here for much longer, had a bed not been calling. The 5 ales were Abbeydale Deception, Titanic Plum Porter, Whim Hartington Bitter, Townhouse Centennial & Rat White Rat, whilst the cider was SiDa Holmes Chapel Apple. A nice way to round off the day.
2 Mar 2020 21:45
The Society Rooms, Macclesfield
The Society Rooms is Macclesfield's branch of Wetherspoon's. Bouncers were on the door on my Saturday night visit. There was a mix of both young and older drinkers. The key attraction here is the drinks range and the prices. The usual 'spoon's mainstays were all on - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar. Guests were Marston's Old Empire, Oakham Inferno, Exmoor Gold & Beast, Titanic White Star, Ringwood Forty Niner & Evan Evans Wrecker. I was suitably impressed by the cider range - Orchard Pig The Hogfather, Weston's Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask & Broadoak Moonshine. I opted for the Moonshine having not had that for a while. The table was sticky. In fact, the whole place had a bit of a grubby feel to it. As usual, toilets were up a rather large staircase. You know what you get with this chain.
2 Mar 2020 21:39
The RedWillow Bar is one I have wanted to visit for some time. We often pass the brewery itself on the train line. But their bar is situated nearer Macclesfield town centre. It was very busy on my Saturday evening visit, with a mixture of age groups, even including some children. Ales are displayed on the screen behind the bar. There is a good cask choice, with even more craft beers. The cask selection from RedWillow was Smokeless, Cascade Nelson Amarillo Pale, Sleepless, Headless & Wreckless. A guest was Pale from Pomona Island, whilst the real cider was Oliver's Oak Cask Dabinett, a new one for me and on the dry side.
2 Mar 2020 21:35
Small bar on seemingly Macclesfield's main street for nightlife. It has the feel of a micropub, but doesn't classify itself as such. There are 3 real ales. These were Shiny Disco Balls & Golden Best & Black Iris Snake Eyes. However, there is a bigger craft beer selection from pumps on the back wall, in addition to a good selection of bottles. Staff are knowledgeable about their beers. It was busy, without being too crowded. A worthwhile stop, but probably not quite Macclesfield's best pub.
2 Mar 2020 21:29
Now called the Silk Trader, this reasonably large pub just outside Macclesfield's centre is owned by Robinson's. Unicorn is the regular ale. Trooper was the guest. In this my 6th Cheshire pub of the day, it was the first with a real cider. Rosie's Pig was being dispensed from a box behind the bar. The pub was crowded and quite noisy. There were a few families in and the football had been on. A nice community pub.
2 Mar 2020 21:25
My first stop in Macclesfield on a windy and wet Saturday evening was this pub on the western outskirts. It's in the current Good Beer Guide. Whilst it was quite busy, it didn't stand out above the rest. 4 real ales are served. On my visit, these were Bass, Robinson's Unicorn, Sharp's Doom Bar & Exmoor Gold. I had the Exmoor Gold, which was much nicer than I expected. The chip shop opposite is worth a visit.
2 Mar 2020 21:21
Large Brunning & Price pub/restaurant that despite its focus on food maintains a good ale selection. Brunning & Price Original is served. There were also a couple of ales from Wincle - Lord Lucan & Rookery Wood. In addition, they had Sharp's Doom Bar, Poynton Chinook Pale & Rooster's Mind Games. I'm not sure the barmaid knew quite what she was doing. But I ended up having one of the last servings of the Rookery Wood from the cask. However, I wouldn't have know the barrel was on its final legs. Nicely appointed, as with all branches of this chain, it was difficult to find a table not laid out for dining.
2 Mar 2020 21:16
The Church House was the first of two stops I was making in the village of Sutton, on the outskirts of Macclesfield. This appeared to be the main village local, catering mainly for drinkers. Robinson's Unicorn & Banks's Bitter are the 2 regular ales. Guests were Storm Pale Gale Ale, Timothy Taylor Boltmaker & Moorhouse's Blond Witch. All were too pale for my liking. But the Pale Gale Ale was in a decent condition.
2 Mar 2020 21:12
The Hanging Gate is closed, I'm afraid to report. It enjoys a fabulous location high on the hills. There was snow on the ground and sheep in the road. But alas there was no beer.
2 Mar 2020 21:08
The Rose and Crown Inn, Allgreave
Situated in a fairly barren and windswept location high on the moors. It was a perfect place to go to during Storm Jorge. With just 2 other couples (both diners) in, it was quiet. But the atmosphere was cosy. Service took a while. There was a choice of 3 ales - Wincle Waller, RedWillow Feckless & Jenning's Cumberland Ale. I opted for the Waller. But I would have preferred a dark beer or a cider. Still a decent place though.
2 Mar 2020 21:06
The Ship Inn is set in beautiful countryside. It's prime territory for walkers. Just down the hill is the Wincle Brewery. But this is a JW Lees pub. The focus appears to be on diners. Almost all tables in each section are laid out with cutlery. Nevertheless, there were a few drinkers at the bar. The 3 regular ales were Dragon Fire, Founders & MPA. They also had JW Lees Dark & The Boilerhouse Craft Pale. Slightly above average due to its fabulous setting.
2 Mar 2020 21:01
Final stop in Twickenham last night was the Prince Albert. Our main reason for a visit was to try the Thai food, which was very tasty. Fuller's ales were London Pride, ESB & Oliver's Island. I opted for the guest ale, which was Big Smoke Cosmic Dawn. A few were in watching the Manchester City Champion's League game. Our meal was spicy, but nice. The only disappointment was that we never received any change from the bill. The Thai kitchen and waiting staff seemed more intent on closing up the kitchen and finishing for the night. I'd probably give it another try though.
27 Feb 2020 19:00
The Sussex Arms is still one of my favourite pubs in London. It was busy as usual on our Wednesday evening visit. Quiz night was on. So, a number of tables were reserved. Once the quiz people arrived, we were relegated to the garden. But there are patio heaters to keep you warm. The loyalty card offered by this chain is still a good feature. Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter is a regular. So is their own Big Smoke Underworld. Other Big Smoke ales were Cosmic Dawn & Western Sun. Guests were Five Points Railway Porter, Gloucester Dockside Dark, Buxton Low Tor, Flying Monk Hoptimistic Monk, Fuller's Last Drop, Caveman Strawberry Milkshake IPA, Mad Squirrel Revolution, Ascot Gold Cup & Manchester Brewing Company Christopher Columbus Pale. There are also still 6 real ciders on handpull - Lilley's Mango Cider, Seacider Ginger Bread Infused Cider & Lemon Meringue Pie, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, Barbourne Major Jane & Ross-on-Wye Michelin/Dabinett. Still a decent pub. But I may avoid quiz night next time.
27 Feb 2020 18:56
The Rifleman was closed for a while. But it has re-opened and now stocks a good range of Twickenham Brewery beers. Young's Ordinary & Butcombe Original are regulars, alongside Twickenham Naked Ladies. The other 3 ales were also from Twickenham - Redhead, Winter Star & American Nut Brown. We had to wait for the latter to be changed. But it wasn't too long a wait. There was no sign of a real cider. The interior of the pub is unchanged. It's a single, cosy room. Sport is still shown on the TV. Cricket was on yesterday. Still a fairly decent stop.
27 Feb 2020 18:48
Our first stop of a short crawl around this part of Twickenham started at Brouge. This is a gastropub on a fairly busy junction. Seating spreads right around the bar. The permanent ale is Sharp's Doom Bar. There is also a guest from Twickenham. Yesterday, it was Honey Dark. A third handpull has a real cider, which was Lilley's Crazy Goat. The bar has a good selection of Belgian beers, some on tap and some in bottles.
27 Feb 2020 18:41
With Storm Ciaran battering West Wales, we ventured across the Cleddau Bridge to the Jolly Sailor at Burton, before returning to the Ferry Inn on the Pembroke Dock side. The Jolly Sailor is not listed on BITE, but is in the current Good Beer Guide. Meanwhile, the Ferry Inn has not been in the Good Beer Guide since 2005. Despite this, we preferred the Ferry. It's a fabulous and cosy pub with views of the river. Most of the clientele were there for the Sunday lunches. Felinfoel IPA & Double Dragon are the ales. In addition to the Double Dragon, I sampled the local Pembrokeshire Cider Company Henry VII from the bottle selection, whilst Mrs Scrumpy tried a strong lemon gin, also from Wales. Probably my favourite pub of this visit to Wales.
10 Feb 2020 21:26
The Flying Boat is a corner pub painted in a fetching blue colour in an area of terraced housing. There are a few other pubs in the surrounding streets, including the Swan Inn just opposite. This may be the reason why it is now closed and looking in quite a dilapidated state.
10 Feb 2020 21:19
The Station Inn, Pembroke Dock
There's quite a few pubs in Pembroke Dock. Of the 4 I visited on a very blustery Saturday evening, only this one is listed on BITE. In fairness, it was probably the best of the 4. The pub is situated in the main station building. I arrived shortly after 8pm when the last train of the night was pulling in from Manchester. Inside, there were a small group of locals at the bar, with a few others scattered around the room. More arrived, presumably to see a band that was setting up. The 3 ales were Brew Monster Leviathan, Templeton Welsh Beest & Gower Up 'N' Under. The Up 'N' Under was decent enough. But those at the bar were moaning about the Welsh Beest. No real cider is served at this time of the year. Other pubs tried in Pembroke were the First & Last, Red Rose Inn and the Charlton Hotel.
10 Feb 2020 21:16
St Govans Country Inn, Bosherston
This pub is situated in the Pembrokeshire National Park, approximately one mile from Broadhaven Beach and also the chapel of St Govan, the other side of a military area. The pub is located in a nice village. But it is fairly plan pub inside. With plenty of tables, both drinkers and diners are welcome. Rugby was being shown on a big screen. 2 real ales were on. They were Butcombe Original & Sadler's Peaky Blinders. The pub was at least a welcome escape from the first knockings of Storm Ciaran, which was bringing very strong winds to what is quite a remote location. I'm sure this gets packed in the summer, when visitors flock to the nearby coastline.
10 Feb 2020 21:10
Our second stop in Pembroke was the Royal George, tucked below the castle walls. This is a locals' pub, which was showing the Six Nations rugby match between Ireland and Wales. Complimentary cawl was available in one corner. Locals and staff were friendly and accommodating. Being a Marston's pub, the regular beers are Pedigree & Hobgoblin. The guest was Wainwright. We moved on from here to the Royal Oak at the far end of Main Street. Sadly that is not listed on here.
10 Feb 2020 21:04
The Old King's Arms is a centrally located hotel/bar on Pembroke's Main Street. It is also quite close to Pembroke Castle, which was to be our next stop. Parking is at the rear. There are 2 small and cosy rooms for drinking. Diners are also accommodated in these rooms. A few locals were also congregated around the bar. Felinfoel Double Dragon is the regular ale. The guest was Brain's Brawn. We opted to try a Welsh cider, called Wild Cider from Redhog, available in bottles. Probably the best pub in Pembroke, with a nice atmosphere.
10 Feb 2020 21:00
Fox and Hounds Inn, Bancyfelin
Almost 3 months on from our last aborted visit, we returned to the Fox & Hounds on a Saturday morning. There are two rooms. The largest room is for diners, whilst there is a small public bar. Just one other customer was present in the bar. The TV was on. There is also a dartboard in the bar. As out-of-towners we were expected to be dining. But we declined this offer. Real ales are no longer served here. But the keg selection was Carling, Carling Black Fruits, Worthington's Creamflow, Stella Artois, Strongbow & Guinness. Disappointing.
10 Feb 2020 20:55
West Herts Sports and Social Club, Watford
Almost 4 years on from my last visit, our last stop before heading to the football was the West Herts Sports Club. Being later in the afternoon, it was much busier than on my last visit. Nevertheless, we managed to find a seat. Service was also quick. The two regular ales were Tring Side Pocket For A Toad & Young's Bitter. The 2 guests were both from Paradigm - Heads Up & Back Burner. There was also a perry in the fridge - Apple Cottage Perry Coma, which was a new one for me. Probably one of the best places for decent ales and cider in Watford these days.
1 Feb 2020 22:14
The Sportsman appears to be the best pub in Croxley Green. So, we'd saved the best until last. It seems to have a loyal band of regulars. The ale selection is certainly the best in the area. Sharp's Doom Bar & Oakham JHB are the regular beers. Guests were Paradigm Juxtaposition, Mad Squirrel De La Crème, Mauldon's Eatanswill Old & Branscombe Branoc. There was also a real cider, which was Lilley's Rhubarb Cider and a full range of Saxby's bottled ciders in the fridge. Decent pub.
1 Feb 2020 22:08
The Artichoke is one of a number of pubs along The Green. I was expecting a Marston's pub. But in fact, the ale choice was Wherry or Landlord. We took up residence at a table, but were told promptly that it was reserved. Almost all tables were reserved for diners. Luckily, we weren't staying around for long. This is certainly a food-dominated pub.
1 Feb 2020 22:02
Coach and Horses, Croxley Green
Third stop in Croxley Green was the Coach & Horses. A few people were arriving for meals. But we were just here for the beer. 3 real ales were on - Fuller's London Pride, Young's Bitter & Paradigm FYI. We both opted for the FYI. But it was past its best. Looks nice from the outside and the inside has been kept fairly traditional too. There is a children's play area in the garden.
1 Feb 2020 21:56
The Fox and Hounds, Croxley Green
The Fox & Hounds was our first stop on a visit to Croxley Green today. We decided to skip the Red House, another Greene King nearer the station to make this Greene King our first hostelry. 3 real ales were on. Greene King Abbot is a regular. The two guests were New River London Tap & Blind Poet. We tried one of each and both were on decent form. With a CAMRA discount given, they were even more palatable. With plenty of flags for each country playing in the Six Nations, there is clearly an emphasis on sports TV. Decent start to our crawl. We moved on from here to the Croxley Guild of Sport & Social Club (not listed on BITE).
1 Feb 2020 21:51
The Moon on the Square, Feltham
On a Friday evening visit to Feltham, I was hoping to visit the nearby Reunion Ales. But alas, it was not open. The Moon in the Square was the best alternate we could find and it did actually have a Reunion ale on, as part of a London beer festival. Ales were Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Wells Bombardier Glorious English, Sharp's Doom Bar, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Portobello Hedgerow Pale, Hadrian Border Farne Island, Signal Solo, Reunion Mosaic & Park Isabella. The cider was Black Dragon. The Moon on the Square was as busy as always. But we did manage to grab a table. Quite a few people were dining. There was also the usual scattering of people who had clearly had one too many. Not the worst Wetherspoon's in the country.
1 Feb 2020 21:41
The London Stone is another pub that has improved since my last visit. Service wasn't the most friendly. But it was prompt. Wild Beer Millionaire & Hogs Back TEA were the 2 ales. Lilley's Pineapple Cider was also on handpull. There was an interesting selection of cans and bottles in the fridges. A band was being set up at the one end. At the same end, the gents' toilets were in a fairly poor condition. A much better visit though, before we moved onto our main destination of the evening, the Thames Side Brewery & Tap Room and before finishing at the Staines Riverside Club (neither are listed on BITE).
30 Jan 2020 18:48
After an initial stop in the nearby Caffe Gusto (not listed on BITE), we continued a short midweek crawl in Staines at the George. I don't think I've ever seen the George empty. It also seems to be busy, without getting overcrowded. The ale selection on this Wednesday evening visit was Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Park Isabella, Cronx Kitchen, Windsor & Eton Sloe Stout, Portobello Hedgerow Pale, Three Sods Session IPA, Redemption EXPA & Hogs Back TEA. There appeared to be some kind of London beer festival on. Ciders were Weston's Old Rosie & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. On this occasion, CAMRA vouchers were accepted in this branch and service was quick and with a smile. A much better visit than previous ones. Probably still the best place for a decent ale selection in Staines.
30 Jan 2020 18:44
I hadn't planned to pay a return visit to the Free Press yesterday afternoon. But I was hanging around in the area waiting for the Blue Moon (not listed on BITE) to open its doors and rejected the chance of a swift one in the Duke of Cambridge (formerly Bakers) just around the corner, as Abbot was the only choice. Whilst the Free Press is also a Greene King house and a much more comfortable one at that, the selection is much better here - Greene King IPA & Abbot, Morland Old Golden Hen, St Austell Tribute, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Otter Amber. They also have Weston's Old Rosie cider. Sadly, I read an article in the local CAMRA magazine that Greene King have stopped producing their XX Mild on a regular basis. So, the pub no longer appears to have a dark beer.
27 Jan 2020 21:39
Another new Cambridge pub visited yesterday. This one has much more of a local feel than many of the others. FA Cup football was on the TV. Eagle IPA, Black Sheep Bitter & Marston's 61 Deep were the ales. But I was also pleasantly surprised to see 3 Weston's ciders - Old Rosie, Rosie's Pig & Flat Tyre. It was all quite rowdy inside, with the pool table keeping younger drinkers happy at one end.
27 Jan 2020 21:30
I made a return visit to the Geldart yesterday afternoon. It was much quieter than on my previous visit. But little else has changed. The ale selection this time was Oakham Citra, St Austell Tribute, Adnams Ghost Ship & Mosaic, Jenning's Cumberland Ale, Castle Rock Harvest Pale & Laine's Small Boi.
27 Jan 2020 21:21
I last reviewed the Cambridge Blue 3 years ago to the day and have always rated this as the best pub in Cambridge. However, I was a little disappointed by yesterday's visit. The ale selection is still good. But the cider selection has been halved since 2017. Previously I've found 2 or 3 new ciders to try. But this time, there was nothing unusual. The pub was also a little quieter than on previous visits. The ale selection was XT Animal Hop Kitty, Church End Stout Coffin, Three Blind Mice Juice Rocket & Lonely Snake, Ramsgate Gadd's No 5, Adnams Bitter, Nene Valley New Age Chestnut, Release The Chimps & Bible Black & Mighty Oak Buster Keaton. I opted for the Stout Coffin. But in hindsight, I should probably have tried the much stronger Bible Black. Ciders were Gwynt y Ddraig Dog Dancer & Lilley's Rhubarb Cider & Pineapple Cider. Incidentally, it's sister pub is the Blue Moon. Their website (and CAMRA's) advertised a 2pm opening time. Checking with the barman here, he revealed it was in fact 5pm and he promptly amended the website! That still left me with almost 2 hours to kill before the Blue Moon opened.
27 Jan 2020 21:16
The Alexandra Arms was one of a couple of pubs that was closing early on my Sunday afternoon visit for the staff's Christmas Party! I'm not sure whether that was for Christmas 2019 or Christmas 2020. But luckily I beat the 5pm curfew. I've been to a few pubs in the terraced residential streets of this part of Cambridge. But this is one that I had missed previously. It's a Greene King pub with a small bar area and steps leading down to further seating and an open kitchen. There is also outdoor seating. Ales were Greene King London Glory, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Oakham Citra, Bishop Nick Ridley's Rite & Mad Squirrel De La Crème. The latter was a nice milk stout. Another decent pub in this part of Cambridge.
27 Jan 2020 20:49
The Tram Depot was not on my original hitlist of Cambridge pubs. But I decided to pay it a visit whilst nearby. I was very pleased that I did and am surprised that it has not yet made a Good Beer Guide. It's an Everard's pub that is away from the touristy areas of Cambridge and is therefore frequented more by locals. Everard's Old Original & Tiger was supplemented by their Small Beer No. 1, Lacon's Charter, Lincoln Green Marion & Titanic Cherry Dark. A selection of 4 ciders are dispensed from taps behind the bar. I plumped for the one that I didn't recognise, which dispensed as water. The 3 remaining ciders were Weston's Old Rosie, Orchard Pig Ginger & Chilli & Friel's Apple & Spiced Plum Cider. I went for the Friel's, thinking it was their standard cider with a strength of 7% or more. So, the Plum cider was a pleasant surprise. The drinking environment is quite dark. But with friendly staff and plenty of available seating, I really liked this place.
27 Jan 2020 20:43
Roadside Greene King pub with two decent-sized rooms, possessing character. Sunday lunches were being served on my visit. Greene King ales were IPA, London Glory & Abbot Reserve. Guests were Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Rocket Titan IPE & Mighty Oak Winter Wonder. The cider was Lilley's Cherries & Berries. I believe they offer a CAMRA discount. But I forgot to ask for it. Nice pub that is a fair walk away from the centre. But that does help to reduce the crowds.
27 Jan 2020 20:36
The Castle was much quieter than the city centre pubs. Situated up a hill, it's an Adnams house with a limited selection of their ales plus a guest. Adnams Bitter, Broadside, Ghost Ship, Lighthouse & Old Ale were joined by Fuller's London Pride. A few people were wandering in for food and were being served fairly quickly. I was expecting a little better from this pub which has been in the Good Beer Guide regularly over the last 15 years or so. But in comparison with the wealth of decent pubs in this city, I was left a little disappointed.
27 Jan 2020 20:30
Nicholson's pub in the main tourist area of Cambridge, not far from the River Cam. It was predictably busy. There is a front and a rear bar, with a dining room further beyond down a couple of steps. Diners were occupying tables throughout the pub. St Austell Nicholson's Pale Ale & Adnams Bitter are the regular ales. Guests were St Austell January Blues, Adnams Broadside & Ghost Ship, Sharp's Doom Bar, Inveralmond Fionnar & Hogs Back TEA. I opted for the Fionnar, a coffee stout. I've certainly had better and am not sure that was the beer itself, or just its condition.
27 Jan 2020 20:25
The Pint Shop is worth visiting for its huge range of both real ales and craft beers. With ciders as well, the number was almost 30. Real ales were Adnams Bitter & Broadside & Oakham JHB. Siren Yulu was also listed. But I couldn't see it. Real ciders were Heck's Kingston Black & Snail's Bank Gooseberry Fool. Craft beers came from brewers such as Camden, Adnams, Salopian, Brew York, Gipsy Hill, Bone Machine, Almasty, Signature Brew, Yorkshire Dales, Siren, Magic Rock, Omnipollo, Lervig, Half Acre & Chorlton. An 11% Pecan Mud Cake imperial stout looked intriguing. But at £6 a third, I decided not to try it. A few were requesting samples though. The interior has a number of different rooms off a corridor, all with lots of wood. There is a dining room upstairs, with toilets on a third floor. It seemed to be doing a roaring trade in Sunday lunches. Well worth a visit. Just the Oxford branch of this small chain left for me to try now. I like the concept.
27 Jan 2020 20:19
It's a fairly long walk from the railway station to the Mill. But luckily I'd stopped for liquid refreshment at the Old Ticket Office in the station building itself. Being fairly new the OTO is not listed on BITE. The Mill however, has been around for much longer and is a better pub. It enjoys a location that will always make it a magnet for tourists. Finding a table not reserved for diners was tricky. Although, when I did, I vacated it so that a Japanese family who wanted to dine could do so - just doing my little bit for the Cambridge economy. Tourists had created a nice orderly queue at the bar for drinks. I awaited my turn and had the selection of Adnams Bitter, Lighthouse & Old Ale, Grain Slate & Black Spruce & Nene Valley New Age Chestnut. Instead I chose the Lilley's Elderflower Cider from the end handpull. CAMRA discounts are offered. But not to cider drinkers. Even the barman seemed surprised by that. The interior has lots of wood and a few different seating areas. Very pleasant pub in which I could have happily stopped for much longer, had I not had such a lengthy list of new (and old) pubs to try.
27 Jan 2020 20:12
Just over 3 years on and this time I managed to get a drink in the Grapes, my penultimate stop in Cambridgeshire. This is a Greene King pub. Greene King IPA & Abbot are dispensed. The guest beer was Belhaven Grand Slam. The Six Nations must be getting closer. A game of pool was in action again and the pub was just about as busy as my last visit when we were denied service. Nothing really to write home about. But at least I can know award a more accurate score. I moved on from here to Calverley's Brewery Tap. Whilst not listed on here, it was my favourite venue of the day.
25 Jan 2020 21:02
The Lord Byron was my last stop before hitting Cambridge. It was also my first sighting of real cider in Cambridgeshire, with not just one, but three ciders on. The interior lacks atmosphere. There were very few customers. Although, it does offer accommodation and there were a lot of people coming and going without stopping for a drink. Three real ales were Turpin's Mozart & Cambridge Black & Mauldon's Silver Adder. The ciders were Weston's Old Rosie & Simon's Cox & Vice Versa. Easily the best pub I visited today outside of Cambridge.
25 Jan 2020 20:56
The Green Man of Grantchester, Grantchester
Notices in the window state that this pub is now closed. Apparently it only closed a couple of weeks ago.
25 Jan 2020 20:50
The Blue Ball Inn, Grantchester
Another unspoiled Cambridgeshire village pub. Although, with its TV series and its proximity to Cambridge, this pub attracts a different clientele to my previous stop (the Hoops at Barton). In fact, it did feel a little pretentious. Drinks were certainly more expensive here. Adnams Bitter is the regular ale. Guests were Adnams Ghost Ship & Woodforde's Wherry. The interior has 2 or 3 small cosy rooms. But tables are hard to come by and I noticed some hardy souls having lunch delivered to a table outside.
25 Jan 2020 20:48
Traditional local that survives without selling food. The small bar is unspoiled and is a haven for conversation. Abbot is the regular ale. Guests were Tribute & Landlord. Staff were friendly. There is a separate lounge, which I didn't try.
25 Jan 2020 20:44
Friendly pub that is now community-owned. There is a single room, which a large TV screen at one end. A live FA Cup game was being shown. A few people were having lunch. Others had their dogs, whilst most stood around the bar. London Pride & Wherry were the real ale offering.
25 Jan 2020 20:40
Thatched pub overlooking a rather large green. A few people were arriving for lunch on my midday visit today. But I was here only for a swift drink. Greene King IPA is the regular ale. There were also 3 other ales on - Greene King Toadrage, Ruddles County & Adnams Ghost Ship. Drinks were definitely on the expensive side.
25 Jan 2020 20:37
After the usual excellent visit to the Pembury Tavern, our evening concluded at the Cock Tavern yesterday. It was busy as usual with a couple of Howling Hops ales, a few guests and a number of real ciders and craft beers. The Howling Hops ales were Pale XX & Tropical Deluxe. Guests were Three Sods Dark Magus, Beatnikz Republic Crimson Flare & 2am Poet, Five Points Brick Field Brown & Brick Peckham Pale. Ciders were Snail's Bank Apply Dappley, Pig Squeal, Tumbledown & Apple & Ginger, Turner's Apple Pie, Upper House Farm Medium, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask & Pulpt Flare. Another good visit. Although no new ciders for me on this occasion.
19 Jan 2020 13:16
Last stop before a visit to the London Stadium was this modern bar/café in the heart of what was the athletes' village for the Olympics. Just the solitary real ale was on, which was Westerham Godswallop. The place was fairly busy. But it is large enough to handle the crowds, with both home and away fans inside. There was a table football game near the entrance and there is an open kitchen at the rear. Certainly a different kind of place, that I would try again if passing.
19 Jan 2020 13:07
Another pub that I tried yesterday lunchtime, that I'd not previously visited. It's a fairly typical London boozer. But apparently it's part of a chain. I don't believe I've been in any of the others in the chain. Five Points Pale & Best were the 2 real ales. I opted for the Best. Live Premier League football was showing on the TVs. Bar staff were friendly.
19 Jan 2020 13:02
With the Leyton Orient Supporters Club closed yesterday as they were playing away, I decided to pay the Leyton Technical another visit. It appears to have gone downhill since my last visit. Just 2 real ales were on and they have stopped selling real cider. The ales were Long Man Long Blonde & Reunion Frost Fair, a nice spiced porter. The interior is certainly interesting. But, I'd heard from others that it had gone downhill, which I can now confirm.
19 Jan 2020 12:57
Corner pub on the High Road which stretches much further back than you'd expect. With 3 real ales and a real cider on handpump, this was the best of the new pubs I visited yesterday. Five Points Best, Park Isabella & Sharp's Sea Fury were the ales. Lilley's First Draught was the cider. This is a comfortable place that could easily be added to a decent crawl of pubs in this area.
19 Jan 2020 12:52
Greene King pub overlooking Wanstead Flats, where what appeared to be several hundred kids were playing football yesterday morning. We were the only visitors, as it was shortly after opening. The pub is nicely appointed. But the ale range was disappointing - Old Golden Hen, Tribute & Harvest Pale. I did at least get a CAMRA discount. But it was disappointing in all.
19 Jan 2020 12:46
This was our penultimate stop on this visit to Scotland, before we returned to the airport. It's a single bar pub, that was quite busy on our visit. As strangers coming in during the winter months, we were seemingly treated with suspicion at first. But despite being busy, it soon became apparent that the barmaid/landlady and the locals were all reasonably friendly. Live Premier League football was showing on a TV in the corner. The solitary real ale was Schiehallion. We moved on from here to the Gargunnock Inn, not listed on BITE, but in the current Good Beer Guide.
14 Jan 2020 21:44
I thoroughly agree with the previous reviewer. This is easily the best pub in town. It enjoys a pleasant location overlooking the cathedral and the interior is a lovely, cosy, single room that was quite busy on our late Sunday afternoon visit. Live Premier League football was being shown on the TV. Ales were Greene King IPA, Ruddles Best, Williams Brothers Seven Giraffes, Broughton Greenmantle 70/- & Strathaven Clydesdale IPA. The barman was friendly and knowledgeable. I opted for the Greenmantle and without prompting, he asked if I was a CAMRA member and then gave me a discount off my ale. A very nice touch indeed. One of the best pubs on this visit to Scotland.
14 Jan 2020 21:38
The Dunblane as it is now known was to be our first stop in Dunblane. But we were met with a rather abrupt no children policy. So, I had to go this one alone. The reason was that the lounge was being refurbished. Unfortunately, real ales are also dispensed from the lounge and stock has been discontinued during the refurb. Whilst I did eventually get to chat with the barman and some of the locals in the nice, traditional bar, the experience wasn't the best. Keg beers were Guinness, Belhaven Best, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruit, Birra Moretti, Carling & Tennent's. We moved on to the nearby Riverside, which wasn't much better.
14 Jan 2020 21:33
The Old Bridge Inn, Bridge of Allan
This has now become a steakhouse. It was closed on our Sunday afternoon visit and may actually have shut completely.
14 Jan 2020 21:28
Allanwater Brewhouse, Bridge of Allan
The Allanwater Brewhouse was easily my favourite of 23 new pubs visited in Scotland this weekend. Tucked away in an outbuilding behind the main road, it possesses plenty of character. Although it could probably do with a good dust. The owner/brewer was friendly and very knowledgeable. The bar itself stocks several of his ales (Tinpot). He had 70/-, Wee Guinea 90/-, Procrastination, Pot Of Gold, Cranberry Pot & Winter Spice. I was also pleasant surprised to see that he produces his own ciders too - Farmhouse Cider, Mango Cider, Ginger Cider, Cranberry Cider, Raspberry Cider & Berry Cider. It was the first time I'd had a cranberry cider and it was very nice indeed. I'd love to spend more time in here and may just do that one day. Excellent pub. We moved on to the nearby Crook Bar, which was a great disappointment in comparison.
14 Jan 2020 21:28
Alva is one of those villages which you can drive through without noticing it. The Cross Keys is certainly one that most people will pass. It seems to have built a reputation for food. But we were here just for a drink. With the kitchen closed on our visit, the barmaid opened the lounge for us, as kids are not allowed in the bar. Locals were playing pool in the bar. There's no real ales in here anymore. In fact, it hasn't been in the Good Beer Guide since 2006! The keg selection was John Smith's, Coors Light, Fosters, Strongbow, Tennent's, Stella Artois & Guinness.
14 Jan 2020 21:18
This is the home of the Devon Brewery. 2 of their ales were on - Original 70/- & Pride 90/-. Whilst there is a busy public bar, we sat in the quieter lounge and I enjoyed a nice half of the Pride. The lounge was much quieter, with a few enjoying an early Sunday lunch. The pub is nicely appointed and is well worth a visit.
14 Jan 2020 21:14
The Bobbing John is a Wetherspoon's in the centre of Alloa and it was our first stop for breakfast and a quick drink on our way to other more exotic places. The usual Scottish 'spoon's choices of Greene King Abbot, Sharp's Doom Bar & Caledonian Deuchars IPA were on. Guests were Adnams Broadside, Kelburn Cart Blanche & Jaguar & Wooha Blonde. They don't serve a real cider. But at least the Scottish breakfast was nice and we were served in turn for a change. Probably the best choice in Alloa.
14 Jan 2020 21:11
The Waverley Bar is the only pub that I could see in the immediate vicinity of the railway station. It's a little outside of the centre and they no longer serve real ale. The keg choice was Fosters, Guinness, Caledonia Best, John Smith's, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruits, Heineken, San Miguel & Tennent's. It has a nice, traditional interior, typical of a station pub. Service was friendly. But a few of the customers were a little inebriated. Moved on from here for a last real ale of the night at Pleuchie's Howff on the Annan Road, where the landlady was really friendly.
14 Jan 2020 21:05
This Wetherspoon's outlet enjoys a fairly central location in Dumfries. It was as busy as you'd expect on a Saturday evening. As such, it was quite noisy. I was looking forward to a visit, as it is the only place in the town that serves real cider. Both Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon and Thistly Cross Elderflower Cider were on. Ales were Greene King Abbot, Sharp's Doom Bar, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Kelburn Jaguar, Orkney Red MacGregor, Sulwath Galloway Gold & Nelson Shipwrecked. Service was out of order, as is the norm for a Wetherspoon's (when will they employ observant bar staff?). They also refused my CAMRA voucher for a real cider. When challenged, they tried it on the till and to the barman's surprise, the till accepted it. It was nice to have a cider though.
14 Jan 2020 20:59
I'd been advised that this was the best pub in town. So, I was left a little disappointed by the Cavens Arms. It certainly has a good selection of ales. But there was nothing too unusual for me to try. The selection was Fyne Jarl, Greene King Abbot & Yardbird, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Hardy & Hanson's Rocking Rudolph, Black Sheep Blitzen, Titanic Plum Porter & Orkney Swannay IPA. I went against my usual choice of a dark ale to try the Swannay IPA, which was very pleasant indeed. The interior is very nice, with carpets all round and a cosy feel. The bar area felt a little cliquey. But most of the venue is geared towards dining. So, I sat at a table laid out for diners. None of the staff seemed too bothered with this. Undoubtedly a good pub. But not quite the best in town, in my opinion.
14 Jan 2020 20:53
Small corner pub with a small bar and an even smaller snug that looked a bit too red for my liking. The bar itself was packed. So I propped myself up in the corner. The solitary real ale was Broughton Hopopotamus. But be careful - they also serve this on keg and having ordered it, I was immediately poured the keg version. The barmaid did change it for the cask version. But if you're fussy (like me), it's worth specifying which you want. The gents' toilets in the corner are tiny. I didn't stay too long, given the lack of available seating. But I did stay just long enough for a massive Jenga tower to topple over. Nice, traditional place that was an unplanned but worthy stop on my Saturday evening Dumfries crawl.
14 Jan 2020 20:47
The Tam O'Shanter was my second stop on Queensbury Street, following the extremely busy and extremely cheap Imperial just down the road. The Tam O'Shanter was much quieter and whilst it felt a little bit worn and possibly dirty (the gents toilets absolutely stank), I really enjoyed my visit to what felt like a real unpretentious traditional boozer. It was my favourite pub in Dumfries. Ales were Broughton No. 5 Proper IPA & Wee Jock & Sulwath Criffel, Cuil Hill & THe Grace. There are 3 rooms - a front bar, a rear games room and a third side room. The front bar was populated by a few local characters, whilst a group were enjoying a game of pool in the games room. Service was friendly. Although, I may have missed out on a CAMRA discount.
14 Jan 2020 20:41
Greene King pub that serves keg beers only. These were Belhaven Best, Carling, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruits, Stella Artois, Estrella Damm, Coors Light, Tennents, Guinness, Heineken, Peroni & Brewdog Punk IPA. It's a spacious place with plenty of seating options. It has a late license. But I was in just after the football had been shown on the several screens and it was still fairly quiet. Disappointing and not particularly welcoming.
14 Jan 2020 20:34
Apparently this is the oldest pub in town. You can certainly sense the character and history of this place, which is tucked down a narrow passageway off the High Street. There is a lovely small snug with its own access to the bar. We had decided to eat here. Food was really nice. Although, it does come at a price. There are also 3 real ales from the Lowland Brewery in Lockerbie. These were Dryfe Blonde, Twa Dugs & Santa's Little Belter. I was a bit dubious about sampling a Christmas beer during the second week in January. But it was very enjoyable. Decent pub that is well worth a visit.
14 Jan 2020 20:30
Typical traditional Scottish boozer that should be separated by a car park and a road from the river. But the river seemed a bit too close for comfort, having already crossed the road, on our Saturday evening visit. It is a lively pub with a bar area and a slightly quieter lounge with a nice fire. Although, both are one large room in reality. Live English women's football was showing in the bar. Theakston XB is the regular ale. Guests were Greene King IPA & Well's Bombardier. I opted for the XB, which was the first decent ale I'd had by this point.
14 Jan 2020 20:23
The Coach and Horses, Dumfries
Another Dumfries pub which is currently closed. Apparently it was damaged by fire and water from the sprinklers just prior to Christmas. I'll be back one day to see if it re-opens and remains open.
14 Jan 2020 20:19
This was due to be our second stop in Dumfries. But sadly it has closed down. Our first stop, the Riverside Bar, was just up the road and was a decent alternative that is in the current Good Beer Guide.
14 Jan 2020 20:18
The Farmers Inn, Clarencefield
Cosy village pub to the south east of Dumfries. There are 2 rooms. Everybody seemed to be in the bar/lounge area, with drinkers congregated at the bar itself and another couple dining. The real ale was Yardbird. I've managed to swerve that until now. But I gave it a try here and whilst it was in good condition, it wasn't my kind of ale.
14 Jan 2020 20:12
The Blue Bell was our first stop on a rather wet and windy day in Scotland. The local river had burst its banks somewhat. But it was warm inside, despite an indifferent welcome. Caledonian Deuchars IPA is the regular ale. Guests were Orkney Andrew's Ale & Jenning's Night Vision. They also have an ale from their own in-house brewery. This was Mott & Bailey Blonde Ale. There was no real cider. With the lack of a cider or a dark beer, I gave the local beer a try. The single large room has many nice, traditional features. Nice enough pub that is apparently the only real ale pub in town.
14 Jan 2020 20:04
This has to be one of the worst Wetherspoon's I've ever been to. I much prefer the King & Castle nearer the Castle. Just 4 ales were on - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharp's Doom Bar & Windsor & Eton Guardsman. I've come to expect a much better choice in a 'spoon's. The interior was as bland as the rest of them. We moved on from here to the much better Windsor & Eton Brewery Taproom, which was far better, but not listed on BITE.
6 Jan 2020 21:26
The WIndsor Trooper is a pub that hasn't been in the Good Beer Guide since 2008. But I get the feeling that it won't be long before it is back in. Situated on the fairly trendy St Leonards Road, the Trooper has a nice cosy feel and it has a good ale selection and an ever better cider selection. Ales were Adnams Bitter, Oakham Citra, Branscombe Festive Frolic & Yo Ho Ho & Nethergate Suffolk County. Ciders were Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze & Two Trees Perry, Lilley's Apple & Blackberry Cider, Rhubarb Cider, Cherries & Berries & Pickled Parrot Perry, Ashridge Devon Blush, Dudda's Tun Bone Dry, Sandford Orchards Devon Mist, Rich's Legbender, Gwatkin Squel Pig & Heck's Farmhouse Perry. An excellent selection. The only drawback was the service. The barmaid was extremely slow. Although, she seemed to be trying to sort out some kind of accommodation issue. Incidentally, you can pair this pub with A Hoppy Place, just down the road. The latter is a bottle shop and despite high prices, it is a good place if you like craft beers, with some real ale too.
6 Jan 2020 21:21
This pub is on the outskirts of Windsor overlooking the Long Walk, with the real castle in the distance. Almost the same list of "Great real ales" on as Mappiman's visit - Brakspear Bitter, Courage Directors & Young's Bitter. The main bar is still quite traditional, whilst there is a conservatory for dining, which presumably becomes a suntrap in clement weather. One of the more disappointing pubs in Windsor overall.
6 Jan 2020 21:10
First stop on a Saturday afternoon stroll around Windsor was the Queen Charlotte, a backstreet pub that is one of a number in this area near the Castle and just off the main drag. There were just the 2 real ales on - Windsor & Eton Mandarin & Bingham's Xmas Cake. They also had Weston's Old Rosie cider on handpull. I chose the Xmas Cake, which was a typical slightly spicy seasonal brew. Bar staff were friendly. But this seems more one for the tourists than the locals.
6 Jan 2020 21:03
Our last stop of the day in Manchester was the Angel. I hadn't been here for more than 8 years. It has certainly gone downhill in that time. Gone are the real ciders and with no dark beers, the choice was disappointing - Howard Angel, Saltaire Blonde & Olympus, Bowness Bay Swan Blonde, Hawkshead Blonde, Waen St Clements & Yeovil Posh IPA. I had the St Clements, which tasted off. Billed as Orange & Lemon Cake, it may have supposed to taste sour. The barman assured me that was the case. But I couldn't actually finish it. The one good point was that the pub was one of the few that were open.
2 Jan 2020 21:30
Almost 7 years since I was last in here, I returned yesterday afternoon. It's better than I remember it. The ale and cider selection is excellent. With 6 real ciders on offer, there were 5 I'd never previously tried. So, I had to work my way through each of them. The ceiling appears to have been restored on one side of the bar. But there's still netting to stop any falling down! The ale choice was Anarchy Meltdown Expected, Neptune Shifting Sands, Bristol Beer Factory White Milk Stout, Wilde Child Excessive Behaviour & Over Indulgence, Mallinson's Taiheke & Cwrw Ial Atlantic 252. The ciders were Ascension Dabinett & Wrath, Nightingale Discovery, Kniveton Wynsum & Bartestree Moorcroft Blend Perry & Fiona Cider. I think I now have to classify this as my favourite pub in Manchester. I need to get back here much more often.
2 Jan 2020 21:16
With many pubs in Manchester closed on New Year's Day, we ended up in a rather poor bar called the Crafty Pig. But then we found the Pie & Ale open. It was doing a busy trade of both food and drink. Whilst they have stopped selling a real cider, they still have a good ale range - Black Edge Black & Cascade, Rooster's Wild Mule, Cwrw Ial Call Em As Icy Em, Pig & Porter Lilac Time & Great Heck Trafalgar. Bar staff were cheery and the mince pies were complimentary. Certainly one of the best bars in the Northern Quarter.
2 Jan 2020 21:06
The Sir Ralph Abercrombie, Manchester
With many pubs in Manchester closed on New Year's Day, we were pleased to find the Sir Ralph Abercromby open. Although with only one other customer and the barman, it was fairly dead. BT Sport football matches were showing on several TVs. The interior was fairly dark, with a large bar in the middle. Timothy Taylor Landlord is the regular ale. The 5 guests were Sharp's Doom Bar, Moorhouse's White Witch, Stockport Snow Angel & West Coast IPA & Brightside Polaris Express. Two of the ales were being sold at £3 per pint. But surprisingly, it was the full price White Witch that tasted past its best. Tucked away in a back street, at least it was open.
2 Jan 2020 20:40
I can only echo the previous review. This is a nice community-owned pub at the eastern end of Bourne End. There is a single bar and on my visit there was a good mixture of customers. A friendly dog made himself next to me, whilst I supped my half (I was driving) of the seasonal Rebellion Top Gun. The other 2 ales were Rebellion IPA & Greene King Abbot Reserve. That concludes my year of pub reviewing. It wasn't quite my final pub. I saved the best of this visit to Bucks until last, with a visit to the fabulous KEG Craft Beer Tasting Bar in the centre of Bourne End. It's not listed on here (surprise surprise). But, I thoroughly recommend it. Wishing all BITE reviewers/readers a Happy New Year....
31 Dec 2019 20:13
I initially tried to visit the King's Head on my Monday evening visit to Bourne End. But apparently it closes early on Monday's. I returned today to find a nice village pub with a clear emphasis on food. A number of groups were finishing what must have been late lunches. Nicely appointed inside, they had 2 Rebellion ales on - IPA & Roasted Nuts. A third handpull had a Zebedee pumpclip turned round. My Roasted Nuts was adequate. In fact, I nearly had them in more ways than one, sitting in front of the roaring fire. Overall, more of a dining establishment than a drinkers' pub.
31 Dec 2019 20:08
The Black Lion was my final stop on an 8 pub Bucks crawl. I arrived as the fog was descending quickly. But, the interior was a cosy retreat, with a number of rooms scattered around the central bar. The owners and regulars seemed quite jovial. The ale selection was decent and varied - Vale Good King & Brill Gold, Black Sheep Blitzen & Cotleigh Hoppy Xmas. A decent end to my Monday evening in one of the best pubs in Bourne End.
31 Dec 2019 20:03
The Queens Head, Little Marlow
Having just visited a modern craft beer bar in the centre of High Wycombe called Heidrun (not listed on BITE), the Queen's Head could not have been more different. This pub is tucked away at the end of a lane in an idyllic location next to a very old church. The interior has clearly been refurbished somewhat and the focus in on dining. Nevertheless, there is a small drinking area near the bar. The 2 regular real ales are Fuller's London Pride & Rebellion IPA. The guest was rather unadventurous - Sharp's Doom Bar.
31 Dec 2019 19:59
Le De Spencers Arms, High Wycombe
The De Spencer Arms is situated a long way uphill from High Wycombe and down a very rutted lane. With just a single room and many customers, it was fairly crowded on my Monday evening visit. A group who had been shooting locally had clearly been downing a fair few. Other customers seemed a little more friendly. Whilst it's a Fuller's pub, the ale range was slightly more diverse than usual with a selection of London Pride, HSB, Partridge & Tribute. Lovely location. Shame about some of the clientele.
31 Dec 2019 19:54
George and Dragon, West Wycombe
West Wycombe is a lovely little area just outside High Wycombe. The George & Dragon is an old coaching inn that is one of a number of pubs on the High Street. It was busy on my Monday evening visit, with a mixture of drinkers and diners. I think I took the last table. The interior had a nice festive feel. St Austell Tribute & Rebellion IPA are the 2 regular ales. Rebellion Roasted Nuts was the guest beer.
31 Dec 2019 19:50
Bird in Hand, Princes Risborough
The Bird In Hand was my second stop in Buckinghamshire on a Monday evening, following the Stable Bar at the Three Crowns in nearby Askett (not listed on BITE). The Bird In Hand is now longer under Greene King ownership. It is part of the Oak Taverns chain of several pubs, with their own breweries. The interior is cosy and relaxing. 4 real ales were on, with no Greene King beer in sight. Chiltern Beechwood Bitter is the regular ale. Bird In Hand Red Breast, St Austell Proper Cracker & Portobello Stiff Lip IPA were the guests. Certainly one of the better pubs of 8 I visited in the area. From here, I moved on to the Golden Cross in Saunderton, another not listed on BITE.
31 Dec 2019 19:45
The Punch Bowl re-opened this summer and now offers a much larger selection of real ales. The interior has a nice, fresh feel to it. There are a couple of rooms. One appeared more suite to diners. But handpulls are spread across both rooms. Yesterday, the selection was Almasty Punch Bowl Session IPA, Oakham JHB & Citra, Dark Star Hophead, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted, Errant Games Without Frontiers, Ossett Yorkshire Blonde, Frank & Stein Overkill, Titanic Plum Porter & Out There Alpha Sirius. The real cider was Perry's Grey Heron. Certainly a nice pub. My only criticism was their inability to dispense half pints. Beer is only available in thirds, two thirds or pints. My preference is for halves. But they won't serve them here. The Punch Bowl is an easy bus ride to Haymarket, where we later continued our drinking in a micropub called the Mean-Eyed Cat, which once again cannot be added to BITE.
29 Dec 2019 14:52
The Blue Bell was our third stop on our Christmas Saturday visit to Byker and Jesmond. As usual, the best bars (the Brinkburn Street Brewery Bar & Kitchen and the Tyne Bank Tap Room) are not listed on the website. The Blue Bell enjoys a lovely location next to a river and a wooded park. The pub has a cosy interior and Premier League football was showing on the TV. However, the real ale choice was limited to Lightfoot, badged as Blue Bell. Fairly poor.
29 Dec 2019 14:44
I returned to Denbighshire last night to give this pub and the Red Lion Hotel in Cyffyliog another try. They were both open this time. Unlike the Red Lion, the Star was certainly not worth returning for. Real ale has long since disappeared from here. The offering was Guinness, Carling, John Smith's, Carlsberg, San Miguel, Shipyard or Thatcher's Gold. A disco was being set up. Local youths were sat at the bar. This may be the oldest pub in Ruthin. But, it's also the worst of the ones I've visited.
22 Dec 2019 13:50
The Hand Inn was my final stop in Denbigh. They don't have real ales here. The keg choice was San Miguel, 61 Deep, Jenning's Cumberland Cream, Carlsberg Pilsner, Fosters, Strongbow, Warsteiner & Guinness. This was a suitable place for a soft drink, given I was driving. At £1.80 for a small coke, prices here are clearly extortionate. A central bar is surrounded by 3 different areas, each with TVs for sporting events. A live football match was about to start, which I wasn't about to sit around for. Clearly a youngsters' place that fails to deliver for those seeking something that little bit extra in a pub/bar.
22 Dec 2019 13:26
After a visit to Y Goron Fach, an excellent micropub not listed on BITE, my third stop in Denbigh was the Guildhall. This is quite an upmarket place and has accommodation too. Prices were too expensive when we enquired about staying in the town in December, whilst the Hope & Anchor offered as a room, but then let us down. With only 2 other customers on my early Saturday evening visit, it wasn't very lively in the Guildhall. But the surroundings make for a cosy drinking environment. Facer's Abbey Red is the real ale. They also had a couple of Gwynt y Ddraig ciders - Farmhouse Scrumpy & Happy Daze. That was certainly a plus point.
22 Dec 2019 13:21
The Railway is at the bottom end of town. There are multiple small rooms. One has a pool table, whilst another was classed as a "darts room". Ironically, most customers were in another room watching the darts on the TV. The real ale was Glaslyn, with Doom Bar having gone off. Friendly, but fairly average kind of place.
22 Dec 2019 13:00
After visits to several pubs not listed on here (when can we add any), namely Only Fools, Kazimier Garden, Bundobust & the Sanctuary, our penultimate stop in Liverpool on Wednesday evening was the ever-reliable Roscoe Head. Open until midnight, it was fairly quiet after 11pm. Tetley Bitter & Timothy Taylor Landlord are the regular ales. Guests on were Scarborough Red Sky Night, RedWillow Chevalier Mild & Abbeydale Heathen. Old Rosie cider is also still available. I love the small rooms and friendly atmosphere in this pub. Still one of the best in the city.
20 Dec 2019 20:48
The Hub Alehouse and Kitchen, Liverpool
The Hub has changed hands and is now called Albert's Schenke. It's a German-themed bar, where the emphasis is still very much on food. 2 real ales were on - Mobberley Brewhouse Concept #35 English IPA & Liverpool Brewing 24 Carat Gold. But there is a much larger selection of craft beers and plenty of bottles and cans in the fridges. Service was slow and prices are sufficient to deter a return visit. £11+ for a schooner and a can seemed excessive.
20 Dec 2019 20:32
Liverpool One Bridewell, Liverpool
The Bridewell closed down and has re-opened again under new ownership. The owners used to run or be involved in Rigby's and the Fly In The Loaf. Little appears to have changed inside. You can still sit in the old cells. Ales were Kirkstall Pale Ale & Dexter, Banks's Amber, Thwaite's Wainwright & Wylam I Blame The Daylight. Worth a visit if passing.
20 Dec 2019 20:28
Came here on Wednesday lunchtime. It was my first visit for just over 8 years. The Exmouth Arms is now much improved. It even opens early for breakfast now and has survived the construction works around Euston, unlike the Bree Louise. Titanic Plum Porter is a regular ale. Guests were Sambrook's Pale Ale, Twickenham Yakima Valley ABA, Truman's Roll Out The Barrel & Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter. There's normally a real cider on handpull. But sadly the Seacider Blood Orange pumpclip was turned round on my visit. One I will probably return to sooner.
20 Dec 2019 20:21
The last time I tried to visit Brink was just over a year ago and I believe it was closed on a Sunday. Nowadays, it does open 7 days a week and it was busy late yesterday afternoon. The beer and cider range is impressive, with a good selection of cask, keg, bottles and cans. The cask offering was Strata Drumlin, Nightjar Lost In Ikea, Squawk Pavo, RedWillow Imperial XXX Mild & Limitless & Brewsmith/Strata NZ IPA. Ciders were Dunham Press Sawput, Sawpit and Black & Apple and Rhubarb & Moss Cider Project All In Hand. There was just enough time to get through each of the Dunham Press ciders and the very strong (9.2%) mild, before heading back to Piccadilly. The Brink is certainly one of the best bars for beer and cider in the city centre at the present time.
16 Dec 2019 21:13
The Sandbar is a bar that I've been meaning to get to for some time. Yesterday, I finally managed to get there in spite of the late arrival of my train. I was greeted by an empty pub, but a decent selection of ales and a cider I'd not previously had. Real ales were Facer's Clwyd Gold & Winter Pale, Phoenix Arizona & Christmas Kiss, Silver Street Saison & Porter & Brass Castle Bad Kitty. The cider was Moss Cider Project All In Hand. With just time for a couple of swift halves, I opted for the cider and the porter. Both were good, especially the porter. A few more people did come in during my visit. But I guess the pub gets busiest when the students are in town. Payment is by card only. At almost 15 minutes walk from Piccadilly, it seems a bit off the beaten track. But there's a good chance that I'll be back one day.
16 Dec 2019 21:04
I returned to the Greyhound this evening. There were a few customers in this time and a choice of 3 real ales - Windsor & Eton Knight of the Garter, Fuller's London Pride & Rebellion Smuggler. I had the latter, which was perfectly acceptable.
11 Dec 2019 19:37
My penultimate stop of the night in Maidenhead was this branch of Wetherspoon's. The last time I was here, the Greyhound was the town's branch. The Bear is a large place spread over two floors. But they really need more staff. Waiting 10-15 minutes to get served on a Monday evening is really not clever. And why on earth can Wetherspoon's staff never work out who is next, or even ask who is next. I arrived when there was just one other couple at the bar ordering food. By the time they had finished, there were a couple more groups. Naturally, they were all served before me. At least 3 or 4 more groups arrived at the bar and got served before me, with others who had arrived well after me also getting frustrated at the lengthy waits. With just a single barmaid trying to keep everybody happy, it's simply not good enough. Maybe Mr Martin's announcement today that he is taking on more staff can't come soon enough. At the same time, please give them basic training as to how to serve people in turn. For the record, ales were Sharp's Doom Bar, Greene King IPA & Abbot, Lancaster Chestnut Red, Stardust Optic Pale Ale & Kansas Avenue Wise Donkey. Black Dragon was the cider. Unfortunately, my visit was soured by the awful service.
10 Dec 2019 19:51
The last time I was here was when it was called the Hobgoblin. Now called the Maiden's Head, it is significantly improved. The lighting was much better and despite it being a Monday evening, there were a few in. One group were eating. It looks like they regularly have Rebellion beers. On my visit, they had both Roasted Nuts & Zebedee. Guests were Mill Valley Panther & Stardust Curve Ball. I tried the Panther. Whilst drinking, I noticed several Lilley's ciders listed behind the bar. But these all turned out to be bottles. Otherwise, I would have stayed for another. Nevertheless, this place is much improved.
10 Dec 2019 19:44
Maidenhead Conservative Club, Maidenhead
The last time I was out drinking in Maidenhead in 2010, I was refused entry to the Conservative Club. This time I was much luckier. The Club is fairly cosy inside, with a small room at the front and a much larger one at the rear. All regulars were at the rear. 5 real ales are dispensed. Although, all were national staples - London Pride,Doom Bar, Directors, Southwold Bitter & Boltmaker. The steward behind the bar was friendly and happy to chat about the ales served. My Boltmaker was fine. Although, none of the selection was really to my taste. As did BoehmBawerk, I also visited the Grenfell Arms (still not on the site). It was a slight improvement on the Conservative Club, but not really worth the extra walk out of town. No sign of Theresa at the Club, by the way.
10 Dec 2019 19:39
Now called Gordon's on Queen Street, this is a welcoming street corner pub serving a couple of real ales. These were Fuller's London Pride & Rebellion Roasted Nuts. Within minutes of sitting down, I was offered complimentary sausage rolls - a really nice touch. My Roasted Nuts was in a good condition.
10 Dec 2019 19:31
This place is now called Off The Tap and despite not being on my hitlist for my Monday evening visit to Maidenhead, it was my favourite pub. Whilst it was fairly quiet during my visit, there is plenty of seating. A pool table and darts board is situated to the right of the bar. On the real ale front, there was Siren Suspended in Loral, Electric Bear Comet & Marston's Pedigree. There were also a couple of Lilley's fruit ciders - Mango & Tropical and a selection of craft beers. With a CAMRA discount offered, my Tropical Cider was reasonably priced. Pizzas are served. Looks like it has only recently opened. But Off The Tap is well worth a visit.
10 Dec 2019 19:27
Corner pub a few minutes walk north of the train station. The barman looked at me with a little suspicion as I entered. Others in were clearly locals. Just the solitary real ale was on. This was Rebellion Top Gun, a pale ale. A guy sat at the bar was sat with a pint of what looked very much like a real cider. But I couldn't see any sign of one. So, I stuck with the Top Gun. Fairly average pub.
10 Dec 2019 19:22
The Greyhound was to be our final stop of the day on a short crawl of 6 Berkshire pubs. Sadly, there was no chance of a beerintheevening today, as it was a private Christmas party for the staff. Hopefully I'll have better luck next time.
8 Dec 2019 21:44
The Swan re-opened during the summer after a period of closure. It is now a community-run pub with 3 Windsor & Eton ales on handpull. Guardsman is the regular. The other 2 on our visit were Conqueror & Vote Beer. My Conqueror was well-kept. Nice interior, albeit a bit quiet. Whilst we were the only customers on entry, another 3 had appeared before we departed. A decent local that is well worth supporting.
8 Dec 2019 21:42
Today was my first ever visit to Cookham. The Old Swan Uppers was the solitary pub we tried in the village itself. It's a nice old building in a village that is full of character. The bar is at the front, with a dining room at the rear. Tapas appears to be a speciality. Fuller's London Pride & Brain's The Rev James are the regular ales. Guests were Butcombe Original & Black Sheep Best Bitter. Moved on from here to the Jolly Farmer at nearby Cookham Dean, which was slightly better, albeit not listed on BITE.
8 Dec 2019 21:33
Second stop in Berkshire today after a visit to the Barleycorn in Cippenham was this very unusual pub on the banks of the Thames. Getting here can be tricky. I approached from Bourne End, crossed the river using the railway bridge and wandered up the muddy towpath. I wasn't expecting to find it open, especially as TripAdvisor records it as closed. But notices on the railway bridge displayed its winter hours (3 hours on a Friday) and 6½ hours on a Saturday and on a Sunday. The building seemed like a large shack from the inside. There are flags on the ceiling. There are 2 separate rooms, with the bar in the front one. It smelt overwhelmingly of wet dogs and whilst there were around 20 or so customers, I seemed to be the only one not being accompanied by a canine. There were a number of kids too. Given its position, most of the clientele were in Wellington boots. The 3 real ales were all from Rebellion. They were Grumpy Cow, Mutiny At The Bounty & Winter Roy. They also had Old Rosie cider. Certainly one of the harder to get to pubs I have visited across the country. But nevertheless, I think it was worth the effort.
8 Dec 2019 21:27
The Cheshire Cheese, Tower Hill
With just time to try 1 more pub before heading home with the commuters, I chose this pub tucked underneath the railway arches of Fenchurch Street station. There was nothing particularly special about the pub. A private function was being held upstairs. All seats were also taken downstairs, where live football was about to be shown on multiple screens. Fuller's London Pride & Sharp's Doom Bar are the regular ales here. Guests were Black Sheep Best Bitter & Hardy & Hanson's Rocking Rudolph. I was hoping for a real cider. But, they no longer serve it. Disappointing.
6 Dec 2019 22:09
My second stop on a Thursday evening visit to the City was this Nicholson's establishment near to Aldgate tube station. I'd just come from the Craft Beer Company's nearby branch (not listed on BITE). Not venturing into the City too often, I never failed to be surprised as to just how busy these pubs get. Even with it being only a Thursday, nearly all pubs in the area were packed. Fuller's London Pride is the regular ale here. Guests were Marston's Pedigree, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Sharp's Sunset Red & St Austell Jolly Holly. I was impressed that they had a real cider. This was Devon Mist. It's clearly an old pub and whilst there was no realistic change of me getting a seat, it was quite a nice drinking environment. Not as good as the Craft. But certainly above average.
6 Dec 2019 22:03
After a visit to the ever-reliable Grapes, we decided to finish in this newly re-opened pub. As the Roscoe Arms, this place was nothing out of the ordinary and I must have walked past it hundreds of times. As the Butterfly & Grasshopper, it is now something very much out of the ordinary. The interior has been nicely done out. Whilst there is a focus on attracting a more upmarket clientele, there are still a couple of real ales. These were Sharp's Atlantic & Laine's Doubloon. Cocktails and sprits seem to be a mainstay though. We were the only customers. The 3 members of staff outnumbered the 2 of us. On heading up the stairs, one of the owners politely informed me that I was a grasshopper. All became apparent at the top of the stairs.
6 Dec 2019 21:44
Peter Kavanagh's is the current Liverpool CAMRA Pub of the Year. We haven't visited for almost 4 years. So, we thought it about time that we paid another visit. As you'd expect, it's completely unchanged. Always quiet during the daytime, it had a reasonable ale selection. Greene King Abbot is always on. Guests were Big Bog Stog & Swampy, Rock The Boat Waterloo Sunset & Mobberley Brewhouse Concept #35 English IPA. I'm not convinced it is the best pub in the city. But despite being a fair walk from the centre, I'd always recommend a visit here for any pub/beer tourist.
6 Dec 2019 21:37
This is a pub that we don't visit often enough. Whilst only fairly small, there is always a nice atmosphere in here and there is generally a decent choice of real ales, with the added advantage of a real cider. Slater's 1 Hop, Republic Of Liverpool Northern Powerhouse, Melwood Dark Matter & Cross Bay Zenith were the 4 ales. Black Bart was the cider. One of Liverpool's best pubs, in my opinion.
6 Dec 2019 21:32
The Augustus John, University of Liverpool
The Augustus John is still only open between the hours of 12-11 on weekdays. I try to make a point of visiting when we're in Liverpool midweek, despite it being away from most decent Liverpool pubs. Ales on our Thursday lunchtime social were Rock The Boat Fab Four, Green Duck Smooth Criminal & Millstone Tiger Rut. As usual, there were a few real ciders - Barbourne Crimson King, Pulp Apple Cider, Abrahall's Cracklin' Rosie & Orchard Pig Navel Gazer. There's still many pumpclips to admire on the ceiling. I hear they may be knocking it down soon. Hopefully there will be a suitable replacement.
6 Dec 2019 21:28
The Font is another Liverpool pub that opens in the morning during the week. There were already a few students in. The 2 real ales were Big Bog Hunky Punk & Mobberley Brewhouse Solstice, whilst the cider was Rosie's Triple D. There's a good selection of craft beers in bottles and cans. The interior remains pretty much unchanged.
6 Dec 2019 21:23
First stop on a Thursday morning/lunchtime visit to Liverpool pubs was the Lime Kiln. It wasn't as busy as usual. Maybe the area outside cordoned off by the police (presumably after the previous night's revelries) had something to do with that. But the ale selection is still one of the best for Liverpool's Wetherspoon branches. On this occasion, the regular Ruddles Best was supplemented by Peerless Pool Street Porter, Coach House Postlethwaites & Blonde Ale, Bell's Light Hearted Ale, Cotleigh Red Nose Reinbeer, Vale Good King, Parker Barbarian Bitter & Saxon Red Ale, Wolf Santa Paws & Elgood's A Christmoose Carol. Ciders were Old Rosie & Black Dragon. A decent start to the morning.
6 Dec 2019 21:19
With most of New Brighton devoid of life late at night, this was the only place open after midnight for a nightcap. It was fairly lively inside, with regulars packed around the bar. Doom Bar & Landlord are now the 2 real ales. Possibly not as good as the Harbour and the James Atherton opposite and not a patch on the Bow-Legged Beagle or the Homebrew Tap, the Perch Rock was still a decent place for a nightcap on our midweek visit to New Brighton.
6 Dec 2019 21:13
We had another disappointing visit to the Welkin on Wednesday night. As Wetherspoon's go, this is poorer than average. But it always seems to be busy. The ale selection was dominated by Christmas ales. Sharp's Doom Bar, Ruddles Best & Greene King Abbot are the regular ales. Guests were Greene King Abbot Reserve, Inveralmond Bheira, Otter Claus, Daleside Santa's Progress, Bateman's Rosey Nosey & Cotleigh Red Nose Reinbeer. Staff seemed a bit too keen to point out that they were closing soon.
6 Dec 2019 21:09
We ventured into this hostelry on Wednesday evening. It was very busy, as you would expect, being so close to the football stadium. The keg selection was Carlsberg, Brooklyn Lager, Somersby, Tetley's Extra Cold, Guinness, San Miguel & Angelo Moretti. Plenty of Liverpool memorabilia as you'd expect. But certainly not my cup of tea!
6 Dec 2019 21:03
The Harbour is now one of several pubs in the Victoria quarter of New Brighton. You can have quite a decent crawl. The interior of this pub feels quite cosy. Although the music was a bit too loud for my liking. Big Bog Padi was the real ale on offer on this visit.
6 Dec 2019 21:00
This is now the New Brighton Hotel. After the delights of the Bow-Legged Beagle micropub and the Homebrew Tap (both opposite and not listed on BITE), this was a massive disappointment. It's a large place where a band appeared to be setting up. Although there was only one other customer. Gents toilets had no lights. Although I was directed to another gents with lighting. Whilst there are handpulls, they no longer serve real ale. The keg selection was Stella Artois, Carling, Estrella Damm, Fosters, Coors Light, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruit, Open Gate Citra IPA, Marston's 61 Deep, Heineken, John Smith's Gold, Guinness & Peroni. Worst pub I tried in New Brighton. I moved on to the James Atherton (another pub missing from the site).
6 Dec 2019 20:52
We were stopping overnight in New Brighton and this was the nearest pub selling real ale to our hotel. IPA, Abbot & Fireside was the choice. It's a large, soulless where you can no doubt eat cheap food. I didn't stick around too long, as there are far better establishments to drink in whilst in the town.
6 Dec 2019 20:47
The Corner Bar seems a bit darker than I remember. It's a handy place to head to if you've got spare time whilst changing trains at Crewe. With just enough time for a very swift half, we arrived to find a selection of Timothy Taylor Landlord, Theakston Atlantic Red, Otter Bitter & Fuller's Boardwalk. Service was quick.
6 Dec 2019 20:38
It was fairly busy in here on a Wednesday lunchtime visit. Most people seemed to be in for the food. Sharp's Doom Bar is the regular beer. Guests were Rudgate Hop For Heroes, Five Points Citrus Pale & Pheasantry Blue Steel. There were also a number of craft beer options, including bottles and cans in the fridges. Ok for a swift one.
6 Dec 2019 20:33
Over 5 years since our last visit, our final stop in Leicester on Sunday evening was the Kings Head. It remains pretty much unchanged from our last visit. There are entrances at either end of the pub. On this visit, the ale range was Black Country Ales BFG, Fireside, Pig On The Wall & Plum Pig, Quantock Ralehead, Leatherbritches Bad Boy, Springhead Drop O' The Black Stuff, Bluestone Hammer Stone & Frothblowers Gollop With Zest. Ciders were Gwynt y Ddraig Farmer's Pride & Pulp Mango & Lime. Still a reliable place and the best in this area, now that Broood has closed.
3 Dec 2019 21:23
The Real Ale Classroom, Leicester
I've been meaning to try this micropub to the South East of Leicester city centre for a while. We finally managed to get there on Sunday lunchtime. Run by a couple of ex-teachers, the pub is themed as a classroom. The blackboard (or should it be chalkboard these days?) listed a number of real ales and also craft beers. Not all of the real ales were on. But they appeared to have Titanic Plum Porter, Magic Rock High Wire, Mobberley Brewhouse Sidekick, Faversham Red Ale & Siren Suspended In Lemondrop. Craft beers were Almastic Mosaic x Nelson, Wylam Economic Growth Of Geek & Shiny/Vibrant Cherry Truffle. The latter was a delicious, but very heavy beer at a hefty 8.2%. There were also a couple of real ciders from Saxby's in the chiller - Original & Blackcurrant, with their 3.9 also available on keg. This is a very pleasant drinking environment spread over 2 rooms. Locals were friendly and eager to chat, whilst the sheer number of pumpclips on the approach to the toilets signify that ale turnover has been extremely good. We sought advice for our next stops in the Real Ale Classroom and moved onto another micropub (the Queens Road Tap) and a beer festival at the Knighton & Clarendon Park Conservative Club. Neither are listed on here.
3 Dec 2019 21:12
This place is now called the Silk Mill. We did think that it had the appearance of a Wetherspoon's. As an unscheduled stop, courtesy of Cross Country trains cancelling our train, it wasn't too shabby. It served our hour of need on Sunday morning with a warm drinking environment and friendly service. Ales were all fairly bog standard - Sharp's Doom Bar, Greene King IPA & Abbot, Morland Old Golden Hen, Fuller's London Pride & Timothy Taylor Landlord. But we also noticed the selection of Lilley's ciders in the fridge - Lemon & Ginger, Firedancer, Gladiator, Merry Monkey & Bee Sting. The latter was soon replaced by a Mango Cider & Santa Cider. There's plenty of seating and multiple TVs showing Caribbean cricket. After a few swift halves, we returned to the station only to find our next train was cancelled too. Seems like this place changes hands quite regularly. But I'll try it again the next time I'm stranded in Nuneaton.
3 Dec 2019 21:03
The Plough was my final stop in Bedfordshire on a cold Saturday night. Surprisingly, it was my first Fuller's pub of the trip. HSB & London Pride are the regular ales. Oliver's Island & Ghost Ship were the guests. The pub was fairly quiet, with just a couple of drinkers at the bar, a group finishing off a meal, the barmaid and myself. The interior is however, nicely appointed. With very low beams, its clearly a fairly old building. Parking is opposite and across the road.
3 Dec 2019 20:55
The Oddfellows Arms, Toddington
The Oddfellows Arms was easily the busier of the pubs I tried in Toddington on Saturday evening. But the ales were only southern English staples - Fuller's London Pride, Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter & Butcombe Original. A nice and lively drinking environment. But I preferred the solitude of the Cuckoo.
3 Dec 2019 20:51
The Cuckoo is a rather strange pub. It has the feel of a residential dwelling, with a corridor from the front door leading to 2 large rooms. The one on the right houses the bar and some fairly unusual seating. I didn't enter the other room. But it clearly had a pool table. 3 ales were on - Leighton Buzzard Cuckoo, Tring Codey & Crouch Vale Sputnik. A nice drinking environment with no music.
3 Dec 2019 20:48
This bar is now called the Woburn Ale House. It is situated on Woburn's main street. Not having been to this town/village before, I was impressed by its character. The street was well lit and it had a real festive feel. Congratulations to all of the residents and businesses for making it look so attractive on what was a cold and foggy November evening. The bar was quiet when I first entered. But I got the impression that this was just a lull in proceedings and it soon filled up. On the negative side, the owner appeared to be having a few technical issues. There were just 3 real ales on - Leighton Buzzard Restoration Ale, Hornes Black Antler & Mad Squirrel Mister Squirrel. There was no real cider either, apart from a mulled option from Cornish Orchards. Nevertheless, the Black Antler was perfectly palatable. With a better range of beers and/or ciders, this could well have been the best pub of my visit to Bedfordshire. But on this occasion, it fell just short.
3 Dec 2019 20:43
Aspley Guise is a very nice village. But, this pub and the whole street it sat in have been converted to flats/houses.
3 Dec 2019 20:36
Another pub that is now closed. Whilst it was dark, the pub sign still appeared to be present. Somebody seemed to be moving furniture indoors from what is or used to be the car park. I'm not sure whether the pub will re-open or whether it has now become a private dwelling.
3 Dec 2019 20:35
The Carpenters Arms, Cranfield
It looks like nobody heeded the advice in the last post. Long since closed, it is now a private house. There were other options nearby. But, I moved on.
3 Dec 2019 20:33
The Greyhound is another Greene King pub. But unlike other GK pubs I visited in Bedfordshire on Saturday, it had a good selection of guest ales. The full selection was Greene King IPA, Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter, Tring Side Pocket For A Toad, Oakham Citra & Butcombe Chris Moose. Choosing beers was difficult as you had to peer between the local bar hoggers, who in turn seemed to think I wanted to fight. There is a large restaurant area that was being used by a number of kids as an adventure playground. The staff didn't seem to be much older.
3 Dec 2019 20:30
The Admiral was much better than I had expected. Situated near the village duckpond, it's a traditional locals pub with patrons all sat around the bar. Some of the language was a bit choice. But, all were friendly. Unusual for this part of the country, they stock Robinson's beers. Both Cumbria Way & Double Hop were on. In addition, there was 3 Brewers Mild & Porter & Dark Star Hophead. A 6th handpull had Saxby's Blackcurrant Cider, which was a decent surprise.
3 Dec 2019 20:14
The Old Transporter Ale House, Henlow
The Old Transporter Ale House is a micropub on a parade of shops just off a roundabout near the RAF base. It's quite a large premises for a micropub. But seating is well spaced out. Ales are all served by gravity from casks behind the bar. The selection was Potbelly Ground Hog, Tring Pale Four, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Young's Winter Warmer. Ciders can be found in the fridge. There was Lilley's Gladiator, Crazy Goat & Apple & Blackberry & Broadway Press Original & Elderflower, both iced ciders. The latter were both fairly pleasant. This is a friendly drinking environment where families are welcome until 7pm. CAMRA discounts are only on the ales. My favourite new pub in Bedfordshire on Saturday. But unless anything has changed, the Engineers Arms remains the best pub in Henlow.
3 Dec 2019 20:07
The Musgrave Arms, Shillington
To complete my hat trick of Greene King pubs, I visited the Musgrave Arms. Being more in the sticks, this was far more of a traditional locals pub than the previous two. There were a couple of rooms, with a family (possibly the owners) eating in one and a group playing dominoes in the other. Greene King IPA & Abbot are the regular ales. Morland Old Speckled Hen was the third ale. Not bad. But, Greene King seem to be overtaking Charles Wells in Bedfordshire these days.
3 Dec 2019 20:00
Another Greene King pub located in the village of Streatley. This one seemed to be more of a locals pub than the Star at Chalton. A group of what I believe were Spaniards didn't seem to be enjoying the spicy chicken wings and sent them back. I'm not sure if they thought it was tapas. But, they clearly weren't impressed. A couple of others had been eating. But there were people there just for drinks too. 5 ales were on - Morland Old Speckled Hen, Greene King IPA, Abbot & Abbot Reserve & St Austell Tribute. The pub is in a nice location. But, my visit was on an icy and foggy Saturday. So, it was difficult to appreciate. The Sharpenhoe Clappers and the Pegsdon Hills Nature Reserve are both nearby.
3 Dec 2019 19:54
Chef & Brewer (Greene King) pub/restaurant that is close to the M1. IPA & Abbot were the only real ales. On my Saturday visit, most people were in for the food. I was one of only two drinkers. Families are welcomed. But, drinks are very expensive. This was a poor start to a tour of Bedfordshire hostelries.
3 Dec 2019 19:47
After enduring the traffic chaos that is Liverpool right now, I only had time for a swift one near the station before heading home last night. We stepped into Ma Egerton's. It was my first visit for almost 6 years. Far too packed to be enjoyable and with just Butcombe Original & Wadworth 6X on offer, I know why I don't go in more often. We sat outside just opposite the theatre, making it a good spot for people watching. I would rather be drinking decent beer though!
24 Nov 2019 10:22
The Grapes is just about the best pub in this part of town at present. They often offer a real cider, which gets my vote. Although having said that, there was none on our visit yesterday. The ale selection was Melwood Moon Dance & Big River, Parker Barbarian Bitter, Ad Hop Endeavour & Liverpool Pale, Beatnikz Republic Smash Mosaic, Neptune Devil's Hole & Salt Velveteen Cocoa Porte. Gibberish Pineapple Upside Down was one of the craft beer offerings. The drinking environment is quite pleasant with a number of different drinking areas and it always seems friendly.
24 Nov 2019 10:14
The Glan Aber Hotel, Betws-y-Coed
I'll clarify that the cannabis smell was in the car park of the hotel. Judging by the local youths' actions, they were clearly the culprits. But, they weren't customers of the hotel. The hotel/bar's clientele was perfectly respectable.
18 Nov 2019 18:38
Fox and Hounds Inn, Bancyfelin
The Fox & Hounds was due to be our final pub of the night in West Wales. Brown signs direct people off the A40 into the village of Bancyfelin. But, unfortunately they now close early in the evening. At 9:30pm last night, there was no sign of life. According to their website, they have new winter opening hours. No Beerinthevening available here.
18 Nov 2019 18:35
The Boncath Inn is now closed. Although the building still stands. Apparently local residents have been trying to turn it back into a pub. We did manage to do a few other pubs in this neck of the woods that are not listed on BITE. I will seek to add the Butchers Arms at Tegryn, the Ffynnone Arms at Newchapel, the Tafarn Yr Oen at Blaenwaun, the White Lion at Pwlltrap and the Corvus Hotel at St Clears.
18 Nov 2019 18:23
After a gap of almost 9 years, we were back in New Quay to try the Black Lion. It's on a steep hill down towards the sea. The interior has a modern and fairly clinical feel. For a pub in the current Good Beer Guide, the ale range was also disappointing - Glaslyn Ale & Doom Bar. The garden overlooks the bay. It has a children's play area. But, it was all a bit muddy and cold for my 7 year old to enjoy. Not as good as I'd hoped.
18 Nov 2019 18:17
Locals Marston's establishment on the corner of the one-way system and main square in Llanbadarn Fawr. About a dozen locals were in the front bar, whilst there was a Sunday carvery in the rear room. Banks's Amber Bitter & Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold are the regular ales. The guest was Directors. A basic pub, that appears to be the best locally.
18 Nov 2019 18:13
This is a family-owned local pub that has lots of character. Apparently there is an antique shop upstairs. But, the downstairs bar also has plenty to admire. Welsh Pride was the only real ale. But what the pub lacks in ale choice, it more than makes up for with its character. Worth a visit.
18 Nov 2019 18:09
The Victoria was our first stop in Borth late on Sunday lunchtime. It has been nicely refurbished and seemed to be doing a good trade in Sunday lunches. There are nice sea views at the rear. Mantle Moho & Wye Valley HPA are the regular ales. Guests were Glamorgan Cwrw Gorslas & Three Tuns XXX. Staff are friendly.
18 Nov 2019 18:07
My final stop of the night in Barmouth and 15th pub in North West Wales on Friday was the Min-Y-Mor Hotel at the northern end of Marine Parade. Karaoke was on during my visit. The clientele looked they were regulars at the karaoke. Each had their favourite songs. But, a few sounded as if they needed a few more years of practice. Abbot is the only real ale.
18 Nov 2019 18:02
My fourth port of call in Barmouth on Saturday night, was another Marston's establishment near the famous railway bridge over the Mawddach Estuary. You can tell that the interior has a nice, traditional interior. But, it was rather spoiled by a disco with flashing lights. Pedigree is a regular here. Guests were Directors, Wainwright & Sunbeam. There was a mixed set of age groups here and most people seemed to be having a good time, especially the guy dancing away to the music, in front of the DJ's booth. Looks like it would be much nicer on a quieter day.
18 Nov 2019 17:59
After a visit to the Ty Mawr Hotel in Llanbedr (not listed on BITE), we arrived in Barmouth and decided to have dinner in the Tal-Y-Don, a Marston's establishment. Ales were Banks's Amber Ale & Sunbeam & Ringwood Forty Niner. Staff were friendly and the food was reasonable. From here, I moved onto the Royal Hotel which had appalling service and a Robbie Williams tribute act, followed by the best pub/bar in town - the Tilman. Neither are listed on BITE.
18 Nov 2019 17:53
As the previous reviewer says, Y Branwen feels more like a restaurant/hotel than a pub/bar. Nevertheless, they do have Purple Moose Snowdonia Ale and there were a couple of guests from Sharp's - Doom Bar & Atlantic. Staff are friendly and there's a nice slate floor. Otherwise, it was fairly underwhelming.
18 Nov 2019 17:42
Has a nice location at the top of the hill near the castle. But, this place is now closed.
18 Nov 2019 17:39
The Glan Aber Hotel, Betws-y-Coed
The Glan Aber is a hotel with a cosy interior in this busy, tourist town. There are a couple of regular beers - Conwy Welsh Pride & Nant Chwaden Aur. There was also a guest ale, which was Purple Moose Madog's Ale. A few were eating, whilst a big party of drinkers arrived shortly before we left. There is a car park at the rear. But, there was a distinct smell of cannabis from the local youths. We moved on from here to the Pont-y-Pair, at the other end of town, before moving on to Gwesty Ty Gorsaf in Blaeneau Ffestiniog, Y Pengwern in Llan Ffestiniog and the Ship Aground in Talsarnau. None of those are listed in here. I will request the 2 best to be added. In fact, I thoroughly recommend Y Pengwern.
18 Nov 2019 17:29
After a visit to the Pen-y-Bryn (not listed on here) and a brief walk around the town, our last stop in Llanrwst was the New Inn. Saddle Tank was the solitary real ale and we were the solitary customers. The landlord appears to be a Liverpool fan. Another disappointment.
18 Nov 2019 17:22
The Eagles Hotel was the first stop on a Saturday lunchtime visit to Llanrwst. It's a fairly upmarket hotel, with a couple of large rooms for drinking. Dogs are welcome. It took a while to get served. But, there were a couple of ales from the Nant Brewery - Eryr Aur & Prop Hop. Nice surroundings and probably the best choice for a real ale in the town.
18 Nov 2019 17:17
Service has gone downhill here, with staff that don't know what they're doing. It was busy on our Thursday evening visit. Ales were Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Bell's Light Hearted Ale, Cotleigh Red Nose Reinbeer, Redemption Urban Dusk & Rock The Kasbek, Oakham Below Zero & Twickenham Naked Ladies. The cider was Old Rosie. But, it soon ran out before the barman could even get a half out of it. Black Dragon was apparently waiting to come on. But, he wouldn't change it. I chose an ale instead. But, the barman didn't reduce the price. Mind you, it was only my honesty that meant I paid at all, as he wandered off to talk to other customers without taking any payment. It took a good 5-10 minutes to get his attention again. The single barmaid didn't have the best command of the English language and had problems with drink orders and use of the till. We had the curry, which was ok. But, it's not the best value meal.
18 Nov 2019 17:12
Whilst changing trains in Reading, we took the opportunity to try the Castle Tap out. It's a good walk of almost 15 minutes from the station and is a fairly small establishment. With a live band on, entry is from a side entrance in an alleyway. The pub was absolutely packed and the band seemed good too. Although we only got to hear their last 2 or 3 tracks. As we were leaving, another band was setting up. Just 3 real ales were on - West Berkshire Good Old Boy, Bingham's Junga Chinook & Tring Tea Kettle. In addition to a number of craft beers, there were also 4 ciders/perrys - Pang Valley Midway, Orchard Cottage Hitchcox Dry, Cleeve Hill Perry & Venton's Sweet Maid. Whilst it was too busy to fully appreciate (even the bar staff had run out of glasses), I thought this seemed like a really good pub and I will return one day.
10 Nov 2019 14:15
The Bookshop Alehouse, Southampton
The Bookshop Alehouse was the first of 3 micropubs we tried in Southampton yesterday. We also visited Olaf's Tun & Caskaway. But neither of those are listed on here. In my opinion, the Bookshop was the best of the 3. It had a lively atmosphere with a fair few football fans in prior to the game at St Mary's. which is a walk of just over 20 minutes away. The interior has plenty to keep you occupied, with the books, various signage and a wall devoted to adverts for local gigs and other performances. On the ale front, the cask choice was Vibrant Forest Cacaophony, Elusive Punchout, Red Cat Tomcat & Harbour Daymer Extra Pale. There was also an interesting craft beer selection, including a rather unusual sour porter. 4 real ciders were also on, including one I'd never previously had. The selection was Orchard Pig Maverick, Pulp Rhubarb Cider, Dorset Nectar Dabinett & Big Nose Beardy Little Shepherd. Just a single toilet was causing queues. But, with friendly owners and customers, I really liked this micropub.
10 Nov 2019 13:59
The Gordon Arms was a welcome break from the heavy rain in Portswood yesterday lunchtime. It's a fairly basic corner pub, that was showing a Premier League football match on one screen and a Championship one on another. 2 real ales were Doom Bar & 6X. But, a nice surprise was Lilley's Somerset Scrumpy on a third handpull. The cider was extremely cloudy and the taste wasn't the best. But, I've not had any ill effects yet! Better pub than I had expected.
10 Nov 2019 13:51
I've never been a particular fan of the Brewhouse & Kitchen chain. But, I still tend to give them an occasional try. This branch seemed very well appointed at first sight. There appears to be a focus on dining. 4 of their ales are on - On Le Tiss, Speedwell, Walk The Line & Wondership. There was no real cider, just 2 keg options. Service was fairly abysmal. A round for 5 of us came to £26.45 We didn't dare ask the young barmaid for a CAMRA discount, as she was already in a Tiss (excuse the pun). One of my options was a keg stout - Double Tide 8am Craft Stout. Somebody else had ordered a half and another had ordered a pint. The second half poured looked more like a chocolate milkshake. The barmaid had to confirm with us that we didn't want it and that we also no longer wanted a further pint! After waiting what seemed like an eternity for the half to be voided from the till by a manager, we settled up and sat down, only to contemplate that £26.45 for 5 pints sounded very expensive by Southampton standards. My colleague went to the bar to query it and discovered that the pint of stout had been charged and another half had been charged as a pint. So, we'd effectively been charged for 6½ pints instead of 5. Very poor service and the pub is a fair way from any public transport at weekends. So, all in all, I doubt we'll ever be back. A big disappointment.
10 Nov 2019 13:45
I too ate in McDonald's before my final stop of the night. The Orange Tree was the venue for a work's leaving party. So, I stopped by for a couple (most unlike me)! Just the 2 Young's ales were on this time - Ordinary & Special. Guests were St Austell Proper Job & Wimbledon Pitbull. Little has changed since my last visit, possibly apart from an upward movement of prices.
10 Nov 2019 13:35
I broke my vow not to return to the Tap Tavern on Friday. This visit was a far cry from my last one. It was absolutely rammed inside. Getting to the bar was a challenge in itself. Just the 2 ales were on again. These were Turning Point Zeus & Charnwood Carousel. Craft beer options included beers from Work Shy, Weird Beard, Wiper & True, Wild Beer, Siren, Bone Machine, London Beer Factory, Moncada, Wild Horse, Belleville & Buxton. I opted for the Moncada Big Ole Beer, a double imperial stout. At 8.5%, it was delicious. But, at £4.80 a half, I made sure to savour every last drop. I'll upgrade my score to a 6/10 and I may still be back as the craft beer quality and choice is good. But, I could never have a session in here, with these prices.
10 Nov 2019 13:30
The Duke was somewhat of a disappointment. It's 2 rooms were packed on my Friday evening visit. Bar staff were serving people out of order, after long waits. Drinks were overpriced and the selection was poor. The solitary real ale was Doom Bar. I opted for a fizzy keg cider also from Sharp's. Poor.
10 Nov 2019 13:23
Another pub that I've passed before on the way to the river, but had not previously set foot into. The White Swan is tucked away from the town centre, just off the Green. It's more of a gastropub and is obviously used by the well-heeled, as a former Top Gear presenter was dining. Nevertheless, at £4.30 a pint, it was the cheapest drink I had in the town. 4 ales are on. Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter, Otter Bitter & St Austell Proper Job. A guest beer was Surrey Hills Shere Drop, which I chose. Dining is over 2 floors and ensures that most tables are occupied or reserved. But, you may be able to find a spare table as a drinker in the bar area. I grabbed a stool at the bar. Best of the new pubs I tried in Richmond on Friday.
10 Nov 2019 13:20
I've passed this pub many times on the way up the hill to Richmond Park or to the Roebuck. But, aiming to try a few previously unvisited pubs in the town on Friday evening, it was top of my list to visit. The pub is a single, simple bar. The welcome is warm and whilst it was busy and noisy, it was still a pleasant enough drinking environment. A group of what appeared to be electricians were particularly noisy. But, they weren't unfriendly. 3 real ales were on. They have a house beer - Victoria Inn Pale Ale, in addition to Young's Bitter & Well's Bombardier. I enquired about the origins of the house beer and was told it was brewed at the same brewery as the Bombardier. As it was 4%, my best guess is that this was Courage Best rebadged.
10 Nov 2019 13:10
Paid a return visit to this cellar bar in the centre of Richmond on Friday evening. It's now called the Richmond Vault Beer Cellar & Restaurant. I believe the layout has changed since I was last here. The bar is on the left-hand side and is set back from the entrance. A separate dining area is beyond and on another lower level. 3 ales were on handpull. They were Northern Monk Faith & Neapolitan & Roosters Capability Brown. A fourth handpull was clipped with a cider - Sandford Orchards Devon Scrumpy, which was fetched from a cool room to the side of the bar. Being a Friday evening, it was busy. Happy hour was advertised from 5-6pm. It was 5:45pm. So, I thought I was in luck. However, if it's £5.60 a pint for the real cider during happy hour, I dread to think how much it is when things aren't so happy! Certainly one of the better pubs in Richmond, if you can stand the pricing. But then, Richmond itself is expensive in general.
10 Nov 2019 13:03
After a stop at the excellent King's Head Inn at Bwlchgwyn, my final stop of the evening was the Blue Lion. It was very quiet. In fact, I was probably lucky to find it open. I was the only customer. Facer's DHB was the solitary real ale. Live French football was being shown on the TVs, whilst Halloween decorations were still in the fireplace.
4 Nov 2019 20:00
Food-dominated pub on the main road between Ruthin and Denbigh. There were plenty of people eating Sunday lunches at the rear. At the front, there were a couple of empty rooms, one with the bar and another with a pool table. Local drinkers were congregated around the bar. JW Lees Bitter was the solitary real ale. A little disappointing. Moved on from here to the King's Head in Llanrhaedr and the Brookhouse Mill on the outskirts of Denbigh. Neither are listed on BITE.
4 Nov 2019 19:50
The Farmers Arms was my final stop of a short pub crawl in Ruthin, before I headed to the Red Lion Hotel in Cyffyliog, only to find that closed on a Sunday lunchtime. The Farmers Arms was very quiet, with seemingly just one customer, a cyclist ordering apple pie. The real ale was Big Hand Senen.
4 Nov 2019 19:45
There was no sign of life at this pub on Sunday lunchtime. There was a board outside advertising a Halloween party and a notice on the door stating to deliver any post to the rear. I asked in one of the other town pubs what the opening hours. But, apparently it depends if the owner has been out the previous night or not. I returned later in the evening to find it still closed. No chance of a beer in the evening here and judging by the reviews on Trip Advisor, if you book a room here, you'll have little chance of ever getting that either.
4 Nov 2019 19:43
Marston's pub just down the hill from the main square. Another friendly local was received. 61 Deep & Hobgoblin were the 2 real ales. It was quiet on Sunday lunchtime, with just another young couple playing pool on a raised area. Beyond the pool table was a fairly large outdoor area.
4 Nov 2019 19:39
Situated just off the main square, this pub is listed as a Robinson's pub. But the regular ale is Brain's The Rev James. The guest ale was Big Hand Senen. Locals seemed friendly and were chatting football. Complimentary snacks were available on the bar.
4 Nov 2019 19:35
The Castle Hotel is a Wetherspoon's pub/hotel in the main square at the top of the hill in Ruthin. I was here for a Sunday morning breakfast. There are multiple rooms on different levels. The front rooms have quite a grandiose feel. But, as you descend to the bar area, it gets a little dingy. Many tables were covered in plates, mugs and glasses, presumably where previous customers had eaten breakfast and hopefully not from the night before. Finding a clear table was difficult. Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar were on, as you'd expect. Guests were Bishop Nick Divine, Arkell's 3B, Milestone Lock Prop & Barrel & Banks's Short Fuse IPA. Ciders were Old Rosie & Black Dragon. For £2 a pint, the Black Dragon was good value. Popular with families (the pub, not the Black Dragon)!
4 Nov 2019 19:31
Egham United Services Club, Egham
We had another good visit to Egham last night, for the latest festival. Two or three of the ales had already run out by 5pm on a Thursday evening. We managed to sample the Cerne Abbas Gurt's Coconut Rum Stout before that followed suit less than 2 hours later. With 10 ciders and almost 100 ales, it's a great place for the real ale ticker!
1 Nov 2019 18:39
The Fall Well feels like the most worn and downtrodden of Liverpool's various branches of Wetherspoon's. However, the ale range was at least marginally better than their newest offering (the Captain Alexander). The regular ales are Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best. But, they had 3 guest ales from Big Bog - Will O The Wisp, Quagmire & Swampy, in addition to Oakham Bishop's Farewell. The real cider was Black Dragon. Toilets are very poor. How they can be in such a state at 10:15 on a weekday is beyond me. Not the best branch in the city centre. But it's handy for shoppers.
30 Oct 2019 20:23
Tried visiting here today at opening time (10am). The lights were on and there was a guy behind the bar with headphones on. We tried getting his attention, to no avail. After 5 minutes, we gave up and moved on elsewhere, as we had a train to catch. It seems opening times are unreliable here.
30 Oct 2019 20:18
Paid our first visit to the Dispensary last night since Dave unexpectedly sold out last night. A similar range of real ales is still served. But, the quality of the beer is not quite as good as it was previously. Rat White Rate & Titanic Plum Porter & First Class are still on. Guests were Oakham Citra, Ossett Yorkshire Blonde, Rat King Rat & Fernandes Malt Shovel Mild. There is still no real cider and the decent bottled cider has also disappeared from the fridges. The atmosphere felt somewhat lifeless and the clientele was certainly different from previously. But, there were still a fair few in for a Tuesday evening. Not quite what it was. But, I'll certainly be giving it another chance. We moved on from here to a new gastropub on Hope Street called Papillon. I will request that to be added to BITE.
30 Oct 2019 20:11
We stopped by here last night. I was expecting to walk in and walk out again after having been disappointed by the ale selection. However, things seems to have improved. Whilst there were just a couple of real ales - Sharp's Doom Bar & Mission Creep Everybody's Happy Nowadays. But, in addition, they had Lilley's Collider & Chocolate Apple Cider. This was the last place I was expecting to see a cider. We stopped for a swift half, before crossing Bold Street to try the excellent new Bundobust bar/restaurant.
30 Oct 2019 20:01
The Head of Steam is still a reliable port of call in Liverpool city centre. This was our third stop yesterday after the new Wetherspoon's (the Captain Alexander) and the new Cosy Club. Unusually, there were no Cameron's ales on during this visit. The ale selection was Small World Long Moor Pale, Black Lodge Duel of the Iron Mic & What Once Was, Theakston Bitter, Titanic Plum Porter, Abbeydale Damnation & Wilde Child Centennial. The cider was Lilley's Firedancer. It was quite busy for a Tuesday evening. But we were served quickly and we managed to grab a large table at the back. Nice place.
30 Oct 2019 19:55
After visits to the nearby New Unity Pub and the Unbarred Brewery & Taproom (neither listed on BITE), our last stop of the night in Brighton was the World's End. The main entrance is on London Road. But, we entered from Elder Place at the rear. The bar felt more like a nightclub late in the evening, with very loud music. The clientele were mostly youngsters. A large upstairs room appeared to have all kind of games. Just 2 cask ales were on - Laine's Breaker & Tiny Rebel Cwtch. Craft beers were Laine's Ripper & Source, Rodie All Night IPA, Siren Calypso, Loud Shirt Insomnia & Abyss Superfuzz. There was no real cider. Not bad on the beer front. But, not really my kind of pub/bar.
27 Oct 2019 10:55
Caroline of Brunswick, Brighton
This pub was a rather strange place with some strange characters to match. I'm not sure if this was because Halloween is approaching or whether it's always like that. Wychwood Hobgoblin is generally on. They also had the Hobgoblin Gold & Dark Star Hophead. The real cider is Old Rosie. Gents toilets are at the rear, where there was also an outdoor drinking area. The gents themselves are rather cramped. Unusual pub. But, not unlikeable.
27 Oct 2019 10:42
The Admiral appears to have gone downhill since my last visit. A band was setting up on our Saturday evening. But, otherwise it was very quiet. Just 2 real ales were on, which was disappointing for a Saturday night. They were Kissingate Sussex & Bedlam Boneshaker. The latter was a brown ale, which was acceptable. But, this is now longer anywhere near as it used to be.
27 Oct 2019 10:37
Returned to this establishment early on a Saturday evening. It is now called the Free Haus and is owned by the Brighton Bier Company. 4 cask ales were on - Brighton Bier West Pier & South Coast IPA, Franklin's Eclipse & Harbour Cornish Bitter. There is also a much-improved craft beer range and they now stock many ciders. The cider selection was Kentish Pip Skylark, Vintage Pip & Craftsman, Purbeck Muddy Scamp, Heck's Farmhouse Dry & Ascension Can I Play With Mangoes, Whispers In The Shadows & Prodigal Son. The interior has not changed much from my last visit. But, the drinks range certainly has improved. One to return to again one day.
27 Oct 2019 10:27
The Dolphin was the last of a trio of pubs we visited on South Street yesterday lunchtime. Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter is the regular ale. Guests were Brakspear Oxford Gold, Long Man Marzen & Long Man Best Bitter. Comfortable enough place. But, not the best pub on the street. Our last stop before heading to the station was a new bottle shop just around the corner from here and where you could drink inside. I'll request that to be added to BITE.
27 Oct 2019 10:19
Greene King pub on South Street with a cosy interior. An unusual feature is a photo booth to the left-hand side of the bar as you enter. It was in use and was reasonably priced. Hardy & Hanson's Olde Trip is the regular beer. Guests were Greene King Heritage, Redemption Hotspur & Timothy Taylor Landlord. Handpulls for both Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig ciders were hidden away at the side. Has a fair bit of character and was quite likeable.
27 Oct 2019 10:15
This is a decent corner pub in the Little Chelsea area of the town. There are two distinct areas - a main bar area and a slightly larger area for seating. But, the pub is relatively small. 4 TV screens were showing live football, with 2 showing a Premier League match and a further 2 showing a Championship match. Staff and customers were friendly and happy to recommend their beers of choice. Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter was on. The 3 guests were Long Man American Pale Ale, Gun Extra Pale & Exmoor Exile Apollo. Ciders were Weston's Old Rosie & Thatcher's Stan's Big Apple. Nice community local.
27 Oct 2019 10:10
The London & County is a branch of Wetherspoon's, situated on a corner just opposite the railway station. It made a convenient first port of call in Eastbourne yesterday lunchtime. It was quite busy, with most tables taken and the pub was doing a roaring trade in food sales. There was the usual Wetherspoon's selection of Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar. Guests were Long Man Best Bitter, Wood's Shropshire Lad & Lacon's Affinity. The 3 real ciders were Weston's Old Rosie, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. It wasn't my round. So, no idea on pricing. Otherwise, not a bad start for a short crawl of the town.
27 Oct 2019 10:04
The Weir Bar and Dining Room, Brentford
Second pub of a seven pub crawl of Brentford after starting at the Magpie & Crown, was the Weir. It's a fairly upmarket place that enjoys a lovely location. Two handpulls looked promising. But, the Landlord clip was turned and it was soon revealed that the London Pride was off too. So, the selection was Amstel, Punk IPA, Aspall's, Curious Brew, Guinness, Pilsner Urquell, Camdel Hells & Hophouse Lager. There was a large and noisy party in one area, with a few other drinkers scattered around. The pub has a large garden. The most disappointing pub of last night's crawl.
24 Oct 2019 21:40
Having been to the Stable a few times before, last night was my first visit to One Over The Ait, which is in the same housing development. It is a Fuller's pub with a fairly nice feel inside. 3 real ales were on - Pride, Seafarers & Hophead. I opted for the Seafarers. Apparently there are views of the river. But, it was too dark to notice. Not one I'd return to and we swiftly moved on to the Stable and the Express.
24 Oct 2019 21:32
After visits to the Black Dog Beer House (I won't review this again) and the Royal Horse Guardsman (not listed on BITE), our next stop was due to be O'Riordan's. But, the pub is now closed. Apparently, it is due to be converted into flats.
24 Oct 2019 21:27
The Weir Bar and Dining Room, Brentford
After a brief visit to the nearby Magpie & Crown, we headed to the Weir Bar & Dining Room. Of 7 pubs we visited in Brentford on a Wednesday night, this was the worst. There were a couple of handpulls. One had London Pride and the other had Landlord with the clip turned round. However, it turned out that the Pride was also off. As such, the selection was Amstel, Punk IPA, Aspall's, Curious Brew, Guinness, Pilsner Urquell, Camden Hells & Hophouse Lager. There was a large and noisy party in one area. There is also a large garden area. But overall this is a disappointing place. Nice location though.
24 Oct 2019 21:21
Stopped off at Freshfield for a quick one here yesterday. This micropub was much busier than on my previous visit. But, it felt much more cliquey than on my previous visit. Locals seem to know one another, but weren't particularly friendly or welcoming to a stranger. Ales were 3 Piers Endeavour, Lancaster Red & Mithril Flower Power. They also had Hartland Farmhouse Perry. It's extremely handy for the station. But, there are many better micropubs in the wider area. Moved on from here to the Trap & Hatch in Waterloo, another micropub not listed on here, which was better.
21 Oct 2019 21:25
Another visit to the Grasshopper yesterday. This has to be one of Merseyside's best pubs, if not its best. Staff are always friendly and knowledgeable, whilst customers are also friendly. Both children and dogs are welcome. Yesterday's ale selection was Moorhouse's Pendle Witches Brew, Salopian Oracle, Heritage Masterpiece & Oatmeal Stout, Slater's Haka, George Wright Oktoberfest Kapf & Bowness Bay Lakeland Blonde. Ciders & perrys were Heck's Hendre Huffcap Perry, Lilley's Rhubarb Cider & Crazy Goat, Abrahall's Thundering Molly, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Rich's Legbender. Great micropub.
21 Oct 2019 21:19
Took a trip to Southport yesterday (Sunday) and had a good hour or so in the Tap & Bottles, to escape the rain. Cask ales were Northern Morn 5.07 & Bristol Beer Factory Milk Stout & Low Rider. Bristol Beer Factory Subtropic was later poured through. There were also 3 boxed ciders - Seacider Sticky Toffee Pudding, Thistly Cross Elderflower & Hogan's Lonely Partridge Perry. Still the best pub in Southport itself.
21 Oct 2019 21:13
It's rare that we drink near Goodison Park on matchdays. But, with an early kick-off, we decided to have a pre-match pint here. Service wasn't particularly quick and the ale range was poor. The 3 regular ales were Sharp's Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best. The guest ale was Arkell's 3B. I was hoping that the pub was taking part in the Wetherspoon's festival, but clearly not. There was no real cider either. Pretty poor. It will be at least 10 years before I'm back.
21 Oct 2019 21:06
Black Lodge Brewing, Liverpool
The Black Lodge have now moved a short distance to King's Dock Street. They were initially closed when we first arrived, as they were conducting a brewery tour. But, I returned later to find much more spacious premises than their old warehouse on Kitchen Street. They also have a cask ale now and they had held a recent beer festival, meaning they had a few extra casks around the corner. I had a 9.2% No Apology Necessary and a Duel Of The Iron Mic, which was a bit more respectable at 5%. Managed to play a massive game of Connect 4 on one table. But, it was all fairly quiet, with a couple walking out as I walked in and one other guy coming and going, drinking a tasting paddle during his short visit. Staff were friendly. This does seem an improvement on the previous premises.
21 Oct 2019 19:37
The Baltic is still a fairly reliable place for a visit. It was very busy on our Saturday afternoon visit, with both bars full. Ales were Red Star Denley Moor (went off before I could try it), Robinson's Trooper Day Of The Dead, Big Bog Hinky Punk, Melwood Franklin's Tower, Brimstage Trapper's Hat & Parker Barbarian Bitter. The cider was Rosie's Pig.
21 Oct 2019 19:30
After a visit to the excellent Pint Shop (not listed on BITE), my final new pub in Birmingham City Centre was this café in a lively area next to New Street station. Three real ales are served - Birmingham Brewing Company Pale Brummie, Kinver Noble/Over The Edge & Fowne's Guendoline's Guile. There are also a number of craft beers on draught and in bottles. The cakes also looked tempting. Whilst downstairs looks like a café, there is another room upstairs where a band appeared to be setting up. Worthy of a stop if in this neck of the woods.
15 Oct 2019 19:25
The Gunmakers Arms, Birmingham
Sunday was my first visit to this place on the edge of the city centre. It has a run-down feel (in a good way, if that is possible). There were only 3 other customers and a large dog hanging around the bar. Ales were all from the Two Towers brewery - Complete Muppetry, Hockley Gold, Chamberlain Pale Ale, Baskerville Bitter, Rennaissance & Ringbearer. I opted for the Ringbearer, an 8% barley wine. I normally enjoy a barley wine. But, this seemed a long way off its best. Certainly a pub with plenty of character though.
15 Oct 2019 18:58
The Wynnstay Arms Hotel, Machynlleth
The Wynnstay Arms Hotel is a complete contrast to the town's other pubs. It is a fairly plush hotel/restaurant. The only drawback was that other than another couple, we were the only customers. Despite this, neither of us could get service when we arrived. The bar area is tiny with one large table. But, at the front is a much larger area with all tables made up for dining. Cader Gold & Red Bandit are the two real ales. A major plus point for me was Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze & Black Dragon ciders. This appears to be the only place in town serving real cider. Probably the second best place for a beer in the evening in Machynlleth. We moved on from here to the nearby White Horse and then the Tafarn Dwynant in Ceinws and the Dovey Valley Hotel in Cenmaes Road. None of these are listed on BITE. But, I will try to get them added.
14 Oct 2019 19:50
The White Lion Hotel, Machynlleth
The White Lion was my favourite pub of the day in Powys and certainly seems to be the best pub in town. It's conveniently located slap bang in the middle and it has a good selection of 6 real ales - Evan Evans Go Reds, Conwy Black Witch, Big Bog Bayou, Sharp's Sea Fury, Fuller's London Pride & Robinson's Trooper. There were plenty of people in, including a few in a small smoking shelter at the rear and overlooking the car park. International football was on the TV. My Black Witch was also very enjoyable.
14 Oct 2019 19:46
The Skinners Arms, Machynlleth
The Skinners Arms was our second stop in Machynlleth. After a visit to the very basic Dyfi Forester (not listed on BITE), the Skinners Arms felt much more civilised. That is not to downplay the Dyfi Forester. It certainly had its own charm. The Skinners Arms has a public bar where the pool table takes up much of the space and a much more cosy lounge. Toilets were fairly disgusting. As a Marston's pub, the ale range was limited. The regular ale is Banks's Amber Ale and the guest was Thwaite's Wainwright.
14 Oct 2019 19:43
The Kerry Lamb was slightly disappointing. It's nicely appointed with a dining area at the front with a public bar and games room at the rear. Butty Bach is the regular ale. Tribute was the guest. Horse racing was on the TV and locals were certainly smoking something out of the norm.
14 Oct 2019 19:35
The Dragon Hotel is situated at the top end of the town's market place, next to the church. It definitely feels more like a hotel bar than a traditional pub. But, the ale range appears to be on the more adventurous side for the town. Ales were Monty's Old Jailhouse, Salopian Oracle & Edin Brew Citra Pale. Inside is all very nicely decorated. But, it feels a little too clinical. Lovely building on the outside though.
14 Oct 2019 19:31
First of two ports of call in Montgomery was the Crown, a cosy locals' pub. A few regulars were in and the rugby was on the TV. Wye Valley Butty Bach is the regular ale. Guests were Three Tuns XXX and Sharp's Doom Bar. Mrs S enjoyed the lemon sherbet gin and duly polished off the bottle.
14 Oct 2019 18:51
The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke
Our first stop on a trip to Powys was this pub on the border with England. Tucked away just off the main road, I'm not sure how much passing trade this pub gets. But, we were the only customers, as the landlord was doing his ironing, whilst watching the rugby World Cup. Just the one real ale was on. This was Brakspear Oxford Gold. Apparently turnover had been slow of late. But the 11 real ciders easily made up for that. The selection was Lilley's Rhubarb Cider, Pineapple Cider, Cherries & Berries & Crazy Goat, Dudda's Tun Elderflower Cider & Apricot Cider, Gwynt y Ddraig Autumn Magic & Farmer's Pride, Abrahall's Clementine Perry, Harry's Prince Harry's Ginger Cider & Sandford Orchards Hangy Down. Two new ones for me here. So, I had both. The pub lacked atmosphere on our visit. But, I was more than happy with the ciders.
14 Oct 2019 18:46
Was back in here yesterday after a 3 year gap. Waited 10 minutes to get served, before giving up and slogging up the hill to the station. There was easily enough time to note down the ale selection - Moorhouse's Pendle Witches Brew, Brains SA, Reedley Hallows Pendleside & Milestone Lock Prop & Barrel. They also had Black Dragon cider, which would have been my choice. However, with only 2 staff serving and with them serving people out of sequence, we weren't the only customers to give up waiting. Downgrading my score to 1/10, as they are understaffed and unable to deal with demand.
6 Oct 2019 11:47
The Bridge still appears to be Burnley's best pub. It was busy as usual on a match day, with crowds spilling out onto the pavement at the front. Ales were Moorhouse's Premiership & Belisha, Kirkby Lonsdale Single Track, Northern Whisper Fine Fettle & Reunion Opening Gambit. The cider was Slack Alice.
6 Oct 2019 11:43
Thwaite's pub that is in a central location. The building is old. But, you would never guess it from the modern and characterless interior. Gold, Amber & IPA were the 3 real ales. It was quite busy with the post-match crowd. But, it soon thinned out. A disappointment.
6 Oct 2019 11:39
The Ministry of Ale always seems to be popular with away fans visiting Turf Moor. It's very convenient for Manchester Road station. The small interior is very traditional. My only criticism would be the lack of any darker beers. The ale selection was Moonstone Nelson's Ale, MIlestone Lock Prop & Barrel, Reunion Talwar & Firebrand Pale. One of Burnley's better pubs.
6 Oct 2019 11:36
Now called the Speakeasy and easy to overlook, as it's hidden away at the rear of the Ferret. But, this was best of the 3 pubs we visited in Preston yesterday lunchtime. Neither the Vinyl Tap nor the Plug & Taps (the other 2 we tried) are listed on BITE. But, they were decent too. The Speakeasy felt quite dark inside. There were 3 other customers at the bar and the Rugby World Cup was on the TV. The ale range was good - Donkeystone Ferris Miler, Rivington Downdays, Escape Virgil Hilts, Hophurst Wolf & Porteresque, Crankshaft Tiger Club & Speakeasy House Pale (not sure who the brewer was). They also had a cider - Lilley's Cherries & Berries.
6 Oct 2019 11:28
Tuesday night was a first visit for me to this pub on the main Uxbridge Road. It now stocks a range of craft beers, in addition to a solitary real ale, which was Sambrook's APA. It's a fairly spacious pub, with a number of screens showing live football. There's several better pubs in the area.
6 Oct 2019 11:10
I was back in the Dodo on a miserable Tuesday evening. This micropub is still as good as ever and rates as one of London's best pubs in my opinion. The ale range was Beatnikz Republic Leather Sole, Bristol Beer Factory Lost In Belgium, Howling Hops House IPA & Tiny Rebel Ice Cream Stay Puft. Ciders were Seacider Blood Orange & White Peach, Abrahall's AM, Severn Kingston Black, Bollhayes Dry & Oliver's Dry. We had a very enjoyable session here.
6 Oct 2019 11:06
Of the 5 pubs in this area that we visited before heading back down south yesterday, the Albion is the only one listed on the site. I've requested for the Rodley Barge and the Owl Inn at Rodley and for the Thornhill Arms at Calverley to be added. The Albion is a no-nonsense locals' boozer. Everybody seemed to know one another. Football was shown on the TV and a raffle was drawn whilst we were in. As outsiders, we didn't feel inclined to join in the raffle, in case we won! Tetley Bitter & Acorn Barnsley Bitter are the regular ales here. The guest was Copper Dragon Scott's 1816. I had the latter. Incidentally, if you're in Greengates, make sure you try the Cracker Barrel. That is a decent micropub that turned out to be my favourite pub of the weekend (not listed on BITE of course).
30 Sep 2019 21:17
Final stop of the night for me in Idle was the Highfield. This was where we were staying. I didn't think it was listed on the site, but eventually found it! There were quite a few youngsters in on my late Saturday evening visit. It's a large pub with a couple of rooms. The house real ale is Naylor's Highfield Blonde. Probably the worst of the 6 places I visited in Idle. But, there's not many pubs in this part of town.
30 Sep 2019 21:05
My 5th port of call in Idle was this locals' place at the top of town. It was very busy on my late Saturday evening visit, with quite a few who were well oiled. A karaoke was in full swing. Tetley Bitter is the regular ale. I had the guest, which was Wadworth Horizon. Not the greatest of pubs. But, I ended up getting a good spec to watch the goings on, before heading a little further uphill to the Highfield Hotel (not listed on BITE) for a nightcap.
30 Sep 2019 21:01
The Brewery Tap is a lively place, where live music is clearly popular. Quite a few were in to watch what appeared to be a rock band. Despite it being busy, I managed to grab a seat. The ale range was disappointing - Timothy Taylor Landlord & Golden Best, Thwaite's Lancaster Bomber & St Austell Proper Job. They no longer stock a real cider. A bit too busy for my liking. I retreated up the hill to the fabulously named Idle Working Men's Club (not listed on BITE).
30 Sep 2019 20:53
Symposium Ale and Wine Bar, Idle
The Idle Beerhouse was my second stop in Idle. The Idle Draper just opposite would have been more enjoyable had it not been so packed. The Saltaire Triple Chocaholic I had there was lovely. The selection in the Idle Beerhouse was not quite so good. But, the drinking environment was much more comfortable. There were 3 real ales - Timothy Taylor Landlord, Goose Eye Whitaker's Golden Revenge & Stod Fold Calypso. There were a few craft beers, but no real cider, despite having had Hogan's visiting for a sampling session earlier in the week. No CAMRA discount was given on halves. The interior is modern, with a drinking/dining area on entry and a raised bar beyond.
30 Sep 2019 20:50
Coopers Bar and Brasserie, Guiseley
Coopers was our final stop in Guiseley. We'd planned to eat here. But, they don't allow kids in after 5pm. I stayed for a quick half, as the ale range was probably the best in town. Timothy Taylor Landlord is the regular ale. Guests were Anarchy Buckfire, Black Sheep Brian, Elland Cherry Stout, Daleside Bitter, Settle Blonde & Wilde Child Centennial. There are a few craft beers too. As with all pubs we visited over the weekend, there is no real cider. It was a shame we couldn't stay longer here.
30 Sep 2019 20:41
The Drop Inn has long since been demolished and replaced by housing. I can recommend the Guiseley Factory Workers Club on the same road. We had also visited the Ings Hotel and moved on to the Red Lion in the town. I have requested all to be added to BITE.
30 Sep 2019 20:34
Saturday was a return visit to Yorkshire. My first stop (the Barnsley Conservative Club) is not listed on here. But, the Junction was our first pub in West Yorkshire. It's home to the Junction Brewery. But, they had run out of beers brewed by themselves. There were only 4 ales that I could see - Tetley Bitter, Wadworth Rising Sun, Salopian Oracle & Bedlam Benchmark. We sat in the cosy snug, which was nicely decorated. Locals were watching horse racing in the bar on our Saturday afternoon visit. Adverts in the local CAMRA magazine suggest that they serve real cider. But, there was no sign of any on my visit. Moved on from here to the Bull's Head Inn in Baildon town centre. It's not listed on here. But, I found it slightly better than the Junction.
30 Sep 2019 20:24
I saved the Dove Inn until last on my visit to Barnsley, having been unsure about their opening times. I'd been earlier in the afternoon and found it closed. For reference, the landlord informed me that they'd been opening at 4pm for as long as he'd been there. This is an Old Mill pub and their Traditional Bitter is the real ale. It was a decent ale. Nice and cosy interior. But, there were no other customers.
25 Sep 2019 21:10
The Crown and Anchor, Barnsley
Traffic in Barnsley was heavy. So, I elected to head out of town to this foodie pub run by the True North Brewery. I opted for their Best Bitter. The Pale Ale was also on. Guests were Acorn Janus IPA, Bad Seed Session IPA & Abbeydale Doctor Morton's Bag O'Nuts. The Bitter certainly wasn't the best I'd ever tasted. Diners were arriving as I was leaving to head back to Barnsley.
25 Sep 2019 21:05
The George and Dragon, Barnsley
I waited and waited for this pub to open. Signs on the outside say it is under new management. Apparently it was bought by somebody who has failed to re-open it. So, I'm not sure if the new management was the old management or whether the new management have pulled a fast one and have other uses in mind for it. Instead, head to the Commercial just up the road. I had a nice Abbeydale Moonshine in there.
25 Sep 2019 20:58
The Moulders Arms is one of 3 pubs in close on Summer Lane or just off it. I was in shortly after opening time at 4pm yesterday. There were just 1 other customer in. He was watching Tipping Point. The interior is very plain and basic. It's a simple no-nonsense boozer. The real ale is Old Peculier.
25 Sep 2019 20:54
As with most pubs in Barnsley, I wasn't expecting this pub to open until later in the afternoon. But, driving into Barnsley, I'd noticed the doors open. My quest to find a real ale in the town drew another blank here. John Smith's, Carlsberg Export, Fosters, Guinness, Heineken, Birra Moretti, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruits, Theakston Best & Amstel were the draught options. The owners seemed friendly. But, the customers obviously seemed it strange to see somebody from out of town in. I moved on from here to the Shaw Lane Sports Club, where my search for a real ale finally struck lucky. They even opened up specially for me. But, they're not listed on BITE.
25 Sep 2019 20:42
Nice pub next to a supermarket where I chose to have lunch on my midweek visit to Barnsley. The restaurant appears to be separately owned. I was pointed in the direction of a small dining room to order food, after first ordering a drink at the bar. They no longer serve real ale here. On keg, there was Guinness, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruits, Stella Artois, Fosters, Sam Smith's Sovereign Bitter, John Smith's, Carling & Coors Light. The interior is quite nice. The food was good value. But the barman/landlord seemed a bit miserable.
25 Sep 2019 20:37
The Courthouse Station, Barnsley
Impressive building near to Barnsley Interchange. It is spacious inside and as the previous reviewer states, it's similar to a Wetherspoon's and is even complete with upstairs toilets. Customers were of the older variety on my visit too. There are only keg options available - Carling, Carling Black Fruits, Stowford Press, Fosters, John Smith's Extra Smooth, Guinness, Caffrey's, Pravha, Coors Light & Stella Artois. Not the best start to a crawl of Barnsley pubs and clubs that I had not previously visited. If in the area, I would recommend a visit to the Jolly Tap Real Ale Café in a shopping arcade not too far from the Courthouse. It's certainly one of the best, if not the best choice in the town.
25 Sep 2019 20:30
Pepper Saint Ontiod, Isle of Dogs
This Antic pub in the Docklands enjoys a nice location in the middle of the docks, with water pretty in close proximity. Many were enjoying the outdoor seating. I elected to stay indoors, where there were still a fair few. Strangely, there was a bouncer on the door. There's the usual mish-mash of furniture and 2 of the ales were from Volden - Session & Autumn. The guest was Adnams Ghost Ship. A visit upstairs to the toilets revealed another large room, with a further solitary drinker. Not, the best Antic pub I've been to. But, probably the best place for a pint in the area. My Autumn was fairly nice.
22 Sep 2019 13:49
Corner pub in a residential area close to Greenwich station. I tried the corner doors at first and then a door at the back, which took me into a storage corridor. There was noise inside and I started to think there was a lock-in! Undeterred, I tried the final door and gained entry. The picture above makes it look obvious which doors to use. But, the doors must have been closed as there was a live band inside. A fair few were in and some seemed quite merry. It was hot inside, with the doors closed. Bar staff were very good and answered my enquiries about the ales with professionalism. 3 of the 4 ales were from Truman's - Runner, Swift & Zephyr. The 4th was Wells Bombardier. Decent community pub.
22 Sep 2019 13:45
This place now bills itself as a micropub and is called the Rusty Bucket. It seems to specialise in craft beers. But, there were 4 real ales fetched from a cool room just behind the bar. They were Kent KGB & Session Pale, Empire Moonraker & Kirkstall Out of Focus. Real ciders were from Dudda's Tun - Disco, Greenhorn & Blackcurrant Cider. Craft beers were from Moor, Tempest, BBNO, Beatnikz Republic, Villages, Anspach & Hobday, Verdant, Polly's Brew Co, Tiny Rebel, Omnipollo, Blackened Sun, Northern Monk, Boxcar, Mikkeller & Emperor's/Steel City. The latter was a Sour Cherry Red Wine Stout! There also appeared to be a good range of bottles and cans in the fridge. The pub was fairly busy and the young barman was struggling to cope. The craft beer taps seemed to have a mind of their own, the till had frozen and I was served out of order. But, apparently it was his first night. It was also quite crowded inside. Many of the tables are designed for larger groups. But, with single drinkers occupying many of these due to a lack of smaller tables, many were having to stand. Glasses remained uncollected. Music was playing fairly loudly. I don't mind this. But, it's not normally something you would associate with a micropub. The toilet had a faulty sink. Although, hand gel was provided. I've painted a fairly negative picture. But in all honesty, this was probably the best pub I visited in South East London yesterday. It certainly had a lively atmosphere and the drinks range was good. Probably now the best pub in Eltham.
22 Sep 2019 13:38
This is now an Antic pub called Suttons Radio. It's fairly typical of Antic pubs, with a mish-mash of furniture, but an overall pleasant drinking environment. Volden Session is the regular ale. Guests were East London Vienna Pale & Nene Valley Egyptian Cream. I chose the real cider, which was Thatcher's Cheddar Valley. There's lots of things to admire on the walls and the pub seems to host plenty of events. Being very central in Lewisham, this is a decent addition to the area.
22 Sep 2019 13:27
This premises is now the Portland Arms. It is about a 15 minute downhill walk from Norwood Junction station. On my late Saturday afternoon visit, it was quite busy. Service was a bit disorganised. One guy beat me to the bar and got served quite quickly. As soon as he walked away, the barmaid wandered off to deliver food for somebody before coming back to the bar with said food, only to work out it was for a large group who had been keeping the second barmaid busy with whatever they were ordering. Portland Arms Best Bitter is the house beer, brewed by Sambrook's. Guests were Bexley's Own & Truman's Zephyr. It seems to be very much a community pub. Customers were spilling out into the garden at the rear and there were many families. I'm not averse to kids in pubs. But, the screeching from one particular child was too much to bear. So, I supped up and left as soon as possible.
22 Sep 2019 13:22
London Beer Dispensary, Brockley
This was one of the highlights of my tour around South East London pubs added to the latest 2020 Good Beer Guide. It's now owned by the Southey Brewery (formerly Late Knights). Their Sephina was on cask, in addition to Marble Pint & Nene Valley Australian Pale Ale. It was also the first pub where I'd found a real cider. This was Sandford Orchards Devon Mist. A number of Southey beers were on keg - Ursus III Oatmeal Stout, Hazy Jesus & Lazy Jesus. There was also Thornbridge Satsuma & Wild Beer Bibble & Sleeping Lemons. There were only 2 other customers inside. But, I believe there was a larger group in the outdoor courtyard at the rear. The barman was friendly and professional. Decent place.
22 Sep 2019 13:15
The Libertine is roughly halfway between London Bride and Elephant and Castle stations. It was fairly quiet on my Saturday afternoon visit, with a couple of blokes playing darts and a few watching football scores on a TV. Sharp's Doom Bar is the regular ale. Guests were Redemption Hotspur & Watney's Starlight. There was no real cider and nobody was eating. Wifi worked well. Ok, but I wouldn't make a special journey here and it's a bit off the beaten track to make it part of a crawl.
22 Sep 2019 13:07
The King's Head is tucked away just off Borough High Street, far enough from the tourist throngs in Borough Market and near London Bridge station, to have an air of calm. The interior is traditionally decorated. 5 real ales are dispensed. Truman's Swift, Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter, Purity Mad Goose & Timothy Taylor Landlord are the regular ales. I opted for the guest, which was the rugby-themed Old Dairy Up & Udder. Customers were mostly drinkers. But, there were a handful of tourists eating. Service was prompt and friendly, with reasonable prices for the area.
22 Sep 2019 13:02
Part of the fun of visiting this rural pub is getting there. I took the R8 TFL bus that winds its way through narrow lanes and quaint villages, occasionally having problems with cars coming the other way. The bus even had to stop for cyclists, given how narrow the lanes are. The pub is quaint inside and out. Locals who weren't particularly friendly congregated around the bar, whilst there were diners scattered around. All tables were laid out for dining. However, most customers were in the large garden at the rear and side. One solitary ale was on during my Saturday visit. That was Westerham Summer Perle. I had just over 15 minutes before the return bus back to civilisation. Otherwise, it was another 90 minute wait for the next. But, the bus does drop off and picks up directly outside the pub. Worth a visit, but probably not for the beer or service.
22 Sep 2019 12:55
This was the better of Bromley Common's two pubs. It is the only pub in the area stocking real ale. Although, it is still a Young's pub. In addition to the Bitter & Special, there was St Austell Tribute & Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter. There were a few in on my Saturday lunchtime visit, with a few individuals and a couple of groups. Some were sat outside at the front in the sunshine. World Cup rugby was on the TV. Seemed friendly enough and the interior is quite cosy.
22 Sep 2019 12:49
The Bird In Hand is located in a nice residential area. But, it no longer stocks any real ale. Keg options were Guinness, Strongbow, Fosters, Birra Moretti & Kronenbourg. Although, I'm not sure if these options were actually available as the ownership appears to have either changed recently or is about to change. Stock levels seemed to be at a minimum. The interior extends to a conservatory overlooking the garden at the rear. But, the 3 locals were all in the bar area at the front, where they were watching live Premier League football. Nice location, but disappointing pub.
22 Sep 2019 12:44
No trip to Bournemouth would be complete without a visit to the Firkin Shed. The post-match atmosphere was as good as ever. The ale and cider range feels as if it has diminished a little. I could only find 2 ciders I hadn't previously tried on this visit and I ended up drinking mead. Drinking space was also limited. So, we retreated to the tiny garden area at the rear. Ales were Arbor Mosaic, Stonehenge Heelstone, Neepsend Callisto, Eight Arch Cocoberry & Electric Bear Whirlybird. Ciders were Dorset Sunshine Strawberry Sunshine, Blackcurrant & Summer Sunshine, Farmer Jim's Rhubarb Bob, Gwynt y Ddraig Two Trees Perry, Cranborne Chase Dry, Medium & Sweet, My'N'Ers Dry, Medium & Sweet, Heck's Farmhouse Perry & Purbeck Joe's Dry. Still just about clinging out to a 10/10 in my scoring.
16 Sep 2019 21:44
The Saxon Bear Ale House, Christchurch
A Sunday trip to the Dorset coast started for us at the Saxon Bar, a micropub in Christchurch. We were the only people in over lunchtime. It's a fairly typical micropub where all ales, cask beers and ciders are displayed on blackboards and the barman will fetch your drinks from the cold room and bring them to your table. The cask ale selection was Wylam Wasn't Born To Follow, Bowman Lapwing, Wantsum Black Pig & Barefaced Peacocks Bitter. Keykeg options were Time & Tide Double Stout, Boutillers & Tom's Tap Swim Until You Can't & Track Reflex. Ciders were Dorset Sunshine Strawberry Sunshine, Big Ginger, Summer Sunshine & Purple Rain, Meon Valley Brown Trout & Dragonfly, Seacider Blood Orange, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, Pulp Rhubarb & Snail's Bank Raspberry Ripple. I went through each of the Dorset Sunshine ciders, as I'd not had any of them before, in what was quite a rushed visit. Probably the best pub in Christchurch. Although it did lack customers and therefore atmosphere.
16 Sep 2019 21:37
Our final stop of the day in Monmouthshire and once again we'd saved the best until last. The Clytha Arms is set in nice countryside between Abergavenny and Raglan. It has plenty of outdoor space, including some nice garden areas at the rear, with a children's play area and a boules pitch, along with a lovely pear tree. The gardens look across fields with goats, horses and rabbits. Inside was reasonably quiet when we arrived. By the time we left, they were doing a roaring trade with their speciality tapas dishes. All tables were taken and you could hardly move in the bar area. Ales were Felinfoel Double Dragon, Untapped Whoosh & UPA, Purple Moose Madog's Ale, Dark Star Hophead & Uley Bitter. Ciders were Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Haymaker, Ty Gwyn Perry, Weston's Rosie's Pig Strawberry & Elderflower and a Yarlington Mill cider from a local guy named Jim Bevan! I was all set to go for the perry, until I noticed the battered Yarlington Mill box on the bar. At 9%, it wasn't for the faint hearted. But, it was very nice indeed. Great pub.
16 Sep 2019 21:30
The Ship Inn was the better of the two pubs we visited in Raglan. There are a number of different rooms. Locals appeared to be congregated in one area watching the cricket. London Pride & Atlantic were the 2 real ales. At the last moment, we spotted Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Dabinett. The latter went down quite nicely, before we stopped at the Raglan Frier fish and chip shop next door. Raglan is a bit congested and I wouldn't make it a destination for pubs. But, the Ship was the best pub.
16 Sep 2019 21:20
After a visit to the Star On The Hill at Llanfihangel Tor-y-Mynydd (I've requested that to be added to BITE), our first stop in Raglan was the Beaufort Arms. The car park was packed. Most people seemed to be enjoying the sunshine on outdoor seating overlooking the car park. We ventured inside, where there is small bar and a number of other rooms set aside for dining. We only saw one family eating. Although is was still quite early. Both real ales were from the Untapped Brewery - Border & UPA. Nice looking place. But, it felt more like a hotel bar, than a proper pub.
16 Sep 2019 21:17
My final stop in Chepstow ended up being the best pub in Chepstow. We managed to get in before it closed for the afternoon on Saturday. The owner and the other customer were friendly. There is a good selection of ales - Evan Evans Cwrw, Grey Trees Mosaic Pale Ale, Lucky 7 Hop Store Cowboy, Mumbles Gold, Gower Gold & Tenby Black Flag Rum Porter. Ciders were Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Farmhouse Scrumpy, Seb's Medium & Dee Cider. Has a basic interior, where conversation is clearly encouraged. Another really decent micropub.
16 Sep 2019 21:09
The Beaufort Hotel is one of 3 pubs in the current Good Beer Guide in Chepstow. But, I fail to see why. Yes, it has a nice plush interior. But, the real ale selection was a disappointment. The regular beer is Butcombe Adam Henson's Rare Breed. The guest was St Austell Tribute. Having the Liverpool v Newcastle game blasting down my ear didn't particularly help my enjoyment.
16 Sep 2019 21:04
The Five Alls is probably the second best pub in Chepstow. It has a no frills interior with bare boards and the music is no nonsense rock. The solitary real ale was Baa Brewing Baa IPA. But, there were 3 real ciders from Gwynt y Ddraig - Happy Daze, Haymaker & Welsh Warrior. The barmaid was friendly. But, it was quiet on our early Saturday afternoon visit. Had the feel of a proper boozer though.
16 Sep 2019 21:02
The Boat Inn looks across the River Wye to England. The interior has a nice olde worlde feel. But, on a summer (or in this case early Autumn) day, most people flock to the outdoor tables overlooking the river. It took quite a while to get served. Doom Bar is the regular ale. Butty Bach & HPA were the guests.
16 Sep 2019 20:57
This place is just opposite the castle and is now called the Woodfield Arms. It's more of a restaurant than a hotel. But, they do stock beers from Baa Brewing. Their Baa IPA was on handpull. But, apparently it is not a real ale. The barman failed to get our order correct. Mrs S ordered a gin with lemonade (not everybody likes tonic water)! There is a pleasant garden at the rear. Disappointing otherwise.
16 Sep 2019 20:53
Directly opposite Chepstow Castle which we had just visited. But, it's currently closed. Recently purchased in auction, it looks like the new owners will seek a change of use.
16 Sep 2019 20:49
First stop in Chepstow on Saturday morning was this rather busy Wetherspoon's. It's a long, thin affair, with plenty of seating. The regular ales are Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar. In addition, there are 4 guests. These were Boss Blaze, Three Castles Vale Ale, Great Western Alpha Centauri & Green Jack Waxwing. The real cider was Old Rosie. There were plenty of families and also plenty of people having breakfasts. Ours took quite a while to arrive and when it did, it was cold. Although, it was replaced. Typical 'spoon's.
16 Sep 2019 20:47
The Red Lion was our final pub of the night. I bumped into the chef in the car park, who informed me that he had finished for the night. Inside, there were a couple of customers finishing off their meals and a rather bored looking barmaid reading a book at another table. It appears that the pub is a Brain's tied house. Brain's Bitter is served. The guest was Sharp's Atlantic and they also had Old Rosie cider. Lacked any kind of atmosphere.
8 Sep 2019 12:17
It took us a while to find this gorgeous-looking village pub. We'd been in the village and then ended up on the A48 through some roadworks where there was no way of turning round. By the time, we finally located it, they had no more space left for us to eat. Whilst there were plenty of tables and food is supposed to be served until 9:30, the kitchen was obviously already up to full capacity by 8:00. Get some more staff! Abbot is the regular ale. Two guests were HPA & Betty Stogs. They also had Old Rosie cider, which was quite welcome. There are 3 or 4 rooms inside, mostly given over to dining. We sat in the small bar area, which appears to be set aside for drinkers. Nice pub, but a shame they do not serve food after 8pm.
8 Sep 2019 12:14
Over 5 years since my last visit to Cowbridge, I returned to try a new bar (1 Town Hall Square), which is not listed on BITE and probably the best pub/bar in the town, along with the Edmondes Arms, which I missed last time. It's a traditional corner boozer on a busy crossroads just out of the centre. There are 3 rooms, a public bar, a games room and a cosy snug/lounge at the rear. I had my boy tacking along. The barman warned me that "the boys" were in the bar. But, he's seen it all before! The boys were a bit loud and there was a little swearing. But, it was a decent atmosphere in a well-decorated pub. Hancock's HB is the regular ale. Guests were Glamorgan Jemima's Pitchfork & Tomos a Lilford OPA. I opted for the latter, an Orange Pale Ale, which didn't seem to be in the best condition. Although, that may just have been the slightly sour taste. Nice pub overall though.
8 Sep 2019 11:49
First stop on a 10-pub crawl of South Wales was this village at the head of a valley. From what I could see, the Blaengarw Hotel was the only pub in this former mining village. The pub has two fairly large rooms. There is a main bar area and a slightly larger lounge/function room area which is probably used as an overspill in the evenings. There are a couple of handpulls, one in each room. But, only one appears to be in use. This was occupied by Boss Blaze. I swerved this and opted for a bottle of Gwynt y Ddraig Old Crow. The gents toilets weren't very private. Ladies will get a full side-on view of gents at the urinals, as they head to their conveniences. But then again, there were no other women in the pub. The next 6 pubs we visited are not listed on BITE (the Britannia and the Little Penybont Arms at Pencoed, the Mountain Hare at Brynnau Gwynion, the Turberville at Llanharan, the Fox & Hounds at Llanharry and 1 Town Hall Square in Cowbridge). I will request the better ones to be added.
8 Sep 2019 11:25
After another stop at the Boot & Shoe at Ellerton (not listed on BITE), our final stop in Yorkshire this week was the Macintosh Arms, back in Goole. The area in which it is located looks a little seedy and the police were certainly doing regular patrols. I agree with Snarling Mallard. It is certainly rough and ready. There are a couple of rooms. One had lots of flashing lights with Ace of Spades playing quite loud. But, there was nobody in that room. A few locals could be found in the other marginally quieter room. There were 3 handpulls. But, only 2 of them were clipped. Both clips were turned. On enquiry, it seemed somebody had questioned the smell and quality of the beer earlier in the day. They had taken the ales off, despite somebody else being happy with the beer. The barmaid offered me a sample of Old Mill Fall Over, which tasted and smelled fine to me. So, I had a half. I also sampled the Old Mill Old Curiosity for them. Not my kind of beer, but definitely not off. Chatting to the locals, it seems that this used to be a good pub for ale. But, the current landlord does not appear to be a fan of it. So, the choice and availability has gone downhill. Could be better.
31 Aug 2019 13:38
Everybody I'd spoken to in Pickering had recommended the Black Swan. So, we decided to head here yesterday afternoon on our return from Whitby. It is home to the town's only microbrewery - Great British Breworks. 3 of their ales are always on - Coal Porter, Great Scot & Istanbul Pale Ale. 2 guests were Yorkshire Heart Silverheart & Half Moon Dark Masquerade. I opted for the Porter, which definitely had a hint of charcoal to it. The pub has a couple of rooms. There is a carpeted dining room as you enter and the main bar is further to your right. At the rear is an outdoor area. It was worth the stop.
31 Aug 2019 13:29
My trip top Whitby was primarily for sightseeing. But, I did manage to get to the Waiting Room at the station for a swift couple of halves before boarding the North Yorks Moor Railway train back to Pickering. This micropub on the platform has limited opening hours and wasn't opening until 4 yesterday. It's a fairly tiny place that is clearly very popular. I arrived at 4pm to find it already quite full. Customers must have been queuing at the doors. The ale range was Durham Maltstar, North Riding Sticky Toffee Porter, Revolutions The Final Countdown, Great Yorkshire Flying Herbert, Lords Maid of Orleans & Bad Company 02_19. I was drawn to the Porter. But, I decided to go for cider instead, with a couple I hadn't had on the list of 14. The full list was Gwynt y Ddraig Haymaker, Sandford Orchards Fanny's Bramble, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, Orchard Revival Heritage, Dudda's Tun Bone Dry, Mayfayre Cider & Perry, Lilley's Bee Sting Perry, Cherries & Berries, Mango Cider & Lemon and Ginger Cider, Weston's Rosie's Pig & Rhubarb Cider, Abrahall's Lily The Pink & Snail's Bank Very Perry. Most of the customers seemed to be regulars and the owner was certainly very knowledgeable. No children are allowed inside. The walls have railway memorabilia, whilst there were many pumpclips to peruse. A good conclusion to my first trip to Whitby. I will be back!
31 Aug 2019 13:23
The Little Angel was my first of just two stops on my first ever visit to Whitby. It's located up the hill in the main shopping area. The in-house brewery is Crafty Monkey. They had New Gold Dream, New Era, Lady Luck Dream Catcher, German Style Pale Ale &Black Cat Porter from themselves. Guests were Roundhill Billy Town Brown, Bluestone Rockhopper & Saints Roar/Orchard Road Big Bears Brown. The cider was Old Rosie. There are 3 small seating sections around a central bar. Toilets have a very worn feel. Live music appears to be a theme. I could imagine it getting quite cramped with a band/singer on. But, a pub with character during the day.
31 Aug 2019 13:13
My plans to tick off a few more Pickering pubs ended at the Sun. Handpulls on the bar were dispensing Helmsley Yorkshire Legend, Hadrian Border Tyneside Blonde, Theakston Best Bitter, Copper Dragon Hop Stepper, Sonnet 43 The Raven & Rat Rat Bag. I was more interested in the range of real ciders and on enquiry was directed to a board to the left of the bar. 14 ciders were on, half of which I hadn't previously tried - Thatcher's Stan's Traditional, Pulp Raspberry Cider, Hawkes Urban Orchard Berry, Tree Top Press Tabular Hills, Tiny Rebel Protaropia & Peariscope, Skidbrook General Ludd, Ascension Gardenia, Kentish Pip Summer Session, Seacider Ginger Bread, Magpie Orchard Fruits & Dragonfly Salted Caramel & Fruity and Floral. I had just over an hour to get through them. But after that it was curtains. The pub has a main bar and an overflow room. There is a courtyard at the rear. What later turned out to be the landlady was running a small pub quiz in one corner. A few locals were a bit inebriated, whilst the pub also attracts its share of visitors, including a rather drunk couple from Cleethorpes. The young student barmaid was very patient in getting me through the 7 ciders. Although I swear the Dragonfly cider she gave me was not the one I ordered. But, my taste buds may well have been mangled by them. A superb pub that was easily the highlight of my overnight stay in Pickering.
31 Aug 2019 13:01
The Rose was my second stop in the town of Pickering. It's right next to the river and prone to flooding. But, it was busy both inside and out. 3 real ales were on. Tetley Cask & Black Sheep Best Bitter are the regulars. The third one was Black Sheep Pale Ale, which I'd never seen before and decided to sample. Not really my kind of beer. But, in perfectly good condition. The interior was quite bright and the barmaid was friendly despite giving me a bit of a short measure.
31 Aug 2019 12:52
My first stop in Pickering on Thursday night was the Bay Horse. There is a quiet lounge area on the left as you enter and a larger bar to the right, with a raised area where a group of women were playing a darts match. There are 4 real ales are on and they don't change - Bradfield Farmer's Blonde, Cameron's Strongarm, Tetley Cask & Greene King Abbot. A little disappointing. Surprised to see this in the current Good Beer Guide 2019.
31 Aug 2019 12:49
The Moors Inn, Appleton-le-Moors
The Moors Inn is a world away from where we had started our day to the west of York. It's located in a delightful village on the moors, which seems to have a much larger population of sheep than people. They graze on the verges in front of the houses on the main street. It's unsurprising that the pub sign features sheep. We ate here and continued the sheep theme by ordering the Trio of Lamb, which was very enjoyable. There is clearly a focus on dining and we were lucky that they managed to squeeze us in. There are 3 rooms and they are all used for diners. But, there were some drinkers at the bar and real ale is clearly popular with locals discussing what was coming next with the barman. The regular ale is Bradfield Farmer's Blonde. Guests were Thwaite's Wainwright & Lincolnshire Craft Best Bitter. I opted for the latter. A delightful pub in lovely surroundings.
31 Aug 2019 12:45
Gradually heading north from York into more and more rural areas, our next stop was the Crown & Cushion. We were concerned that it might be closing at 3 or 3:30pm on our Thursday afternoon visit. But, we were assured to find a family leaving as we arrived and were soon told that the pub now opens all day. The pub was very quiet though and with most websites showing the pub as closed during the afternoon, you have to wonder if the two are connected. The two regular ales are Black Sheep Best Bitter & York Guzzler. The guest was Theakston Best Bitter. Surroundings are comfortable and it appears that there is a focus on food, with dining areas to the rear. There is also a large outdoor terrace beyond overlooking open fields. We continued our very own Tour de Yorkshire with a drive through the pretty and enormous Castle Howard estate before hitting the Brass Castle Brewery Tap House in Malton (not listed on here).
31 Aug 2019 12:31
An unassuming village local. Our early Thursday afternoon visit here was a little bit rushed, due to concerns over opening hours at our next planned stop. Timothy Taylor Landlord is the regular ale. Guests were Sharp's Doom Bar, Marston's 61 Deep & Leeds Pale. I was just ordering a Leeds Pale when my wife spotted the boxed real ciders behind the bar. Weston's Old Rosie & Friel's Cider were both on. So, I availed myself of the latter. It was quiet inside with just two pairs of drinkers. At the rear is a small beer garden with children's play area overlooking the car park. The ale range was not very inspiring. But, I quite liked this place as it was nice to see some real cider.
31 Aug 2019 12:25
Well, we couldn't visit Yorkshire without trying a Sam Smith's pub. So, the Tiger Inn at Haxby was the one. I agree with the previous reviewer. Little has changed in the 6+ years since that review. It's certainly a strange place. All customers were middle/old aged males. They each had a table and conversed across the room with one another in the bar, about whatever the hot topic of the day was. Mobile phones and other electronic devices are banned. There is also a lounge which we didn't venture into and the car park at the rear is massive. Nice village location. OBB is on handpull.
31 Aug 2019 12:20
Walked into this pub from the rear entrance, after an argument with the dog in the garden! Timothy Taylor Landlord is the chosen ale here. A guest was Ossett Yorkshire Blonde. We decided to return to the garden, with said dog removed. There is also a rather large rabbit that didn't move much except to eat a slice of cabbage. The interior looked fairly cosy, albeit a bit dark. It was quiet on our Thursday lunchtime visit. Staff were friendly. Moved on from here to the Lysander Arms in Rawcliffe, which is not worth adding to BITE.
31 Aug 2019 12:13
Goole seems a bit of a God-forsaken town. It's the sort of place where a Wetherspoon's will thrive. Although I did later find out that there is one other decent real ale bar in town, which I will save for a return visit. The City & County is fairly central and was a short drive from our overnight stop on a services on the M18! It was also a decent choice for a cooked breakfast. The place was busy with plenty of other people with the same idea, including large noisy families. Ales were Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Lincolnshire Craft Lincoln Gold, Wold Top Athena & Jenning's Sneck Lifter. The real cider was Old Rosie. Perfectly acceptable.
31 Aug 2019 12:07
Best Western The Bell, Driffield
The Bell Hotel was my fourth stop in Driffield on Wednesday. My previous two (the Mariners Arms and the Tiger Inn) are not listed on BITE. I'll request them to be added. These two very traditional boozers, in complete contrast to the micropub (the Butcher's Dog) I had been in earlier. The Bell was another contrast. It's quite a plush hotel owned by the Best Western chain. I followed my nose to find the bar, where there were no staff and no customers. Ringing the bell had no effect either! I returned to the hotel reception to find that unmanned. But ringing the bell there had the desired effect and somebody who had been serving afternoon tea came out to assist! The 2 ales were both from Wold Top - Headland Red & Anglers Reward. The hotel is certainly very nicely decorated. The toilets when located behind a grand piano were also luxurious. But, I'm not sure it's a place I'd choose to have a beer, due to the lack of atmosphere. Maybe it's different in an evening, if the bar area gets busier.
31 Aug 2019 11:59
We were back in Driffield on Wednesday after an 8 year hiatus. Our first port of call was the Butcher's Dog, a micropub that wouldn't have been here on our last visit. It is now easily the best pub in the town in my opinion. We were glad to get out of the rain into this hostelry. The ale choice was instantly visible - George Wright Plum Porter, Poachers Black Crow Stout, Hop Kettle North Wall, Great Heck Mercy & Great Newsome Harvests Gold. Ciders were listed on a blackboard to the right-hand side of the bar - Seacider Hardcore, Blood Orange, Mango, Bourbon Barrel & Black Cherry, Farmer Jim's Sweet, Copper Top & Farmyard Perry, White Rose Batch #1 & Honey Cider, Snail's Bank Winder & Lilley's Darkcider. There were 4 I hadn't previously had. So, I worked my way through those. The barmaid and customers were all friendly and the atmosphere was convivial. There's a CAMRA discount too, which we discovered on our second round. Great pub.
31 Aug 2019 11:52
Rural pub on a main road north of Hull. It has a sizeable garden with chickens roaming around. The interior is dark and cosy with plenty of nautical memorabilia. A few were just finishing their midweek lunches. Others were checking out from their accommodation. With no real cider, Great Newsome Jem's Stout was my drink of choice. A fairly decent beer. Other ales available were Greene King IPA & Sharp's Doom Bar. Nice place.
31 Aug 2019 11:41
This pub is situated a little way out of the centre of Cottingham. But, it is now closed with railings around it.
31 Aug 2019 11:37
The King William IV, Cottingham
The King William IV was our first of 3 pubs in Cottingham on a midweek visit. It was also the best in Cottingham with the other 2 pubs (the Duke of Cumberland and the Blue Bell not listed on BITE). Although, we didn't try the village's new micropub. It was still morning when we arrived at the King William IV. So, it was fairly quiet. But, it did start to fill up gradually. There are 2 decent size rooms and an outdoor courtyard towards the rear. As with the other 2 pubs we tried, this is a Marston's pub. Ales from their range were Wainwright, Cumberland Ale, Old Empire, Hobgoblin & Sunbeam. What made this pub stand out for me was the 3 real ciders from Weston's - Rosie's Pig Rhubarb, Rosie's Pig Strawberry & Elderflower & Old Rosie. Although, these were not advertised and we were only made aware of them when we asked.
31 Aug 2019 11:33
The Plough and Harrow, Cradley Heath
With just time to visit one more West Midlands pub on Saturday lunchtime, I chose what is Dudley & South Staffordshire CAMRA's current Pub of the Year. To be honest, I find it hard to believe that there is nothing better. The location is a little outside of Cradley Heath's town centre and the pub itself has a fairly cosy interior. However, they seem to focus on paler ales, with the exception of Banks's Mild, which I'm not a fan of in any case. Wye Valley HPA & Butty Bach are regular ales. Guests were Elland Lucky Dip, Bristol Beer Factory All Things Equal & Neepsend Mosaic. Granted, the guests were ones that are seldom seen in the West Midlands. But, with none of the beers really appealing and with no real cider, my Lucky Dip was disappointing. This also seems very much of a locals pub where we weren't made to feel particularly welcome. We said goodbye individually to both the landlord and landlady. But, there was no response, which I find a little offputting. A simple goodbye is not too difficult, unless they were both hard of hearing.
25 Aug 2019 20:14
My wife assures me that I've been in here before. There was something about the place that rang a few bells. But, I'm still not 100% convinced. Nevertheless, this is a lovely old fashioned local in the centre of Oldbury with some fabulous tiling. The front bar was busy with customers who appeared to have had a few. There is then a nice serving corridor connecting the front room with a similar sized room at the rear. No longer owned by Brains, the ales were AJ's Best Bitter & Stuck On Blondes & Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild. To my surprise, they also stocked Weston's Old Rosie. I swerved the cider to go for the Mild. Very enjoyable this was too. The Wetherspoon's (Court of Requests) nextdoor may hold all of the cards when it comes to dining and range of beers. But, the Waggon & Horses wins the prize for more authentic pub hands down. Sure enough, I finished off my Friday visit to the West Midlands at the Court of Requests, which I will request to be added to BITE.
25 Aug 2019 20:06
This pub is hidden away in a side street, in a slightly unassuming location. Nevertheless, it was reasonably busy on my early Friday evening visit. The cricket was on the TV and most locals were either congregated around the bar, or in the garden at the rear. HPA is the regular ale here. The guest ale was Golden Glow. I ordered a pork and stuffing cob to go with my HPA, whilst keeping a close eye on the bus times!
25 Aug 2019 19:59
After a visit to the nearby Tame Bridge (not listed on here), I thought I would try the Port 'n' Ale Bar & Grill. It was one of the busier establishments I visited all day in the West Midlands. But, real ale is no longer served. The pub appears to be Indian-owned. Although, I didn't see anybody eating. The keg selection was Guinness, Carling, Carling Black Fruits, Stella Artois, Cobra, Coors Light, Thatcher's Gold, Worthington's Creamflow & Strongbow. Would have tried the food, if I'd have had more time available. Disappointing, as expected.
25 Aug 2019 19:53
This is the brewery tap for the Toll End Brewery. Holden's Golden Glow is a permanent fixture and luckily for me, so was the Toll End Charlie Blackout Stout. It can be hard to find dark beers this time of the year. So, I was pleased to see this. My pleasure was short-lived however as I suspect the ale was just about on the turn. It was drinkable, but disappointing. Other Toll End ales on were Tipton Pride, Ocker Ale & Meet Ya Maker. 2 guests were Oakham White Dwarf & Exmoor Silver Stallion. There was no real cider. The main room has limited seating with a large open space in the middle. I couldn't work out if this was for standing drinking or fighting. But, locals seemed a fairly amiable bunch (at least at this time of day). So, I suspect the former. A decent place with a little character.
25 Aug 2019 19:46
Ye Olde Leathern Bottel, Wednesbury
A lot of websites, including CAMRA's, list this pub opening at midday. But at 2:30 on Friday, there was no sign of life. Luckily, the current opening times are listed on the window (why can't all pubs do this?). So, I knew to come back at 3:00. I returned to find it still closed. But, in the meantime, a local had put a window through. Seemingly a nice area! Inside is quite dark. There are 4 rooms. I couldn't quite work out how to get to the one at the front that seemingly had the most character. The 3 real ales were Butty Bach, Directors & Proper Job. None really appealed. But, I chose the Directors. Am surprised to see this pub in the current Good Beer Guide.
25 Aug 2019 19:39
The Rosehill Tavern, Wednesbury
With the nearby Olde Leathern Bottel no longer opening early in the afternoon, I walked slightly uphill to the recently re-opened Rosehill Tavern. New owners are trying to drum up trade having spruced the place up and planning various community events. There are a couple of handpulls. But unfortunately, they are not dispensing real ale for now. The keg selection was Carling, Guinness, Stowford Press, Coors Light & Worthington's Creamflow. A little disappointing. But, I wish them well.
25 Aug 2019 19:34
The Queen's Head was the most upmarket of the 6 pubs I visited in Wednesbury. It has a cosy interior, where food appeared to be popular. A number of drinkers were sat outside at the front enjoying the sunny weather. The house beer is Backyard Royal Gold. They also have Wye Valley HPA on regularly. The guest beer was Inferno from Oakham, which I had. As with most pubs in this neck of the woods, real cider is not sold.
25 Aug 2019 19:30
The Cottage Spring, Wednesbury
Holden's backstreet pub that had just one customer and the landlord when I arrived on Friday lunchtime. All 4 ales were from Holden's - Black Country Bitter, Mild & Special & Golden Glow. The Mild was a nice enough drink. Two other punters arrived and all sat at the bar whilst I was there. A bit of an old man's pub! There's an old telephone box in the bar. There's also a quieter lounge at the rear.
25 Aug 2019 19:26
First stop of the day on a Friday visit to the West Midlands was this Wetherspoon's branch in Wednesbury's town centre. Just time for a breakfast and a pint before setting about visiting a dozen new pubs for me. Fairly typical 'spoons with an open-plan layout, including a raised area for family dining. Service was quick and friendly. Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best are the regular ales. Guests were Brentwood Blonde, Sadler's Peaky Blinder, The Beer Studio Heatwave & Backyard Blonde. Ciders were Weston's Old Rosie & Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. Not a bad start to the day. Moved on from here to the Old Blue Ball, a fabulous unspoiled backstreet local that is not listed on BITE. A perfect contrast to the Bellwether.
25 Aug 2019 19:19
The Barley Mow has long since been demolished and replaced by housing.
20 Aug 2019 21:37
The Golden Cross Hotel, Bromsgrove
Our last pub of the weekend in Worcestershire was this Wetherspoon's branch in Bromsgrove. It was as busy as you would expect all 'spoon's to be. There was a good selection of ales - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Redemption Hotspur, Banks's Yazoo Hop Perfect IPA, Wood's Shropshire Lass, The Hop Shed Sultan Worcestershire Gold, Purity Gold, Brentwood Blonde, Prescott Summer Season's Best, Beowulf Mercian Shine & Brewster's Aromantica. The cider was Weston's Old Rosie, whilst the chain's gin festival had commenced and seemed to be quite popular amongst the clientele. The interior is the usual open-plan drinking hall with a number of booths and gents' toilets upstairs. When there is a decent micropub a short distance away, this will always come a second best. But, second best in the town centre it is.
20 Aug 2019 21:35
Marston's pub in the main pedestrianized shopping area of the High Street in Bromsgrove. It was fairly quiet, as all of the shops had shut on our early Sunday evening visit, apart from a bookmakers. The regular beers are Banks's Mild & Bitter. Guests were Marston's 61 Deep & Old Empire, Ringwood Boon Doggle & Brakspear Oxford Gold. No real cider is available. There is a small outdoor courtyard at the rear.
20 Aug 2019 21:29
Returning to the outskirts of Bromsgrove on Sunday afternoon, the Park Gate was our first port of call. The main bar area is at the front and there is another room with a pool table at the rear. The garden at the back has children's play equipment. But, it is a little unkempt. There are nice views across the fields though. Ales were Hobson's Twisted Spire, Davenport's Pale Ale, Bewdley Worcestershire Sway & The Gorgeous Beer Company Best & Blonde Ale. I opted for the Best, which I was not particularly impressed with. Real cider is no longer served.
20 Aug 2019 21:24
The Little Ale House, Bromsgrove
Our final stop of the day in Worcestershire was the Little Ale House, a busy micropub in Bromsgrove town centre. A blackboard displays all of the ales and ciders. Although, be careful not to choose any of the keg options, unless that is your thing. There is a house beer called Half Cut, which is from Woodcote Manor. Other ales were Hobson's Mandarin, Shiny Rocky & Three Tuns Solstice. Ciders were Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, Lilley's Bee Sting Perry, Strawberry Cider, Mango Cider & Lemon & Lime Cider, Farmer Jim's Farmyard Fruits, Copper Top & Rhubarb Bob, Thatcher's Traditional & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. We were greeted by the local dog, who apparently breaks wind and creates a foul smell when excited. I say apparently, but it was more than apparent after we gave it a fuss. Nice place. But, then I rarely find a bad micropub.
20 Aug 2019 21:20
Has now suffered what is believed to be an arson attack. With plenty of land surrounding it, I can see why the greedy housing developers are eager to capitalise.
20 Aug 2019 21:14
The Ladybird Inn, Aston Fields
The Ladybird is a very lively pub next to Bromsgrove railway station and a hotel. It's handy for the station, which is actually nowhere near the town centre. The car park requires tokens to exit, which can be obtained from the bar. The main bar area was packed with people watching live football. Another room around the corner had a number of slightly quieter areas, including space for diners. Regular ales are Wye Valley HPA & Butty Bach, Batham's Best Bitter & Sharp's Doom Bar. Guests were Three Tuns XXX & Steam Box Golden Bolt. A bit too lively for my liking.
20 Aug 2019 21:12
Fairly busy country pub where the welcome didn't feel quite as warm as other local pubs. Sky Sports News was showing on the TVs, with a number of locals keen on viewing the final football scores. Wye Valley HPA is the regular ale. Also on was their Butty Bach, Thwaite's Lancaster Bomber, Malvern Hills Black Pear & Pershore Solstice Gold. The cider was Weston's Old Rosie. The interior was nicely decorated.
20 Aug 2019 21:07
Plume of Feathers, Great Malvern
The pub has a fairly basic 2-room interior. Everybody seemed to know one another. But, they were friendly. Wye Valley Butty Bach is the regular ale. Guests were Hook Norton Hooky & Ludlow Best. They also had a real cider, which I was not expecting. This was the locally produced Schralf's Run Wild, apparently named after the producer's dog. It was a rather dry affair, but a nice find.
20 Aug 2019 21:03
Lovely old village pub tucked well away from civilisation. Low beams and plenty of seating can be found inside, whilst there are a number of tables at the front in the garden. Customers were friendly. Regular beers are Hook Norton Hooky & Old Hooky. Guests were Church End Brewer's Truth & Otter Amber. The real cider is Hogan's Hazy Rays. At a very respectable 3.7%, it's quite an easy drinking cider. Decent place that I am surprised has never been reviewed before.
20 Aug 2019 20:59
The Three Kings Inn, Hanley Castle
The Three Kings was my favourite pub in Worcestershire over the weekend. Yes, it has a dirty and worn feel to it and there is an strong smell of damp. But, it also feels very lived in and is as traditional a country pub as you will find anywhere. We entered through the left-hand entrance as you approach the pub. The small room was empty, with no sign of any life. We wandered through what felt like a store cupboard and eventually found the main room where we found the owner and a few other customers. Handpulls dispensing the ales and Old Rosie cider are hidden away amongst the clutter. But, ales are listed on a small blackboard. On our visit, they were Butcombe Original, Hobson's Twisted Spire, Church End Silver Jubilee, Parkway Session IPA & Bullen Tawny. I sampled the latter, which was certainly to my taste. A number of jars of pickled items were on sale near the doorway. A fabulous pub where conversation reigns. Just my sort of pub and a decent 9/10 from me. I'd love to have this as my local.
20 Aug 2019 20:54
White Lion Hotel, Upton on Severn
Fairly old-fashioned, but upmarket hotel on the High Street in Upton-upon-Severn. A few people were eating and there were a few others drinking at the bar. 3 fairly standard ales were on - Sharp's Doom Bar, Butcombe Original & Otter Ale. A welcoming enough place. But, a bit dark inside.
20 Aug 2019 20:46
Food-dominated pub in a nice village setting. The speciality appeared to be fish. Most tables were taken and many were eating outdoors on our Saturday lunchtime visit. Just a couple of real ales were on. Although, they were not the standard fare. In this instance, it was Goff's Cheltenham Gold & Clavell & Hind Wicked Lady. There were also a number of craft beers, including one from Tiny Rebel.
20 Aug 2019 20:41
First pub on a visit to Worcestershire was this pub south of Worcester. It had been open for breakfast and the barman was still serving a meal to the only other customers. So, it was a fairly lengthy wait for service. 3 real ales were on - Wye Valley Bitter, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Cotleigh Tawny Owl. Slightly disappointing.
20 Aug 2019 20:36
The Savoy was my final stop on my Monday evening visit to Swindon. It's a large Wetherspoon's, the town's oldest. It's an old cinema set on various levels with plenty of space. Being quite old, it does have a more worn feel than most branches. 15 handpulls serve a good range of ales. Yesterday, these were Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Adnams Broadside, Cairngorm Trade Winds, Original Whitstable Brewery Pearl Of Kent, Titanic Captain Smith's, Salopian Darwin's Origin, Jenning's Sneck Lifter, Exmoor Stag, Battledown Saison & White Horse Stable #4. By the time I was leaving, Purple Moose Dark Side of the Moose was also on. As part of the cider festival, they had Weston's Old Rosie, Purbeck Katy Perry & Dandy Dab, Thatcher's Stan's Big Apple, Sandford Orchards Merry Legs, Hunt's Barn Screecher, Malvern Cider Company Malvern Gold, Rich's Farmhouse Cider & Venton's Apple Vice. A decent end to the evening.
14 Aug 2019 21:28
The Duke of Wellington, Swindon
Passed this former pub on the way down the hill. The fabulous exterior can still be admired despite its current incarnation.
14 Aug 2019 21:22
The Hop Inn was easily the best pub I found in Swindon's Old Town. I'm not sure when it moved. But, it is now in slightly bigger premises at 8 Devizes Road. The furniture is quite eclectic and there was a mixed crowd, some of whom seemed quite inebriated for a Monday! The ale range was impressive and varied - Ramsbury Hop Inn Ale is the house beer. Others were Ramsbury Mango IPA, Settle Castleberg Pale Ale, Lincoln Green Gin & Beer It, Hop Kettle Old Town Best, New Bristol Grateful Red, Frome Brown Cow & Bristol Beer Factory Milk Stout. Ciders were both on the strong side - Friel's & Lilley's Gladiator. That may have explained the condition of some of the punters. I remained sensible (for once) and sampled the Brown Cow, which had plenty of flavour for a brown ale. One of Swindon's best pubs.
14 Aug 2019 21:20
Another Swindon pub that I was hoping to visit on Monday evening. This one did actually have a sign on the door apologising for their closure. Some works were apparently ongoing. I will return one day.
14 Aug 2019 21:15
The Wheatsheaf is a cosy Wadworth's pub in Swindon's Old Town. It features a number of old wooden casks behind the bar. But, they do not hold any beer. The normal range of Wadworth ales was on - 6X, IPA, Horizon & Swordfish. They also had Severn Brewing Golden IPA as a guest and 3 real ciders from Weston's - Old Rosie, Rosie's Pig & Rosie's Pig Rhubarb. With no music, conversation was the only noise. But, with only a handful of customers, that did make it a little quiet. I quite liked it though.
14 Aug 2019 21:14
The Steam Railway is deceptively large. It has one large room on the right and a more cavernous room to the left. Both rooms have bars, with real ale being dispensed from the smaller bar. There is also a large outdoor patio to the side. Inside is dark, but nicely decorated. As the previous reviewer said, there are many screens for live sport. Apart from the bar staff, I was the only person in on a Monday evening. Doom Bar & 6X are the regular ales. The guest ale was The Rev James. Nice place. Pity about the ale choice and the lack of atmosphere. But, it was a Monday. I would give it a second chance.
14 Aug 2019 21:10
Upmarket hotel with a nice bar area serving Arkell's beer. 3 of their ales are generally on - 3B, Wiltshire Gold & Hoperation IPA. They no longer serve real cider. Apart from the pleasant drinking environment, it was disappointing.
14 Aug 2019 21:05
The Roaring Donkey looked like an interesting small pub. But, unfortunately it now closes on a Monday. Sadly, no beer in the evening for me here.
14 Aug 2019 21:02
After a swift visit to an Arkell's pub called the Fox & Hounds in Haydon Wick (not on BITE), my last stop in Wiltshire on Sunday turned out to be the Dockle Farmhouse. This Wetherspoon's on the eastern outskirts of Swindon was on its final day of a cider festival. 'Spoon's used to do these nationwide. But, it appears that they are now restricted to the West Country, as its presence was a complete surprise for me. Aside from my usual argument with the bar staff as to why I couldn't use my CAMRA vouchers for the real cider (apparently there is a difference between a festival cider and a real cider - who would have known?!), I enjoyed a couple of ciders that I hadn't previously had and made the decision to return the following day for more. The usual ales were on - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar. The two guests were Cairngorm Trade Winds & Titanic Captain Smiths. Ciders were Abrahall's Neapolitan Cider, Farmer Jim's Grape Escape, Sandford Orchards Merry Legs, Weston's Old Rosie, Malvern Cider Company Malvern Gold, Purbeck Cider Company Dandy Dab, Mr Whitehead's Henry's Orchard Perry, Saxby's Original, Hunt's Barn Screecher & Dorest Nectar Old Harry Rocks. There's loads of seating and there were also plenty of staff available at the bar and out on the floor serving food. Quite a decent branch of Wetherspoon's. I returned on Monday evening to exactly the same ale and cider list.
14 Aug 2019 20:59
The Blunsdon Arms is a fairly typical Ember Inn establishment. Late on a Sunday lunchtime, there was a mixture of diners, drinkers and families. St Austell Tribute is the regular ale here. Guests were Dark Star American Pale Ale, Thwaite's Wainwright, Butcombe Original, Fuller's London Pride, Thornbridge Jaipur, Bath Gem & Laine's Mango-licious. Ciders were Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig. So, a better than average drinks range for an Ember Inn. As previous reviewers state though, the interior is characterless and the location is neither here nor there.
14 Aug 2019 20:48
Friendly local pub tucked away off the main roads in a village north of Swindon. Football was on the TV, whilst the local pooch was the centre of attention. Butcombe Original is the regular ale. The guest was Sharp's Doom Bar.
14 Aug 2019 20:43
Cricklade is a lovely large village with a characterful High Street. The Red Lion also has plenty of character and is situated at one end of the High Street. Whilst Hop Kettle are still based here, the pub is now strangely owned by St Austell. So, both breweries beers are represented. In fact, there seemed to be more St Austell beers than in most of their Cornish pubs. The selection was Hop Kettle Element, COB & North Wall, St Austell Hicks, Hi Ho Silver Lining & Tribute, Bath Lansdown & Gem & Dartmoor Legend & Jail Ale. They no longer stock real cider. Still a nice pub though.
14 Aug 2019 20:40
The White Hart Inn, Ashton Keynes
My first stop in Wiltshire on a Sunday lunchtime was this busy pub in a picturesque village famous for its 4 stone crosses. The pub was heaving with drinkers combining with families enjoying Sunday lunches. The only seat I could find was at the bar. The house beer is Stroud White Hart Bitter. Another regular is Ramsbury Gold. They also had Ramsbury Ekuanot & Timothy Taylor Knowle Spring. I was surprised to see a range of ciders - Cotswold Cider Company Yellow Hammer, Muscle Mary, Shape Shifter & She Devil, plus Falling Wood Fallen Tree. Complimentary snacks were on the bar and the atmosphere was friendly. An excellent start to my Wiltshire pub crawl.
14 Aug 2019 20:34
The Broken Drum couldn't have been a bigger contrast from the nearby George Staple. But, I liked it just as much, if not more. It's a fairly typical micropub on a parade of shops to the side of a busy road. The barman (owner?) was friendly and efficient. Just 3 real ales were on - Brockley IPA & Pale Ale & Old Dairy UBER. There were also a couple of ciders from Woolly Pig - Medium & Dry. I'd never had anything from them before. So I sampled both, with the Dry being my favourite. All tables were taken with mainly a middle age crowd. The average age increased marginally when a large group of ale drinkers arrived back from a day out in Broadstairs. The fact that they came here for a nightcap speaks volumes. Another decent micropub.
14 Aug 2019 20:22
After a mad dash across South East London to Selhurst Park, including a stop at the Craft Beer Cabin in South Norwood (not listed on BITE), I returned to the Sidcup area after the game to try a couple of pubs in Blackfen. The George Staples is a lively corner pub that was reasonably busy on a Saturday evening. The late football game had just finished and had clearly been on the screens. The ale range was better than I had expected. The regular ales are Sharp's Doom Bar & Fuller's London Pride. Other Fuller's beers were Hop Tropic & Sticky Wicket, whilst there was also Gun Extra Pale & Bexley May Place. Of more interest to me was the range of 14 Lilley's ciders in small boxes behind the bar - Pickled Parrot, Pineapple Cider, Chocolate Apple Cider, Strawberry Cider, Rum Cider, Tropical Cider, Red Rabbit, Cherries & Berries, Peach Cider, Mango Cider, Lemon & Ginger Cider, Rhubarb Cider, Apple & Blackberry Cider & Pear & Raspberry Cider. Pineapple for me and as with most of them, it was fairly sweet. They were well priced though. I believe they were £3.80 a pint, despite no discount for CAMRA members on the ciders. Primarily a young drinkers' pub, it had bouncers on the door. But, I liked it.
14 Aug 2019 20:17
With time to spare before my train, I had time for one last drink in Sidcup and I selected the Iron Horse as it's immediately opposite the station. The 2 real ales were both from the Bexley Brewery - Bexley's Own & Golden Acre. I quite enjoyed the former when I was recently in Bexleyheath. But, I thought it would be remiss of me not to try the latter. As expected, Bexley's Own is more to my taste. The pub itself has minimal seating and it's primarily set out for live music with a very stripped back interior. Not a bad option though.
14 Aug 2019 20:01
I'm normally a great fan of micropubs. But, I wasn't wowed by this one compared with others. This may well have been due to the time I visited - early Saturday afternoon. It was empty when I arrived and I left one other customer inside when I moved on. Cask ales were all on the pale side - Wantsum Vacay In Cali, Fell Tinderbox IPA, Thornbridge Twin Peaks, Whitstable Winkle Picker, Kent Galena, Bexley Bob & Two By Two Session IPA. I was more interested in the ciders. The selection initially looked greater than it actually was. But, bottled ciders were included and so were the pub's own concoctions, created by mixing multiple ciders. The remainder was Broadoak Moonshine, Sloe Gin & Strawberry Cider, Lilley's Gladiator, Mr Whitehead's Equinox, Bumblebee Regatta, Snail's Bank Fruit Bat & Raspberry Ripple, Chant Badger's Spit, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask & Dudda's Tun Bone Dry. I stopped for half of the only one I hadn't previously had (the Regatta), before leaving for the station which is nearby. I think I've set myself a high expectation for micropubs. This is still a very solid 7 or 8/10 and easily the best pub in Sidcup.
14 Aug 2019 19:57
The Charcoal Burner, New Eltham
This pub is now simply called the Charcoal. After a long walk in the rain from the Hill Top Tap after the bus went early, I was happy to see the door open. But, with the landlady still hoovering, they weren't yet open. Another Sidcup pub with incorrect opening times on various websites. This place does not open until midday. I set off for the Alma and returned after. I wish I hadn't bothered. There's 2 rooms. The larger one was sparsely furnished and had no atmosphere at all. The toilets were well decorated though. Sharp's Doom Bar is once again the regular ale. The guest was Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter. Disappointing to say the least.
14 Aug 2019 19:49
Backstreet boozer close to Sidcup station. There are two small rooms, with a much larger function room at the rear. 4 real ales were on. The regular ale is Sharp's Doom Bar. 3 guests were Adnams Ghost Ship, Courage Best & Otter Funk 'n' Soul Otterfest. Most of the punters were sat around the bar. A handful were in and most seemed to know each other. Friendly enough place.
14 Aug 2019 19:45
This place is now called the Hill Top Tap. The CAMRA website had the pub listed as a 9am opening. Google has it as 10:30. Guess what, at 10:40, it was still closed. The proprietor did come out to ask why I was standing in his entrance sheltering from the rain and all credit to him, he said he would try to get the times changed. Good luck with that. I've yet to find a website with reliable pub opening times. There may be a gap in the market. Needless to say, when they opened at 11am, I was the only customer. Sharp's Doom Bar is the regular beer. The guest was Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter. But to my surprise, they also had 5real ciders - Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, Rich's Legbender & Lilley's Mango Cider & Apple & Blackberry cider. Frustratingly they are billed as craft ciders and given an appropriate price mark-up. It is however a friendly place, where there is an emphasis on providing TVs for sport. I would return if ever in Sidcup again.
14 Aug 2019 19:40
I arrived here at 9:30 on a Saturday morning and it was already quite busy. Unlike Lezford, I was not particularly impressed with the ale range. Wetherspoon's standards Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar were all on. But, the two guest beers were uninspiring - Adnams Broadside & Shepherd Neame Spitfire. I settled for the real cider, which was Old Rosie to accompany my breakfast. There's plenty of nooks and crannies to try and find a bit of solitude. But, with plenty of kids, this was always going to be unlikely. In fairness, most were being well behaved. Just one screaming brat was disturbing the peace. Service was quick and efficient. All in all, one of the better pubs in Sidcup.
14 Aug 2019 19:33
This is a lovely village pub in a nice location. I was glad to step inside from a passing thunderstorm early yesterday evening. The bar has a lovely traditional feeling. There are only 5 tables and a few families had been dining. I didn't set foot in the lounge. 4 ales were on. The regular is Greene King Abbot. They also had Courage Directors, Purity Ubu & Church End Fallen Angel. Finally after trawling around 10 Warwickshire pubs without finding any sign of a local beer, I'd not only found one, but two beers actually brewed in the county. I opted for the Fallen Angel, which was a bit hoppy for my tastebuds. But, this is certainly a pub that I would recommend. No sign of any real cider these days though....
4 Aug 2019 11:12
The Fox is a Marston's pub and it felt a little more cosy and welcoming than the nearby Royal Oak. There are two rooms, with a small outdoor courtyard at the rear. Only 2 ales were available - Pedigree & 61 Deep. I'm afraid there's much to recommend in Attleborough for the pub/ale enthusiast.
4 Aug 2019 11:06
Small pub in the village area of Attleborough. I found a seat in the small bar at the front, not venturing to the lounge at the rear. But, I think everybody was either in the bar or outside on the pavement. The real ale was Bass and it was a nice drop.
4 Aug 2019 11:04
The Attleborough Arms, Nuneaton
This pub doesn't seem to have improved much since Snarling Mallard's visit. Somehow, it made the 2018 Good Beer Guide. A large and busy open-plan pub with an equally large car park. Taxis were hanging around outside awaiting the end of Nuneaton's opening football match of the season. That may have also explained the poor ale range - Marston's Pedigree, Banks's Amber & Well's Bombardier. Moved on quickly to avoid any post-football rush. Disappointing.
4 Aug 2019 11:01
This place is now called the Black Swan In Hand and is a spacious pub that seems to specialise in sports TV. It lies just off the end of Nuneaton's main shopping street. 2 of the ales were fairly mainstream - Well's Bombardier & Marston's Pedigree. But they also had Bitter & Citra from the Cheadle Brewhouse. TVs were showing a mixture of sports - cricket, F1 and Sky Sports News football scores. A lively place that was certainly popular on my Saturday afternoon visit.
4 Aug 2019 10:58
The Hearty Goodfellow, Nuneaton
I returned to the western side of Nuneaton to try a couple of pubs that I couldn't get into on New Year's Eve 2017. My experience at the Hearty Goodfellow and the Horseshoes (not listed on BITE) couldn't have been much different. The Hearty Goodfellow may well be under temporary ownership. I remember walking in and seeing a couple of real ales in 2017. But, there are certainly none now. The keg choice consisted of Guinness, Banks's Mild, Coors Light, John Smith's, Shipyard Pale Ale, Stella Artois 4, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruits & Carling. I settled for a soft drink. Once again, they appeared to be preparing for a function. The music was far too loud, despite there being no customers. Poor place. I've requested for the Horseshoes to be added to BITE (I won't hold my breath). That was a decent Everard's pub not too far up the road and was my favourite pub of the day.
4 Aug 2019 10:52
Tucked away down a side street, this is a really friendly community pub with an emphasis on sports. There were a couple of rooms (joined at the rear) with a central bar. The landlady was having problems getting cricket on one screen and Formula 1 on the other for the locals. 3 ales were available to choose from - Bass is the regular beer. Guests were Rat White Rat & Tiny Rebel Pango. I had the latter, which was certainly fruity. One of my favourite pubs of the day in Warwickshire.
4 Aug 2019 10:46
After a visit to the expensive Bird In Hand (not listed on BITE) in nearby Austrey, the Bull's Head was next on my tour of Warwickshire yesterday. It's a fairly basic two-room pub with a clinical interior and an Indian restaurant upstairs. Certainly a drinkers' pub, it had a bit of a rough feel to it. But, I was pleasantly surprised by the ale selection. All 3 were from Somerset - Pitchfork Birnbeck Bitter, Parkway Urban Myth & 3D Lunar Landing. In addition, there was Weston's Old Rosie on handpull. A decent option if in Polesworth.
4 Aug 2019 10:38
Our final stop of the day in West Sussex was the White Lion. The car park at the rear is very tight and with the pub's popularity, you may not get a space. We ended up parking way down the lane. Although our consideration to not block others in was later to cost us, as others drove in afterwards, parked with a lack of consideration and got served before us. Ales on were Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter, St Austell Tribute & Langham Godiva & Arapaho. The real cider was Mole's Black Rat Dark Fruits. The interior is quite small, with the main room laid out for diners. However, there are a couple of tiny drinking areas. We enquired about food. But, the only tables they had were in the garden. We agreed to this, as it was a nice summer's evening. However, after over an hour waiting for 3 burgers, the sun had gone down and it was getting decidedly chilly. On going back to the car to get some jackets, I decided to get it back into the car park. Although getting back into the steep entrance of the car park from this direction proved to be a little more problematic and I ended up grounding the car! Bar/waiting staff were very apologetic about the wait, as it appeared that our order had gone into the kitchen after a large party of 8, who were most likely the ones who had arrived after us in the car park! They ended up refunding the price of one of the burgers, which was much appreciated. The food itself was good. Nice village pub overall, only let down by the parking problems!
21 Jul 2019 09:52
We had to double back to the Rising Sun, as it is still one of the local pubs that closes in the afternoon. But, it was well worth the effort. Parking is on the lane next to the pub. The front of the pub is ivy-clad. Once inside, the wonder of the place emerges. With its bare boards in the main bar, the pub has maintained all of its traditional features, with no hint of modernisation. Passageways lead to smaller rooms, some for dining. There are some intriguing knick knacks, as you wander around. We eventually found the garden at the rear. It's another gorgeous area, with some parts undercover. A jeep can be seen in one corner. The owners were very friendly and keen to chat. The ale range was not the most inventive - Fuller's London Pride, Young's Bitter, Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter and I think the 4th was St Austell Tribute. But, my attention was drawn towards the Addlestones cider at the end of the bar. Despite my extensive travelling around pubs, I hadn't seen any Addlestones for a few years and assumed it was no longer made. But, apparently they keep it for a local female regular who drinks the stuff. Easily my favourite pub of the day. Not quite a 10/10. But, a firm 9/10 from me. A lovely discovery.
21 Jul 2019 09:42
The Queens Head, West Chiltington
You exit from a thick wooded area into the picturesque village area of West Chiltington. The pub has a number of inside areas that felt a little too modern. There are also some outdoor areas - a children's play garden next to the car park and a walled courtyard, where we sat. Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter is the regular ale. The guest beer was Sharp's Doom Bar. But, they did also have Weston's Old Rosie cider. The young barman was good enough to point out that it was 7%. Although, I did correct this statement to 7.3%, having consumed a fair amount previously! But, the bar staff were certainly friendly and chatty.
21 Jul 2019 09:32
Roadside Fuller's pub that has 3 or 4 rooms inside and a beautiful and peaceful garden at the rear. Ales were Fuller's London Pride, Gale's HSB & Seafarers & St Austell Proper Job. Nice setting.
21 Jul 2019 09:28
The White Hart has a gorgeous location next to an old 14th century bridge over the River Arun. The only spoiler is that the modern bridge belonging to the A283 creates a little noise. The pub itself seemed quite small and cosy. But, there is a large garden, seemingly popular with kids and another small drinking area at the end of the bridge. We had a nice time watching a family of geese and some canoeists. But, it can certainly get busy. 3 ales were on - Sharp's Doom Bar & Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter are the regulars. The guest ale was Langham Godiva. In reference to the previous review, I think that loud music is a thing of the past. Despite the number of people, it was quite tranquil on our Saturday afternoon visit. Nice place.
21 Jul 2019 09:23
The Bridge Inn has a lovely location next to the river. Although, that does make it popular on a nice, sunny day such as yesterday. We found car parking space easy enough. But the exit back onto the main road is quite perilous. There is a small outdoor area at the front, where there were a mixture of diners and drinkers. The ale range was a little disappointing - Harvey's Sussex Bitter, Long Man Long Blonde & St Austell Tribute. There was no real cider. Nice location. But, nothing more to recommend it for, in reality.
21 Jul 2019 09:16
Another lovely West Sussex pub at the end of lane. There are 3 small rooms, with a large outdoor area, some of it undercover. The bar serves 2 of the rooms. Adnams Bitter is the regular ale and it was accompanied by Hanlon's Stormstay on that side of the bar. On the other side was Downlands Thirteen Pale Ale, Leeds Samba, Long Man Long Blonde & Oakham Scarlet Macaw. The cider was Cheddar Valley. It was quiet on our visit. But, locals were friendly.
21 Jul 2019 09:01
Lovely thatched pub in a nice rural location, that is home to the Gribble Brewery. There is also a nice garden at the front. Inside is quite cosy and all of the ales are produced by themselves - Reg's Tipple, Woodpecker's Hole, Plucking Pheasant, Pig's Ear & Gribble Ale. Two more were being pulled through. There were also a couple of ciders - Lilley's Rhubarb Cider & Sandford Orchards Berry Lane. I'd not had the latter before. So, I had that instead of trying the local brews. Lovely pub. Although it did feel a little cliquey.
21 Jul 2019 08:55
Our second stop in Bognor was the Alex, a small local pub in a fairly prominent location. Just the one real ale was available, which was Bath Ales Gem. There are just 2-3 rooms and there were already a handful of locals in on our Saturday morning visit. It is quite light and airy.
21 Jul 2019 08:49
Yesterday's fun started in Bognor Regis, a seaside resort I've not been to before. The Hatters Inn was a good place to start for a breakfast and a pint. Ales were Sharp's Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Dorking Ryesing Sun & Lunar White, Welton's Congress, Flack Manor Romsey Gold, Irving Spinnaker & Jennings Sneck Lifter. The cider was Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. Service was a bit haphazard. I'm sure I was charged incorrectly and my breakfast came without 2 items, whilst another breakfast was not what we'd ordered. Nevertheless, there doesn't appear to be too much real ale in this town. So, the Wetherspoon's is an oasis for locals and visitors alike.
21 Jul 2019 08:46
The Ram was my favourite pub of the day in East Sussex. It is situated in a picturesque village that was hosting its annual village fair. In spite of this, there is extensive car parking. There are signs requesting drivers not to park in the village itself. The pub is a warren of different passageways and rooms. It serves drinkers, diners and those seeking accommodation too. Once I'd finally found the bar, there were 3 beers on offer. Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter is generally available. Guests were Long Man Sleeping Giant & Belhaven IPA. But, I was more impressed with a perry called Per from Ascension, which I had not before. I loved the character and the location of this place. Moved on from here to my last stop of the day - the Lewes Constitutional Club (not on BITE).
14 Jul 2019 11:07
And I forgot to mention the gents' urinals! Very unusual and worth a look.
14 Jul 2019 11:00
Lovely country pub which appears popular with a wide range of people, especially diners. The rear garden was packed with families and chickens wander round between the tables. I also noticed a pig, as I was heading back to the car park. Staff and customers take their ales seriously. All 4 ales were from Sussex. The 2 regular beers were Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter & Burning Sky Plateau. The 2 guest beers were Gun IPA & 360° West Coast Pale. They also had a not so local cider - Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze.
14 Jul 2019 10:59
Haven't previously visited the Grenadier and the KIng's Head in Hailsham, I would say that the George Hotel is probably the best the town has to offer. It's an above-average Wetherspoon's that has a nice, light feel. If there's any criticism, the ale range is more limited than most. As the previous review states, the regular ales are Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar. Yesterday's guests were Old Dairy Summer Top & Kent Breakfast Oatmeal Stout. Of more interest to me was the excellent cider range. It was my 7th pub of the day and the first one with any real cider. In fact, it has been voted the local cider pub of the year by the local CAMRA branch for the third consecutive year. Yesterday's selection was Purbeck Cider Company Devil's Leaf & Katy Perry, Cock Eyed Pear Mania & Monkey Mango, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Weston's Old Rosie, Snail's Bank Rhubarb & Broadoak Moonshine. Two guys were in the cubicles of the gents (at least I assume they were male). One was clearly struggling with no toilet paper! I did my good deed for the day and alerted the bar staff! Decent and a clearly popular place.
14 Jul 2019 10:52
Almost 6 years on and I was back in Herstmonceux to finally visit the Brewers Arms. It has a nicely-decorated interior. Locals were crowded around the bar, on which were what appeared to be complimentary cherries - a nice and unusual touch. There were only a couple of other drinkers away from the bar inside. But, there is also a garden area adjacent to the car park at the rear. There were only a couple of ales - Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter & Pig & Porter Light As A Leaf. Fairly ordinary pub in a nice village.
14 Jul 2019 10:40
It's been many years since I was last drinking in Battle. But I paid a return visit yesterday to visit the Bull Inn and also the Squirrel (just to the west of town and not listed on BITE). The Bull is on the High Street and has the feel of a café bar, which belies its history as a pub. There are two rooms. The one at the front was crowded with locals. The rear room had the Wimbledon Women's Tennis Final on and seemed to be more for diners. There also appeared to be a courtyard area at the side. The house beer is Top Bull from Old Dairy. They also regularly have the eponymous Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter. The guest beer was Fuller's London Pride. The entertainment was being provided by the landlady (or possibly barmaid), who was getting extremely excited about the prospect of Simona Halep winning the tennis!
14 Jul 2019 10:33
Lovely looking country pub which was very quiet on my early Saturday afternoon visit. It has a nice cosy feel and it seems to be more of a dining place than a drinkers' pub. The two real ales were Shepherd Neame Whitstable Bay Pale Ale & Long Man Best Bitter. There seemed to be plenty of staff.
14 Jul 2019 10:23
The Old Court House, Westfield
As per the previous review, this pub has re-opened as the New Inn. It was my second stop of a tour of East Sussex following the Three Legs Brewery Tap in Brede (not listed on BITE). It seems to be more of a restaurant than a pub, with most of the inside dedicated to diners and many of those outside on the rear patio also dining. There is a small bar area and there were also some drinkers outside. It was quite light and airy indoors. The house beer is New Inn House Brew from Long Man. There are also 3 guest beers, which were Battle NE IPA, Pig & Porter Pale & Greene King Yardbird.
14 Jul 2019 10:16
The Queen Adelaide, Kingsthorpe
The Queen Adelaide is well away from the centre of Northampton in the northern suburbs. It is a village-like location and was our favourite pub in the town out of 4 we visited on this Sunday lunchtime crawl. The ales were all national, with none from Northants - Adnams Bitter & Broadside, Greene King IPA, Fuller's London Pride & Oliver's Island , Sharp's Sea Fury, Castle Rock Harvest Pale & Cameron's Strongarm. I plumped for the Strongarm, which is rarely seen this far south. There are a couple of rooms. We sat in a traditional one, that had the feel of a village country pub.
8 Jul 2019 20:02
The White Elephant, Northampton
We weren't planning to visit this Greene King pub. But, after the disappointment of the Romany, we decided to give it a go. With a funfair ongoing on the former Northampton racecourse opposite, parking was a bit of a nightmare. The effort wasn't really worth it. Abbot & London Glory was the uninspiring choice. I went for the former and forgot to ask for the CAMRA discount, which they apparently do. Quite a large pub inside, with plenty of TVs for sport.
8 Jul 2019 19:57
Our second stop yesterday lunchtime after the Kingsley Park Working Men's Club (not listed on here) was the Romany. It looks a bit dodgy from the outside. It's car park is shared with a car wash company. Inside, was much more pleasant, with 2 large rooms. We walked into one half to find it being set up for a party. It didn't look like we would be welcomed in there. So, we moved onto the second room. It was nicely decorated and had a pool table (or possibly two - I can't remember). The only ale advertised was 61 Deep. But, I could only see this available on keg. Very disappointing.
8 Jul 2019 19:53
The Charles Bradlaugh, Northampton
After a swift stop at the Hopping Hare, in the Dallington area of the town, we moved back to the centre for a party at the Charles Bradlaugh. There is a large downstairs area and an equally large outdoor courtyard, some of which is covered. We were in the first floor function room. Two ales were on and both were available on either floor. Greene King IPA & Gun Dog American Red were both on. A disappointing ale selection. But, we had a good evening, nonetheless.
8 Jul 2019 19:46
Busy town centre pub with plenty of seating. But, only Tribute was on. I wouldn't bother with this place. The excellent St Giles Ale House is nearby and we'd just come from the Albion Brewery Bar, which was also good. Unfortunately, neither are listed on BITE.
8 Jul 2019 19:34
The Pomfret Arms is to the south of the town centre, in an area with a number of different local hostelries. This was my favourite pub of the day. It is the brewery tap for Cotton End and I was hoping to sample their Coffee Porter. The ale range was a little disappointing, with just Cotton End Conker Classic & Great Oakley Wot's Occurring on. Although, whilst we were there, Great Oakley Abbey Stout & Tiffield Thunderbolt were poured through, along with Cotton End Goldings Pale. Of more interest for me was the ciders. There were 5 in all, 3 of which I'd never had before. Lilley's Mango Cider & Cherries & Berries, were on along with Dragonfly Oak-Aged Blackcurrant & Salted Caramel Cider & Harefield's Sliding Bevel. All were tasty. Whilst the pub was quiet on arrival, the landlord was a nice chap and several others wandered in. There was to be a party later on. I can imagine this place can get fairly packed. With the Malt Shovel nearby, I reckon I'll be back here again some day.
8 Jul 2019 19:30
The Road To Morocco, Northampton
Despite the pub's exotic-sounding name, this pub is a fairly ordinary boozer on a housing estate to the east of Northampton. It was mostly national beers again. Greene King Abbot & Theakston Old Peculier are regulars. Guests were Adnams Broadside, Well's Bombardier Burning Gold & Brains The Rev James. It was a surprisingly good selection, given the pub's location. So, it must have a decent local following. Not really worth the journey out of the centre though.
8 Jul 2019 19:22
The Bold Dragoon, Weston Favell
Not a bad pub now located in the east of Northampton, in a former village setting. There are two rooms. We sat in a small area adjacent to the dining area, which is in a conservatory. Ales are mostly national ones - Fuller's London Pride & ESB & Greene King IPA & Abbot are the regular beers. Guests were St Austell Tribute & Proper Job & Adnams Ghost Ship. I was about to order the Ghost Ship, until we spotted a box of Weston's Old Rosie.
8 Jul 2019 19:18
My last stop of 15 in Rugby yesterday was the Victoria Inn. It is a little out of the town centre. But, with it being only 10-11 minutes walk to the station, with a chip shop on the way, it made for a handy last beer. I'm normally quite appreciative of an old boozer. But, I'd maybe had one too many to be too appreciative of the Victoria. In fact, I left feeling a little underwhelmed, probably due to my choice of beer. Being an Atomic pub, I decided to try their Bomb. But, it seemed to be on the turn. Also from Atomic was Strike, with other ales being Hook Norton Hooky, Abbeydale Belfry, Titanic Plum Porter & Castle Rock Harvest Pale. There was no sign of a real cider or perry. But, it's possible that there was one in another room. By no means the worst pub I tried in Rugby. But, it felt distinctly average.
30 Jun 2019 18:27
Black Country Ales have recently re-opened this pub and it was reasonably quiet on our visit. Well, at least it was until we arrived! It's fairly typical of their other pubs and judging by the previous review, it's probably received a bit of a lick of paint and a freshen up. The ale range was fairly typical of the chain - Black Country BFG, Fireside & Pig On The Wall, Baa Two Bridges, Beowulf Chase Pale, Twisted Oak Sheriff Farman, Kelham Island Kelham Best, Hophurst Debonair Stout, Milestone Lion's Pride & Coastal Cornish Cascade. The ciders were Thistly Cross Whisky Cask & Broadoak Sloe Gin. A decent pub and we moved on from here to another Rugby micropub - the Crafty Banker (not listed on BITE).
30 Jun 2019 18:20
Traditional local boozer with a friendly barmaid and friendly customers. My memory of this place is not the best, as it was our 12th stop. But, the 2 real ales were Morland Old Golden Hen & Black Sheep Best Bitter.
30 Jun 2019 18:12
Since the last review just over 8 years ago, even the Wetherspoon's is now more. The new owners have kept the name The Lawrence Sheriff, but as with many former 'spoon's, it's a vast barn-like place with many handpulls that are no longer in use. There were however 4 ales - Greene King Abbo, Thwaite's Lancaster Bomber, Ringwood Circadian & McMullen's IPA. They also had Old Rosie cider. I'd be surprised to see this place stay open for too much longer, as it was very quiet. But, maybe it gets busy later in the night. We moved on from here to the much better Rugby Tap Room, a fairly new micropub that was quite a contrast to the Lawrence Sheriff.
30 Jun 2019 18:06
The Three Horse Shoes Hotel, Rugby
This is now simply called the Rugby Hotel. With our Rugby pub crawl starting to get more out of hand, we walked into what was an empty hotel bar. 2 of our party walked straight back out. But, I was one of those persevering with a Tetley's Cask, the solitary real ale. Others chose from the keg lager selection or the spirits! Disappointing.
30 Jun 2019 18:00
The Bull is a typical town centre pub, in the main shopping area. As soon as we entered, I overheard a couple at the bar suggesting that we might be entering to look for a fight. I offered them a fight if they wanted and they quietly moved out of the door! There were just 3 real ales here - Landlord, Abbot & Old Speckled Hen. But, I was happy to see 5 ciders from Lilley's - Pickled Parrot, Apples & Pears, Rhubarb, Cherries & Berries & Mango. A light and airy place. But, we didn't end up fighting!
30 Jun 2019 17:57
The Merchants was my favourite pub in Rugby. There were 9 real ales and 9 real ciders. The selection was Nethergate Venture & Masterpiece, Oakham Bishop's Farewell, Purity Mad Goose, Navigation NZ IPA, Lincoln Green Tuck, Severn Meadow Honey, Portobello Market Porter, 4T's Chocolate & Fudge Stout Detective, Broadoak Pheasant Plucker, Millwhite's Hedgelayer, Dry Scrumpy, Original Scrumpy, Medium Scrumpy, Rioja Cask & Rum Cask, Thatcher's Cheddar Valley & Cockeyed Copper Beach. The interior has a number of different sections, with TVs. It is clearly a rugby (the sport) pub. We exited to the outdoor area. But, be careful, as you'll have to cross a side road immediately on exiting. A great drinks selection and a nice environment in which to enjoy them. So, we stayed for a few.
30 Jun 2019 17:53
This is a very small pub inside, with a cosy feel. But, there was a good selection of 4 ales and 5 ciders. Ales were Firebird Heritage XX, Ringwood Razor Back, Gun Dock American Red & Parkway Ruffled Feathers. All of the ciders were from Weston's - Old Rosie, Rosie's Pig, Rosie's Pig Strawberry, Rosie's Pig Rhubarb & Raspberry Roller. Dog friendly place - watch your step. But, a pub of much character.
30 Jun 2019 17:43
Next stop for us was the Seven Stars, a very short walk down a path through a residential area from the Alexandra Arms. The Seven Stars was my favourite pub so far in Rugby. It's an Everard's pub. But, only Tiger & Original were on from the brewery. There was also Oakham JHB, Potbelly Beijing Black, Bowland Buster IPA, Brunswick Sweet Marie & Rocket, Castle Rock Black Gold & Fuzzy Duck Pheasant Plucker. Ciders were Bottle Kicking Cider Company Pineapple, Peach & Passion Fruit & Orchard Pig The Hogfather. There are a couple of rooms and a nice outdoor drinking area at the rear.
30 Jun 2019 17:34
The Alexandra Arms is home of the Atomic Brewery, which is based in an outbuilding in the pub garden. Being a nice sunny day yesterday, we retreated to the garden. Ales were Atomic Strike, Hook Norton Old Hooky, Abbeydale Rita & Oakham Citra. There was also Broadoak Moonshine cider. Inside there are two rooms. The better of the two Atomic pubs I tried yesterday.
30 Jun 2019 17:24
Our second stop in Rugby was this branch of Wetherspoon's. There was the usual Greene King selection - Abbot, Morland Old Speckled Hen & Ruddles Best, along with Sharp's Doom Bar, Robinson's Trooper, Phoenix Wobbly Bob & Sarah Hughes' Dark Ruby Mild. The cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Exposed pipework give the place a modern feel. Not too bad. We moved on from here to the Town & County Club (not listed on BITE).
30 Jun 2019 16:54
Our first stop in Rugby yesterday was this busy café bar. There are a few tables on the street at the front, which we took advantage of. 3 real ales are served. Yesterday, these were Sharp's Doom Bar & Church End Goat's Milk & A Right Royal Occasion. There was a group of 10 of us, 5 of whom were in my round. Somehow I later realised that the barmaid had charged me for 6 ales, in addition to charging each of the other 5. But, at a cost of £10.20 for 5 ales, it still wasn't unreasonable. Plenty of other people were enjoying breakfast.
30 Jun 2019 16:46
We were back here yesterday for Sunday lunch, which was very nice. The Live & Let Live is still a lovely pub in a nice location. Wye Valley Butty Bach & Otter Bitter were still on. But, the third ale was Ledbury Gold. In the absence of any real cider (I certainly couldn't see any), I opted for the Gold. Sunday lunch was tasty. The portion size was good and the value was not too bad. Tables are spread over 2 levels and you can also dine in the pretty garden.
24 Jun 2019 20:21
As luck would have it, we visited the Talbot during one of its beer festivals yesterday. The pub itself is on a prominent corner at the bottom of a steep hill and just across the road from the River Teme. The main bar area looked very traditional and had a few locals in. All 3 of the main Teme Valley ales were on - This, That & T'Other. But, we ventured across the road to the beer tent. A fourth Teme Valley beer was on - Shepherd's Delight. Other unusual ales on were Artisan Ales BB/01 & BB/02, Beckstones Beer O'clock, Clun Green Man IPA, Corvedale Ale of Odin, Drfitwood Spars Blue Hills & Stocks Special, Foxfield Nick Of Time, Hobson's Black IPA, Lakehouse Amber Session, Ludlow Weissbier, Pershore Helles Lager & Salisbury & Jones Ernest. There were also a couple of ciders, which I had to sample - Barbourne Major Jane and the much more local Ankerdine Cider Shed Village Idiot. Both were quite dry. The Talbot is certainly an excellent place. It's a real pity I couldn't stay longer. My favourite pub of the weekend.
24 Jun 2019 20:17
We were passing this pub on Sunday lunchtime and encouraged by the review by Paul that it had re-opened, we ventured in. The pub is a large building with an equally large car park. There seems to be an emphasis on dining. But, there were very few people in. Although we had arrived shortly after opening at midday. Ales were Wye Valley HPA & Butty Bach, Ludlow Blonde & The Hop Shed Pekin. I tried the latter, which was in reasonable condition.
24 Jun 2019 20:11
After visits to two other local pubs (Turner's and the Bull's Head) on Saturday evening (neither are listed on here and neither are worth the effort of adding), I made a return visit to the Old Swan. There was a car accident here just over a year ago, which has changed the feel of the interior a little. Unless, I missed it somehow, I don't think the swan is still on the ceiling. Ales on were all from Pardoe's - Original, Dark Swan, Entire, Bumblehole & Netherton Pale Ale. Easily the best pub in the area. But, it feels like it has gone slightly downhill. It was also much quieter than the nearby Bull's Head.
24 Jun 2019 20:06
My final stop of the day was the Star Inn, the only Penkridge pub in the current Good Beer Guide. But, of the 3 I tried, I have to say that this was easily the worst. The outdoor drinking area was packed with people enjoying the Saturday afternoon sunshine. Inside was busy too and there was an orderly queue for the bar, which I joined, only to find a local walking to the side of me and getting served straight away. It's always disappointing when bar staff (I'm fairly sure it was the landlord) serve people out of order. If unsure, just ask! The ale range was all from Marston's - Thwaite's Wainwright & Lancaster Bomber, Banks's Amber Ale, Jenning's Cocker Hoop & Brakspear Jericho Pale Ale. Poor service and below average ale selection makes this a pretty ordinary pub.
24 Jun 2019 19:56
I wasn't sure that this pub was still open as I approached it. There was a large sign stating that it was available to run. But, open it was and I was suitably impressed. It's a no-frills backstreet boozer that is dark inside and feels a bit rough around the edges. But, the welcome is really warm and there was a small and decent ale selection - Wye Valley Butty Bach, Enville Ale & Sarah Hughes Sedgley Surprise. But, more importantly for me, there was also a real cider - Weston's Old Rosie. The Horse & Jockey shaded it as my favourite pub of the day in South Staffordshire.
24 Jun 2019 19:51
The Littleton Arms easily exceeded my expectations. Yes, it's an upmarket hotel, restaurant and bar. But, the ale range was varied. On cask were Ossett Yorkshire Blonde, Beowulf Dark Raven, Thwaite's Wainwright, Salopian Lemon Dream, Enville Ale & Jenning's Cumberland Ale. There are also craft beers and an interesting selection of craft beers in cans, that are well-priced. There were a fair few people in the bar area and many more drinking in the outdoor area. A good start to a trio of Penkridge pubs.
24 Jun 2019 19:45
L-shaped corner pub in a prominent location. It's owned by Marston's and all of the ales were from their group - Banks's Amber Ale, Mild & Sunbeam, Thwaite's Wainwright & Wainwright Altitude (a chilled cask ale that I'd no seen before) & Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold. Felt more like a proper boozer than other places in town. But, the ale range disappoints.
24 Jun 2019 19:37
The Crown was the best of four places I visited in this small town. It has recently been refurbished and is under the ownership of Joule's. The ale range here was the best I saw in Staffordshire on this visit. The 4 Joule's ales were Pale Ale, Blonde, Slumbering Monk & Royal Ale. Guests were Brunswick The Usual, Purple Moose Glaslyn Ale, Magpie Jay IPA & Elgood's Black Dog. A 9th handpull was occupied by Lilley's Mango Cider. The surroundings are nice. But, it was surprisingly quiet compared with the other places I visited in the town.
24 Jun 2019 19:31
The Firs is a private members' club that has quite a plush decoration. There is a large function room that is also very comfortably furnished and a lovely small garden. Locals were all congregated around the bar, which had 3 ales - Hobson's Town Crier, Wye Valley HPA & Backyard Blonde. Apparently, they brew their own beer. But, this was not evident on my visit.
24 Jun 2019 19:26
My first stop in Codsall was the Codsall Station, another Holden's pub. Their Black Country Bitter, Special & Golden Glow are dispensed along with 3 guests. On Saturday, these were Wood's Born & Bred, Hopback Mayfly & Abbeydale Deception. Indoors, there are a couple of rooms in the old station waiting rooms, with plenty of railway memorabilia. At the rear is a fairly large patio area. Both overlook the railway line itself. This was make a good start or end to a short crawl through Codsall.
24 Jun 2019 19:20
The Hollybush is now more of an Indian restaurant than a pub. There is a large dining area and a smaller bar area. I was the only customer on a Saturday lunchtime. So, I'm not sure how they stay in business. Enville Ale & Holden's Golden Glow were both on handpull. Whilst the menu looked tempting, I wasn't about to stay for a meal. The bar area had a quite dilapidated appearance and the garden with children's play equipment didn't look much better. Not particularly recommended for a beer.
24 Jun 2019 19:12
This Holden's pub in the pretty village of Trysull was my second stop of the day in Staffordshire, following the Red Lion at Bobbington (not listed on BITE). There are number of different rooms inside. It has two traditional rooms to the left as you enter from the car park, along with a more modern drinking area as you enter. Pass through there and you will find a large dining area. Holden's Black Country Bitter & Golden Glow were on. They also possibly had their Black Country Special. The pumpclip was turned in one bar, but showing as available in the other. There was also Batham's Best Bitter & Hopback Summer Lightning. The pub is right next to the village church, where a village fete was taking place. Certainly a nice setting.
24 Jun 2019 18:59
The Herbert Wells was my last stop of the day in Surrey and without a doubt, I'd saved the best for last. In fact, it's unusual for me to say that a Wetherspoon's was my favourite pub of the day. This large and busy branch wedged between the town centre and the railway station had a nice atmosphere and more importantly an excellent range of ales and ciders. Real ales occupy 3 banks of handpulls. Regular ales are Courage Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot & Hogsback TEA. Guests were Arundel Pickled Mouse, Andwell Gold Muddler, Stonehenge Great Bustard, Elgood's Mamma Meerkat, Naylor's Velver, Hanlon's Stormstay & Bragdy Conwy San Francisco. Boxed ciders occupy one entire fridge. Today's selection was Cock Eyed Monkey Mango & Pear Mania, Weston's Old Rosie, Broadoak Moonshine, Mr Whitehead's Equinox & Garden Cider Company Vintage Cider. My pint of Monkey Mango went down very nicely and having toilets on the same floor was another unexpected bonus. The best pub I visited in Woking and probably the best in the town.
8 Jun 2019 20:51
The Sovereigns is situated on the edge of Woking town centre opposite a hospital. The tiled exterior is an indication of the age of this pub, which is now run by Ember Inns. This was my second Ember Inn of the day and I have to say that this one has much more character than most. It was also unusual in that a majority of its patrons were drinkers, as opposed to diners. In fact, the clientele were very similar to that of a Wetherspoon's. Although, it was fairly quiet. The interior had a bit of a downtrodden feel to it. But, I didn't mind that. The ale range wasn't too bad - Hogsback TEA & Surrey Nirvana, St Austell Tribute & Proper Job & Fyne Ales Jarl. A decent place to stop before I made my way to the very busy Woking Railway Athletic Club (not listed on here), just the other side of the rail tracks.
8 Jun 2019 20:42
After visiting quite a few pretentious Surrey pubs prior to the New Inn, walking in here felt like re-entering normality. Staff and customers were much more down-to-earth and prices were much more reasonable. 5 ales were on. A friend of mine was here a few weeks back and it was the same selection - Marston's The New Inn @ Send Pale Ale, Sharp's Doom Bar, Fuller's London Pride, Adnams Ghost Ship & Hogsback TEA. Nice location and one of the better pubs of my trip to Surrey.
8 Jun 2019 20:35
The Old Plough was packed on my visit this Saturday afternoon. Many were eating in the dining area at the rear. But, there were a fair number of drinkers in the bar at the front. Shere Drop, London Pride & Hophead were the 3 real ales. Prices were steep. I get the feeling that it is regularly this busy, as there were certainly plenty of staff to keep everybody served. Nice and cosy place.
8 Jun 2019 20:30
The Victoria was the better of Oxshott's two pubs. Although, it now refers to itself as a "bar and brasserie", very much designed to target a specific sub-section of society. It was quieter than the Bear just down the road. But, the ale range was marginally better - Sharp's Doom Bar & Atlantic, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Andwell King John. Not cheap. But, I think it was par for the course for this area.
8 Jun 2019 20:26
Young's pub that is clearly aiming for an upmarket clientele. It's a large place with both drinking areas and dining areas, albeit more reserved for the latter. There's also an outdoor patio at the front, which quite a few were using despite the heavy showers this afternoon. Young's Bitter & Special were on along with a guest, which was Hogsback HBB. I was hoping that they would have a real cider. But, I was disappointed. Drinks are very expensive. Not my kind of pub.
8 Jun 2019 20:22
This is an Ember Inns establishment that was busy due to an event on the nearby common. As usual, it follows the identikit design of the chain's pubs. Ember Pale Ale was accompanied by London Pride, Tribute & Ghost Ship. There were plenty of families and quite a few diners. A little disappointing.
8 Jun 2019 20:17
The Running Horse, Leatherhead
The Running Horse is a Shepherd Neame pub next to the bridge over the River Mole. It has a lovely, cosy interior with a public bar and a lounge/dining area. Master Brew & Spitfire are the regular Shepherd Neame ales. A seasonal special was Bella Birra, seemingly a collaboration with an Italian brewery. As previously mentioned, Surrey Hills Ranmore is also a regular. I was the first in. But, shortly after, a group of Americans and another couple came in. Not too bad. But, I'm not a fan of Shepherd Neame.
8 Jun 2019 20:12
The Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead
I started a tour of Surrey in Leatherhead, a place I'd not been to previously. The Wetherspoon's appears to be the best of a fairly poor bunch. For real ale in the town, there's a Young's pub, a Greene King pub and a Shepherd Neame pub. So, the Edmund Tylney does at least offer a varying range, albeit nothing spectacular. Greene King IPA & Abbot & Sharp's Doom Bar are the regular ales. Guests were Twickenham Smiler's Ale, Dark Star Hophead, Fuller's London Pride & Marston's Old Empire. This place also appears to be the only place in town where you can order a real cider. The choice is Old Rosie or Black Dragon. I arrived late in the morning to grab a breakfast. Quite a few other people were doing the same and the pub was busy. Nevertheless, service was quick. Tables are laid out across a couple of levels and there is a balcony overlooking the middle of the pub.
8 Jun 2019 20:08
The Black Horse was our final stop of the night in Suffolk. It was late in the evening and with all diners and kitchen/waiting staff having departed, there was just the landlord, one other customer at the bar and myself. 4 ales were on - Shortt's Strummer, Adnams Bitter & Ghost Ship & Greene King IPA. Shortt's is the local brewery. So, I had to try the Strummer, which was a good way to finish off the evening. Nice country pub, with a friendly landlord.
2 Jun 2019 18:10
The White Horse Inn, Stoke Ash
Roadside inn that seems more of a restaurant than a pub. I arrived late on a Saturday evening and with all dining complete, the pub was emptying out. Just a few stragglers having one for the road were present. The ale selection is Adnams Bitter, Greene King Abbot, Morland Old Speckled Hen & Woodforde's Wherry. My Adnams was ok. But, this didn't feel much like a pub.
2 Jun 2019 18:06
The Kings Arms was our second favourite pub in Stowmarket after the Royal William. It's situated next to the station. But, with no trains running this weekend, the replacement buses weren't exactly flooding the pub with visitors. Inside, there is one large room with the bar and a couple of smaller rooms. Outside, there is a drinking area overlooking the car park and there is also a burger joint in a cabin. Menus for the burgers are on the tables. Ales were Woodforde's Wherry, Adnams Ghost Ship & St Peter's Off Ya Rocker & Cream Stout. Other than the Royal William, this was the only other pub on our Suffolk trip, where we found real cider. Old Rosie was available. Instead, I went for the Cream Stout, which was very nice indeed. We completed our Stowmarket on the other side of the tracks in the Little Wellington (not listed on here).
2 Jun 2019 18:00
The Royal William was our favourite pub of the day. It was packed with people watching the football on a number of TVs inside and out. Unfortunately, we witnessed a goal, which rather spoilt our visit and the sheer number of people detracted from what looks like it might be a very enjoyable place to visit on quieter days. The ale selection is listed on slates to the side of the bar. Greene King IPA is the regular ale. Guests were Green Jack Albion Mild, Excelsior & Trawlerboys, Nethergate Masterpiece, Mauldon's Micawber's Mild & Mole Tap, Oakham JHB & Star Wing Stain Glass Blue. Ciders are listed on a separate board - Snail's Bank Orchard Dry, Fruit Bat, Strawberry & Lime Cider, Rhubarb Cider & Pig Squeal, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Two Trees Perry & Burnard's Norfolk Scrumpy & Oaky Dokey. I'd loved to have had more. But, my Norfolk Scrumpy was enjoyable. In fact, these were the first real ciders I'd found in Suffolk on the day. A very good pub that warrants a return visit some time in the future.
2 Jun 2019 17:52
Our first stop in Stowmarket was the Stag. From the outside, it has the appearance of a micropub. But, it predates micropubs. Inside, it was busy, with people arriving for the Champions League final. It's bigger than you first think, with a decent use of space. Also larger than life is the pub dog. It's more the size of a horse than a dog! But, it was very friendly, as were most of the locals. The 3 ales were Brewer's Gold, Wherry & Landlord. Not a bad start to our evening visit to Stowmarket.
2 Jun 2019 17:43
I've been to the Gladstone Arms opposite before. I don't believe it was listed on the site previously. But, this time my visit to Combs Ford was to the Magpie. We'd read that the food is good here. But, having seen the garden area and the sports bar on one side, it didn't look too appealing. However, the dining area was much more cosy and despite nobody else eating, we decided to give it a go. We needn't have worried, as the dining room gradually filled up and it turned out we'd taken the last table. A few other groups were turned away. Food portions were ample and the menu offered a mixture of traditional pub dishes and oriental ones. We all enjoyed our food. The ale selection was also quite decent. Ales were Sharp's Doom Bar, Adnams Broadside, Greene King IPA & XX Mild & Crouch Vale Brewer's Gold. I later read that they offer a CAMRA discount. But, this is not very well advertised. So, I missed out. Nevertheless, this is a good pub.
2 Jun 2019 17:38
The Limes Hotel, Needham Market
The Limes is very close to the local parish church (St John the Baptist), which is worth popping in for quick view of its fine room. The Limes itself occupies two buildings on the High Street. There is a narrow passage at the side that leads to a large car park at the rear. It has recently been re-opened and there seems to be much work to do, especially to the exterior areas. Inside, it was very quiet. The place seems to continue serving as a hotel and there are a couple of large function rooms, in addition to the front bar and a lounge to the rear. The only other customer was in the lounge. Greene King IPA was the solitary real ale. The barman was chatty. But, this place has clearly seen better days. Hopefully the new owners will continue to revive it.
2 Jun 2019 17:30
Tried looking for this pub. If I had the location correct, it was in the middle of nowhere and is now new-build housing.
2 Jun 2019 17:12
Country pub that is very much off the beaten track. Locals and the landlord appeared friendly and a group of women were arriving for a hen gathering. There are 2 rooms - a bar and a restaurant. There is also a nice garden at the rear. Adnams Bitter is the regular ale and guests were Pitchfork PG Steam & Mighty Oak Charcoal Burner. The latter was a very enjoyable porter. A decent start to a Saturday crawl of Suffolk pubs.
2 Jun 2019 17:09
The Railwaymans Arms, Bridgnorth
The Railwayman's Arms is a lovely little station bar entered off the platform at the Severn Valley Railway station. It was packed on our early Sunday evening visit. Although, a train had just arrived and emptied out. There were also quite a few who had clearly missed a few trains, or arrived on the first of the day and were still there. This was easily the busiest pub we had been to during the day and we had to sit outside with our plastic glasses (-1 for that). Ales were Hobson's Best, Champion Mild & Town Crier, Batham's Best Bitter, Bewdley Worcestershire Way, Worcestershire Sway & Station Porter, Exmoor Gold & St Austell Trelawney. The real cider was Woodhall's Whubarb, a new one for me. A 7/10 from me, only spoiled by the plastic glasses and drunken crowds.
20 May 2019 21:54
After a steep walk down the hill towards the station, our penultimate stop was the George. This was a pub that exceeded my expectations. It had a nice airy feel to it, with friendly locals and nice staff. There was plenty of interest to admire around the walls and a space was reserved in one corner for a band. The ale choice was good - Hobson's Town Crier, Wye Valley HPA, Salopian Divine Comedy, Ludlow Stairway & Wood's Born & Bred. One of Bridgnorth's better pubs.
20 May 2019 21:47
Another of the current Bridgnorth pubs in the Good Beer Guide. But, this one was disappointing. Two girls were working behind the bar. But, one wasn't doing much and we had to wait a while before being served. The bar area is small, especially with people crowded around the TV for the Cup Final. There is also a dining area, which was unused on our visit. At the rear, is a conservatory with a pool table. Beyond that is a garden with tables overlooking a nice view. Ales do not change. They are Wye Valley HPA & Butty Bach, Hobson's Town Crier and Sharp's Doom Bar.
20 May 2019 21:43
The White Lion is the best pub in Bridgnorth, in my opinion. Hop & Stagger beers are brewed on the premises. They had Beckbury Bitter, Golden Wander, Shropshire Pale Ale & Gyle 311 from the brewery. Guests were Pardoe's Dark Swan, Castle Rock Sherwood Stout & Fuller's Botanist's Batch. In addition, there were 3 real ciders - Broadoak Moonshine, Thatcher's Stan's Big Apple & Cock Eyed Mad Jack. There are two rooms and an outdoor area. The front room had some nice murals on the walls. Service was friendly. A really decent pub, in which I would have happily spent much longer, if I didn't have others to go to!
20 May 2019 21:39
The Friars is tucked away up an alleyway. Most people were either crowded at one end watching the start of the FA Cup final, or were outside in the alleyway/courtyard. So, we had the other end of the pub to ourselves. Wye Valley HPA & Banks's Sunbeam are the regular ales. Guests were Thwaite's Wainwright & Jenning's Cocker Hoop.
20 May 2019 21:35
Impressive-looking building tucked away along a side street. It was quite dark inside. Doors opened up at the rear to the neighbouring Stable Bar, which was much busier. One of a number of Bridgnorth pubs currently in the Good Beer Guide, I wasn't overly impressed. Regular ales are Hobson's Town Crier & Twisted Spire & Wye Valley HPA. 2 guests were Ludlow Stairway & Bristol Beer Factory Independence. A fairly small place. But, we managed to grab a table.
20 May 2019 21:31
The Golden Lion Inn, Bridgnorth
The Golden Lion is next to Bridgnorth's North Gate in High Town. It's now owned by Holden's. Their 4 ales were Black Country Bitter, Black Country Mild, Special & Golden Glow. They also had a couple of real ciders - Weston's Flat Tyre & Thatcher's Stan's Big Apple. There is a small bar and a lounge. We sat in the bar area, where the regulars were chatty and a few shoppers were present. Live rugby union was on the TV. A decent pub, that would benefit from a guest ale. Although, I appreciated the ciders.
20 May 2019 21:27
The Black Horse is probably the best pub in Low Town, Bridgnorth. Although there are better pubs in High Town. There are 3 drinking areas, plus a conservatory and outdoor seating in a courtyard. We chose the conservatory, which was warm with the sun beating down. 6 ales were on - Batham's Best Bitter, Wye Valley HPA, Hobson's Town Crier, Three Tuns XXX, Enville Ale & Gorgeous Beer Company Blonde Ale. But, with no dark beers and no real cider, there was nothing particularly suited to my taste. It was quite busy on our Saturday afternoon visit. But, we were soon on the Cliff Railway heading to better places.
20 May 2019 21:22
It was difficult to find a parking spot in the car park of this roadside pub. But, there is extra car parking at the rear. There was a wake in progress in the front bar and restaurant. Everybody else was confined to the tiny bar at the rear. Wye Valley HPA & Ludlow Gold are the two regular ales. The guest was Hobson's Champion Mild.
20 May 2019 21:14
The Dog Inn and Davenport Arms, Worfield
After finding the Seven Stars at Beckbury closed, our first pub of the day in Shropshire was the Dog & Davenport, situated in a lovely village location. The owners were friendly and the pub had a fair trade on our Saturday lunchtime visit. Most people seemed to be in for the food, which smelt very nice. Hobson's Best & Town Crier are the two regular ales. On this occasion, the guest was AJ's Black Jack Mild, which was good. A decent country pub.
20 May 2019 21:09
I try to review this pub at least once a year. It's still one of very few pubs I can say warrants a 10/10. My latest visit was on a Monday night, when it's always reasonably quiet. Although, there were a few in last night. The garden is looking particularly good this time of year. But, the forthcoming beer festival will no doubt put paid to that. Last night, the ales were Rebellion IPA, Stardust Curve Ball, Pig & Porter Souls Be Brave, Church End Rugby Ale & Coffee & Vanilla Porter, DBC Yachtsman, Froth Blowers Anthem & Buckland Mad March. Craft beers were Big Smoke Fruju & Bootleg American IPA. There is also a decent bottle/canned range. Real ciders were Winkleigh Sam's Traditional Dry, Broadoak Moonshine & Newton Court Islay Malt Cask Cider. Still a fantastic rural pub, not a million miles from junction 2 of the M40.
14 May 2019 21:38
I wandered through what seemed to be a rather dodgy residential area to get here. As previous reviews have stated, it's a Greene King pub well off the beaten track. IPA & Abbot are served. There was also Timothy Taylor Landlord. London Glory was "settling". Patrons were far from settled. They were a noisy bunch, enjoying tunes from the jukebox. A fine traditional interior and a good example of a thriving community local that may initially feel a little rough around the edges, but should be encouraged, as it is an altogether dying breed.
14 May 2019 21:03
As with Lezford, this was my planned to be my penultimate port of call in Bromley. But, the Freelands was not on my hitlist, although it is now open, as I passed it. The Red Lion is a decent backstreet Greene King boozer, with a couple of guest ales. It immediately reminded me of the Eagle Ale House in Clapham, albeit much quieter. This was another pub where the landlord looked at me with suspicion as I entered. Ales were Greene King IPA & Abbot, Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter, Salcombe Gold & Flying Monk Habit. I had the latter, which was ok. French football was on the TV and the pub got a little busier shortly after my arrival. But, it did lack a little atmosphere.
14 May 2019 20:59
The CAMRA website and the latest Good Beer Guide have this pub opening at 12:30. But, I thought I was in luck when their website said they opened at 12:00. Alas, there was no sign of life at midday and still no life at 12:30 when I returned. I returned just before 8:30pm and it was finally open. After eventually deciding that I wasn't going to rob the place, the barmaid turned out to be quite friendly and revealed that the pub does not open until 1pm these days. Without these problems, I would probably have rated this as the best pub in Bromley. It has a fine range of cask ales and craft beers. The craft taps have the prime position at the front, with most handpulls on the left-hand side and a couple more on the right-hand side. One of those is usually used for a cider. But, on this visit, there was none available. Cask ales were Oakham Citra, Dark Star Hophead, Thornbridge Desert Sessions, Five Points Best & Railway Porter, Arbor Zero-Zero & Redemption Fellowship. The most interesting craft beer was an 11% "chocolate peanut butter toast spread imperial toast" from Omnipollo. But, I'd already had enough to be sampling that. A really nice drinking environment in a wonderful building with a fine drinks selection that is worthy of an 8/10, despite being yet another pub displaying incorrect opening times on the internet.
14 May 2019 20:52
The Shortlands Tavern, Shortlands
The Shortlands Tavern was one of those pubs that I walked into and instantly liked. The interior is cosy and traditional. Bar staff were friendly and customers looked like an amiable bunch too. The ale range was a little disappointing - St Austell Tribute, Sharp's Doom Bar, Young's Bitter, Courage Best, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Woodforde's Bure Gold. But, my attention was drawn to the cider at one end of the bar - Lilley's Chocolate Apple Cider. Nobody knew the price. But £2.50 seems the going rate for a half in this part of town and sure enough, the staff decided between them that it should be £2.50. Whilst there are better pubs up the hill in Bromley itself, don't rule this one out if you are ever passing through Shortlands.
14 May 2019 20:43
Comfortable Shepherd Neame pub. But, only Spitfire Gold & Master Brew were on. I didn't fancy either. So, I opted for a soft drink. £2.50 for a coke. I nearly fainted in shock. Do yourself a favour and visit the Bitter End Bar nextdoor instead. I've requested to be added to BITE. But it's an old off license that is now a micropub with a fine selection of cask ales that are gravity pulled and also the best real cider selection in Bromley. The Bitter End Bar was my favourite pub of the day and would have scored double what I will give the Bricklayers (4/10).
14 May 2019 20:35
This backstreet Shepherd Neame pub was my final stop in Bromley, before heading to North London for a football match. Its website publishes an 11am opening time. I'd been here earlier, only to find the door locked. Despite hearing voices inside, my call to the telephone (which I could hear ringing) was unanswered and went to answer phone. So, I gave up and headed back into town. I arrived back at nearer 1pm to find the place really busy. I enquired about the opening times (midday apparently) and the website. But, no apology was given for the incorrect information. Spitfire Gold, Master Brew & Whitstable Bay Pale was the rather uninspiring choice. My Master Brew was poor. Could be a fairly decent pub, with better beers and a better level of service from proprietors who give a damn. But, sadly this only warrants a 3/10 based on this visit.
14 May 2019 20:27
I was expecting this pub to be open at 11am. But, it no longer opens until midday. In fairness to its website, it has been updated and is correct, unlike a couple of the other local hostelries that I will come to later. The Partridge enjoys a prominent location on the corner of the Market Square. It used to be a bank. The interior is certainly quite impressive. Although, other early drinkers instead preferred the outdoor area. Ales were all from the Fuller's range - London Pride, ESB & Botanist's Batch, Gale's HSB & Dark Star Hophead & Session. Nice enough building. But, whilst my beer was well-kept, it wasn't my ideal choice. My next stop was a brand new micropub called the Lock & Barrel, which I will request to be added to BITE.
14 May 2019 20:20
With few other pubs opening ahead of midday on a Sunday, my third stop in Bromley was the Barrel & Horn. It was open early presumably to profit from the breakfast trade. But, whilst nobody was eating, there were a few drinkers. Fuller's Due South was the only cask ale, with Weston's Old Rosie the real cider. But, more importantly, there is an impressive range of craft beers. An 8.2% stout from Fyne Ales caught my eye. But, I didn't want anything particularly strong on a Sunday morning. So, I settled for the Old Rosie at 7.3%! There is a good range of bottled beers too. With a CAMRA discount, my half of Old Rosie was only £2. So, it's only the keg options that are pricy. A very pleasant place to while away some time whilst waiting for other local establishments to open.
14 May 2019 20:12
I agree with the previous reviewer. This was easily the better of the Wetherspoon's in Bromley. The interior felt far more cosy than the Richmal Crompton and the location was much more amenable for a pub crawl, with many other decent options on this part of the High Street. Ales were Greene King IPA & Abbot, Sharp's Doom Bar, Sambrook's Wandle, Elgood's Mamma Meerkat, Nelson Nelson's Blood, JW Lee's Cosmic Brew & Evan Evans Cwrw. Ciders were Old Rosie & Black Dragon. I wish I had chosen this place to have had my breakfast!
14 May 2019 20:05
You normally know what to expect in branches of Wetherspoon's. But, this was one of the worst I have been in. I visited on Sunday morning. Despite the station over the road being closed for engineering works, there were already about a dozen people in at 10am. All were drinkers. I was the first to order a breakfast. I wish I hadn't. A burnt sausage, dried up beans and burnt bacon were on the plate, with hash browns missing. The rest was ok! Service at the bar was also poor. The solitary barmaid had no idea what a real cider was. I ordered a pint of Cotleigh Osprey. But, she soon advised that it had not been pulled through. So, I ended up with a pint of Hanlon's Stormstay. Again, I wish I hadn't bothered. Other ales were Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Stonehenge Great Bustard, Truman's Runner, Long Man Copper Hop & Oakham Citra. For a better 'spoon's experience, head to the Greyhound the other end of town instead.
14 May 2019 19:58
The Wookey Hole Inn, Wookey Hole
After a visit to the eponymous Wookey Hole directly opposite this village pub, we retreated to the hostelry for our final stop of a couple of days in Somerset. Despite Wookey Hole having thrown out, the pub was fairly quiet. It seems to thrive on the reputation of a gastropub. But, with food not being served until 6:30pm and prices that were a touch too steep, we didn't stick around for too long. Just enough time for a swift half - St Austell Tribute, Cheddar Ales Gorge Best & Yeovil Ruby was the choice. The cider was Wilkins Farmhouse. My Ruby was quite enjoyable and a fitting way to finish an enjoyable weekend in Somerset. Overall though, I doubt I would return to the Wookey Hole Inn, unless I was visiting the attraction across the road again.
8 May 2019 21:45
This is a pub that I have looked forward to visiting for some time. From the outside, it doesn't look appealing and it looks out of place in its out of the way location. But, as you enter, you can see why it has won so many plaudits. I was hoping to sit in the main bar (to the left as you enter). But, with a child in tow, we were directed to one of the other rooms. All of them possess character. Customers are a mix of locals, walkers and cavers. Conversation reigns. The staff are friendly. Mobile phones are frowned upon. Ales served from the cask were Butcombe Original, Cheddar Ales Potholer & Exmoor Ale. Wilkins Farmhouse Medium Dry was the cider. A good experience that just about lived up to my hopes. 7/10.
8 May 2019 21:40
Billed as Somerset's first micropub, this place was shut on my original Sunday evening visit. So, I returned on the Bank Holiday Monday lunchtime. It's quite unusual for a micropub. Most I have been in have a modern, clean feel. Many are a bit too clinical, if they can be criticised at all. The previous reviewer mentions the word "ramshackle" and I'd completely concur with that. It felt like we'd entered a hoarder's front room. Clutter abounds and the woman that served us seemed a bit of a character. The pub's title is also a little misleading. If it changed its name to Just 3 Ales, it would be more appropriate. There were many more ciders than ales. Nevertheless, the ales were of the lesser spotted variety - Severn Copper Ale, 3D Out Run & Yeovil Spring Forward. More of interest to me was the excellent cider selection - Heck's Dry, Medium & Sweet, Kingston Black & Brown's Apple, Rich's Legbender Dry, Medium, Sweet & Golden Harvest & Wilkins Dry, Medium & Sweet. We had three halves between us (the Golden Harvest was delicious). CAMRA members get a discount, but only on pints. Apparently a round of 2 halves does not count, despite it being the same cider. I found that a bit stingy. Nevertheless, a strange but amiable little place tucked up a side street. It appears to be the best pub in Wells.
8 May 2019 21:35
The Quarter Jack is the Wells branch of Wetherspoon's. My last stop late on a Sunday evening and it was busy with mainly youngsters. Bouncers are on the doors. Typical 'spoon's open-plan interior, with an ale range of Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Exmoor Exile Apollo & Blindman's Golden Spring. Ciders were Mr Whitehead's Toffee Apple, Cock Eyed Bonobo Banana, Thatcher's Cheddar Valley, Hunt's Barn Screecher & Bull Walloper & Barbourne Cherry Bakewell. A good way to end my day's drinking in Somerset.
8 May 2019 21:26
I second the previous review to mine. The Rose & Crown had large groups of youngsters at one end, with older patrons at the other. There was also a busy outdoor area at the rear, again with youngsters. The interior was bright and colourful, whilst the beer range was better than I'd expected - Courage Directors, Exmoor Gold, Cotleigh Albatross & Dark Star Hophead. One of the best pubs in the city.
8 May 2019 21:23
After a visit to the Globe, I didn't think its entertainment value could be exceeded. But the patrons of the Cheddar Valley Inn managed to surpass those of the Globe in the inebriation stakes. I feared for my half of St Austell Cornish Best as one young lady gyrated with an older gentlemen to something she had put on the jukebox. Finesse was not the order of the day in this dance routine. It had followed shortly after she dropped her money all over the pub floor, whilst being unable to pick it up. A few people came to her rescue. But, they also struggled to get their balance once on the floor. Just the one ale was on in here. The solitary cider - you guessed it - Cheddar Valley. I think you have to enter this pub slightly drunk in order to fully enjoy its finer points.
8 May 2019 21:19
With time for a few bonus pubs, I trotted off to this establishment next to St Cuthbert's Church. The congregation in the Globe didn't seem to be too religious however, with a proliferation of swear words. I was greeted by the offer of a shower from the leak in the roof. But, the staff were friendly and in truth, the pub was nice inside, apart from the leak and the inebriated clientele. The ale range was better than most pubs - Cheddar Ales Gorge Best, Box Steam Story Box & Blindman's Golden Spring. There was also a good cider selection - Wilkin's Dry & Sweet, Harry's Scrummage, Dirty Harry's Mango & Lime Cider & Raspberry & Blackcurrant Cider & Taunton Cider Company First Press Original. With free Sunday night entertainment, what's not to like?
8 May 2019 21:13
Sunday evening in Wells and the City Arms was my second port of call after the Full Moon (not listed on the site). It has a fair amount of historical interest, given it was once the city jail. You can still see bars on some of the windows. The interior was fairly compact, with a small courtyard also part of the complex. Ales were Glastonbury Hedge Monkey, St Austell Tribute, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Dartmoor Jail Ale. Ciders were Weston's Raspberry Roller & Harry's Haymaker. Welcoming pub.
8 May 2019 21:06
The Queen Victoria Inn, Priddy
Country pub that was doing a roaring trade with both drinkers and diners on our Sunday evening visit. Being hungry, we decided to eat. The food was just what the doctor ordered, despite me not getting exactly what I'd asked and paid for. But, it was too busy to complain about the lack of a pineapple ring!! The pub has plenty of character, with real fires creating a cosy atmosphere. There are also tables outside and a beer garden with a children's playground over the road, next to the car park. Ales were Butcombe Original, Rare Breed & Hot Air. Ciders were Weston's Rosie's Pig, Hand Brake & Flat Tyre & Harry's Haymaker. A really nice pub.
8 May 2019 20:59
Whilst this place may be long gone, I can recommend the nearby Cider Barn just outside Draycott, for an altogether unique experience. Plenty of ciders, a couple of ales, a madcap live band and some interesting characters from the local area and beyond. My favourite pub of the day in Somerset. I'll request it to be added to the site.
8 May 2019 20:53
Our last stop in Cheddar was the White Hart. This is the pub that was closest to the tourist action of the Gorge. Although, its location tucked away from the main drag helps it avoid getting overcrowded with the masses. However, being a fairly small building, it was still busy. We managed to find a quieter corner with a spare table. This pub felt more like a local than the others in Cheddar. But, somehow I still preferred the Bath Arms. Butcombe Original, St Austell Tribute & Cheddar Ales Potholer were the 3 ales. Cheddar Valley was the cider.
8 May 2019 20:49
Riverside Inn and Restaurant, Cheddar
The Riverside Inn is at a major roundabout in the centre of Cheddar, just at the bottom of Cheddar Gorge. It was packed on our Bank Holiday weekend Sunday afternoon visit. Inside, a live football match was just finishing. Outside, the garden was absolutely packed with kids and their families. The car park was overflowing. Finding enjoyment in such chaotic surroundings was difficult. To answer the last review (albeit over 7 years ago), they had Cheddar Ales Potholer, along with Sharp's Doom Bar & Butcombe Original.
8 May 2019 20:44
I was sceptical about visiting Cheddar on a bank holiday weekend and it transpired that I was right to be. After a quick visit to the Gorge, we retreated to the furthest of our 3 pub choices from the tourist hordes. The Bath Arms turned out to be the best of these 3 pubs. It seemed reasonably busy, without being too crowded. Service was quick and the place was tidy. Being a sunny day, a few were sat outside at the front too. Ales were Bath Ales Gem, Sharp's Doom Bar & Cheddar Ales Potholer. The real cider was Cheddar Valley.
8 May 2019 20:39
Our second and last stop in Axbridge was the Crown. It was much quieter than the Lamb, presumably because it was not serving food on a Sunday. It did however have a couple of real ales - St Austell Proper Job & Twisted Oak Bring 'um Home. The cider was Thatcher's Traditional. Lacked atmosphere, with it being so quiet. Be careful exiting, as the pavement is narrow and you'll be in the middle of the road before you know it.
8 May 2019 20:34
The Lamb can be found in Axbridge's square, directly opposite King John's Hunting Lodge. It seems a fairly old building, with a dark interior. Most people appeared to be there for Sunday roasts. But, there were a couple of drinkers. The real ale was Butcombe Original, with the ciders being Thatcher's Traditional & Ashton Press. Bar skittles takes pride of place in the centre of the front bar. Needless to say, we had to indulge.
8 May 2019 20:31
The Jug & Bottle was the better of the two pubs we visited in Heswall that is listed on BITE. It is high on the hill overlooking the river. Despite being fairly early on a Saturday, it was already busy with drinkers and diners, both being represented in some fairly large groups. Ales were Brains The Rev James, Brimstage Trapper's Hat, Slater's Premium, Rock The Boat Bootle Bull, Big Bog WPA & Purple Moose Dark Side of the Moose. There is unfortunately no real cider. Decent place though. We moved on from here to the disappointing Blind Pig, the excellent Beer Lab (both in Heston) and ultimately the splendid Connoisseur Ales Tasting Room in St Helens. I'll request the latter two be added and will wait with baited breath.
8 May 2019 20:16
Second pub of a Saturday visit to the Wirral following the Homebrew Tap in West Kirby, was this re-opened pub in lower Heswall. It was hosting a craft fair inside, with stalls spread across all but one room. There were plenty of canine visitors too, which made the place a bit smelly. Had we been there for the crafts, we may have been pleasantly surprised. But, sadly we were there for the beer. The selection was Sharp's Doom Bar & Atlantic & Theakston Best Bitter. So, we were disappointed. The pub has a nice location, with a rural feel. But, I wouldn't make a bee line for here again.
8 May 2019 20:09
Another overnight stop in Birkenhead and another late night visit to Gallagher's. The welcome was as good as ever and the ale and cider range was also good - Brimstage Trapper's Hat & Elderflower Wheat, Rat White Rat, Hopback Citra & Titanic Chocolate & Vanilla Stout & Iceberg. The cider and perry range was Lilley's Bee Sting, Abrahalls AM & Lily The Pink & Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Scrumpy. With complimentary pizza, a very enjoyable conclusion to the evening was had, before we were eventually thrown out the door!
8 May 2019 20:04
After a visit to the Beer EnGin in Whiston (not listed on BITE) and a diversion to a football match, my penultimate stop of the night was this place that was closed the last time I tried to visit. It is still called Molly's Chambers Bar & Kitchen and it is located in a very unassuming location down a very dark and quiet street. The bar was busy with a ground level outdoor drinking area with its own bar and a busier cellar bar, where there was live music. Bouncers were on the door. No real ales were on offer. Although one of the three handpulls did have a Trooper pumpclip turned round. So, never say never. Definitely not my kind of place anymore. Far too noisy and crowded.
8 May 2019 19:55
After a visit to the Up Steps in Birkdale, my second stop in Merseyside on a Friday evening, was this micropub on a main road out of Waterloo towards Crosby. As the previous reviewer states, this is one of several micropubs that have sprung up in the area north of Liverpool. Opening times are limited to late afternoon/evenings. But, it was fairly busy not too long after opening and there was a good selection of ales - Wily Fox Crafty Fox, Parker Dark Spartan, Lancaster Cascade, Beermats Summat Blonde & Oakham Citra. Ciders were Snail's Bank Fruit Bat & Thatcher's Stan's Big Apple. I would certainly return here as part of a tour of local micropubs.
8 May 2019 19:48
The Royal Oak (Polly Clean Stairs), Bexleyheath
Not far from the A2, this pub in a residential street was a far cry from the nearby Robin Hood & Little John. I think my transaction with the barmaid (possibly the landlady) was made without her uttering a single word. The pub was fairly quiet, with only one other small group in. If the welcome I received was anything to go by, it doesn't surprise me how quiet it was. 3 ales on were Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter, Well's Bombardier & Butcombe Bitter. A disappointing end to my Bexleyheath visit.
28 Apr 2019 16:22
The Robin Hood and Little John, Bexleyheath
My bus here dropped me off on the nearby Broadway. I'd had the pleasure of seeing the Broadway in all of its different lights throughout the day, from ghost town early in the morning, to thriving shopping centre during the day and to a lively nightlife area at night. There's plenty of nightspots, with live music, bouncers and youngsters queuing to enter establishments, wearing very little. A walk down Lion Road revealed a further bar/nightclub. But persevere and you will find this fantastic backstreet local boozer that is a far cry from the happenings on the Broadway. Service is friendly and customers are friendly too. Most are simply here for decent beer and conversation. The ale range doesn't seem to change much. Regular ales are Adnams Bitter & Ghost Ship, Bexley's Own Beer, Fuller's London Pride, Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter & Sharp's Doom Bar. The guest beer was Bexley St George's Pale. Despite doing 9 Bexleyheath pubs on the day and 4 in Bexley a couple of weeks ago, this was the only sighting of a Bexley beer. My Bexley's Own was rather nice. A lovely unspoilt traditional pub.
28 Apr 2019 16:12
We originally visited here in the morning, expecting it to be open before 11am. But, it seems they have adjusted their opening hours. After a visit to the fantastic Kentish Belle micropub, next to Bexleyheath station, I returned to the Earl Haig. Incidentally, I've never awarded a 10/10 for any London pub. The Kentish Belle warrants that. But, unfortunately it's not listed on the site. But, the Earl Haig is an imposing estate pub that is now part of the Ember Inns chain. It was busy on my Saturday evening visit, with a mix of drinkers and diners. 3 ales were on - Black Sheep Ember Pale, St Austell Tribute & Purity Mad Goose. My attention was drawn to the real cider - Weston's Engine Warmer. Meant to be served mulled, it was an eye watering £2.99 for just a half and unlike on ales, there is no CAMRA discount. This is not the place to drink if you're hard up. At around the £2 make for a half in the Kentish Belle, I'd advise you not to bother heading here and instead stay near the station.
28 Apr 2019 16:02
The Rose is on the Broadway, Bexleyheath's main street. As others have commented, the bar is immediately in front of you, as you enter. There is a choice of two doors, both next to each other. So, I was expected to find two rooms. But, they have been joined together. Nevertheless, the interior still feels very traditions. It was still fairly quiet on our Saturday morning visit. So, there was no problem getting served or finding a seat. 4 ales were Courage Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, St Austell Proper Job & Dorking Pilcrow Pale.
28 Apr 2019 15:45
With the nearby Earl Haig no longer opening until 11:30, we moved onto the Yacht, only to find that still closed at 11:10 too. But, it turned out that the landlord had forgot to unlock the door! This is a Greene King pub, with 3 of their ales - IPA, Abbot & London Glory, along with St Austell Tribute. The London Glory was ok. But, this wasn't the best selection. The landlord was friendly and talkative though. So much so that we missed our bus back into the town! The interior is bright and airy and is quite comfortable.
28 Apr 2019 15:39
More modern version of the Wetherspoon's chain than their other branch in Bexleyheath. There is much more light here and you can take a window seat watching the buses come and go, if that's your thing! This branch also had a better selection of ales - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Nelson Dogwatch Stout & Spanker, Hopdaemon Session, Sambrook's Wandle, Reunion Opening Gambit, Twickenham Redhead & Portobello Star. However, there is no real cider. There's a strange queuing system here, with tensor barriers set up to form separate queues for drinkers and those ordering food (and presumably teas and coffees). I slightly preferred this branch to the Wrong 'Un, in spite of the lack of a cider.
28 Apr 2019 15:33
This is the older of Bexleyheath's two Wetherspoon's pubs, which are at either end of the town. Mine was an early morning visit, in a bid to fit in as many of the town's pubs. I indulged in a breakfast, as alcohol is not served until 9am. It's a fairly typical Wetherspoon's interior, being quite dark, with mainly open-plan seating and booths along one side wall. Service was pleasant. The usual Wetherspoon's ales were on here - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar. There were also 3 guests - Nelson Admiral IPA & Nelson's Blood & Portobello Central Line Red. In addition, they also have Old Rosie as a real cider. Fairly average place. But, one of the better places in this town for a decent beer (or cider).
28 Apr 2019 15:26
Was in here to watch the football this afternoon. The pub is a nice old building in a prominent location. There are a number of different seating areas. 2 ales were on - Fuller's London Pride & Brakspear Bitter. The probable reason why this place was dead was the prices. £4.90 a pint seemed very steep. Very few people were in, whether to drink or to eat. I'm sure I've been here at some time in the dim and distant past. But, today was certainly my first visit in many years.
21 Apr 2019 16:26
The Egham Constitutional Club, Egham
Was back here for their Easter Beer Festival, the club's 32nd festival. As usual, the club was packed with people from near and far. The festival itself is a beer ticker's paradise, with many new or one off ales. Breweries represented were Almasty, Anomoly, Ascot, Bristol Beer Factory, Burning Sky, Buxton, Church Hanbrewery, Dark Revolution, Downlands, Fierce & Noble, Greyhound, Indigenous, Innformal, Intrepid, Kent, Moor, Neptune, Old Windsor, Park, Penton Park, Signal, Southwark, Stardust, Thames Side, Thurston's, Tiny Rebel, Top Out, Uprising, XT & Yeastie Boys. Most ales are on stillage in a yard at the rear, where there is also a BBQ area serving burgers and the like. There are also around 7-8 ales on at the bar inside, including the regular ales Rebellion IPA & Surrey Hills Shere Drop. 9 ciders were also on from Biddenden, Hallett's, Newton Court, Sandford Orchards, Tiny Rebel, West Milton & Wise Owl. Live music is held most days, although not on this Thursday night. Entry is free for club members, £2 for CAMRA members and £3 for all others. A glass deposit charge of £3 is also levied. A really good club, with an excellent festival.
19 Apr 2019 12:08
The Wheatsheaf was my final pub of the day in Rutland and it was quite a fitting finale. Similar to so many pubs in this area, the focus is on food. There is a small bar area and a couple of rooms serving food. With all tables in the bar area taken, I took a small table on the edge of the one dining area, only to be told that I needed to move for a food booking. I can see why pubs have to resort to concentrating on food, in order to survive. But, it's a bit annoying when they cannot provide enough space for drinkers to enjoy themselves too. More of a restaurant than a pub. Ales were Greene King Abbot, St Austell Proper Job, Theakston Lightfoot & Langton Inclined Plane.
15 Apr 2019 21:23
Everard's village pub with Original, Tiger and a guest, which was Sufragette, also from Everard's. They did also have a real cider - Rosie's Pig. The bar area was quite busy. So, I retreated to the dining area where a family was being entertained by the landlord/chef who is also a magician. Went to the gents toilet, only for the lights to be switched off. Hopefully my aim was true. Nice village pub. But, I was a little disappointed by the ale range.
15 Apr 2019 21:19
The Black Bull Inn, Market Overton
The Black Bull appears to be the only pub in this village. It has a couple of rooms and was reasonably busy on my Sunday afternoon visit. Most were in for the food. But, there were some in just for the beer. Fuller's London Pride, Black Sheep Best Bitter & Sharp's Doom Bar was the fairly mainstream choice. It was unsurprising to see the one family instead ordering shots to round off their Sunday lunch.
15 Apr 2019 21:15
The Olive Branch and Beech House, Clipsham
Upmarket restaurant on quite a dangerous bend. A couple of real ales are served - Grainstore Olive Ale (believed to be Cooking) & Dancing Duck Dcuk were on. Food looked good and service was very professional. But, I think I was the only one drinking. Drinks are quite pricey.
15 Apr 2019 21:09
After a visit to the excellent Empingham Cricket & Social Club (not listed on here), my next stop was the Jackson Stops. Of all the pubs, I liked this one the most. Once again, it's very food focused. But, there is a tiny bar where diners wait for their tables to be prepared and drinkers squeeze in if they can. The two Grainstore ales are Cooking & Ten Fifty. But, they also had a couple of ciders from the Rutland Cider Company - Bushberry & Rhuberry. The former was very drinkable and a new one for me. Lovely place in an equally lovely Rutland village.
15 Apr 2019 21:05
Made a return visit to the Exeter Arms on Sunday and found it open. The landlord was discussing trade with a visitor and apparently they are gradually getting more and more business. It's good to see a village pub thriving and this one seemingly without focusing quite so much on diners. The 3 real ales do not appear to change. They are Grainstore Rutland Bitter, Oakham JHB & Greene King Abbot.
15 Apr 2019 21:00
The King's Arms is the last remaining pub in the village of Wing. Most tables were reserved for food. Had to wait quite a while for a drink whilst the landlady made a decision whether to serve a young family and appeared under-aged. They claimed to be mid-late '20's. 3 ales were on - Grainstore Cooking, Oakham JHB & Black Sheep Best Bitter. Nicely decorated place. But more of a pub than a restaurant.
15 Apr 2019 20:56
The Captain Noel Newton, Oakham
I paid a return visit to Oakham to start my day with a breakfast and a swift half in this Wetherspoon's establishment. It's the usual open-plan space that apparently used to be the local Royal British Legion. The 3 regular ales are Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar. 2 guests were Adnams Ghost Ship & Otter OPA and the cider was Old Rosie. Breakfast was a good value as always. Moved on from here to the Fox at North Luffenham, which is not listed on here. I'll request it to be added, but won't hold out much hope.
15 Apr 2019 20:48
After a quick hike across London, we got to the Bricklayer's in time for a few swift halves before the football. This used to be a regular haunt for us. But, it seemed to go downhill for a while. It once again has a range of Timothy Taylor ales, along with some guests and a cider. The interior has not changed that much and it seems to be under the same management. I also noticed that we were served in proper glasses this time, as oppose to plastic. So, that is an improvement. The pub has the same pleasant atmosphere where like-minded home and away football fans can mix quite happily and it was standing room only. Timothy Taylor ales were Boltmaker, Dark Mild, Golden Best, Landlord & Ram Tam. Guests were Twickenham Grandstand & Naked Ladies, Wadworth Hop Stomper & IPA & Watney's Party Seven. The cider was Family Reserve. Still a decent pub.
14 Apr 2019 07:59
Our final stop in Bexley was supposed to open at midday. But, at a few minutes past, there was no sign of life. We weren't sure whether it was still open. Eventually, after a phone call, the landlord opened up. I'm not sure it was worth the short walk away from the centre though. Old Speckled Hen was the only real ale. We were the only people in. So, it was difficult to judge the pub. With a train to catch, we couldn't hang around. The pub has a well worn and traditional interior.
14 Apr 2019 07:51
Another Greene King pub that was not originally in my plans for Bexley. 5 handpulls offered just 2 ales - IPA & Abbot. The Abbot was drinkable and the CAMRA discount made it slightly more palatable. Only one other customer was in. We sat in the window, where several near misses at the town's tiny but manic roundabout provided a little entertainment.
14 Apr 2019 07:49
The Kings Head was the best of 4 pubs we visited in Bexley yesterday lunchtime. It's a Greene King pub that is clearly very old, with low beamed ceilings. It was telling that it was the busiest of pubs in the area, with around a dozen in yesterday morning. Greene King IPA & Abbot & Morland Old Golden Hen are the 3 real ales. The Old Golden Hen was in a good condition.
14 Apr 2019 07:46
The Railway is the nearest pub to the station at Bexley and it opens at 11am most days. So, we were here early yesterday morning. One other customer later joined us. The interior has a railway theme, as you might expect and it is fairly traditional. In common with all Bexley pubs, the ale range is poor - just Courage Best & Timothy Taylor Landlord.
14 Apr 2019 07:43
The Bookbinders Ale House, Oxford
Another pub that was busy on our Thursday evening visit and as the previous reviewer says, it's near to the canal, along which you can walk (in pitch darkness) to the station, if you're walking in a straight line (we were just about). The Old Bookbinders has a nice, cosy interior. I seem to recall most seats being taken, which must have been why we plonked ourselves at the bar. It's another Greene King pub. But, you wouldn't necessarily know it. Their house ale Bookies Best was on and they also had Belhaven/Saltaire CCC. But, they also had Skinner's Betty Stogs, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Black Sheep Baa Baa & St Austell Proper Job. All were a bit too pale/blonde for my liking. We both opted for the Baa Baa. But, it was clearly on the turn. I was about to call the bar staff over. But, the young barmaid was very perceptive and had noticed our discontent. She poured a sample herself, agreed with us and offered us another ale. Proper Job for me and I was very pleased with the service. All beers will eventually go off. But, to notice customers' disapproval was very encouraging. A good end to our day in Oxford.
13 Apr 2019 08:18
Backstreet Fuller's pub where a quiz was taking place on our Thursday evening visit. I never feel particularly comfortable walking into a quiz, as you can't really enjoy a normal conversation whilst everybody is trying to listen to the questions. Nevertheless, we sat at the bar and I enjoyed a London Porter, which I rarely see on cask. London Pride was also on, along with Gale's Seafarers & Dark Star Hophead & Revelation. Decent place. But, I'd rather visit when there's no quiz!
13 Apr 2019 08:12
Returning to the Jericho area of Oxford and on our final leg of our city crawl, we reached another Greene King pub. Jericho felt like a lively area and this pub was no exception. A number of TVs were showing different Europa League games and I recall a few people eating. The beers were disappointing though - Greene King IPA & Abbot, Morland Original & Hardy & Hanson's Kimberley Bitter & Olde Trip. There are better pubs around.
13 Apr 2019 08:09
Gastropub tucked down a residential street. There were a few people in to eat on our early Thursday evening visit. This was one of the most limited selections of real ale we found in Oxford. But, the choice of 3 was varied and unusual. Loose Cannon Gunner's Gold & Abingdon Bridge were supplemented by Cloudwater Mild. The barman was happy to chat and despite being modernised, there are still some original features, such as stained glass and leaded windows in the entrance. Worth seeking out.
13 Apr 2019 08:05
The Fir Tree does not open until 4pm on most days. So, we'd left this one until the end of our crawl. It's a Greene King pub with a strange layout on different levels. To get to the gents from the bar area, you have to go up some steps and then back down some more to get to them. The two sections of the pub are packed with items on the walls, with much of interest, especially if you're into Star Wars. I spotted a couple of items related to Everton (my football team, if you hadn't guessed). It turns out the landlord has similar tastes and it was only then I noticed he was sporting an Everton jacket! Ales were Yardbird & Heritage and Belhaven 1719 from the Greene King stable. Guests were Skinner's Betty Stogs & Kult Rebel. Nice and friendly place.
13 Apr 2019 08:01
A quick bus journey down the Cowley Road led us to this place. We weren't expecting much. But, we were pleasantly surprised. The interior feels like a large American diner, with booths and some different seating. But, if you can get over that, the beer range was fairly decent. We swerved the St Austell Tribute & Sharp's Doom Bar in favour of the XT 3 and their London Porter. Both were in good condition. There was a cider pumpclip. But, it was sadly off. Don't rule this one out, if you're in Oxford.
13 Apr 2019 07:55
Nicholson's pub tucked away down an alleyway off the High Street. This is the sort of place that will always attract the tourists. There are 2 rooms on different floors. The upper one has its own bar and appears to be primarily for dining. Although, it was closed seemingly for a refurbishment on our visit. You can also sit outside in the alleyway. Toilets are the other side of the alley and the gents were in a pretty poor state. Ales were St Austell Nicholson's Pale Ale, Thornbridge Jaipur, Sharp's Doom Bar, Thwaite's Wainwright & Black Isle 20 Hours Of Daylight. Ciders were Westons' Rosie's Pig & Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. £4.85 a pint was quite expensive, compared with other Oxford hostelries and whilst a 20% CAMRA discount would have been welcomed, apparently two halves does not equal a pint. Not a bad option, if shopping and you have money to burn though,
13 Apr 2019 07:52
Hook Norton pub spread over a couple of floors not far from the High Street. There is actually more seating downstairs than on the ground floor. But, on this visit, it was quiet enough for everybody to fit upstairs. The 4 Hook Norton ales were Hooky, Hooky Gold, Old Hooky & Black Out. A guest ale was Glutenus Maximus from Brew York and there were a couple of Weston's ciders - Rosie's Pig & Hand Brake. I'd not seen the Black Out before and it was fairly good.
13 Apr 2019 07:45
The Grapes is located on one of Oxford's main shopping streets. But, it is currently closed for a refurbishment. A peak through the door revealed some West Berkshire keg fonts. But, we continued and replaced the Grapes with a visit to the Teardrop "nanopub" in Oxford's Covered Market. Run by the Church Hanbrewery, I recommend this whilst the Grapes remains closed.
13 Apr 2019 07:42
Trendy city centre pub that specialises in pizzas. The food did look quite tempting. But, the ale range also offers something for everyone. The choice was Animal Wasp, North Cotswold Shagweaver, Churchhan Mat Black & Shakespeare Othello. The young bar staff were friendly, but a bit too over-familiar in their greetings of customers, for my liking. Customers were a mix of young and old. This is clearly a good stop in Oxford, if you're looking for a different ale. Unfortunately, they do not stock a real cider though.
13 Apr 2019 07:38
A swift hop and a jump over North Parade Avenue from the Gardener's Arms will leave you at the entrance of the Rose & Crown, the better of the two pubs on this narrow street of shops and cafes. It has low ceilings, dark rooms and an outdoor drinking area at the rear. The 3 regular ales are Adnams Bitter, Hook Norton Old Hooky & Shotover Scholar. Shotover Trinity. Plenty of character in this old pub, that actually had a fire going (in mid-April). A CAMRA discount is offered too.
13 Apr 2019 07:33
After leaving the Gardener's Arms in Plantation Road, our next stop in Oxford was the Gardener's Arms in North Parade Avenue. Just 6 minutes walk separates them. So, they're most likely to be the two closest Gardener's Arms in the country! This particular one is a Greene King pub run by a couple of longstanding owners. It genuinely feels like stepping into somebody's house and also a step back in time. The downside was that the ale range was limited. Greene King The Gardener's Arms Finest Ale was supplemented by Belhaven/Saltaire CCC & Thwaite's Wainwright. Not as good as the previous Gardener's Arms.
13 Apr 2019 07:29
The Gardener's Arms was the first stop of a tour of Oxford pubs on Thursday afternoon/evening. It is a backstreet pub that has plenty of character and a decent selection of ales. Animal Salamander, Shakespeare The Bard's Best, Loddon Hoppit & Flying Monk Habit were on, alongside Weston's Rosie's Pig cider. Pumpclips line the walls, indicating a varied selection of ales and ciders. Vegetarian food is served.
13 Apr 2019 07:24
The White Hart was my second Everard's pub of the weekend, following the excellent Crown Inn in Beeston (Notts). The White Hart doesn't quite live up to the Crown. But, it does have a nice village location opposite a church and both pubs had far more guest ales than Everard's ales. Tiger was the only brewery beer. Guests were White Horse Village Idiot, Brunswick Railway Porter, Shardlow Reverend Eaton's & Purity Ubu. Unlike the other pubs I tried in this area of Oxford, they also had a couple of real ciders - Weston's Rosie's Pig & Thatcher's Cheddar Valley. There is a small bar at the front and a larger room at the side. Nicely decorated.
8 Apr 2019 20:07
Upmarket backstreet Fuller's pub in the Oxford suburb of Headington. London Pride was supplemented by a couple of season ales from Fuller's called Day Dreamer & Due South. Only saw one of the aforementioned felines. But, it was certainly quite vocal. This seems to be a hangout for young trendy types, possibly students. Board games and laptops were the order of the day. Not bad for a Fuller's pub though.
8 Apr 2019 20:02
Local CAMRA City pub of the year and I was here to watch a live football game. Who'd have guessed that Oxford were competing in the Boat Race. Luckily, there are 3 TVs showing sport. So, when the rowing fans amongst the locals ordered the football off, I could crowd into the far room with the majority. Locals did seem a fairly friendly bunch though and the ale range was good - Oakham JHB, Timothy Taylor Boltmaker, Rebellion Smuggler, Pitchfork Puxton Cross & Titanic Chocolate & Vanilla Stout. Such a shame I was driving, as the stout would have been consumed in much greater quantity. Unfortunately, they do not serve a real cider. I'd be surprised if there aren't better pubs in Oxford. But, a good pub nonetheless.
8 Apr 2019 19:47
Iffley is a village-like setting on the outskirts of Oxford. The Prince of Wales has very much the feel of an upmarket village pub. Plenty of families were enjoying Sunday lunches. It's a Wadworth house and 4 of the real ales were their own - 6X, IPA, Swordfish & Bishop's Tipple. Greene King London Glory was a guest. Couldn't have a beer here as I was driving. I opted for a juice, which was an eye-watering £3.35. Maybe the food is cheap and they get you with the drinks. Either way, I'm not sure I could afford to drink here regularly.
8 Apr 2019 19:35
Country pub in an idyllic Oxfordshire village. Although with the toilets currently being refurbished, the portaloos in the car park don't quite fit the image. The pub was popular with those eating Sunday lunches on my visit yesterday. The only guy not eating other than myself turned out to be the landlord. 4 ales are served. Yesterday, they had Shotover Prospect & Porter, Chadlington Oxford Pale Ale & Fuller's London Pride. The Porter was nice. More a gastropub than a village local. But, the food did look good.
8 Apr 2019 19:32
Last stop of the night in Nottingham was this pub/music venue. It's clearly meant for a late night crowd, with very little seating. In fact, I think it hadn't long opened on my arrival at 6:30pm. A band was setting up in the rear room, at which I took a little peep on the way to the gents toilets, where trying to have a pee was extremely difficult in the pitch black. But, maybe that's all part of the rockers experience. Ales were Imperial Classic Bitter & Babbi (described as a chocolate fudge brownie stout) & Castle Rock Screech Owl. The cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Not the worst pub I'd been to during the day by far.
8 Apr 2019 19:02
Micropub on one of the main roads leading out of Nottingham to the north. It was fairly busy on my early Saturday evening visit. But, I managed to squeeze onto a small table without treading on a sleeping dog. Service is at the table. Ales are at the end of what I can only describe as a short skittles alley, or that's how it seemed to me after a few too many. Ales and ciders are listed on a blackboard. The micropub is owned by the Magpie Brewery. So, expect to see one of their ales and/or ciders. The choice on Saturday was Magpie Two For Joy Pale, Nobby's Goldings & Northampton Red, Revolutions Marquee & Deeply Vale DV8. Ciders were Three Saints Nice Boys, Blue Barrel Clifton Beauty, Magpie Coppice, Thirsty Farmer Mango & Scrumpy Wasp Amnesia. Another two ciders I hadn't seen before, which didn't help my drunken state. CAMRA discounts are offered on the ales, but not on ciders. Prompt service though and a nice drinking environment, typical of most micropubs.
8 Apr 2019 18:50
Comfortable two-room backstreet local served by a central bar. It has a nice garden at the rear too. Six ales were on - Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Fuller's London Pride, Nottingham Extra Pale Ale, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Oakham Citra & Ruddles Best. The Extra Pale was ok, but not really my kind of beer. They were all fairly pale.
8 Apr 2019 18:43
This place was renamed the Fat Cat Sherwood. But, it is now closed and surrounded by fencing.
8 Apr 2019 18:36
I was probably in the Lion the same time as Ellisref. It's been almost 6 years since I was last in Basford and I enjoyed my visits to the Fox & Crown and the Horse & Groom. But, the Lion was on a different level. Service from the young lady was excellent. She was even happy to grant me a retrospective CAMRA discount on ordering a second half. It's 15p off per pint of ale or cider. The ale selection in itself was excellent - Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Bass, Pentrich Red Skies, Shiny Dr Dank, Blue Bee Triple Hop, Purity Longhorn IPA, Beartown Crème Brulee, Wilde Child Hedonistic Experience (described as a chocolate ganache stout), Beermats Charismatic, Magpie Belong To Earth & Bath Gem. But, my eyes were eventually drawn to a cider blackboard - Charnwood Dabinett, Bottle Kicking Cider Company Scrummage, Broadoak Purple Haze, Skidbrooke General Ludd, Heck's Porter's Perfection, Orchard Revival Putloe Pucker & Weston's Old Rosie. 4 ciders I'd never had before. So, I enjoyed a half of each. Staying inside, I managed to steer clear of any doggy doo. In fact, I spent a very pleasant hour or so here, leaving me well behind my planned schedule! Another great Nottingham pub.
8 Apr 2019 18:32
It was a bit of a trek to get to the Plough. But, this is the brewery tap for the Nottingham Brewery. As McRoyal states, it's a traditional local boozer with 2 bars. Everybody was crowded into the single room on my visit. But, it was reasonably quiet. The 4 Nottingham ales on offer were Extra Pale Ale, Legend, Rock Bitter & Rock Mild. There was also a guest - Red House, a ruby porter from Whim. The real cider was Broadoak Moonshine. Nice pub. But, difficult to reach on a crawl.
8 Apr 2019 18:23
The Johnson Arms is situated next to the canal and very close to the local hospital and university. My first stop on the outskirts of Nottingham early on Saturday afternoon and I was the only customer in. The interior seemed nice enough. But, it was difficult to judge, given the lack of atmosphere. The 3 ales on when I arrived were Laine Breaker, St Austell Tribute & Nottingham Sooty Stout. But the landlord was busy pulling through Marston's Dr Johnson Pale Ale & Lincoln Green Strike. The cider was Thatcher's Cheddar Valley. It's location feels a bit out on a limb.
8 Apr 2019 18:18
Last of 4 pubs in Beeston on Saturday lunchtime and this was the best of the lot. I turned right on entry to find a tiny bar, with an even smaller snug. I had the two tiny rooms to myself. The only thing missing was somebody to serve me. There's a fine selection on the bar itself with Blue Monkey Infinity, Brewster's Hophead, Dancing Ducks Nice Weather For Ducks, Nottingham Rock Mild, Everard's Tiger & Sunchaser, Salopian Hop Twister, Full Mash Wheat Ear, Lenton Lane Citra Smash & Chequered Flag, Burton Bridge Bridge Bitter, Ashover Equanot & Abbeydale Doctor Morton's Clown Poison. But, outside there is a further bar with 7 further ales, all from Totally Brewed - 4 Hop Men Of The Apocalypse, Punch In The Face, Crazy Like A Fox, Amarillo, Papa Jangles Voodoo Stout, Slap In The Face & Ninja Shark. For cider drinkers, there was Worley's Mendip Hills, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Broadoak Moonshine & Perry, Thatcher's Cheddar Valley & Lilley's Strawberry Cider & Cherries and Berries. There were at least 3 other atmospheric rooms and a large garden being enjoyed by a fair few. Apparently the outdoor bar only operates during the summer months. This pub is verging on a 10/10 for my rating. But, I'm very sparing where that's concerned and the slow service sways my decision for a 9/10. Great pub though.
8 Apr 2019 18:10
Situated opposite the Beeston tram and bus terminus, this is a multi-roomed pub with a good selection of ales and ciders. Totally Brewed Stargazer is the regular beer. Guests were Ringwood Razor Back, Dancing Duck Back Sack and Quack, Magpie Cherry Raven, Castle Rock Elsie Mo, Welbeck Abbey Red Feathers, Burton Bridge Golden Delicious, Whim Flower Power & Theakston XB. Ciders were Lilley's Mango, Thatcher's Stan's Big Apple & Cheddar Valley & Blue Barrels Smokin' Barrels. Pizzas looked very nice and the interior is very tidy, with a number of different drinking areas to suit tastes. Another good Beeston pub.
8 Apr 2019 18:02
Second stop on a short crawl of Beeston was the Malt Shovel. I was in late morning and shortly before I left, a few were coming in for food. Compared with other Beeston pubs, this was fairly unremarkable. The 4 real ales weren't really to my liking - Oakham Citra, Pentrich Soma, Lenton Lane Bluebird & Shipstone's IPA. It was the only pub I visited in the town not to stock a real cider.
8 Apr 2019 17:56
The Victoria is open from 10:30 every day except Sunday. So, it was my first stop in Beeston on Saturday morning. As the previous reviewer says, it is right next to the station and it is a fine Victorian building. I chose to sit in the smaller public bar, with one other customer. We were soon joined by a third. A total of 12 ales were on - Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Fuller's London Pride, Full Mash Séance, Holden's Golden Glow, Bateman's XXXB, Kirkstall Pale Ale, Abbeydale Deception, Blue Monkey Junior Ape, Salopian Hop Twister, Dancing Duck Back Sack and Quack, Brewster's Aromatic Porter & Prospect Cascade Blonde. They also had a cider - Gwynt y Ddraig Fiery Fox and a perry - Lilley's Bee Sting. I had both dark beers, which were in good condition. Plenty of old breweriana lines the walls and the barmaid was clearly knowledgeable about beer. I thought my day was going to go downhill from here. But, far from it.
8 Apr 2019 17:48
The Ugly Duckling (Harvester), Tatling End
I was back here for a roast dinner yesterday almost 8 years since my last visit. Not much has changed. Although the 2 ales are Pride & Doom Bar. The carpet is much more worn and what felt like a fairly clean place on my last visit was much dirtier this time. Gents had to wade through a flooded floor in the gents, whilst trying to avoid the inconveniently placed wet floor sign. Food was the usual good value. But, this place has gone downhill.
1 Apr 2019 21:31
Visited here yesterday to see how the current Wetherspoon's beer festival is going. This is probably one of the best branches of 'Spoon's that you will find. Every beer from their festival had been present, either at the bar or on stillage from the courtyard of the rear. Some of the casks had already sold out. I won't list all of the ales, as there were simply too many to mention. All 3 of the festival ciders were also on. Staff were friendly and the place was as busy as always with a wide mix of people.
1 Apr 2019 21:28
After a visit to the Cock Tavern, our final port of call for the day, following a trip to the London Stadium, was the Pembury. Since I was last here, the pub has been taken over by the Five Points Brewery. I don't believe Milton are represented in the capital anymore. Five Points Pale, Brick Field Brown & Railway Porter were on, along with Timothy Taylor Landlord & Siren Yulu. The real cider was Haywood Farm Cornish Cider. The interior has been altered slightly. But, it was just as busy as ever late on a Saturday evening and they still serve pizzas. The Pembury seems none the worse for the takeover. Still a solid 8/10 from me.
31 Mar 2019 15:06
The Crown is situated on the main road into Greenwich from the east. It has a nice, dark interior. The pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven at the rear looked nice and they certainly smelt very nice. On the ale front, the range was ok, without being too inspiring. I went for the Crown Ale (Ringwood Boondoggle), whilst there was also St Austell Proper Job, Adnams Bitter & Twickenham Naked Ladies. Sadly, there is no real cider. For a far better ale and cider range, head further away from Greenwich to the River Ale House (not listed on here), which was easily my favourite new pub of the day.
31 Mar 2019 14:55
The Vanbrugh is situated alongside the railway line and not too far from Maze Hill station. There are 3 changing ales. Yesterday, these were Brockley Red Ale & Sauvin IPA & Anspach & Hobday The Enigma Code IPA. Prices were on the steep side. There is a bar area at the front, with a couple of TVs that were showing live Premier League football. Beyond that, there is a further seating area, adjacent to a dining room. But, most people were taking advantage of some warm temperatures in the inviting rear garden.
31 Mar 2019 14:49
The Chancery was the most upmarket of the 5 pubs I tried in Beckenham. One room is set up for dining and a family were taking advantage. There is a function room upstairs and an outdoor seating area at the front, overlooking a busy road. 3 real ales were on - Hooky Gold, Wherry & Coaster.
31 Mar 2019 14:44
After 3 swift halves in other Beckenham pubs, I arrived at the Jolly Woodman to find people queuing up outside just after midday. Luckily, they opened not long after I arrived. The pub is situated along what appears to be a mews street and it has the feel of a country pub. Even the toilets are outdoors at the rear. The ale range comprised of national ales - Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter & Sharp's Doom Bar were supplemented by 3 Yorkshire ales - Timothy Taylor Landlord & Knowle Spring & Black Sheep Best Bitter. A pub designed for conversation, with a basic interior and an outdoor drinking area at the rear. Bar snacks are served. My favourite Beckenham pub.
31 Mar 2019 14:40
The Coach and Horses, Beckenham
I didn't notice the aforementioned ceiling in this particular pub and it certainly wasn't very crowded on my Saturday morning visit. I was the only customer. It's a fairly small pub hidden away up a side street and away from the hustle and bustle of the High Street. The landlady seemed friendly. Just two real ales were on - Fuller's London Pride & Otter Springfest. The latter was hoppy, but fine considering I'm not a fan of hoppy beers. Sky Sports was being shown on the TV. A pub I hadn't originally planned to visit. But, not a bad one at all.
31 Mar 2019 14:35
My second stop along Beckenham High Street was this fairly characterless, but large pub. There are multiple handpulls, all with Doom Bar. I opted for a fizzy cider. The windows are good for people watching, whilst there is at least one pool table further back. Probably worth walking on by this one.
31 Mar 2019 14:29
The Bricklayers Arms, Beckenham
The Bricklayers is the only current Good Beer Guide entry in Beckenham and supposedly being open at 11 on a Saturday seemed like a reasonable starting point for a few pubs in the town. In reality, the barmaid didn't arrive to open up until 10 past the hour, leaving a queue outside. The main feature inside is a large Spiderman above one of the tables. There is also a courtyard area to the side, which a couple of youngsters elected to use. I chose to sit under the large superhero. The ale range was fairly uninspiring. St Austell Tribute & Proper Job & Young's Special are served, alongside a guest, which was Shepherd Neame Spitfire. However, this appears to be the only pub in Beckenham serving a real cider - Rosie's Pig. Whilst CAMRA members receive a discount off ale, the same does not apply to the cider. BT Sports matches are shown. But, they don't appear to have Sky.
31 Mar 2019 14:26
After a visit to the excellent Wig's Place in High Spen (not listed on here), our penultimate stop was the Keelman. This is the brewery tap for the Big Lamp brewery, housed in the middle of nowhere in a former pumping station. There were 4 ales, all from Big Lamp - Keelman Brown, Sunny Daze, Bitter & Prince Bishop's Ale. The Keelman Brown was ok, without being anything special. The place has a nice open interior, set over two floors. It's a nice setting, with the feel of a country home. Moved on from here to the Wylam Brewery in Newcastle, which is also missing from the site.
25 Mar 2019 21:07
This used to be called Dougie's Tavern and was then re-named White Lead. It's name has now reverted to Dougie's Tavern and it has recently re-opened. There is one large bar area and an equally large family/dining area, overlooking the garden with children's play equipment. It was busy on our visit and I hadn't even expected it to be open. Ales were Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold & Dirty Tackle & Dorset Brewing Company Blarney. The ales were being sold at £2.50 a pint, which suggests that they are not currently too popular.
25 Mar 2019 20:58
Greene King pub that only serves IPA & Abbot. It's a corner pub that is difficult to spot at the moment, due to scaffolding. We sat in a galleried area, where I was hit by some kind of toy dropped from a christening party on the upper floor. Nice building, but bog-standard pub. On the other hand, I recommend the nearby Jarrow Gin & Ale House. It's not listed on here, but was easily the best pub in the Jarrow area.
25 Mar 2019 20:52
I believe this place re-opened as the Robin. But, it's closed again currently.
25 Mar 2019 20:46
The Lakeside was our second stop of the day after the One Eyed Stag in Whickham, near to where we had stayed the night. I have requested for that to be added to the site. But, the Lakeside was poor. It's a typical family mass dining establishment, which caters more for diners than drinkers. Doom Bar is the solitary real ale. The place was packed out and they were turning many people away as they could not cope. Moved on from here to the Greyhound, which is not listed on here and is not worth adding.
25 Mar 2019 20:44
For other pubs in the area, there is also the Black Bull at Matfen, the Bowes Hotel at Bardon Mill, the Barrasford Arms, the Bird In Bush at Elsdon and the Swinburne Arms at Stamfordham. I'll request for them all to be added.
25 Mar 2019 20:24
Very few of the rural pubs in this part of Northumberland appear to be listed on BITE. The Red Lion is a lovely country pub with a main bar and a separate dining area. There were plenty of locals and their dogs. Two real ales were from Twice Brewed - Gallia & Sycamore Gap. I had the Gallia, which was not really my type of beer. A nice place for a cosy pint though.
25 Mar 2019 20:22
This is easily the best pub in Morpeth, in my opinion. In fact, it was my favourite pub of 19 visited in the North East this weekend. It seems like a busy little micropub with plenty of ales and ciders and a knowledgeable barman. Ales were Almasty Session, Small World Secret & Thunderbridge Stout, Rigg & Furrow Owl Porter & Run Hop Run, Cullercoats Shuggy Boat Blonde, Credence Revolving Session Pale & Two By Two Session IPA. Ciders dispensed from a fridge opposite the bar were Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, Jaggy Thistle, Traditional & Ginger, Lilley's Elderflower & Gwynt y Ddraig Dog Dancer, Fiery Fox & Haymaker. Friendly customers and bar staff all seem happy to chat. Excellent little pub.
25 Mar 2019 20:14
The Electrical Wizard, Morpeth
This is a fairly poor Wetherspoon's establishment. It was very busy on our Saturday afternoon visit. But, tables were dirty with empty glasses all around. The ale selection was comparatively poor too - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharp's Doom Bar & Firebrick Blaydon Brick & Stella Spark. Unfortunately, they don't stock a real cider. Although, the staff did say that if I came back the following week, they had a festival on. Unfortunately, it's a long way from London to pay another visit.
25 Mar 2019 20:06
Back in Morpeth after a gap of almost 6 years, my first calling point in the town was the Black Bull. It doesn't look much from the street. But, it goes a fair way back, with an outdoor patio area at the rear. There were just a couple of real ales from Anarchy - Blonde Star & Smash. But, there were also a couple of Weston's ciders - Old Rosie & Flat Tyre. Not too bad. But, there are better pubs in the town.
25 Mar 2019 20:01
Saturday was my first ever visit to Amble. After a walk around the town and also the nearby town of Warkworth, we arrived at the Masons Arms shortly after opening. It is the Brewery Tap for Credence Brewery. Two of their ales were on cask - Blonde & Revolving Session Pale. There were other Credence ales in bottles. Guests were Rigg & Furrow Run Hop Run & Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold. We were the only customers during our visit to the pub, which has two rooms. There is a traditional bar and another room with a pool table in the centre. I think there was a further room the other side of the bar. On the outskirts of town. But, appears to be a community local.
25 Mar 2019 19:48
The Three Kings was my final stop of the night in Twickenham, before heading to an old favourite (the Sussex Arms). Of the 5 new places I'd visited, this was the best. The interior of this corner pub was cosy and a quiz was in full progress. Fuller's London Pride is the regular ale. Guests were Purity Pure Gold & Twickenham Naked Ladies. None of these were really my kind of beers. But, the Pure Gold was in good condition.
25 Mar 2019 19:38
The Twickenham Tup, Twickenham
After a visit to the Twickenham Club (not listed on BITE), my next stop was this Greene King pub, which is now called the Royal Oak. If you're thinking of coming here, don't! Greene King IPA was the solitary real ale. You get a 10% discount, if you're a CAMRA member. But £2.75 for a half of Greene King with a discount seemed very steep to me. That would make it £6.10 a pint. On querying it, the barmaid double checked and confirmed £2.75 was the correct amount. Although, she did state that Twickenham is quite an expensive place to drink! Given I'd paid £1.90 for a half in my previous establishment, this seemed hard to believe. My suspicion was that she pressed the Punk IPA button on the till. But either way, this is to be avoided due to exorbitant prices or incompetent bar staff.
25 Mar 2019 19:32
Pretty poor bar on Twickenham's main drag. It no longer serves real ale, leaving the multiple handpulls looking forlorn. It was fairly quiet on our Thursday evening visit. We were greeted by the barman, who wanted to inform us that the kitchen was closed and that food was unavailable. No harm done, as we only wanted a drink anyway. Aspall's Cider was my choice, of a pretty poor keg only selection.
25 Mar 2019 19:13
The Albany was my first stop on a Thursday night crawl of a few spots I hadn't been to previously in Twickenham. It's a Shepherd Neame pub next to the railway line and handy for the station. I only ventured as far as the bar at the front. But, there are seemingly other rooms. The two Shepherd Neame beers are Spitfire & Whitstable Pale Ale. There is a guest ale too. This was Wimbledon Pitbull on my visit. Unremarkable pub that will presumably do a good trade due to its proximity to the station.
25 Mar 2019 19:10
The Wheatsheaf is hidden away next to an old village church in the Dallington area of Northampton. It was my final stop in the county and it was just recovering from the exciting finish to the Six Nations rugby match. A few locals had clearly had a few, whilst a band was setting up in one corner. Service was slow, with barmaids more interested in sorting out TV channels and serving those who they knew or those who shouted loudest. But, I did eventually get served. It's an Everard's pub that was serving their Original, alongside Beermats Diplomat. Weston's Rosie's Pig was the cider. Lively place in a lovely location.
18 Mar 2019 21:18
After a visit to the very quiet Olde Red Lion in the same village, my next stop the Sun Inn was much busier. Locals were all watching the Six Nations rugby and it was standing room only. There had been plenty of seating in the Olde Red Lion with the same match on. St Austell Tribute is a regular ale. Greene King IPA & Abbot were also available. A dining room area was much quieter, with no TV. Neither pub in the village particularly inspired me.
18 Mar 2019 21:14
Canalside Marston's pub on the A5. A few were in, mostly for drinks, some possibly for food. Marston's Pedigree & EPA & Brakspear Oxford Gold were the 3 real ales. Probably more of a summer pub and not really suited to a blustery March day.
18 Mar 2019 21:08
The Old Kings Head, Long Buckby
I had high hopes for this pub. It was good, but not quite as good as I'd hoped. There are a number of different rooms. Service was friendly and efficient. The barman (possibly the owner) was knowledgeable. 3 Everard's ales on were Beacon, Tiger & Session IPA. Beermats Diplomat & Shardlow Reverend Eaton were the guests. Weston's Family Reserve was the real cider. A 10% discount is offered to CAMRA members on both halves and pints. Six Nations Rugby was just starting on the TV.
18 Mar 2019 21:04
Next stop on my Northamptonshire crawl was the Hare at Loddington. A pub that is seemingly popular with locals and their dogs. A few younger guys at the bar had clearly already been imbibing a few too many. Morland Old Speckled Hen & Sharp's Doom Bar are the regular ales. But, there were also a couple of guests from Church End - Goat's Milk & Brewer's Truth. They also had Saxby's Strawberry Cider, which was very pleasant. A solid 6/10. Moved on from here to the Chequers at Ravensthorpe (not listed on BITE).
18 Mar 2019 20:55
I suspect this place has gone downhill a little. It took a while to get served, with bar staff more pre-occupied with stacking the shelves with glasses than actually filling them. Two real ales from Nobby's were on - Mosaic & Plum Porter. Sadly, I was driving and saving myself for later pubs. But, in hindsight, I should have tried the Plum Porter. There seemed to be a lot of cars on the car park here. But, I'm not sure where all of the other customers were. A TV was playing a music channel and one end of the pub has a pool table. Nice building. But, a little disappointing overall.
18 Mar 2019 20:50
The White Horse was my favourite pub of the day in Northamptonshire on Saturday. It's a village local with friendly staff. The interior is nice and modern. Ales on were Cotleigh Night Owl, Marston's Saddle Tank & Langton Inclined Plane. 3 real ciders from Bad Boy were also on - Original, Apple & Blackberry & Cherry. I had the latter, which was a new cider for me. Not an exceptional pub, by any means. But, I'd be very happy to have it as my local.
18 Mar 2019 20:46
The Coach and Horses, Brixworth
The Coach & Horses is one of two or three pubs in the village of Brixworth. But, it was the only one I tried. Set on a hill, there are two rooms at differing levels. There were a group of drinkers in one room and a group of diners having lunch in the other. Hobgoblin & Wainwright were the two real ales. A third handpull had a Pedigree clip turned round. Staff seemed pleasant. Average place.
18 Mar 2019 20:40
The White Hart Hotel, Hampton Wick
Our final stop of the night was the White Hart. This is a very impressive building opposite Kingston Bridge. The interior didn't quite live up to expectations. But service was friendly and unlike other places, they were happy to serve us with a bite to eat, despite it being after 9pm. Being a Fuller's pub, the ale range was a little limited. London Pride & Swing Low were accompanied by Dark Star Hophead. The food we had was tasty and well presented. Certainly the better of the two pubs we tried in Hampton Wick.
13 Mar 2019 20:24
I had high hopes for this pub, given it's the only one in this area in the current Good Beer Guide. The interior is certainly different, with a dark and fairly bohemian theme. Food was popular. But, despite advertising that they serve food until 11pm, they weren't willing to accommodate us at 8:45pm. Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Fuller's London Pride are the regular ales. The guest last night was Wimbledon Pitbull, which I had. We also ordered a half of Leffe. The response was that they only serve it in 2/3 pints, as its so strong. I'm not sure the logic of buying more than you want to drink because the beer is too strong. But, at £4.45 for a 2/3, I think I get the real reason why this policy is in place. All in all, a bit of a disappointment.
13 Mar 2019 20:20
The Lion can be found in the backstreets between Teddington and Hampton Wick. There are drinking areas all around the central bar, which dispenses Doom Bar, Naked Ladies & Shere Drop. It was surprisingly busy for a Tuesday night, given its out of the way location. Food appeared to be fairly popular. The interior is fairly bright. But, it makes for a nice space for drinking or dining. One of the better pubs we tried in the area.
13 Mar 2019 20:14
The Tide End Cottage, Teddington
The Tide End Cottage can be found next to the river in Teddington. It was very quiet on a cold Tuesday evening. But, I believe it gets much busier during the warmer months. Greene King IPA & Abbot were accompanied by Dorking Pilcrow Pale & Reunion Tiger Hill. There are a number of different drinking areas in the pub, with seemingly a fair amount of space devoted to standing. There's plenty of wood and it's fairly dark. Ok, but as with all other Teddington pubs, it's nothing special.
13 Mar 2019 20:09
Gastropub on Teddington's High Street. The front room has the closest feel to a pub. There appears to be a larger dining area to the rear. We found a seat in a quieter area to the side of the bar. You can still eat in the bar area and food looked good. As for the real ales, there were Landlord, London Pride, Doom Bar & Atlantic. Has a fairly exclusive feel in all. But, drinkers still appear to be welcomed.
13 Mar 2019 20:05
Another fairly average Teddington pub with some fairly standard beers - Fuller's London Pride, Young's Bitter, Sharp's Doom Bar & Atlantic & Twickenham Naked Ladies. There is a central bar with seating all round. An outside patio area was also in use, despite it being a fairly cold evening yesterday.
13 Mar 2019 20:00
The Teddington Arms, Teddington
My Tuesday evening visit here was a fairly quiet affair. There were a handful of youngsters at one end of the bar and a couple of other tables were occupied elsewhere. The Teddington Arms had the best selection of ales of all the pubs I visited on the night - Greene King IPA & Yardbird, Sambrook's Scrumdown & Dorset Brewing Company Flanker & Jurassic. The Scrumdown was a ruby ale. But, it was the darkest beer I managed to find all evening. There was no real cider. The interior of this pub has an impressive ceiling. But, otherwise it lacks too much character.
13 Mar 2019 19:55
Backstreet community pub that has a cosy feel. I arrived as a big horse race was taking place. Most were watching it on their mobile phones. Food had been supplied. But, that may have been a part of some kind of function. Young's Bitter & St Austell Tribute were the two real ales. My Tribute was reasonably priced. There's a better selection of ales in other Teddington hostelries. But, this place clearly has a niche market.
13 Mar 2019 19:45
The Bodega was supposed to be our last pub of the day before the train home yesterday. But, with the train cancelled, we also managed to fit the Newcastle Tap in (not listed on here). The Bodega is always popular immediately after a football match and yesterday was no exception. Ales were Fyne Ales Jarl & Blunder, Big Lamp Prince Bishop, Almasty Creation & Citra IPA, Brass Castle Bad Kitty & Cliffhanger & Bristol Beer Factory Beam Me Up. Although it was almost impossible to select a beer on first arrival, due to the crowds around the bar. Luckily, it started to thin out a little and my choice (the Bad Kitty) was confirmed to be correct, as I'm always a fan of darker beers. Six Nations ruby was on the TVs. Still a decent boozer. But, I couldn't see any real cider on this visit.
10 Mar 2019 15:23
After a visit to Colonel Porter's Emporium just up the street, I made a return visit to the Crown Posada. The pub has not changed at all. It still has the same historic interior and it still has a good ale selection - Allendale Pennine Pale, Hadrian Border Black Gate & Tyneside Blonde are the regular beers. Guests were McColl's Black Forest Stout, Two By Two Simcoe Citra Loralee & Citra Ekuanot Mosaic IPA. A vinyl record player is still used. Good Newcastle hostelry.
10 Mar 2019 15:16
Still the best of Newcastle's micropubs, in my opinion. My previous visit had been on a weekday evening. But, this time I was there on a Saturday lunchtime. It was much busier. The barman was knowledgeable about the beers and ciders. The house ale is Errant Clever Chimp. Guests were Errant It's OK I'm A Limo Driver, North Riding Mocha Porter, Crafty Monkey Telegraph & Beerblefish Pan-Galactic Pale. Ciders and perries were Farmer Jim's Rhubarb Bob, Down Side Perry, Newton Court Panting Partridge & Hunt's Bull Walloper. Whilst I ordered a cider and a perry, I did try the Mocha Porter, which was excellent. My favourite pub of the day on this visit to Newcastle.
10 Mar 2019 15:10
Box Social, Newcastle upon Tyne
Our first stop of the day on a return visit to Newcastle yesterday was Box Social. It's been over 2 years since my last visit here and not much appears to have changed. Two Box Social ales on cask were Hybrid Theory & New Trumpet, Joe? Two guests were Taylor Illingworth Beam Mill & Brass Castle Misfit. The Taylor Illingworth beer was replaced by Cloudwater Stout whilst we were there. There's a selection of 7 or 8 craft beers on tap and they also had Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. A good place to combine with Beer Street next door, which was our second stop.
10 Mar 2019 15:05
The Akenside Traders, Newcastle
After a quick trip across the High Bridge to the Station East (disappointing) and By The River Brew Company (expensive but good), I finished my night at this Quayside pub that I had passed by a number of times previously. Just 2 ales were on - Sharp's Doom Bar & Tyne Bank Coco Rouge Noir, a coconut and raspberry porter. The latter was quite pleasant. Live 20/20 cricket was on the TVs. It's clearly a popular place for sports fanatics. A nice place. But, there's plenty of other great pubs in this area.
6 Mar 2019 20:44
After being refused entry here by an arrogant doorman on my last attempt to visit, I returned on a quiet Tuesday evening to a much better welcome. The Victoria Comet used to be an O'Neill's. But, it's now run by Nicholson's and it has a good number of real ales - St Austell Nicholson's Pale Ale, Great Yorkshire Turtle Pale, Ilkley Joshua Jane, Hadrian Border Tyneside Blonde, Leeds Pale, Brew York X-Panda & Rudgate Jorvik. My only concern was that there was a lack of dark beers. The Joshua Jane was the darkest. But, it still wasn't my type of beer. I also noticed Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, which I would have had, had I not drunk one two pubs earlier in the evening. The interior was cosy, with a number of different drinking areas and plenty of TVs showing the Tottenham European game. This isn't a bad choice for a last drink before catching the train, assuming there are no incompetent bouncers. If there are, try the Newcastle Tap or the Head of Steam. Avoid the Waiting Rooms at all cost - my worst pub of the night, with questionable beer dispensing techniques. An alternative locally is to head to Forth Street, where there are a couple of micropubs in the railway arches - Beer Street & Box Social. A bit further along is a further micropub, the Split Chimp.
6 Mar 2019 20:37
Keel Row Lloyds No 1, Newcastle
I really struggled to find this branch of Wetherspoon's. It's located in a shopping centre, next to Chinatown. I think I managed a full tour of the outside of the building, before eventually finding it. The interior is a typical open-plan rectangle. It was very busy, with few spare tables on a Tuesday night. It was even more difficult to find a table without dirty plates and glasses. The ale and cider choice was however better than I'd expected - Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Tyne Bank Silver Dollar, Brains Bread of Heaven, Otter Bright, Weston's Old Rosie & Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. My pint of Thistly Cross went down quite nicely.
6 Mar 2019 20:24
Northumberland Arms, Newcastle
The Northumberland Arms is now called the Purple Bear. It bills itself as a smokehouse. I decided to try some of the food, which was disappointing. It did have a couple of real ales, though - Greene King Paws For Thought & Great North Eastern Rivet Catcher. I was also pleased to find Weston's Rosie's Pig. Being a cellar bar, there's little light. But, the interior is done out quite nicely. Not a bad pub. But, I wouldn't return for the food.
6 Mar 2019 20:19
Second stop on a midweek stroll around Newcastle pubs was the Pacific House (first stop was the Town Mouse Ale House, not listed on here). It has a couple of floors, with plenty of drinking space. I'd planned to eat here. But, it didn't look too inspiring. So, I gave it a miss. Just 2 real ales were on - Stu Brew Bald Eagle & Mordue Millenium Bridge. I had the Bald Eagle. In comparison with some of the beers I had later, it wasn't a bad drop. I was expecting real cider in here. But, unfortunately they no longer stock it. A touch disappointing.
6 Mar 2019 20:15
The Tiny Rebel was our final stop in Cardiff on Wednesday afternoon before heading to the station. We had high hopes and had saved it until last. But, to be honest, I was very disappointed. The décor is very shabby chic and works quite well. But, what disappointed me most was the ale selection. Tiny Rebel beers were Hank, Dutty, Juicy & Lush. Guests were Pomona Island APA, Hop Shed Frizzle & Bristol Beer Factory Independence & Boca 45. There was not a dark beer in sight. With lots of cans and bottles in the fridges, the only dark beer was a £7 imperial stout, which I decided was too extravagant for the journey home. Ciders were Tiny Rebel Protaropia & Snail's Bank Orchard Dry. Nice staff and nice drinking environment. But, I agree with previous reviewers that the City Arms, just across the alley, is the better option.
1 Mar 2019 22:27
I had high hopes for the Hopbunker. But, it was not as good as I'd anticipated. We left the sunny Cardiff streets to descend into a fairly cold and dark cellar bar. There was one other customer, who soon left. The barman seemed a bit miserable. The music selection did not help. I cannot fault the ale cider selection though. Cask ales were Grey Trees Caradog's Bitter, Hopcraft Temple Of Love, Mate Spawn and Die & We Come In Peace, Imperial Classical Bitter & Babbitt Chocolate Fudge Brownie Stout, Pixie Spring Galaxy & Prince Of Bengal IPA, Wye Valley Samurai, Abbeydale Voyager IPA & Bullmastiff Son Of A Bitch. Some handpulls were unclipped too, pointing to the fact that they often serve more when busier. There was a good selection of craft beers and ciders were Hallett's PX, Orchard Pig Navel Gazer, Apple County Yarlington Mill, Gwynt y Ddraig Dog Dancer, Welsh Warrior, Farmhouse Pyder, Dabinett & Two Trees Perry, Thatcher's Stan's Big Apple, Weston's Flat Tyre, Hand Brake & Rusted Wheel, Artisan Ciders Talking Horse, Llanblethian Orchards Breakwell's Seedling, Mole's Black Rat Cider & Snail's Bank Fruit Bat. I certainly can't argue with the drinks selection in this place. For that, it warrants an 8/10. But, the atmosphere is lacking.
1 Mar 2019 22:21
Old fashioned Brain's pub on the city's main shopping street. It has a long, thin interior, with a similarly long bar. Brain's Bitter & The Rev James were the 2 ales. A fair few blokes were in on Wednesday morning. But, the only women were the barmaids. We soon continued around the corner into Church Street for the newly-opened Head Of Steam and a craft beer bar called Beelzebubs with Crafty Devil beers. I'll ask for them both to be added.
1 Mar 2019 22:04
Spacious city centre traditional pub that was our first visit on Wednesday morning. It was open at 10am and there were already a handful in, mostly older than us. But, there were a couple of kids too. 3 pool tables are at one end and there are many references to Welsh rugby. Sky Sports News was on one of the TVs. Others showed other channels. Ales were Box Steam Soul Train & Sin Bin, Brew Monster Leviathan IPA, Greene King IPA, Mumbles Red Dragon & Glamorgan Cwrw Gorslas. Ciders were Snail's Bank Spiced Rum, Gwynt y Ddraig Ancient Warrior & Celtic Warrior & Artisan Ciders Talking House Elderflower. There's plenty of good pubs in Cardiff city centre. But, this is one of them.
1 Mar 2019 21:59
Our final stop on Tuesday night in Cardiff after the micropub St Canna's Alehouse in Canton (a request to be added has been submitted) was what I still believe to be Cardiff's best pub - the City Arms. It was quieter than on our last visit. But, the ale range was still good. Brain's Bitter, SA, Rev James & Dark were on one side. On the other were guests - Weird Beard Five O'Clock Shadow, The Brew Foundation Pop, Milestone Welsh Dragons, Orkney Corncrake Ale, Turning Point Lucid Dream Cookie Cream Stout & Northern Monk Festive Star Spiced Mocha Porter. Ciders were Mole's Black Rat Cider, Colcombe House Willie Gunn, Gwynt y Ddraig Welsh Warrior & Snail's Bank Raspberry Ripple & Fruit Bat. The pub still has a nice atmosphere and staff know their beers.
1 Mar 2019 21:50
After visits to Crwys & Andrew Buchan in Roath (neither listed on here) and then a trip to the football ground, we moved to one of the closest decent pubs to the ground - the Lansdowne. There was a live singer in one room. We retreated to the other room. The pub was quieter than we had expected. Ales were Mantle Dark Heart, Brotherhood DDH, Cotleigh Dutch Courage & Wye Valley Butty Bach. The real cider was Lilley's Sunset. A good option if in the Canton area.
1 Mar 2019 21:32
After a visit to the Flute & Tankard (not listed on here, but I've requested it to be added), our next stop was the Pen & Wig. Getting closer to the university area, there were a few students in and is was quite busy for late on a Tuesday afternoon. The interior was quite spacious. Ales were Bragdy Twt Lol Glo In The Dark & Cymryd y Pyst, Rhymney Golden Ale, Tenby Harbour Gatland's Lawm Gower Up 'n' Under & Bristol Beer Factory All Things Equal. The cider was Hallett's PX and the perry was from Ty Gwyn. Another decent Cardiff pub.
1 Mar 2019 21:10
The Traders Tavern looks like a bit of a dump from the outside and is not much better inside. It has a dingy and grubby feel. Nevertheless, it is a good place to try Bullmastiff ales. They had Son Of A Bitch & Top Dog Pale Ale on for our visit. Pleasingly for me, they had a couple of Gwynt y Ddraig ciders - Dabinett & Welsh Warrior. A bit too basic for my liking though.
1 Mar 2019 20:57
The Cambrian Tap was our first stop on a midweek trip to the Welsh capital city. It was the nearest decent pub to the Central station I hadn't previously tried. Whilst it's a Brain's pub, it does have a good selection of craft beers and also real ciders. There were 2 Brain's Beers on cask - Dark & Ale Wyn. Guests were Timothy Taylor Landlord, Salopian Minds Eye & Gloucester Cascade. Ciders were Abrahall's Slack Alice, Broadoak KB, Mr Whitehead's Cirrus Minor, Dorset Nectar Sweet Maiden & Snail's Bank Rhubarb Cider. The interior is fairly small and narrow. But, there is lots of wood and it is traditional in character. I would certainly pay a repeat visit.
1 Mar 2019 20:53
Whilst changing trains at Reading, I decided to give this place another try after a bad experience a couple of years ago. On a quiet Tuesday afternoon, I can report that service was much better. The ale range is still good - Hogs Back TEA & England's Glory, Siren Yulu, Wild Weather Full Of Beans Chocolate & Coconut Coffee Stout, Tiny Rebel Dirty, Vale Red Kite & Hammerpot Red Hunter. There was also a good range of craft beers. But, they have stopped serving cider. A far better experience than last time.
1 Mar 2019 20:44
My final pub of the day and completing a hat-trick of Antic pubs was this one on Sutton's High Street. It was fairly quiet on my Sunday evening visit. But, finally I had located another real cider. Only the Gidea Park Micropub with its 20 real ciders stocked any cider at all in my previous 8 pubs. So, Lilley's Merry Monkey was well received. Volden Session Ale was accompanied by By The Horns Transatlantic Cowboy & Anarchy Strait Jacket. I've yet to find a really decent pub in Sutton. This is certainly amongst the best 5 in the town.
1 Mar 2019 20:36
Another half decent Antic pub, in what seemed to be a dodgy area of Streatham. There were lots of sirens everywhere and plenty of strange characters hanging around in the streets. But, inside was far more civilised and the barman was friendly. The bar has one large single room, with a kitchen at the rear. Toilets are upstairs. But, the barman said I should use the ground floor disabled toilet. Maybe he sensed, I was a little jaded, as it was my 8th pub of the day across the capital. As with my previous stop, the Balham Bowls Club, the permanent ale is their own Volden Session Ale. Two guests were from By The Horns - Arrows Of Desire & Transatlantic Cowboy. I opted for the latter and was disappointed. But, I wouldn't rule it out after just one visit. Another solid 6/10.
1 Mar 2019 20:31
This place is now an Antic pub. It was first of 3 Antic pubs in South West London I visited on Sunday evening. It is tucked away on a side street near Balham mainline station and Balham tube. The layout is certainly intriguing with a large entrance room and a few other large rooms, all with interesting decoration. One guy was playing the piano (not very well) in the main bar area. Volden Session Ale appears to be always on. Guests were Twickenham Winter Star & Grandstand & Saltaire Blonde. Probably the nicest of the 3 Antic pubs I tried, from an aesthetic point of view.
1 Mar 2019 20:25
Gastropub on a corner of Wandsworth Common, a short walk from Clapham Junction station. There was an upmarket crowd with a few dogs. Wandle was the only real ale. A bit of a disappointment, in all. Apparently I came here 8½ years ago, as I reviewed it on here. But, I don't recall it. Downgrading my rating to a 4/10.
1 Mar 2019 20:18
The Sir Colin Campbell, Kilburn
I'd not been to any pubs in Kilburn before. So, the Sir Colin Campbell was a first. There are rooms either side of a central bar. It is nicely decorated with plenty of wood. There are 3 handpulls in each bar. But, the solitary real ale was Siren Under Current. Apparently, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Wild Beer Millionaire had just gone off. Not a bad place. Just a shame, there was only one ale on and that it wasn't really my type of beer.
1 Mar 2019 20:14
Busy pub on Walthamstow High Street. It's slightly on the upmarket side. Sunday lunches were being served on my mid-afternoon visit. Some were watching the League Cup football final. Ales are from London breweries - Southwark Amber Ale & Routemaster, Enefeld London Porter & Truman's Blindside. Not a bad choice in Walthamstow. But, there are better pubs in the area.
1 Mar 2019 20:08
Irish pub close to the station. It was very busy on my Sunday afternoon. Many were in watching the Ireland Six Nations game, whilst some were watching a Premier League game. There are multiple TVs for sports viewing. Staff and customers were friendly. The ales are Harvest Pale & Tribute. I'm surprised this place has had a couple of years in the last two Good Beer Guides. But, it was not a patch on my previous stop (the Gidea Park Micropub) and was also inferior to my subsequent stop (the Northcote Arms in Leytonstone). I will request for both of those to be added.
1 Mar 2019 19:55
Of the 4 Oxhey pubs we tried in the vicinity of Bushey station, I thought the Victoria was the worst. It has two rooms and served only Young's Bitter, which I didn't particularly fancy. After a long day of drinking, we ended up on wine and spirits! Finished our day in the nearby Railway Arms, a Greene King pub not listed on here.
10 Feb 2019 12:05
Former Courage house on a backstreet with a couple of pubs. Courage Best is still served here. The guest ale was Twickenham Grandstand Bitter. This was another busy pub in this area. Locals were watching the cricket from the West Indies. The interior is fairly plain and in all honesty, I much preferred the Villiers Arms further along the street. It is not listed on here. So I will request it to be added.
10 Feb 2019 11:59
The Red Lion is a fairly large pub on Bushey's High Street. It had the Six Nations rugby on TV screens and it seems to cater for both drinkers and diners. Fuller's London Pride & Sharp's Doom Bar are the two regular ales. Guests were Brentwood Legacy, Windsor & Eton Last Drop & Tring Citra Session. I opted for the Last Drop, which wasn't that good. But, my drinking companions went for the Citra, which they were clearly enjoying. I read in the local CAMA magazine that the pub is under threat of closure.
10 Feb 2019 11:40
Nice and cosy backstreet pub in Bushey which was fairly busy on our Saturday evening visit. There is just one single, small room. But, it was somehow managing to show both live football and rugby without detracting from the atmosphere of a traditional pub. The clientele and the barmaid were all friendly. 4 ales are served - Young's Bitter, Greene King Abbot, Black Sheep Best Bitter & Timothy Taylor Landlord. We sample three of them. My preference was the Black Sheep. I quite liked this place.
10 Feb 2019 11:36
Greene King pub at a set of traffic lights. Only IPA & Abbot were available. The interior was light and airy and the football was being shown on a TV. Service was fairly incompetent though. The barmaid seemed to be getting stressed and didn't have a clue what she was doing. Requests to top up drinks were accepted, but just met with more froth. The Punk IPA seemed to be causing particular problems. They do offer a CAMRA discount though. We didn't stay long, preferring instead to head to a main destination - the nearby Watling Street Brewery Tap, our favourite pub of the day, but not listed on here.
10 Feb 2019 11:28
Irish-themed chain bar serving Doom Bar only on cask. It was busier than other pubs we tried on the St Albans Road. But, quite a few were in to watch the live football, which was showing on quite a few screens. Not one I'd particularly recommend.
10 Feb 2019 11:24
Continuing our stroll along St Albans Road, we reached the Prince George, which now bills itself as a Smokehouse. Seemingly geared more towards food than drink, we were greeted by the small pub dog. Staff were fairly friendly. But, there was only one solitary real ale - Fuller's Swing Low. Although, Tring Side Pocket For A Toad was being pulled through. Ok, but nothing special.
10 Feb 2019 11:20
First stop in Watford yesterday morning was the White Lion. I agree with the previous review. Although, the Woodforde's Wherry appeared to be on better form. There were also a couple of guest ales - Fuller's London Pride & Tring Moongazing. I had the latter, which was acceptable. The site of staff chopping up carrots and potatoes in the bar was a little strange. But, it was fairly friendly and we were offered some complimentary sandwiches. A reasonable option near Watford Junction station.
10 Feb 2019 11:16
The Cross Keys appears to have been knocked down for modern housing. I went to the Caledonian Hotel in nearby Ashton instead. It's not listed on here and I won't bother requesting it to be added, as it was another disappointment.
8 Feb 2019 21:51
Apologies. Just remembered that it was Holt's Bitter, not Lee's.
8 Feb 2019 21:50
Penultimate pub for me on an early Wednesday evening crawl was the Royal Oak. It is another local pub that does not open until 4pm. So, I was doing a bit of travelling back and forth along the East Lancs Road. The Royal Oak is in the current Good Beer Guide. But, to be perfectly honest, it surprises me. With a selection of Lee's Bitter or Sharp's Doom Bar, I was not very spoilt for choice. The Lee's was in good form though. There are a couple of rooms. Both seem to have strange lighting. The gents toilets didn't have any lights. But, I think my aim was good. Nice noodle place opposite.
8 Feb 2019 21:49
Back in Billinge and following a visit to the Bispham Hall Recreation Club (not listed on here), my final pub in the town was the Hare & Hounds. I had to leave this until last as it doesn't open until 4pm on weekdays (2pm at weekends). There are two rooms. The one on the left as you enter from the street was the slightly larger of the two. The central bar serves both rooms. 3 ales were Wainwright, Bombardier & White Witch. The landlady was chatty and she was interested to know what I was doing in the area! They probably don't get too many strangers though. Nice pub. But, a shame that the demand for real ale is not better.
8 Feb 2019 21:45
Railway Hotel, Ashton in Makerfield
Genuine locals' pub very close to Garswood station. There were a handful of gents around the bar, with a further 2 rooms that were empty. The barmaid was humorous. 3 ales were on - Sharp's Doom Bar, St Austell Tribute & Laine's Breaker.
8 Feb 2019 21:38
The Masons Arms was my favourite pub of the day. It's only competition was the Wetherspoon's in Walkden. The ale range may not be as good. But for this area, it was still well above average - Harvest Pale, Hophead, Dizzy Blonde, Tribute & Cumberland Ale. There were also a couple of ciders - Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig. The pub has a real cosy feel. It's similar to a country pub. Locals were friendly and chatty, with attention drawn to the pub's coal fire. Recommended, but well out of the centre of Billinge.
8 Feb 2019 21:35
More of a bar than a pub, I arrived here to find just one other group in on a Wednesday afternoon. They were just finishing off their lunch. This looks more like an evening establishment. They do have a real ale - Doom Bar. But, I decided not to bother with that. The décor was good. So, I assume it has been refurbished since the first review. Possibly better than I had expected. But I arrived with very low expectations. 3/10.
8 Feb 2019 21:32
After a visit to the Queen Anne in Golborne, my third pub in this area was the Holts Arms. It's a Marston's pub on the outskirts of Billinge. But, I was the only customer on my early Wednesday afternoon visit. But whilst there, somebody else did come in just in time for lunch. Ales were all from the Marston's range - Jenning's Cumberland Ale, Young's London Gold, Banks's Sunbeam & Marston's 61 Deep. Most tables were reserved for diners in the evening, showing where the pubs priority lies. It does however open all day, apart from Monday, when it is closed altogether.
8 Feb 2019 21:28
This branch of Wetherspoon's was my first stop on a 10 pub crawl of Greater Manchester. Say what you want about Spoon's. But, the ale choice was easier the best I found during the day - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Coach House Innkeeper's Special Reserve & Cheshire Gold, Milk Street Funky Monkey & Banks's Young Henry's Stayer. In addition, there were 3 ciders - Weston's Old Rosie, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Rich's Legbender. They also had Broadoak Perry. A few were in for lunch. But, there was plenty of available seating. The one thing that still marks Wetherspoon's down is the atmosphere. They tend to be one single noisy drinking hall. This is one of those that lacks character. Still a good option in this area.
8 Feb 2019 21:20
My final Brigg pub was the Black Bull. It is another pub in the town that has stopped serving real ale. The keg choice was Carling, Worthington's Creamflow, John Smith's, Strongbow, Stongbow Dark Fruit, Fosters, Coors Light, Grolsch, Stella Artois & Guinness. They offer drinks promotions and there are lots of TVs for sports viewing. It was busy on Sunday evening. Not quite sure what the damp patch was on the seat next to me. But, I made a conscious decision to keep away! Another disappointment.
8 Feb 2019 21:13
The Yarborough Hunt was my favourite pub in Brigg. It was also one of the busier establishments. There are a number of different small rooms. I counted at least 5. Cask ales were Lincolnshire Craft Beers Bomber County & Lincoln Gold, Charnwood Old School, Purity Pure Gold & Ringwood Razor Back. The real cider was Weston's Old Rosie. In addition, there was a good selection of craft beers on keg. Probably my favourite pub of the day in Lincolnshire.
8 Feb 2019 21:10
Another Brigg pub that is currently closed. This one only appears to closed for a refurbishment though.
8 Feb 2019 21:06
The Nelthorpe Arms is no more. It is now a private residence.
8 Feb 2019 21:05
The Lord Nelson was a much better pub than I had anticipated. It's now owned and run by the Old Mill Brewery. 2 of their ales were on - Black Jack & Traditional Best. There are two large and comfortable rooms. But, apart from a small family party being held in one room, there were very few inn.
8 Feb 2019 21:04
The Dying Gladiator Inn, Brigg
Lively town local with live football on the TV. Customers were on the young side. There was a general lack of seating. No real ales on. The keg range was Guinness, Carling, San Miguel, Worthington's Creamflow, John Smith's Extra Smooth, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruit & Coors Light. A nice old building. But, otherwise poor.
8 Feb 2019 21:02
Wetherspoon's branch, which is one of the better pubs in this town. Situated at the eastern edge of town, it has a large, single room with a number of booths. As usual, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best are on. Guests were Sharp's Doom Bar, Acorn Old Moor Porter, Acorn Cashmere IPA & Brewster's Rutterkin. The cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon.
8 Feb 2019 20:59
With the Black Horse now closed, the Jolly Miller is the only remaining pub in Wrawby. It's a simple enough place attracting the locals and their dogs. Ales were Greene King IPA & Fireside & Blue Monkey Funky Gibbon. My Fireside was good.
8 Feb 2019 20:54
Two bar pub dispensing Greene King IPA & Abbot. A handful of locals seemed surprised that some strangers had ventured in. But, the welcome from the bar staff was warm. There is a handpull clipped with Weston's Old Rosie cider. But sadly, it was only available in bottles. At 7.3% and with me driving, I decided against having it. Nicely appointed. Again, I'm surprised that nobody has reviewed this pub before. In fact, none of the next 4 pubs we visited are listed on the site yet. I'll request for the Station Inn at Habrough, the Yarborough Arms at Ulceby Skitter, the Thornton Hunt Inn at Thornton Curtis and the Haven Inn at Barrow Haven to be added to the site.
8 Feb 2019 20:36
The Ship Inn, Barnoldby le Beck
The Ship was our first pub of 12 in Lincolnshire last Sunday. We arrived with Sunday lunch servings in full swing. The clientele were predominantly elderly. But, there were families too. It offered friendly service and a cosy carpeted interior. Black Sheep Best Bitter is the regular ale. But, they also had a couple of guests in Bateman's XB & Axholme Cleethorpes Pale. Seems a bit isolated. I'm still surprised that nobody has reviewed it before. Nice place.
8 Feb 2019 20:31
My final stop of the night in Norwich was this bar inside the Playhouse Theatre, which is clearly very popular with students. The interior is a simple rectangular shape. But, there are plenty of oddities to admire. There didn't appear to be anything on in the theatre itself. But, this place was still packed. 4 ales were on - Adnams Bitter, Wild Craft Wild Ride, Three Blind Mice Lonely Shake & Oakham Southern Cross. The beers were all pale. I went for the Wild Ride. But, it wasn't really my cup of tea. Very different from other Norwich pubs/bars I had visited during the evening. Each to their own.
7 Feb 2019 22:20
With it approaching 11pm on my Saturday evening trip around a few Norwich pubs, my penultimate stop was the Woolpack Yard. The landlord was about to close up when I arrived, as the pub was empty. Nevertheless, he was happy to serve me and I enjoyed a half of Blimey! Brewing Company Thirteen and good conversation. I also managed to stay out of a brief, but heavy snowstorm. Other ales were Three Blind Mice Juice Rocket & Casual Philip & Lacon's Infinity. It's a shame this pub was empty.
7 Feb 2019 22:15
I thought I'd been to the best pubs that Norwich had to offer. But on Saturday night, I stumbled into the Plasterers Arms and found one of the best in this city with a great selection. Of 16 pubs I tried in Norfolk on this day, the Plasterers was the best. There is one L-shaped bar and another small snug behind the bar. But, you can pack quite a few in. Cask ales were All Day Stag Beetle, Totally Brewed Slap In The Face, Ampersand Sickle & Torpor, Three Blind Mice Casual Philip, Wylam Galatia, East London Brewery Night Watchman, Tapstone Opium Wars, Truman's Beer Nouveua (an 8.3% barley wine) & Roll Out The Barrel & Adnams Mosaic. I went for the Torpor, a 7% Baltic Porter. Very nice it was too. Although, prices are steep here. The real cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Ancient Warrior. Craft beers included 6 from Tool, including a 10.8% Imperial Stout and Damn Dead Gooseberry from Wild Weather. I dread to think what these were priced at. Definitely a place I want to return to. A firm 9/10 from me.
7 Feb 2019 22:11
The Leopard was another new Norwich pub for me on this visit to the city. This corner pub has a bit of a sparse feel to it, with a lack of furniture. But, it is bright and colourful and has a good spread of real ales - Colchester Brazilian, Nene Valley Pulping On Your Stereo, Moon Gazer Hawkley Frolic & White Rose Ice Maiden. They also had Snail's Bank Fruit Bat cider. The customers and owner seemed a friendly bunch. In most towns, this would be the best pub. In Norwich, there are a few better ones. But, if you're doing a crawl, I'd definitely recommend it.
7 Feb 2019 22:04
The Cottage Freehouse, Norwich
I see I was the last person to put a review on for this place. Well, I finally got back to Norwich last weekend after a gap of just over 3 years. This time, the Cottage was open. It is owned by the Grain Brewery. There is a Bohemian feel inside that you wouldn't expect, judging by the exterior. Bar staff and other customers were friendly. Cask ales all come from Grain - Best Bitter, Winter IPA, Red Rye, Slate, Lignum Mitre & Tindalls Winter. There are more beers dispensed from keg taps on the back wall of the bar. I opted for the Slate in cask form, which was a good choice. Upgrading my score to a 7/10.
7 Feb 2019 22:00
The Jubilee is located in a Norwich backstreet. It is a corner pub close to the railway station, but a bit of a hike uphill. Given its location, I was surprised to see it really busy on Saturday evening. But, it's clearly got a good local reputation. There are a number of rooms and an outdoor area too. Ales were Woodforde's Wherry & Reed Lighter, Northern Powerhouse Porter, Manning Gingerbread Man & Music Man, Framework Fox Paw, Hopback Summer Lightning & Beartown Bluebeary. Ciders were Snail's Bank Mango Cider & Rhubarb Cider & Abrahall's Slack Alice & Thundering Molly. The Porter was nice. So many decent pubs in this city and the Jubilee is one of them.
7 Feb 2019 21:55
The Cellar House is tucked away in the western suburb of Eaton. It is relatively close to the university. Predominantly a foodie pub, it did have 5 real ales - Adnams Bitter, Mosaic & Ghost Ship, Purity Ubu & Sharp's Sea Fury. We ate here too. I found the food reasonable, without being too wowed. Staff were friendly and professional.
7 Feb 2019 21:49
The Rose is a music venue/real ale pub in the southern part of the city. We visited early on a Saturday evening. There were a handful of people in. But, I was really impressed by the beer and cider selection. The 5 ales were Three Blind Mice Sweet Jesus, Thornbridge Rocky Road Lucaria, Sarah Hughes Dark Riby Mild, Clouded Minds 99 Steps, Nene Valley Manhattan Project. In addition, there were 6 ciders - Snail's Bank Elderflower Gin & Tonic, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, Lilley's Cheeky Pig, Seacider Bakewell Tart, Gwatkin No Bull & Broadoak Moonshine. A number of musical instruments line the walls and there is a bar billiards table at the rear. Lacked a huge amount of atmosphere when we visited. But, the drinks selection more than made up for that.
7 Feb 2019 21:45
The White Horse is situated in a small village, just outside of Norwich. First impressions boded well. But, ultimately I was disappointed. A family friendly pub, a few locals were in watching the Ireland v England Six Nations game. Surroundings were nice enough. But, the ale range was a little disappointing - Adnams Bitter & Mosaic & Timothy Taylor Landlord. Ok, but nothing special.
7 Feb 2019 21:40
The King's Head is on the main road through Brooke. Of the two pubs in the village, it was the worst. The ale selections was Adnams Bitter & Greene King IPA. You'll get a far better selection in the White Lion, which I will request to be added. Nevertheless, I agree with the previous viewer - the King's Head does seem to aim for the higher end of the market and probably attracts much more passing trade.
7 Feb 2019 21:35
The Queen's Head in Earsham is another great Norfolk village pub. It has a very traditional feel inside, with a flagstone floor. Locals congregate at the bar and some of their language left a bit to be desired. But, the barman was friendly and knowledgeable. They had a decent selection of beers too - Lightweight is brewed on the premises, where the Waveney Brewery operates. Guests were Sonnet 43 The Salty Squirrel, Bad Seed Dragon Water & Titanic Cherry Dark. Ciders were Abrahall's Thundering Molly & Lilley's Apples & Pears. Bottles from the local Ampersand Brewery are also sold. My favourite rural pub of the day. I hope to get back here at some point.
7 Feb 2019 21:30
We arrived at this place to find an empty pub. But, by the time we left, it was much busier. A few had arrived to watch the rugby. I was impressed by the ale and cider range. Purity Pure Gold was accompanied by Adnams Bitter, Exmoor Ale & Exmoor Ram. Ciders were Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig from Weston's and perries were Lilley's Bee Sting & Abrahall's Cracklin' Rosie. There were some nice bar snacks and we ended up playing a garden Connect Four game, that was sat next to the bar. Has a slightly upmarket feel. But, it's clearly a village favourite too. Good pub.
7 Feb 2019 21:25
This pub looks as if it has been closed for quite a while. It now appears to be a private dwelling. Harleston is a nice small town. Unfortunately, we didn't get to try any of its other pubs.
7 Feb 2019 21:19
Another friendly Norfolk local. There are plenty of tables in different drinking areas in this pub. Only 4 others were in - 2 couples and a guy sat at the bar. The couples had been eating. But all seemed happy to engage in conversation. There was a nice open fire for what was a cold day. The two ales were Earl Soham Victoria Bitter & Morland Original. Lilley's Rhubarb Cider was on a pump.
7 Feb 2019 21:17
This pub appears to a great community local. It has a café attached to the rear. Service was friendly and they had a wide drinks range, including an excellent gin selection. The regular ale is Adnams Bitter. Guests were Norfolk Brewhouse Fred's Check, Wolf Granny Wouldn't Like It & Calvors Suffolk Graduate. Whilst we were there, Calvors Smooth Hoperator was also pulled through. Surroundings are cosy. I'd be happy to have this pub as my local.
7 Feb 2019 21:13
This pub's website states that it opens at 11:30 Monday-Saturday. But, we arrived shortly before midday last Saturday to find it still locked up. The landlord did soon come to the door to let us in. I suspect the opening times have changed, without the website being updated, as locals soon started arriving for a drink shortly after midday. Drinkers congregated around the bar, whilst a couple of groups arrived for food. Adnams Bitter can be found here. They also had a guest ale - Rare Gold from Elmstree. Not the friendliest of places. But, the waitress seemed ok.
7 Feb 2019 21:08
With 30 minutes spare between trains in Leeds this morning, we elected to search out this Wetherspoon's branch in the station itself. It's tucked away next to a number of fast food outlets. You can also access it from the station's taxi rank. There is an alfresco drinking area overlooking said rank. Service was efficient and a screen shows train departure times. Ales were Greene King IPA & Abbot, Sharp's Doom Bar, Leeds Pale, Best & Mutiny, Goddard's Wight Squirrel, Ilkley Ruby Jane & Cairngorm Black Gold. The cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. I chose the Mutiny, which was billed as a coconut stout. But the coconut taste was only very faint. Decent choice when changing trains. But, if in Leeds for a longer period of time, it is best to venture further afield.
30 Jan 2019 20:39
The Slubbers Arms, Huddersfield
With time for one pub for a post-match drink, we headed to the Slubbers Arms in the Hillhouse area of the town. This is very much a locals' pub, with a mature clientele. But, despite being away fans, we were welcomed. The main bar is cosy and the smaller snug similarly so, albeit much colder. The ale selection was Timothy Taylor Landlord & Boltmaker, Slater's 1 Hop, Stockport Jester, 3 Piers Mild & Fell Motueka Chinook. I opted for the mild, which was in good form. Recommended if in this part of town.
30 Jan 2019 20:34
Last stop in Huddersfield before a football game in the town, was the Vulcan. Being fairly close to the stadium, it was heaving with a predominantly football crowd. It was difficult to judge the pub. But, one comment I had was that all of the ales were on the pale side - Elland White Prussian & Marley's Ghost, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin & Westgate English Pale & Classic Blonde. We found a little room to stand near a pool table next to the entrance. But space was certainly at a premium. Would like to visit again when much quieter. But, seemed a pub that was only slightly above average in a town with many great pubs.
30 Jan 2019 20:29
The Albert Hotel, Huddersfield
The Albert has some nice traditional features. But, unfortunately the positives stop there. The two handpulls look rather forlorn, with real ale no longer available. The keg selection was Carling, Coors Light, John Smith's, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruits, Grolsch, Worthington's Creamflow & Guinness. Very disappointing.
30 Jan 2019 20:23
The Grove has a snazzy new sign. But little has changed inside. We sat in a different bar to my last visit. If you turn left as you enter, you will find a full list of the pub's beer selection. Yesterday, it was Oakham Citra, JHB & Green Devil, Thornbridge Brother Rabbit & Sequoia, Marble American Amber, Hawkshead Five Hop, Mallinson's Oblivious, Northern Monk Strannik Eton Mess, Kirkstall Pale & Solitude, Okell's MPA, Moor Amoor, Campervan Leith Juice, Cloudwater AW18 Red Ale, Bristol Beer Factory Kazbek City Shuffle, Fallen Big Raspberry Dog Chew Chew & Pomona Island Simcoe & Mosaic. There only appeared to be the solitary real cider this time. It was La Cantina Strawberry Fields. I really do like this pub. There is a lot of competition for real ale pubs in this fabulous town. But, I think this trumps the others.
30 Jan 2019 20:20
I have a feeling that our party was in Huddersfield for exactly the same reason as the previous reviewer. We also had great difficulty finding this place and we were assisted by a stranger in the street. But what a fabulous find this place is. It's an upstairs bar, with a separate function room on another floor. Being the brewery tap for Mallinson's, their Wappy Nick appears to be the regular ale. But, on this occasion, the guests were from other breweries - Blue Bee Archimedes' Principle, Nightjar Cosmonaut, Beatniks Republic Beach Bum, Pomona Island Session IPA & Blackjack Poker Face. Ciders were Pure North Ginger Tom & Valley Zest, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Udders Orchard Luddite & Tutt's Lane Redstreak. Food is also served. We nearly indulged. But, the Grove was calling...
30 Jan 2019 20:11
The King's Head is the better of the two pubs at the train station, in my opinion. A very basic interior. But, a great place for the real ale and cider drinker. Yesterday's selection was Bradfield Farmer's Blonde, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Golden Best, Magic Rock Ringmaster & Hat Trick, Vocation Pride & Joy, Moorhouse's Vanilla Stout. Ilkley Ruby Jane, Goose Eye Chinook & North Riding Mosaic Pale. The cider was Broadoak Draught and the perry was Abrahall's Cracklin' Rosie. Without a doubt one of Huddersfield's best pubs.
30 Jan 2019 20:04
The Head of Steam, Huddersfield
Our first stop in Huddersfield yesterday was a return visit to this chain pub at the station itself. Ales on were Timothy Taylor Boltmaker, Titanic Plum Porter, Cameron's 3 Kings, Road Crew, Strongarm & Sanctuary, Sonnet 43 Abolition & Aurora, Merrie City Merrie Christmas & Small World Long Moor Pale. I could only see a single real cider, which was Orchard Pig The Hogfather. But I didn't have too close an inspection of the fridges. The much more limited range may well be due to the time of year. Otherwise, very little has changed since my last visit. Cameron's Ahopolypse Now was poured through whilst we were here. But my Strongarm was on the turn.
30 Jan 2019 20:00
Millers had a slightly more down-to-earth feel than the nearby Fellow. At £4 a pint, it was much more friendly on the pocket. This pub was also busier, with quite a few people ordering breakfasts. The pub seems to have an Irish theme to it. Service wasn't the quickest, as the barman was making coffees and delivering breakfasts to tables. The selection was also fairly bog standard - Pride, Doom Bar & Deuchars. I had the Deuchars, which was better than expected.
30 Jan 2019 19:53
With a little time to kill near King's Cross yesterday morning, I headed to this corner gastropub, a stone's throw from the station. It has a nice interior, with a square shape room. The majority of tables are set out for diners. But, 3 ales are dispensed. Young's Bitter is the staple. Guests were Purity Ubu & Hook Norton Old Hooky. I went for the Old Hooky, which was fine. But at £5 a pint, you may choose elsewhere to have a session.
30 Jan 2019 19:50
This place has re-opened as the Brookmill. It's conveniently located a few minutes walk from St John's mainline station, where I headed home from. It was quite appropriate that I finished off at this place, as it is the sister pub of the Great North Wood in West Norwood, where my South East London crawl had commenced much earlier in the day. This is now a trendy gastropub with a fairly young-middle age crowd. It was quite dark inside and there were a number of different drinking areas. Ales are all from South London brewers - Wimbledon XXK, Twickenham Winter Warmer & Sambrook's Wandle. Unlike their sister pub, they don't appear to offer a CAMRA discount. Neither do they sell a real cider. The Great North Wood was the better of the two. But this was a nice enough place, with tempting-looking food.
27 Jan 2019 16:36
It's not obvious how to reach this bar, as much of this are is under construction. I seemed to take a bit of a detour around the back of the Dial Arch to get to it. But it's directly opposite the Woolwich Market bus stops. In truth, I was disappointed with this place, which is now branded as Taproom SE18. They only had one cask ale - Burning Sky Plateau. Most of the craft beers were from Hop Stuff themselves. But, only the stout stood out for me. There were also 2 from Villages and 1 from Moor. I opted for the Pavement Press English Cider, which was a new one for me. But I'd have preferred a real cider. Considering I came to Woolwich to visit this place especially, it was a major disappointment.
27 Jan 2019 16:30
The Elephant and Castle, Elephant and Castle
The Elephant & Castle is one of those places I've passed many times. But, it's never looked appealing enough for me to try it out. But, with it now in the Good Beer Guide, I made a point of visiting here yesterday before catching the bus to the football at Millwall. The pub has been re-opened by Antic. Volden Session & Winter, Reunion IPA & Midnight Runner & Adnams Old Ale were the 5 ales. This was one of the better places on my South East London crawl yesterday and I'm sure it's a big improvement on its previous in incarnation.
27 Jan 2019 16:24
Fuller's have indeed re-opened the Half Moon and it was very busy when I visited late on Saturday afternoon yesterday. The interior is very traditional with the main room separated into two distinct areas, in addition to a small snug and a dining room. All seating was taken. So, I was forced to stand at the bar. London Pride is the regular beer. But they also had Gale's Seafarers & HSB & Dark Star Hophead. A pub with plenty of character. But in all honesty, it was nothing special and there are better places to drink in Herne Hill.
27 Jan 2019 16:18
It doesn't seem particularly easy to find real ale in this neck of the woods. The Orchard certainly didn't offer any. The keg choice was Carling, San Miguel, Aspall's Harry Sparrow, Craft Styles Ice Breaker, Estrella Dam, Fosters & Guinness. The pool table has pride of place in the centre of this pub, which is located in the middle of a housing estate. Probably the worst pub of the day that I visited.
27 Jan 2019 16:13
Corner pub that is currently closed. The furniture has been removed and most of the bar appears to have been stripped. There's no sign of it re-opening.
27 Jan 2019 16:10
The Cricketers now has different owners. It was probably the time of day I visited (early afternoon). But, the atmosphere felt a bit lifeless. The choice of real ale here is now restricted to Sharp's Doom Bar & Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter. A CAMRA discount is offered. But apparently this will be stopped at the end of the month, as local CAMRA members are not supporting the pub. I can't say I'm surprised, given the poor choice. FA Cup football was being shown on a couple of TVs and I had a large choice of seating. Another disappointment.
27 Jan 2019 16:07
I thought I'd stumbled upon a crèche when I walked through the front door of this pub, letting the cat inside in the process. There were more kids than adults and they were occupying all tables, apart from one other couple. Apparently Saturday afternoons host storytime for children. But, I think there was actually a party going on. The ale choice was fairly poor, with 3 mainstream beers - Trooper, Rev James & Proper Job. In addition, there was no real cider. The pub cat made him/herself at home on a cushion at the end of the bar, in spite of a lot of noise. I supped up quickly before visiting the toilets downstairs. The garden is also downstairs and does look quite inviting. Disappointing.
27 Jan 2019 16:01
Backstreet Fuller's pub with a large lounge on the left as you enter and a public bar to the right. Staff seemed friendly. London Pride, ESB & Oliver's Island are the 3 ales. In addition, there was a guest. This was Dark Star Partridge. I was the only customer in the lounge. But there were a couple more in the lounge. Cosy place. But, I'm not a big fan of Fuller's pubs.
27 Jan 2019 15:55
The Claret Free House, Addiscombe
This small bar is now called the Claret & Ale. It's no longer related to the Claret Wine Bar in Cheam. But it's a very handy place to know about if you're passing by on the tram. I got here before opening. But I got chatting to the owner, who was outside smoking a cigarette. We spoke a bit about Cheam and also the local pubs in Addiscombe and Croydon. The barman was also friendly. Unusually for London, there were 3 ales from Palmer's - IPA, 200 & Tally Ho! Guests were Peerless Oatmeal Stout, Hammerpot Australian Pale & Signal Sticky Hoppy Pudding. Ciders were Weston's Rosie's Pig & Raspberry Roller & Thatcher's Cheddar Valley. A board displays what is on and what is coming next. The bar also has a couple of TVs for live football, rugby and selected other sports. Despite opting for the stout, this was only one of two pubs I tried in South East London that stocked real cider. So, all credit for that. Definitely a decent bar and my favourite of the day.
27 Jan 2019 15:49
Gastropub next to West Norwood station. It opens at 10:30 at weekends for breakfast. So it made for a handy starting point for a tour around 10 pubs in South East London yesterday morning. One of the first things you notice as you walk in is a departure board for the station. This proved quite handy, especially when I decided to stop for a second half. Ales were Sambrook's Wandle & Truman's Arctic Ale & Lazarus. I later spotted a real cider - Ascension Shimmy. The Arctic Ale was £1.91 for a half with a CAMRA discount. The Shimmy was £2.60 for a half. I didn't dare ask for a discount the second time, as the barman hadn't got a clue how to pour a cider from a bag in the box and he certainly couldn't find it on the till. A couple managed to beat me through the door. They looked like they were there for breakfast. But they were drinking too. The resident cat sounded like it was waiting for breakfast too. A decent start to my day.
27 Jan 2019 15:39
The Butchers Hook, Southampton
WIth Bar Marina closed, our first port of call in Bitterne yesterday lunchtime ended up being this micropub. Apparently this was Southampton's first. There was a warm welcome and a decent beer list to welcome us too. Cask beers were Red Cat Prowler, Vibrant Forest Kick Start, Dark Revolution Sonic & Salopian Hop Twister. Craft beers were Magic Rock Bravado, Ska Modus Manderina, Brew By Numbers 05/33 Chinook & Mosaic, Unity Automne & Dark Revolution Velveteen. The cider was from Sandford Orchards. I believe it was Devon Red. Has a nice drinking environment with a number of tables set out in rows. There is no bar as such and the toilet is quite well hidden next to the bar. Has a good mix of customers too.
20 Jan 2019 14:32
With just time for a quick one whilst changing trains in Reading, I headed to a pub I hadn't been to before. O'Neill's was one of the few open yesterday morning. There were a couple of other customers. The TVs already had football channels on, in readiness for the day's viewing. London Pride was the solitary ale. More of a sports bar than a pub. Cosy place inside and I'm sure it serves a purpose. But not for me.
20 Jan 2019 14:25
The Northumberland Arms, Goodge Street
This place is now called the Queen Charlotte and is part of the Draft House chain of pubs. It was my last stop in Central London before heading out of town to the Sambrook's Brewery Tap Room in Battersea (not listed on the site). The Queen Charlotte is a small corner pub with limited seating. There are 3 handpulls for cask ales and a larger selection of craft beers. Only 2 of the handpulls were clipped - Weird Beard Black Perle & Siren Yulu were the options. It's quite dark inside and it has a fairly trendy feel to it. A decent last pub of the evening in the centre.
18 Jan 2019 22:15
The Marlborough Arms, Tottenham Court Road
After a first visit to the excellent Temple Brew House, we continued our journey across London to this Greene King house. It's close to University College London. So, there were a few students alongside the after-work crowd. It's a reasonably large place. But, all tables were taken. Away from the bar, there is a further large seating area that is hidden behind a wall. That seemed to be popular with diners. The ale range was good for a Greene King pub. Alongside their ubiquitous IPA & Abbot, there was Sambrook's Junction, Truman's Roll Out The Barrel, Itchen Valley Russian Winter, East London Brewery Three Kings, Wimbledon XXK & Reunion Midnight Runner. I couldn't decide between the Russian Winter or the Midnight Runner. I opted for the former, but later wished I'd gone for the latter. No real cider is served. But, you can get a CAMRA discount.
18 Jan 2019 22:10
The Sir John Hawkshaw, Cannon Street
I've been meaning to try this branch of Wetherspoon's in Cannon Street station for quite some time. I finally got to visit it during the busy Thursday commute out of the city. It's a very small place, for a 'spoon's. The bar is directly in front of you as you enter. But, it appears that at busy times, an orderly queue appears between the bar and the door. Fuller's London Pride & Greene King IPA were the ales you generally find in this chain. But, there were also 3 guests - Flack Manor Flack Catcher, Saltaire Cascade & Banks & Taylor SOS. An added bonus was Mr Whitehead's Toffee Apple Cider in the fridge. As was expected, it was very busy on this early weekday visit. Don't expect to find toilets in the premises. You have to fight your way across the station concourse to the public toilets on the other side of the platforms and downstairs, if you want to spend a penny. They are free, at least. Not a bad option if you're catching a train. But, if you've got slightly more time, I would recommend the Pelt Trader just around the corner instead.
18 Jan 2019 21:57
This Wetherspoon's is no longer open. The unit still appears to be vacant. No doubt it was a victim of high rental prices, given the prime location.
18 Jan 2019 21:50
Nicholson's pub that is one of many tucked away in the narrow streets and alleyways in this part of the city. As it was throwing out time from the various offices, the pub was in full swing with City gents (very few women). As it was my second Nicholson's pub of the day, the ale range was fairly familiar - St Austell Nicholson's Pale Ale & January Blues, Sharp's Doom Bar, Fuller's London Pride & Off Piste IPA, Dorset Brewing Company Frosted Jack, Butcombe Plough On, Ossett Yorkshire Blonde & Electric Bear Werrd. The interior has plenty of dark wood and feels quite cosy. There is an upstairs dining area. Unfortunately, the beer was the worst quality of the day. One of the many city pubs that closes all weekend.
18 Jan 2019 21:49
Semi-circular corner pub that looks like a traditional local from the outside. Once you've worked out which door gets you in, the interior feels very worn, but has plenty of strange modern features to keep you entertained. Very shabby chic. As Mappiman says, the selection of 4 ales is decent - Great Heck Navigator, Magic Rock Ringmaster, Oakham Citra & Harbour Cornish Bitter. The fridges behind the bar have an excellent selection of bottles. A rather strange place. But, I quite liked it.
18 Jan 2019 21:41
We arrived here shortly before opening. After a swift half of Landlord in the nearby Old Ship (not listed on the site), we returned for the Craft's opening at 3:30. This is a pub on the corner of the busy Commercial Road. You could literally roll out of Limehouse DLR station straight into this establishment. The barman was welcoming and there was a good selection of beers, especially craft ones. Kent Craft Pale Ale is a regular ale on cask. In addition, there were 3 Thornbridge ales - Brother Rabbit, Cocoa Wonderland & Lord Marples, plus Totally Brewed 4 Hop Men of the Apocalypse. Nice traditional interior, with a couple of modern touches. There is a further room upstairs and an outdoor terrace also on the upper level. My second favourite pub of the day and the best of the ones listed on this site.
18 Jan 2019 21:35
The Ledger Building, Canary Wharf
A branch of Wetherspoon's in an original docks building. It was quiet on our Thursday afternoon visit. The ale selection was reasonable - Fuller's London Pride, Greene King IPA & Abbot, Sharp's Doom Bar, Truman's Fire Starter, Twickenham Winter Warmer, Sambrook's Pale Ale, Quantock Ralehead, Adnams Mosaic & Goddard's Wight Squirrel. But, there is no real cider. My pint of WInter Warmer wasn't the best. The interior is light and airy. Ok. But there are better 'spoons.
18 Jan 2019 21:10
Nicholson's pub that is a short walk along the waterfront from Canary Wharf tube. Doesn't look much from the outside. But, inside it has a wide selection of ales. St Austell Nicholson's Pale Ale, Purity Mad Goose, Fuller's Off Piste IPA & London Pride, Brew York X-Panda, Long Man Old Man, Dorset Brewing Company Frosted Jack, Adnams Sloe Storm & Ossett Yorkshire Blonde. There were a few in. But there was still plenty of seating available. Staff behind the bar looked a little bored at times. There were plenty of them, suggesting it's normally much busier. Probably one of the best options for a beer in this area of the city.
18 Jan 2019 21:04
The Black Dog was my final stop in Kent and was a very good way to finish. The interior is quite dark and as the previous reviewer states, there are some strange things on the walls. I sat next to a poster depicting how various organs of the body look for a normal person and for an alcoholic! With 24 real ciders in here, I can imagine most visitors' organs would look more like the latter. Ales were Kent Session Pale, Burning Sky Plateau, Tonbridge Rustic, Thornbridge Tonttu & Goachers Mild. Ciders are listed on a small chalkboard on the bar. Most are fruit ciders and it's just their flavour that is listed. The owner/barman was very knowledgeable though and I established that there was Garden Cider Company Vintage, Dudda's Tun Bone Dry & Cheery Old Dudda, Biddenden Red Love & Sweet Cider, Turner's Apple Pie, Kent Cider Company Pear Cider,Mango Cider & Cloudy Rocket, Purbeck Devil's Leaf, Seacider White Peach & Snail's Bank Pineapple & Grapefruit Cider. Other varieties were Spiced Cider, Strawberry Cider, Apricot Cider (probably Dudda's Tun), 2 varieties of Rhubarb Cider, Elderflower Cider, Salted Caramel Cider, Toffee Apple Cider, Blackcurrant Cider, Passion Fruit Cider, Strawberry & Lime Cider, Ginger Cider & Medium Cider. This is easily the best pub in Whitstable. I could have quite happily had a session here. But alas, all good things have to come to an end. Maybe the next time I'm in town......
13 Jan 2019 22:01
Ship Centurion Arminius, Whitstable
Nicely appointed town centre boozer that was busy on our Sunday afternoon visit. Kids are welcomed, as long as they sit in a rear room. Sky Sports was on numerous TVs. This is a fairly cosy place that stocks a decent range of ales. Adnams Bitter is a regular. Guests were Adnams Broadside, Canterbury Friar's Ale, Box Steam Tunnel Vision & Young's Bitter. Ciders were Taunton Traditional & Biddenden's Bushels. A good option on the High Street.
13 Jan 2019 21:47
I expect that the view from this pub in the summer is much better than on a January day. But it does overlook the sea. Inside there is a bar area, scattered with pillars and a separate area for diners. Sunday lunch seems popular. Sports on Sky TV are shown in the bar area. The regular ales are now Shepherd Neame Master Brew & Sharp's Doom Bar. A guest was Whitstable Christmas Ale. Not really worth venturing west out of the town for.
13 Jan 2019 21:43
Back in Whitstable, our first port of call was this micropub, apparently named after a cat. It's a rather strange place. There is some rather eclectic furniture and digital screens display the ciders, gins and spirits, whilst ales are displayed on blackboards. Rather annoyingly, the brewers and ale names were not listed - just the type of beer and strength. So I've no idea what was what. But I noted an America Session (3.8%), a Four Candles beer (4%), a Winter Bitter (4.2%) and a Cascade Blonde (6.2%). The latter was limited to 6 pints per session! Ciders were Lilley's Mango Cider, Rhubarb Cider, Lemon & Lime Cider & Elderflower Cider, Biddenden's Dry & Bushels, Weston's Old Rosie and a Vintage Cider procured from Morrison's of all places. The barman seemed friendly enough. But this all seemed a little weird. We then sauntered round the corner to the Whitstable Labour Club (not listed on here) for an altogether different experience.
13 Jan 2019 21:39
This was another very friendly micropub we visited during a weekend in Kent. Beltinge is just to the east of Herne Bay. The pub looked closed on first inspection. But a quick try of the door, revealed it not only to be open, but to be very busy with a largely elderly clientele. It's clearly a local favourite, as everybody seemed to know everybody else. Gadd's No. 5 is the regular ale. Guests were Dark Star Hophead, Mad Cat Red Ale & Mighty Oak Oak Oscar Wilde. Ciders were Lilley's Mango Cider, Rhubarb Cider & Darkcider, Core Salted Caramel Cider, Weston's Family Reserve & Purbeck Cider Company Joe's Dry. I'd never had the Salted Caramel Cider before and it wasn't quite as sickly as it sounds. The barman/owner fetches drinks from a cool room at the rear and brings it to your table. He also came round with complimentary sausage and bacon for customers. Having eaten the "Mega Breakfast" in Harry's Café in Herne Bay, I had no room for any more! Great place.
13 Jan 2019 21:31
The Bouncing Barrel, Herne Bay
I had two very different experiences in this micropub. I first tried to visit at 9:30pm on a Saturday evening. The guy in charge clearly didn't like the look at me and stated that they were closed. My initial impression was how can a pub that closes at 9:30pm on a Saturday continue to survive. Undeterred, I returned at midday on Sunday to a completely different welcome. A different man was on hand to welcome us in and immediately offered to explain the ale and cider selection. What a difference 14½ hours makes! Ales on were Robinson's Dizzy Blonde, Westerham British Bulldog, Sharp's Sea Fury & Oakham Southern Cross. Ciders were Weston's Old Rosie, Lilley's Apple & Blackberry Cider, Mulled Cider & Somerset Scrumpy. Two very different experiences here. But, in spite of the unpredictable opening hours, I'll give it the benefit of the doubt.
13 Jan 2019 21:25
Wetherspoon's outlet that looks quite small from its entrance overlooking the sea. But in actual fact, it's much bigger than it initially looks. This was my last stop on Saturday evening and a few of the local reprobates had clearly ended up in here. The bar manager appeared to be considering throwing a few out, to the detriment of serving customers like me. Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best were on, as you'd expect. They also had Sharp's Doom Bar & Westerham Godswallop. The real cider was Rosie's Pig. As Wetherspoon's go, this was pretty poor.
13 Jan 2019 21:18
After visits to the excellent Parkerville (best pub of the weekend) and the Prince of Wales (neither listed on here, but requests to be added sent), my third stop on a Saturday evening visit to Herne Bay was the Firkin Frog, a micropub tucked just off the main thoroughfare through the town. As with most Kent micropubs, there was a friendly bunch in here, with locals keen to know more about their visitors. Ales on were Goody's Firkin Good, 3 Piers Old Tram, Lincoln Green Marion & Milestone Will Scarlet. Ciders were Biddenden's Bushels & Red Love, Broomfield Farm Medium & Kentish Pip Vintage Pip. My Broomfield Farm was very enjoyable, albeit at 7%. This micropub is slightly different from many, as it actually has a couple of rooms. There is the main front room with the bar counter and a smaller snug at the rear. Decent place.
13 Jan 2019 21:15
Pearsons Arms, Crab And Oyster House, Whitstable
The Pearson's Arms is an upmarket pub/restaurant on 3 floors and overlooking the town's beach and a floodgate. 3 real ales were on - Pearson's Arms Whitstable Ale, Gadd's Gyle 1664 & Gale's Seafarers. Whilst the Gyle 1664 wasn't my kind of beer, it was still in good condition and went down fine. It accompanied a very enjoyable Beef Bourguignon, when the friendly staff managed to find us a table in the upstairs dining area. The nicest of 4 pubs we visited in Whitstable yesterday, the main bar area was very busy by the time we departed.
13 Jan 2019 21:00
I was expecting to find this corner pub closed. But, apparently it re-opened last April. The interior is quite cramped. But it has a little character and also manages to fit in a dartboard in one corner and a DJ booth at the far end. There weren't many people in. But, it can get seemingly difficult to move when busier. The only real ale is Doom Bar.
13 Jan 2019 20:54
Backstreet Shepherd Neame local. It has a long thin bar area, which opens up to a larger room with a pool table and dart board at the rear. Loud music was being played in that area. Spitfire Gold was the solitary ale. Another disappointment.
13 Jan 2019 20:52
The Whitstable Brewery Bar, Whitstable
This place is really difficult to find at night. It may be obvious from the beach, during the daytime. But approaching from the road, you have to wander through an industrial area. It's now called the Lobster Shack and specialises in seafood, especially lobster and oysters. I guess it still has some kind of link to the Whitstable Brewery. The solitary cask ale was their Christmas Spirit. Not wishing to try a Christmas beer in mid-January, I instead opted for a key Oyster Stout also from Whitstable. Most customers were families. Inside was a bit on the cold side. More of a restaurant than a bar.
13 Jan 2019 20:48
The Tankerton Arms is a micropub just each of Whitstable. It's now moved a few doors up to larger premises at number 135. As with all of the micropubs we visited in Kent this weekend, it was busy, had a decent range of ales and ciders and felt friendly. Ales were Wantsum More's Head & Hurricane, Downlands Penguin & Cross Bay Zenith. Ciders were Kent Cider Company Mango Cider, Dudda's Tun Disco & Kentish Pip Vintage Pip & Fire Spiced.
13 Jan 2019 20:41
After a visit to the nearby Reculver Towers, we headed to the small village of Broomfield to the Huntsman & Horn. It was quite busy on our Saturday afternoon visit. There is a narrow bar area at the front, a larger room at the rear and a side room with a dart board. Adnams Bitter is the regular ale. A guest was Marston's EPA. Nice setting. But, the pub itself was nothing special.
13 Jan 2019 20:35
This place has now been demolished and replaced with housing. The old pub sign is on somebody's house, a few doors up.
13 Jan 2019 20:32
The Wheel Alehouse, Birchington
First stop on a tour of Kent's pubs was this micropub on Birchington's main shopping street. The interior is typical micropub, albeit slightly on the worn side. Locals were friendly though and they were happy to engage in conversation. The Isla Vale Alesmiths Bosun's Bitter is the regular ale. Guests were Mighty Oak Kings & Ilkley Fireside. There were also 7 ciders - Biddenden's Bushels, Red Love & Monk's Delight & Dudda's Tun Pear O'Duddas, Cheery Old Dudda, Blackcurrant Cider & Apricot Cider. This was a good start to the day and we moved on from here to another micropub in the Minnis Bay area of town. That was the Old Bay Alehouse, which I request to be added to the site.
13 Jan 2019 20:27
We decided to pop by the BrewDog on a visit to Liverpool yesterday. Service was slow and tables had not been cleared from previous occupants. This was in spite of the bar being relatively quiet. Whether it gets busier in the evenings or not, I don't know, as all of my visits have been during the daytime. But it does feel like it is tucked off the beaten track. BrewDog beers on were Punk IPA, Lost Lager, Indie, 5am Saint, Jet Black Heart, Dead Pony Club, Raspberry Blitz, Dogtoberfest, Elvis Juice, Vagabond, Coconut Yuzu, Get Out Claus, Paradox Grain & Born To Live. Guests were Northern Monk Sour IPA & Saesoner, To Ol Santa's Secret, Wild Beer Beyond Modus V, Bearded Iris Ever Clever, Gipsy Hill Koshu & People Like Us, Connectictut Trail Blazer & Stargazer, Kirkstall Framboise & La Calavera Crossover. I went for the Santa's Secret. This was a brown ale with a coffee taste and fairly flavoursome at 8%. But at £5 for a half, it's not a session beer!
6 Jan 2019 12:01
Has changed names yet again. It's now called the Runway and is apparently food-driven. That was apparent today when it was actually closed. Presumably there's no call for food on New Year's Day. No chance of a beer here. So downgrading my score again.
1 Jan 2019 18:05
This is now called the Three Steps. It's a bit of a dive in truth, with a large circular bar area and a lower games room with a pool table. But it does dispense Rebellion IPA, which was in fairly decent form. Music was playing on a big screen. But there's clearly a big focus on football here, with scarves and shirts from multiple clubs displayed above the bar. Ok. But whilst I haven't been in the nearby Crown for a few years. I believe that is a better option.
1 Jan 2019 18:03
The Red Lion Hotel, Hillingdon
A Fuller's house that has remained open. The Red Lion is a landmark building which still offers accommodation and has an interesting history. There are numerous characterful rooms with low ceilings in the pub itself. There appears to be a focus on food. Pride was the solitary real ale. But a Fuller's Espresso Stout on keg caught my eye and was very nice. The barmaid suggested I may have been the first to try it. Another pub that was better than I had anticipated.
1 Jan 2019 17:58
Another pub discarded by Fuller's. I believe this had re-opened since the last review. The Prince of Wales signage still remains. But signage for a Mediterranean restaurant have now been added. Notices in the windows state that it is closed for refurbishment.
1 Jan 2019 17:55
Despite appeals, this place has now been demolished. Only the pub sign remains.
1 Jan 2019 17:53
The Carpenters is a Greene King pub at a busy junction on the Uxbridge Road. I remember it when it was painted orange. It never looked particularly welcoming. But the new exterior colour scheme is much more palatable and I ventured in for the first time this afternoon. There may be 3 handpulls. But all of the 3 Greene King ales were off. On keg, there was Fosters, Carlsberg, Stella Artois, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruit, Coors Light, Peroni, John Smith's & Guinness. I decided to hit the bottles. The interior is nicely appointed. There is a large room at the rear with pool tables. The gents toilets weren't the best though.
1 Jan 2019 17:50
I was pleasantly surprised by this former Wetherspoon's pub. It's long since been part of the chain. But they do now stock a few real ales. To choose from were Castle Rock Snowhite, West Berkshire Good Old Boy & Hardy & Hanson's Rocking Rudolph. The latter was as good can be expected. It has the feel of an Irish pub. There is clearly a focus on sports TV. A couple of screens had horse racing on and 3 others had the football on. Best new find of the day for me.
1 Jan 2019 17:46
Another local Fuller's pub that has now closed. They seem to be closing everything in this part of West London.
1 Jan 2019 17:43
The Olde Crown is one of those pubs on the Uxbridge Road which I've passed many times, but not ventured in. It's a lot nicer inside than what I'd expected. There were a few handpulls, with only one clipped. Doom Bar was the clip. But it was turned round. So it was not clear whether it was on or not. But I didn't fancy it anyway. They'd also sold out of all bottled ciders. But the lady behind the bar (seemingly the landlady) was friendly. A few other locals appeared whilst I was in.
1 Jan 2019 17:42
This was my final stop in Leicestershire yesterday evening. I hadn't planned to visit this place. But with quite a few pubs in this part of Leicestershire having closed down or having decided not to open, this was a last minute bonus! It's a Greene King pub with an unspoiled interior. Locals were congregated in one room. It was one of those places where everything stopped when a stranger walked in. Greene King The Dewdrop Bitter & XX Mild were on. But there were also a couple of guests - Ringwood Old Thumper & Hardy & Hanson's Rock On With Rudolph. The gents' toilets were quite impressive. A decent end to the day.
31 Dec 2018 19:44
The George and Dragon, Thringstone
Unlike many of the local pubs that were closed on the Sunday between Christmas and New Year, this one was open and doing a roaring trade, despite charging extortionate prices. I had to resort to a soft drink, as I was driving. But £2.50 for an apple juice is almost London prices. Groups were enjoying Sunday lunch. Others were watching live football. Ales were Timothy Taylor Landlord & Leatherbritches Santa's Little Helper & Bad Santa. Moved on from here to the Cross Keys in Newbold, the excellent Black Lion in Blackfordby and the Tap at No. 76 (also excellent) in Ashby de la Zouch. I'll request the latter two be added to the site.
31 Dec 2018 19:35
Large pub that specialises on good food, located at a busy roundabout. It's an Everard's place. Original & Tiger were both available. The guest ale was Salem Bridge Salem Porter, which was very enjoyable. They also had Old Rosie cider. I sat in the comfortable public bar. But they seem to have JLS's greatest hits (I'd not heard of any of them) playing at an unacceptable volume. This was eventually recognised by the bar staff, who turned it down. The lounge/dining area was much larger. A few parties were in for Sunday lunch. Moved on from here to the King's Arms in Coleorton. I'll request for that one to be added.
31 Dec 2018 19:28
On my first ever visit to Shepshed, the Horse was my first port of call on a Sunday lunchtime. You enter from the car park into the public bar. A second room is a dining room, where Sunday roasts were being served. Most people seemed to be having a drink in the bar, before being called to their table in the next room. Along with about 5 other people, I remained in the bar, where live football was being shown. Greene King Abbot is the regular ale. Guests were Bass, Leather Britches Santa's Little Helper & Nobby's Hoppy Snowman. Nice enough pub. But I preferred the Black Swan in Shepshed. For a real step back in time, you should also search out the Richmond Arms. The landlady is celebrating her 50th year there. Neither of these are listed on the site.
31 Dec 2018 19:21
Our final stop of the day turned out to be my favourite. Somewhat sozzled by now and finding myself in the ladies' toilets at one point, I still appreciated this cosy, but small pub with a hip feel to it. Ales were all from the Hand Brew Co. - Tickler, A-OK, Low Five & High Five. In addition, there were two real ciders from Ascension - Love Letter & Changing Dusk. The bar staff wanted to change the Love Letter, as it was very cloudy and clearly the end of the cask. But it tasted fine and stuck with it. Two new ciders for me to finish the day on. I will definitely be back here to try it when sober.
31 Dec 2018 19:12
This place is now called Shortt's Bar. It looks as if it's a bit of a local nightspot. But we were maybe a little early for the "best" of the action. Worst pub of the day in terms of ale selection. Tribute was the only choice. So we ended up having shots in order to move on as quickly as possible. Not worth going to.
31 Dec 2018 19:07
I noticed that this place had changed names to be the Brighton Bierhaus last time I was in Brighton. But I finally got around to visiting on this occasion. Unsurprisingly, it's owned by Brighton Bier. 5 of their cask ales are available - Grand Havana, No Name, South Coast IPA, West Pier Pale Ale & Alpha Bale. I seem to recall having the stout (No Name), which was nice. They also had Ascension Pilot cider and a very good range of craft beers dispensed from the rear of the bar. The beer selection is displayed on screens. Live football was just finishing when we arrived. There was a fairly handy Jamaican take-away nextdoor (or at least very close nearby). Another good option when in Brighton.
31 Dec 2018 19:03
Our final stop on Trafalgar Street was the Prince George. This pub had a much better ale selection than I had been anticipating and the interior has a number of different drinking areas. We came to rest in what seemed like a central drinking corridor. But we were getting a bit worse for wears at this point. Ales were Gun Extra Pale & Parabellum Milk Stout, Sharp's Sea Fury & Firebird Parody. Decent pub.
31 Dec 2018 18:57
Another Harvey's pub in Brighton, quite close to the station. We stayed in the front bar and ordered from the Sussex Best Bitter, IPA, Old Ale, Armada & Christmas Ale. I finally relented and went for the Best. There was no sign of a real cider.
31 Dec 2018 18:54
The exterior of this pub has a Banksy painting on the outside. Inside, we were welcomed by a fairly busy bar area with a number of decent ales. Burning Sky Plateau, Cloudwater Bitter, Reunion Incredible Pale Ale, Siren Cold Blood & Rooster's Not Berry Blue were all on. In addition, they had Seacider Christmas Pudding Infused Cider, which was a new one on me. We retreated to a small rear room that was reserved for a band. But they never showed whilst we were there. One of my favourite pubs of the day in East Sussex.
31 Dec 2018 18:50
We managed to squeeze into the tiny front bar of this Fuller's hostelry, which certainly possesses a bit of character. Our main intention was to see what ales were on. As everywhere else (seemingly) in Lewes, they had Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter on. There was also Fuller's London Pride & HSB & Seafarers from Gale's. Guests were Dark Star Hophead, Everard's Original & Adnams Ghost Ship. I thought that was a decent selection for a Fuller's pub. Nice place.
31 Dec 2018 18:43
The Elephant and Castle, Lewes
Next stop on our crawl of Lewes was the Elephant & Castle. It had clearly been busy by the time we arrived. Empty glasses were strewn everywhere. There was a delay ordering, whilst the solitary barmaid behind the bar decided to continue talking to a local instead of acknowledging us. Although she did at least spot that I was holding a CAMRA card and offered a discount. The ubiquitous Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter is available. 2 guests were Long Man Long Blonde & Langham Arapaho. An interesting looking stout had run out. None of the beers were really to my taste. Only a flying visit this. But not one I'd rush back to.
31 Dec 2018 18:39
Second best of the Lewes pubs we visited on Saturday. As Lezford says, it's a Greene King pub, which you wouldn't initially guess. The front bar was light and airy. I believe there was another room beyond. But that appeared to be a dining area. Ales were Greene King Black Horse Bitter & Abbot, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Belhaven Smoke Stack Stout, Burning Sky Plateau, Kiln Session IPA & Gun Pale. The cider was Ascension Pilot.
31 Dec 2018 18:35
This was possibly the best of 6 Lewes pubs tried on Saturday. It has a couple of rooms. As mentioned, the front room is more traditional and seemed to be populated by an older clientele, many of whom were eating. The rear room had a much younger customer base, with a pool table and a TV showing the Old Firm football derby. We positioned ourselves next to the dart board and the Toad in the Hole game. Whilst there were instructions, it still wasn't clear about what serves as the 'toad'! Ales were Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter & Old Ale, Gun Extra Pale, Skinner's Betty Stogs & Tring Ridgeway. There were also a couple of real ciders - Biddenden's Dry & Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. A 5% CAMRA discount is offered.
31 Dec 2018 18:31
Harvey's pub with an olde worlde interior featuring some small booths with bench-type seating that you can really own rest against, rather than sitting on. There is a further room beyond. It was quite busy on our visit. Ales were all from Harvey's - Sussex Best Bitter, IPA, Old Ale, Christmas Ale, Armada Ale & Wild Hop. The Christmas Ale was quite nice, albeit 7.5%.
31 Dec 2018 18:14
The Lansdown Arms is the first pub you see as you head up the hill from the station. The doors were wide open, which made it rather chilly. There is a small bar area as you enter and a slightly larger area just beyond, with a tree separating the two sections. Timothy Taylor Landlord is a regular ale. There was also Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter & Old Ale. The other guest beer was Gun Extra Pale. The real cider is Old Rosie. Makes for a fairly decent start to a tour of this town.
31 Dec 2018 18:10
The Gannow Wharf was our final pub of the day. We'd been in Burnley earlier in the day and found that this place was not opening until 8pm. In fact, it's opening hours are very limited. It only opens 4 days a week for a few hours. But the pub ended up being one of my favourite of the day. Locals and staff were friendly and took a keen interest in us. I doubt they get many strange visitors. Only 2 ales were on. They were both from Reedley Hallows. I had the Old Laud Bitter and my drinking partner had the Pendleside. We both agreed that the Bitter was the better of the two and for me it was possibly my favourite beer of the day (competing with the Three B's Honey Stout that I'd had in the Drummers Arms, Blackburn). All of the locals were sat or stood at the bar. The rest of the pub was empty. But there is plenty of seating. Plenty of items to peruse on the walls too. The pub was advertising that it was closing for refurbishment from early January. But I would recommend a visit here, if you ever get the chance.
27 Dec 2018 22:27
We'd tried to visit the Hapton Inn earlier in the day. But we found it closed, as it was Boxing Day lunchtime. Luckily there was a notice in the window displaying the Christmas opening hours. So we knew it would open at 3pm. It's a massive place with a huge dining area. But it still maintains a cosy feel. However, the atmosphere was a bit muted, with just two other customers. Wainwright was the solitary real ale. A touch disappointing.
27 Dec 2018 22:20
I was looking forward to trying the Black Bull on a Boxing Day visit to Blackburn. But whilst the lights were on inside, the curtains were drawn and the outside lights were off. The car park was also locked. Nothing on the website to suggest it would be closed. So ours was a wasted visit and it's tucked away in the countryside between Blackburn and Darwen. 1/10 for a pub where you can't get a beerintheevening. Maybe I'll be able to get back here one day.
27 Dec 2018 22:17
The Station Hotel, Cherry Tree
Thwaite's pub near to Cherry Tree station and next to a convenience store. It was packed on our Boxing Day evening visit. Most customers were youths. But there were a few older people too. The pool table seemed popular. But the floor was almost flooded from spilt beer. Apparently the gents toilets were worse! The solitary real ale was Thwaite's Original. But to my surprise, they did have a couple of fruit ciders from Weston's - Raspberry Roller & Rusted Wheel. Football was showing on a number of screens. But the atmosphere was extremely rowdy and the clientele had clearly consumed an excess of alcohol. Ok if that is your thing. But a bit too lively for us.
27 Dec 2018 22:15
The Hare and Hounds, Blackburn
We spent Boxing Day evening in Blackburn. The Hare & Hounds was our second stop after the Rising Sun (not listed on here, but I'll request it to be added). The Hare & Hounds is in the current Good Beer Guide. It's a fairly large single room that was busy on our visit. There are a number of screens showing live football, including one massive screen. With conversation fighting with music and the football commentary, it was very noisy. The real ales were Moorhouse's White Witch, Bowland Bumble & Hen Harrier, Lancaster Black and a house beer called Hare of the Dog (a pale ale, possible Moorhouse's Blond Witch). This was certainly a place with a lively atmosphere. We moved on from here to what proved to be our favourite pub of the day (the Drummers Arms, a micropub which I will request is added) and the St Mark's Conservative Club (I won't bother with that one).
27 Dec 2018 22:04
With a little time to spare before heading to a game at Turf Moor, we decided to head back to the Rifle Volunteer. Unlike our visit after a game 2 years ago, this time before the game, it was packed. Apparently a nearby social club had run out of beer, which probably explained the numbers. After eventually getting to the bar, we found a very similar selection to last time - Reedley Hallows No Nay Never & Festive Cheer & Bass. My drinking partner wasn't overly impressed with the Bass. We stood outside, where there was a little more space.
27 Dec 2018 21:57
Closed and now trading as the Scarlett Tea Rooms. Moved on instead to the Ighten Leigh Social Club (large place with 3 Moorhouse's ales and 1 from Bowland), which I will request is added to the site.
27 Dec 2018 21:49
The Coal Clough Hotel, Burnley
The Coal Clough is situated some way out of Burnley town centre on a street corner in an area of terraced housing. 2 other customers were in and watching the early Premier League football game. The barmaid and a guy setting up for some kind of live music were the only other people in the bar area. A second room was in darkness. The solitary real ale was Reedley Hallows Clausing Time, which was nothing special.
27 Dec 2018 21:46
Tried visiting this place again yesterday. It has changed hands yet again and is now a "tattoo and art gallery".
27 Dec 2018 21:39
The Crown is tucked away off the main road and away from the centre of Bacup. But it made for a reasonable start to a crawl of Lancashire pubs. We were there for opening at midday on Boxing Day. One other local/regular had also arrived in a taxi in time for the opening of the doors. He seemed a bit of a character, with a good sense of humour. The pub is nicely appointed with a couple of rooms. A buffet was being prepared in one room for later in the day. Pictish Brewer's Gold is the regular ale. But they also had 3 guests - Shefford Plum Mild, Reedley Hallows Clausing Time & Ilkley Mary Christmas.
27 Dec 2018 21:30
The Cross is still the best pub in the village. Early Sunday evening was Rock 'n' Roll bingo night. I was there to watch the football, which was on a couple of TVs with no sound. The pub soon got packed by the time the bingo started. Ales were Black Country Bradley's Finest Golden, Fireside, Pig On the Wall & Plum Pig, Salopian Oracle, Downton Elderquad & Ascot 5/4 Favourite. There are now 3 ciders. They were Lilley's Wild Dog & Crazy Goat & Gwynt y Ddraig Dog Dancer. Snacks are pretty good value, especially the pork sandwich served on very thick bread for £2.50. The barmaid was friendly. Still recommended.
24 Dec 2018 18:36
I promised to return to the Broomfield Tavern and on Saturday I had the perfect opportunity to finish here. I awarded it a 10/10 on my first and last visit. Many times a return visit doesn't seem as good as the first one. But on this occasion, it was every much as good, if not better. Customers are friendly and the welcome is warm. It's far enough from the centre for it not to get crowded. But it's clearly appreciated by the more discerning drinker. On this occasion, the ales were Church End Fallen Angel & Vanilla Jack, Froth Blowers Riverside Stout, Rat Jungle Rats, Shakespeare Bard's Best, S43 Seraphim & Burton Bridge Old Expensive. The cider list was Saxby's Cloudy Rhubarb & Original, Snail's Bank Raspberry, Lilley's Lemon & Lime, Merry Monkey, Somerset Scrumpy, Gladiator, Wild Dog & Bee Sting Perry, Hogan's Hazy Rays & Harvest Press, Dorset Nectar Organic, Gwatkin No Bull, Marches Appleshed, Friel's Vintage, Biddenden's Dry & Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Pyder. Had another 3 pints here, despite being a touch sozzled. I don't recall getting back to the station. But I must have managed it somehow. One of my 5 favourite pubs in the land.
24 Dec 2018 18:29
It's been almost 10 years since I was last in here. But having completed all Coventry pubs I wanted to do, I had the opportunity to visit a couple of bonus establishments. The Old Windmill is very much as I remember it. In fact, I sat at the exact table I sat at in summer 2009! As others have said, the pub has plenty of character, with multiple rooms. It was certainly busy enough on my visit. Ales were Morland Old Speckled Hen, Theakston Old Peculier, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Purity Gold, Hogsback Yule Log& Goff's Black Knight. Ciders were Abrahall's AD & Cracklin' Rosie Perry, Orchard Pig Explorer, Weston's Old Rosie & Thatcher's Stan's Big Apple. I was getting a little tipsy by now. But I do recall having the perry!
24 Dec 2018 18:21
This pub looks like a bus shelter from the outside. But it's a Marston's pub that is quite large inside. Nevertheless, it was busy with a mixture of drinkers and a few families enjoying a Christmas tipple. Marston's Saddle Tank and Jenning's Sneck Lifter are always on. Additional beers on my visit were Marston's Owd Rodger, Thwaite's Wainwright & Courage Directors. In addition, there were 4 ciders from Weston's - Old Rosie, Flat Tyre, Rusted Wheel & Raspberry Roller. I'd read in the local CAMRA magazine that this was a rare opportunity to sample the Owd Rodger in cask form. It's a barley wine and was very enjoyable indeed. Not bad at all given it's a Marston's pub.
24 Dec 2018 18:16
The Gatehouse Tavern, Coventry
The Gatehouse was much quieter than the other city centre pubs. But this was much appreciated. It's a pub where the clientele are clearly heavily into rugby. It's a bit dark inside and there were a few characters in. But the ale range was fairly decent. Bass is the regular ale. Guests were Church End Stocking Filler, Slater's 1 Hop, Nobby's Holdings, Wadsworth 6X & Hook Norton Old Hooky. The real cider was Saxby's Traditional. Recommended.
24 Dec 2018 18:11
The Town Wall Tavern, Coventry
The Town Wall Tavern is hidden away just behind the city centre shops. But enough people seemed to know about it to make it really busy on a late Saturday lunchtime. There is a bar area, a lounge area and the tiny 'Donkey Box'. I sat amongst the diners in the lounge. Ales are spread across handpulls in the main bar and the Donkey Box. Regulars are Adnams Bitter, Brain's The Rev James, Bass & Theakston Old Peculier. Guests were Goff's Lancer, Sharp's Winter Solstice, Woodforde's Tundra & Wye Valley HPA. The cider was Old Rosie. Certainly one of the better pubs in the centre.
24 Dec 2018 18:07
Impressive looking building right in the middle of the shopping area and providing a welcome respite from the throngs of Christmas shoppers. This was the poorer of the two Wetherspoon's branches I visited in the centre of Coventry. It is set over multiple levels. I had to retreat to an upper level to find a spare table. This area had its own bar. But the beer selection was more limited. Most people were dining. Ales were Greene King Abbot & Fireside, Ruddles Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Well's Bombardier Glorious English, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Banks & Taylor Santa's Slayer & Burton Bridge Santi-Freeze. Ciders were Old Rosie & Black Dragon. Handy if you're shopping.
24 Dec 2018 18:02
Medieval pub that has been updated inside. But it still maintains plenty of character. Having been to Drapers and the Earl of Mercia and then moving on to the Slug & Lettuce (an old courthouse, but no real ale and not listed on here) and the Flying Standard, this was the only pub in this part of Coventry city centre that actually had the atmosphere of a decent boozer. A few people seemed to be in for a pre-Christmas meet-up. Ales were Caledonian Golden Cross, Byatt's XXXmas, Wychwood Bah Humbug & Ossett Yorkshire Blonde. To my surprise, there were also a couple of Weston's ciders - Old Rosie & Flat Tyre. CAMRA discounts are offered. But for some reason, they were only offered on the Old Rosie and not the Flat Tyre - seemed a little odd. Not a bad little pub though.
24 Dec 2018 17:55
This Wetherspoon's enjoys a prominent location on a corner opposite the imposing city hall. It's much smaller than you expect on the inside and unusually toilets are on the ground floor. It was busy on a Saturday lunchtime. But I just about managed to find a spare table. They have the 'spoon's staples - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar. But there were also 5 guests - Byatt's XXXmas, Grainstore Rutland Osprey, Purity Saddle Black, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Long Man Inn Keeper. Broadoak Perry was in a box in the fridge. The pub had the usual range of customers, from lunchtime alcoholics like myself to families with babies and ladies who lunch. The better of the two Wetherspoon's pubs in the city centre.
24 Dec 2018 17:49
My first stop of the day on a Saturday visit to Coventry city centre was this student bar. It feels similar to the Antic chain of pubs found in London, with various mismatched furniture. Purity Ubu & Bunny Hop were on, along with Arbor Piccolina. I opted for a fizzy cider - Pure Cider from Celtic Marches. Not sure what to make of the place. But it's certainly more of a bar than a pub.
24 Dec 2018 17:43
The Whitefriars Olde Ale House, Coventry
This place is currently closed and looking very run down from the outside. Nobody appears to know whether it will re-open.
24 Dec 2018 17:40
This place is now part of the Hickory's Smokehouse chain. It was quite lively on a Friday evening with plenty in to eat, a live singer and football on the TV. My ribs were quite enjoyable and so was my Sadler's Christmas Pudding Stout. I assume this was keg. But they did have 2 cask ales from Purity - Mad Goose & Ubu. Walked out of here into what seemed like a monsoon, albeit a touch colder. The car park was flooded. Wellington boots were required. This was the first of this chain I had been to, and I wouldn't be averse from returning.
24 Dec 2018 17:37
After a visit to the Byatt's Brewhouse Bar in Foleshill, I moved on to this fairly nondescript pub in the Canley area of the city. You won't find any real ale here. The options were Carling, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruit, John Smith's, Coors Light, Guinness, Guinness Extra Cold or Magners. Strange to see a grabbing machine in one corner. Next to a shopping precinct in a residential area.
24 Dec 2018 17:33
This pub is right next to one entrance to Victoria station. But it's not one I've ever noticed before. It's a Greene King pub and it had their IPA & Abbot. Guests were Wimbledon Copper Leaf & XXK & Welton's Wenceslegless. I went for the XXK, which was £2.50 for just under a half (short measure). Marginally better than the nearby St George's Tavern, in that it was a little more comfortable inside. But still very average.
16 Dec 2018 13:02
Very average Nicholson's pub close to Victoria station. It was reasonably busy on our Saturday evening visit. The ale choice was disappointing - Fuller's London Pride, Sharp's Doom Bar, Courage Directors, St Austell Proper Cracker & Butcombe Plough On. There are better options nearer the station.
16 Dec 2018 12:59
Turns into a private members' club on a matchday apparently. There's no admittance unless you're a member. No beer in the evening possible here. 1/10.
16 Dec 2018 12:54
Port Street Beer House, Manchester
Still probably one of the best bars for beer in Manchester. Although it's also very pricy. Packed as always after a Manchester City game yesterday, it has an excellent range of real ales and craft beers. Real ales on were Pomona Island APA, Five Points Brickfield Brown, Ilkley Mary Christmas, Magic Rock Common Grounds, Wylam Just About Midnight, Black Jack The Pokies & Squawk Fuska. The Wylam Imperial Macchiato was £7 a half. But at 10% it was very nice. Their other beer Just About Midnight was even nicer. Great bar.
16 Dec 2018 12:50
After a visit to the Terrace just opposite (quite decent and requested for addition to the site), we returned to the Common. Alcohol is now served in the mornings. Although Ilkley Mary Christmas was the only real ale available. Craft beer options were from breweries such as Beatnikz, Magic Rock, Stone, Track, Wild Beer Company, Lost & Grounded & Runaway. Still more of a café/eatery than a bar.
16 Dec 2018 12:46
There was a good atmosphere in here yesterday. It makes a good contrast to Rigby's and the Lady of Mann. Ye Hole In Ye Wall has a much more old fashioned interior. A singer/guitarist had taken up part of the one room and was performing a few classics. He was fairly good. The 6 ales on were Hafod Big Red, Conwy Hoppy Christmas & Beachcomber, Castle Rock Sheriff's Tipple, Lancaster Glacier & Heavy Industry Nos. Still a good boozer.
3 Dec 2018 20:43
The Lady of Mann can be hit or miss. Yesterday it was more hit than miss. Much quieter than Rigby's or Ye Hole In Ye Wall, it had 3 real ales on - Okell's Bitter & Kirkstall Three Swords & Dexter Milk Chocolate Stout. There's also a fine selection of gins on offer.
3 Dec 2018 20:38
We visited 3 of the 4 pubs around the courtyard yesterday, starting with Rigby's. It was busy with people watching the North London football derby on TVs. There were also plenty of Red and Blue Santas who had been doing the annual Santa dash. Ales were Okell's Bitter & IPA, Fuller's London Pride, Pogue Mahone's Irish Bitter, Thornbridge Strawberry Lucaria & Ossett Yorkshire Blonde. Still a decent pub.
3 Dec 2018 20:35
Was here for the first time in a while yesterday. It's still the best pub in Liverpool in my opinion. But they now have a more limited range of guest ales. Three ales are from the pub's brewery Flagship - Sublime, Silhouette & Yonder. Guests yesterday were Titanic First Class, Elland White Prussian, Big Bog WPA, Peerless Langdon Spin, Mobberley Elysium, Wantsum Grim Reaper & JW Lees Stout. Ciders were Hunt's Red Head & Venton's Skippy's Scrumpy.
3 Dec 2018 20:29
I could pretty much copy my last review from August 2017. We came here after the Ship & Mitre and the Dead Crafty Beer Company. Ales were a similar choice too - Brains The Rev James, Stamps Rum Porter, Phoenix Rip-Rap, Big Bog Hinky Punk, Black Edge US Pale & Liverpool Brewing Bier Head. The cider is still Black Dragon. Reasonably busy as ever, without having the feel of being too overcrowded.
3 Dec 2018 19:19
The reviews below pretty much sum this place up. It's worth a visit once in a while to admire the architecture. But it very must rests on its laurels in terms of service and ale selection. I found myself in here again yesterday. St Austell Nicholson's Pale Ale is the regular beer. Guests were Sharp's Atlantic & Doom Bar, Fuller's London Pride, St Austell Proper Cracker, Exmoor Mild, Adnams Ghost Ship & Black Sheep Best Bitter. Fine for visitors to the city. But there are many better Nicholson's pubs alone around the country.
25 Nov 2018 11:11
The Clove Hitch has now become a restaurant called Bread and Butter. I have no idea what it's like now, as it only opens on selected evenings. But it's unlikely I'll ever find out.
25 Nov 2018 11:06
Was here last night to see what ciders they had left over from the fairly recent beer festival. The answer was Mr Whitehead's Toffee Apple Cider & Purbeck Devil's Leaf. Ales were Sharp's Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot & IPA & Twickenham Yakima Valley APA. My pint of cider was £1.35 with a 50p off voucher. I tried to tell the barmaid that she had undercharged me. But she was a fairly characterful individual and didn't seemed too interested. She was far happier snapping at customers, leading to the manager ticking her off. The interior seems to have had a lick of paint. But the colour scheme makes it feel quite cold. Yesterday was the usual mix of drunkards and other waifs and strays. Handy for our regular curry spot and just about the only pub serving real ale and cider in this area.
20 Nov 2018 19:44
The Ship and Castle, East Cowes
The Ship & Castle has now re-opened. I just had time for a swift drink before the ferry back to the mainland. Entrance is through a side door. A few people were standing right next to the door singing, which made it difficult to open the door. Fuller's London Pride is the regular beer. The guest on yesterday was Milestone Rich Ruby. The barman was friendly. Most customers seemed to be enjoying a sing-a-long and it appeared that there had been a live singer earlier. Strange place but likeable in a way.
18 Nov 2018 14:29
The White Hart has now been closed by the Red Funnel ferry company. I'm not sure what their plans will be for the building. But I doubt they will be too constructive.
18 Nov 2018 14:26
With time to spare before our ferry back to the mainland, I decided to pay this Wetherspoon's branch in Newport a visit. It's set in the town centre in an old church. This makes the large interior a little different from most branches. Bar staff repeated a trait that I had seen in another Isle of Wight pub earlier in the day. Standing at the bar, I've noticed that bar staff often summon you to their till as opposed to coming to the customer. That's not a practice I've seen too often before. The ale range was good for the island - Sharp's Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Yates' Islander, Goddard's Fuggle Dee-Dum, Arundel Winter Knights & Titanic Plum Porter. They also had Broadoak Perry. I had not originally planned to come here. But it ended up being my favourite pub of the day on the island and I found it a big improvement on the Wetherspoon branch in Ryde.
18 Nov 2018 14:21
We tried to visit this place yesterday whilst in Rookley. It appears to have been located in Rookley Country Park which is currently closed for refurbishment. So we could not access the site. We could see the bar itself from the fences around the Park. But I believe it has now changed names. Looking at their website, it looks like they re-open next Spring. May try to visit on another occasion. But for now this is a 1/10.
18 Nov 2018 14:15
This place is massive. It's a food-led pub that also caters for drinkers. It also seems to cater for large functions. Ales were Thwaites Lancaster Bomber, Gale's HSB & Yates' Zigg Zagger. We elected to eat here. Most tables were reserved. But they could still accommodate us. I had the partridge from the specials board, which was very nice indeed. My wife was not as impressed with her burger. The small drinkers area in the centre was populated with a group who were quite rowdy and whose language was not the best. Fairly decent place.
18 Nov 2018 14:09
This pub has reverted to its previous name The Star. It was disappointing. No real ales were on when we arrived. Apparently they had equipment problems and were struggling to dispense them. Whilst we were there, they did manage to pour Doom Bar through. It has a good reputation for food. But nobody was eating during our visit. There were no other customers when we arrived. But 2 men and 2 dogs frequented the front bar whilst we were there and there was somebody else in a rear dining area near the kitchens. The worst pub of 12 tried on this visit to the island.
18 Nov 2018 14:04
The Volunteer is tucked up a side street and is a traditional pub. It looks like it no longer opens until 4pm each day. I was there just before and was soon let in by the owner. He was a very friendly and chatty chap who clearly takes a nice interest in his customers. Ales were mostly from national breweries - Courage Best, Young's Special, Thwaites Lancaster Bomber & Marston's 61 Deep. As with Perks, where I had just come from, the real cider was Woodgate Amber Cider. It was dispensed by handpull here. Nice interior and it is adults only. I promised to return in several years time when my son is old enough to drink!
18 Nov 2018 14:00
Perks is named after its owner, who also owns the Volunteer nearby. As the previous reviewer states, it feels like a micropub. But it most likely pre-dates the micropub trend. Bass is the regular ale. The guest beer was Yates' Holy Joe. I was also delighted to see a real cider in a polycask on the bar. It is made for the pub and the Volunteer and was called Woodgate Amber Gold. Locals were congregated around the bar. Dogs are allowed in, but children are not. The barmaid was friendly and eager to tell me about the cider and she also gave me information on Ventnor's historic pubs. Luckily, she also informed me about the Volunteer not opening until 4pm. So I had a leisurely drink before continuing. I actually preferred Perks to the Volunteer.
18 Nov 2018 13:55
The Crab and Lobster Tap, Ventnor
The Crab & Lobster is not as foodie as its namesake in Bembridge. In fact, it seems far more of a drinkers' pub. On a Saturday afternoon, they were gearing up for live rugby union. It was on 5 different TV screens throughout the pub. Ales on were Timothy Taylor Landlord, Goddard's Wight Squirrel & St Austell Tribute. Can be found just around the corner from the Ventnor Heritage Museum. One of a few decent pubs in this town.
18 Nov 2018 13:46
Yesterday was our first ever visit to Ventnor. We started on the Esplanade with the pirate-themed Spyglass Inn. It was a dry day. But being by the sea was qite bracing. There are plenty of tables and benches outside for the hardy. Inside was busy with drinkers and diners. There are a number of small drinking areas, making it quite cosy. Plenty of nautical items to admire and live music on a Saturday afternoon too. Ringwood Best Bitter & Forty Niner are the regular ales. Fifth pub of the day and we finally found ales brewed on the island - Yates' Islander & Goddard's Starboard. I tried the latter. But it wasn't the best quality beer I'd ever tasted. I'd still say this pub is worth a visit though.
18 Nov 2018 13:41
The White Horse is a fairly large pub with 3 large rooms. Most people were in the central bar area. But there were a couple in the large dining area at the top and another small group in another room at the bottom. Children aren't allowed in the bar area. Dogs are not allowed in the dining areas. 3 ales on were Ghost Ship, Abbot & Lancaster Bomber. Bar staff seemed surprised that somebody who wasn't local would only be there for a drink. A touch disappointing.
18 Nov 2018 13:33
The Buddle Inn was third and last pub we visited in Niton yesterday. After visits to Joe's Bar and the White Lion, the Buddle was the busiest of the three. It's a cosy pub which clearly specialises in food. Once at the bar, we were summoned to the till for our food order to be taken. Ordering drinks instead seemed to catch them by surprise. They have a house beer called Smugglers from Timothy Taylor, alongside Landlord and Sharp's Doom Bar. There was no real cider. Popular with families, there is a roaring open fire in winter. From the front, there is a nice view across the sea. Not really a drinkers' pub. For that, head to Joe's Bar in the village's post office.
18 Nov 2018 13:25
The Magpie and Crown, Brentford
We finished in the Magpie & Crown on Sunday evening. It was my first visit since New Year's Eve, 2015. I'd been in a bit of a state that night. I was slightly more sober on this visit. The place has not changed at all. The interior is basic. The gents toilets stink. But the ale and cider range is still as good as ever. There was Bad Seed Endgame (something topical to do with Brexit perhaps?), Five Points XPA, Reunion Incredible Pale Ale, Downton Mint Chocolypse Stout, White Horse Show Pony IPA & Bingham's Brickworks Bitter. The cider was Broadoak Crimson King. The perry was Purbeck Perfect Pear. In fact, other than the drinks selection, I could have just repeated my review in 2016. Good pub and one I really ought to get to more often.
13 Nov 2018 20:41
Fuller's pub on Brentford High Street that I have passed by on a number of occasions. I've often admired the tilework. But knowing it's a Fuller's pub, I've never ventured in. I decided to put that right on Sunday evening. We immediately quadrupled the customer base. But we had a good conversation with the guy sat at the bar and the barmaid about the local area. Pride & ESB were the real ales. Needs a few customers. But not a bad pub.
13 Nov 2018 20:36
The Albany Arms has re-opened as the Black Dog Beer House. It is a valuable addition to the area, with a great selection of ales and ciders. The atmosphere is comfortable. The gents toilets are spacious! Ales on during our visit were Heavy Industry Pigeon Toes Orange Peel, Brew York Brew York, Howling Hops Pudding Ale Chocolate Stout, Ainsty Rattlesnake Ruby, Ilkley Joshua Jane, Rooster's YPA & Tiny Rebel Juicy. Ciders were Bumble Bee Gribble, Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze, Eden Still Cloudy Medium, Abrahall's Ashton Bitters & Ashridge Pear Cider. There was also a good selection of craft beers. Makes for a good crawl in Brentford now from the Express Tavern to the Magpie & Crown. Close to Brentford FC's football ground too. Definitely worthy of a visit these days, despite the poor reviews under its previous guise.
13 Nov 2018 20:32
The Express Tavern, Kew Bridge
After a hiatus of over 3 hours, I returned to the Express Tavern. This is part of an ever-expanding chain of well-run pubs with a good ale and cider selection. Sunday evening was no exception. Some of the blackboards were incorrect. But the ale selection was Bass, Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter, Big Smoke Solaris & Dark Wave, Errant Altura Coffee Stout, Hammerpot Harvest Ale, Oakham Citra, Steam Box Ghost Train, Watney's Ray Of Sunshine & Bingham's Rye IPA. Ciders were Sandford Orchards Devon Red, Orchard Pig Marmalade Cider & Navel Gazer, Lilley's Mango Cider & Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Scrumpy. I prefer the Antelope and the Sussex Arms. But this is still a very good London pub. We moved on from here to the nearby Stable for a few more ciders and a pizza. I will request that to be added. But it is just next to One Over The Ait.
13 Nov 2018 20:20
Fuller's pub off the beaten track in Fulham, close to the A4 which passes through the area on flyovers. Pride is the regular ale. Bengal Lancer was the seasonal beer. I felt the pub was a little chintzy. But there are plenty of tables. Food is served. I didn't dislike the pub. But I wouldn't rush back.
13 Nov 2018 20:13
The Prince Albert, Notting Hill
With just time for one last drink before getting the tube to Stamford Bridge, I made my last stop the Prince Albert, just at the bottom of Portobello Road. It's predictably an attraction for tourists. So it seems to attract a transient crowd. But I finally managed to get a seat. So I felt a bit more at home. Ales were London Pride, Ubu & Monty Python's Holy Grail. With still no dark beers in sight, I decided to go for a craft cider from a can in the fridge. My hopped cider with mimosa scarcely got me any change from £6. I won't be having that again!
13 Nov 2018 20:06
The Hillgate, Notting Hill Gate
With time to kill, this pub was an extra bonus for me. It's a gastropub tucked away a couple of minutes walk from Notting Hill Gate tube in a residential area. The place was busy. There were a couple of drinkers at the bar. But most people were there for food. There are waiting staff, who were turning away people at the door, such was its popularity for meals. Sharp's Atlantic is the house beer. Guests were Marston's Poppy Ale & Wessex Witchcraft. The latter was my choice and it wasn't a bad tipple. Although, as with the Windsor Castle just up the hill, it was standing room only and I felt in the way as there wasn't even a surface to place my drink. Better than I had originally anticipated though.
13 Nov 2018 20:02
The Windsor Castle, Kensington
Nice old pub. But at Sunday lunchtime, it seemed to be all diners. All tables were laid out for food, making it uncomfortable for drinking. The various rooms are full of character. Ales were Timothy Taylor Landlord, Sharp's Doom Bar, Fuller's London Pride, Purity Ubu & Mad Goose & Rudgate Hop For Heroes. None of the ales really appealed to me. I went for the Rudgate one, having not seen it before. But as expected, it was not my kind of beer. I did later notice a few interesting looking bottles and cans in the fridges. But it didn't seem like a place for a drinker at Sunday lunchtime. So I quickly moved on. Worth seeing for the interior though.
13 Nov 2018 19:56
Second stop on a visit to West London on Sunday after a Wetherspoon's breakfast at the Greenwood Hotel, Northolt. The Bridge House is located near to Little Venice in a prominent corner location. Similar to Mappiman, this wasn't really a place that floated my boat (or should it be barge?). It's a strange place. The theatre is upstairs. Downstairs feels more like a gastropub than a bar. There is a strange mix of furniture. Doom Bar appears to be the regular ale. Broadside & Ubu were the guests. The Broadside was very cloudy, either because it was the first one pulled through or it was the end of the cask. Either way, a disappointing visit.
13 Nov 2018 19:50
My twelfth and last pub in Hertfordshire turned out to be an excellent way to finish the day. This is a Greene King pub in a residential area. There are two main rooms, with a large conservatory area, an outdoor drinking space and another side room. A 60th birthday party was taking place in the conservatory. Being a Greene King pub, it had Abbot, IPA & XX Mild. But there were also 3 ales from Buntingford - Fantashtic, Hurricane & Arachnophobeer, as well as Bristol Beef Factory Bow Street. The two real ciders were Arthur's Bone Dry & Apple Cottage Katy. Both were new ones for me. The former wasn't quite as dry as I was expecting. The latter was more of a medium with a slightly dry aftertaste. The Orange Tree was certainly busy and serves a wide range of people, including diners, drinkers, families and sports viewers. Worthy of a visit.
12 Nov 2018 21:54
The Victoria looks quite promising from the outside. But they don't come much more basic than this on the inside. Bare floorboards and a bit of a grungy atmosphere. Doom Bar is the real ale. Locals seemed a friendly enough bunch and there are a multitude of TVs showing different channels. So I guess it's popular with sports viewers. Worst pub of the day for me though.
12 Nov 2018 21:48
The Cock was the first of three pubs visited in Baldock on Saturday evening. It has a bar and a lounge with two separate entrance doors. Although inside, they merge into one where they meet at the bar. As with Snarling Mallard's review, I didn't find the beer range too inspiring. Morland Old Speckled Hen was joined by Greene King IPA & XX Mild & Robinson's Unicorn. A little disappointing.
12 Nov 2018 21:45
The Brocket Arms, Ayot St. Lawrence
Reached by narrow country lanes that were almost impassable due to floodwater, this is a fairly remote (for Hertfordshire) rural pub that has lots of character and lots of history. We managed to grab a space on the small and tight car park. Our hopes of having a meal here were dashed by the fact that the dining room was about to be used for some kind of talk. Most of the patrons were clearly there for the talk. The bar area comprises two separate small rooms. It was packed and a real struggle to get served. The ale range was Tring Brocket, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Greene King IPA & Abbot, Cotleigh Night Owl & Ascot Ghost Horse. I opted for the Ghost Horse, which was quite pleasant. It was standing room only. So we were forced to spend our time in the corridor at the rear where local jams and chutneys were for sale. Despite it being packed, I quite liked this pub.
12 Nov 2018 21:42
The White Horse is tucked away up a back street in Welwyn. But it was busy on Saturday evening. Complimentary scratchings were being put on some tables and on the bar. The atmosphere was reasonably lively, with the rugby showing on the TV and a mix of clientele from local drunks to families. Ales were all from national breweries - Sharp's Atlantic & Doom Bar, Adnams Bitter & Greene King Abbot were supplemented by a guest, which was Courage Directors.
12 Nov 2018 21:36
Whilst I hadn't been drinking in Stevenage for almost 5 years, the Chequers must surely rate as one of the best pubs in town. It was busy on our Saturday evening visit. The Wales rugby game was on at quite a loud volume. The ale selection was certainly good - Greene King IPA, XX Mild & Abbot, Oakham Bishop's Farewell, Morland Original, Mad Squirrel Hopfest, Brentwood Chocwork Orange, Leighton Buzzard Cuckoo & Reunion Talwar. In addition, at the side of the bar were 5 handpulls for cider. 4 were clipped - Weston's Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig & Saxby's Traditional & Rhubarb Cider. I went for the Rhubarb, which was a new one for me. Decent place.
12 Nov 2018 21:32
Two bar locals' pub in a residential area, not too far from the Old Town. It had quite a raucous atmosphere, with a live Rugby international occupying most people's attention in one room and a pool table in the second room. Ales were mostly national ones - St Austell Proper Job, Greene King IPA & London Glory, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Fuller's London Pride & Woodfordes Wherry. Not a place I'd rush back to.
12 Nov 2018 21:26
This is one of those pubs that you drive for ages along country lanes and think surely there can't be a pub around here. But it suddenly appears like an oasis. The Rising Sun is a McMullen's house. It has 3 real ales. AK & Country Bitter are the regular beers. The seasonal beer was Victory Stout. The Stout tasted more like a dark mild than a stout. There were a few locals and their dogs in the main bar area. There is also a large dining area, which was unoccupied. Quite a cosy place though.
12 Nov 2018 21:20
After a visit to the Fox in Aspenden (another one I have requested to be added to BITE), our fourth stop was the Jolly Waggoner in the remote village of Ardeley. The pub is situated opposite a farm which you can visit. We arrived in a bit of a downpour. But inside, there was a roaring fire, giving the pub a cosy feel. The 3 ales on were New River Twin Spring, Hadham 18ct Golden Ale & 3 Brewers Mild. We were the only customers. But we were soon joined by another family. Nice little pub.
12 Nov 2018 21:15
This was to be our second pub in Hertfordshire on Saturday lunchtime after the Blind Fiddler at Anstey (not listed on here). But the Brambles is now closed. I peered through the windows and saw a row of handpulls with an Abbot pumpclip and an empty glass on the bar. But it didn't look like it had been open any time recently. We moved on to the Crown at the opposite end of the High Street. I will request for that one to be added to BITE.
12 Nov 2018 21:03
Basingstoke Rugby Club, Basingstoke
Our final stop of the day was this rugby club on the western outskirts of Basingstoke. It has a fairly small bar, that was showing live Premier League football and was packed. Presumably there had been a game on earlier. The larger adjacent function room was being prepared for an evening event. London Pride is the regular ale. I went for the guest, which was Elsie Mo.
4 Nov 2018 12:35
The Fur and Feathers, Herriard
We'd hoped to eat at this pub. But it was only just past 6pm and food is not served until 6:30. You get the impression that food is the pub's mainstay. But drinkers are equally well served. 3 unusual ales were on - Flack Manor Wolfie, Hogs Back Home Harvest & Fallen Acorn Pompey Royal. The barman was friendly and knowledgeable. He offered me tasters of two of the beers. My half of Wolfie was very nice indeed. The 3 locals standing at the bar also seemed friendly. The interior is bright and well decorated. An all-round decent pub.
4 Nov 2018 12:32
I tried to enter Lasham Airfield from the village end, but to no avail. Security put a stop to that. But after a long drive around the airfield, we came to the main entrance and located the dimly lit entrance. You walk through a cafeteria and seating area to get to the small bar where two ales are served - Gale's HSB & Wychwood Hobgoblin. Having had the Hobgoblin earlier in the day, I opted for the HSB, which was a nice drop. The place was fairly busy, with mainly younger people who had presumably been gliding. Fairly unremarkable place for ales. But apparently it's the largest gliding centre in Europe.
4 Nov 2018 12:27
Warm and cosy pub that seems primarily aimed at diners. Each table had the pub's Christmas menu. We were the only customers. So it was difficult to judge the atmosphere, which appeared to be lacking. The two real ales were Andwell Gold Muddler & Hogsback TEA.
4 Nov 2018 12:23
This pub is closed and currently fenced off. It seems to have closed its doors only recently.
4 Nov 2018 12:19
Situated between the town's Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery, the Crown is a pub/hotel at the top end of the High Street with a handy car park at the rear. It's a fairly quiet place with some fairly unique large polished tables. Doom Bar & TEA were the two real ales. I think there's better pubs in Alton though.
4 Nov 2018 12:18
It's been over 10 years since I was last in Alton and that was before I started recording my visits on BITE. But yesterday, I was back to do a couple of pubs I'd missed previously. The George was my first stop and it is seemingly a favourite of the local CAMRA group and with good reason too. This was my favourite pub of the day in Hampshire. It's a lively place, popular with drinkers, diners and families. The interior is quite modern. But with the gents being outside, there are a few clues to the fact that this is a much older establishment. The ale range was the most diverse we found during the day. Sharp's Sea Fury is a rather unusual beer to have as a mainstay. But here it is the regular ale. Guests on yesterday were Itchen Valley Pure Gold & Guy PA, Brains Café Phoenix & Marston's Saddle Tank. I opted for the Café Phoenix, which was also my favourite beer of the day. Just one small criticism - there is no real cider on draught (I didn't check the fridges for bottles as I was happy enough with my beer selection). But seemingly very few pubs serve real cider in this part of Hampshire.
4 Nov 2018 12:14
Three Horseshoes, East Worldham
This is a well decorated Fuller's pub that is clearly popular with families and diners. There is a corner with plenty to keep little ones occupied. There were also more real ales than in previous pubs we had visited. Fuller's London Pride is their regular beer. But they also had their Red Fox, their Gale's HSB and also Dark Star Hophead. Staff were fairly welcoming. Not bad for a Fuller's pub.
4 Nov 2018 11:56
Pleasant country pub that you detect has a little history. There are car parks at the front and at the rear. A group were drinking in one corner, with one or two others at the bar. There is only one solitary real ale these days. This was Itchen Valley New Hampshire, an American Pale Ale. Service was friendly and cheerful.
4 Nov 2018 11:53
Village pub on a prominent bend in the road. A handful of locals were in, along with the barmaid. A live Premier League football match was on the TV. There were no diners. Doom Bar is the regular ale. The guest was Hobgoblin, which I partook in. A slightly short measure was served. Fairly middle of the road pub.
4 Nov 2018 11:50
Rural pub in a picturesque setting on a hill. The car park and beer garden are opposite and across the road. The front door opens straight out onto the lane. Watch out for vehicles and the multitude of cyclists when you step out. This is a quiet pub with a few people in for the limited menu and one drinker with his dog sat at the bar. The highlight was when another dog entered and there appeared to be a minor disagreement. The two real ales were Fuller's London Pride & Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold.
4 Nov 2018 11:44
Now called the Tap Tavern, this place is tucked away from the main street Richmond. I was the only customer in during my lunchtime visit. 2 ales were on - Twickenham Naked Ladies & Roosters The Wanderer. There are far more craft beers. I opted for the Siren Sweet Dream, which was £3.20 for a half. There were other craft beers from Siren, Wiper & True, Anspach & Hobday, Twickenham, Steam Machine, Siphon, South Lakes, Big Smoke, Salopian, Wild Weather & Roosters. Not sure I'll be back due to the excessive prices.
1 Nov 2018 19:56
With time for just one pub on our Sunday visit to Manchester, I headed here on Sunday evening. This is a cellar bar that is easy to miss. A handful of people were in. But I didn't get a great impression of this place. The 3 real ales were not really to my taste - Fallen Just The Ticket, Backbone Bone Machine & Pomona Island Amarillo. Keg beers included ones from White Hag, Pomona Island & North Brew. There was also a wide bottled selection. The atmosphere felt cold. Not overly impressed.
30 Oct 2018 22:12
You can always rely on the City Arms for a decent pint (and a great selection) in the centre of Manchester. We often end up here. Sunday's visit was quieter than previous visits. Most football fans seemed to have left for the game, leaving a small number of regulars. We had swift halves. The selection on this occasion was Titanic Plum Porter, Brighthouse Odin, Thornbridge Woodlands, Silver Street Session, Navigation Cream Head, First Chop Hop Moon, Moon Rakers Mild & Weston's Old Rosie.
30 Oct 2018 22:09
Having visited the Circus and the Grey Horse, this was the last of this trio of Portland Street pubs I was yet to visit. It's a busy Holt's house. Their Bitter, IPA & Two Hoots seem to be the regular ales. But I went for the Mild. They also had Bootleg Chorlton Pale Ale & Chorlton Green Hop. I assume this is Holt's offshoot "craft" brewery. But I stand to be corrected. I must say that I prefer the other two pubs on this stretch of the street. The Old Monkey lacks character. Although it is the largest of the three, by a country mile.
30 Oct 2018 22:04
Just round the corner from the Molly House in the Gay Village, this pub is now called the Goose. It was the busier of the two pubs we visited. London Pride & Dizzy Blonde were the two real ales. Staff were friendly. But I wouldn't rush back here.
30 Oct 2018 22:01
The Molly House is in Manchester's Gay Village. It is in the current Good Beer Guide. So we decided to pay it a visit. Well worth a visit it is too. The ground floor room has a really well stocked bar with a varied selection of 6 real ales. They were Beartown Kodiak's Revenge, Best Bitter & Quantock, Cheshire Brewhouse Green Hop Harvest 2018, Nightjar Supernova & Manning Cave Man. The spirit selection is also impressive. All of the options are labelled with prices, which I thought a great idea. This was my favourite pub of the day in Manchester.
30 Oct 2018 21:59
The Piccadilly Tap always makes a good meeting place if travelling through Piccadilly station. But I wouldn't say it is a destination pub. The cask and keg beer choice is good. But it just doesn't have the feeling of a proper pub. Customers always seem to be very transient. Whilst that makes grabbing a table easy, it's a strange atmosphere. Real ales on our Sunday lunchtime visit were Bristol Beer Factory Chocolate & Raspberry Stout, Titanic Mild & Plum Porter, RedWillow Shameless & Thirst Class Kiss My Ace. The cider was Lilley's Mango Cider. I'll increase my rating marginally to 7/10.
30 Oct 2018 21:52
My final pub in Stockport took me to the Edgeley area of the town. This pub has limited opening hours. But being near to the football ground, it does open when Stockport are playing at home. They were nearing the end of their match on my visit. But the pub was quiet. It's a small corner pub with a bit of character and friendly staff. The ale selection was varied - Salopian Luna, Mallinson's Ekka, Hopcraft Queen Anne's Revenge & Mad Dog Stouty McStout Face. There are also two real ciders, which were Lilley's Sunset & Cotswold Cider Company No Brainer. The game finished and still nobody came in! But I had a train to catch, in any case.
30 Oct 2018 21:41
Sorry. Forgot to mention that Salopian Oracle was also on. It is the one permanent ale.
30 Oct 2018 21:37
The Magnet is fairly unassuming from the outside. But step inside and you'll find a beer ticker's paradise. Ales are shown on big screens. Although I'm not quite sure of their accuracy. The beer I had was listed under dark beers, but then there was a further comment describing it as a "pale ale". The full selection of cask beers was Track Sonoma Pale, Bollington White Nancy & Dinner Ale, Siren Yulu, Iron Pier English Pale, Fernandes Jolly Joker, Tiny Rebel Express Yourself (my choice), Millstone Tiger Rut, Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold, Brightside Uncle Dunkel, Kelham Island Pale Rider & Thornbridge Woodlands. My only criticism would be the lack of a real cider. The place was fairly busy. I retreated to a small side room, where a group of people appeared to be having a mass picnic, presumably with the permission of the staff. Another good Stockport pub.
30 Oct 2018 21:36
Not to be confused with the Railway in the Portwood area of town, this one is in Heaton Norris and in my opinion is not quite as good. The barman seemed a bit grumpy and the ales were all on the pale side - Holt's Bitter, White Horse Bitter, Bob's White Lion & Atomic Fusion. I opted for the Fusion, which wasn't really my ideal beer. TVs were showing the latest football scores. Worthy of any crawl in this area. But there are better choices around.
30 Oct 2018 21:30
Stockport's Wellington Road looks like a good road for a pub crawl. If doing that, the Hope is as good a place to start as any. This 2 room pub is home to the Fool Hardy brewery. Ales from them were Reckless, Roushou, Random, Risky & Rannygazou. The latter was a plum porter and it was also my favourite beer of the day. Guest ales were Grafton Zombie Heart, Elgood's Puff & Salopian False Flag. The cider was Broadoak Moonshine. Another 8/10 from me for this pub.
30 Oct 2018 21:26
The Navigation Inn, Heaton Norris
My tour around Stockport's pubs eventually took me to the Heaton Norris area. First stop was this Beartown pub, just off a busy roundabout. Bearskinful was the only one of their ales one. They also had Holt's Bitter & Mild & Nethergate GB. Both the exterior and interior look as though they have seen better days. There were 3 other customers, watching 20/20 cricket on the TV in one of two fairly large rooms. I think I read that this was the local CAMRA pub of the season. But I'd struggle to justify that. There are many better pubs in the town. I moved onto the Silver Jubilee, which is not one of those better pubs and is not listed on the site. To be honest, that one is not worth adding.
30 Oct 2018 21:21
The Railway was the furthest east I ventured in Stockport. It looks very grotty from the outside. But inside is a fine drinkers' boozer with a great selection of ales and a real cider. The barmaid seemed to know her beers, which was encouraging. Ales were Acorn Barnsley Bitter, Phoenix Arizona, Dunham Massey Chocolate Cherry & Dunham Porter, Outstanding Blond & Ultra Pale, Salopian Oracle, Thornbridge Jaipur, Kelham Island Pale Rider & Pictish Brewer's Gold. The cider was Sheppy's Farmhouse. I would say it is worth the trek from the railway station, if you're in the town. One of several excellent pubs in the town.
30 Oct 2018 21:15
Traditional Robinson's corner house that was very busy on my Saturday lunchtime visit. Most people were finishing off meals. But there were plenty of people just there for the ales. A unique feature here is a snug, which you have to walk through the bar area itself to get to. Initially I thought there was just a huge number of bar staff, until I realised that some of the people wandering behind the bar were actually punters. The pub only stocks Robinson's ales. They had Unicorn, Wizard, Dizzy Blonde, Trooper & Light Brigade. Most of these were fairly pale ales. I opted for the Wizard. A bit out of the centre. But worth finding.
30 Oct 2018 21:10
Long since demolished. There is now a large office block where it once stood.
30 Oct 2018 21:04
Swan With Two Necks, Stockport
Robinson's pub next to a modern shopping centre. It was apparently saved from demolition despite the development of the area. The pub has plenty of character, with a tiny front bar and a couple of old rooms at the rear. I sat in the drinking corridor in between, which was decorated with Halloween items. I also chose the Freddie Brewger seasonal beer from Robinson's. Unicorn & Old Tom were the other cask ales. Old Rosie cider was also available. Snacks are served. A pub with plenty of character.
30 Oct 2018 21:03
This pub is currently closed and boarded up. Try the nearby Remedy Bar & Brewhouse instead.
30 Oct 2018 20:52
Robinson's pub with a difference in the Market Square. The interior is nicely decorated with a mix of seating. A kitchen in one corner serves food. But the real attraction is the ale selection. The usual Robinson's ales are served - Dizzy Blonde, Trooper & Unicorn, alongside lesser seen ones - Double Hop & Cumbria Way. But they also have Titanic Plum Porter, plus a number of guests - Titanic Cappuccino, Luna Moonshake & Bridgehouse Holy Cow. The real cider is Old Rosie. A new bar called Project 53 has opened a few doors up and the Remedy Bar & Brewhouse is also across the square. I only visited the latter. But it was very good. I have requested it to be added to BITE.
30 Oct 2018 20:50
The Boar's Head is set at the top of town in the Market Square. It is one of a number of pubs in the square itself. This was also the second Sam Smith's pub I'd visited in town. It was much busier than the Queen's Head. There are multiple rooms and despite it still being morning, most tables were occupied with drinkers who seemed to be setting in for the day. OBB is the usual ale. Service was without a smile. I settled down with a half of the OBB in the rear room, where one elderly gent seemed to make every other word 'the f word'. Certainly a locals' pub.
30 Oct 2018 20:40
The Three Shires has reverted to a former name - Huffy's. It's now a wine bar/bistro. There are no real ales. Keg options are Brewdog Punk IPA, Peroni, Open Gate Citrus IPA, Guinness, Hop House Lager, Tetley's Smoothflow, Carlsberg, Carlsberg Export & San Miguel. The worst of 16 pubs I tried in the town.
30 Oct 2018 20:35
Stockport is quite deceptive. Look at a map and you think it's a nice easy walk from one pub to the next. But everything is at different levels. The Queen's Head is an old Samuel Smith's pub at the bottom of some large steps. I was in shortly after opening at 11am. OBB is the real ale. But the real attraction here is the traditional interior. There are 3 rooms. Whilst I didn't get past the front bar, the snug in the middle is supposed to be the highlight. The pub seems to attract an ageing clientele. It's certainly on of the cheapest places in town.
30 Oct 2018 20:32
With train tickets booked on a Saturday to Manchester for a football match that was moved on the Sunday, I decided not to let them go to waste and headed for a day out in Stockport. This branch of Wetherspoon's was my first stop, largely because it was the only establishment open at 10am. It was also a good opportunity for a breakfast. There's nothing particularly special about this 'spoons. But it does stretch back a fair way. Despite the early hour, it was busy - so much so that regulars had formed an orderly queue at the bar to get served. If concerned by the previous review, I can confirm that Greene King Abbot was definitely on alongside other 'spoons staples Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar. Guests were Liberation IPA, Brewster's Brewer's Dozen, Evan Evans Hop Picker, Castle Rock Wheel of Fortune & Robinson's Dizzy Blonde. Ciders were Purbeck Devil's Leaf, Rich's Legbender, Weston's Old Rosie & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Food took a while to arrive. But I think I'd just ordered at the wrong time. Note that a few doors up is the excellent Petersgate Tap. It is not listed on here. But it was my favourite pub in the town.
30 Oct 2018 20:22
The Castle was our final stop in Herefordshire. It's a gem of a pub well off the beaten track. We'd saved it until last, due to its limited opening hours. The bar has a farmhouse feel, with a high ceiling. There is a separate dining area. The solitary real ale was Hopfather from Wye Valley. But they also had Ty Gwyn Perry on handpull. We had dinner in the bar area and this was not a disappointment either. Recommended.
30 Oct 2018 20:13
We were hoping to eat here. We'd passed earlier on and confirmed that the pub was open all day. So we'd left it until later when other pubs were still closed. Food is not served until 6pm and we were just a little early for that. This is a dog friendly place which served Wye Valley Bitter. There was also a guest ale, which was Adnams Ghost Ship. Gents' toilets are outdoor at the rear.
30 Oct 2018 20:09
We were catching up with new entries to the Good Beer Guide in Hereford and this was one. It was the busiest of the Herefordshire pubs we visited on Friday. 5 ales were on. 3 of those were from Wye Valley - Bitter, HPA & Butty Bach. Guest ales were Milestone Oktoberfest & Tiny Rebel Cwtch. There is no real cider. The pub/bar was decked out for Halloween. But I felt it lacked atmosphere. There are 2 floors. All drinkers were on the ground floor. But this will be another place that presumably gets much busier late in the evening, as it opens until the early hours.
30 Oct 2018 20:05
This place is a fairly trendy craft beer bar set into an old building not too far from the cathedral. 3 ales were on - Rooster's Yankee, Salopian Voodoo & Blue Monkey BG Sips. The two Weston's ciders were Flat Tyre & Rusted Wheel. I can imagine that this place gets quite busy of an evening. But late afternoon on a Friday, we were the only customers. The better of the two pubs we visited in Hereford on the day. But I prefer the Victory, the Beer in Hand and the King's Fee.
30 Oct 2018 20:01
The Dog does not open until 3pm. But there were already a few in when we entered soon after opening. It's a nice enough place and well worth combining with the Temple Bar just along the road. The 3 real ales are Ludlow Gold, Sharp's Doom Bar & Otter Amber. They also had Gwatkin Yarlington Mill Cider & Farmhouse Perry on draught, with a further bottled choice mainly from Gwatkin. Another decent pub.
30 Oct 2018 19:57
The Temple Bar Inn, Ewyas Harold
The Temple Bar is situated in a nice village close to the Welsh border. We had timed our visit to be just before the pub was due to close for the afternoon, as the other pub didn't open until 3pm. But there were plenty of drinkers in and it didn't look like it was going to close any time soon. The selection of 4 ales was unusual, apart from the staple Wye Valley Butty Bach. Guests were Bespoke Saved By The Bell & Tudor Blorenge Golden Ale. It was a bottle of the local Gwatkin Original Blend for me. One local decided to chat to us on his way out, his beer belly hanging out from underneath his shirt. "If the mattress gives way, I'll send you the spring" was his valued comment. Couldn't see any food here. But it was well after lunch time. There is a small fish and chip shop opposite.
30 Oct 2018 19:52
Modernised pub that felt a little upmarket. It clearly specialises in food. But the barmaid/landlady was very chatty and friendly. Wye Valley Butty Bach is the regular beer. The guest was Three Tuns Rantipole. There is no real cider on draught. But there is a good selection of local Ty Gwyn ciders in bottles.
30 Oct 2018 19:27
Black Swan Inn, Much Dewchurch
After a few food-dominated pubs, the Black Swan felt much more like a drinkers' pub. We sat in the bar to the right-hand side. To the left was most likely a dining area. A few other drinkers were in. Timothy Taylor Landlord is always on here. Guests were Slater's Premium & Swan Green Swan. 4 real ciders are fetched from the cellar. These were Weston's Old Rosie & Family Reserve, Abrahall's Cracklin' Rosie Perry & Cockyard Cider. The best of 11 pubs visited in Herefordshire on Friday.
30 Oct 2018 19:23
The Harewood End Inn, Harewood End
Country pub where the expectation is that you will eat. There is a small bar area to the left as you walk in. But there is a much larger dining area to the right of the entrance. Unusually for this area, St Austell Tribute is the regular ale. The guest was Hobson's Champion Mild. Situated on a busy road, making it hard to exit the car park.
30 Oct 2018 19:17
Country pub in a delightful location and seemingly popular with diners. Hobson's Best & Wye Valley Butty Bach are the real ales. Real cider is available in bottles. We shared a Brown Snout from Ross-on-Wye. A few others were in. But they all seemed to be diners.
30 Oct 2018 19:12
Visited the Red Lion shortly after opening on a Friday lunchtime. It seems tucked away in the middle of nowhere. Although the lane outside is categorised as a B road. The interior looked fairly small at first. But we were only in the bar area. At the rear are more rooms leading to accommodation. Presumably some of these rooms are used for diners. But we were the only customers. Judging by the various pictures, the pub is certainly popular with local fishermen. Wye Valley Butty Bach is the regular ale. The guest was Ruffled Feathers from the Swan Brewery. There was no real cider.
30 Oct 2018 19:06
I paid a return visit to this lovely building yesterday. This time I was here on a Saturday when it was open, as opposed to a Sunday when it clearly closes. The interior matches the expectations of the exterior. But apart from the 2 bar staff, there was only one other small group of 3 or 4 in. So it felt a little dead. Exmoor Ale was the solitary real ale. It was in a reasonable condition. This place is not worth going out of your way for. But I'll upgrade my score to a 5, based on the impressive building and the fact that it does at least stock a real ale.
14 Oct 2018 12:19
The Lower George Inn, Gloucester
The Lower George was the only place with no real ale that we tried in Gloucestershire yesterday. There were a number of handpulls. But all of the clips were turned round. There was no real cider either. But the interior of this pub is lovely and traditional, with a few elderly locals enjoying the excellent hospitality. It was the landlady's birthday and she had a karaoke in the room at the rear. There were a few characters in here. Decent place. But a shame there were no ales.
14 Oct 2018 12:15
Gloucester is certainly an interesting place to visit for pubs. From the modern bars and restaurants of the gentrified docks area (incidentally I have requested the new Brewhouse & Kitchen in the Quays to be added) to the historic pubs in the city centre, there seems to be something for everyone. I was surprised however with how quiet the city centre pubs were for a Saturday night. The Dick Whittington is a Grade I listed building. The main bar area is large and it extends a fair way back. Downstairs there is an equally large room, used for functions. To the side is a small enclosed courtyard, which can also be used by drinkers. But the place was very quiet, with almost as many bar staff as customers. 4 ales were on - Lancaster Haymaker, Battledown Saison & Bespoke Hell's Bells & Leading Light. The landlady was friendly. Nobody was eating on our visit. We concur with the previous review about the toilets. They were less than impressive.
14 Oct 2018 11:58
The Cross Keys Inn, Gloucester
Following my last review in February 2017, I returned to the Cross Keys last night. This time I found it open. In fact, it was very difficult not to know it was open given the music blaring up the alleyway to the main street. The music outside in the alley was actually louder than it was inside. There are a couple of separate bars in this place. The smaller one is more traditional. But there is a larger second room where a musician started to set up whilst we were there. The barmaid was friendly and they do serve a real ale, which on this occasion was Betty Stogs. I also spied Weston's Scrumpy Cloudy Cider in a bottle of the fridge. So I indulged in that. A fairly grungy place. But with some character.
14 Oct 2018 11:51
Wadworth's pub not a million miles from the city centre. It has a very rough around the edges feel to it. The car park is a tip with broken glass and rubble. The interior doesn't feel much better, with paint peeling off the walls and a generally grubby feel. Nevertheless, it seems to have a loyal local following and the barmaid and locals were all friendly. They were engaging in some amusing conversations. The 2 ales were 6X & Swordfish. An added bonus for me was a real cider - Old Rosie. Despite the worn feel, I quite liked this place for some reason. They now open all day at weekends.
14 Oct 2018 11:43
The King Edward VII, Longlevens
Ember Inn's establishment in Longlevens that has an entry in the current Good Beer Guide. Ember Inn's pubs aim at the family market, trying to attract drinkers and diners. It is similar to the nearby Greyhound and other than their own labelled ale from Black Sheep, they do stock a range of national guests. Bath Gem is apparently a regular here. Others were Purity Ubu, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Banks's Sunbeam & Sharp's Atlantic. Whilst you're always assured of a real ale here, I struggle to appreciate the surroundings. Their pubs always have very little character. Ok, but nothing out of the ordinary.
14 Oct 2018 11:38
Marston's pub in a local shopping precinct in the Longlevens area of Gloucester. It's actually quite cosy inside and is designed to meet the need of local drinkers, diners and families doing a bit of both. From the outside it looks quite old. But this is still a fairly new build. So it lacks character inside. 6 ales were on - Banks's Bitter & Sunbeam, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Wells Bombardier Glorious English, Ringwood Razor Back & Marston's Pedigree & 61 Deep.
14 Oct 2018 11:34
A pub that has been modernised and that is clearly aimed at the passing dining trade. But nevertheless, this was my second favourite pub of the day. There are a couple of rooms. Both seem to cater for diners. But the bar area can also be used for drinkers like ourselves. Wye Valley HPA & Butty Bach are the regular ales. There was also a guest, which was Windrush Ale from the North Cotswold Brewery. 3 fruit ciders are from Lilley's - Mango, Pear & Raspberry and Apple & Blackberry. Since the picture above, the pub is now clad in ivy, which had turned an autumn red colour.
14 Oct 2018 11:28
Fantastic pub. It is approached down a narrow line past a tithe barn. It appears though you're heading into a farmyard. But right at the end, as far as you can go before driving into the River Severn, is this delightful rural pub. It's very olde worlde inside with a main bar area where a few locals were congregated and a couple of other rooms. Outdoors are several covered areas that resemble an antiques yard. Whilst there are only 3 real ales served, there were a total of 14 real ciders. The ales were Battledown Pale Ale, Clavell & Hind Rook Wood & Lakehouse Cherry Chocolate Porter. Ciders were Fisher's Dry, Mango, Strawberry & Lime, Pomegranate & Orange & Perry, Cotswold Cider Company Hornblower & Muscle Mary, Millwhites Strawberry Cider, Gwynt y Ddraig Fiery Fox, Hartland's Traditional Farmhouse, Out of the Orchard Medium Cider & Perry & Severn Cider Medium & Special. I could have quite happily stayed all day in this pub and got thoroughly sozzled. But there were other new places to try. This will be only the 7th pub I have scored a maximum 10/10, as I struggled to fault it. Well worth seeking out.
14 Oct 2018 11:22
The Bricklayers Arms, Leicester
Corner pub that is on the rugby and football stadium side of the city. It's a bit basic and many were watching live football. The ale range does not vary. It was Theakston Welford Road Ale, Fuller's London Pride & Thwaite's Wainwright. There are better pubs around. But at least I can say I've tried it now.
7 Oct 2018 16:06
We were intending to visit the Criterion and the nearby Blue Boar on our trip to Leicester. We'd had quite a few in the Blue Boar and enjoyed it last year. But this time we stayed put in the Criterion. Service wasn't the friendliest and we were served out of turn. But the ale selection is still good - Oakham Bishop's Farewell, Inferno, Green Devil IPA & Black Hole Porter, Salopian Kashmir, Dhillon's Napa, Framework Sinker Stout, Arbor Meg's Bomb & Atom Schrodinger's Cat. Ciders were Weston's Old Rosie & Charnwood Jason. The latter was a new one for me. Traditional pub that may not be the best in Leicester these days. But I have a feeling I've still to visit a better pub or two in the city.
7 Oct 2018 16:02
We tried this place yesterday after seeing it in the new Good Beer Guide. Unfortunately it was nowhere near as good as Broood. So we'd wished we'd done these 2 the other way round. Ales were Thwaite's Lancaster Bomber, Blue Monkey BG Sips, Marston's Old Empire, Frothblowers Piffle Stonker & Milestone Shine On & Oktoberfest. Ciders were all from Lilley's - Mango Cider, Strawberry Cider & Rum Cider. I asked for the Rum Cider. But there was an overwhelming taste of pipe cleaner with perhaps a hint of mango. I've still no idea if it was the correct cider. Ales weren't in the best condition either. A good CAMRA discount is offered though and the long, thin interior of the pub allows for plenty of space with a mixture of drinkers, families and diners. There is a pool table at the far end. A touch disappointing.
7 Oct 2018 15:52
We'd been here before when it was called something else. Now there is a decent selection of real ale and the décor is much improved. Bar snacks are served. Ales were Langton Union Wharf, Lytham Radler, Belvoir Dark Horse, North Pale, Elephant School Peasant's Revolt, Oakham Inferno & Shiny New World. Ciders were Gwynt y Ddraig Welsh Warrior, Weston's Old Rosie & Lilley's Mango Cider. I stuck to the cider on my first visit. But I did also have the Dark Horse later when we returned. Friends raved about the North Pale. A massive improvement on what was here before and somewhere we're likely to return to again next time we're in Leicester.
7 Oct 2018 15:45
The Tabard is still just about the best pub in Chiswick. It's tucked just around the corner from Turnham Green tube station. There's a decent selection of ales - Greene King Abbot & IPA, Truman's Swift & Waterloo Sunset, Sambrook's Junction & Powerhouse Porter & St Austell Tribute. There were also 2 real ciders - Weston's Old Rosie & Lilley's Strawberry Cider. They offer a CAMRA discount, but apparently not on the cider. The clientele were a bit rowdy and the atmosphere was noisy in general. But a fairly decent place.
7 Oct 2018 15:38
The Packhorse and Talbot, Chiswick
Greene King pub on the main drag in Chiswick. It's a fairly large place with plenty of space for drinkers. Live Premier League football was being shown on my Friday evening visit. Greene King IPA was supplemented y Wimbledon Common Pale & Red Leaf, Black Sheep Best Bitter & Truman's Runner. Probably one of Chiswick's better pubs. But nothing special in the grand scheme of things.
7 Oct 2018 15:34
This place has re-opened as No. 197 Chiswick Fire Station. It's an upmarket gastropub that was quite busy on our Friday evening visit. There is an oval shaped bar in the centre with an open-plan kitchen and seating for diners at the rear. The solitary ale was London Pride. Not my cup of tea.
7 Oct 2018 15:29
This place has long been on my hitlist of Liverpool pubs. It is back open again and is one of quite a few pubs and bars along this stretch of Smithdown Road. We had been to the excellent Handyman Supermarket and equally good Craft Taproom, with a visit to the disappointing Frank's in between. Kelly's Dispensary has an aged feel to it, with a bit of faded splendour. Champions League football was on the TV. JW Lees Bitter was supplemented by Sharp's Doom Bar & Weetwood Pale. The Weetwood beer was undrinkable. So we both ended up with the Lees Bitter, which was fairly decent. There is also an Addlestones pump. But the barmaid proclaimed this to be off. Not the best of places. But there's plenty of other decent pubs along here to make this a worthy stop on a crawl along the Smithdown Road.
3 Oct 2018 21:25
After a visit to the Three Piggies on nearby Allerton Road (I will request that to be added), I made a return visit to the Dovedale Towers after a 20+ year hiatus. The interior and exterior of this place is to be admired and the real ale selection is better than I had expected. Jenning's Cumberland Ale is generally on, with 3 guests, which were Wells Bombardier Glorious English, Salopian Oracle & Hogsback TEA. Sadly it looks like the real cider mentioned in the last review has been discontinued.
3 Oct 2018 21:08
Still a reliable old boozer in the Cavern Quarter. Stopped in here for a swift half yesterday afternoon. It was fairly quiet, with only 3 others in. Although we didn't venture any further than the front bar. Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Bass appear to be the regular ales these days. Guests were Moorhouses Pride of Pendle, Purity Mad Goose & Otter Bitter.
3 Oct 2018 21:00
Paddington Packet Boat, Uxbridge
Closed last week and it's now boarded up ready for demolition and the building of yet more houses.
1 Oct 2018 20:40
Food-dominated place next to the canal. Beware of a 3 hour limit for parking, with cameras enforcing the restriction. Ales were Doom Bar, London Pride & Proper Job. But the focus is on the food and drinkers are ushered to the small seating area around the bar. We had Sunday lunch, which was fine, albeit on the expensive side.
1 Oct 2018 20:39
The Three Compasses, Chelmsford
This was my 9th port of call in Essex and I'd been to a wide selection of pubs and clubs. But this was the kind of establishment I enjoy the most - a nice cosy and traditional country pub. It's only small. But seating was available. Others in had seemingly eaten earlier in the evening. As with the previous review in 2011, there are still just the two real ales. But the choice is more adventurous and local these days. The regular beer is Bishop Nick Ridley's Rite. The guest beer was Mighty Oak Captain Bob. It looks like the same landlady is in charge and as the previous customer had ordered the Captain Bob from her, I decided to follow suit. But unfortunately, it was way past its best. Picking up a copy of the local CAMRA magazine here, I read that it had received the Silver award for a Bitter in CAMRAs beer of the year competition. But not on this showing it wasn't. Incidentally, CAMRA appears to have got their choice of pubs in nearby Galleywood very wrong too. The Eagle is in the current Good Beer Guide. But it was absolutely awful, whereas the nearby Horse & Groom hasn't been in the Good Beer Guide since 2006. But it was excellent. Neither are listed on BITE. I will request the latter to be added to the site. Enter the former at your peril, unless you enjoy a lager in a raucous atmosphere with a disco populated with drunken youths! Despite the less than perfect beer quality in the Three Compasses, I would definitely recommend a visit here.
30 Sep 2018 11:40
The Old Windmill, South Hanningfield
I was surprised to see a Brunning & Price pub in this out-of-the-way place near to Hanningfield Reservoir. It's clearly very food-focused. As a drinker, I wasn't made to feel particularly welcome. There is no seating area as such set aside for drinkers. In fact, I sat in an area of tables already reserved for Sunday lunchtime diners. Four ales were on - St Austell Brunning & Price Traditional Bitter, Mighty Oak Kings & Maldon Gold & Brentwood Best. I left with pretty much the same sentiments as the previous reviewer. Not worth your time unless you're eating.
30 Sep 2018 11:30
This is a food-oriented pub to the south of Chelmsford in a rural setting. We initially walked into the restaurant area, where the bar was looking pretty sparse. We exited and walked round the pub to the busier bar area. Unfortunately our plans to eat here seemed to flounder initially as children were not allowed in after 6pm. But staff eventually let us bring our charge in with us. The regular ales are Greene King IPA & Crouch Vale Brewer's Gold. The guest beer was Wibbler's Dengie IPA. We enjoyed a nice pub meal in here. It's clearly a popular place.
30 Sep 2018 11:24
This pub is based in a complex dominated by a large antiques centre. The River Crouch is just over the road and this weatherboarded pub makes it quite a picturesque scene. There were a number of staff around when we entered. But all of them decided to ignore us for a few minutes. An initial idea to eat here was rejected by the lack of any kind of welcome. Ales were Greene King IPA, Abbot & London Glory & Crouch Vale Brewer's Gold. Drinks were inordinately expensive. Our round for two came to £4.95. On handing the barmaid a £10 note, the barmaid asked if I'd got the 5p. I duly obliged and received just £5 change. Clearly Essex youngsters are not sufficiently skilled in mathematics! £5.05 for half of cider and a soft drink poured from a £1 carton from the fridge is a bit of a rip off. We left this pretentious place behind in search of a decent pub. Incidentally, I later noted that a micropub has opened in the Antiques Centre complex. I'm sure that is a far better option.
30 Sep 2018 11:19
South Benfleet Social Club, Benfleet
Fifth stop on our Essex crawl was this excellent social club. It ended up being my favourite stop of the day. The interior has two rooms either side of the central bar, with one seemingly used as a function room. The main bar area was comfortable and cosy, with a number of friendly locals. Staff were also pleasant. The Chelsea match was on a TV at one end. Unlike most other local pubs, this place served something different from Greene King IPA & Doom Bar. The range was Maldon A Drop Of Nelson's Blood & Puck's Folly, Leigh-On-Sea Two Island & Mighty Oak Explorer. Weston's Family Reserve was also available in a box in the fridge. I recommend this place, if you ever find yourself in South Benfleet.
30 Sep 2018 11:11
This is a Greene King pub close to South Benfleet station. It was packed on our early Saturday evening visit with some rowdy Essex locals, both young and old. Some may have found the atmosphere a little intimidating. Football was showing on the TV. There were plenty of bar staff. But getting served was a challenge. Greene King IPA is a regular beer. Guests were Morland Old Speckled Hen, Sharp's Doom Bar & Wadworth Swordfish. There's a nice garden area just over the opposite side of the car park, which is pay and display.
30 Sep 2018 11:06
The Gun was last in the Good Beer Guide in 2016. But it appears to have gone downhill since then. The interior is fairly bland and characterless and the garden has been closed off. Sharp's Doom Bar is the regular ale. Guests were Wadworth 6X & Hancock's HB. There is no real cider and bar staff didn't seem to know what a real cider was. Can't see this one staying open for much longer.
30 Sep 2018 11:01
The Moon On The Square was our second stop in Basildon yesterday, following the Basildon Sports & Social Club on the northern outskirts. This is of course a Wetherspoon's pub on the edge of the Eastgate Shopping Centre and near to both the railway and bus stations. The area feels a little dilapidated. But the Moon On The Square is a typical old 'spoon's with an open-plan interior. Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best are the regular beers. Guests are Sharp's Doom Bar, Ringwood Forty Nine, Sambrook's Junction & Prescott Grand Prix. Ciders were Black Dragon & Old Rosie. There were the usual mix of daytime Wetherspoon's miscreants. But this was one of only 2 places where I found real cider in this part of Essex. So it does deserve some credit.
30 Sep 2018 10:57
I was back in the Pheasant for another works do on Friday evening. The place was heaving as usual. There's a mixture of locals and people staying in the airport hotels. The ale choice is now down to just two - Pride & Doom Bar. I stuck to Aspall's Cider. We migrated to the restaurant area which opens at 6pm. The food is always reliable here and portions are large. It's not cheap though. You can also eat in the bar, if you can find a table. Probably the best pub in the Heathrow area. But it doesn't really have much competition.
30 Sep 2018 10:49
I remember going in a pub on the Bath Road many years ago. I'm not sure if it was this one or not. But I think this was in fact my first visit here. It's quite a large pub with a seating area set aside to the rear left-hand side of the bar for dining. However early on a Friday evening, it was mainly drinkers. This is a John Barras pub. So Greene King IPA is the regular ale. Additional ales were Greene King Abbot & Sharp's Doom Bar. There is no real cider. Pretty disappointing place. But I did at least get a CAMRA discount.
30 Sep 2018 10:46
The Sussex Arms still gets my vote as one of the best pubs in London. We were here on Thursday and both the inside and the large garden at the rear were busy when we arrived. It actually got busier throughout the evening, which made service slower than usual. Ales on when I arrived were Mad Squirrel London Porter, Big Smoke Dark Wave, Bedlam Benchmark, Beatniks Republic Leather Soul, Windsor & Eton Eton Boatman, DBC Dorset Knob, West Berkshire Maharaja IPA, Thornbridge Honey Dew Melon, Arbor Piccolina, Gloucester No Coffee No Workee, Burning Sky Aurora & Thameside White Swan. Whilst I started on the cider, some of the ales we initially ordered in our group were cloudy and well past their best. Whether they were having issues with the beer quality or whether it was the volume they were getting through, I don't know. But beers were changing at a rapid rate. By the time we left, 7 ales had been poured through - Five Points Pale, Pig & Porter Hibiscus Pale Too Many Dicks On the Dancefloor, Welton's It's Time For A Hoedown, Kent Cobnut, Oakham Elephant In The Whirlpool, Windsor & Eton British Champion's Day Ale & Wild Weather Storm In A Teacup. Beer quality certainly improved as the evening wore on. Ciders were Ascension Sonic Titan, Sandford Orchards Devon Mist, Abrahall's Thundering Molly, Cotswold Cider Company Freak Show, Seacider White Peach & Cornwall Cider Company Apple Slayer. Thursday is steak night. So we took advantage of a steak deal which included a pint. Don't forget to get your stamps too. Get every 10th pint free. Another good evening in the Sussex Arms.
30 Sep 2018 10:41
Visited here for the first time early on Thursday evening. I was surprised to find 4 ales. The regular ale is Fuller's London Pride. But they also had Twickenham Naked Ladies & Caledonian Golden XPA & Autumn Red. We tried both of the Caledonian beers and neither were in a particularly good condition. Didn't spend much time inside, as we sat outside on the patio at the front. But the interior did seem nice enough. Didn't inspire me sufficiently to attempt a return visit.
30 Sep 2018 10:28
I'm fairly sure that this was the first pub I've visited in N11. Situated nextdoor to Arnos Grove tube station, this is a large establishment with a modern but not unpleasant interior, which now serves real ales. The two ales were both from Redemption - Hotspur & Trinity. But there was also a real cider that I'd not had before - Snail's Bank Gooseberry Fool. There are plenty of craft beers too. Most of the clientele seemed to be families in for Sunday brunch. It was still morning on my visit. So it was probably not the most representative time. But there was only one other drinker. I'd definitely come back here though. Moved on from here to the Little Green Dragon in Winchmore Hill and the Prince in Wood Green. Neither are listed on here. But they are recommended. So I will request their addition.
24 Sep 2018 20:41
The Moon Under Water, Colindale
Sunday morning and it was time to do the new pubs in the 2019 Good Beer Guide that I had not previously visited in North London. The Moon Under Water is situated in a parade of shops in Colindale on the main Edgware Road. I was here for a breakfast and an early pint. Greene King Abbot is the regular ale. But there are 4 guests - Enefeld London Pale Ale & Speculation, Twickenham Autumn Red and a Wadworth collaboration porter called Naked Bliss. I opted for the latter. The solitary barman was very efficient and was dealing with a fair few customers for the time of day. Food arrived quickly. Another plus point is for the ground floor toilets. It's very rare that you don't have to go up or down stairs to spend a penny in a 'Spoons. Fairly average Wetherspoon's that would be above average in my view if they served a real cider. But there's probably not much call for it locally.
24 Sep 2018 20:33
Final stop in Dorset on Saturday evening for us was the White Lion at Bourton. Luckily for us, we had saved the best pub of the day until last. It's fairly close to the A303. So you will unwittingly travel very close to here without knowing it when driving between London and the West Country. It's a fairly large, but traditional place with areas for both drinking and dining. Despite arriving fairly late, they fitted us in for a meal and I enjoyed a very nice meal. There is a children's meal too. Otter Amber is the regular ale. There were 3 guests - Dartmoor Jail Ale, Exmoor Fox & Keystone Bedrock. Ciders were Rich's Farmhouse & Thatcher's Traditional. The bill was handed over without the drinks on. Staff seemed surprised and appreciative of my honesty to point this out. But they had been friendly and helpful during our visit. So I was not about to fiddle them out of a few quid. Lovely place.
24 Sep 2018 20:23
The Stapleton Arms, Gillingham
Village pub with a bar area and a more formal dining area. There are plenty of tables. But we felt that it had a real pretentious feel to it. Although it was more upmarket than other pubs we had visited during the day. The 3 ales were Sharp's Doom Bar & Atlantic & Plain Ales Innocence. I went for the latter, with no real cider available. The place soon filled up with diners. But we took a look at the menu and decided that it was not for us. There were a number of dogs too - far too many for our liking. Boules can now be played at the front. Not overly enamoured with this pub though.
24 Sep 2018 20:16
I had really high hopes for this pub. But once again, my hopes were shattered. The place is a great old fashioned boozer with a few different spit and sawdust rooms, including one with a pool table at the far end. The menu looked interesting. But food is only served at lunchtime. The disappointment for me was the ale selection. I ordered Teignworthy Neap Tide. But that had run out. That left just St Austell Trelawny. I resorted to a fizzy cider (Rattler). Otter Bitter was later pulled through. But with just one real ale on my arrival, the ale selection was worse than Mad Dog's opposite. Lovely pub. But a terrible ale selection. If this is the best Sherborne has to offer, I won't be returning any time soon.
24 Sep 2018 20:11
Sherborne is a lovely little town. But it's pretty awful for real ale. This place is now called Mad Dog's and is set out similar to an American diner. However it did have 2 ales, which were Spitfire & Deuchars. Live football was on the TV. Doesn't really feel like a pub. Disappointing.
24 Sep 2018 20:05
The Chetnole Inn was another bonus pub for us in Dorset. But this was another disappointment. Ales were Butcombe Gold & Adam Henson's Rare Breed, Wriggle Valley Golden Bear & Ringwood Forty Niner. The cider was Cheddar Valley dispensed from a font.. But the barmaid informed me that it was fizzy. So I politely declined. We were the only customers and we sat in the lounge/dining area. Several tables had dinner reservations laid out on them. There is another separate bar area.
24 Sep 2018 20:01
With two pubs in Sherborne closed, it was time to call in on a couple of standby pubs! The first was the White Hart in Yetminster, which is open all day on a Saturday. I was suitably impressed by this place, especially the cider range. Ales were Wriggle Valley Golden Bear, Palmer's Dorset Gold & Fine Tuned Langport Bitter. Ciders were Harry's Flash Harry & Scrummage, Dorset Nectar Old Harry Rocks & Ham Hill Cider Bop Drop. A number of locals were crowded around the bar, leaving plenty of seating space. There is a nice outdoor area with a skittles alley also situated at the rear. Recommended.
24 Sep 2018 19:55
Touring the country regularly, Dorset is my favourite county for pubs. But this visit was largely disappointing, until I reached the Kings Arms. Finally a pub that offered a warm welcome with friendly staff and customers. It was quiet on our Saturday afternoon visit, with only a couple of customers and a few staff. Sharp's Doom Bar is the regular ale. The 3 changing ales were Cerne Abbas Ale, Palmer's Copper & Cotleigh New Harvest. After two dry pubs for real cider, I also hit lucky with Dorset Orchards First Press. This is everything that a good village pub should be.
24 Sep 2018 19:49
The White Hart, Bishops Caundle
Set on the bend of a main road, this pub has a bar area and a separate dining area. It was a bit chilly inside. A family eating in one corner were creating a fair amount of noise and there were a couple of locals in the bar area. There is plenty of seating. The 3 ales were Trelawny, Hophead & 6X, whilst there was no real cider. Another disappointing pub.
24 Sep 2018 19:42
Set in a lovely Dorset village, this place looked very promising from the outside. But the inside has been modernised and the strange and varied furniture didn't seem in keeping with a village pub. There was abstract artwork on the walls. The real ale was Dartmoor Best Bitter and there was no real cider. Two locals were propping up the bar. But they were the only other customers. The gents is outside and entered from the side of the pub. I'm not sure I've ever witnessed so many spiders in one small place. Accommodation is in separate outhouses at the rear of the car park. I found this a fairly soulless place and am really struggling to find too much to recommend about it. Not quite sure how it has made the 2019 Good Beer Guide.
24 Sep 2018 18:21
This pub on the edge of town changed its name to the Teddy Rowe. But it is closed again now. There was a light on inside. But various rubble in the car park and a chain across the car park entrance was sufficient to indicate to us that it wouldn't be opening for custom on the day of our visit.
24 Sep 2018 18:15
The Crown was closed on our Saturday lunchtime visit. It looks like they're looking for new tenants.
24 Sep 2018 18:13
Lovely village local that opens at 11:30. We chose this as a starting point for a 10-pub Dorset crawl, as many (including this one) close during the afternoon. We arrived to find the lights switched off. We were the first in and it was deadly quiet. Ales were Sharp's Doom Bar, Hopback Summer Lightning & Dartmoor Best. But I was more impressed with the cider range - Lilley's Somerset Scrumpy, Red Rabbit & Mango Cider, along with Dorset Nectar Old Harry Rocks. 3 other locals walked in. A couple were in for lunch and another guy was obviously a local drinker. You enter through a hallway, which feels like somebody's house. Beyond is the bar and a restaurant area. One of the best pubs we visited on Saturday.
24 Sep 2018 18:09
As the 2008 review states, this is no longer a pub featuring local Tirril ales. It's now a Robinson's place, which seems to be more geared up towards food. Drinks are very expensive. Nice place though with low ceilings and a number of rooms. Dizzy Blonde & Cumbria Way were the two real ales.
17 Sep 2018 20:13
Olde worlde pub tucked away off the main road in the village of Yanwath. Seems to specialise in food. But they had a selection of pale ales - Tractor Shed Mowdy Pale Ale, Eden Fuggle & Appleby Haweswater Blonde. I was hoping to find a real cider. But there were none. At least the barman was an Everton fan though!
17 Sep 2018 20:10
Wetherspoon's branch unusually tucked away from the centre of Penrith and all of its nightlife. The building looks nice from the outside. Apparently it used to be a nightclub. Inside is fairly bland. There is a roof terrace upstairs. Ales were Sharp's Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Thwaite's Wainwright, Settle Epic IPA & Derwent Grune Point. The cider was Old Rosie. Had a reasonable breakfast here on Sunday evening. It was a good chance to use a CAMRA voucher.
17 Sep 2018 20:06
Thwaite's pub that advertises on its Facebook page as being open until 1am on a Saturday night. However they wouldn't serve me shortly after 11:30pm. So no beerintheevening means a 1/10 from me for this place.
17 Sep 2018 20:01
Just found this pub on the site. It was my third stop in Penrith on Saturday evening. This was a lively place, supposedly with late night opening hours. Yet it is also a nice, traditional place. Unfortunately there were no local ales. The selection was Wye Valley HPA or Otter Ale. Although a third one was being poured through at 11:30pm. They also had Weston's Old Rosie.
17 Sep 2018 19:59
Foundry 34 was a lively place tucked away off the main drags in Penrith. There was a rather loud band on during my late Saturday night visit. It's a modern-looking place with a solitary real ale. This was Hesket Newmarket Brim Fell IPA. I was hoping to find real cider here. But sadly there was none. Moved on from here to the Royal, which was much better. I will request it to be added. My final pub after that was the Castlegate. But that's definitely not worth adding to the site!
17 Sep 2018 19:55
This is now the Fell Bar. It was my favourite pub/bar of 23 new establishments tried over the weekend. It's a small place, with not much space for seating. But there are other floors and the turnover of customers was quick. Beers, both cask and keg are on a blackboard, alongside ciders, a craft lager and ciders. The cask ales from Fell were Ghyll, Robust Porter & Nelson & Chinook. Guests were Allendale Summit Single, RedWillow Effortless & Northern Moon Faith. The 3 ciders were Snail's Bank Fruit Bat, Oliver's Dry & Thistly Cross Traditional. Bar staff seemed to be knowledgeable. Reminiscent of a micropub, this is a welcome addition to the pub scene in Penrith and probably the best in town.
17 Sep 2018 19:49
This was the 5th pub in a row in North East Cumbria that was unable to serve us food. Apparently this one stops serving as early as 8pm. Whilst the others were apologetic, service in here was fairly miserable. We ended up resorting to a kebab in Penrith. It's a shame that nowhere around here serves food on a Saturday evening. Thwaite's Wainwright & Tirril Rydal Pale Ale were the ales. There was no real cider. Disappointing.
17 Sep 2018 19:42
The Highland Drove, Great Salkeld
It was dark by the time we got to this village. But you could tell it is an archetypal English village with a lovely stone church and this pub. We'd hoped to eat here. They advertise that they serve food from 6pm until 9pm. But shortly after 8pm, they had decided that they didn't want any customers. After failing to find food in the previous 3 pubs, we'd hoped to get something to eat here. The food smelt good, which only made us feel worse. Onto the beer - Theakston Black Bull Bitter & Eden Kyloe's Kushie were supplemented by Keswick Gold. A nice pub in a lovely village. But they need to get their act together where food is concerned.
17 Sep 2018 19:36
We arrived here well after 7pm on a Saturday evening and the pub was closed. We were just about to head off when a light appeared. Apparently they don't open until 7:30 as the locals don't come out until later. There's no real ale here. The keg selection is Guinness, John Smith's, Kronenbourg & Fosters. The owners still have a lot of work to do with this place. There seems to be work ongoing with a large room at the rear, which contained some strange mannequin-type models. There is a pool table in a room down a couple of stairs from the main bar. Pool is free to play. Although space is tight. Not one for the ale connoisseur. But a friendly village local situated just up from the village's popular open-air heated pool and playground.
17 Sep 2018 19:29
The Fetherston Arms, Kirkoswald
We tried both pubs in this lovely small village, set on a hill. The Fetherston Arms was easily better than the Crown. It had a good crowd of drinkers and the dining area looked full too. There were a few dogs in the bar. Everybody seemed friendly. Theakston Best Bitter is the permanent beer. Guest ales were Lancaster Blonde, Derwent Carlisle State Bitter & Fell Brewery Nelson Chinook. As with the Crown, the real cider was Weston's Family Reserve.
17 Sep 2018 19:25
The Fox and Pheasant Inn, Armathwaite
The Fox & Pheasant enjoys a beautiful setting in the Eden Valley overlooking the river and a stone bridge. It's a country pub with a bar area and a separate dining area. A roaring coal fire was in action on our early Saturday evening visit. There were a few locals in the bar and a couple of families in the dining room. It's run by Robinson's. There are 3 of their ales and a guest. The 3 Robinson's ales were Cumbria Way, Dizzy Blonde & Unicorn. The guest was Hawkshead Windermere Pale. There was no real cider. Nice pub.
17 Sep 2018 19:19
Our final pub in Durham was the Cross Keys. It's a pub that is clearly central to the local community. A group of kids wandered in for fish and chips to takeaway. Inside is quite cosy, with several secluded areas. A few people were eating in one corner. The latest Saturday football scores were on the TV. Maxim Swedish Blonde & Consett Ale Works Red Dust were the two real ales.
17 Sep 2018 19:14
The Surtees Arms was our 9th County Durham pub after visiting the nearby Manor House in Ferryhill itself (not listed on here). This pub is the brewery tap for the Yard of Ale brewery. 3 of their ales were on - One Foot in the Yard, Devil's Last Intake & Four Hop Gold. There was no real cider. The pub doesn't look much from the outside. But inside, there is a decent community local with 3 rooms and a serving hatch from a central corridor. Some kind of group was meeting in the one room. Friendly service and a very nice traditional boozer.
17 Sep 2018 19:10
I agree with the previous review. This is a proper village boozer with three small rooms and a decent selection of ales. Parking is just opposite the road, overlooking rolling fields. The pub has no music or other electronics. It specialises in conversation. Locals and staff are friendly. The ale selection was Yard of Ale Savage Wit, Brentwood Gold, Maxim Samson, Rudgate Valkyrie APA & Mithril Walking On Sunshine. I went for the Savage Wit, which was a dark wheat bear with orange. It was not the best and tasted on the turn. Can't fault the pub itself though.
17 Sep 2018 19:05
Stanley Jefferson, Bishop Auckland
The Stanley Jefferson was the last of 5 pubs I tried on Friday evening in Bishop Auckland. It ended up being my favourite pub in the town. As it's a Wetherspoon's, that doesn't say too much for the pubs in the town. The pub has a little more character than most branches of the chain, with several separate drinking areas, rather than one large open room. It was quiet on my late Friday night visit. Ales were Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Summerskills Whistle Belly Vengeance, Purple Moose Dark Side of the Moose, Tyne Bank EPA & Mauldon's Black Adder. Ciders were Weston's Old Rosie & Snail's Bank Rhubarb Cider.
17 Sep 2018 18:58
The Grand Hotel was the first of 6 pubs I visited in Bishop Auckland on Friday evening and Saturday lunchtime. It's a fairly basic pub inside. But locals and staff are friendly. Karaoke was on during my Friday visit. The landlord spent a good while chatting to me about the pubs in the town. The pub has accommodation. But unfortunately, I'd booked the Premier Inn on the outskirts of town. The Grand is near the station and much more central. Two handpulls were clipped with George Samuel Brewing Company Harvey & Yard of Ale Four Gold Hop. But a better surprise for me were the 3 real ciders - Weston's Old Rosie, Lilley's Mango Cider & Sandford Orchards Cider Ginger. This was certainly one of the better pubs in the town. I also visited the Station Hotel, the Green Tree, the Bay Horse and Pollards. None of these are listed on the site. The last two are the only two worth adding.
17 Sep 2018 18:22
Was here today following a visit to the nearby Beefeater and some shopping. Little has changed. Although it was a little quieter than normal. We managed to grab a booth in the raised seating area at the rear. Ales today were Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Purity Ubu, Purple Moose Dark Side of the Moose, Peerless Full Whack, Whitstable Kentish Reserve & Upham Autumn Leaves. As usual, the cider was Black Dragon.
9 Sep 2018 18:55
Our final stop in Devon was the Royal Oak. It took us much longer to get here than normal, as the main road into the village was closed. Whilst it was already dark, we could appreciate that this was the archetypal village pub situated in the centre of the village overlooking the village green. There is a lounge bar which served food and a more basic and traditional public bar. Staff were friendly. 3 regular beers are Dartmoor Jail Ale & Meavy Oak Ale & St Austell Proper Job. The guest beer was Otter Amber. Ciders were Hunt's Wobbler & Barn Screecher & Sandford Orchards Old Kirton. They also had Black Rat Perry. Certainly a very nice pub. But I did have high expectations after reading reviews.
4 Sep 2018 21:22
The Rock was a strange find in this part of Devon. It's a large place with a number of big rooms, with an outdoor area at the front where you can get your ale from a hatch. Looked fairly upmarket. But it was certainly busy. Ales were fairly standard for the area. Sharp's Doom Bar & Dartmoor Jail Ale & Legend were supplemented by Bay's Summer Ale.
4 Sep 2018 21:17
I was disappointed by this pub. It has a large interior and was quite busy. A few were eating. There is also a garden area with a children's play area. The ale selection does not change and consists of local staples - Dartmoor Jail Ale, Otter Amber, St Austell Tribute & Sharp's Doom Bar. I'm surprised this is in the 2018 Good Beer Guide.
4 Sep 2018 21:12
The Walkhampton Inn, Yelverton
This was easily the best of 22 pubs I visited in Devon and Cornwall over the weekend. We missed it at first. The signs are currently hidden by scaffolding. But it is right in the centre of this quaint Dartmoor village. Parking is limited. New owners have taken over the pub and seem to be making a real go of it. The pub could certainly do with a small makeover. But I couldn't fault the ale and cider selection and the food was pretty decent too. It seemed to be enjoying a good local custom. Ales were Dartmoor Legend, Exeter County Best & Roam Tavy IPA. But it was the cider selection that impressed me most. There were a number of boxes at the one end of the bar. Although I think they were left over from a cider festival held the previous weekend of the August Bank Holiday. They had Sandford Orchards Old Kirton, Countyman Farm Scrumpy Medium, Cornwall Cider Company Rhubarb & Custard, Winkleigh Sam's Autumn Scrumpy & Fruity Blackcurrant, Lilley's Pickled Parrot Perry & Orchard Pig Navel Gazer. The décor is simple and traditional. There is a small garden at the rear. Lovely pub, worthy of an 8/10.
4 Sep 2018 21:08
The Trout and Tipple, Tavistock
I wasn't convinced that this pub would be open during the late afternoon. It advertises as being closed. But we dropped by and found it open. There were only 2 other customers. The owners seemed friendly enough though. The pub has a bar area and a similar sized restaurant area. The car park and trout farm are opposite. Take care if crossing the road, as cars come around the bend quite rapidly. Ales were Dartmoor Jail Ale, Otter Bright & St Austell Tribute. But there was no real cider. Moved on from here to the Whitchurch Inn, which was on the opposite side of Tavistock and is not listed on here.
4 Sep 2018 21:00
Fourth pub on a Sunday visit to West Devon was the Castle Inn. This is a delightful small village with a castle, a church and a nearby gorge owned by the National Trust. The Castle is owned by St Austell. It's a nice place with a decent size garden at the rear. Having just come from Cornwall though, I was sick of the sight of Sharps & St Austell ales. Tribute, Proper Job & Trelawny are served alongside a guest ale, which was Bath Summer's Hare. I had the Trelawny, which was ok until a wasp decided to do a front crawl in it. Ironically the first 3 pubs we tried were all better. I've requested that the Ashwater Inn, the Pint & Post, St Giles on the Heath and the Blue Lion Inn at Lewdown are added to the site.
4 Sep 2018 20:53
Last stop in Penzance on Saturday night was the appropriately named First & Last. This pub is a fairly cosy place for drinkers. But it feels a bit out on a limb and was very quiet on what should presumably be its busiest time of the week. I was the only person in the one bar. But there were a few more in a lounge. The solitary ale was Keltek Magik, which was quite a nice way to finish.
3 Sep 2018 19:52
The Fountain was open on my visit this weekend. It was a fair slog uphill from the Crown and was another bonus pub where I was hoping to find a few ciders. Alas, the best I could manage was Rattler. It was quite busy with people watching golf. Ales were St Austell Tribute, Sharp's Doom Bar & Rebel Gold. Not really worth the walk uphill from town.
3 Sep 2018 19:48
The Crown is the only remaining Penzance pub in the Good Beer Guide. It's tucked away just off a main street on the corner of a square. Run by the Cornish Crown brewery, all of the ales were from the brewery - One Hop Grain, SPA, Red IPA, Porter, IPA & Causeway. It's only a small pub with a bar and an ever smaller side room. Customers were a strange mix. The pub had a bohemian type feel. Nice place. But my Porter was only fairly average.
3 Sep 2018 19:45
I agree with the last reviewer. Whilst there are generally better pubs than Wetherspoon's in most towns I visit, this was actually my favourite pub in Penzance. It's not much to look at from the outside and I'm never encouraged by the sight of bouncers. But this place was packed, with a usual mix of elderly drinkers, diners and younger people starting their night out. Ales were the standard offering of Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar, with guests - Bay's Topsail, Banks's Red Racer & Grafton Caramel Stout. I'd also finally located ciders other than Old Rosie in Cornwall. It was 1 of only 12 pubs with anything other than the Herefordshire staple. The selection was Thatcher's Traditional, Sandford Orchards Hangy Downs, Polgoon Mount's Bay & Winkleigh Sam's Medium. A very nice pint was consumed with a 50p off CAMRA voucher!
3 Sep 2018 19:41
The Turk's Head was a bonus pub for me that I'd not planned on visiting. Just a few doors up from the more famous Admiral Benbow, the Turk's Head is actually older and a little less pretentious. It was very busy on my Saturday evening visit, with all food tables occupied and people spilling outside. I managed to grab a stool at the bar. Ales were Sharp's Doom Bar, Skinner's Hops n Honey & Betty Stogs & Timothy Taylor Landlord. Cider was Old Rosie. Friendly service.
3 Sep 2018 19:36
Strange place that certainly wins the award for most quirky pub in Penzance. It has many different seating areas and many many naval artefacts around the walls and ceilings. But the ale selection is disappointing. The eponymous Sharp's Doom Bar & St Austell Tribute were accompanied by Treen's Essential. I went for the Treen's ale. But the seating I selected was fairly uncomfortable and it was next to a group of rugby fans who'd clearly consumed a few too many. Worthy of a visit to admire the interior. But don't expect anything special ale-wise.
3 Sep 2018 19:33
Strange pub, just off the seafront in Penzance. I've never seen a crazy golf course in a pub garden before. But I've still got plenty to do! This wasn't a nice enough day to be outside anyway, with fog and drizzle. The concept of spending a penny is still alive and kicking here. Ladies have to take a penny from the bar to spend one. Gents toilets are more accessible. Ales were Sharp's Original & Skinner's Lushington's. We'd hoped to eat here. But they weren't serving food. So we nipped round to the Thai restaurant a couple of doors up. This is a pub that seems to be stuck deep in the past.
3 Sep 2018 19:29
The Pirate Inn was our first stop in Penzance after the nearby Polgoon Cider shop. It's located in the North West outskirts and is a reasonable choice. Having had high hopes of finding real cider in Cornwall, it was the first place I'd visited with any on. Never had an Old Rosie seemed more appealing. It was busy on our early Sunday evening visit with a mixture of drinkers and diners. I'd planned to eat here. But our B & B owner did not recommend it. The idea of tapas did appeal. But we soon found out that they only serve it until 5pm, unless like a couple of locals who walked in after us, you know the owners! Still a nice pub though. Ales were all from Sharp's - Doom Bar, Atlantic & Sea Fury.
3 Sep 2018 19:23
Disappointing local pub not far from Penzance. It has a fairly basic interior. Locals were watching final football scores come through on the TV on our Saturday afternoon visit. A couple of younger ones were playing pool in one corner. The solitary ale was Cotleigh Seahawk. There is no longer any real cider.
3 Sep 2018 19:15
I'd read that the licensing hours of this place are limited to 6-10. But sadly they are even more limited than that now. A sign on the door declares that this is no longer a pub. Whilst it still apparently dispenses cask ales and real cider, it is only served to residents in the B & B. So I guess the selection is much more limited, with a reduced footfall. But unfortunately we were unable to see, as the notice on the door made it quite clear that passing trade is not welcome. 1/10 as there is no longer beerintheevening unless you fancy staying in a small Cornish village a few miles from civilisation.
3 Sep 2018 19:11
Second stop in St Just was the Star. It's a two room village local with seemingly friendly locals and staff. It has a mobile phone policy. Rugby was being shown on the TVs. Ales were the same 3 St Austell ales in the King's Arms over the road - Tribute, Proper Job & Cornish Best. But they did have a guest, which was Bath Gem. Healey's Rattler was on for the wife. Another atmospheric village local and the better of the two we tried in this village.
3 Sep 2018 19:08
Lovely old pub in St Just, just a couple of doors up from the church in the main square. It's a St Austell house. So ale choice was limited to Tribute, Proper Job & Cornish Best. I opted for the latter and wished I hadn't. No reflection on the beer. It's just my thing. There are a number of different sections. Diners appear to use the area at the rear. Quite dark inside. But lots of character, with plenty on the walls to keep you occupied.
3 Sep 2018 19:05
After a long drive to this far corner of Cornwall, we arrived to find this nice village local in former tin mining country. There is a main bar area with a small conservatory overlooking the garden at the rear. Customers were a mixture of locals with their dogs and a few tourists, some of whom were arriving for meals. Ales were Sharp's Doom Bar and a couple of guests from Skinner's - Hops 'N' Honey & Lushington's. No sign of any real cider that I could see. I opted for the Hops 'n' Honey. Not really my cup of tea. Nice pub though.
3 Sep 2018 19:00
After a disappointing visit to a new bar called the Beer Engine, my final port of call for the evening was the Grapes. This is always a reliable venue for a drink after 11pm in Liverpool. It was fairly busy at this time last night, as usual. The interior has been expanded and tidied up. It creates a bright and pleasant drinking environment. Service is quick and the bar staff are knowledgeable. Last night, the ales were Melwood Marmalade Skies, Red Star Grapes IPA, Hawkshead Chapter 11 That Old Rope, Neptune Tatha, Rock The Boat Faith Hope & Charity, Castle Rock Factory No. 6 & Cwrw Ial Pothole Porter. In addition they have a real cider. This is normally Seacider Medium Dry. But they did apparently have a couple of other varieties of Seacider waiting in the cellar. This is fast becoming one of my favourite pubs in Liverpool, as it is consistently good.
30 Aug 2018 19:29
Advertises on its website that it's open until 11:30 on a weekday. Sadly they refused service shortly after 11pm. Downgrading my rating to a 3/10.
30 Aug 2018 19:23
Not the greatest ale selection on a visit last night - George Wright Mark's Mild, Titanic Plum Porter & First Class, Fyne Ales Hurricane Jack, Rat White Rat & Hawkshead Windermere Pale. Still one of the best boozers in the city though.
30 Aug 2018 19:18
The Beer Parlour, Chesterfield
My final stop in Chesterfield was the Beer Parlour. It's a former bottle shop that is now more of a small locals' bar now. It has a fairly rustic feel to it. But it's clearly a popular little place. I can imagine it gets very busy on matchdays. But it's location tucked away off the main Sheffield Road probably saves it from being overwhelmed. Ales on were Double Top Treble 20 & Mad House, Thornbridge Jaipur, Acorn Barnsley Bitter, Axholme Cleethorpe Pale Ale, Abbeydale Deception, Vog Paradigm Shift & Slater's Haka. The cider selection was huge - Lilley's Merry Monkey, Somerset Scrumpy, Lemon & Lime Cider, Rhubarb Cider, Strawberry Cider, Apples & Pears & Apple & Blackberry, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Happy Daze, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask & Broadoak Rum & Raisin. Well worth a trip out of town to Whittington Moor to check it out.
28 Aug 2018 20:36
The Spa Lane Vaults was my preferred Wetherspoon's in Chesterfield. It has a more modern interior than the Portland Arms. But it seemed to be more popular with diners, it's much bigger inside than it first looks, meaning plenty of seating and the ale and cider range was good - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Derventio Barbarian, Beermats Diplomat, Amber Ales Revolution, Welbeck Abbey Cavendish, Sharp's Doom Bar, Weston's Old Rosie, Cock Eyed Pear Mania & Snail's Bank Rhubarb Cider. As with the Portland Arms, there were a few families in.
28 Aug 2018 20:29
The White Swan is currently closed. No sign of life. But the signage is still there.
28 Aug 2018 20:26
The Rutland Arms is situated next to Chesterfield's most famous landmark. But it was very quiet on my Monday evening visit. There are a number of sections and tucked away across what is a reasonably large interior was a grand total of 5 other patrons. The barman looked suitably bored. A 6th customer other than myself did later appear. But he replaced a guy who looked as if he had already had a few too many. The ale selection was decent - Greene King Abbot, Thornbridge Jaipur, Blue Bee Tempest Stout, Castle Rock Elsie Mo, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Sharp's Doom Bar, St Austell Tribute & Abbeydale Doctor Morton's Myar Skikt. The cider was Old Rosie. Cosy place. But could have done with more customers to create a better atmosphere.
28 Aug 2018 20:25
The Market Pub was one of the busier pubs I found in what was a deserted Chesterfield town centre on Bank Holiday Monday evening. There is an L-shaped bar and the interior has a little character. Plenty of people were eating. The burgers looked tempting. A few drinkers were sat outside on the edge of the Market Square. Ales were Greene King Abbot, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Kelham Island Easy Rider, Oakham Citra & Welbeck Abbey Portland Black, Cavendish & Henrietta. Locals seem to enjoy fruit ciders in this town. The selection reflected this - Lilley's Apple & Blackberry Cider & Mango Cider. Probably the best pub right in the town centre.
28 Aug 2018 20:20
The Portland Hotel is a branch of Wetherspoon's in a fairly impressive building just off the Market Square. The interior was fairly bland, as you'd expect and maybe a little smaller than it looks from the outside. It was busy with the usual 'spoons type of customers. Ales were Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Mr Grundy's Lord Kitchener, Welbeck Abbey Cavendish, Derventio Barbarian, Falstaff A Fistful Of Hops, Pheasantry Best Bitter, Beermats Diplomat & Howard Town Monk's Gold. Ciders were both from Weston's - Old Rosie & Marcle Hill. I preferred the other Wetherspoon's in town.
28 Aug 2018 20:15
Chesterfield Alehouse, Chesterfield
The Chesterfield Alehouse is a decent micropub just at the western edge of the town centre. It was reasonably busy on my visit, which made the ground floor seem a little cramped. But there are also a couple of rooms with extra seating upstairs. Ales were Cromarty Happy Chappy, Box Social Sussed, Anarchy Cult Leader, Ashover Poet's Tipple & Brew York Tonkoko Milk Stout & Black Eagle. Ciders were Abrahall's AD, Thistly Cross Traditional, Oliver's Perry, Broadoak Strawberry Cider & Lilley's Mango Cider. In addition, there were 6 craft beers on draft from Bone Machine. Clearly a decent choice for the more discerning drinker in the town.
28 Aug 2018 20:10
The Boythorpe Inn is situated just up from Queen's Park, where there was a funfair on my Bank Holiday Monday visit to the town. It's a Greene King pub. I was expecting it to be a bit more foodie than it was. But in fact, it was full with drinkers, mostly the lager-drinking variety. There were 2 real ales - Greene King IPA and a guest - Robinson's Dizzy Blonde. Seemed a little too rough for my liking. Locals (one was called Lukaku) seemed to be getting ready for the live football on the TV.
28 Aug 2018 20:04
Back in Chesterfield after a 6 year gap, after hearing plenty of positive stories of the ale scene in the town, I started my visit in the Star. This is in the Brampton area to the west of town, where there are some fabulous choices. This is not one of them. Although it did serve Theakston Lightfoot and Ossett Yorkshire Blonde. The pub has a very worn feel to it. But the locals seemed a friendly bunch and there was plenty of banter between them. Most were getting on. Some were playing cards or dominoes in the corner. Not the best place for ales. But a good, honest boozer. Moved on from here to find the Real Ale Corner closed for the weekend. But I did manage visits to the excellent Tap House (Barlow Brewery) and the Tramway Tavern (Brampton Brewery). The latter had a beer festival. I also visited the Brampton Manor. None are listed on the site. But I'll request that the Tap House and the Tramway Tavern are added.
28 Aug 2018 19:31
Yesterday was my first ever visit to Bakewell. What a nightmare getting into this town on a Bank Holiday Monday. It's a lovely little town in a picturesque riverside setting. But it does get overwhelmed with tourists. The Peacock was no exception. It took around 15 minutes to get served and all tables were taken. Many were in for lunch. I retreated outside and managed to grab a table, once I'd finally been served. I can imagine this to be a nice and cosy place on a quiet winter's evening. So a summer bank holiday lunchtime may have given a false impression. Ales were Peak Ales Bakewell Best Bitter, Chatsworth Gold & Summer Sovereign & Thornbridge Lord Marples. Moved on from here to the Lamb at Holymoorside, which is not listed on here.
28 Aug 2018 19:22
Goat and Tricycle, Bournemouth
Made a return visit to the Goat & Tricycle yesterday at opening time and in between visiting the Poole Hill Brewery, just around the corner and the nearby All Hail Ale micropub. Neither of those are listed on the site. So I've requested them to be added. The Goat & Tricycle was pretty much as I remember it from my first visit just over 3 years ago. Wadworth ales on were 6X, Horizon, Bishop's Tipple, IPA & Swordfish. There were 2 guests apiece from Brains - Rev James Gold & Original & Lacon's - Falcon & Encore. The cider was Weston's Raspberry Roller, which I'd not had before. A bit out of a way from the centre. But with other decent places opening around here, I'm sure I'll be back. No children are allowed.
26 Aug 2018 12:34
The Drapers Arms, Peterborough
Made an unscheduled stop here yesterday on the way from the Peterborough Beer Festival back to the station. It's a Wetherspoon's about 4-5 minutes walk from the station. Didn't get to see too much. But the interior seemed nice enough. Ales were Grainstore Ten Fifty, Sharp's Doom Bar, Greene King IPA & Abbot, Brewsters Hophead & Marquis, Newby Wyke Wolfpack, Oakham Inferno & Thornbridge Jaipur. Ciders were Weston's Old Rosie & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Will have to make a return visit when a little more sober.
23 Aug 2018 18:29
My final stop in Macclesfield was the Wharf. I was hoping for a real cider. But the landlord revealed that they'd recently stopped stocking it, due to a poor take-up. Nevertheless, there was a good ale selections and he was very keen and knowledgeable about his range. Clearly a man who knows his beers. Butcombe Original is the regular ale. Guests were Oakham JHB, Eyes Dark Harvest, Pentrich Soma & Castle Rock Sound and Vision. I finished with the Dark Harvest. Apparently all of their beers are wheat beers and this one was certainly quite unique and flavoursome. Another place to recommend in Macclesfield.
19 Aug 2018 13:44
Another Robinson's pub tucked away off the main roads on a corner. It was another cosy place with a small bar at the front showing live boxing at a rather loud volume and a slightly larger lounge area. The regular Unicorn & Wizard were supplemented by another Robinson's ale - Blonde, James Blonde. Family friendly pub.
19 Aug 2018 13:40
I was impressed by the Macc. It was quiet on my Saturday evening visit. But the range of ales and ciders was good. I'm surprised it hasn't been in the Good Beer Guide since 2015. Ales were mostly from Wander Beyond. The owner apparently also runs the brewery. There was Peak Pale Ale, Great Rift Milk Stout, Twin Peaks & Daze, alongside Alchemist Ale from Pictish. Ciders were Happy Daze & Black Dragon from Gwynt y Ddraig. They also have a number of craft beers from Wander Beyond, Fell Brewery & RedWillow. There are a couple of large rooms. One has sofas and books. It makes for a comfortable visit. The Milk Stout was very nice indeed. Not sure how we missed this place when we last visited Macclesfield in 2009.
19 Aug 2018 13:37
The British Flag, Macclesfield
Back in Macclesfield after a stop at the excellent Alderley Edge Union Club (not listed on here), my first stop was the British Flag. Another backstreet pub with a name I've not come across before. The Union Jack was on display. The photo above is no longer accurate. It's no longer a Robinson's pub. It is instead a freehouse. But the name of the pub is displayed with the same unique Robinson's lettering on the outside. Unicorn is still dispensed. The guest ale was Pedigree. The pub has a cosy feel to it with a couple of different rooms. It was reasonably busy with mainly middle-aged and old-aged men. Live Premier League football was showing on the TV. There is a pool table at the back. I also recommend the Chinese takeaway (Mandarin House) just down the road, which was also doing a roaring trade. Could we start a Chineseintheevening?
19 Aug 2018 13:29
The Old Ship Inn, Macclesfield
The Old Ship was my last stop in Macclesfield, before taking a detour to Liverpool. It has a fairly run-down feel to it, that may be slightly too down the spectrum to be described as characterful. Dogs negotiated, I managed to get to the bar to check out the ale selection. This was Storm Brewing Storm Dexter & Slater's Citrus. I opted for the Storm Dexter, which was decent. Live Premier League football was being shown on a TV at a rather loud volume. There is a smoking area at the rear.
19 Aug 2018 13:18
Next stop in Macclesfield was this back street boozer. There were more staff than customers, with the landlord, landlady, barmaid and one other customer, plus a dog. The landlady apologised jokingly for the domestics, as I left, as they'd spent my entire short visit rowing. The interior is nice and cosy with a number of rooms. Tetley Cask & Jennings Cumberland Ale was the ale choice. Friendly place.
19 Aug 2018 13:13
The Park Tavern is on a main road out of Macclesfield in a row of terraced houses. There were only a couple of other customers in. But they were happy to engage in conversation, including the son of a well-known radio presenter. The bar staff also instantly engaged me in conversation. Ales were all from Bollington - Best, Long Hop, Oat Mill Stout, White Nancy, Dinner Ale & Eastern Nights. Ciders were Weston's Old Rosie & Dorset Nectar Hunny Bubble, a new one for me. The interior is quit bright. Just about the best pub I have visited in Macclesfield. Recommended.
19 Aug 2018 13:04
The Prince of Wales, Macclesfield
On my return to Macclesfield after a 9 year hiatus, this was the first of 8 pubs I tried in the town. It was the one closest to the town centre. Apart from the barmaid, it was all blokes. Some of the language was somewhat suspect. A couple were playing either dominoes or cards in one corner. The ale range was disappointing - Bass & Saddle Tank. I was encouraged by advertisements for some kind of cider festival. Alas the cider on offer was Somersby's. Disappointing.
19 Aug 2018 12:56
The George and Dragon, Macclesfield
This pub is currently in quite a dilapidated state and well and truly closed, with fencing around it. I was reading that it had experienced a serious fire.
19 Aug 2018 12:52
Ye Olde Admiral Rodney, Prestbury
This Robinson's house is situated in the middle of a line of pretty cottages. It's an idyllic location. The interior has a number of rooms, each with character. There is also a small outdoor courtyard area, where the only other customer in before me was reading a newspaper. It was very peaceful, with no music or TV. Another couple of guys appeared later. All including the barman seemed friendly. There is a public car park at the rear. Unicorn & Dizzy Blonde are the regular ales. On this visit, they also had Wizard.
19 Aug 2018 12:50
I met the landlord and the local Enville brewers on a visit to the Great British Beer Festival last week and I had promised I would visit yesterday. So I did indeed venture here after a much awaited first visit to the nearby Cider House at Wootton. The Cat was busy at 12:30 on a Sunday with people sitting down for Sunday lunches. There are 3 rooms. We retreated to a rear dining room. Ales were Enville Ale, Ginger & Simpkiss Bitter. Guests were Stourton APA, Hobson's Town Crier, Millstone Tiger Rut & Ma Pardoe's Original. Ciders were Farmer Jim's Farmyard Fruits & Lyme Bay Jack Ratt. Still worthy of a stop if in the area.
13 Aug 2018 20:08
The Great Western, Wolverhampton
Great pub that we like to visit each time we're in Wolverhampton. It's handy for the station and the football ground. They allow away fans in, unlike many in the centre. We came here after the game. There were lengthy queues to get served and unfortunately there weren't many ales left. Holden's Black Country Bitter, Special & Golden Glow & Batham's Best Bitter were supplemented by a guest ale - Thornbridge Rattlesnake. They also had a real cider - Holden's Marcher Lord's, which was very quaffable indeed and a new one for me. Inside, there is a small bar at the front, which leads up to more seating and opens out further to a conservatory beyond. Despite the crowds, we were glad to be out of the rain and we fully appreciated one last drink before heading home.
13 Aug 2018 20:02
Dog and Doublet, Wolverhampton
Back in the city centre and we visited the Dog & Doublet before finishing at the Lych Gate Tavern. I reviewed the latter earlier this year. So I won't review that again. But the Dog & Doublet was very good too. It was quieter than I had anticipated when we walked in, with only one row of people at the bar. But by the time we left, it was 5/6 deep. Given the place is not that big, it had got fairly crowded. The ale range was decent. Ludlow Gold is the regular ale. Guests were Oakham Citra, Rat Atella Milk Chocolate & Hazelnut Stout, Kelham Island Pale Rider, Wood's Lass & Abbeydale Moonshine. The cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Probably the best place we went to for beers on this trip to Wolverhampton. But I marginally preferred Hail To The Ale, by virtue of its ciders. Offers a CAMRA discount. I'll definitely be back here some time soon.
13 Aug 2018 19:55
After a visit to the Summer House in Whitmore Reans (not yet listed on here), we moved back towards the centre, with a stop at the Royal Oak. This was a much busier pub than others we visited. But it was slightly nearer to the football ground and with kick off approaching, it was gradually getting busier. A nice, traditional boozer owned by Marston's with seating around a bar. Regular ales are Banks's Amber Bitter, Mild & Sunbeam & Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold. Guests were Marston's Old Empire & Thwaite's Wainwright. Clearly a popular place with some friendly customers.
13 Aug 2018 19:47
The Newhampton Inn, Whitmore Reans
Backstreet pub in Whitmore Reans with a traditional interior. Inside there are a number of rooms. At the rear are the outdoor gents toilets and a bowling green. It was quiet on our Saturday lunchtime visit, especially considering it was a matchday. The ale choice was not quite as good as I was expecting either - Courage Best, Oakham Citra, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Wye Valley HPA & Butty Bach & Sharp's Doom Bar. I was hoping for a real cider. But there was none available. We did get a CAMRA discount on half pints here though and the interior makes it worthy of a visit.
13 Aug 2018 19:41
Walked here from the Dog & Gun through a very nice area of housing and via the Claregate, a new build Generous George (Marston's) pub which I have requested to be added to the site. Hail To The Ale is well worth the trip out of the city centre. It's a micropub owned by Morton Brewery. Coneydog Lite was the ale from Morton. Although Penkside Pale was pulled through before we left. Guests were Leatherbritches Mad Ruby & Corvedale Golden Dale. Ciders were Broadoak Bristol Port, Cock Eyed Devon Jasper & Hurst View Rhubarb Blend & Chyder Cherry Blend. I had the two Hurst View ciders before moving onto a bottle of Hurst View Golden Pip. The black pudding, cheese and onion rolls were nice and so were the variety of scratchings they stocked. It's a dog friendly place, with many pictures of dogs in the unisex toilet. Friendly staff and punters. A really decent place, that was my favourite pub on this visit to Wolverhampton. Didn't get any discount as a CAMRA member. But this was not advertised.
13 Aug 2018 19:37
After one last pub in the city centre (Yates's!), we took the bus out to this Ember Inns pub. It's a typical branch of this chain, in all apart from the real ale selection. They're supposed to have 5 beers. But most were "coming soon". The only two on were Black Sheep Ember Pale Ale & Thwaite's Wainwright. Very disappointing, especially whey they offer tasting paddles. The food looked nice though. Probably the worst Ember Inn I've been in.
13 Aug 2018 18:57
The Wheatsheaf was another Wolverhampton city centre pub that exceeded my expectations. It looks quite small when you originally enter. But take the passageway behind the bar and you'll find a large room, a courtyard and a garden area beyond that. I sat in the front bar, which had a nice atmosphere, with a small number of locals congregated at the bar. It's a Marston's pub, but with another friendly welcome. Ales were Banks's Amber Bitter, Mild, Sunbeam & Numero Nuno & Wychwood Hobgoblin & Hobgoblin Gold. Ciders were Weston's Old Rosie & Thatcher's Stan's Big Apple.
13 Aug 2018 18:52
The Tap and Spile, Wolverhampton
I wasn't expecting much from the Duke of York. But as Wobbly Bob says, I got a warm welcome. There were 4 ales on - Duke of York House Bitter, Salopian Lemon Dream, Enville Ale & Marston's 61 Deep. Much to my surprise, they also had Weston's Old Rosie. So what better way to start a crawl of Wolverhampton pubs at 10am in the morning with a 7.3% cider! The pub itself, like many around had opened at 8am, as Wolves were playing at home. Away fans are not allowed. So I pretended not to be one! Nice, traditional interior. Sky Sports was on the TVs. There were already a few in at 10am. Moved on from here to the nearby McGhee's, where there was one other customer, but no real ale. So I won't bother requesting it to be added to the site.
13 Aug 2018 18:45
I've just noticed that my review of this place has gone missing. I was in on 3rd December 2016. I remember it well as one of the few places on the island you can get a decent cider. Has an imposing exterior. The interior is much plainer. Ales were Morland Original, Ruddles Best & Okells Bitter. Ciders from Manx Cider Company were Jinnie The Bitch & Jenny Lay Black. It's between this one and the White House Hotel for the best pub in Peel.
8 Aug 2018 20:56
After a visit to the Sunflower (not listed on here and another Northern Irish pub with no real ale), my last stop was Horatio Todds out to the east of town on the Newtonards Road. It no longer serves ale. The keg selection was Hoegaarden, Clonmel 1650, Heverlee, Becks Vier, Tennents, Sullivan's Maltings Red Ale, Leffe, Magners, Guinness, Bud Light, Menabrea, Roundstone Irish Ale & Whitewater Magpie's Leap. This was a popular place and mainly populated by youngsters. Prices were high. Not worth the trip out of town.
6 Aug 2018 22:22
I'm not sure if I was here on the same day as Snarling Mallard. But I visited here yesterday (Sunday) afternoon and did manage to get a Doom Bar served from the cask in the smaller bar. There is a good range of bottled beers and ciders too. The place was packed with people watching gaelic football. It seemed like a big game. But this is a typical pub that you'll find in Irish towns and cities and I enjoyed the atmosphere here. Decent place.
6 Aug 2018 22:17
I've been to a few pubs in Belfast on my previous visits. But this has become my new favourite. In fact, it was my favourite pub of the weekend. Located to the south of the centre on the Ormeau Road, it's rather an unassuming location. Similar to the Crown, it has a fantastic traditional interior. The famous room is the Oak Lounge, which I initially overlooked, instead heading through to a busier bar. Ales and ciders are listed on electronic screens. Cask ales were Farmageddon American Pale Ale, Ringwood Razor Back, Whitewater Bee's Endeavour & Beer Hut Wahey IPA. There were a number of craft beers. But to my surprise, they had a real cider - Hogan's French Revelation. Not only had I found a real cider in a non-Wetherspoon's in Northern Ireland (a first for me), the cider itself was one I hadn't previously tried. I had a little wonder around and found another large room packed with people watching the Charity Shield final, before eventually finishing my cider in the wonderfully atmospheric Oak Lounge. It was deadly quiet in there and it is the room where the cask ales and real cider are dispensed from (I'd wondered where the barman serving me had disappeared off to). I'd certainly like to come back here one day. Great pub.
6 Aug 2018 22:14
First stop on a fleeting visit to Northern Ireland was this pleasant enough pub in Bangor. I'd been to the Esplanade 7 years ago. But I believe the Jenny Watts is now the only pub serving real ale in the town now. In fact, it was one of only 3 pubs in the province, where I actually found an ale. Doom Bar, it was. I sampled the Orchard Thieves Cider, which was a new one on me. It was a fizzy one, but fairly quaffable. The interior is cosy with seating arranged around a central bar. A band was playing during my Sunday lunchtime visit. Some were tucking into said lunches. Moved on from here on lengthy drives to the Parson's Nose in Hillsborough and the Brewer's House in Donaghmore. Neither are listed on here. But neither had a real ale. So I won't request them to be added.
6 Aug 2018 22:06
After a visit to the Burghley Club (not listed on here and definitely worthy of a mention), I ended up my visit to Peterborough at this branch of Wetherspoon's. It's more of the old men's version of the chain than the youngsters'/student hangout. Clientele included a few Bristol Rovers football fans and a guy being carted off in an ambulance. There is plenty of space. But it all feels a bit dated. Toilets are a good climb. Ales were Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Ilkley Rombald & Adnams Anti Hipster Min. Ciders were Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Weston's Old Rosie & Marcle Hill. I've been to better 'spoons. But this one was adequate.
6 Aug 2018 21:58
This is now some kind of Indian restaurant and there's quite a few trees that have grown around it since the photo above was taken.
6 Aug 2018 21:54
The Hand and Heart, Peterborough
This is a gem of a pub in the backstreets of Peterborough. The interior is classic and the landlord is knowledgeable about his stock and keen to welcome people. The ale range is unusual - Abbeydale Kid Ryneamite, Brewster's Grantham Gingerbread Brew & Marquis, Purple Cow Holy Cow & Westgate Sunburst. There was also a pumpclip for Three Brothers Maple Syrup & Bacon Blonde. That was one of two pumpclips on the same handpull. So it was possibly on in a different room, or from the cellar. There was unfortunately no real cider, which meant it was only my second favourite pub of the day. I did however enjoy my Holy Cow, which washed down a nice homemade Scotch Egg. Parking is difficult, if you drive here. But it's best to find another way here anyway, as like me you'll be wanting more.
6 Aug 2018 21:52
Imposing pub situated just off a roundabout. It's run by Elgood's and is supposedly the oldest pub in Peterborough. Cambridge Bitter was the solitary real ale. The barman didn't seem the friendliest and the punters weren't much more accommodating. The bar had very little character left. Poor.
6 Aug 2018 21:47
There was a building that looked like it used to be pub on this main road. It was surrounded by modern housing and was certainly no longer open.
6 Aug 2018 21:44
Situated in a modern shopping development in Werrington, this is not the sort of place you'd normally expect to find a real ale pub. But all credit to the landlord, he has a good local following. Unfortunately a recent beer festival appeared to have depleted stocks. There were 5 ales - The Beer Studio Copper Blush, Cameron's Gabbo, Marston's 61 Deep, Woodforde's Wherry & Wells Eagle IPA. There was no real cider. I was offered Rattler Berry Cider. But that wasn't what I was looking for. Still, I was happy watching my the first half of my football team's pre-season game. Sports TV is clearly big here. Worthy of another visit one day, as I suspect this was an off-day.
6 Aug 2018 21:43
The Dragon is in a modern residential area (Werrington) to the north of Peterborough. It has the feel of a council estate pub. It did however have 3 real ales - Wells Bombardier Glorious English, Young's Special & Adnams Ghost Ship. Clearly popular with the local community and for sports fans. But I wouldn't rush back.
6 Aug 2018 21:38
After 3 fairly decent pubs, the Royal Oak was my fourth stop. I was expecting much more. But this is a very average place and when you have a pub as good as the Prince of Wales Feathers up the road, you probably wouldn't choose to come here. I was surprised to see it in the current Good Beer Guide. Tribute, Landlord and JHB were the 3 ales. I was the only customer and the young barmaid seemed a little bored. The interior was nice. But overall this was a disappointment.
6 Aug 2018 21:35
The Prince of Wales Feathers, Castor
This village pub was my favourite of 10 visited in Cambridgeshire on Saturday. The ale range is good. The standard ales are Adnams Broadside & Woodforde's Wherry. But guests were all unusual - Castor Ales Hopping Toad (brewed just up the road), Magpie Wanderers, Humpty Dumpty Reedcutter & Ridgeside Cascadia. Whilst I was expecting several ciders and was slightly disappointed that there was only one, it was one I'd never tried before - Watergull Orchards Strawberry Cider. Their Lime Cider had just finished. Most people were dining and of the diners, the majority were outside. Cricket was on the TV. The best pub in the village and worth making a detour to.
6 Aug 2018 21:32
Upmarket country pub overlooking the village church. I sat in the main bar, which is clearly an old barn. At the rear, there must be a function room, as there were wedding guests appearing. There is also accommodation. The bar has lots of implements hanging from the ceiling and an array of different seating back on the ground. Board games are located in one corner. The regular ales were Oakham JHB, Grainstore Red Kite. Timothy Taylor Landlord was a guest and they also had Rutland Cider Company Rutland, which I took advantage of. Quite expensive for these part. But a nice pub, nonetheless.
6 Aug 2018 21:26
Millstone Inn, Barnack, Stamford
Everard's pub in a nice North Cambridgeshire village. There are a number of seating areas, including a small snug. It's clearly a popular place for eating. I think I was the only one in just for a drink. Everard's ales are Original, Tiger & Sunchaser. Brains The Rev James was the guest ale and to my pleasant surprise, they also had Old Rosie cider.
6 Aug 2018 21:22
This pub is tucked away up a narrow lane just off the A40 and very close to an M40 junction. You wouldn't know it was here, unless you'd been told. It has a lovely feel to it. Although the bar layout is a little awkward and difficult to access. 4 ales were on and they were from varied breweries - Brew Foundation Little Bitter That, Loddon Bamboozle, Fuller's London Pride & Arundel Castle. Dogs are certainly welcomed. There is an outdoor area at the rear.
29 Jul 2018 20:43
The General Havelock, Wycombe Marsh
Back into Buckinghamshire this afternoon and with time for two pubs in Loudwater, this was my first port of call. Set in an urbanised area, it has the feel of a village local with both drinkers and diners accommodated. Although some of the latter seemed a touch peeved. One elderly couple gave up waiting for their Sunday roast. But the food did look good if you could tolerate the wait. It's a Fuller's pub. So they had ESB & London Pride, in addition to Gale's Seafarers & HSB. Guests were Adnams Mosaic & Dark Star Sunbeam. Decent pub.
29 Jul 2018 20:39
This is a Greene King Hungry Horse that still has the Wacky Warehouse attached, but with a separate entrance. I was here for a children's party. I'm not quite sure why you would come here otherwise. Greene King IPA was the solitary ale. But prices were reasonable. It was my second visit here and I can only imagine a return visit for another children's event.
29 Jul 2018 20:35
This place is now a pub selling Indian cuisine. I was the only customer at lunchtime today. But it still has the feel of a traditional pub and the staff were friendly. 2 ales were Timothy Taylor Landlord & Woodforde's Bure Gold. I went for the latter and was served an overpriced short measure that tasted as if it had been sat in the pipes for some time. Nothing to recommend here.
29 Jul 2018 20:31
The Black Horse appears to be the only real ale pub in Sudbury. It's an Ember Inns establishment and was empty apart from the bar and kitchen staff when I entered this morning. Typical Ember Inns layout with a focus on dining. There is plenty of seating. Ales were Adnams Broadside, Fuller's London Pride and Black Sheep Ember Pale Ale. The guest was St Austell Proper Job. Bog standard, but ok in an ale desert.
29 Jul 2018 20:27
Our final stop in Buckinghamshire yesterday was this place. It's now called the Butcher's Tap and is quite a unique place. As you enter, it has the smell and appearance of a butchers. Chefs behind the bar/counter were preparing steaks on a chopping board. There were 2 ales. The standard one is Greene King Hand & Flowers IPA. I opted for the guest, which was Rebellion Zebedee. It's a small place. All tables were taken. So it was standing room only. Unisex toilets are hidden away upstairs and are quite gaudy. A strange place. But I quite liked it.
29 Jul 2018 20:22
This place is now called the Old Brewery. In between times, it has also been a Slug & Lettuce. It certainly has a chain pub feel to it. Although now it seems to focus on being a place to go to watch sports. There are multiple TVs, including one row of tables with a TV at each. A pre-season friendly between two European teams was being shown. Ales were not too inspiring - Fuller's London Pride, Sharp's Doom Bar & Rebellion IPA. I went for a keg cider. At £4.80 a pint, I wish I hadn't.
29 Jul 2018 20:18
In a very upmarket town, this is a much more down-at-heel kind of place and I'd normally appreciate that. But the place was packed early on a Saturday evening as there was live music. It had started at 6pm, which seemed a strange time to have something on. But it had certainly attracted a large crowd. The car park was completely full and it took almost 10 minutes to get served. Making yourself heard above the din and over the people crowded around the bar was also a challenge. There was however a rear dining area that was empty and a small outdoor area adjacent to the car park. Ales were Brakspear Bitter, Sharp's Doom Bar & Rebellion IPA & Blonde. Moved on from here to the Royal British Legion next to the station, which is not listed on here but stocks a more diverse range of ales.
29 Jul 2018 20:14
Now known simply as the Duke, this is a backstreet pub in Marlow that I noted was served by the local bus. It was struggling to fit between the parked cars. The pub doubles up as a Chinese restaurant and has some unusual décor, especially in the rear garden. Heavy metal music was playing in the bar. But I don't believe this is the norm. Some heavy metal types had been requesting tracks on the jukebox to the annoyance of the barmaid. Rebellion IPA & Unifer were the ales.
29 Jul 2018 20:08
I was surprised to see a McMullen's pub outside of Hertfordshire. But sure enough, this was is thriving in Marlow with a fairly young crowd and some families. As the previous reviewer states, there is a lot of glass. Watch the pane by the door. You can easily walk into it. There is a garden at the rear with decking split between smoking and non-smoking areas. The inside is bigger than it first seems with most areas set aside for dining. We also noted a spit roast. The 3 McMullen's ales were AK, IPA & HMS Britannia.
29 Jul 2018 20:04
This is probably the best pub Marlow has to offer. But it's a fair way out of town and up a big hill. The Rebellion Brewery is just down the road. We went there afterwards and it was doing a roaring trade. But the Three Horseshoes predictably had a good range of ales from them - IPA, Smuggler, Zebedee, Blonder & Saint. But I was drawn more to the sight of a real cider, a rare sight indeed in these parts and the only pub of 13 I tried in Buckinghamshire over the course of the weekend to stock one. It was Old Rosie, but felt like striking gold. There were very few customers in here. All were drinkers. Judging by Snarling Mallard's review, it probably gets much busier when food is being served. Nice enough place and worthy of a 7/10 as pub of the day.
29 Jul 2018 20:00
Another closed pub and another replaced by houses. Looks like it was an interesting location too.
29 Jul 2018 19:54
Now a modern housing development. But strangely enough, the old pub sign still stands.
29 Jul 2018 19:53
Fullers pub in a lovely little village tucked alongside the M40. The interior is fairly basic and they seem to be undergoing some sort of renovations. Pride, ESB & Seafarers were the 3 ales. Has a good selection of games at one end of the bar.
29 Jul 2018 19:52
This pub is now closed. Such a shame, as it looks like a lovely little place.
29 Jul 2018 19:48
I'm still trying to calm down after a terrible experience in this place yesterday. It looked quite promising from the outside and first impressions were good, with 3 Rebellion ales on the bar - IPA, Blonde & Roasted Nuts. Unfortunately for my wife (and my wallet), the cider was Symonds, which she is not particularly fond of. Instead she requested a Tia Maria with Coke. Ordering this seemed to meet with a little confusion from what I assume was the landlady. Yes it's the liqueur you can have with coffee. She served it with a small amount of coke as requested and all seemed well. I spotted some chilli scratchings which looked interesting and ordered those too. Then came the moment of horror. My half of Roasted Nuts, a Tia Maria and coke and some scratchings had somehow come to £10.20!! I asked for the breakdown - £1.90 for the ale, £4.50 for the small spirit, £1.80 for a splash of coke and £2 for a bag of scratchings. I was gobsmacked. SInce when does a 25ml spirit cost £4.50 and since when is a splash of coke £1.80?! As for the scratchings, you can get small meals for that price. I reluctantly handed over £11 and the woman had the cheek to shut the till without handing over the change, until I had to intervene. She turned the Roasted Nuts pumpclip round after serving me for some reason too. Was it off? If so, why was it served? I have to say, it did taste fine though. My wife savoured every last moment of her £6.30 drink. Food prices looked reasonable here. But they turned a couple away whilst we were there. I'm surprised they manage to do any trade. But the two sports cars presumably belonging to the owners in the car park indicate that they do, or do they just prey on unsuspecting visitors like myself. I truly wish I'd declined to pay and exited when informed of the total. Rip off place.
29 Jul 2018 19:47
The Crown is set amongst some lovely countryside and unlike the Mash Inn in nearby Bennett's End, it was willing to accept a casual drinker. I hesitate in using the word welcome, as the people from this part of the country do not appear to be the friendliest. The Crown also had the same two ales as the Mash - Rebellion IPA & Zebedee. I was hoping a might find a real cider here. But Aspalls was the only draught option. Inside is fairly small and seemed to be populated mainly by families having lunch. There is a nice lawn at the rear and a few tables at the roadside at the front. Accommodation is adjacent to the car park.
29 Jul 2018 19:35
The Three Horseshoes Inn, Radnage
This place is tucked away down narrow country lanes. It has been renamed the Mash Inn and is a restaurant with accommodation. Only those booked for meals or rooms can take advantage of the two Rebellion ales they have on offer. No beer available for this casual visitor. So a minimum score from me.
29 Jul 2018 19:02
First stop on a trip to the Chilterns yesterday was the Lions of Bledlow, supposedly so called as there were 2 pubs here both with Lion in the name. The interior is dark and beamed. There were 5 real ales - Reunion Opening Gambit, Great Heck Trafalgar, Tring Pale Four, Cotleigh Tawny Owl & Wadworth 6X. I was torn about what to order and the barman recommended the Opening Gambit. I took him up on the recommendation. But it wasn't really my type of ale. The table next to us had followed us in and their salads arrived promptly. A nice country pub seemingly popular with cyclists, possibly from the nearby Phoenix Trail.
29 Jul 2018 18:58
The Pelt trader, Cannon Street
I dropped by the Pelt Trader this afternoon (a Monday) when passing through the City. It's a pub I heard about a few years ago, but hadn't had the opportunity to visit. Being in the City, it's only open during the week. The pub is tucked away in the railway arches of Cannon Street station. As such, there's little light and on a hot day (like it was today), it may not be the ideal location. Nevertheless, there is a half decent selection of cask ales and some craft beers on keg too. Real ales on my visit were Bristol Beer Factory Nova, Milk Stout & Base Camp, Five Points CPA & Harvey's Olympia. The cider was Seacider Rhubarb. Keg options were from Beavertown, Kernel, Moor, Bristol Beer Factory, Five Points & Harvey's. It's £5 a pint here. So you know you're in London. Although I've paid more than that elsewhere. Certainly a decent pub to know about when in the City. But I wasn't overwhelmed.
23 Jul 2018 17:29
Our final pub on our Sunday evening trip to Berkshire was supposed to be the Elm Tree. It proudly advertises on the exterior that it is open all day. But alas at 7:45 on a Sunday evening, there was no sign of life and the pub was closed. False advertising. Not to be outdone, I returned this evening. Two ales were on - Landlord & Razor Back. Neither inspired me. So I went for an Aspall's cider, which was promptly dispensed from a pint glass into my half glass. I wondered how long it had been sitting there. The interior was nicer than I expected. But most people were enjoying the evening sunshine on the outdoor patio. 0/10 for my first visit and 4/10 for my second visit, due to questionable serving practices. I'll average that out with a 2/10 for this one. Very disappointing.
16 Jul 2018 21:23
Centrally located and upmarket village pub in the same village as the West Berkshire Brewery. Ales were Good Old Boy & Mister Chubb's Lunchtime Bitter from the brewery. The cider was Abrahall's Slack Alice. The outside of the pub on the roadside is covered in foliage. There is a small garden at the rear, with a building site in between the building and the garden itself. Most people were in the garden and were dining alfresco, as it was just too warm to be inside early yesterday evening. But there is plenty of space inside. The pub appears to double up as a hotel.
16 Jul 2018 21:18
I'm not sure if this place has been completely demolished or not. But there was certainly no pub here any longer. All of the buildings here look new.
16 Jul 2018 21:13
Another nice and welcoming Berkshire village pub with a nice interior and a garden on different levels. At the bottom level is a small children's play area. Staff were friendly. But the ale choice is limited to Young's Special & Sharp's Doom Bar. We made use of the mobile fish and chip van in the car park, which was doing a good trade.
16 Jul 2018 21:10
Country pub in a nice location. It seems to have a focus on food, with a large dining area. But there was nobody eating. A handful of locals were watching the World Cup final. At the rear is a nice garden, overlooking a large field with horses. Ales are from Upham. Tipster & Punter are the regular ales. Fields Of Gold was the seasonal choice.
16 Jul 2018 21:06
After a visit to the Butt Inn in Aldermaston (not listed on BITE), our next stop was the Rowbarge. This is a popular Brunning & Price pub in a riverside location. There are a number of rooms inside, which appear primarily for diners. In addition, there is a large number of tables to the side of the river Kennet overlooking a swing bridge. There is also an outdoor barbecue. Ales were Red Cat Mr M's, Itchen Valley Pride Of The Valley, Wild Weather False Sense Of Security, Triple fff Goldfffinger, Siren White Tips & Windsor & Eton Firefly. I happened to ask if they offered a CAMRA discount. The barman had never heard of any such thing and asked if that meant he had to have his picture taken with a camera! A local at the bar soon educated him and pointed out that the pub has won CAMRA awards. Nice location. But you can tell it is a chain pub. Not one of the best Brunning & Price pubs I have visited.
16 Jul 2018 21:01
We rushed here yesterday believing that it closed at 3pm on a Sunday and does not open in the evening. In actual fact, it closes at 2:30pm. But luckily for us, the landlady did serve us. There was one other couple at the bar and a group of 4 settling their food bill. Very soon, we were the only customers left. But the interior is nicely set out. There is a good selection of board games. Ales were West Berkshire Good Old Boy & Magg's Magnificent Mild & Loose Cannon Gunner's Gold. There was no real cider. Our visit was a bit rushed. But at least we got to sample the local in this lovely village.
16 Jul 2018 20:47
The Bell and Bottle, Shinfield
The Bell & Bottle was my second pub in Shinfield yesterday afternoon. It's another decent pub with a good ale selection and a couple of ciders. The interior is fairly bright. There is a bar area and a separate games room with a TV that was presumably being used for World Cup football games. There was also a garden at the rear. Ales were Plain Sheep Dip, Yeovil Hopkandi, Bond Goldihops & Welton's Three Lions IPA. Ciders (and the Welton's ale) were remaining from a beer festival held 2 weekend's previous. They were Tutts Clump Rhubarb Cider & Rum Cask. The pub is opposite the village green, where a fair was being held. The pub is popular with families.
16 Jul 2018 20:42
The Magpie and Parrot, Shinfield
I wasn't expecting an awful lot from this pub. It hasn't registered an entry in the Good Beer Guide since 2010 and it looked very quiet when we arrived yesterday lunchtime. London Pride is the only real ale. But to my surprise, they also had a box of Cornish Orchards Farmhouse Cider. The real surprise is the wonderful interior, with 2 small rooms crammed full of knick knacks. I noticed the sign on the entrance stating no mobile phones. But I didn't notice the sign stating no children in the bar, until we left. But the barmaid and locals were happy to overlook this and my 5 year old was quite happy playing dominoes! This is a really special little place with friendly people and whilst I place great emphasis on ale and cider range when judging pubs, I'm also really appreciative of proper old fashioned places such as this one. It was my favourite pub of the day. Beware the limited opening hours though.
16 Jul 2018 20:36
First pub of 10 in Berkshire yesterday was this one. It's a country pub on a small roundabout, with a large car park. As luck would have it, they had a beer festival on. Ales either in the bar or in the outdoor courtyard were Sharp's Doom Bar, Gales HSB, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Rebellion IPA, Unifer & Smuggler, Brains The Rev James, Great Heck Trafalgar, Kelham Island Best Of You, Skinners Betty Stogs, Wishbone Drover, Exile Apollo, Exmoor Stag & Caveman Neo. Disappointingly there was no real cider. I opted for the Drover, which wasn't my kind of beer at all, despite being just about the darkest beer available. Music was a bit too loud outside. But staff were all friendly.
16 Jul 2018 20:27
Was back here this afternoon, my first visit in several years. Little has changed and there is still no real ale. The interior is quite cosy and they serve Thai food. I'd never been into the garden before. But that is quite pleasant too. The all keg range was Fosters, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruit, Guinness, Amstel, Caledonian Coast To Coast, Birra Moretti & Heineken. As a pub it's ok. But I'm looking for a much better beer/cider selection these days.
14 Jul 2018 15:17
Was very quiet here today on our Saturday lunchtime visit. It must be one of the very few pubs in Uxbridge I hadn't previously tried. Doom Bar is the solitary real ale. Difficult to judge given how quiet it was. But the landlord seemed friendly enough.
14 Jul 2018 15:11
The Crown is tucked away in a residential area of Flitwick. I was hoping for a decent ale to round off my visit of Bedfordshire. But the only ale on offer was the ubiquitous Doom Bar. I opted for a fizzy cider instead and in disgust. The garden area is nice though and they were watering the lawns ready for a beer festival next weekend. Hopefully they'll have more than one real ale for that. Otherwise there will be many more disappointed customers.
9 Jul 2018 20:02
This was the better of the two pubs we visited in Ampthill. It's situated next to the rail station and you can sit in the garden watching the trains go by, if that's your thing. The resident Young's Bitter was supplemented by Marstons Pedigree & Wells Brewmance. There are a couple of rooms inside. One has a pool table. They could probably make more of the outdoor area, which is a bit scruffy. A fairly average pub overall.
9 Jul 2018 19:59
We paid this place a visit as it was very close to the Albion. It did not have any real ale on our visit. Keg beers were Camden Town Camden Hells, San Miguel, Carling, Budweiser, Blue Moon, Budweiser, Brewdog Punk IPA, Fosters, Strongbow, Guinness & Birra Moretti. The barmaid and the pub cat were the only people left after a group of lads disappeared shortly after we arrived. We sat on the small paved area at the front of the pub. Nice enough pub. But it's a shame they have no real ale.
9 Jul 2018 19:55
This is the first entry you will find in the Good Beer Guide and it's a worthy place to start. Of 11 Bedfordshire pubs visited yesterday, this was by far the best. It's been almost 9 years since I was last in Ampthill. But I'm fairly certain this must be the best pub in town. Whilst run by Everard's, only their Tiger is on offer. There are 3 ales from Banks & Taylor - Dragon Slayer, Shefford Bitter & Golden Fox. 8 guests were Lincoln Green Robin Hood, Milton Medusa, Shefford Plum Mild, Milestone Centenary Ale & Raspberry Craft Beer, Dow Bridge Summer Light, Wadworth Studs Up & Shardlow Chancellor's Revenge. Ciders were Weston's Old Rosie & Family Reserve, with Knight's Malvern Gold being a guest. The inside has a fairly old fashioned feel with suitable vintage music. In addition to the main bar area, there is a smaller room at the rear. Each table had a bowl of complimentary snacks. There were other tempting items on the bar. Well worth a visit.
9 Jul 2018 19:51
The Duke is a locals pub in an area that is not particularly inspiring. As the previous reviewer says, the solitary real ale is Eagle IPA. Inside is fairly well decorated. Outside is a small patio area with a fish tank and a large grassy area with a children's play area. But watch out for the dog mess.
9 Jul 2018 19:44
The King's Arms was the last remaining pub I hadn't previously visited in Bedford in the Good Beer Guide. It's a Greene King pub. But I was expecting better. Ales were all from the Greene King group with IPA & Old Speckled Hen accompanied by guests Old Golden Hen & Back of the Net. I was expecting one or two real ciders. But there were none. There are a number of rooms inside and a pleasant courtyard seating area leading to the car park at the rear. Disappointing overall though.
9 Jul 2018 19:39
This old Wetherspoon's pub is now a Brewhouse & Kitchen, brewing its own beers on the premises. Their regular ales are Banker's Draught, Intrepid & Invarsity. There is also a changing beer, which was Braxator. Orchard Pig Maverick was also on tap. Food is promoted and it is family friendly. There is an outdoor area at the rear. Not sure if the CAMRA discount is offered on cider. But I forgot to ask in any case.
9 Jul 2018 19:35
The Horse & Groom was the only one of Clapham's three pubs that we visited yesterday. It's another Greene King pub that had Abbot & IPA. The guest was Landlord from Timothy Taylor. The interior felt fairly upmarket. But we sat inside as the outdoor areas offered no respite from the sun. The garden area surrounding the car park was fairly expansive though.
9 Jul 2018 19:30
Third rural pub and third quaint thatched building. The Sun has a locals bar at the front and a dining room at the rear. Beyond that is a terraced garden with plenty of plants and butterflies. Eagle IPA, Greene King Abbot & Brakspear Oxford Gold were the ales. I was hoping for real cider. But none was on offer.
9 Jul 2018 19:25
Lovely village pub which is much smaller inside than it looks from the outside. At the rear, there is a large garden, split into a number of areas. It is clearly popular with families. There is also an outdoor bar. Beyond the garden, a path leads down to the river. It's a Greene King pub and the ales were Greene King IPA & Abbot, Ruddles Best, Hardy & Hanson's Olde Trip & Hogsback TEA. The landlady and staff were friendly.
9 Jul 2018 19:21
The Fox was the best of 4 rural pubs we visited in North Bedfordshire yesterday lunchtime. Whilst the address is listed as the High Street, the car park is approached from the Causeway. It was already full by the time we arrived. There is a main bar area where most locals were congregating and a small games area with a dartboard and Northamptonshire skittles in a raised area near the toilets. There is a garden area to the side of the pub and another to the rear. Ales were Fullers London Pride, Eagle IPA, Pitchfork Old Slug Porter & Nobby's Stiles 1966. We were asked by the landlady if we were hoping to eat. She would have been struggling to cater for us, as a large group was on its way. But we were only after drinks.
9 Jul 2018 19:16
I'd noticed the Dragon on our walk out of town. It looked like an interesting, but small pub from the outside. We returned on our way back to the centre. Inside, the pub stretches back a fair way to the next street. But it doesn't have too much character. The ale range was also disappointing compared with other Nottingham pubs we'd visited - Adnams Broadside, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Oakham Citra & Black Sheep Best Bitter.
3 Jul 2018 22:54
This pub is now called the Toll Bar. We stopped by, but found all of the real ales off. The barman said they'd all sold out. Normally I'd stay and have a keg beer/cider. But I didn't want this to be my last pub in Nottingham as we were on the way back to the station. So we walked back out. I'll return one day. Hopefully there'll be some beer on by then.
3 Jul 2018 22:50
I've been to a number of Blue Monkey pubs before. But this was my first visit to their brewery tap. There is a single, small room with friendly bar staff. Blue Monkey ales were Guerrilla Stout, BG Sips, Evolution, Rhubarb and Custard, Funky Gibbon & 99 Red Baboons. Guests were Dark Star Partridge & Batemans XB. There were two Gwynt y Ddraig ciders - Happy Daze & Dog Dancer. But I opted for Broadoak Perry. Another decent Nottingham pub in a city that doesn't stop giving.
3 Jul 2018 22:48
It wasn't very far to walk from the Sir John Borlase Warren. But we still managed to get the wrong entrance and stumbled into what looked like a cocktail bar. The barman seemed quite relieved we didn't stay. The Falcon is a small pub with a good ale range - Oakham Citra, Titanic Plum Porter, Welbeck Abbey Jess Canadian Summer & Red Feather, Abbeydale Bootlegger & Oldershaw Heavenly Blonde. Ciders were Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze & Lilley's Mango. Has much character.
3 Jul 2018 22:44
The Sir John Borlase Warren, Nottingham
This pub has a prominent position at the top of Derby Road. It is an Everards/Lincoln Green colaboration pub with another good selection of beers - Everards Tiger, Lincoln Green Hood, Gin & Beer It, Tuck, Marion, Blackshale & Archer, Banks & Taylor Dragon Slayer & Little Sheff, Spitting Feathers Thirst Quencher, Peakstones Rock Nemesis & Naylor's Old Ale. Worley's Rocky Road cider was also on. Getting quite drunk by now, we didn't venture too far from the bar. So no chance to explore.
3 Jul 2018 22:40
A Room With a Brew, Nottingham
We saw this micropub on the way up the hill. So we decided to head back down to it. It's run by Scribblers. Their ales were Rebecca, Beerfest At Tiffany's, Masher In the Rye, Hoppy Porter & Beyond Reasonable Stout. There was also Full Mash Illuminati & Pennine Best Bitter. Ciders were Moles Black Rat & Lilley's Mango & Apple and Blackberry Cider. Bar snacks were advertised, but unavailable. But they were happy for us to bring in food from a nearby bakery. Worthy of a visit.
3 Jul 2018 22:35
The Hand and Heart, Nottingham
After a walk uphill out of the town centre, we arrived at the first of 5 pubs I was to try in this part of Nottingham. The Hand & Heart is built into caves. This makes the restaurant area at the back very dark. We chose to sit in the drinkers area at the front. Several of our party decided to tuck into bar snacks. The ale selection was Maypole Little Weed, Dancing Duck Light Hearted & Heavy Handed, Lenton Lane Cherry Phoenix & Vanguard & Springhead Outlawed & Left Lion. Ciders were Snail's Bank Apple Dappley & Raspberry Ripple. A fairly unique establishment.
3 Jul 2018 22:31
The Bell is in the central shopping area and is another Greene King pub. There are a number of bars. We first tried one in a room in the right as we walked in. But there were no staff in there and the reaction from drinkers in the room was that there was unlikely to be for some time. We tried another room across the central corridor. There were staff present, but a limited ale selection. Persevere and continue to the largest room at the rear. There were multiple bar staff and the full range of ales - Greene King Bell Inn Bitter, IPA & Abbot, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Nottingham Extra Pale & Robin Hood, Shipstones Original, Grafton Caramel Stout, Magpie Cherry Raven & Oakham Green Devil. The World Cup match between France and Argentina was just reaching half time. We were rather amused by the guy dressed as a cowboy with a cucumber in his holster at the bar. A nice old pub, that was busy on our visit. But there is plenty of space for the throngs.
3 Jul 2018 22:26
Somehow we missed the entrance to this rather unique place. We found ourselves in a basement and took the opportunity to visit the gents which are built into caves. Some rather more sober people than ourselves were also lost in the bowels of the building. But we eventually managed to follow our sixth sense to the bar where the entertainment was from a band of bongo drummers. A couple of my party decided to join in with the drumming. Strangely enough, they decided to take a break shortly after. Formerly a music hall with a galleried interior and very pleasant surroundings, the ale selection was also decent - Framework Grand Union, Adnams Ghost Ship & T Drop, Titanic Plum Porter & Navigation Blonde & Malt Cross Sesssion IPA. Ciders were Thirsty Farmer Sweet & Dry, Blue Barrel Smokin' Barrels & Lilley's Mango Cider. I echo the views of Mappiman before me. Another great Nottingham pub.
3 Jul 2018 22:20
Next stop on our crawl of Nottingham was the Roundhouse. The building is quite a unique shape (round!) and the bar is upstairs from the entrance. Toilets are at street level near the entrance. It looked a little upmarket at first glance. But the welcome was warm and despite a warning from the bar staff, they tolerated our group which was starting to become a little rowdy! Ales were Lenton Lane The Roundhouse, Springhead Outlawed, Blind Tiger & Drop O' The Black Stuff, Home Ales Robin Hood Pale Ale & Tollgate Hackney Blonde. Don't forget your CAMRA discount (if you're a member). Many pubs in Nottingham offer it.
3 Jul 2018 22:13
The Crafty Crow is the brewery tap for the Falcon brewery. The pub is light and airy with a large, central bar. There are handpulls on both sides of the bar and also a selection of craft beers in the middle. Magpie ales were Stoked, Best, Jay IPA & Raven Stout. They also had a Magpie cider - Nottingham Blend, which was later supplemented with their Summer Fruits Cider, which was quite handy considering I somehow managed to knock over my Nottingham Blend, seemingly much to the barmaid's disgust. Guest ales were Imperial Single Hop Jester, Great Heck Citra, Stockport Stock Porter & Maypole RAF 100. There was also Thirsty Farmer Lemon & Lime Cider. Decent pub.
3 Jul 2018 22:09
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham
No trip to Nottingham would have been complete without a visit to the Olde Trip to Jerusalem. This was my first time in this pub and despite being crowded, there was still plenty of atmosphere. There are a number of characterful rooms on different levels. The one we were in reminded me of Gordon's Wine Bar in London, as it is tucked underground underneath Nottingham Castle. Despite being a Greene King pub, the ale range was quite decent - Greene King Abbot, Hardy & Hanson's Olde Trip, Nottingham Extra Pale, Legend & Rock Mild, Brewster's Grantham Gingerbread Brew, Beermats Diplomat, Howard Town Dark Peak & Lincoln Green Gin and Beer It. The cider was Bottle Kicking Cider Company Apple and Mango, whilst they also had Broadoak Perry. Despite being very touristy and very busy, this is still a place where you can have a decent conversation with strangers. A must visit.
3 Jul 2018 22:00
Fellows Morton & Clayton Ltd, Nottingham
This pub is currently closed and boarded up.
3 Jul 2018 21:46
After a visit to the excellent Beer HeadZ at the station (not listed on here), our third stop in Nottingham was this warehouse-style pub. It is a large barnlike pub that is slightly unusual in that the canal runs into it and there are a couple of canal barges moored inside. You get to the bar by crossing a bridge over the canal. Beers, both cask and keg are displayed on screens behind the long bar. Despite the large interior, there is a focus on upright drinking, with strategically placed barrels on which you can place your drinks. There is also plenty of outdoor seating next to the canal. Ales on were Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Hemlock Bitter, Helen Watts & IPA V1, Nene Valley John Lennon & Titanic Cappuccino Stout. Ciders were Abrahall's AD, Friel's Cider, Once Upon A Tree Crooked Branch, Seacider Blood Orange, Gladstone 101, Barbourne Sweet Kernel, Thirsty Farmer Blackcurrant Cider & Hawke's Urban Orchard Berry Cider. There were plenty of bar staff. So service was efficient. Probably my favourite pub on this visit to Nottingham, which has a great selection of pubs.
3 Jul 2018 21:41
The Vat and Fiddle, Nottingham
We started our visit to Nottingham on Saturday at this pub to the south of the station. It serves as the brewery tap for the nearby Castle Rock brewery. Ales from Castle Rock were Harvest Pale, Black Gold, Sheriff's Tipple, Elsie Mo, Screech Owl, Preservation, Helen Watts Juniper Mild & IPA V1. There were also 5 guest ales - Waen Lemon Drizzle, Bone Machine Skeleton Party, Oakham Hawse Buckler & Abstract Jungle Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout. There were also 8 ciders or perries - Gwynt Y Ddraig Black Dragon & Fiery Fox, Weston's Old Rosie, Lilley's Bee Sting Perry, Cornish Orchards Vintage Cider, Snail's Bank Fruit Bat & Kniveton Cider Company Never Mind The Hillocks. All except the latter were listed on a blackboard and are fetched from the cellar. But there was one box in the Fridge. A CAMRA discount is offered. Whilst the interior is quite traditional, we sat outside, where there is plenty of seating. A few groups were arriving for tours of the adjacent brewery and were starting with one (or maybe two) in the pub. Open at 11am, this was a good place to start.
3 Jul 2018 21:23
Fairly average local pub with fairly average ale - Sharp's Doom Bar, Courage Best & Directors & Fuller's Oliver's Island. The Japan v Senegal World Cup match was just starting on the TV on our visit. Not really much to recommend here.
2 Jul 2018 21:56
Returning to St Peter Port and following a visit to the Prince of Wales (not listed on here), I headed along the coastline to the northern outskirts of the town. The Red Lion seems like a good old fashioned locals pub with two small rooms. They had 2 ales - Brentwood Legacy & Shepherd Neame Whitstable Bay Pale Ale. Unusually for the island, they also had a real cider - Abrahall's Lily The Pink. Certainly one of the island's better pubs and worth the fair stroll or short bus journey away from the Town Terminus. Would have like to have spent longer here. But I had a flight to catch.
23 Jun 2018 13:46
The Admirel de Saumarez, St Peter Port
The bar in this hotel is now called the Pickled Pig and it was my second stop of a short crawl of Guernsey. My first pub was the excellent Golden Lion, which is not listed on here, but now seems to be the best pub on the island. The Pickled Pig was fairly poor. The pub itself is dark and tables were made out for diners. I went round to the more brightly lit hotel lobby area to consume my half of Liberation, the only real ale. A touch disappointing. Moved on from here to the other side of the island to La Grand Mare Hotel & Golf Club for an even worse Patois.
23 Jun 2018 13:39
Final pub in Llanidloes for me on Saturday. Still no sign of the hens in the Stag. Still no sign of any real cider either. Apparently they took the real cider out a year or two ago. I don't believe there is any in town now. The 2 ales were Three Tuns Rantipole & Fullers ESB. I hadn't come all this way for a London beer. So I opted for the Rantipole, which was fine. The local youth were holding a rave in the rear room, whilst playing pool. The noise in the bar was a bit too much. But there were more dogs than humans. There appeared to be a garden at the rear.
12 Jun 2018 20:50
My penultimate pub in Llanidloes was the Angel. It was a quiet two or three roomed pub, which was showing international rugby. The locals seemed to be happy that South Africa were launching a comeback against England. There were more hens in here - Old Golden Hen was accompanied by Old Speckled Hen. Abbot & Butty Bach were also present.
12 Jun 2018 20:46
The Old Mill is a former social club tucked away through an archway from the High Street, but also accessible from a car par at the rear. You walk through local residents' gardens to get in. Music being played didn't seem befitting to a pub in a small market town in rural Wales. But maybe this is the place the local hipsters hang out. Although there were no other customers on my visit. The young barman assured me it had been packed earlier and all the punters were attending a function in the pub's function room. He offered me a piece of chocolate cake! Ales looked encouraging - Ludlow Blonde & Black Night & Wye Valley The Hopfather. I selected the Black Night, but it ran out before I could get a full glass - disappointing as it was the only dark ale present in 12 pubs visited in Powys on this day. I went for The Hopfather instead, which was far better than I expected, given I don't normally enjoy hoppy beers. This is the only Llanidloes pub in the current Good Beer Guide and I would rate it as the best in the town.
12 Jun 2018 20:43
No sign of the hen party I'd seen earlier in the Red Lion. Although they did have Morland Old Golden Hen on at the bar. Greene King Abbot & Bass completed the uninspiring ale line-up. I was the only customer. But the barmaid was friendly enough.
12 Jun 2018 20:36
The Whistling Badger at the Royal Head offered the friendliest welcome in town. What I assumed to be the landlady was happy to chat about the local cider producer in Berriew. I had one of their apple juices as the 7.1% bottle of their cider wasn't really compatible with driving. Ales were Glaslyn, HPA & Doom Bar. Nice beamed interior with a touch of character.
12 Jun 2018 20:33
I entered here as a large group of girls all dressed in black t-shirts and shorts were exiting. Either they were all called Jones or this was a hen party. Unsurprisingly this was the busiest pub in Llanidloes and all of the remaining customers were blokes. This is an old coaching inn and you can drink in the courtyard at the rear. Two ales from Monty's were on - Sunshine & Mischief. One of the better pubs in town.
12 Jun 2018 20:31
Crown and Anchor Inn, Llanidloes
Multi-roomed pub that was my first stop in Llanidloes. Only one other customer was present. Butty Bach & The Rev James were the ales. Nice place and I'll repeat the previous reviewer in stating that the barmaid was friendly.
12 Jun 2018 20:27
It's certainly exciting on the roads around here. I nearly crashed into a combine harvester that had pulled out of a field in front of me on the way here. When leaving, I got stuck behind a tractor that would be classed as vintage in most places. As I was driving, I ordered a soft drink and a bag of crisps in here. I'm sure I was told it was £2 and I handed over a £5 note only to get £2 change. Either my hearing is going, or I was short-changed. Wye Valley Butty Bach & Three Tuns XXX were the only ales. A few other locals were in the bar of this two-roomed pub. The separate dining area was empty.
12 Jun 2018 20:23
The Red Lion was the only pub I visited in Caersws. I'd read that it served real cider. But when I asked the barmaid what ciders they served, I was offered Strongbow and various bottled options. It was only when I tried to be more specific and asked if they had anything such as a Westons cider, that one of the local pointed out a small sign advertising Rosie's Pig. So I was in luck. Locals seemed fairly jovial. But I'm not sure about the anti-English jokes. Much of the discussion revolved around some kind of local contest revolving around how many potatoes you could fit in a bucket. I think I'll stick to England!
12 Jun 2018 19:47
The Goat Hotel, Llanfair Caereinion
This was the second pub I visited in Llanfair Caereinion, after the Black Horse. The Goat was the better of the two pubs, with a better ale selection - Conwy Irish Red, Woods Born 'n' Bred & Dorking Washington Gold. The Goat was very quiet, with only 3 other customers in the bar and a couple sat outside. It still took a while to get served. Seemingly a nice pub. But just like the Black Horse down the road, it was plagued by dozens of flies. Although the Black Horse was slightly worse. Seemingly this village has a fly problem. Incidentally, I had earlier been to the Stumble Inn at Bwlch-y-cibau, which ended up being my favourite pub of the day. I have requested it to be added to the site.
12 Jun 2018 19:40
Time for one last drink before flying out of Aberdeen. The Granite City is no longer a Wetherspoons. But it still has 2 real ales - Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Wooha Blonde. I had the Blonde which was fine. But prices are expensive and the place was very quiet on a Sunday evening. Seemingly everybody had headed airside and were packed in the small pub nearer the gates. Probably not as good as it once was when it was a 'spoons. But at least there is still a real ale at the airport.
4 Jun 2018 21:02
After a visit to the nearby 6°N, a craft beer bar that I have requested to be added, my final pub in Aberdeen city centre was the Archibald Simpson. Alas in my 23rd pub of the weekend in Scotland, I finally located a real cider. Never was a pint of Old Rosie more appreciated. This Wetherspoon's is the better of Aberdeen's two branches and has a prominent location in a former bank. Ales were Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Greene King Abbot, Kansas Avenue Red Lonesome Duck, Banks's Maui, Windswept APA & Aurora, Stewart Jack Back & Redcastle Crusader. The Balmoral Chicken with haggis was slightly different from normal 'spoons fare, but acceptable. As can often be the case, this branch of Wetherspoon's didn't have tills that could accept the 50p off CAMRA vouchers, despite the vouchers being valid. I've had this a number of times now. A decent pub to finish my tour of Aberdeen.
4 Jun 2018 20:58
The Tolbooth was my fourth pub on a trip outside of Aberdeen on Sunday lunchtime. I'll request the New Inn at Aberchirder, the Ythanview Hotel in Methlick and the Station Hotel in Ellon to be added. The Tolbooth is a reasonably friendly town pub. The bar area is quite dark. But there is a brighter conservatory and an outdoor area at the rear. Greene King Abbot is the regular ale. Guests were Black Sheep Best Bitter & Caledonian 80/-. I had the latter, which was well kept. Note that children are not allowed. But this is probably the best pub in Ellon.
4 Jun 2018 20:48
Large Lloyds Bar version of Wetherspoon's that stretches a fair way back. Late on a Saturday evening it resembled a nightclub, with bouncers, a DJ, loud music, flashing lights and lots of smartly dressed youngsters sipping (or rather guzzling) cocktails. I probably looked a little out of place supping my pint of Orkney Dark Island. Only 3 other ales were on - Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Greene King Abbot & Banks's Maui. My initial hopes at spotting Weston's Old Rosie on handpull with a gleaming pumpclip was soon dispelled when I was told it was off. Why do 'spoons insist on displaying pumpclips from beers or ciders that are unavailable. Disappointing place. Although I'd like to think it's better during the day.
4 Jun 2018 20:39
You never quite know what you're going to get when walking into a cellar bar on a main shopping street. But despite just the solitary Deeside ale, I found this quite a nice comfortable bar. It was after 11pm on a Saturday and it was still fairly busy. The real ale was Swift.
4 Jun 2018 20:34
The Queen Vic can be found in the Rosemount area of the city. It is one large bar. All 4 real ales are located at the end of the bar. They can be difficult to see, if people are sat or stood in that area. But the two permanent ales are Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Timothy Taylor Landlord. Guests on my visit were Hobsons Old Prickly & Keith Smoke Keith. Not bad at all.
4 Jun 2018 20:31
Saturday evening was my first visit to the cobbled Old Aberdeen area, next to the university. The St Machar Bar did not look open from the outside. But inside it was quite lively. A group of young students had clearly had a fair amount. Caledonian Deuchars IPA is the regular beer. The guest was Loch Leven Pale Ale. There's a good range of whiskies and other spirits behind the long bar. Addlestones was the cider. One of Aberdeen's better pubs. I moved on from here to the disappointing Northern Hotel, which is not worth a visit.
4 Jun 2018 20:27
The Prestoungrange Gothenburg, Prestonpans
A return visit and I finally got to have a beer on this Saturday afternoon visit. The main bar is impressive, with its large island beer and painted ceiling. Other rooms are equally well decorated and there is some nice tilework. It's a far bigger place than it looks from the outside. The two real ales were both from Knops - India Pale Ale & Black Cork. A decent place for a drink and much more down-to-earth than I had anticipated. The car park is opposite next to the sea wall. But take care crossing the busy road.
4 Jun 2018 20:21
Buccleuch Arms Hotel, St Boswells
Penultimate pub for us in the Borders was the Buccleuch Arms. It's a large and rambling upmarket establishment. Food appears to be popular and there is also accommodation. In fact, it feels more like a hotel than a pub/restaurant. It is a good place for families. The two real ales were Born In The Borders Foxy Blonde & Greene King IPA. We moved on from here to the Red Lion in Earlston where I had a nice Orkney Dark Island. I'll request for it to be added to the site.
4 Jun 2018 20:13
I'm not sure if this pub is the brewery tap for Born In The Borders. But it certainly specialises in their ales. Two were being dispensed on cask - Game Bird & Foxy Blonde. There are two drinking areas at the front and a larger dining room at the rear. There is also an enclosed courtyard for drinking, as well as a garden area at the rear and a patio at the front. Most people were eating in the dining room. But there were another couple having a bar snack in the bar when we arrived in the pouring rain. Nice place.
4 Jun 2018 20:09
Rutherfords was my favourite pub of my weekend visit to Scotland. It's a micropub on Kelso's main square and is apparently Scotland's first and only micropub. There were 4 cask ales dispensed by gravity - Broughton Dark Dunter, Stewarts 80/- & Radical Road & Firebrick Pagan Queen. They had no real cider, apart from in bottles. But they do have a fine selection of gins. The small seating area is compact and there are board games to play. Even more popular was a small area of outdoor seating at the front and overlooking the square. Scotland needs more similar establishments. But it's a shame they haven't discovered real cider.
4 Jun 2018 20:02
This is now called the Typsie Ghillie. The pub is entered from a leafy square that overlooking Kelso Abbey. It was quiet on our Saturday morning visit. But they had 2 ales on - Born In The Borders Game Bird & Broughton Hopopotamos. The pub has bare boards and feels quite dark. There is a pool table. Music was playing. We moved into the café (White Swan Bistro) which can be entered from the other side of the building and the main square. You can order the ales in there too. But it is more of an coffee shop/dining establishment.
4 Jun 2018 19:57
Cobbles was the first place we sample on Saturday morning in Kelso. It's tucked away off a corner of the main square and has the feeling of a wine bar/bistro. There is a dining area to the left as you enter, with a bar to the right with a few small tables. This is still the brewery tap for the Tempest Brewery. Their Best Bitter & Armadillo Pale were the two cask ales. But they also had a number of keg options and more bottles of Tempest beers. The atmosphere was relaxed and they obviously have a loyal local following. Service was friendly. A good option when in the town.
4 Jun 2018 19:51
The Besom was the second of three pubs I tried in Coldstream on Friday evening. It was by far the nicest pub in Coldstream with a lovely bar area. However the beer quality was not the best. I chose the Hetton Howler that had a smoky taste and was rather cloudy. The other ale was the house beer Besom Ale. Whilst this was the nicest pub, I did have a much better Rigg & Furrow Run Hop Run in the Castle Hotel. But that place was overrun with drunken young adults failing badly at karaoke. The Newcastle Arms Hotel had no real ales, but arguably the warmest welcome.
4 Jun 2018 19:45
More of a restaurant than a pub, this place did serve a cask Belhaven IPA from a solitary handpull. We sat outside at a table overlooking the large village green, with a group of lads playing football. The interior was quite cosy and staff offered a friendly welcome. But this is not a place you'd have a session.
4 Jun 2018 19:32
Slightly upmarket country pub with a couple of real ales. These were Jarl & Ossian. The number of waiting staff at 9pm on a Friday evening gave an indication of how popular this pub is for food. With it being a relatively mild evening, I joined other drinkers in the rear garden, an enclosed lawn with plenty of tables and seating. Nice village pub.
4 Jun 2018 19:25
Saw this pub was in the Good Beer Guide. So I decided to give it a go prior to a visit to Surbiton. It's a fairly large pub on a roundabout in the Norbiton area of KIngston. There are 6 ales. But I was disappointed that none were dark. The selection was Park Gallows Gold & Driftway, Twickenham Naked Ladies & Spring Ale, Wimbledon Copper Leaf & Truman's Knees Up. There were only a handful of other customers there, including a couple sat outside at the front. The barmaid started pulling a pint when I'd asked for a half. Luckily I stopped her in time. Not sure I'd hurry back.
23 May 2018 19:10
Made a return visit to the Antelope last night, after a maiden visit to the Black Horse in Norbiton (not listed on the site). The Antelope is probably the best of this chain of pubs. Their loyalty cards are useful to have. But note that those issued by the Corner House in Windsor cannot be used in the other 4 pubs. Yesterday's ale selection was Big Smoke Solaris, Sunshower & Underworld, East London Brewery Foundation Bitter, Heavy Industry Pigeon Toed Orange Peel, Neptune Nammu, Summer Wine Firefly, Bristol Beer Factory Low Rider, Northern Whisper Soft Mick & Gun Milk Stout. Ciders were Charnwood Megablend Bone Dry, Bignose Beardy A Bit Of Omff, Cotswold Cider Company She Devil & Yellow Hammer & Seacider Mango Infused Cider. We partook in the Tuesday offer for ribs and wings along with a pint of one of their Big Smoke beers for £12. The brewery is indeed in a separate building at the rear, the other side of a secluded outdoor courtyard. One of London's best pubs in my opinion.
23 May 2018 19:01
The Anglesey Arms Hotel, Caernarfon
Marston's pub overlooking the Menai Strait. Many people were outside enjoying the last of the evening's light. I sat inside, which gradually got busier as the outside temperature dropped. For a Marston's pub I was impressed with the ale range - Brains SA, Exeter Brewing Company 'fraid Not, Black Sheep Monty Python's Flying Circus & Purity Mad Goose. I had the 'fraid Not, which was quite nice for a pale ale.
21 May 2018 20:00
This was the best pub I visited yesterday in Caernarfon. Situated up a narrow street, it has a dark and cosy interior. It was also the busiest of my 4 pubs. Two drawbacks were the fairly slow service - I witnessed one guy who gave up waiting and went elsewhere and a more limited real ale range than I was expected. The 3 ales on were Bass, Bragdy Conwy Welsh Pride & Dark Star Espresso. There was one unused handpull. But I was left wondering if there were any different beers in a different room somewhere. Despite this, I was happy enough with the Espresso. An old pub that is worth a visit.
21 May 2018 19:56
Tafarn y Porth is Caernarfon's branch of Wetherspoon's. Of the 4 pubs I visited in Caernarfon, it had the largest range of ales - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Bass, Ringwood Forty Niner, Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold, Ramsbury Gold, Oakham JHB & Big Bog Jack O'Lantern. It was also the only place with real cider - Old Rosie & Black Dragon. Tafarn y Porth enjoys a great location next to the castle. It was fairly quiet for a 'spoons. Service was quick.
21 May 2018 19:53
After 4 final pubs in Anglesey, none of which are listed on here, but aren't worth adding, as they had no more than JW Lees Bitter, I returned to the mainland. After trying the Gardd Fon in Felinheli, my first pub in Caernarfon was Yr Alex, formerly the Alexandra Hotel. It was my first time in Caernarfon for 24 years. So I didn't remember much about it. Yr Alex is just outside the town centre on a busy roundabout. It had two real ales - Bass & Brains The Rev James. There were a few in the one room and another customer in a second room. But the place was quite quiet on a Sunday evening. Not particularly worth a return visit.
21 May 2018 19:44
Tried visiting this place yesterday. It's on what seems like Holyhead's main shopping street. But it has now closed down.
21 May 2018 19:33
Fourth pub of the day in Anglesey was the White Eagle. We came here from the Valley Hotel and the Anchorage Hotel. The White Eagle is tucked away at the southern end of Holy Island. Despite its remote location, it was very busy. Popular with families and multiple dogs, it clearly does a good trade in food. The real ale selection was probably the best on the island too. Ales on this visit were Weetwood Eastgate, Bragdy Conwy California & Beachcomber, Coach House 16 & Dunscar Blonde And Ambitious.
21 May 2018 19:30
Our first pub on a Sunday visit to complete the Good Beer Guide pubs of Anglesey was the Crown. It's a nice looking pub in the village square. But the three small rooms have been modernised inside. A few villagers were in the main bar, where we sat. The two ales were Purple Moose Elderflower Ale & Heavy Industry Diawl Bach. A few people were eating. Decent village boozer.
21 May 2018 19:24
Yr Hen Dderwen was my last scheduled stop of the night in Carmarthen. It's a Wetherspoon's that had 3 doorman on my Saturday evening visit. The ale range was easily the best in town. Ales were Greene King Abbot, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Windsor & Eton Harry & Meghan's Windsor Knot, Hook Norton Old Hooky, Grainstore Rutland Beast, Boss Brave & Gower Power. Ciders were all from Gwynt y Ddraig - Black Dragon, Dog Dancer, Ancient Warrior & Fiery Fox. It was quite a lively place late on a Saturday evening. But the decent selection of ciders had a thumbs up from me. I moved on from here to the excellent Parrot and the dreadful Castle Hotel. I'll request for the former to be added to the site.
21 May 2018 19:18
The Queens Hotel was a lively place on my Saturday evening visit. It took a while to get served, with somebody ordering multiple pints of Guinness and somebody else ordering double spirits. The two ales were both from Evan Evans - Welsh Pale Ale & Cwrw. I didn't get to explore the whole pub. But there are a couple of very traditional rooms with comfortable seating. There is also an outdoor area at the rear next to the castle. There were a few drunken characters in here. One Irish guy managed to start a little sing-song. But he was struggling to stand up. One of the better pubs in Carmarthen. The best was probably the Friends Arms, which I have requested to be added to the site.
21 May 2018 19:13
This pub is now called the Red Kite Inn. It was our third pub of the day in Carmarthenshire after the Ivy Bush and the Red Lion Hotel. We continued onto the King's Head Hotel at Capel Hendre, the Smiths Arms in Foelgastell, the Mansell Arms in Porthrhyd and the Stag & Pheasant & the Friends Arms in Carmarthen. None of the others are listed on here. But I'll request for the best ones to be added. Ironically the only one of our first 8 pubs to be listed on the site, the Red Kite Inn, was the poorest of the lot. The young barman was friendly. But there was nobody else in and the solitary ale was Courage Best.
21 May 2018 18:53
With just time to try one more pub in Walthamstow, this pub opposite Central station was just the ticket. The ale range surprised me - Gales Seafarers, East London Pale Ale, Cowcatcher & Quadrant Oatmeal Stout, Leigh On Sea Six Little Ships, Redemption Pale & Greene King Harry Ever After. It was far better than I had expected. Spanish football was on the TV. But the big drawback with this place was the prices. It was by far the most expensive pub we visited in Walthamstow. This seemed odd as I'm sure I remember Goose pubs as being good value. But this one is obviously exploiting its location. I wouldn't rule out another visit though.
14 May 2018 19:34
Corner pub in the village conservation area of Walthamstow. The ale selection was better than I had expected - Roosters Highway Fifty One, Timothy Taylor Cook Lane IPA & Dark Star Sunburst. My only criticism was that they were all similar sorts of beer. A dark beer or a cider would have been nice. Clientele appeared to be young to middle-aged locals. The barmaid got our order wrong, but did not offer to change it.
14 May 2018 19:30
The Wild Card Brewery, Walthamstow
Another Walthamstow place that has gone downhill. Unlike my last visit when the only ales available were Wild Card ones, there were no Wild Card ales on at all. The real cider has also disappeared. The 3 ales were Dancing Duck 22 & Ay Up & Brewsters Hophead. We sat on the benches outside. I'm sure the inside has been opened up and there is no longer any seating. Disappointing.
14 May 2018 19:27
I haven't been to the Nag's Head for some time. Yesterday I went back and found only 4 ales on. I'm sure there used to be more. The selection was Timothy Taylor Landlord, Three Sods Mon Cheri & BoHo Bitter & Wadworth Epic Brew. I'm now wondering if there were some more elsewhere I missed. No sign of any cats this time. But there was live music on and they had presumably been driven out. We too elected to sit outdoors in the large paved garden at the rear.
14 May 2018 19:24
I was back in the Bell last night. Similar to the Olde Rose & Crown, the Bell was not as good as I remembered. Ales were St Austell Tribute, Long Man American Pale Ale, Fuzzy Duck Pheasant Plucker, Three Castles Gatehouse, Pig & Porter Dance First, Salopian Darwin's Origin, Titanic Lifeboat & Kent KGB. When I asked the barmaid what real ciders there were, she asked what a real cider was. Apparently they no longer stock them. My Dance First was ok. But I'm definitely downgrading my score for this place. Going downhill. But still a solid 7/10.
14 May 2018 19:20
The Rose and Crown, Walthamstow
Almost 6 years after my only previous visit to the Olde Rose & Crown, I returned yesterday evening, after a visit to the nearby Mirth, Marvel & Maud, which I will request to be added to the site. As is often the case, the Olde Rose & Crown wasn't quite as good as I remembered. The 6 ales were Daleside Monkey Wrench, Otter Ale, Moles Rucking Mole, Purity Ubu, Wantsum Dynamo & Shiny 4Wood. The solitary cider was Seacider Rhubarb. Although they do also have Addlestones on a handpump. There was a mobile truck outside the front door selling food, possibly crepes. Good pub and I'm sure I will be back. I'll keep my score as 8/10 for now.
14 May 2018 19:13
Was back in Hackney yesterday. After a visit to the disappointing Oslo, I headed to the Cock Tavern, one of my favourite pubs in East London. It was quiet, as it often is earlier in the day. But the ale and cider range was excellent, as usual. Howling Hops IPA, Pale XX, Pale Ale & Black, Wild Beer Millionaire, Beer Monkey Bitter Revival & One Mile End Desservir Peanut Butter and Jelly Stout were the real ales. Ciders were Perry's Barn Owl, Burrow Hill Cider & Cider Bus, Farmer Jim's Apple Red & Rhubarb Bob, Millwhites Rum Cask & Newton Court Dabinett. Still a great pub.
14 May 2018 19:06
The Dundee Arms, Bethnal Green
Was here at opening time yesterday. This is a fairly basic place with a couple of real ales. Yesterday these were Signature Brew Progressive & Purity Bunny Hop. Seems to be a fairly trendy place. But it was difficult to judge with it being so quiet. Tried the wifi, using a code on the wall. But this didn't work. Ok, but nothing special.
14 May 2018 18:56
The Coach and Horses Inn, Chepstow
With the Queen's Head closed, my final pub of the day in Gwent ended up being the Coach & Horses. It's a Brain's pub. Their Bitter & SA were on, alongside guests - Bath Gem & Butcombe Original. But I'd agree with the previous reviewer that this wasn't the most inspiring. Of more interest was the clientele. From the drunk lady at the bar to the cross dressing man sat at a table, the pub certainly had its share of characters. A good pub should always have a few characters. So a bonus point for that.
8 May 2018 21:06
I'd read some good things about this micropub and I was really looking forward to visiting after we'd been to the Coach & Horses in Caerwent and the Chepstow Athletic Club. But alas it was closed shortly after 8pm on a bank holiday weekend. 1/10 for a place with unpredictable opening hours.
8 May 2018 21:01
This place was shut all day yesterday (Bank Holiday Monday). That seems like a strange way to run a business. With the lovely weather, they would have made a killing. Judging by the previous review, we did at least manage to try one pub in Caldicot (the Cross Inn). But it must have been in the rough part of town! 1/10 for a pub cannot open on a bank holiday weekend. Hopefully I'll be back one day to give a more accurate review.
8 May 2018 20:58
The Wheatsheaf was the better of Magor's two pubs. The ale selection was varied - Rhymney Export, Boss Nutjob, Castles Ironclad & Bradgy Twt Lol Crazy Peacock. The Nutjob was very nutty, maybe too nutty for my liking! Service was efficient, despite the pub being fairly busy with the village's May Fair in full flow. Possibly the best pub of 10 we tried in Gwent yesterday.
8 May 2018 20:55
Magor was holding a May Fair on our bank holiday Monday visit. The Golden Lion was at the heart of it all and as such, it was heaving. Inside seemed busy. We thought it might be quieter in the garden. But the small area for children was absolutely rammed. How the children's play frame and swings didn't collapse under the weight of so many kids, I'll never know! The Rev James was the only ale available. Clearly they didn't have the foresight to realise how busy it would be. Service was quick though, despite the crowds. Would like to visit again on a normal day to get a better impression.
8 May 2018 20:51
The Bell Inn is on the opposite side of the river from most pubs and the main Roman sites in Caerleon. It's tucked away up a quaint backstreet. It's probably the best pub Caerleon has to offer. But there's significant scope for improvement. Before we'd even managed to get to the bar, we were jumped upon by a lady who asked if she could help us. I replied that I'd like to purchase a drink. But she quickly decided to tell us that all of the lagers were off! I was more focused on the list of ciders on a blackboard though. I was trying to work out whether they were all draught or whether they were bottles when the barmaid decided to ignore me in favour of somebody about to place a huge food and drinks order. When the barmaid got this wrong, it took an eternity to rectify and only 5 minutes later did one of the other staff members, who were sat talking the wrong side of the bar, decide to help out. So much for being jumped upon on arrival! It soon transpired that they didn't have all of the ciders/perries on the board as our first request was off. Assuming the rest were available, the selection was Weston's Rosie's Pig, Old Rosie & Flat Tyre, Aspall's Temple Moon, Cyderkyn & Raspberry & Ginger, Abrahalls Lily The Pink, Thatcher's Stan's Big Apple, Traditional & Cheddar Valley & Garden Cider Company Vintage. The two ales were Wainwright & Boltmaker. The pub was very quiet inside. This may have had something to do with the lack of lager. But there were a few in the suntrap terrace garden at the rear. Good pub, but with service issues.
8 May 2018 20:47
After visiting some of Caerleon's tourist sites, we retreated to this Brain's pub next to the River Usk. It has plenty of seating next to what is not the most picturesque river you'll ever see. The ales were Rev James, SA Gold & Crowded Hops. We joined the throngs enjoying the sunshine outside. But there were plenty of customers drinking and dining inside too.
8 May 2018 20:37
After a visit to the Red Lion, the Priory Hotel was our second port of call in the Roman town of Caerleon. It's an impressive building with nice gardens at the rear and some interesting carvings. The two real ales were Glamorgan Welsh Pale & Wye Valley Butty Bach. Two keg beers - Felinfoel Double Dragon & Wye Valley Wholesome Stout are dispensed from handpulls. The American barman couldn't seemed to control the stout and I ended up with a short measure. It was also far too cold for my liking, despite the hot weather yesterday. Nice building. But a shame about the beer.
8 May 2018 20:34
The Park Inn is the brewery tap for Holden's and is next to the brewery itself. Ales from Holden's were Black Country Bitter, Black Country Mild, Special & XB. Guests were Wye Valley Bitter, Enville Ginger & Sarah Hughes SPA. The Mild was certainly better than the Banks's version I had in the previous pub. Service was also decent and the locals seemed fairly friendly.
8 May 2018 20:28
Following Sunday lunch at the disappointing Gongoozler (not listed on here), we continued with the canal theme and moved onto the Fountain. Most customers were enjoying the sunshine outside next to the canal. But the plastic glasses being dispensed for those drinking outdoors persuaded us otherwise. The ale range was a little disappointing - Banks's Mild, Wye Valley HPA, Adnams Mosaic, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Greene King Abbot & Thwaites Wainwright. There was no real cider either. But a lot of people seemed to be enjoying the fizzy Thatcher's varieties. The pub itself is fairly basic. Service wasn't the best. The younger barmaid hadn't got a clue which order to serve people in. So she just served those she knew. Like the last reviewer, I too had the Mild. I'm not a fan of Banks's Mild. But this was the best option. Disappointing pub.
8 May 2018 20:24
I went to some fairly strange pubs in Wales over the weekend. But this one was possibly the strangest of all. Opening times are limited here. So I saved my visit until the evening. The pubs seems to open at 7pm each day. Once past the cacophony of bells that greets you as you open the door, you will see the bar in front of you with rooms either side. I opted for the room on the right, where all the other customers were. 2 ales were on - Hafod Little Marvel & Cwrw Llyn Golau Pale. Not wishing to get the pronunciation wrong, I ordered a half of the Golau Pale which the barmaid fetched from the opposite side of the bar. Unfortunately I couldn't see what she was pouring, as she brought a pint over. She seemed deeply offended when I said I only wanted a half and placed the pint on the counter expecting me to stomach it, despite it not being my error. She eventually poured half into a separate glass. But her reaction soured my opinion of the pub. It's situated in an idyllic setting. But I wonder how many visitors they actually get. They certainly seemed uneasy at a stranger's presence. Nice pub, but not the most welcoming to visitors.
8 May 2018 20:15
The Offas Dyke Hotel, Broughton
Large Greene King pub in a residential area of Broughton. There is a public bar that was showing live sport, a bright and airy lounge/dining area and plenty of outdoor seating. Ales were Greene King Abbot, Black IPA & Band of Brothers, St Austell Tribute & Robinson's Dizzy Blonde. I had the Black IPA, which I had not seen before. It was ok. But I'm not a fan of black IPAs. The pub offers a CAMRA discount and it is well advertised. But despite for this, I forgot to ask for it. A community pub that is worth a visit.
8 May 2018 20:06
The White Horse was a complete contrast to my 2 previous pubs, the Castle Inn in Shotton and the Ship Inn in Connah's Quay, which frankly are not worth adding to the site. Leaving built-up areas behind and heading towards the Clwydian mountains, the countryside around Cilcain is picturesque and the village itself is lovely. You won't get a mobile phone signal in the pub. But you will get a nice country pub atmosphere with a focus on conversation, beer and food. There are two small rooms and an equally small outside area at the side. The welcome was friendly. Ales were Usher's 1824 & Wye Valley Butty Bach. One of my two favourite pubs of the day. The other was the Mold Alehouse, which I moved onto after a visit to the Crown Inn in Pantymwyn. I'll request for both to be added to the site.
8 May 2018 19:57
I'm not quite sure to make of this pub. From the outside, it looks quite rough. After helping a guy to jump start his motorbike on the car park, I entered into the pub and found a fairly gaudy interior, that felt more like a lap-dancing club than a pub. With chandeliers and unusual decorations, it was all a little strange. But the welcome was very friendly and they did have Wainwright & Bombardier Glorious English on as real ales. A fairly unique place. I was the only customer. So it was difficult to judge. But I'd certainly give it another go if passing.
8 May 2018 19:50
The Fox & Grapes is one of two pubs I tried in Hawarden. Neither were brilliant. But the Glynne Arms had the better atmosphere and a far better ale selection. I will request for that to be added to the site. The Fox & Grapes was very quiet. Only two other customers were present. Ales were also fairly standard - Weetwood Cheshire Cat, Tetley's Cask & Sharp's Doom Bar.
8 May 2018 19:44
Started my weekend in the White Horse on Friday evening. It was a nice evening and people were out enjoying the last rays of sunshine of the day. The pub has changed little since my last review. Ales on this visit were Rebellion IPA, Old Pie Factory American Pale, Hal's Ales Poker Brown, Reunion Actus Reus, Atlantic Azores, Hattie Brown Kirrin Island, Flash House Neighbourhood & Fierce and Noble Session IPA. Ciders were Abrahalls Ruby Tuesday, Salt Hill Green Man & Barbourne Whisky Cask. Craft beers were Mala Gissona Apatxe & Paulaner Hefe Weissbier. Excellent village pub. Looking forward to the next beer festival over the bank holiday weekend.
8 May 2018 19:38
Having started our tour of Yorkshire pubs at the Robin Hood in Altofts, near Wakefield, it seemed rather appropriate that our 29th and final pub was also called the Robin Hood. This one was rather quiet on our Sunday evening visit. The 2 ales on were Abbeydale Moonshine & Timothy Taylor Landlord. Having seen the Moonshine in many pubs I'd visited, I thought I'd finally give it a go. Not really my type of beer. But this was well kept and still went down fine. Friendly enough staff and barmaid.
2 May 2018 19:13
The Golden Ball Inn, Rotherham
Our fourth and final pub in Whiston was finally the one where I managed to get the Sunday roast I was craving. It was nice. But there wasn't much in the way of vegetables. The pub was quite busy. Many others were eating and there is a separate dining area. But drinkers were congregated around the bar. It has the feel of a village pub, as it is tucked away from the main road. Ales were Sharp's Doom Bar, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Wells Bombardier Glorious English & York Yorkshire Terrier. Quite an expensive place.
2 May 2018 19:08
Large pub that is food oriented. We were hoping to eat. But they'd run out of roast dinners. We initially sat down underneath a TV. But there was a group of foul-mouthed youngsters who had presumably watching the live football that had just finished. So we moved elsewhere. There are several separate areas, including a large dining room. Ales were Abbeydale Moonshine, Acorn Darkness & Saint George & Chantry Iron & Steel Bitter. The Darkness was good. Not a bad place.
2 May 2018 19:02
Friendly, locals pub that seems that seems to have a reputation for good Sunday lunches. I was hoping to grab one on our Sunday evening visit. But they had stopped serving them. The leftover Yorkshire puddings on the bar looked good though. Ales were Bradfield Farmer's Blonde, Tetley Cask, Sharp's Sea Fury & Abbeydale Moonshine. The only annoying thing was all of the locals crowded around the bar.
2 May 2018 07:46
The Hind was the first of 4 pubs in or around Whiston that we visited. It's a large, roadside Ember Inns establishment and the interior was fairly typical of this chain. Ales were Black Sheep Ember Pale Ale, Abbeydale Moonshine, Kirkstall Yorkshire Dales Pale, Bru Stout & Thwaites Wainwright. It was reasonably busy on our early Sunday evening visit.
2 May 2018 07:43
After visits to the Hilltop Hotel in Conisbrough (I have requested for this to be added) and the Woodman in Sunnyside (Marston's pub not worth adding), we moved on to Wickersley, starting at the Wickersley Old Village Cricket Club. None of these are listed on the site. But we then moved onto the Three Horseshoes. Getting served was the first challenge. The bar is set up into little sections and is a little awkward. But this didn't take too long, in all fairness. Ales were Fuller's London Pride, Marston's Pedigree, Fuggle Bunny Chapter 7 & Timothy Taylor Landlord. As we left, Don Valley Hitchcock was being poured through. Nice enough place with limited seating. Some is reserved for dining. Live Premier League football was on the TVs. Attracts a mixed crowd. CAMRA discounts are offered.
2 May 2018 07:40
Church House, Wath Upon Dearne
Wetherspoon's location in what looks like a nice building from the outside, but is showing its age a little on the inside. For a Wetherspoon's, it's actually quite compact. As usual, toilets are hidden away upstairs to maximise space. Ales were Greene King Abbot & George & Flagon, Ruddles Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Ossett Silver King, Theakston Old Peculier, Leeds Yorkshire Gold & Stancill No. 7 Barnsley Bitter. Ciders were Black Dragon & Rosie's Pig. Whilst in town, make sure you try the nearby Wath Tap, a micropub on the High Street which I'll request to be added.
2 May 2018 07:27
Backstreet pub away from the town centre, but close to a large casino. It was busy with locals. Some were playing each other at pool. One lady in particular was clearly a very good player! The interior is basic. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. Ales were Everard's Tiger, Moorhouses White Witch, Timothy Taylor Boltmaker, Exmoor Gold, Pitchfork Single Header, Abbeydale Prophecy, Morland Old Speckled Hen & Goose Eye Pommie's Revenge.
1 May 2018 21:31
The Shoulder of Mutton, Bradford
Usual traditional Sam Smith's house, with OBB on handpull. Bar staff and customers were friendly. The interior layout has a number of rooms. There is an enclosed yard at the rear. Gents toilets are also outside. If you like Sam Smith's pubs, you'll enjoy it here.
1 May 2018 21:26
After a visit to the busy Record Café, I made the short walk across the road to the Sparrow Bier Café. This was equally busy. But I managed to grab a stool at the bar. This is a small single-room bar with a varied ale and cider selection. Ales were Kirkstall Pale Ale, Turning Point Lucid Dream Cookie Cream Stout & Avalon & Fallen Grapevine. One of these soon went and was replaced by Thornbridge Jessamine. Ciders were all very strong - Premium Drinks Cherry Perry & Passion Fruit Perry (both 7.5%), Woodthorpe Hall Rubie Suzie (11%) and Mr Whitehead's Devil's Device (8.4%). Another really decent option in Bradford. Not really a pub, but a varied section of ales and ciders.
1 May 2018 21:23
Saw this place in the current Good Beer Guide and had high hopes. But it was very disappointing. Music was blasting out as I entered. This was apparently DJ Nigel, with a selection of tracks on his laptop! The pub is fairly traditional. The Indian landlord was struggling to understand my drink order. Not sure if it was due to my southern accent or the noise emanating from DJ Nigel. But we got there eventually. The 2 real ales were Wychwood Hobgoblin & Welbeck Abbey Helen Let's Get Fiscal. As per previous reviews, I agree that there are some interesting characters in here. Moved onto the Record Café (not listed on here) for a slightly more civilised, if not more drunken crowd.
1 May 2018 21:16
I thought I already knew the best pub in Bradford before this visit. The Fighting Cock is a fantastic traditional boozer with a good selection of ale and cider. But Jacobs Beer House destroyed my illusion. Whilst the former is a more traditional place, the atmosphere in Jacobs is also good and the ale and cider selection is much better. The choice on Saturday evening was Wychwood Hobgoblin, Stancill Barnsley Bitter, Sunbeam Eclipse, Slightly Foxed New Zealand Pale Ale, Hilltop Raspberry Beret, Ashover The Fabrick & Titanic Plum Porter. Unsurprisingly for the 2017 Yorkshire CAMRA cider pub of the year (or possibly runners up), it had an excellent range of ciders - Coleman's Pear Cider & Dry Cider, Pure North Valley Oak, Old Fruity & Sweet Union, Broadoak Perry, Grumpy John's Medium, Udders Orchard Lindley Gold & Snails Bank Very Perry. I could have quite easily stayed here the entire evening. But I stayed for 3 and then moved on, with more delights of Bradford still to discover. Great pub.
1 May 2018 21:11
Former baths and Wetherspoon's branch that is now looking very dilapidated. Surprising since it hasn't been closed that long.
1 May 2018 21:03
I just had time to visit one more pub before leaving Huddersfield. So I joined a few mates in the Sportsman. The bar area is fairly small and after the football match, it was a few deep at the bar. But the wait was well worth it. Ales were Timothy Boltmaker, Mallinson's Motueka, Howling Hops Riding Ale, Ridgeside Cascadian & Maffin, Roaring Four American IPA & Tiny Rebel Chocolate Stay Puft. A real cider and perry were also from Tiny Rebel - Protaropia & Peariscope. There are a couple of rooms off the main bar and an outdoor yard at the rear, where we retreated to. Part is undercover. I really liked this pub and it's not far off the Rat & Ratchet and the Grove in my list of favourite pub in the town.
1 May 2018 21:01
I had time for one more swift half before heading to the game on Saturday afternoon. So I headed for this rockers' bar. It's quite civilised during the daytime and there was a reasonable crowd of football fans and some diners and drinkers. Burgers is the speciality. Ales were Timothy Taylor Landlord, Saltaire Raspberry Blonde, Magic Rock Dark Arts, Cameron's Whakanui & Bad Company Love Ever Gold. There is a pool table. A bit rough and ready. But I'd happily come here again.
1 May 2018 20:55
The Cherry Tree is a Wetherspoon's outlet not too far from Huddersfield station. It appeared very busy on my early Saturday afternoon visit, with bouncers on the door. But once past the entrance, service was quite quick and there was plenty of space to move towards the rear. Ales were Greene King Abbot, Elland 1872 Porter & White Prussian, Moorhouses Watchfinder General & Pendle Witches Brew, Acorn Dragon IPA, Springhead Exodus & Bradfield Farmer's Blonde. Ciders were Old Rosie & Black Dragon. Ok. But I probably wouldn't bother again with so many other decent pubs in Huddersfield, unless I was trying to use my CAMRA vouchers.
1 May 2018 20:37
Small pub on the western outskirts of Bradford that is listed in the current Good Beer Guide. This main room is small and there is an even smaller games room with a pool table entered through a separate door. The solitary real ale was Peacemaker from Salamander. Being a porter, that at least pleased me. But I was expecting more ales. One other customer and the landlord were present. A nice place though.
1 May 2018 20:30
I did go looking to see if this bar still exists, possibly with a different name. But the Victoria Building is no longer open to the public and there is no mention of a bar here. I didn't bother trying the Ubar.
1 May 2018 20:26
The Prospect Of Bradford, Bradford
The Prospect of Bradford still stands as a building. But it looks rather forlorn in an area of dereliction at the top of a hill. Closed though.
1 May 2018 20:24
Sited on a busy set of traffic lights, this place is now a cake shop. I did contemplate stopping by for a cake. But it was a bit too early in the day for that. Seemed to be some strange comings and goings in the car park.
1 May 2018 20:17
I'd passed the Ginger Goose late on Friday evening. It had bouncers on the door and had a rough appearance. I gave it a miss in favour of the City Vaults. But I was back on Saturday morning. CAMRA's website records this place as having no real ale. But as the previous two reviewers state, they do have Saltaire Blond, which I availed myself of. The window seats are the prime position in this pub. Local blokes were watching the goings on in the street, with Centenary Square just on the other side. The clientele seemed similar to that of a Wetherspoon's. Given I couldn't locate a 'spoons in the city, this may be why. Snooker was on the TVs. Pretty poor pub in all though.
1 May 2018 20:14
You can probably guess what the Old Bank used to be in its former life. The interior feels a bit bland and lifeless now though. We sat in the side room, which struggles without natural light. We were there at 10am on a Saturday morning. One other customer soon walked in. But the atmosphere was obviously lacking. 6 ales were on - Coach House Lemon & Ginger, Naylor's Spoke, Hancock's HB, Salamander Golden, Scarborough Citra & Sharp's Doom Bar. Wifi didn't work. But you could get hold of the Ginger Goose wifi, just the other side of the wall. Both pubs are part of the same chain. The Old Bank was probably the best in the chain.
1 May 2018 20:09
I just had time to visit one pub in Bradford on Friday evening. It was gone 11pm. So there was little choice at that time. But the City Vaults was open. Ales on offer appeared to be Tetley's Cask, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Saltaire Blonde & Upham Tester. But when ordering the Saltaire beer, I was told that nobody had been drinking the ales for a few hours. So they had taken them off. I ended up with a bottle. The interior is fairly traditional and there are a number of different alcoves and corners to retire to. Music was being played far too loud though to make it a very relaxing experience. Those sat at the bar seemed to be enjoying it. But I'm not sure about everyone else. Part of a chain of 4 pubs in Bradford city centre, this one had the nicest interior. But the Old Bank had the best ales.
1 May 2018 20:02
Friendly pub that felt like a village pub. Ales were Black Sheep Best Bitter & Monty Python's Flying Circus, Roosters This Is England & Cameron's Whakanui. They also had Thatcher's Stan's Big Apple cider. A CAMRA discount is offered. It was fairly quiet on my visit.
1 May 2018 19:56
Horse and Jockey Inn, Birstall
The Horse & Jockey was the first of two pubs I tried in Birstall on Friday. It feels reasonably large and had a decent crowd on my evening visit. The TV was showing live Championship football. Ales were Bradfield Farmer's Blonde, Jennings Cumberland Ale, John Smith's Cask, Sharps Doom Bar, Ossett Silver King & Roosters This Is England. They also had a real cider - Rosie's Pig. A CAMRA discount is offered. But children are not allowed in.
1 May 2018 19:54
The Graziers was our second pub of the evening on Friday, following the Robin Hood Inn at Altofts (I have requested this to be added to the site). Whilst not quite as good as the Robin Hood, the Graziers is a popular community local. Rugby League was showing on the TV and a few were playing pool in one section. There are 3 separate areas and an outdoor area used by smokers. Ales were John Smiths Cask, Abbeydale Moonshine, Belhaven Bridge To Nowhere, Theakston Old Peculier & Timothy Taylor Landlord.
1 May 2018 19:47
We'd saved the Floodgate until last, on our 14 pub tour of the town. This was intentional, as I was hoping to save the best until last. We certainly weren't disappointed. Ales were Redemption Pale Ale, Bristol Beer Factory Independence, Anarchy Guzzolene, Ludlow Gold & Abbeydale Coffee & Hazlenut Stout. Ciders were Lilley's Rhubarb Cider, Hurst View Jibber Jabber, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Abrahalls Thundering Molly & Broadoak Sloe Gin Cider. This micropub is handy for the station and is in my opinion the best pub in Stafford. With two Chinese takeaways nextdoor, our evening meal was sorted too!
22 Apr 2018 19:00
Made a return visit to the Sun yesterday. Everard's Tiger & Titanic Captain Smith's, White Star, Anchor & Steerage were supplemented by their Plum Porter, Dark Star The Original, Festival & American Brown Ale, Potbelly Lager Brau & Castle Rock Screech Owl. There was no real cider that I could see. Although reading my last review, they may not have been obvious. Still a decent option when in Stafford though.
22 Apr 2018 18:54
The Swan Hotel is an old coaching inn on a central shopping street. It was busy with a wedding reception on our visit. But there are lots of different rooms that meant that other drinkers and diners were unaffected. Thwaites Wainwright was supplemented by Wychwood Hobgoblin, Wells Bombardier Glorious English & Wye Valle HPA.
22 Apr 2018 18:49
The Shrewsbury Arms was the second Black Country Ales pub we tried in Stafford yesterday. Whilst this one wasn't as good as the Bird In Hand, it still warrants a 7/10. The Shrewsbury Arms was much quieter. But the interior is cosy enough and the ale range was good. Black Country BFG, Fireside & Pig On The Wall were supplemented by Bespoke Golden Rule, Corvedale Pax Rule, Downton Apple Blossom Ale, Blind Monkey Albion Pale Ale, Pheasantry Aurora & Falstaff Smiling Assassin. The real cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Dog Dancer. Had a scotch egg which was nice. Worth a visit.
22 Apr 2018 18:45
Joule's pub with a number of different rooms and seating areas including a courtyard at the rear. Ales were Blonde, Pale & Slumbering Monk. There were no guests that I could see and no real cider. But the Slumbering Monk was ok.
22 Apr 2018 18:37
The Market Vaults is situated just off the Market Square. The interior is dark and there are several sections around a central bar. The ale range was a little disappointing - Sunbeam and Top Totty are the regular beers and Hobgoblin, Wainwright & Old Empire were the guests. I had the Hobgoblin and my drinking partner had the Top Totty. Plenty of people were ordering the Top Totty, but it wasn't to our taste. This is the kind of place that probably has a better atmosphere in the evenings, especially when live music is on. I do recommend No. 7 Market Square nextdoor though - a very interesting place with a real ale and craft beers. I have requested for it to be added to the site.
22 Apr 2018 18:11
Two years on from my last review and what a transformation. The pub has been taken over by Black Country Ales and it now rivals the Floodgate as the best pub in Stafford. I was suitably impressed. The place has had a refurbishment without destroying any of its character. The loud music has gone and has been replaced by conversation. It was also much busier, with people no doubt attracted by the excellent ale and cider range. The 3 Black Country ales are BFG, Fireside & Pig On The Wall. Guest ales were Salopian Lemon Dream, Falstaff Smiling Assassin & Sandiway Chain Breaker. 2 ciders were Snail's Bank Appley Dappley & La Cantina Private Number. Really good pub.
22 Apr 2018 18:04
After visits to the Hop Pole and the newly opened Slater's Bar (neither are on the site but I'll request the latter to be added), we moved onto the Lamb. It was much quieter than other pubs we visited, with seemingly only customer. But I suspect he may have been the owner. Wells Bombardier Burning Gold was supplemented by Cameron's Strongarm. We had both and they were both fine. The pub itself is nice enough. But we were surprised how quiet it was, considering its location.
22 Apr 2018 17:55
Currently closed and an asbestos removal van was outside.
22 Apr 2018 17:49
The King's Arms is a really nice backstreet boozer that is clearly popular. By the time we left at 12:50, it was already really busy. Bass is always on and the guests were Steam Box Golden Bolt, Morrell's Champion & Black Sheep Best Bitter & Monty Python's Flying Circus. There were also 4 ciders - Gwynt y Ddraig Farmer's Pride & Weston's Rusted Wheel, Flat Tyre & Hand Brake. A gin festival was also advertised. Football was showing on the TV and there is a dartboard in a prominent position. It offers a CAMRA discount too. Good pub and one of the best in Stafford.
22 Apr 2018 17:48
Pub on a side street almost opposite the prison. We arrived shortly after opening. But a few had already beaten us to it. Bradfield Farmer's Blonde was the regular beer and there were 6 guests - Salopian Shropshire Gold, The Hop Studio Pale, Dancing Duck Abduction, Oakham JHB, Welbeck Abbey Harley & Brewsmith Oatmeal Stout. There was no real cider. I opted for the only dark beer - the Oatmeal Stout, which was probably the worst beer I had all day in Stafford. It may just have been the first one out though. There is a bar at the front and a larger room at the rear.
22 Apr 2018 17:40
The Vine was our first stop of a Stafford crawl yesterday. It is a hotel that has a bar with a fair few locals. It's open for breakfast early in the morning. All ales are from Marston's - Banks's Amber Bitter, Marston's Pedigree & Jennings Cocker Hoop. The bar is a comfortable room. But quite a few tables were reserved.
22 Apr 2018 17:30
I've passed through Port Talbot a few times on the train, but never alighted. It looks like a fairly grim place. The main street has a handful of bars and take-away joints. The highlight appears to be the Lord Caradoc, a branch of Wetherspoon's. The pub was busy. But the ale range was disappointing. The regular beers - Sharps Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best were supplemented by just two guests - Brains The Rev James & Nick Stafford's Hambleton Ales Nightmare Porter. However there were three fruit ciders left over from 'spoon's recent cider festival - Snail's Bank Rhubarb Cider, Tempted Elderflower Cider & Cock Eyed Pear Mania. I opted for the Elderflower Cider and watched for almost 10 minutes whilst four staff members all tried to squeeze the last of the box into my glass. I could have ended up with a free half. But I was driving and unable to take up their offer. Probably the best pub in Port Talbot. I moved on from here to the excellent Brit Pub in Cwmafan and the Federation Bar in Maesteg. I'll request both to be added to the site.
15 Apr 2018 12:10
After a visit to Neath's RAFA Club, I moved on to the Neath Abbey area of the town to visit the Smiths Arms. It is clearly an old roadside hostelry that has been sensitively restored. There are two large rooms - a bar and a lounge. All other customers were in the bar, which had a pool table. But I retreated to the lounge, where the real ales are pulled from. Only one was available on this visit - Neath Welsh Amber. The landlord was very friendly and offered me a newspaper to read. The lounge itself was a very nice and cosy room. Tried to visit the Crown in Skewen. But that has now closed. I was successful however in visiting the Bowen Arms in Birchgrove, further up the road. Neither are listed on the site.
15 Apr 2018 12:02
My fourth pub on my visit to Neath was the Borough Arms, home of the Borough brewery. Its beers are brewed out the back and some were arriving to purchase bottles. Bass is the regular ale. But there was only one Borough ale on, which was Full Blast. I chose the guest ale, which was Hanlon's Firefly Bitter. The barmaid was friendly and the two customers seemed to be too. Pleasant backstreet pub that didn't quite meet my expectations. CAMRA describe it as "probably the best back-street pub in Wales". But it also claims that they always have 3 Borough brewery ales. So maybe my experience was a one off. Still a nice place though.
15 Apr 2018 11:57
The David Protheroe was my first stop on a tour of Neath's pubs yesterday. It's a Wetherspoon's pub opposite the railway station on the town's main street. Yesterday morning it was fairly busy with a mixture of people/families having breakfast/lunch and early drinkers. I was doing both. It was the old police station and there are a number of hidden corners, but as usual with Wetherspoon's pubs, there is little character. Toilets are upstairs. Service was quick. Ales were Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharps Doom Bar, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Tomos Watkin OSB & Pecker Wrecker, Rhymney Golden Ale & Brains SA. Ciders left over from the recent festival were Tempted Elderflower & Snails Bank Rhubarb. I moved on from here to the Oasis Bar at Neath Sports Centre and to the newly re-opened Highlander. Neither are listed on the site, but are not worth adding.
15 Apr 2018 11:51
With time for one last pub before my train from Bank Quay station, I headed to the Postern Gate, which I'd spotted much earlier in the day when in the Friar Penketh. I'd been drawn by the prospect of the advertised Lilley's cider. But alas, there was none. The Postern Gate is more of a nightclub than a bar or a pub. It has several bouncers, loud music, posturing young adults and no real ale or cider. Not really my kind of place. For what it's worth, the keg selection was Guinness, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruit, Fosters, Kronenbourg, Birra Moretti, John Smith's & Heineken. I was one of the lucky ones to get my drink in a glass, as opposed to plastic.
2 Apr 2018 12:04
Back in Warrington later in the evening and a after a visit to the lively Bear & Bottle, I decided to give the Feathers a go. It is in the main nightlife area and was even livelier if anything than the Bear & Bottle. A live band was playing and it was standing room only. No real ale is served. The keg selection was Carling & Carling Cider, Staropramen, Fosters, Guinness, Pravha, Estrella Damm, Caffreys, Birra Moretti, Hop House Lager & John Smith's. Poor.
2 Apr 2018 12:01
Small bar, similar to a micropub, with a central bar and a few other tables. Most people were congregated around the bar itself. Whilst this was not on my original itinerary of Warrington pubs, I'd had it recommended to me and thought I'd try it if there was time. There was just enough time for a couple of halves before heading back to Warrington Central for my train. Ales on offer were Wychwood Dirty Tackle, Front Row 99, Pied Bull Black Bull, Heritage Life Force, Totally Brewed Captain Hop Beard & Thwaite's Wainwright. Ciders were Weston's Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig & Hogan's Harvest Press. I was served by a barman, who was later joined by the landlady. The latter was asking everyone if they were CAMRA members, as they are entitled to a discount. Unfortunately the barman was not doing the same. So I missed out. But this was a busy pub and was my favourite pub in the town. Recommended.
2 Apr 2018 11:55
Very poor town centre pub that clearly has a high turnover. Three real ales, all from Caledonian, were on - Deuchars, Edinburgh Castle & Over The Bar. After a long wait to be served, as most people appeared to be washing glasses, I finally received a half of the Edinburgh Castle. Unfortunately it was on the turn. I didn't bother sending it back as I didn't fancy any of the others anyway. Seems to be popular for food.
2 Apr 2018 11:50
Lovely old building with a rambling interior in the centre of Warrington's shopping area. The focus appears to be predominantly on food. But ale drinkers are accommodated. The choice was Greene King Abbot or Adnams Fat Sprat. Family friendly place.
2 Apr 2018 11:47
Busy corner pub attracting a varied clientele near to Warrington Central station. Old Speckled Hen & Hobgoblin were the real ales. Not a bad option if changing trains with little time to spare.
2 Apr 2018 11:44
With time to visit a few other establishments in Warrington, I thought I'd give the Rodney a go. It's opposite the town's rugby ground and I'd imagine it would be very busy on a matchday. But there was no game on Saturday. So the pub was fairly quiet. No real ale is served. Keg choices were Thwaite's Smooth, Carling, Guinness, Fosters, Stella Artois, Strongbow, San Miguel, Kingstone Press Fruit Cider, Shipyard American Pale Ale & Bud Light. The interior had a bit of character with a central island bar. But otherwise poor.
2 Apr 2018 11:42
The Albion was the last pub on my list of intended targets in Warrington. This pub feels a little distant from many of the other Warrington pubs. But it had a friendly atmosphere. Whilst a refurbishment has taken away some of the character, you can still feel a sense of history here with multiple large rooms. The ale range was quite decent too. Merlin's Gold was supplemented by Mallinson's Mosaic, Littleover Dazzler IPA & Stockport Jester. A CAMRA discount was offered on my half and football was being shown on the TV next to a pool table alongside the bar. Nice place. Could have done with a darker beer or a cider though.
2 Apr 2018 11:35
The Ring O' Bells enjoys a location next to what looks like Warrington's main church, which has an impressive, tall steeple. A wedding was in progress and half of the tables in the pub had been blocked off for guests. Ales were Coach House Bellringer & Greene King IPA. The inside has recently been refurbished and it now feels fairly uninspiring with little character. The pub was also soon overwhelmed by the wedding party. Disappointing.
2 Apr 2018 11:29
An old building that feels a bit too dilapidated inside too. There are a number of rooms. But I remained in the front bar. A handful of locals were in watching the football on Saturday lunchtime. The ale choice was disappointing - Sharp's Doom Bar & Sea Fury, Exmoor Gold, Ringwood Razor Back & Black Sheep Monty Python's Flying Circus.
2 Apr 2018 11:25
4T's brewery tap that wasn't too busy on my arrival on Saturday lunchtime, despite a Liverpool match just kicking off and being shown on two or three TVs. Service was quick and efficient. 3 of the brewery's own ales were on - APA, Big Daddy & Old School Mild. Guests were Oakham Inferno, Mallinson's Motueka, Poynton Vulcan, Revolutions Switch #7 & Red Willow Wreckless. All football games from Liverpool or Manchester clubs appear on the TVs. Some of the regulars were moaning that it was too cold.
2 Apr 2018 11:20
Porter's Ale House, Warrington
This pub appears to have been closed down by the police and/or council a couple of weeks ago due to noise and antisocial behaviour. It already looks very run down.
2 Apr 2018 11:14
The Looking Glass was the second Wetherspoon's I visited in Warrington. It enjoys a prominent corner location and was busier and livelier than the Friar Penketh. It was also much harder to get served, with just one overworked girl behind the bar taking drink and food orders and making coffees. A 10 minute wait for service ensued. That did at least give me time to spy a couple of real ciders in the fridges that I hadn't previously noticed. The ale selection was Greene King Abbot, Ruddles, Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Coach House Coachman's Spring & Gunpowder Mild, Harviestoun Old Engine Oil, Jenning's Sneck Lifter, Wadworth Green Beacon & Caledonian Port of Leith. Ciders were Broadoak Moonshine, Cock Eyed Pear Mania, Hunt's Wobbler & Tempted Elderflower Cider.
2 Apr 2018 11:12
This was without doubt one of the best pubs I tried on an Easter Saturday visit to Warrington. It's in the main shopping area and attracts a varied clientele. There are two traditional rooms. Locals and the landlord are friendly and open to conversation. The ale range was good - Weetwood Best Bitter, Mallinson's Columbus, Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter, Merlin's Elixir, Lymestone Stone The Crows, Coastal Cornish Porter & Amplified Ales Red Special. The real cider was Thirsty Farmer Medium. I'd definitely return here, as there was little to fault it.
2 Apr 2018 11:06
There was a police car outside this pub on my Saturday morning arrival, with an area cordoned off. The pub was still open. But apparently there had been some trouble here the previous evening. The Bluebell was pretty disappointing. It's a Greene King pub and the solitary ale was Old Golden Hen. Even then, the barman was not sure if it was on or not. There were a few people in. But many were simply having breakfast.
2 Apr 2018 11:01
The Friar Penketh appears to be the nearest decent real ale pub near to Warrington Bank Quay station. So it was my first stopping point in the town on Saturday morning. It's a Wetherspoon's built on the site of an old friary. There is a glass window on the floor near the entrance where you can see some of its remains. The pub itself is split over two levels. I passed the upstairs bar on the way to the toilets and could see it had one or two different ales from downstairs. But there didn't appear to be anyone serving and I'd imagine these were just old pumpclips that had not been removed. Downstairs, there appeared to be confusion around where the pumpclips actually were. Eventually the range was revealed to be Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Phoenix Wobbly Bob, Peerless Red Rocks, Shepherd Neame Night At the Village, Caledonian Talisman, Longman American Pale Ale & Rudgate Ruby Mild. They also had Broadoak Perry in a box in the fridge. The pub appears to be in the centre of Warrington's nightlife and I did return to the area much later in the evening. But at this time of the day, people were enjoying Wetherspoon's breakfasts. A fair number of odd groups were entering. A decent enough choice. But I did prefer their other branch in the town.
2 Apr 2018 10:57
Egham United Services Club, Egham
Was back at the United Services Club on Wednesday night for the preview evening of their Easter Beer Festival. The club received a local CAMRA award during the evening. As usual, all of the beers and ciders were in good order and there was an excellent range. Breweries represented included Marlow, Surrey Hills, Test, Waylands, Windsor & Eton, Downlands, Loud Shirt, Ascot, Stratford-upon-Avon, Beatnikz, Big Hand, Bragdy Twt, Brew Monster, Chapeau, Church Hanbrewery, Electric Bear, Fuzzchat, Grey Trees, Harbour, Heavy Industry, Mallinsons, Moncada, Noog, Oddly, Pomona, Red Cat, Stardust, Tenby, Thames Side, Three Daggers, Top Notch, Wander Beyond & West by Three. Cider producers were Mr Whitehead's, Salt Hill, Saxby's, Thistly Cross & Hogan's. Another very good evening.
2 Apr 2018 10:48
Marston's pub in a nice village setting, albeit very close to the busy A63. Inside there were plenty of people enjoying meals. We sat outside enjoying the last of the day's rays of sunshine. But it was getting decidedly chilly. Ales were all from the Marston's stable - Sunbeam, Boon Doggle, Forty Niner & Hobgoblin Gold. This was far better than the new Marston's identikit pub called the Sandpiper just down the road in Melton which is not listed on here. We also moved on to the Hase in Hessle and the Beech Tree in Kirk Ella. Neither are listed on here. But I actually rated the former as my favourite pub of the day.
26 Mar 2018 21:34
I quite liked this pub, which is situated very close to Brough railway station. There is a spacious public bar at the front and a dining area at the rear. Timothy Taylor Landlord & Tetley Cask were supplemented by Robinson's Dizzy Blonde and Weston's Old Rosie cider. Real cider seemed very hard to come by on this visit to Yorkshire and it was only the second I'd come across in this my 17th pub of the weekend.
26 Mar 2018 21:30
The Triton is a pub housed in a seemingly old building, but with a modern interior with little character. There was a bar area and what seemed a fairly upmarket dining area. Most people seemed to be enjoying a touch of sunshine at the tables overlooking the car park or the children's play area. Very much a family-oriented pub. The ale range was uninspiring - Timothy Taylor Landlord, Theakston Best Bitter & Great Newsome Sleck Dust.
26 Mar 2018 21:26
Wasn't overly impressed with this place. The ale range was one of the best we found in East Yorkshire - Black Mill Black Gold, Crafty Little Brewery Wolf Bite IPA & Chameleon, Yorkshire Brewhouse YPA, Theakston Best Bitter & Timothy Taylor Landlord. But service from the young staff left a lot to be desired. There is a bar area at the front and a dining area at the rear. But one of the barmaids asked us if we had checked if there had been any tables in the bar where we could have sat at, instead of in the dining area. There hadn't been. But she still decided to go and check. But why would you query this, when there more spare tables than occupied ones in the dining area. Very strange behaviour and one that is probably enforced on the young impressionable staff. They clearly value diners more than drinkers, which is a shame, as the pub has potential.
26 Mar 2018 21:22
The Gait was our second pub on a Sunday afternoon, sandwiched between the Fleece Inn at Bishop Wilton and the Carpenters Arms in Market Weighton. Neither of those are listed on the site. The Gait is a fairly small place with a public bar at the front and a dining room at the rear. All tables were taken on our visit. So we retreated to a small yard and garden at the back. Although there is only one solitary bench to sit on. The place is clearly very popular for drinkers and diners alike. Ales were Black Sheep Best Bitter, Tetley Cask, Theakston Best Bitter & Pennine Mad March. The only one of 10 pubs we tried in East Yorkshire that is in the current Good Beer Guide. But it was far from being the best. Maybe would be better if a little less crowded. This is a lovely area though.
26 Mar 2018 21:15
The Royal Oak is one of two pubs in Old Malton I visited on Saturday evening. The Wentworth Arms is not listed on here. It has a wider ale selection. But I actually preferred the Royal Oak, which had a much more traditional feel. The room had a lovely real fire, which was being well tended by the welcoming Scottish publicans, presumably husband and wife. Definitely popular with locals. Dominoes had been laid out on one table in preparation for the arrival of a few of them. The two ales were Theakston Best Bitter & Great Yorkshire Yorkshire Pale. My Theakston's was a very enjoyable beer to round off my evening.
26 Mar 2018 21:07
The Marcia Hotel, Bishopthorpe
The Marcia was standing room only in the bar on our Saturday evening visit. It also has a separate room for dining. Service was polite and efficient. Some of the ales had run out and not been replaced. But they had Leeds Pale, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Bradfield Farmer's Blonde, Treboom Yorkshire Sparkle & Ainsty Somachi Samurai all on. We didn't try the Woodman over the road. But it strikes me that Bishopthorpe makes for a nice, short crawl.
26 Mar 2018 21:01
Two bar Sam Smith's pub in the main street through Bishopthorpe. OBB is the solitary real ale. But we did enjoy a meal here. It was very busy on our Saturday evening visit. But we were squeezed in (literally). Service was very nice, from polite bar staff/servers. The menu is quite basic. But the specials board was more appealing. Has a nice garden at the rear.
26 Mar 2018 20:57
We were back in York to try a couple of places that had previously escaped our attention. Whilst the Brew York Tap Room is not listed on here, it was the better of the two. But we also liked the Duke of York, run by Cameron's. It's a small, but busy place on King's Square, just off the Shambles. Spread over a couple of floors, many of the upstairs tables were reserved for diners. Downstairs was more for drinkers. But they did welcome our child though. Service was good. Ales were Leeds Yorkshire Gold, Pale, Best & Midnight Bell, Cameron's Sanctuary & Brown Dog, Brass Castle Misfit & Roosters By Eck. Nice place with a lively but civil atmosphere.
26 Mar 2018 20:52
Stayed at this place for a couple of nights over the weekend. It's not what you'd expect of a hotel. The fairly impressive exterior and the modern-looking pub sign may give a misleading impression as the interior of this place is much more down at heel. The conservatory is pleasant. Beyond that is a wide open space used for festivals and presumably concerts, with accommodation in an annexe at the rear. Ales on my Friday evening visit into the pub itself were Suddaby's (Leeds) Double Chance, Wold Top Gemini, Jennings Cumberland Ale & Sneck Lifter & Helmsley Striding The Riding. There is a fridge to the side of the bar with some more unusual beers and the bottle shop next door also has a great selection, if it is open. A band was playing in the bar on the Friday evening and it was easily the busiest pub in Malton on that night. Accommodation was very nice and there is space for car parking at the rear, albeit on a very rutted surface. Neil the owner is very amenable. A strange kind of place, with a bit of an eccentric feel. But I quite liked it.
26 Mar 2018 20:44
Lovely old pub with a tiny central bar and a number of small rooms where conversation is king. There was no TV and no music on my visit. I was easily the youngest customer. But all seemed friendly. The ale range was exactly the same as the last review. Worthy of a visit.
26 Mar 2018 20:37
The Spotted Cow is tucked away behind the Market Square next to a livestock market. I made it just before they were closing on Friday evening. There are a number of small rooms, which give the pub character. But it had a fairly worn feel. Ales were Tetley's Cask, Fullers Front Line, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Bradfield Farmer's Blonde.
26 Mar 2018 20:34
The New Malton is situated in Malton's Market Place. It was very quiet on our Friday evening visit and I have a feeling that had I arrived any later, they would have already closed. Luckily I arrived just before the last customers were leaving. Staff were very friendly though and my Hops Studio Vanilla Porter was very enjoyable and easily the best ale I had in the town. The other two ales on offer were Daleside Old Legover & Great Yorkshire Top of the Hops. The décor feels quite modern. Although it's quite an old building.
26 Mar 2018 20:31
Stopped off here on Friday evening on our journey further north. It was fine for a half and a quick meal. Strongarm was the only real ale. But I quite like that. So I was reasonably happy. Food was ok. Service was too, apart from an initial grumpy welcome. Looked like a nice riverside location. But it was dark when we arrived. So it was difficult to judge.
26 Mar 2018 20:25
The White Star, Stoke-on-Trent
The White Start didn't quite look like the picture above, on a very snow Saturday evening visit to Stoke. We dodged the bouncer and entered via the side door. The clientele seemed to be a lot younger than I remember and the atmosphere was a bit more lively. But it was not as crowded as it can normally get on a matchday. But perhaps the result and the weather influenced that. The young bar staff seemed a bit full of themselves. Ales were Titanic White Star, Captain Smiths, Plum Porter & Steerage, Everard's Tiger, Welbeck Abbey Red Feather, Fat Cat EPA & White Horse Blowing Stone. Ciders were Snail's Bank Tumbledown & Broadoak Draught & Moonshine.
18 Mar 2018 12:56
This corner pub is now called the Olde Bull & Bush and it's in the current Good Beer Guide. With time to spare before our train, we headed here for a swift pint. Bass is the regular ale. But it was supplemented by Dancing Duck Duck Berry & Nice Weather (it certainly wasn't outside!) & Wincle Rambler. Ciders were Lilley's Darkcider, Bee Sting Perry & Crazy Goat, Broadoak Moonshine & Hurst View Spiced Rum Cider. CAMRA discounts are available on pints of ale only. The pub appears to be Chinese-owned. There are 2 rooms (from my rather glazed memory) and it has a traditional feel. I'll definitely be back when next drinking in this area.
18 Mar 2018 12:51
London Road Ale House, Stoke on Trent
Yesterday was our third visit to the London Road Ale House. It's a great place to visit after watching a game at the Britannia Stadium. Ales on yesterday were Ossett Treacle Stout, Purple Moose Elderflower, Snake Eyes Hoppy Pale & Wincle Imperial Stout & Sir Phillip. Ciders were Broadoak Crimson King & Strawberry Cider, Lilley's Gladiator & Snail's Bank Elderflower Gin & Tonic. All of the drinks options are displayed on a large board on the side wall, including forthcoming beers. One of the barmen took to the piano shortly after we arrived to play "Delilah"! A very decent place to know about.
18 Mar 2018 12:45
Bridge Street Ale House, Newcastle under Lyme
As mentioned in my last review just over 2 years ago, I said we'd be back here the next time in Newcastle. Sure enough, we were in this part of town and paid a return visit. The owner is from Kent and we were warned in the previous bar that he was grumpy. But we didn't find that. He just has a very dry sense of humour. Ales were Downton Quadhop, Red Willow Shameless, Great Orme Where There Be Dragons & Backyard 1898 Dark Mild. Ciders were Friel's Cider, Wise Owl Bittersweet Dry, Kent Cider Company Mango Cider, Cotswold Cider Company Freak Show & Sandford Orchards Devon Mist & Blindcider. Bottled lager is relabelled. I can't recall its name. But I believe it was "Pish", which is representative of the owner's sense of humour. Watch out for the spicy pork scratchings. They are hot! We moved on from here to Wellers, another decent bar and tap for Weal Ales, which I'll request to be added onto the website. Increasing my score for the Bridge Street Ale House to a 9/10. Probably the best place for a drink in Newcastle.
18 Mar 2018 12:37
Hopwater Cellar, Newcastle under Lyme
The Hopwater Cellar is a place we spotted on our last visit to Newcastle just over 2 years ago. But we never actually entered. Seeing it was in the Good Beer Guide, we decided to give it a try. It's more of an off license with seating than a bar. But the whole setup seems to work well and it feels a bit like a micropub. There is only one handpull, which was dispensing Thornbridge Crackendale. But they also had another couple of taps with Mad Hatter Toxteth IPA & Ridgeside Fubarb, a Rhubarb & Custard sour beer. The bottle selection is extensive and just opposite the bar. The only real cider available is in bottles. There are seating areas either side. I've just read that they offer a discount to CAMRA members. But this wasn't clearly advertised. So we didn't benefit from that. The owner and clientele were friendly. A place we'll probably try again.
18 Mar 2018 12:29
Ten Green Bottles, Newcastle under Lyme
Ten Green Bottles is a craft beer bar and bottle shop which also serves coffees and was quite busy on our Saturday morning visit. There are 10 taps on the wall at the back of the bar. Amongst the beers being dispensed on our visit were Bristol Beer Factory Milk Stout, Tiny Rebel There's Always Honey In The Banana Stand & Cheeky V, Backyard Shed Head APA, Black Iris Divine Elements & Beavertown Gamma Ray. A decent place. But it had more of a café atmosphere than that of a bar or pub. We spotted a new micropub opposite - the Thirsty Giraffe, which despite being much quieter, was much more to our liking. I'll try to get it added onto the site.
18 Mar 2018 12:21
Lymestone Vaults, Newcastle under Lyme
Yesterday was our second visit to the Lymestone Vaults, tucked away down a narrow passage off Newcastle's main shopping street. It opens from late morning on a Saturday. There were seven beers from Lymestone - Stone Cutter, Stone Face, Foundation Stone, Ein Stein, Stone The Crows, Heart of Stone & Pounanu, in addition to two guests from Pennine - Best Bitter & Ruby Rose. Ciders were Mr Whitehead's Devil's Device, Scrumpy Wasp Overcast, Hurst View Medium & La Cantina Moody Blues & Midnight Hour. The interior has a nice, cosy feel inside. It is clearly liked by locals. Service was knowledgeable and efficient. There's several other really decent pubs/bars in the vicinity. So this is a nice place for a decent pub tour.
18 Mar 2018 12:15
The Lime Kiln was much busier than I'd seen it before when we visited yesterday lunchtime. There wasn't a free table. The beer selection was fairly good - Greene KIng Abbot, Ruddles Best, Peerless Red Rocks & Langton Spin, Hawkshead Brodie's Prime, Robinson's Unicorn, Brains SA, Purple Moose Elderflower, Cairngorm Black Gold & Weetwood Maori Sidestep. But unusually there were no real ciders. Cider appears to be pretty hard to find in branches of Wetherspoon's in Liverpool these days, which is disappointing. Nevertheless, the ale selection offered us enough choice. Still the best 'spoons in Liverpool in my opinion.
11 Mar 2018 11:44
The Olde Blue Bell was my last pub in Preston before taking the train home. It's a Sam Smiths pub with a nice, traditional interior. One main room wraps around the bar, with a real fire at the rear. There is a separate room at the front. Old Brewery Bitter is available on handpull.
4 Mar 2018 15:47
I was slightly disappointed by this place. Service was not the best. Multiple people who had arrived at the bar after me were served first, including a guy who appeared next to me who knew full well that I'd been there some time before he got there, but didn't have the courtesy or politeness to point that out to the bar staff. I later encountered the same guy acting very suspiciously in the gents. Seemed like a transaction of some kind was taking place. The two barmen were clearly overwhelmed by the number of customers. Whilst the one that served me was quite efficient (albeit serving whoever happened to be in his direct line of eyesight), the other was taking an eternity serving spirits and dealing with credit card payments. Why do busy pubs like this accept cards when they clearly don't have enough staff to deal with the extra workload? Ales were MPA, Dizzy Blonde & Hobgoblin. A disappointing visit. If you want a better experience in the same street, try the Guild Ale House. This micropub is bigger than most and not listed on here. But it's easily the best pub I've been to in Preston. I'll request for it to be added to the site.
4 Mar 2018 15:42
I was fairly impressed by this pub. But there is still room for improvement. It's a traditional and friendly boozer opposite Preston's market. It was busy, but not crowded on my Saturday evening visit. But I still managed to find a seat. Ales were Wylam Hickey The Rake, Tiny Rebel Fugg Life, Theakston Lightfoot & Double Cross IPA & Adnams Fat Sprat. I was a little disappointed that there were no dark beers or a real cider. But I did note in the local CAMRA magazine that they are thinking of introducing cider. Decent pub.
4 Mar 2018 15:35
The Dog and Partridge, Preston
The Dog & Partridge has changed hands and recently re-opened. But it still has a focus on rock music, which was playing on video screens. A live band was advertised for that night. The ale selection was very disappointing - just Wainwright & Doom Bar. The pub felt dull and dingy. There was no wifi, if you're looking for that kind of thing. Worst pub I tried in Preston.
4 Mar 2018 15:29
As the previous reviewer states, this is now the Beachcomber. It was not open on my Saturday evening visit.
4 Mar 2018 15:25
With a little time to spare in Blackburn whilst waiting for the train (or is it some kind of tram?) back to Preston, we stopped off for a quick pint in this Wetherspoon's. It was my first stop in Blackburn in more than 6 years. The Postal Order is very much as I remember it. Busy as usual, there appears to be less seating here than in other Wetherspoon branches. Service was a little disorganised and the bar area can get quite crowded, as it is quite narrow. Ales were Evan Evans Grand Cru, Three B's Pinch Noggin, Loddon Ferryman's Gold, Sharps Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Beartown Bearly Literate, Phoenix Monkeytown Mild, Cross Bay Red IPA & Bridgehouse Blonde. Ciders were Weston's Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig. I had the mild, which was in a decent condition.
4 Mar 2018 15:22
Made a fleeting visit here again yesterday. It was busy, but with the cold weather, getting served was much easier than on my previous visit. This time, the ale range was Lancaster Red, Navigation New Dawn, Beer Monkey Uncle Monk's IPA & Moorhouses Pride of Pendle & Premiership. They also had Lilley's Bee Sting Perry. With the weather and Northern rail deciding not to run any trains, I didn't get the time I'd hoped for in here. I've heard that there are possibly better pubs in Burnley that I also need to try.
4 Mar 2018 15:17
Greene King corner pub that was beginning to empty out prior to a Watford game. Although there were still a few people left watching the rugby. The 3 ales were Greene King IPA & Mighty Moose IPA & Hogsback TEA. A very swift visit for me. But I might try to return when much more sober.
25 Feb 2018 11:49
Another new pub for me in Watford. I'd been to the Estcourt Arms before a couple of years ago. But I'd given this place a miss. It was very busy prior to a Watford football game, with the rugby also showing. Fuller's London Pride & Tring Moongazer were the two real ales. The bar is L-shaped. But moving around was difficult, as it was so busy. Service was efficient, given how busy it was. Comfortable place. But I prefer the more traditional Estcourt Arms opposite.
25 Feb 2018 11:45
Our last pub of the day in St Albans was the White Hart Tap. It was much better than I remembered it from my last visit over 7 years ago. I remember it being packed on that autumn Saturday evening. But it was much more pleasant on this winter Saturday afternoon. The barmaid and customers were friendly. Families were present. The ale range was Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Tring Side Pocket For A Toad, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Sharp's Doom Bar, Staggeringly Good Stagger Saurus IPA, Mad Squirrel Roadkill & Howling Hops Pale. Ciders were Aspall's Temple Moon, Weston's Flat Tyre & Friel's Traditional Cider. I'm increasing my score from 5 to 7/10.
25 Feb 2018 11:39
The Beehive was another new St Albans pub for me on our short tour of the city's hostelries yesterday. Similar to the Farmers Boy, it had the rugby on TVs. But there was much more space to enjoy a drink here and there were also more staff serving. The 3 ales were Tring Side Pocket For A Toad & Ridgeway & Wadworth 6X. Friendly enough place. But it did feel a bit too modern for my liking.
25 Feb 2018 11:34
Paid a return visit to the Farmers Boy after trying the excellent Beer Shop just opposite, which wasn't there the last time I visited St Albans. Whilst the Beer Shop is not listed on here, it's well worth a visit and you can drink any of their bottles or draught ales on the premises. The Farmers Boy was much busier than my last visit in 2010. It was pretty much standing room only, with patrons watching the Six Nations England game on a TV in the corner. Service was pretty laboured. The regular ales are Robinson's Trooper, Bath Gem & Adnams Mosaice. Two guests were Oakham Dragon & Arbor Some Kind of Wise Guy. Unfortunately there were no dark beers and no real cider. Food is served from an open kitchen to the rear of the bar. Too busy to enjoy and the drinks range could be better.
25 Feb 2018 11:29
The Robin Hood is tucked away near St Albans City station. It is a large single room, with a garden at the rear. Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter is the regular ale. The two guests were Exmoor Stag & Salopian Shropshire Gold. There are also 4 boxed ciders on the bar. These were Weston's Old Rosie, Thatcher's Cheddar Valley, Garden Cider Vintage & Abrahall's Celtic Tiger. The latter was another new one for me. Curling was replaced on the TV by the Six Nations Rugby whilst we were there. The barman appeared a little miserable. But this was a pub I'd not been to before and I'd certainly give it another go.
25 Feb 2018 11:22
It's a fair slog uphill from St Albans Abbey railway station to the Mermaid. But it's still my favourite pub in the city. Although my opinion is swayed by its excellent range of ciders. The ale range is good, but more limited. Yesterday, ales were Oakham Citra, Front Row Crouch & Hartley's Heroes, Wickwar Cotswold Way, Bateman's Hooker & Beartown Black Bear. Ciders were Farmer Jim's Sweet, Scrumpy Wasp Hibernate, Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze & Celtic Warrior, Thatcher's Stan's Big Apple & Stan's Traditional, Barbourne Painted Lady Perry, Broadoak Moonshine, Pheasant Plucker & Spiced Cider, Snails Bank Orchard Dry & Orchard Pig Maverick. A couple of new ones there for me. There were a few St Albans City football fans in there playing darts at one end, with other drinkers at the other side of the bar. A great traditional pub that should be on any pub tour of St Albans.
25 Feb 2018 11:16
Visited the Flag yesterday morning, whilst changing trains at the adjacent Watford Junction. It's quite an imposing building with a few steps leading up to the door. I could see how the set-up would be good for live music. But at breakfast time, it wasn't particularly atmospheric. It is mainly open-plan with some raised areas. St Austell Tribute was accompanied by Sharp's Doom Bar & Firebird Parody. I had the Parody and benefitted from a CAMRA discount. Whilst pale ales aren't normally my thing, this was a nice beer. I may return next time I'm at the station. But I wouldn't make a special visit.
25 Feb 2018 11:06
Friendly locals' pub amongst some terraced houses and at the Safari Park end of town. There is a single room that is sub-divided. Youngsters were playing darts, whilst a couple of dogs were present. Ales were Banks's Original, Bewdley Worcestershire Way & Wye Valley HPA & Butty Bach.
12 Feb 2018 21:24
The Waggon And Horses, Bewdley
Penultimate pub on our tour of Bewdley pubs, the Old Waggon & Horses combines is a proper pub that also serves food. There is a small bar area to the right as you enter. The area to the left has another area for drinkers, with an area for diners beyond that next to the kitchen. Football was showing on the TV. Ales were Banks's Mild, Batham's Best Bitter, Thwaites Wainwright, Ludlow Gold & Holden's Golden Glow. The cider was Thatcher's Cheddar Valley. Nice pub with a small car park at the side.
12 Feb 2018 21:21
The Great Western is situated next to a viaduct which carries the Severn Valley Railway above the main road. It's a large place with a decent selection of real ales and a couple of Weston's ciders. Ales were Morland Old Golden Hen, Bewdley 2857, Worcestershire Way & Severn Valley Aleway & Three Tuns XXX. Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig were the ciders. No food is served. But one of the bar staff was serving the locals with various complimentary delicacies to try, which seemed to be meeting with their approval. From here we went back across the river to the new Real Ale Tavern, a Black Country Ales establishment. That was probably the best pub in Bewdley for its variety of ales and ciders. I will request it to be added.
12 Feb 2018 21:14
Along with the Mug House several door up, which I had previously visited but not reviewed, the Cock & Magpie has a lovely location next to the River Severn. As I remember, these pubs used to flood in years gone by. From the outside, the pub looks like a traditional boozer. It has 2 rooms. The larger one is in use as a bar. The other is for diners. Whilst we didn't try the dining room, the bar is kitted out with some rather strange furniture. I'm told that the ladies was quite unique too. I didn't visit the gents. It seemed to work. Whilst not traditional, it didn't ruin the experience. 6 Nations rugby was showing on the television. Ales were Marston's EPA, Ringwood Boon Doggle & Thwaites Wainwright.
12 Feb 2018 21:09
The Little Pack Horse, Bewdley
Lovely little pub on a narrow but busy street. It's officially the High Street. But it's by no means the town's main street. There are a number of different drinking/dining areas. As Snarling Mallard says, many seemed to be taken by diners. Apparently they're famous for their pies and they did look fairly large. Hobson's Twisted Spire & Town Crier are the standard ales. The guest was Wye Valley Butty Bach. Another pub where the bar staffs' mathematics skills appear a little challenged.
12 Feb 2018 21:04
The Woodcolliers Arms, Bewdley
The building is still here and so are the signs and the name of the pub is even still etched into the windows. But it's certainly no longer a pub and seemed to be in residential use.
12 Feb 2018 20:57
Bewdley has two pubs called the Black Boy. I will primarily review the one on Wyre Hill. Wyre Hill is a residential street away from the main road. I wasn't expecting the pub to be open on Sunday lunchtime. But it was and it was doing a roaring trade. It's a great example of a locals' pub with conversation, decent beer and bar snacks. There are 2 rooms - one at the front, with a corridor leading to a smaller bar at the rear. Listening to the conversation, I got the feeling that this has recently changed hands and things have very much changed for the better. Everybody was really complimentary about the pub reverting to a more traditional atmosphere. The barmaid (possibly owner, I don't know) was really friendly. Bewdley Worcestershire Way, Hobson's Champion Mild, Ludlow Gold & Wye Valley Butty Bach were the ales. We went for a couple of cobs. They had ham and tomato, bacon, black pudding and tomato and cheese and onion. All had generous levels of filling. They also had Scotch Eggs, sausage rolls and pork pie. The oldest and nicest pub in Bewdley. Others had better ale ranges. But I really enjoyed my visit here. 7/10. As the other Black Boy on Kidderminster Road near the river is not listed on here (although the picture above is that one), I will briefly mention it here. It re-opened last month. But it felt a bit too new for my liking. There is a large main bar and a small snug in the corner. We sat next to the open fire in the bar. Ales are Wye Valley HPA & Butty Bach, St Austell Tribute & Bewdley Worcestershire Way. 5/10 for this one.
12 Feb 2018 20:55
The Hop Pole is almost at the top of the hill heading west out of Bewdley town centre. We commenced a tour of some of the town's pubs here yesterday. It's more of a foodie place than anything right now. You know as soon as you walk in, as they ask if you've reserved a table. Since when do you have to reserve a table in a pub! Marston's EPA, Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold & Ringwood Boon Doggle were the 3 ales. The interior has a cosy feel. Most people were eating. But there was one table of elderly folk in just for the beer. I guess it's a struggle getting back up the hill if you live in this part of town. Friendly owner, with fairly clueless staff.
12 Feb 2018 20:44
I hadn't been to the Lion for a few months. So I thought I'd pay it a visit whilst in Liverpool on Saturday. The bar was much busier than I'd seen it of late and despite being the only person waiting, I struggled to get the attention of the barmaid. This seems to be an age-old problem in here and I've heard others mentioning it. On the positive side, the ale range is back up to normal. Red Star Lion Pale Ale Formby Blonde were supplemented by Rock The Boat Bootle Bull & Mussel Wreck, Dartmoor Best, Oakham Citra, Rat White Rat & Big Bog Bog Standard Bitter. Unfortunately there was no real cider. 2 boxes of Rosie's Pig hidden beneath the bar were both empty. I always want this pub to match the promise of its interior. But it never quite delivers.
12 Feb 2018 20:34
Large pub predominantly for diners, with a huge car park. We were in need of sustenance. So we requested a table. They currently do a 3-course meal for £10. This included a full carvery. We were stuffed. Ales were Enville Ale, Wye Valley HPA & Theakston Old Peculier. There were no real ciders. But they did have Rattler, which is rarely seen in these parts. I'd definitely recommend this place for a value-for-money meal, with real ale.
12 Feb 2018 20:28
The Colliers Arms is now the Colliers Farm Shop & Café. We visited on Friday evening, which is the only night it opens beyond 5:30. The place is now more of a restaurant than a pub. There is a bar area and a conservatory. But both were mainly for diners. Friday was fish and chip shop. There is an adjacent shop, which was closed. Hobson's Old Prickly was the solitary real ale, whilst there was no real cider.
12 Feb 2018 20:19
Locals' pub in the small village of Rock. The bar has a fairly basic interior with a pool table and dartboard at one end of the room. We didn't visit the lounge. Hobson's Best Bitter, Wye Valley HPA & Bewdley Worcestershire Way were the 3 real ales. No real cider was served. Highlight was a dog quite happily drinking the beer straight from his owner's pint glass.
12 Feb 2018 20:14
The Bell was our favourite pub of 4 we visited on Friday evening last week. The welcome was really warm. The pub has a bar, a small adjacent snug and a dining room along the corridor. The snug was full with people who had booked to dine. But the staff opened up the dining room for us, as we were travelling with our boy. Ales were Hobson's Best Bitter, Exmoor Gold, Prescott Hill Climb, Kinver Light Railway & Ludlow Gold. There were no real ciders on, which was a little disappointing. But they clearly do stock them from time to time. Robinson's Flagon was the best option available.
12 Feb 2018 20:09
The Admiral Rodney was closed when we tried to visit last week. The pub sign had been removed and it didn't look like it was due to re-open any time soon. Although I read that it should be back in business next month.
12 Feb 2018 19:58
The Queens Head, Bury St Edmunds
Still closed. But I believe the sign was still there.
4 Feb 2018 19:51
The Duke of Wellington, Blythe Bridge
This Tesco Express had just been burgled when we passed.
4 Feb 2018 19:48
Had this Wetherspoon's on my list to visit on New Year's Eve. But as we were about to walk in, a group of young guys exited and told us it was closed and there had been a leak through the ceiling. One of them then proceeded to urinate on the corner. We left them to it and enjoyed a pleasant drink in Belle Isle just opposite. I expect Wetherspoon's lost a decent evening takings from this. We'll be back again to try it one day.
4 Feb 2018 19:45
Still closed on New Year's Eve. But there appears to be work being done to the building.
4 Feb 2018 19:35
The Taproom was my final new pub yesterday. It is a long, thin bar on Upper Street, with a young crowd. There is a pizza oven at the rear. We sat next to it and it certainly made me feel hungry. Casks are in a fridge behind the bar. Real ales were Mad Squirrel Sumo APA & De La Crème, Siren Yulu, 360 Degrees IPA, Taproom Pale Ale & Dark Star Revelation. There was no real cider. But they did have a keg Real Al Company Crafty Apple which I'd not tried before and was nice. Had heard good reports about this place and it lived up to its billing.
4 Feb 2018 19:34
One of the better pubs I tried after my visit to the Wenlock yesterday. This is a small pub a stone's throw from Old Street station. I was quite impressed that in addition to the regular beer Doom Bar, they had 2 Thornbridge ales on yesterday - Crackendale & Jaipur. Neither are my kind of beer. But I tried the Crackendale and it was in good condition.
4 Feb 2018 19:28
You could be forgiven for thinking you're in a Wetherspoon's when here. It's a large open-plan chain-type pub, which was fairly packed on my visit. People were watching the Six Nations rugby. Pride, Doom Bar & Tribute were the real ales. For a moment, I was excited to see two real ciders on a couple of handpulls at the side of the bar. But alas they were just for show and neither were available. No real cider is served. Another disappointing pub.
4 Feb 2018 19:24
This was quite a busy and noisy pub. The patrons were watching the football scores come through on the TV. Fairly unremarkable pub which had Doom Bar, Wandle & Ghost Ship all on.
4 Feb 2018 19:20
I should also have said that this is now called the Corner Bar.
4 Feb 2018 19:17
Was here yesterday. It was probably the worst pub I tried out of 12. There's handpulls, but no real ale. The keg choice was Meantime London Lager, Strongbow, Brooklyn Lager, Whitstable Bay Pale Ale, Camden Hells Lager, Stella Artois, Tetley's Extra Cold, San Miguel, Guinness, Fosters & Carlsberg. The highlight of my visit was watching a 2 horse race for a 3 mile steeplechase!
4 Feb 2018 19:17
Corner pub supported by locals in Clerkenwell/Finsbury. Spitfire was the solitary real ale yesterday. There is a single room with an island bar. Live Six Nations rugby was being shown on the TV.
4 Feb 2018 19:14
Was back in the Wenlock again yesterday for a couple of pints. It was quiet when we arrived. But a large group arrived, stayed for one and then left again. Ales were Dark Star Hophead & American Pale Ale, Mighty Oak Oscar Wilde, Fyne Ales Jarl, Triple fff Hunky Dory, Mighty Oak Black Crow Porter, Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter & Hawkshead NZPA. I was a little disappointed to see the cider range reduced to two - Broome Farm Dry & Ascension Cider Company Into The Dark. Still a good pub.
4 Feb 2018 19:11
I'd not been to this place before yesterday. But it has a wine bar feel to it now. I gather it was a traditional pub before. Doom Bar was on. But we did not want to stay too long.
4 Feb 2018 19:05
I think it had been almost 5 years since my last visit here. I was back briefly yesterday, following a visit to the Draft House Old Street, just across the road. The Old Fountain was quiet and we were the only ones in. But it still has a good craft beer and real ale range. Ales were Hammerton N7, Tempest Cascadian, Five Points XPA, Oakham Citra, Moor Confidence & Fuller's London Pride. The cider was Cock Eyed Mad Jack.
4 Feb 2018 19:01
Was here for opening yesterday, or in fact slightly before. I hear that it gets packed out when there are games at White Hart Lane. So they've probably suffered whilst Tottenham are playing at Wembley. I was the only customer yesterday for opening. But the young barmaid was friendly and talkative. Redemption Hotspur was the solitary real ale. But I guess they get very little turnover when there is no football. The pub overlooks Bruce Castle Park.
4 Feb 2018 18:55
Back to the present and I started off a visit to North and Central London with a breakfast and a pint. It's a Wetherspoon's pub bang in the centre of Muswell Hill. The exterior is inviting and the interior is fairly spotless and spread over a couple of floors. A nicer drinking environment than most of the chain. The regular ales are Greene King IPA & Abbot, Sharp's Doom Bar & Fuller's London Pride. Guests as part of Wetherspoon's London beer festival being held this week - Kelham Island Pale Rider, Portobello Central Line Red, Exmoor Beast, Wolf Granny Wouldn't Like It, Signature Brew Session, Cronx Yallah Mild & Windsor and Eton Guardsman & Lumberjack. The real cider was Old Rosie. Locals were commenting that it was busier than normal and there were a fair few in.
4 Feb 2018 18:48
This was the last pub of the night of a rural pub crawl of Wiltshire. The pub did not re-open until 6pm. We had initially arrived when it was closed. On arrival, it was a bit cold inside. But we decided to eat. This proved to be a bit of a mistake. A group of local residents were soon to arrive to host a quiz night, in aid of a new church roof. The look of shock and horror on their faces when they saw us sat at their usual table was priceless. It caused chaos as the usual occupants sat at somebody else's table displacing somebody else and confusion reigned. We were approached several times asking if we would be leaving, somebody put a coat down next to us, somebody tried putting a reserved sign down on the table and finally somebody came and joined us at the table. The quiz night had proven much more popular than anybody had expected and the owners were struggling to cope. The food was ok and the beers were Doom Bar & Pride. An amusing evening which culminating in us asking if we'd like to contribute to the church roof. I smiled and politely declined!
4 Feb 2018 18:09
The Post Office Vaults, Birmingham
I still rate this as the best pub in Birmingham. It's small and gets quite crowded at peak times. But the beer and cider range are second to none. Not really enough time to do it justice whilst changing trains at New Street recently. But the beers were Kinver 1st Class Stamp, Hobson's Champion Mild, Nene Valley Manhattan Project, Red Willow Smokeless, Crate Amber, Stonehenge Spire Ale, Bespoke Going Off Half-Cocked & Little Critters Sleepy Badger. Ciders (and perries) were Hogan's Lonely Partridge Perry, Harvest Press, Hazy Rays, Panking Pole & Wild Elder, CJ's Perry & Watkin's Sunset Oak. Excellent.
4 Feb 2018 18:00
Came along to here recently, as it was the only North West London pub in the 2018 Good Beer Guide that I had not been to. It was quite frankly disappointing. Hophead was the solitary real ale. I'm not normally into hoppy beers. But I had it anyway and the quality was fine. Very quiet on my Saturday lunchtime visit. But I doubt I'll venture to Hendon again any time soon.
4 Feb 2018 17:55
The Stag & Pheasant was the worst of the 3 Hartshill pubs I sampled. It had very little atmosphere and the only ale was Doom Bar. Nice situation overlooking the tiny village green though.
4 Feb 2018 17:53
Last stop of a Christmas Eve trip to Chichester, the Bell was fairly busy with people just coming out for the evening. It had a relaxed sociable atmosphere. Ales were Hardy and Hanson's Rocking Rudolph, Hopback Elf and Hoppiness & Hogs Back Yule Hog.
4 Feb 2018 17:50
Unspoiled backstreet pub within easy walking distance of Waterloo and Waterloo East stations, despite being in a wonderful residential terraced street. There are 2 front bars and a larger rear space. Ale selection was a little disappointing on our last visit in November - Truman's Swift & Zephyr, Notting Hill Blonde, Ruby Rye & Amber, Butcombe Bitter, Gun Extra Pale, Adnams Bitter, Sharp's Ale of Kings, Dark Star Hophead & Kent Black Gold. A fair few ales, but I prefer a mild, porter or stout. No real cider either. Hoping for a more diverse range next time. But unlike the pub, maybe I am getting spoilt.
4 Feb 2018 17:46
I'd heard a lot about this place. So I was keen to try it. First problem was that it didn't open when advertised. The barman said he was the only person available to open up and it wasn't really his problem! Probably the same one from the previous review. Neverthless, this bar tucked under the railway arches is probably the best pub in the close vicinity of Waterloo station. It's a single small room with bench seating. Real ales were Adnams Bitter, Burning Sky Plateau & Five Points Railway Porter & XPA. The cider was Hallet's PX and there is a good range of craft beers. I would definitely return despite the unpredictable opening hours and the questionable 'take it or leave it' service.
4 Feb 2018 17:42
My November visit here was the first time I have been to the Fire Station. No need to guess what it used to be and the white tiling creates a pleasant, if not a little cold, drinking environment. With there being a rugby game on at Twickenham, most pubs including this one, were busy. 5 ales were on - Hackney Best Bitter, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Sambrook's Wandle & Marston's EPA & Pedigree. Probably wouldn't make a special return visit.
4 Feb 2018 17:38
The Hole In The Wall, Waterloo
This place seems to get dirtier and dirtier. Service is fairly clueless and what's with the plastic glasses. We only came here because the Waterloo Tap was closed. Ales were Watney's Pale Ale, Truman's Gunboat Smith, Greene King Abbot, Hogs Back Tea, Southwark Bankside Blonde & Harvard, Young's Bitter & Sharp's Doom Bar.
4 Feb 2018 17:35
The One Legged Shunter, Blythe Bridge
This pub was closed on our November visit. Apparently it was closed for the whole month whilst the railway was not operating. Will have to come back one day. For now, it's the minimum score.
4 Feb 2018 17:32
Crossways Micropub, Blythe Bridge
This was the best of the two pubs we tried in Blythe Bridge. It's a micropub that doesn't look much from the outside. The interior feels like a typical micropub though. The barman and the regulars were clearly beer experts. Ales were Peakstone's Rock Nemesis, Black Hole & Blonde. Ciders were Weston's Old Rosie, Butford Organic Perry & Abrahall's Nell Gwynne. Not too far from the station either.
4 Feb 2018 17:31
Fairly stylish Greene King pub/restaurant that also offers accommodation in the brewery's home town. There were a mixture of people in, including drinkers, diners and families. Ales were Greene King, IPA, Abbot & Starry Night & Morland Old Speckled Hen. There is a fairly decent real ale shop just up the road if heading back to the town centre.
4 Feb 2018 17:26
The Battle of Trafalgar, Brighton
The Battle of Trafalgar is just up a hill from the main station in Brighton. So it's handy for a swift one (not necessarily from Bowman's!), before the train. Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter & Fuller's London Pride are the regular beers. Guests were Purity Mad Goose, Black Sheep Rye Mild & Thwaite's Wainwright.
4 Feb 2018 17:23
I suspect this is a particularly gay-friendly Brighton pub, given by some of the actions we witnessed at the bar. But it's a Shepherd Neame pub with a gaudy interior, which is tucked away up an alley (no pun intended), off a leafy square. The ales on our visit were Spitfire, Spitfire Gold & Master Brew. Worthy of a visit, if only to admire the furnishings.
4 Feb 2018 17:21
The Royal Oak was easily the best pub in Hartshill. It was very busy in the public bar. But the lounge was much quieter. Getting served was a chore. Ales were Skinner's Cornish Knocker, Tomos Watkin Pecker Wrecker, Castle Rock Snowhite & Bass. Ciders were Lilley's Mango & Weston's Flat Tyre.
4 Feb 2018 17:15
Nice beer - mainly craft, but some real ales. This place is just too expensive. Luckily, the prices probably drive a fair few away. So it's not overly busy, given its size and you're left primarily with knowledgeable drinkers. On a weekend evening visit in November, the cask ales were Great Heck Navigator, Manchester Brewing Company King Cotton, Gipsy Hill Southpaw & Anorak Plum Mild. They also had Black Rat Perry. The highlight of this visit was one of the taps springing loose and a stout spraying wildly over the bar staff who were furiously searching for a bucket to contain it.
4 Feb 2018 17:09
Noisy Greene King pub in Bury St Edmunds. They were showing live football during our visit. Some of the language of the patrons was appalling. Nice drinking environment, noise and language apart. But the range was restricted to GK - Abbot, IPA, Gangly Ghoul & Tequila Mocking Bird, apart from a guest from Purple Moose - Madog's Ale. Passable.
4 Feb 2018 17:05
Now called the Bottle Shop, I paid two visits to this place late last year. It is much like it was before, albeit a little more popular these days. Southport Band Stand & Problem Child Rascal were the two ales on my first visit. The cider was Welsh Warrior. The bottle selection is of course good. Always worthy of a stop whilst in Southport.
4 Feb 2018 17:01
Richard John Blackler, Liverpool
Busy as usual on my last visit, which was a Saturday morning in October. Took a while to get served. But I did eventually find a table. Ales on this visit were Cotleigh Chocca Mocca, JW Lees Weaver's Shuttle, Well's Banana Bread Beer, Marston's Early Doors, Titanic Red IPA, Banks's Arcadia, Caledonian Trojan Horse, Theakston Pink Grapefruit Ale, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Sharp's Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best. The cider was Old Rosie.
4 Feb 2018 16:57
Wetherspoon's pub in the Marina development to the east of Brighton. This pub is split over a couple of levels and enjoys nice views of the marina. Unusually, it doesn't have the typical 'spoons interior. Ales were Greene King Abbot & IPA, Sharp's Doom Bar, Westgate Conkers, Banks & Taylor SOS, Long Man Wild Man, Firebird Heritage & Dark Star Revelation. Ciders were Black Dragon & Old Rosie. 7/10.
4 Feb 2018 16:52
This Wadworth pub/hotel was our first port of call on a recent trip to Bournemouth. It opens fairly early, which is why we headed here first. The owners are friendly. Ales are 6X, IPA & Swordfish.
4 Feb 2018 16:46
I've had a couple of recent visits to the Guest House, whilst in Southport. My first was in October. It's still a really down-to-earth town pub with multiple rooms, where you can either engage in conversation with like-minded people or find a quiet corner for a touch of solitude to perhaps read a book. Ales on my October visit were Acorn Phantasm, Ossett Yorkshire Blonde, Courage Directors, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Thwaite's Wainwright & Lightfoot, Adnams Bitter & Caledonian Deuchars IPA.
4 Feb 2018 16:42
I would echo the previous reviewer and I don't drive a posh car. This had been intended to be our final pub of the day. Luckily, the Red Lion in Heytesbury had been closed. So we were still to return there, as this would have been an extremely disappointing end to the day. The interior is modern with a large open-plan bar. There were a couple of other customers when we arrived. But they soon left. Otter Bitter & Wadworth 6X were the two real ales. But I wouldn't bother.
4 Feb 2018 16:37
I wasn't expecting this pub to be open late afternoon one weekend in January. But it was open and it was packed. Wessex Potter's Ale & Crockerton Classic were the two real ales. Bar staff were really friendly. Had to use the ladies, as the gents were out of order. Nice, unpretentious local.
4 Feb 2018 16:34
On a cold day in early January, it was nice to see a roaring fire next to the bar. We enjoyed a nice hour either side of the fire. There were a handful of others in. Many pubs around here close during the afternoon and this is no exception. I'm not sure if this is owned by Fuller's. But the 2 ales were ESB & Oliver's Island. Not too bad. A little pricey though.
4 Feb 2018 16:29
The Queens Park Hotel, Bournemouth
Prominent corner pub on a set of traffic lights and probably the nearest pub to Bournemouth's football ground. It's home match fans only on matchdays and bouncers enforce this. But we managed to get in to find Doom Bar as the solitary real ale. Most of the pre-match crowd had already departed on our visit, leaving just stacks of glasses. Difficult to judge any further. But I doubt I'd return unless going to the football.
4 Feb 2018 16:23
Fairly grotty corner establishment in Winton. Razor Back & Boon Doggle were the two Ringwood ales. But this pub is unappealing from the outside and is not much better when inside. It's large enough though. I would recommend staying in the Silverback opposite, a decent micropub.
4 Feb 2018 16:20
Busy pub on the eastern edge of Chichester. It has a fairly basic, old-fashioned interior. But the people were friendly enough. It's a Fuller's pub. So they had Pride & Gale's HSB & Seafarers. But they also had Rebellion Roasted Nuts & The Beer Studio Red Admiral on Christmas Eve.
4 Feb 2018 16:17
After a visit to the improved Flat Iron down the road, we stopped off in the Arkles for a final liquid refreshment before heading over Stanley Park on a late November visit to Liverpool. Greene King IPA & Morland Old Speckled Hen were the two real ales on, as this is a Greene King pub. Very lively on Anfield matchdays, as you'd expect. But it's large enough to fit a fair few in. Quieter for Goodison home games.
4 Feb 2018 16:14
The Waggon and Horses, Cradley Heath
Looks like a typical Black Country pub from the outside. But the interior was a bit too modern for my liking. Customers were all fairly young, as were the staff. But the ales were better than I had expected - Morland Old Hoppy Hen, Penpont Cornish Coast & Hobson's Champion Mild. They also had a real cider - Lilley's Wild Dog. I'd try another visit.
4 Feb 2018 16:11
Last pub of the night in Stone was the Star. It's a Marston's pub next to the canal. There are lots of small rooms with beams and low ceilings that are quite atmospheric. It was quiet when we first arrived. But a party of about a dozen people arrived. They'd clearly been drinking for a while; a lively lot who were happy to engage in conversation. Pedigree & Hobgoblin were the ales.
4 Feb 2018 16:08
I think I may have said that I thought the Borehole was Stone's best pub. But this one runs it very close. If it's variety you're after, this is probably where you're best heading. It's also got much more of a traditional pub atmosphere. Ales on our November visit were Coach House Old Priory, Sadler's Peaky Blinder, Abbeydale Moonshine, Oakham Bishop's Farewell, Blythe Hamstall Hop, Burton Old Cottage Halcyon Gaze, Thornbridge Brother Rabbit, Cwrw Llyn Porth Neigwl IPA & Neepsend Brew Co. Vanilla Stout. Ciders were Abrahall's AD & Ruby Tuesday & Black Rat Cider & Perry. Great pub.
4 Feb 2018 16:05
A strange pub this one. There was a very noisy crowd in the large rear room with loud music blasting out. Most were youngsters. It took an eternity to get served as the barmaids were overrun with people ordering cocktails and shots. However we soon discovered the quieter front bar, where a much older clientele were engaged in pleasant conversation, much as my ideal pub would be. All in this bar were much friendlier. I wouldn't rush back for the beers though - Pedigree, Tribute & Cumberland Ale.
4 Feb 2018 16:01
This is Stone's branch of Wetherspoons. It was actually quite quiet for a Saturday evening in November. There were plenty of spare tables. The usual Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar were on. But they also had Slater's Columbia Coffee Stout, Oakham JHB, Salopian Oracle & Shepherd Neame Bishop's Finger. They don't stock real cider as according to the barman there is apparently no demand for it. Still a 6/10 though, as the quietness meant that the atmosphere wasn't quite as rowdy as many branches of 'spoons.
4 Feb 2018 15:58
The Pheasant was the first pub we visited on an evening out in Stone. It's a traditional backstreet local away from the town centre. There was a fairly relaxed atmosphere. Marston's Pedigree was supplemented by Purity Pure Gold, Morland Old Speckled Hen & Sharp's Doom Bar.
4 Feb 2018 15:54
Visited the Victory on a trip to Brighton in October. It sounds like we had a better experience than Little Drummer Boy. The ale range was Hepworth Red Export, Dark Star Festival & Laine Bestest Bitter. Ciders were Orchard Pig The Hogfather & Weston's Old Rosie. A nice old pub with an L-shaped interior that had a nice atmosphere. I'd come back.
4 Feb 2018 15:50
We stayed overnight in Birkenhead in early January and made a beeline to Gallagher's. It's still the best pub on the Wirral for me. There's always a really friendly atmosphere in here and a decent selection of ales. On this visit, there was Brimstage Trapper's Hat & IPA, Hawkshead Bitter & Cambrian 5 Hop & Rat Mother Rat. Ciders are fetched from the cellar. There was Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, Millwhites Rum Cask, Abrahall's Loubi Lou, Lilley's Bee Sting Perry & Broadoak Pear & Chilli. My only criticism of the ciders is that they don't appear to change that often. Staff are friendly. Beware the sloping shelf opposite the bar. The beer mats are there for a reason. Placing my Mother Rat between them meant the glass sliding off. Staff went above and beyond by offering me a replacement. But then I guessed they'd seen it happen before. Top pub.
4 Feb 2018 15:44
The Parkstone and Heatherlands, Bournemouth
We made an unplanned stop here between visiting Winton's two micropubs. This is a Wetherspoons that somehow does not make the Good Beer Guide. But it was one of the best I have been in. The interior was nothing special. It felt quite dated. But the cider range was second to none - Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Fiery Fox, Sleigh Ride, Welsh Warrior, Ancient Warrior & Two Trees Perry, Purbeck Cider Company Devil's Leaf & Muddy Scamp, Weston's Rosie's Pig, Wyld Wod & Marcle Hill, Orchard Pig The Hogfather, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask & Cock Eyed Bushpig. Ales were Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Ringwood Forty Niner, Jenning's Sneck Lifter, Goddard's Duck's Folly, Otter Claus & Kelham Island Pale Rider. Excellent Wetherspoon's. I'm thinking of moving to the area!
4 Feb 2018 15:36
This pub was a new one for me on a very short visit to Birmingham. We had arrived whilst the Birmingham derby was being played. So bouncers were on the door. The pub has very little character and it has a distinct chain feel. But there were some ales - Wychwood Hobgoblin, Greene King Abbot & IPA, Morland Old Spooky Hen (it was 2 days before Halloween) & Rudgate Shed 7 Going For Gold. There were also more ciders than I had expected - Thatcher's Stan's Big Apple, Weston's Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig & Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. I wouldn't rule out another visit.
4 Feb 2018 15:29
The Fox and Hounds, East Knoyle
I really liked this pub. We arrived shortly before the pub was due to close for the afternoon, which may explain why the one barmaid (possibly the landlady) chose to blank us. Luckily another barmaid after if she could help. But I didn't need help (some may argue otherwise)! I just wanted a drink. Ales were Butcombe Adam Henson's Rare Breed, Fuller's London Pride & Hopback Crop Circle. The cider was Harry's Medium Farmhouse. I'll give a 7/10. But it could have been much better with a less insular focus, i.e. acknowledge all customers, instead of just the locals.
4 Feb 2018 15:24
Lady Greys, Newcastle upon Tyne
I think I may have requested this pub to be added to the site after my previous visit. But I was back just after 1am on one weekday night in December. It has late-night opening. So it was an ideal way to finish a tour of Newcastle pubs. There were bouncers on the doors and a lively young crowd. But the beer selection was as good as ever - Mordue Northumbrian Blonde, Anarchy Xmas Chaos, Three Kings Canadien Red, Ale Exploration Almasty, Fyne Ales Cascarino Boulevard, Dark Revolution SoLA & Allendale Pennine Pale. The cider was Seacider Medium.
4 Feb 2018 15:19
The Southwark Tavern, London Bridge
I seem to recall having been in here during the dim and distant past. But my latest visit was better than expected. It enjoys a prominent location on the corner as you enter Borough Market. But it didn't feel too crowded or touristy. The ale range was also quite good - Sharp's Doom Bar, St Austell Proper Job, Adnams The Herbalist, Saltaire Triple Chocoholic, Thornbridge Wild Holly & Black Out Porter. I don't remember receiving short measures. But I'd had a few and may not have noticed.
4 Feb 2018 15:15
The Talbot Inn, Berwick St John
Another rural Wiltshire pub in a beautiful village location. Service wasn't the best. But the food being served up in the main bar and in the side room looked very tempting. Ales were Ringwood Best Bitter & Sixpenny Pale Ale & 6d Best. Nice pub. But could have been better with a nicer welcome.
4 Feb 2018 15:10
Everard's pub outside of the village on the main road. It has a very cosy bar/restaurant where most people were just finishing their Sunday lunches on my New Year's Eve visit. However they were all being distracted by extremely loud bass coming from a marquee outside. The music was vibrating the pub and didn't sit well with the quaint pub atmosphere that presumably makes the pub a nice place to visit. Ales were Tiger & Original. I didn't stay too long.
4 Feb 2018 15:06
With 30 minutes to spare between trains one Sunday morning in Reading, what better place to have a swift half than the Three Guineas. It's part of the station, but outside the ticket barriers. The interior has been refreshed and seems much more modern, which is not necessarily a bad thing. As a Fuller's tied pub, it had ESB, Pride & Oliver's Island & Gale's HSB as standard. Seasonal beers and guests were Fuller's Red Fox & Damson Porter, Castle Rock Harvest Pale & Westgate Atlantic Hop. I think this pub has improved since its refurbishment. I shall have to return when it is busier. On this visit, I was the only customer.
4 Feb 2018 15:00
A Saturday evening visit in November to the Market Porter and the pub was typically packed with standing room only. The ale range was good as usual - Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter, Plain Ales Intrigue, Market Porter Cornish IPA, Acorn Harvester, Bowman Wallops Wood, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Loddon Bamboozle, Sonnet 43 Abolition & Elland Blonde. Ciders were Weston's Traditional Scrumpy & Old Rosie & Snails Bank Pineapple and Pink Grapefruit. The best option in the area.
4 Feb 2018 14:56
Locals' pub just outside the town centre, which is very dull (in lighting terms) inside. We sat in the small front bar. But most people seemed to be in the larger room at the rear. Batham's Best Bitter was supported by Wye Valley HPA & Salopian Hop Twister. There was no sign of a real cider.
4 Feb 2018 14:49
The Woodberry Down, Bridgnorth
Visited the Woodberry for Sunday lunch in November. It looks a large place from the outside, with a large car park and large grounds. But inside is a little more cosy. It does seem more of a diners pub than a drinkers pub. But this was fine, as our many purpose of visiting was to dine. Ales were Sadler's Peaky Blinder, Hobson's Old Prickly & Wye Valley HPA. The food was good.
4 Feb 2018 14:46
The Dove was one of the last pubs we tried on a late-October visit to Bury St Edmunds. It's outside the town centre. But it was very busy during our visit. There were no spare tables in either the main bar area or the adjoining smaller room. Ales were Woodforde's Wherry, Wolf Edith Cavell & Mad Wolf, Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold, Mighty Oak Captain Bob & Adnams Ghost Ship. Cider names were not listed. But all were from Burnard's. They were categorised as dry, medium and sweet. One of the best pubs in Bury.
4 Feb 2018 14:42
Parked my car in the Hannover area of the city one Sunday in September, whilst visiting. We had time to do a couple of pubs before departing and this was the first of the two. It's a small corner pub on a street with more of its fair share of pubs. A few people were tucking into late Sunday lunches. But we made do with a drink. Ales were Franklin's Mama Knows Best, Hopback Summer Lightning & Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter.
4 Feb 2018 14:36
The Forester, Donhead St Andrew
Lovely little place with a stream running through the garden. But this is very much now a restaurant. We did stop for just a drink. But sitting at tables only made up for diners feels a little uncomfortable. Butcombe Original & Otter Bitter were the ales. 5/10 for it being such a lovely building in a glorious location.
2 Feb 2018 22:42
The Four Chestnuts, Chichester
As others have said, this pub is actually called the Four Chesnuts. It is situated in the middle of a triangular junction. It has recently re-opened. In fact, I had expected it to still be shut. Therefore it was an unexpected bonus. With just Ghost Ship & Doom Bar on, the ale range was uninspiring. But staff were friendly.
2 Feb 2018 22:39
This is a convenient pub when changing trains in Basingstoke. We had just enough time for a swift half. It's a small place, with a central bar. For such a small place, it had a few ales - 1648 Winter Solstice, Rudate Viking, Bowman Wallops Wood, Sharp's Doom Bar & Courage Directors. Would visit again in similar circumstances.
2 Feb 2018 22:36
Ventured in here in November, after a gap of over 20 years. It's not as I remember it. But it's a typical suburban Liverpool pub. No real ales are served (apparently apart from Liverpool matchdays), despite pumpclips being on display. The selection for the purists was Guinness, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruit, Carling, Peroni, Coors Light, Stella Artois, John Smith's Extra, Blue Moon & Fosters. One to avoid.
2 Feb 2018 22:34
This pub was a new one for me. It's a small corner pub in Borough Market, that gets busy quickly. Had quite a few drunks on my Saturday night visit, including myself. Spitfire & Swift were the two real ales. Average.
2 Feb 2018 22:30
A very disappointing pub on the main street in Blythe Bridge. Abbot & Bombardier were the two ales. The furniture all has Stoke City colours on it. Rugby was showing on the television. The local ATM at the Tesco's just up the road had been burgled, with police in attendance!
2 Feb 2018 22:28
Cheadle looks like a nice, small town and the Huntsman was the solitary pub we tried. I quite liked it. Marston's Pedigree was supplemented with Joule's Slumbering Monk, Castle Rock Elsie Mo, Goff's White Knight & Black Sheep Rye Mild. The cider was Lilley's Mango Cider and there was also Gwynt y Ddraig Two Trees Perry. A solid 7/10 for this one.
2 Feb 2018 22:26
The Alton Bridge Hotel was the first of 10 or so pubs we tried in Staffordshire, back in November. Luckily Alton Towers was closed. As such, this place was fairly quiet. There were a few diners in and one other drinker at the bar. Ales were Oakham Citra, Wincle Wibbly Wallaby & Sharp's Doom Bar. There is a car park and a large garden on the opposite side of the road.
2 Feb 2018 22:24
Traditional two room village local with some friendly, but ageing customers. Adnams Bitter & Woodforde's Red Admiral were the two real ales. Not bad at all.
2 Feb 2018 22:21
With the Ship & Mitre a few doors up, I seldom get in here. But I did stop for a drink back in October. I believe it has improved of late and it is in an area of good pubs. On my visit, they had Rock The Boat Bootle Bull, Big Bog Blonde Bach, Salopian Lemon Dream, Robinson's Dizzy Blonde, Brains The Rev James & Timothy Taylor Landlord. They also had Old Rose cider.
2 Feb 2018 22:19
It's a Young's pub with a choice of Special or Ordinary. Despite the limited selection, the barmaid still seemed to get our order wrong and didn't believe it when we said it was wrong. The only other remarkable thing was the Parrot sat in the middle of the room. Appeared to sell Thai food. But the chef was on holiday.
2 Feb 2018 22:11
William Stanley, South Norwood
I don't believe I ever visited this pub when it was a Wetherspoon's. But it is now run by Nicholson's and named the Shelverdine Gatehouse. I checked ahead to see if I would be able to get in as an away fan on a matchday. The answer was no. But we got in anyway and there were plenty of other away fans present. Crowded, as you'd expect when Crystal Palace are playing. But there are plenty of different seating areas. Ales were Volden Pale, Saltaire Triple Chocoholic, Ilkley Mary Jane & Magic Rock Hat Trick. They normally stock cider. But on this occasion, they had run out.
2 Feb 2018 22:08
Made a return visit to this micropub on Bonfire night (daytime) last year. It wasn't as busy as my last visit. But I see they have removed the seating that was upstairs on my last visit. Ales this time were Mobberley Brewhouse Boom Juice, Melwood High Time, Wylam 011 Loral & Salopian Mixed Metaphor. Ciders were Thistly Cross Strawberry & Weston's Mulled Cider. Not quite as impressed as last time. But I'll keep my score as 7/10.
2 Feb 2018 22:04
Brighton Beer Dispensary, Brighton
Another decent Brighton pub hidden away up a backstreet, but close enough to the commercial area. As the previous reviewer says, there is a good selection of keg beers alongside the cask selection. Cask beers during our visit were Siren Yulu, Liquid Mistress & Broken Dreams & Brighton Bier South Coast IPA, Good Chemistry & Natural Selection. Ciders were Ross-on-Wye Ashton Bitter Blend, Harry's Haymaker & Sandford Orchards Devon Red. The inside is small. Many had spilled out into an equally small conservatory. We had to stand. I'm sure I'll be back here though.
2 Feb 2018 22:01
Moon Under Water, Wolverhampton
Was here on New Year's Day lunchtime before catching a train. As usual in here, getting served took an eternity, with people ordering coffees and food. But there is always a good selection of beers. On this day, it was Peerless Lottie Dod, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Phoenix Hopsack, Sharp's Doom Bar, Brewsters Hop A Doodle Doo, Caledonian Bitter Winter, Wolf Granny Wouldn't Like It, Adnams Old Ale, Naylor's Santa's Dark Side & Banks's Sunbeam. The two Weston's ciders were Wyld Wood & Old Rosie. I seem to recall having the Santa's Dark Side, which was passable.
2 Feb 2018 21:56
Final pub of New Year's Eve in Nuneaton for me was this Wetherspoon's. It seemed fairly small in comparison to many I've been in. That meant that toilets were frustratingly on a different level. It started off quiet, but gradually got busier whilst I was there. Ales were Oakham Bishop's Farewell, Ringwood XXXX Porter, Wolf Granny Wouldn't Like It, Roosters Yankee, Marston's Pedigree, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best. They also had two ciders - Thistly Cross Whisky Cask & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon.
2 Feb 2018 21:52
Ashley Park Hotel, Walton on Thames
Ember Inns pub near the station in Walton. On a day where I struggled to find any real cider, this did at least have a mulled cider - Orchard Pig Juggler. The bar manager insisted on putting it in the microwaved. It was a cold night. So I didn't moan too much. Ales were Sharp's Doom Bar, Fuller's London Pride, Shepherd Neame No. 18 Yard Rudolph's Reward, Reunion Opening Gambit, Hogs Back TEA, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Black Sheep Ember Pale Ale. Plenty of people were dining and I recall a live Arsenal match on the televisions. One of the better pubs on this night.
2 Feb 2018 21:49
The Bacchus is still one of the best, if not the best pub in Newcastle city centre, in my opinion. It was quiet at around midnight on my midweek visit. I think we were the last out. But once again, there was a decent beer selection - Fyne Ales Jarl, Anarchy Blonde Star, Bandwagon All Smokey, Hadrian and Border Ouseburn Porter, Abbeydale Voyager IPA, Three Kings Canadien Gold, Flash House Table Beer, Errant The Passenger & Yorkshire Dales Askrigg Bitter. The cider was Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. A must visit.
2 Feb 2018 21:46
After having had a heavy session in the Blue Boar (a really good Leicester pub not yet listed on here), I found myself once again in an inebriated state in this Steamin' Billy pub next to Leicester station. Ales this time were Steamin' Billy 1485 & Billy, Brains The Rev James, Butcombe Rare Breed & Charnwood Black Hen. One day I'll try visiting here sober!
2 Feb 2018 21:40
Small Birmingham bar tucked away in an arcade. We came here after our train to Leicester was cancelled. All of the beers were craft beers, with breweries such as Brew By Numbers, Amundsen, Vocation, Deya & Northern Monk represented. It's a strange place that seems to specialise in coffees. As the previous reviewer states, there are also pinball machines.
2 Feb 2018 21:38
The Clove Hitch and its basement 23 Club are a nice new addition to the Liverpool pub scene. This is more of a wine bar/gastropub than a traditional boozer. But it does serve 2 or 3 cask ales and about a dozen craft beers, possibly the best selection of craft beers in Liverpool. My last visit was in September. I don't recall the real ales. But craft beers were from brewers such as Northern Monk, Weird Beard, Siren, Wylam & Kernel. It is quite pricey. But you will find some unique beers here. The small outdoor courtyard at the rear is nice in the summer.
2 Feb 2018 21:35
The Hop & Kilderkin was the first of a few pubs we tried in Winton between Christmas and New Year. Our main reason for visiting were the two micropubs on this street - Micro Moose and the Silverback. Neither are listed on here. Both were good. The Hop & Kilderkin was open before the others though. So we ventured in. It's a typical food and family-oriented Greene King pub. Greene King IPA & Hardy and Hanson's Rocking Rudolph were the two real ales. Killed some time, if nothing else.
2 Feb 2018 21:28
The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak
My most recent visit to the Southampton Arms was in mid-January. Very little has changed. It's still a vibrant pub sticking to its principles. Ales on this visit were Thornbridge Lord Marples, Kent Cobnut, Dark Star Revelation, Howling Hops AUPA, Summer Wine Stateside, Teleporter & Redwood, Gyle 59 Freedom Hiker, East London Orchid & Magic Rock Dark Arts. Ciders were Crone's Organic, Millwhites Hedgelayer, Perry, Ginger Gold & Blackberry Blush, Farmer Jim's Farmyard Fruits & Snail's Bank Very Perry. Fatty's Scrumpy & Orchard Pig Navel Gazer came on later. So did Brodie's Shoreditch Sunshine. Still my favourite pub. If I had one criticism, it would be with the ciders. There is too much of an emphasis towards Millwhiltes ciders, which aren't a particular favourite of mine. But maybe others do prefer them.
2 Feb 2018 21:19
A nice country pub which was second on our list of rural Wiltshire pubs. This one caught me by surprise. It was much better than I had expected. There was a mixture of local drinkers and people there for their Sunday roasts. Ales were Sharp's Doom Bar & Atlantic, Plain Ales Innocence & Titanic Plum Porter. The two Lilley's ciders were Mango & Rhubarb.
2 Feb 2018 21:14
The Lord Hop is a nice micropub in Nuneaton town centre. I was here on New Year's Eve when many other pubs had closed for private (ticket only) parties. Despite taking ages to get served, I quite enjoyed this place. There are a few seats in the small ground floor bar. But there are more upstairs where it can be much quieter. Unlike Tuna, I wasn't in too bad a state. So the beer list was Naylor's Mistletoe, Milestone Donner & Blitzed, Kelham Island Fairytale of New York & Abbeydale Night Before Christmas. Spot the theme! Ciders were Harry's Haystack, Weston's Hand Brake & Rusted Wheel, Lilley's Mango Cider & Rhubarb Cider, Cotswold Cider Company Voodoo Pulp & Snail's Bank Orchard Dry. Possibly the best pub in Nuneaton. But I still have some more to try.
2 Feb 2018 21:10
The Bear Hotel, Walton on Thames
The Bear was fairly busy on my Thursday evening visit. The barman (possibly landlord) was nowhere to be seen when we arrived. It was a good 5 minutes before he turned up and then he started serving a local who had just got to the bar without even considering to ask who was next. The ignorant local wasn't about to tell him either. With Fuller's London Pride and Young's Ordinary as the two real ales and the haphazard service, I wouldn't recommend this place unless you're already a regular.
2 Feb 2018 21:05
The Billiard Hall, West Bromwich
This is a really good Wetherspoons. It feels a little run down. But the beer selection is always good. So are the ciders. Prices are decent and service is good too. It's always been busy when I've visited. My Boxing Day visit was no different. Ales were Shepherd Neame Bishop's Finger & No. 18 Yard Rudolph's Reward, Hook Norton Old Hooky, Silhill Gold Star, Oakham JHB, Greene King Abbot, Rudgate Evil Elf & Ruddles Best. Ciders were Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Polgoon Cornish Apple & Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. I seem to recall the Polgoon being £2 a pint, which was great value. Best option for drinking in West Bromwich town centre.
2 Feb 2018 21:03
Country pub with 2 rooms and some friendly customers. The beer wasn't the best though. The selection was Bowman Swift One& Quiver Bitter, Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter & Young's Bitter. The bar area looked very festive, with a large Christmas tree.
2 Feb 2018 20:59
Apologies. There were actually 3 ales on in the Swan. All were from Harvey's - Sussex Best Bitter, Old Ale & Christmas Ale.
2 Feb 2018 20:56
Still known as the Admiral. I quite liked this pub in a prominent corner location. The range of ales was good - Downlands Bramber, Dark Star Crème Brulée, Reunion Frost Fair & Hammerpot Shepherd's Warmer. For once in a pub, there was a decent selection of dark ales. The barmaid warned us to sample the Crème Brulée before buying it, as it was an acquired taste. She wasn't wrong! The cider was Seacider Winter Spiced. We spent a pleasant time here playing snakes and ladders in the corner!
2 Feb 2018 20:55
Small backstreet local with a central bar and seating all around. It was very quiet on our weekend lunchtime visit. Ales were Goldmark Secret Santa, Bugle Best & Sharp's Doom Bar. A bit too quiet for my liking. Only one other customer was present.
2 Feb 2018 20:51
The Abbey has now closed and the place has been refurbished and re-opened as a Head Of Steam, run by Cameron's Brewery. The bar has been moved to a central position and this place is much improved. The Abbey was a place that I might pass and wonder in to see what was on, but seldom have a drink there. The Head Of Steam is more of a destination pub that is worthy of a visit in its own right. I've been here 3 or 4 times now. I've been when it has been quiet and I've been when it has been packed. Food is served. Live football is shown on the TV. Service is by knowledgeable staff and they offer a CAMRA discount. But it can take a while when they are busy. Ales on my December 2nd visit were Brew York Little Eagle, Cameron's Strongarm, Road Crew & Cola Bottle Stout, Leeds Pale, Exit 22 Golden Cascade, Chapter Parabola & Neptune Black Percula Chocolate Orange Stout. The real cider was Orchard Pig The Hogfather. Great new pub.
2 Feb 2018 20:47
Came here for the second time in November. I think I was less impressed than on my first visit. Ales were all national standards - Adnams Ghost Ship, Sharp's Doom Bar, St Austell Tribute & Proper Job, Black Sheep Best Bitter & Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter. The exterior looks very promising and similar to the nearby George, it is located up an alleyway. But the interior is fairly bland and open-plan. It was very busy on my latest Saturday evening visit.
2 Feb 2018 20:40
The Olde Bull Inn, Barton Mills
This was our first stop on a tour of Suffolk pubs in October. It was fairly pricey and seemed to be aimed at diners. Adnams Broadside & Lighthouse were the ales. Disappointing.
2 Feb 2018 20:35
The Albion, Kingston Upon Thames
The Albion was the last of this chain of pubs I had yet to visit. So I came along to here one week night in October. All of this chain (Sussex Arms in Twickenham, Antelope in Surbiton, Express at Kew Bridge & Corner House in Windsor) are worthy of a visit, dispensing a good range of ales and ciders in nice settings. This place also served tasty pizzas and has a nice leafy setting overlooking a green. Ales were Titanic Cappuccino, Tempest Little White Cloud, Roosters Assassin & Roots Rock And Reggae, Dorking DB One, Vocation Search and Rescue, Squawk Oat Pale Ale, Big Smoke Sunshower & Solaris & XT4. Ciders were Orchard Pig Navel Gazer & Juggler, Spice Road Dry Cider & Lilley's Merry Monkey. Kentish Pip 2013 Vintage was later added. I'd venture as far as saying that this is now the best pub in Kingston.
2 Feb 2018 20:32
My main reason for visiting Southport in October was to try Peaky Blinders, as it was an entry in the 2018 Good Beer Guide that I had not been to. I was left a little disappointed. It has the feel of a café bar and it had a fairly trendy crowd. Ales on were Timothy Taylor Landlord, Robinson's Double Hop & Cross Bay Sunset & Vesper. None were really to my liking and they have no real cider either. I did try the Corridor, Bar 45 and the Cocoa House also during my visit. All appear to be new bars that have sprung up in what has become known as Southport's Northern Quarter. There's certainly a decent selection along here now. But the best I can award Peaky Blinders is a 5/10.
2 Feb 2018 20:25
I tried visiting this micropub over a year ago. It was closed on my visit and I ended up in the Pines just round the corner. Both bars are about a 7-8 minute walk from Hillside station. I have however been back to the Grasshopper twice since. It's an excellent micropub run by an amiable guy from the south of England. On the second visit, I was served by his daughter. Ales on during my first visit were Salopian Hop Twister, Red Star Havana Moon, Potts Brewing Company Flywheel & Bank Top Pavilion Pale Ale & Flat Cap. Ciders were Thistly Cross Jaggy Thistle & Whisky Cask, Weston's Old Rosie, Heck's Kingston Black, Abrahall's Dry, Sheppy's Orchard Dew & Broadoak Pear and Chilli, Strawberry Cider & Damson Cider. The weekend between my two visits ironically played host to a cider festival. But the owner gave me a tasting of some he had in during my first visit and there were still quite a few left over the following week. Another decent micropub that has sprung up in the area north of Liverpool that I can heartily recommend.
2 Feb 2018 20:20
I think I must have requested for this pub to be added to the site, as I didn't review it the first time I came here. But I returned in early October. I believe it got to the final 4 of the CAMRA pub of the year competition. But I'm not sure if the winner has been announced yet. But having been to 3 of the finalists, I'd say it has a pretty good chance, as it's the best of the 3 I have been to. Unlike the previous reviewer, I've not had a problem getting served on either of my two visits and the pub was fairly busy on both occasions. It has a fairly traditional interior with numerous tables and a few blackboards listing the ales. On my October visit they had Marble Bitter, Deeply Vale Golden Vale & DVB, Titanic Cherry Dark, Ossett Spellbound, Brightside Green Bullet, Robinson's Dark Vader, Harvey's IPA, Bank Top Pavilion Ale, Elland White Prussian, Riverhead Black Moss Stout, Pictish Jarrylo & Rat White Rat. There's also a decent selection of ciders - Abrahall's Lily The Pink, Ross-on-Wye Whole Juice, Herefordshire Tutti Frutti, Farmer Jim's Strawberry and Kiwi Cider, Gwynt y Ddraig Ancient Warrior, Weston's Old Rosie, Cotswold No Brainer, Cornwall Cider Company Apple Slayer & Lilley's Bee Sting Perry. St Helens has become a decent town to drink in and this is now the best option.
2 Feb 2018 20:14
The Hat and Beaver Inn, Atherstone
Traditional and lively boozer in Atherstone. Customers seemed to be mainly horse racing fans, who were watching the horse racing channel. I think I was the youngest in. Ales were Bass & Springhead Fallen Angel. They also had Old Rosie cider. Moved on up the road from here to the Blue Boar in Mancetter, which is not listed on here, but worth a try.
2 Feb 2018 20:02
Still closed. I'll be back to try the Bear at some point and hopefully it will have re-opened.
2 Feb 2018 19:59
The Wheatsheaf on the Green, Esher
This was the last and best of 10 Surrey pubs we tried between Christmas and New Year. Unlike many other pubs, it was really busy with a lively crowd. There is a large dining area at the rear and a number of different drinking areas at the front of the pub. One room appeared to be hosting a private party. Ales on were Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter, Hogs Back TEA, Surrey Hills Shere Drop & Twickenham Winter Star.
2 Feb 2018 19:58
Having been to a few of this chain's pubs in London, I found this one a little disappointing. The range of beers was much slimmer than in its London counterparts. There were 5 ales - Pig & Porter American Amber, Dark Star Hophead & Hophead Extra, Clerkenwell Pale & Crouch Vale Ten 46. The cider was Lilley's Mango Cider. It's a fairly small establishment on a street corner. There are other decent pubs in this area of Brighton. So I'll probably drop in again some time. But there are better pubs in Brighton.
2 Feb 2018 19:53
I've been meaning to visit here for some time. I finally got the opportunity in mid-October. Luckily the pre-football rush was over. We may have missed the kick off ourselves. But at least the pub was quieter. It's a lovely little single room boozer, which is fairly basic in character. Dark Star Hophead & American Pale Ale were on. Guests were Fyne Ales Monterey Boulevard, Bristol Beer Factory Mischief & Thornbridge Cocoa Wonderland. Ciders were Seacider Medium & Ascencion Company Pilot. This pub will be near the top of my list to visit next time I'm in Brighton.
2 Feb 2018 19:49
Old Nicholson's pub near the Lanes. Has a number of different rooms with plenty of character. But it felt a little touristy. Ales were St Austell Nicholson's Pale Ale, Adnams Tow Bays, Vocation Fire And Water, Hop Stuff Mjango Unchained & Wimbledon Hop Harvest. Old Rosie was the cider.
2 Feb 2018 19:45
The Shakespeare's Head, Holborn
I returned here after a 5 year gap back in mid-October. It's a large Wetherspoons on Kingsway. My visit was on a Sunday morning. I arrived before alcohol could be served. But a 10 minute wait soon solved that problem. There were a few other people in having breakfast and other tourists arrived. But by and large, it was fairly quiet apart from one guy who was particularly friendly. But I think he had some kind of mental problem. The staff seemed to know him. Ales were Well's Banana Bread Beer, East London Jamboree, Adnams Young Henry's Newtowner & Tally Ho, Hogs Back Farnham White, Theakston Pink Grapefruit Ale, Greene King IPA, Banks's Arcadia, Truman's Dark Side of the Moon, Fuller's London Pride & Castle Rock Autumn Haze. The cider was Black Dragon. A slightly improved experience than my previous visit and certainly a decent ale selection.
2 Feb 2018 19:42
The Prince Leopold, Upton Lovell
This pub has a lovely village location and it's nice enough inside. But I'm surprised by its entry in the current Good Beer Guide. Butcombe Original & Fuller's London Pride were the only ales and there was no real cider. Pity.
1 Feb 2018 21:38
With the demise of the Bree Louise for HS2 construction, the Euston Tap is now the best option for a real ale near Euston. It's on the expensive craft beer scale. But it's still a decent option. My last visit was early in January. The cask range was Hackney Best Bitter, Oakham Black Hole Porter & Below Zero, Redemption/Kernel Victorian Mild, Vog Paradigm Shift & South Island, Mordue Northumbrian Blonde & Gipsy Hill Lemon Drop & Denali. I was personally disappointed to lose the Cider Tap in the East house. But it was clearly not doing as well as the Euston Tap itself. I gather it is still doing some ciders. But I haven't had chance to visit that side since it changed, as it rarely seems open.
1 Feb 2018 21:36
We came here on New Year's Day. We had been hoping to try a new bar called Gibberish which has opened just around the corner and the Higson's H1780 Tap & Still which has also opened nearby. Neither of those were open. So we retreated to the Brewery Tap. With Cain's long gone, the three ales were Cross Bay Sunset & Zenith & Neptune Mermaid's Purse. A bit out on a limb this one. But this is an up and coming area. So it may increase in popularity.
1 Feb 2018 21:32
We were back in Bournemouth again at the tail end of December and we just had to return to the Firkin Shed. It was still every bit as good as our previous visits and remains a 10/10 for me. The ale range was Farmageddon Barrel-Aged Barley Wine, Siren Double Iced Latte & Undercurrent, Grapefruit Moon, Waen Something's Come Over You, Art Brew Anarchist Party Bitter & Sixpenny 6d Black. Ciders were Orchard Pig Maverick, Sandford Orchards Fanny's Bramble, Abrahall's Slack Alice, Marshwood Vale Dorset Tit, Broadoak Perry & Cider, Burrow Hill Farmhouse Cider & Countryman Farm Scrumpy & Barrel-Aged Scrumpy. Looking forward to my next visit already.
1 Feb 2018 21:27
The Old Manor Inn, Walton on Thames
The Young's Ordinary & Sharp's Doom Bar were supplemented by Courage Best on our visit. The beers may have been nothing special. But this is a great little backstreet boozer in Walton with some friendly customers and owners. One of my favourite pubs in a pretty poor selection we sampled in Surrey.
1 Feb 2018 21:23
Located on a hill in a residential area, this is a lively backstreet boozer that seems to cater for both drinkers and diners alike. It's a Fuller's establishment and accordingly had London Pride, as well as Seafarers & HSB from Gale's. But they also had Rebellion Roasted Nuts as a guest. My son was quite happy watching a group of men playing jenga!
1 Feb 2018 21:20
The Hanover was another pub we visited in the Hanover area of Brighton. It had a decent array of ales - Cellar Head Cinnamon Porter, Holler Boys Fog Cutter, Greyhound Blonde Bird, Sharp's Doom Bar & Gun Scaramanga. The cider was Old Rosie. It's a fairly large pub stretching either side of a reasonably long bar. A little out of town. But worthy of a trip.
1 Feb 2018 21:17
First visit to this cellar bar in November for me. Some of the beers had gone off. But there was still Vibrant Forest Cydonia & Black Forest & Eight Arch Corbel. Ciders were Purbeck Muddy Scamp & Joe's Sweet & South Downs Horsey Girl. I'm sure I'll be back here one day.
1 Feb 2018 21:11
I'd read that this pub was small. But I wasn't quite prepared for exactly how small it would be. You can see inside as you approach. But I couldn't work out how I'd be able to fit in through the door! Miraculously, the locals managed to make space for an extra body. As a Greene King pub, only Abbot & IPA are served. The single bar is full of oddities including a mummified cat. I decided to ascend the narrow staircase in the hope of finding some space. But upstairs there is a small room which acts as a function room. I doubt you could hold a function with more than 10 people, due to the confined space. There was also a toilet. With no seating or tables, I went back down to the bar and managed to perch on the end of a bench. I definitely recommend a visit here. The people in here are friendly, if not a little eccentric and the pub itself is a gem.
1 Feb 2018 21:08
On a cold late-October weekend afternoon, we ended up sitting outside here. Inside was just too packed and justifiably so. This is a good pub. Ales were Oakham JHB & Black Hole Bitter, Adnams Bitter, Lacon's Phantom & Mighty Oak Due South & English Oak. Ciders were Abrahalls AM, Millwhites Rum Cask, Weston's Flat Tyre & Hand Brake & Dudda's Tun Apricot Cider & Cheery Old Dudda. Probably the best pub in Bury St Edmunds. An 8/10 from me.
1 Feb 2018 21:02
Came here briefly prior to a football match at Brighton back in October. Many websites said it opened at 11am. But lo and behold, it was remained closed until midday. The place is quite large and with no other customers, it was devoid of atmosphere. North Laine ales on were Single Hop, Amber, D'Oubloon, Bestest Bitter, Hop Bomb & Golden Laine. Not a dark beer in sight and no real cider either. Not to my liking.
1 Feb 2018 20:56
Took a few people here for a Thai meal earlier in January. The pub appears to have gone downhill a little. The furniture is very worn and the place was being warmed by a Calor gas heather. Pride was the solitary ale and the Thai food was only average, with smaller than average portions. I'm not surprised it was quiet.
1 Feb 2018 20:50
The Semley Arms was our favourite pub in a Sunday crawl of 10 rural Wiltshire pubs. Overlooking a large expanse of greenery that is the local village green, this village pub clearly had a loyal clientele crowding around the bar. Ales were Ringwood Best Bitter, Twisted Ale Rider & Cotleigh Long-Eared Owl. It also had Lilley's Red Rabbit cider, which I rarely see. Recommended.
1 Feb 2018 20:46
The Lych Gate Tavern, Wolverhampton
Black Country Ales pub in the centre of Wolverhampton, which was one of very few to open at lunchtime on New Year's Day. I was relatively impressed. There was a decent beer selection on, despite it apparently being a late night session, the evening before. The range was Mobberley Brewhouse Solstice, Beowulf Dark Raven, Downton Hopoholic, Newbridge Solaris, Black Country Ales Fireside, BFG & Pig On The Wall, Oakham JHB & Salopian Lemon Dream. The real cider was Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. I'll look forward to returning here.
1 Feb 2018 20:42
The Hearty Goodfellow, Nuneaton
I arrived at this pub to find most people leaving. Apparently it was closing to prepare for a New Year's Eve function, with tickets require. No beer in the evening possible here. Where's the facility to award a 0/10?
1 Feb 2018 20:37
The Royal Oak was my first planned pub of a number of Nuneaton pubs on New Year's Eve. There were a few in when I first arrived. But by the time I left, it was very busy with a large group of young drinkers having arrived. The pub is a single room with opened up areas at the front and rear. It felt fairly soulless and the ales didn't offer a huge variety - Greene King Abbot, Thwaites Wainwright, Hardy and Hanson's Rocking Rudolph & Black Sheep Best Bitter.
1 Feb 2018 20:36
The Weir Hotel, Walton on Thames
The Weir overlooks what was a rather swollen River Thames. The picture above suggests that it would be a nice place to spend some time in the summer. Encouraged by its entry in the 2018 Good Beer Guide, we tried it on a winter's evening. It was quite frankly disappointing. Greene King Abbot, Sharp's DoomBar & Hogs Back Surrey Nirvana were the only ales and there was no real cider. Perhaps we should have followed the previous reviewer's suggestion and not bothered when the weather is inclement.
1 Feb 2018 20:27
Looks like a nice pub from the outside. But inside, it is more of a restaurant. In fact, when we first arrived, we bumped into a fellow drinker who had been refused service. He was told to come back later if he wanted a drink. We decided that we'd better head back to the Olde Swan and return later. Upon return, the afternoon dining session was complete and they were preparing for the evening session. Whilst there was nobody else in, they did initially seem reluctant to serve us, having thought that the doors were locked. Ales were Proper Job, Doom Bar & Hobgoblin Gold. Very disappointing.
1 Feb 2018 20:22
The Olde Swan is fairly centrally situated in Chertsey. But it's a pub I had not previously visited. A few people were enjoying a dinner. The interior had mismatched furniture. But the ambience was nice. Ales were Thwaites Wainwright, Windsor & Eton Mandarin, Tring Side Pocket For A Toad & Sharp's Doom Bar.
1 Feb 2018 20:19
Marstons pub which was quite busy on our visit. There is a dining area to the left as you walk in and an area more suited to drinkers to the right. The interior is fairly modern and bland. Pedigree, Saddle Back, Directors & Hobgoblin was the ale choice.
1 Feb 2018 20:17
I used to work fairly close to the Rising Sun. But I never actually managed to find my way inside. But using a free evening between Christmas and New Year, this was the first port of call on a crawl of Surrey pubs. To be honest, it was quite disappointing. It's very much a locals pub, that probably accommodates a few local workers too. The ale selection was poor - just Greene King London Glory & Hardy and Hanson's Bitter. I think there are better pubs in Stanwell. But there's nothing particularly good in the village.
1 Feb 2018 20:15
We were back here on Boxing Day. I'd tried a number of other pubs in West Bromwich. But most I tried were closed. The Vine was as busy as usual on a matchday. The solitary real ale (Holden's Golden Glow) ran out just as I got there, which left a poor selection. It's just about the best pub nearest the Hawthorns. But I'm downgrading the score to a 4/10.
1 Feb 2018 20:10
The Rainbow was our penultimate stop in Chichester on Christmas Eve. It's on a road heading out of the city. But I didn't find it particularly welcoming and despite it being Christmas Eve, with many pubs being quite busy, this one was quiet. Ales were Bowman Yum & Downlands Best & Root Thirteen Pale Ale.
1 Feb 2018 20:06
The Chichester Inn, Chichester
The Chichester Inn turned out to be the best pub we found in Chichester on a Christmas Eve visit. There is a front bar and a back bar, connected by a corridor to the side. The barmaid was very friendly. Ales were Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter, Vibrant Forest Black Forest & Citra & Langham Hip Hop. My Black Forest was my favourite beer of the day. Chichester doesn't appear to have too many decent pubs. But this one was a clear favourite for me.
1 Feb 2018 19:55
The Star and Garter, East Dean
Quiet village pub, with a modern interior featuring plenty of wood. Only one other customer was present on our visit. Beers are dispensed from a separate cold room. All 3 ales were from Arundel - Castle, Gold & Black Stallion. The latter was very enjoyable.
1 Feb 2018 19:50
The Fox Goes Free has a lovely setting in a nice West Sussex village. It was certainly quite popular. Cars had spilled over from the car park and were either side of the lane, which appeared to be annoying the local residents. The entrance door is slightly strange in that you have to open it to get in and then close it in order to head to the room on your left. I held the door for a lady coming from that direction, only for her to leave the door wide open. This didn't appear to be appreciated by the locals (it was fairly cold on our Christmas Eve visit) and I was abruptly told to close the door, even though I hadn't left it open! It was a good job I was in a reasonable state of mind. The interior has a number of different rooms, with open fires. Ales were Goldmark Secret Santa & Liquid Gold & Arundel Fox Goes Free Bitter. Addlestones cider is also served, which I always enjoy. It is becoming a rare sight these days.
1 Feb 2018 19:47
The Greyhound, Cocking Causeway
Roadside pub just outside Midhurst. The bar area itself is quite nice and there is a separate dining room at the rear. Bar staff were friendly. But they were adopting that rather annoying habit of serving locals at the same time as ourselves, despite us having waited longer. Ales available were Bowman Swift One, Upham Merrylegs, Skinner's Betty Stogs & Flack Manor Flack's Double Drop.
1 Feb 2018 19:41
Harvey's pub that stands in a rather unusual position in Midhurst, in that one side of a road runs one side of the building and the other carriageway is on the other side. Dog friendly place, as the owner has a dog of her own. Harvey's Old Ale was on. The interior is over two levels.
1 Feb 2018 19:37
Another traditional pub in a commercial area of Brighton. This place is a Harvey's pub and is listed in the current 2018 Good Beer Guide. Ales were Dark Mild, Old Ale, Christmas Ale, Bonfire Boy & Sussex Best Bitter - plenty for those who like their beers dark (and strong). Old Rosie cider was also available. The barmaid was very friendly. Nice place.
1 Feb 2018 19:30
With so many pubs on Southover Street and in the Hanover district in general, the Dover Castle is where to come if you like Shepherd Neame beers. It has a fairly dark single bar, seemingly with an emphasis on food. Ales were Christmas Ale, No. 18 Yard Rudolph's Reward & Whitstable Bay Pale Ale in our pre-Christmas visit.
1 Feb 2018 19:26
Corner pub with fairly old-fashioned interior. The main drawback is that this is a Fuller's tied house. As such, the ale range consisted of Fuller's London Pride & Old Winter Ale & Gale's Seafarers & HSB. But it's welcoming and still worth a visit.
1 Feb 2018 19:24
The Pub With No Name, Brighton
The Southover is now a decent real ale and craft beer place on Southover Street. It is one of numerous pubs on this street, which make for a good crawl. The central bar is a horseshoe shape, with seating on both sides. Ales were Sharp's Atlantic & Sea Fury, Gun Project Babylon, Firebird Parody Session IPA & Tiny Rebel Beat Box. Another decent pub on this rewarding street.
1 Feb 2018 19:19
The Constant Service, Brighton
This place has a single, small bar. It stocks ales from Harvey's. On our visit, they had Sussex Best Bitter, Sussex Old Ale & Wild Hop Blonde. There was also a real cider - Weston's Family Reserve. The vinyl record player and numerous LPs are a nice touch. I'd read that this wasn't supposed to open until 4pm on a Saturday. But we were there before and it was already busy.
1 Feb 2018 19:15
Backstreet pub set over a couple of floors. The ground floor bar was the main drinking area and had a nice atmosphere. There are a few more tables and a grabbing machine downstairs. Well we were at the seaside! Ales on our December Saturday visit were Firebird Parody Session IPA, Gun Strong Pale & Red Ale. The real cider was Weston's Hand Brake. Nice place.
1 Feb 2018 19:10
Went in here one Sunday lunchtime after visiting Bridgnorth's Christmas Market. The pub is situated on a hill between High Town and Low Town. It was packed, with standing room only. One room had some kind of live music. Ales were Salopian Golden Thread, Greene King St Edmund's Ale, Hobson's Old Prickly, Hardy and Hanson's Olde Trip, Gorgeous Beer Company Black Boy Bitter & Saltaire Triple Chocoholic. The cider was Old Rosie. The pub positive oozes character and is one to search out if in Bridgnorth.
1 Feb 2018 19:03
The New Penny Farthing is no more. The Courtyard Bar & Kitchen opened up late last year and couldn't be much more of a polar opposite to its predecessor. I initially tried to visit on a Sunday. But it doesn't open on Sundays, I later found out. But I did return on a Saturday in early December. The ground floor is the bar and the upstairs is a restaurant. Both enjoy nice views of St George's Hall. Although the door of the bar was open and it was quite cold inside. Ales were Rock The Boat Yellow Submarine Special & Bootle Bull & Liverpool Organic William Roscoe. A massive improvement on the New Penny Farthing. But I doubt I'll be a regular visitor.
1 Feb 2018 18:58
The George and Dragon, Yiewsley
Have been in here a few times of late. It's still a decent place to watch live football. But the language can be colourful and there's a few characters. Tried eating here one evening too. But food was pretty poor. It's still a Greene King establishment and Rocking Rudolph was the ale on just before Christmas.
1 Feb 2018 18:24
The Crown and Sceptre, Uxbridge
This place is now called Whelan's. As I'd not been before, I visited one weekday lunchtime. It is effectively an Irish bar that had a few waifs and strays (including me) populating it. I suspect many stay there for much of the day. It stays open until very late. The two ales were Fuller's London Pride & Whelan's House Ale (from Caledonian). I went for the House Ale, which was on the turn. Very disappointing.
1 Feb 2018 18:20
We ended up in the Harp on one Saturday night in November. My memories of this visit are a little hazy. But we stood in the alleyway at the rear, where we were hassled by quite a few homeless people, who use the area to sleep rough. Ales were Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter, Dark Star Hophead & American Pale Ale, Animal Peacock, Hawkshead Dry Stone Stout, Hammerton N1, Burning Sky Plateau, Fuller's London Pride & One Mile End Great Tom Mild. Ciders were Lilley's Pear and Raspberry & Rum Cask and two others called Buckshot and Scrumpy (I couldn't find out the producers). The Harp is still a great pub. But as always, it was too busy to enjoy when we visited. It's always best to visit earlier in the day when it can be enjoyed.
1 Feb 2018 18:16
I made a return visit to the Sheaf in November, following a crawl of pubs in the Borough Market area. My experience was very similar to last time, with the place being crowded. Tables had lots of uncollected glasses on them. Ales were Hammerpot Shooting Star, Navigation Patriot, North Cotswold Tumbling Jack, Upham Boomerang & Redcar Golden Ale & Autumn Ale. I recall having the Autumn Ale, which wasn't the best.
1 Feb 2018 18:09
Titanic pub in Stone that was a bit too busy for my liking on a Saturday evening visit. Regular Titanic ales were Steerage, White Star, Captain Smith's, Plum Porter, Iceberg & Steerage. They also had Kolsch from Titanic. Everard's Tiger is also a regular. Guests were Lacon's Legacy, Arbor Pocket Rocket, Anarchy Anti-Venom, Lytham Gold & Grafton Moon Frost. Cider was Lyme Bay Chapel Rock. Stone is a great town for pubs and this is certainly one of the best. 7/10.
1 Feb 2018 18:04
The Borehole was possibly the best pub of a recent (November) weekend trip to Stone. It's the brewery tap for the Lymestone Brewery and is situated on an industrial estate, a little out of town. Ales from Lymestone were Stone Cutter, Stone Faced, Foundation Stone, Ein Stein & Stone The Crows. Guests were Magpie Six Is A Wish & Stray Cat Lion Eyes. Ciders were La Cantina Superstition Peach & Haywood Farm Traditional. Certainly one of the two best pubs in Stone.
1 Feb 2018 18:01
Pub just outside Bury St Edmunds that I'm struggling to recall too much about, as it was at the end of a long day. Greene King IPA, Adnams Broadside & Bitter, Steambox Derail Ale & Exmoor Ale were the ales. I seem to remember it being busy.
1 Feb 2018 17:52
Rose and Crown, Bury St Edmunds
The Rose & Crown was the last pub we visited on a tour of Bury St Edmunds in late October. It's a traditional Greene King pub on the same street as the brewery. The interior is old fashioned and all the better for it. Beware the opening times, as it does close on weekend afternoons. Ales on my visit were Greene King IPA, Abbot & XX Mild, Skinner's Betty Stogs, Exmoor Gold & Timothy Taylor Landlord. I always enjoy their Mild, despite the low ABV.
1 Feb 2018 17:40
The Spread Eagle, Bury St Edmunds
Greene King pub that appears focused on diners. We also came in to eat at the end of October. Food was fairly average, as I recall. The 3 ales were IPA, Abbot & Starry Nights. Situated on a roundabout to the west of town, it's not really worth making the effort to come here.
1 Feb 2018 17:28
Finally got around to trying this pub following a visit to Chessington World of Adventures in September. There are no real ales served - just Guinness, Strongbow, Fosters, Carling, Coors Light, Kronenbourg, Heineken & Hop House Lager. It was a cold day and the fire was on. The customers all seemed to be local.
1 Feb 2018 17:20
Was here last in September, one Saturday afternoon. I've not got much to add from my previous review. But ales on that day were Sharp's Doom Bar, Salopian Sixth Mass & Sienna & Red Star Sandinista. There's so many decent bars in this area. So I do very often pop in to see what is on. It's certainly worth it if in the area.
1 Feb 2018 17:16
Skew Bridge Alehouse, Rainhill
We visited the Skew Bridge Alehouse one midweek evening back in September. Parking isn't easy around here. But this micropub is situated in a small shopping precinct. It was fairly busy on our visit. Ales were Tigertops Saint Hop, Lytham Stout & Lytham Royal, Scarborough Transmission & Outstanding Fix. Ciders were Thistly Cross Original, Lilley's Apple and Blackberry & Red Rabbit & Kentish Pip Craftsman. Probably the best pub in Rainhill these days.
1 Feb 2018 17:12
I wasn't planning to visit this pub today. But with a little spare time, I took a wonder away from Highbury & Islington station to see what it was like. The exterior doesn't look too promising. But the interior is typical of many in this area, with a limited number of cask ales, keg options and a fairly trendy crowd who congregate in fairly large groups around sofas and the like. A couple of groups were eating on my weekday lunchtime visit. The 4 cask ales were Truman's Fine and Dandy, St Austell Proper Job, Oakham JHB & Thornbridge Crackendale. There were also a number of keg beers from Thornbridge. Not too bad. My Fine and Dandy was slightly unusual, but absolutely fine.
1 Feb 2018 17:02
Brewhouse and Kitchen, Highbury
Decided to give this place a try whilst in North London today. I'll be back in the area on Saturday. But apparently they don't allow the general public in when Arsenal are playing a match. It was presumably much quieter today than it would be on a match day. There were a few other groups in there, who were mostly eating. I was approached by somebody on entering. The assumption was that I was there to eat. But I was invited to sit anywhere when requesting a drink only. Ales are all their own and are brewed on site - Astronomer, Romford Pele, Goal Scorer, Raleigh, Illustrator, Tramshed & Winter Warmer. They also had a real cider on handpull - Orchard Pig Maverick Ginger & Chilli Cider. I'd heard that this chain does stock a cider normally. But this was the first time I've seen one. But then this was only the third branch I'd visited. The building itself is apparently an old tramshed. The brewing equipment is at the rear. Possibly the best of these pubs I've been to. But at £4.60 a pint, I may not be here too often. You do get a CAMRA discount (if you're a member), which needs to be approved by the manager.
1 Feb 2018 16:57
Was in here this morning prior to catching a train. With many different rooms and drinking areas, this Wetherspoon's always feels busy. At 10am this morning, there were tables available. But it can often be so crowded to be uncomfortable. If you're after real ales, be sure to check the offerings on both bars. There are generally some additional ones on the neighbouring bar. Today's selection was Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Big Bog Morast, Caledonian Edinburgh Castle, Moorhouses Pendle Witches Brew, Peerless Curve Ball Blonde, Coach House Cheshire Gold & Burton Bridge Stairway To Heaven. There were no ciders today. But there can sometimes be a box lurking away in a fridge. It goes without saying that the North Western is a decent option for one last drink before catching a train.
1 Feb 2018 16:47
Hard Times and Misery, Liverpool
The Hard Times and Misery is a tiny establishment a little off the beaten track, but worth seeking out. The small ground floor bar has a few seats. But it can get crowded. There are tables, seats and a unisex toilet upstairs. Opening hours are limited. But the ale range is decent. There are cask ales, craft beers and also bottled beers. The cask range yesterday was Heavy Industry Chinese Burn, Red Star Formby IPA & Hafod Fruitcake Amber Ale. The two ciders were from Farmer Jim's - Medium Cider & Rhubarb Bob. A really decent addition to the Liverpool pub scene.
1 Feb 2018 16:27
I like the Belvedere. It's a really compact pub. As soon as there are a few people in the bar area, it becomes crowded. But yesterday's visit was a little disappointing. 4 ales were on - Higson's Pale & Amber, Phoenix Arizona & Grey Hawk Pippin. There was no real cider on this visit. The Pippin was ok, but not really my favourite style of beer. Friends were not impressed with the Arizona. Nice pub. But the range and quality of drinks was disappointing based on this visit.
1 Feb 2018 16:22
Stopped by here again yesterday. Again, little has changed since my previous visits. The 2 ales were Mobberley Brewhouse Road Runner & Salopian Chicane. The cider was Rosie's Triple D. We arrived during happy hour. But I'm not sure it made any difference to the prices.
1 Feb 2018 16:17
Was back in the Cambridge again yesterday as part of a tour of a few Liverpool establishments. We were the first visitors in yesterday afternoon. Little has changed again. The owners still appear to be the same. Marston's EPA was the only real ale.
1 Feb 2018 16:14
The Graduate, Warwick University
I'm not sure the Graduate exists in its old format. The primary bar in the Students' Union is now called the Dirty Duck. Although it does have a smaller room adjoining it that is called the Graduate. That is for postgraduates and has no real ales. The Dirty Duck was busy on Saturday evening. It serves 2 real ales. These were North Cotswold Moreton Mild & Wye Valley Summit. There were also 3 real ciders from Lilleys - Mango Cider, Apples and Pears & Darkcider. Food is served from an open kitchen. Surprisingly we didn't seem to be the oldest customers in here on Saturday evening. A good option if you happen to be at the university.
30 Jan 2018 19:55
The Burnt Post was the third and final Ember Inns pub we visited on Saturday. It is on the main A45 and it felt a bit dated compared with the other two. The ale selection was also limited to just Doom Bar, Tribute, Proper Job & Ubu. It was very busy though. The interior is large and all tables were occupied with standing room only in parts. One area was inexplicably cordoned off. Glasses were piling up on the bar. More drinkers than diners. But that may have just been the time of our visit (Saturday evening).
30 Jan 2018 19:50
The Open Arms was our second Ember Inns pub of the day in Coventry. It was a typical version of the chain and the L-shaped room was quite busy on our early Saturday evening visit. Ales were Black Sheep Ember Pale Ale, Brakspear Oxford Gold, Butcombe Bitter, Adnams Ghost Ship & Skinners Porthleven.
30 Jan 2018 19:47
The Hare & Hounds felt like a chain establishment. But it is owned by Punch Taverns. It is a large place with a bar area and a restaurant which appeared to be being used for a disco on our Saturday evening visit. There is a separate function room alongside the massive car park. That seemed to be in use too. Service seemed to take an eternity. I think we may have chosen the slowest barmaid to have ever been employed. Ales were Bass, Sharp's Doom Bar, Ringwood Boon Doggle & Wye Valley The Hopfather. The drinking environment was fine. But there was some swearing from one of the female patrons.
30 Jan 2018 19:42
This was easily the best pub we tried in Coventry on Saturday. Travelling around Coventry can be a little dis-orientating as its so spread out. This pub is close to the M6 and near to a canal. I wasn't aware that it was within walking distance to the Ricoh Arena, until I read the last review. So it will certainly be an option if I ever go there again. The Greyhound has a bar area and a separate dining area. It is full of character with plenty of knick knacks to admire. The ale selection was also different. Bass is the regular ale. Guests were Box Steam Gym Dodger, Abbeydale Deception & Greene King Abbot. They also had a real cider from Hecks. Well worth visiting.
30 Jan 2018 19:36
We arrived here in the dark. So I'm not quite sure why this pub is called the Boat. It doesn't appear to be near any waterways. Nevertheless, it is a nice traditional pub with a number of small rooms. Two rooms have access to the bar - a front room and a rear bar on an upper level. We chose the rear bar to get served. It has an unusually high bar counter. Getting served was a struggle with only one barmaid. But she got round everybody eventually. Ales were Sharp's Doom Bar, St Austell Tribute & Greene King IPA. It looks as if they usually have Bass on. But this was off. Locals appeared friendly. We retreated to another room at the front, near the entrance to the pub. Fairly decent place.
30 Jan 2018 19:31
The Red Lion is an Ember Inns pub out to the east of the city, next to a hospital. As such, you have to pay for the privilege of parking in the pub car park. This was the first of three Ember Inns pubs I visited on Saturday and it was probably the best of them. The 5 real ales were Black Sheep Ember Pale Ale, Purity Pure Gold, Fyne Ales Maverick, Well's Bombardier Glorious English & Sharp's Doom Bar. It was also the only one of the three with a real cider - Weston's Rosie's Pig. The clientele seemed fairly down-to-earth. It was disappointing that there was no CAMRA discount on halves.
30 Jan 2018 19:26
There appear to be some new-build houses here now, if I've got the location correct.
30 Jan 2018 19:20
Fairly unremarkable corner pub in a heavily residential area. It was one of those places where you're stared at as you walk through the door and are treated as suspicious by the bar staff. The large room we sat in had plenty of available seating and was populating by an ageing clientele who were congregated nearest the bar. A second room appeared to have a pool table and may have had some younger occupants. Black Sheep Best Bitter & Sharp's Doom Bar were the two real ales. No real cider was served.
30 Jan 2018 19:18
The Biggin Hall is a large pub to the east of Coventry city centre. As the previous reviewer says, it is in the 2013 Good Beer Guide. Unsurprisingly it hasn't been in any of the 5 subsequent guides. It's a local and traditional Marston's establishment. Pedigree is the standard ale, whilst Saddle Tank & EPA were the two changing ales. There are a number of large rooms. The public bar at the front had football scores on one TV and live horse racing on the other. Service was friendly.
30 Jan 2018 19:13
This pub appears to be undergoing a refurbishment at present. There was certainly work on-going when we passed by on Saturday. The signs are still up. So maybe it will re-open as a pub. Instead we continued up the street and started a crawl of Coventry in the Twisted Barrel Brewery & Tap House, which is not listed on here, but thoroughly recommended.
30 Jan 2018 19:04
Finally got to this pub on Wednesday evening. It's now called Green W7. The name doesn't sound too promising. But this is still a pub and not some cocktail bar or similar. On first sight, the ale range looked quite promising with 5 or 6 pumpclips. But closer inspection revealed that they had followed the Wetherspoon's example by putting "coming soon" on some of them. Alas, there were 3 ales - Twickenham Redhead & Sundancer & Timothy Taylor Landlord. There are better local pubs. But this one was better than I was expecting.
29 Jan 2018 22:09
Paid my second visit to the Dodo on Friday evening. I believe this is still the best micropub in West London. With the Owl & Pussycat, the Grosvenor and the Fox all nearby, it makes for a fairly good 4 pub crawl. The Dodo is tiny, in common with most micropubs. But it can get busy, attracting a loyal, local clientele. Service is directly to the table. A blackboard displays the changing cask ale selection, whilst menus on each table list the bottled beers and draught ciders. The selection of Friday evening was Tiny Rebel Juicy, Belleville Calif-Oregon, Arbor Simcoe, Pig & Porter Slow Black & Gun Red Ale. The Slow Black was later replaced by Thornbridge Jaipur. Ciders were Seacider Passion Fruit Cider & Marmalade Cider, Oliver's Festival Cider, Newton Court Yarlington Mill & Winnals Longdon Perry, Snails Bank Appley Dappley & Hallets National Treasure. This isn't the easiest pub to get to. But there are buses to Ealing Broadway station. Hanwell station is also only 10 minutes walk away. Recommended.
29 Jan 2018 22:05
Fourth pub on my short Liverpool crawl yesterday was the Swan. It was quiet, with only a couple of other punters in, along with the barmaid. But with Guns 'n' Roses on the jukebox, it was only quiet in one sense. Ales on were Phoenix Hopsack, Springhead Blind Tiger, Black Sheep Brian, Leeds Midnight Bell, Robinsons Trooper, Marstons Owd Rodger & Cotleigh Old Buzzard. Wobbly Bob was off. The usual real cider is Rosie's Triple D. Rock pub that looks nothing from the outside, but is worth a visit if in this area of Liverpool, populated with late night bars and clubs.
21 Jan 2018 17:07
Have been here a few times in the last few months. With the site being down, I haven't been able to review this pub (along with countless others around the country). Yesterday it was my second pub in Liverpool after the nearby Drunken Scholar (not listed on here). As usual, there were at least a dozen people in here and despite there being 4 small rooms, each room apart from the bar area felt full. The ale range was decent - Timothy Taylor Landlord, Tetleys Cask, Scarborough Trident & Stout, Conwy Rampart & George Wright Resolution. Weston's Old Rosie in the real cider. Apart from a slightly short measure, the Stout I had was pleasant enough. Still a traditional and reliable Liverpool city centre boozer.
21 Jan 2018 17:02
Port Street Beer House, Manchester
Returned to the Port Street Beer House on Sunday afternoon after finding it closed last time. As usual it was fairly busy. But the ale range was good - Magic Rock Common Grounds Coffee Porter, Kirkstall/Whitelocks CCCII, Black Iris Bleeding Heart, Squawk Pale, Track/Takk Finka & Redwillow Effortless. The cider was Blaengawney Hallets Heartbreaker. Still a good option not too far from Piccadilly station.
19 Sep 2017 21:15
Was here on Sunday afternoon. It was first visit for several years. The pub seemed much smaller than I remember it. But it was better than I recalled too. There are 2 small rooms with a corridor leading outside from the toilets that goes past the rooms. Ales were Brightside The Mancunian, Moorhouses Pride of Pendle, Redwillow Faithless 72, Weetwood Southern Cross, Salamander Jeez Louise, Tickety Brew Double Hop Pale & Bank Top Dark Mild. Unlike my last visit, they now also have a real cider which is seemingly always Old Rosie. Decent place that is tucked far enough off the beaten track to avoid getting too crowded.
19 Sep 2017 21:08
Modern-type café-bar with a large selection of craft beers, in addition to 7 real ales. All of the pumps are unclipped. But the selection is listed above on the back wall. Unfortunately what it doesn''t tell you is the style of beer. So you''re reliant on the bar staff''s knowledge, which was fairly spot on. The 7 real ales were North Full Fathom 5, Thornbridge Jaipur, Brother Rabbit & Lord Marples, Vocation Heart & Soul, Redwillow Weightless & Ilkley Mary Jane. A decent new addition to the Manchester beer scene. But prices are not cheap.
19 Sep 2017 21:03
Was here for Sunday lunch after a hiatus of around 20 years. I remember it as more of a pub. But as the previous reviewer states, it feels more of a restaurant with real ales these days. Although Sunday lunches always used to be good. Ales on were Hobson''s Twisted Spire & Town Crier & Salopian Shropshire Gold.
11 Sep 2017 20:47
I always enjoy a visit to the Baltic Fleet. But sadly I don''t get here as often as I''d like, as it''s a bit too far from the centre to build into a decent crawl. This was my first visit since February. I know that as I recognise the Six Nations ales that WezzieLad mentions below. Whilst the Wapping brewery has now gone, the ale selection is still decent. Ales were Melwood Derby Stout, Big Bog Quagmire, Liverpool Organic 24 Carat Gold, Neptune Sea Monkeys, Spitting Feathers Session Ale, Robinson''s Dizzy Blonde, Rock The Boat Fab Four & Phoenix West Coast Magic. The solitary cider was Malvern Magic. One of my Liverpool favourites and all the better for not having a TV, especially if you want a quiet drink when there is football showing.
11 Sep 2017 20:40
The Elephant And Castle, Dawley
The Elephant & Castle was my penultimate pub of the day in Shropshire. This is another decent establishment in what is a quiet area of Telford. The landlord was friendly and knowledgeable. The pub appears to be focused around decent conversation, with everybody getting involved. Ales were Joule''s Pale, Lymestone Foundation Stone, Tring Side Pocket For A Toad & Ludlow Blonde. The real cider on the board had just gone. But he did have a suitable replacement - Abrahall''s Thundering Molly. Families are welcome. Moved on from here to the Three Crowns, which was not a patch on this one and is not listed on here.
11 Sep 2017 20:33
On my last visit to Oakengates many years ago, I remember thinking that the Crown and the Station make a great pair of pubs to visit. You could step out of one, cross the road and straight into the other. The Old Fighting Cocks now makes it into a great trio of pubs. This was my favourite new pub of the day. Ales were mainly from the Hop & Stagger Brewery - Golden Wonder, Shropshire Pale Ale, Triple Hop IPA, Dark Horse Mild & Bridgnorth Porter. Everard''s Tiger is another regular. Guests were Stonehenge Great Dane, Black Edge American Pale Ale & Tring Moongazing. There were also 2 real ciders - Weston''s Family Reserve & Bottle Kicking Cider Company Scrambler. The interior has a number of rooms, with an outdoor yard area at the rear. I really enjoyed my Bridgnorth Porter, which went down far too easily. I can only dreaming of living on this street!
11 Sep 2017 20:28
I''ve been to the Compasses before several years back. But I don''t recall it. The welcome wasn''t exactly warm. Locals were occupying the bar area making getting served difficult. The barmaid greeted us with "Are you ok?", as if to say "Are you sure you''re in the right place?". Ales were Salopian Hop Twister & Hobson''s Best & Old Prickly. At the rear is a log cabin that serves a Mongolian Barbecue. The bar staff probably get many people looking to eat wondering into the pub area, which probably explains the frosty reception. Disappointing return visit.
11 Sep 2017 20:16
The Cock is situated on a busy junction. It''s a great old pub with lots of character. The main bar has hops on the ceiling. There is another quieter room that presumably acts as the lounge and a more formal restaurant at the rear. The barmaid or landlady was friendly and greeted us by at least informing us that the Kelham Island Pale Rider. It''s nice to have such professionalism when you can go to many places, try ordering a beer and find that it''s not actually on. Ales remaining were Hobson''s Best & Dark Mild, Wood''s Purple Haze, Skinner''s Betty Stogs, Joule''s Blonde & Burton Bridge Porter. The cider was Old Rosie. Best pub in Wellington.
11 Sep 2017 20:09
Mid-terrace locals'' pub that had a live singer on our Sunday afternoon visit. The bar area was packed. A small room just beyond was showing live Premier League football. Whilst another room at the rear offered a bit more solitude. Wye Valley Butty Bach & HPA appear to be the regulars. The guest was Six Bells Spikey Blonde. The music was a bit too loud to enjoy and certainly too loud to hear the price of our round from the barmaid. Locals appeared to be enjoying the music though. Seems like a decent community boozer.
11 Sep 2017 20:04
This pub is currently under new ownership and it has returned to the Good Beer Guide after 3 year''s absence. It''s a fairly basic place with plenty of space for live bands to play. There''s also an area with a pool table. Locals seemed a bit suspicious of strangers. But the landlord was pleasant. Ales were Three Tuns XXX, Salopian Golden Thread, Wye Valley HPA & Butty Bach, Dark Star Hophead & Itchen Valley New Hampshire. The solitary cider was Old Rosie. There''s a small patio area outside. Decent and offers a CAMRA discount too.
11 Sep 2017 19:59
Friendly town centre pub with a good selection of ales from Rowton - Area 51, Ironbridge Gold, Star Light & Moonstruck Mild. Everard''s Tiger is another regular. Guests were Heritage Victoria Pale Ale & Nottingham Cock & Hoop. They also have a couple of ciders on handpull. These were Bottle Kicking Company Scrambler & Weston''s Old Rosie. A complimentary plate of roast potatoes delivered to the table was a nice touch for a Sunday afternoon. The best pub in Wellington town centre.
11 Sep 2017 19:54
The William Withering, Telford
Branch of Wetherspoon''s on Wellington''s main pedestrianized shopping street. As with many, it goes back quite a way and service is slow, due to insufficient staff. This was despite it being a fairly quiet Sunday afternoon. The barmaid that served me didn''t have much of an idea about their drinks selection and had no idea at all how to use the till. Ales were Salopian Shropshire Gold, Ruddles Best, Slater''s Haka, Three Castles Autumn Daze, Goff''s Jouster & Conwy Rampart. Ciders were Ashridge Devon Bloom, Mr Whitehead''s Toffee Apple Cider & Sandford Orchards Kung Fu. I assume the ciders were left over from the not so recent cider festival. Luckily for me, the Kung Fu was one of the ones I never got to sample. Its condition was still good.
11 Sep 2017 19:49
Marston''s pub on the northern outskirts of Telford. The student barman and other customers seemed friendly enough. The pub has 2 rooms and a dated feel. the 3 ales on were Marston''s Pedigree, Banks''s Sunbeam & Ringwood Razor Back. Not too much to recommend it.
11 Sep 2017 19:36
Last stop of the night in Somerset was the Brent Knoll Inn, situated on a one-way lane not too far from the A38 and the M5. It was quiet on my visit. The interior is divided into a small bar area and a larger restaurant which was made out for breakfast. So they presumably do accommodation. Just a handful of what appeared to be regulars were in the bar. Ales were St Austell Tribute, Fuller''s London Pride & Exmoor Fox. They also had Thatcher''s Traditional Cider. Fairly decent pub, apart from the service from the heavily tattooed barmaid. I''m never too impressed when bar staff don''t tell you the price and just offer you an outstretched hand awaiting some kind of payment. It''s always polite to state the price, before requesting money. It shouldn''t be up to the customer to ask how much his/her drink is. Apparently they offer CAMRA discounts on ales. I''m not sure if they do the same with ciders as communication didn''t get anywhere close to offering that.
3 Sep 2017 11:12
Arrived at this place to see a bus load of revellers just departing. Most were in fancy dress. I guess it was probably a stag party. Inside those customers that remained all seemed pretty sizzled, all singing to songs coming on the jukebox. The barmaid completely blanked me. She seemed more interested in partaking in the free snacks on the bar than doing any work. Luckily a guy appeared and took my order. With Young''s London Gold & Special & Courage Directors, I was spoilt for choice! The multi-roomed interior was a bit of a mess, presumably as they had been so busy. But the munching barmaid was clearly in no mood to make it any more respectable. Or maybe it''s always in that state when they open up each day! Handy for the nearby station. But easily the worst pub of the day.
3 Sep 2017 11:06
Royal Artillery Arms, Highbridge
No sign of a pub here anymore. Assume the new-build housing has replaced it.
3 Sep 2017 11:00
After a visit to nearby Breen, I arrived back in civilisation at the Crossways Inn in Highbridge. I see it has been voted Somerset CAMRA pub of the year for the second year running and it was certainly my favourite of 10 sampled in the county. There are 2 or 3 brightly-lit rooms with a good selection of ales and ciders. Some were possibly left over from a beer festival held over the August bank holiday weekend. Ales were Black Flag White Cross IPA & Naughty Pilchard, Maxim Double Maxim, Franklin''s Resurrection, Pitchfork PG Steam & Butcombe Gold. Ciders were Cornish Orchards Pear Cider, Black Rat Cider, Lyme Bay Eventide, Rich''s Medium Dry & Orchard Pig Explorer. CAMRA discounts are offered on both halves and pints of both ale and cider. There is a large car park on the opposite side of the road.
3 Sep 2017 10:59
Situated just off the A38, this place should really be doing a roaring trade. But it appears to be struggling at present under caretaker owners. I feel it is only a matter of time, before it closes again. I read that the pub is a former cider house. But all real cider has long gone. Just 2 ales - Sharp''s Doom Bar and another from Exmoor were on. Inside there are a few large rooms. But most are unused. Those customers that were present were mostly in the garden, which has itself seen better days. It does have some children''s play equipment though, including swings and a slide. Do watch out for dog mess though. One of the worst pubs we tried during the day. But I recommend the Globe Inn, just down the road in North Petherton. It''s not listed on this site. But it is much more of a thriving affair and is a good example of an unpretentious village local.
3 Sep 2017 10:50
The Grove is a local boozer situated close to the station. It has a worn feel. The only ale was Hanlon''s Yellowhammer. There was no real cider. At the rear, there is a skittles room, another outbuilding with a pool table and an outdoor seating area, that is most probably favoured by smokers. A handful of locals were congregated around the bar.
3 Sep 2017 10:42
On my third visit to Taunton to try the various pubs, this was my second pub of the day. The nearby Bank is not listed on the site. I have to say that of the 10 pubs and clubs that I''ve tried in the town, there''s nothing that really stands out as being the best. Although the Ring Of Bells is certainly a strong contender. It''s situated on a street corner, not far from the High Street and has 5 fairly decent ales. Although a real cider (only fizzy commercial ciders were available) and a dark beer would have been a nice addition. The selection was Oakham Citra, Quantock Rale Head, Otter Twelfth Man & Summer Light & Bristol Beer Factory Nova. The Twelfth Man appears to be so called due to the proximity of Somerset''s cricket ground. The pub itself felt light and airy on a late summer''s day. There are two or three inter-connecting rooms and a popular yard with outdoor seating at the side.
3 Sep 2017 10:34
Greyhound Inn, Staple Fitzpaine
Country pub situated on a crossroads of lanes in a dip. It seems to be largely food-dominated. Although I think there were people other than ourselves there just for a drink. It has a number of small rooms, making for a cosy atmosphere. Service was strange as the guy serving didn''t seem to have any clue about what they were selling or how to ring it up on the till. I guess he was just restaurant waiting staff, as he handed the round to another lady. I was surprised to see a Hall & Woodhouse pub in this part of the country. But predictably, the ale selection was Badger Best Bitter, Fursty Ferret & Union Joker. A pumpclip for Rosie''s Pig cider was turned round. There is plenty of brochures and information for the nearby Blackdown Hills, which appears to be popular walking territory. There are tables at the front and there is also a large car park at the side.
3 Sep 2017 10:22
The Square and Compass, Ashill
Large pub situated down a country lane to the south of Taunton. It seems a popular place for wedding venues, with a large barn just across the yard from the pub. Cars park along the verge down the lane. A wedding party had arrived just before us, which made getting served difficult. The pub itself is quite small and despite having plenty of staff ready, the narrow layout of the pub made it hard to get to the bar. The ales were from Devon and Cornwall. St Austell Tribute & Exmoor Ale were supplemented by St Austell Cornish Best on this occasion. Burrow Hill Farmhouse cider was also on a 4th handpull. We chose to sit in the large conservatory to the front of the pub, with plenty of pot plants all around. There is also a small garden area adjacent to the barn.
3 Sep 2017 10:15
Large Antic pub with a variety of seating areas including an outdoor space at the rear. The drinks selection is probably still the best in Tooting - Thornbridge Jaipur, Sambrook''s Wandle, Volden Session Ale, Atom Blonde Ale, Marble Pint, Ilkley Summer Ale & Fallen Local Motive. The cider was Old Rosie.
28 Aug 2017 10:35
The Wheatsheaf is situated at a prominent intersection opposite Tooting Bec tube station. It enjoys a corner location with large windows making it a good spot for people watching. The ale range wasn''t the best in London - East London Brewery Jamboree, Dark Star Original & Partridge & Twickenham Sundancer. Service was good. A decent option if in the area.
28 Aug 2017 10:26
The White Horse, Parsons Green
Yesterday was my first visit to the White Horse in several years. It''s always a decent first stop after a football match at Stamford Bridge. The prices don''t seem quite as high as they did last time I visited. The ale selection is ok. Although the darkest beer was a brown ale. The choice was Tiny Rebel Mojito Sour, Harviestoun Summer Legend, Harvey''s Sussex Best Bitter, St. Austell Proper Job, Harbour India Brown Ale, Madness Absolutely, West Berkshire Good Old Boy & Oakham JHB. They no longer stock a real cider. The interior drinking environment is still pleasant. But most people were sat or stood outside enjoying the summer sun and views of the Green. Smells emanating from the barbecue were tempting.
28 Aug 2017 10:19
Port Street Beer House, Manchester
Closed when we tried to visit on Monday. Went to the Pie & Ale and the Soup Kitchen instead.
23 Aug 2017 18:10
The New Inn was supposed to be our first stop of 11 in Shropshire. But it also ended up being our last, when the car broke down! It enjoys a nice village setting, with a lovely church opposite. 3 ales were on - Hobson''s Best, Stonehouse Station Bitter & Salopian Shropshire Gold. The pub has a couple of rooms. It serves food. But dogs are welcomed in the bar. There is a nice patio area at the rear. But it was plagued by wasps.
23 Aug 2017 18:08
Paid a quick visit to the Vernon on Thursday evening after equally swift visits to the Ship & Mitre and the Dead Crafty Brewing Company. I still like the Vernon as a pub and it has a reasonable selection of ales, in addition to Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon cider. But sometimes the quality of what is on offer can be a little suspect. Ales on during our Thursday visit were Brains The Rev James, Liverpool Organic Johnny Handsome, Stamps Gitane Zarah''s Rum Porter, Coach House Blonde & Cross Bay Nightfall. Still a decent pub in a good area of Liverpool for pubs.
19 Aug 2017 10:40
The Fly in the Loaf, Liverpool
Was in the Fly last weekend. It was reasonably busy early on a Saturday evening. But there were plenty of staff to enable quick service. The Okell''s ales on were Bitter, MPA & Steam. They also had Robinson''s Dizzy Blonde & Kirkstall Black Band Porter & Three Swords. My porter was nice.
19 Aug 2017 10:34
The Plough was my final stop of the day in Rutland. It is a village local situated on a bank with a car park and a garden at the rear. Another strange feature at the back of the garden and at the top of the bank was a gift shop. Most people were enjoying a drink outside at the rear. But I opted to sit inside. Grainstore Red Kite, Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Timothy Taylor Golden Best & Greene King IPA were the 4 real ales I could see. But there was also a blackboard showing Beanie's Plough Cask Ale which may have been a house beer on in the second room. Cider was Weston's Old Rose. But they also had their Mulled Cider advertised. But it's not quite the weather for that.
14 Aug 2017 20:19
Everard's pub set back from the main road through the village on a junction. The interior has a number of tiny rooms and I think there was a garden at the rear. Ales were Tiger, Sunchaser & Sly Fox. The cider was Weston's Rosie's Pig. A nice village pub serving the local community well.
14 Aug 2017 20:15
The Old Buttercross, Barleythorpe
Far from being 'old', the Old Buttercross is a modern, new-build Marston's pub on the outskirts of town next to a new residential development. It's a family-friendly pub that is clearly popular with diners. Ales were all from the Marston's range - Hobgoblin, Wainwright & Pedigree, in addition to JHB from Oakham. Lacks the atmosphere of a traditional pub and the surrounding area is dominated by wasteland, which will presumably be occupied by new build houses at some point in the near future.
14 Aug 2017 20:10
The Old Plough is situated on a bend of the main road through the village of Braunston. There were a few in, with a mix of diners and drinkers. It has a nice garden away from the road at the rear too. The ale selection was the better of the two village pubs - Greene King Barmy Arms & Citrus IPA, Orkney/Belhaven Kittiwake & Grainstore Baby Beast. The latter was just about the only dark ale I found in my 10 Rutland pubs. So I was grateful for that. But unfortunately there was no real cider.
14 Aug 2017 20:05
Supposedly the oldest pub in Rutland, the Blue Ball sits opposite the church. Marston's EPA & Jenning's Cumberland Ale were both on. There are a number of different small rooms and an outdoor area. Some were enjoying Sunday lunch. Friendly owner.
14 Aug 2017 19:59
The Sun Inn was my favourite pub of the day. It's a lovely village local in a quiet backwater off the A47. You get the feeling that the 3 small rooms are just the same as they were 50 years ago. In fact, the customers are probably just the same, albeit much older. It's the kind of place that is a declining breed across England. So make use of it whilst it's still here. Ringwood Razor Back was the real ale. Be careful of opening times. I was conscious that it closed at 2pm on a Sunday.
14 Aug 2017 19:55
The Crown is situated on the High Street in Uppingham, a road which is currently being re-surfaced. The pub has two rooms, with a large bar at the front and a smaller room at the rear. There were a few in for Sunday lunches, a couple sat at the bar and another couple of Americans checking out of their stay in the pub's accommodation. As an Everards establishment, they had Tiger, Sunchaser & Original. A guest was Gale's HSB. The cider was Weston's Rosie's Pig. Had quite a down-to-earth feel which I wasn't really expecting given its location.
14 Aug 2017 19:49
The Old White Hart, Lyddington
I arrived at this pub shortly after what I thought was opening at midday on Sunday. But the place was already heaving with the two overflow car parks in use. The one is shared with a petanque court. There appeared to be some kind of function on, with a fair few elderly people present. Younger people appeared to be quite well-heeled. The pub occupies a lovely building in an equally lovely Rutland village. The interior has multiple rooms, some set out for diners. But I chose to sit outside in the garden. Ales were Greene King IPA, Nene Valley Blonde Session & Grainstore Summer Ale. Prices were on the steep side.
14 Aug 2017 19:41
Caldecott is a picturesque Rutland village with thatched cottages. The Plough overlooks the tiny village green. On my Sunday morning visit, there was just the landlord, another couple and myself. No music or TV. Just conversation. Just a good old-fashioned village local. Ales were Grainstore Cooking & Triple B & Marston's Crafty Fox Pale Ale. The better of the two pubs in Caldecott.
14 Aug 2017 19:36
First stop on a tour of Rutland yesterday was the Castle Inn. This place is more of a restaurant than a pub. It also has accommodation across the road. The pub itself is quite large with a pizza oven at the centre. There are a number of handpulls. But this was the only place I visited with no real ale on. Instead they did have a cider called Rutland from the Rutland Cider Company. Both pubs in Caldecott opened at 11am on a Sunday, allowing me to get an early start. But the door was locked when I arrived here and I entered through the patio. Has a large car park.
14 Aug 2017 19:31
My last port of call in Newark on Saturday was the Roaring Meg, a Springhead pub. I recall the pub being fairly large and having a nice, but basic interior. I don't believe I was the only drunkard in here. In fact, there were quite a few rowdy people! I noted the Springhead ales as being Roaring Meg itself & The Bee's Knees. A guest was Dancing Duck Abduction. Not the best pub in Newark. But not the worst by any stretch.
7 Aug 2017 21:15
Oscar's is situated on the edge of town. Being my 14th pub, my memories are fairly hazy, apart from sitting at the bar! I did note down that the ales were Thornbridge Jaipur, Hopback Citra, Welbeck Abbey Kaiser & Henrieta, Full Mash Manhaton Pale & Black Sheep Best Bitter. Ciders were Snail's Bank Fruit Bat & Pig Squeal & Gwynt y Ddraig Celtic Warrior. Maybe I should go back again when sober. But my vague recollection was of a fairly decent pub and the drinks range backs this up.
7 Aug 2017 21:12
Quiet locals' boozer on the edge of town with John Smith's Cask, Wells Bombardier Glorious English & Tom Wood's Best Bitter. Two rooms, with only a couple of other punters present and athletics being shown on the TV.
7 Aug 2017 21:07
This place is now the Beaumond Cross Hotel. I note that the CAMRA website states that you can only go in here if you are a hotel guest. But I strolled in and had a half of Newark Best Bitter. It has the feel of a pub, including having a pool table. Perhaps on the up again. But I was the only customer. Needs to spread the word that it is open for business.
7 Aug 2017 21:03
Blue Monkey pub with a small inside drinking area split into a number of areas. Two barmaids were on and they were dispensing 99 Red Baboons, Guerilla Stout, Simian Summer, BG Sips, Funky Gibbon & Infinity, all from Blue Monkey. They also had Green Jack Mahseer IPA as a guest. Comfortable surroundings. A little bit out of the centre. But worth a try.
7 Aug 2017 21:00
I thought I'd done all of the best pubs in Newark. But then I came across the Fox & Crown. Another superb pub. Don't remember too much about this one as I was getting well oiled. But I do remember that the pub had a couple of rooms with a central bar and an efficient barmaid. It was reasonably quiet. Being a Castle Rock pub, they had Harvest Pale, Screech Owl & Preservation. But they also had a number of guests - Furnace C Bomb, Pheasantry Best Bitter & Black Pheasant, Black Iris Better The Devil You Know & Linear Summer Wit. Ciders were Abrahall's Lily The Pink & Thundering Molly, Cotswold Cider Company No Brainer, Lilley's Bee Sting Perry & Mango Cider, Mr Whitehead's Equinox, Broadoak Moonshine, Circle Butcher's Boy & Worley's Beatnik Billy. Another fantastic pub in Newark.
7 Aug 2017 20:57
Wetherspoon's can offer the best selection of ales in many towns of this size. But not in Newark. In fact, the selection was quite poor - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Thornbridge Jaipur, Brewsters Roll In The Hay & Jenning's Cocker Hoop. Ciders left over from the festival were Taunton Cider Company First Press Original & Ashridge Devon Bloom. You'll probably come here if you want cheap prices. It was certainly cheaper and busier than most other pubs. But with that came plenty of dirty tables and glasses strewn everywhere. Typical 'spoons layout, with a few more secluded sections than normal. But don't waste too much time here if visiting Newark, unless you're watching your wallet/purse.
7 Aug 2017 20:52
Not quite as good as some of the other Newark pubs. But it would be rude not to stop in here for one. The rambling interior is spread out over multiple rooms, each with a different character. It could make so much space by knocking some walls down. But please don't ever do that. The small bar area in the centre can get crowded. But the selection was good - Brains The Rev James, Portobello Star, Boss Bliss, Manning Sha Man & Oakham JHB. Ciders were Millwhites Blackberry Blush, Black Rat Cider, Lilley's Lemon and Lime Cider & Scrumpy Wasp Nice Pear. Didn't notice any excessive pricing in here. But I was getting ever slightly inebriated at this point.
7 Aug 2017 20:48
The Flying Circus has plenty of Monty Python ephemera spread around the place and it was a far better pub for ales and ciders than I had anticipated. The knowledgeable barmaid offered Pentrich Columbus IPA, Ghost Reaper, Thornbridge Jaipur, Falstaff Suscon, Newark Flying Circus & North Riding US IPA. Ciders were Scrumpy Wasp Apple and Rhubarb, Hibernate & Amnesia & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon and there was also Broadoak Perry. Eclectic music on the jukebox too. Another to add to the 'not to miss' list of Newark pubs.
7 Aug 2017 20:43
Just Beer is situated just off the main road. It has a single, small bar with a bench or two outside. But its probably slightly larger than the average micropub. Whilst the Vaults was my favourite pub in Newark, Just Beer runs it very close and is probably the best pub in town for ales. The landlord is very friendly and certainly knows his stuff. Ales were Almasty Eureka IPA, Pentrich Citra, Credence Mosaic, Eyes Lecker Weisse, Millstone Chocolate Chilli Stout & North Riding/Brew York Cautious Hoptimist. Ciders were Lilley's Strawberry Cider, Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Pyder & Orchard Pig Navel Gazer. Another Newark pub that offers a CAMRA discount. Recommended.
7 Aug 2017 20:38
My bus journey out from Newark wasn't completely wasted, as I found the Muskham Ferry open and doing a decent business with its popular riverside location on the banks of the Trent. Unfortunately my visit was a little rushed, as I wanted to get the next bus back to the metropolis. So I only had 15 minutes. Ales were Maypole Gate Hopper, Greene King Abbot, Nottingham Dreadnought & Sharp's Dawn Patrol. A very pleasant spot.
7 Aug 2017 20:33
Wanting to leave Newark to do a couple of country pubs, I set out on a bus journey up the Great North Road and walked 15 minutes down the lane to the Crown only to find it closed on my Saturday evening visit. It was just after 2:45 when I arrived. There was a sign on the door with opening times that was blank(!) and a locked door. Not sure whether this pub only opens in the evening or if it is closed for good. May give it another try some time in the future. But for now it gets a minimum rating.
7 Aug 2017 20:29
The Castle Barge reminded me very much of Charters in Peterborough. It got me wondering if it was possible to do a crawl of pubs on barges up the East Coast mainline. Does Grantham have a barge selling beer?! This was a nice and cosy place with a downstairs bar and a smaller sundeck upstairs, in addition to plenty of seating on the riverbank. Ales were Full Mash Warlord & Northern Lights, Northallerton Yorkshire Pale IPA & Pheasantry Lincoln Tank Ale. Ciders were Weston's Hand Brake & Old Banger, Abrahalls Lily The Pink & Black Rat Perry. CAMRA discounts on pints, but not halves. But another Newark pub worthy of a visit.
7 Aug 2017 20:25
Just like Snarling Mallard, I found it a bit strange having to go up a flight of stairs in order to find another set of stairs down into this cellar bar. The Vaults has 2 rooms. You'll find a bar first and there appeared to be a dining area to the rear. For ales it may not be the best in Newark. But for ciders, it was. It is the current town cider pub of the year. Ales were Magpie Jay IPA, Tiny Rebel Hank, Pheasantry Best Bitter & Belvoir Oatmeal Stout. Ciders were Lilley's Strawberry Cider & Lemon and Lime Cider, Seacider Blueberry, Rich's Farmhouse Cider, Original Somerset Cider Company Apple Jack, Weston's Flat Tyre & Cornwall Cider Company Apple Slayer. CAMRA discounts are available on halves and pints of ales and ciders. My favourite pub in Newark. The town is a great place for a small crawl and as and when I return, I'm sure I'll drop by here.
7 Aug 2017 20:19
Situated on a set of traffic lights to the north of the town centre, the Old Malt Shovel is a more welcoming pub than the White Swan opposite and it had a couple of real ales - Doom Bar & Old Speckled Hen. The pub was also doing lunch, with special deals on curries. There are many better pubs in Newark. But things were on the up on my crawl!
7 Aug 2017 20:11
My first ever visit to Newark, apart from passing through on the train, started at the White Swan. Since the last review, this pub has clearly gone downhill. There are 3 handpulls, but alas no real ale. The keg selection was Coors Light, John Smith's, Carling, Strongbow & Strongbow Dark Fruit, Kronenbourg, Fosters & Guinness. Just 2 customers were present and they were discussing how the smoking ban and cheap supermarket beer were ruining pubs. A couldn't help but think that they weren't the only reasons. Stock a decent range of ales and people will come. The worst of 15 pubs sampled on Saturday.
7 Aug 2017 20:06
The Red Lion, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell
The Red Lion was my final pub of the evening last Tuesday in Oxfordshire. It was fairly busy with people finishing off their meals and a few drinkers like myself. 3 ales were Loddon Hoppit, West Berkshire Good Old Boy, & White Horse Wayland Smithy. I opted for a bottle of the locally-produced Red Dog Medium Dry Cider, which was very nice indeed. Cosy and relaxing environment.
7 Aug 2017 19:59
The Plough has a fairly small interior with a couple of rooms. But it has a large garden and car park at the rear, with children's play equipment and a bouncy castle. Flying Monk Elmers, Butcombe Bitter & Malt Missenden Pale Ale were the 3 real ales. Nice village pub with friendly staff.
7 Aug 2017 19:54
Nags Head On The Thames, Abingdon
The Nag's Head was easily the best of 3 Abingdon pubs sampled on this visit. It enjoys a nice location on an island of the Thames. Many people were enjoying their evening in the garden. Inside was a decent selection of ales - Loddon Ferryman's Gold, White Horse Black Beauty, Adnams Ghost Ship, Wantsum Fortitide, Vale Red Kite, Caledonian Nag's Island Pale Ale, Ramsbury Sunsplash & Goff's Tournament. Cider was Old Rosie. Toilets were clean.
7 Aug 2017 19:50
The Stocks Bar (Crown and Thistle Hotel), Abingdon
The Crown & Thistle is a hotel in the centre of Abingdon. It seems more suited to residents and diners than drinkers. However if you want a civilised drink in pleasant surroundings, it is a decent option. The Stocks Bar and a restaurant are amongst a number of areas surrounding a central courtyard. Ales are from Fuller's. They had London Pride & Oliver's Island on my visit in both the bar and the restaurant. The prices are eye-watering. I rarely moan at pub prices. But this really does take the biscuit.
7 Aug 2017 19:46
The Kings Head and Bell, Abingdon
Last Tuesday was a return visit to Abingdon for me. I don't think I was reviewing pubs on this site when I was last there. The King's Head & Bell is an old coaching inn with a more modern feel these days. The young barmaids were bubbly and friendly. Three ales were on - Adnams Regatta, Loose Cannon Minion & Cameron's Road Crew. Most people were enjoying the courtyard which sits between the buildings.
7 Aug 2017 19:41
The Wheatsheaf is a fairly small establishment near the main junction in Drayton. The interior is fairly cosy with a number of small seating areas. Ales were Bass & Adnams Bitter. Seems to do a fairly decent trade in food.
7 Aug 2017 19:36
Apparently the Plum Pudding (the new name for this pub) is a type of pig reared in Oxfordshire. The pub is located in a village not far from a busy trading estate, but with a feeling that you're a long way from civilisation. This could have been my favourite pub of the day. But it had a bit of a cliquey feel which produced one of those moments where you walk in and everything stops. Ales were Loose Cannon Abingdon Bridge, Woodforde's Wherry, Kelham Island California Drinking & Thwaite's Wainwright. Ciders were Worley's Mendip Hills & Beatnik Bill & Weston's Old Rosie. There is a small bar area at the front and a larger seating area presumably used by diners to the side. Still a decent pub.
7 Aug 2017 19:32
The Boar's Head is situated in a beautiful village and the pub itself looks very promising from the outside. But the interior has been ruined. The contemporary décor is well out of keeping with a traditional pub. It did have 5 real ales - Fuller's London Pride, West Berkshire Mister Chubbs, Loose Cannon Minion & Boar's Head Bitter. I was first in for the evening session and I was soon joined by one or two others. The young barman was friendly enough. But as the previous reviewer states, why spoil what was presumably a lovely pub?
7 Aug 2017 19:25
The North Star is tucked away from Steventon's main drag. But it's well worth the effort of finding. I couldn't find the entrance at first, with only sign of a server to the garden. But the owner/landlord soon provided directions from the garden. The interior is a fabulously well-preserved country-style pub with low beams and multiple rooms. The only drawback was that it was a little dark. Ales are all dispensed by gravity and they had Loddon Ferryman's Gold & Hullabaloo, Loose Cannon Minion & Greene King Barmy Army on. The landlord certainly seems keen to make this a going concern. He was a friendly guy and I wish him the best of luck. Best pub of the day for me in Oxfordshire.
7 Aug 2017 18:58
Wadworth pub with 4 of their ales - 6X, Horizon, Henry's IPA & Bishop's Tipple. As luck would have it, they also had a couple of real ciders - Weston's Old Rosie & Lilley's Crazy Goat. The pub itself is fairly unremarkable, apart from having a bit of character from its low beams and cosy rooms. I sat in the quieter front bar. There were a couple of other locals in the rear bar on my early Tuesday evening visit.
7 Aug 2017 18:52
The Shire Horse was my final stop in Northamptonshire and was a real wild card. It hasn't been in the Good Beer Guide since 2010 and I wasn't sure what to expect. But it's under new ownership and has an impressive row of 15 handpulls. Not all are occupied by ales. Some were unclipped and ciders were included along the length of the bar too. But the selection was Wychwood Hobgoblin & Hobgoblin Gold, Brakspear Oxford Gold, Thwaite's Wainwright, Marston's EPA, Thornbridge Wild Swan, St Austell Tribute, Old England King George III & J Church Gold Testament. Ciders were Lilley's Mango Cider & Lemon & Lime Cider & Lyme Bay Jack Ratt Scrumpy & Jack Ratt Vintage Dry. There was a lively atmosphere here and a band was setting up. Most people seemed to know one another and there were kids too. The interior is fairly spartan. But there is also a garden at the rear. Well deserved 8/10 from me and one to watch.
31 Jul 2017 21:20
I had high hopes for this pub and had saved it until late in the day. It promised 9 ciders. Whilst there were 8, they were the more commonly seen ones. Not to say that this is a decent pub. Staff seemed knowledgeable about their products, as did the friendly locals. Ales on were Mighty Oak Maldon Gold & Marynka, Grainstore Ten Fifty, Vale Fork Handles, Oakham Citra & Froth Blower's John Bull's Best. Ciders were Abrahall's Nell Gwynne, Westons Country Perry, Wyld Wood & Old Rosie, Gwynt y Ddraig Ancient Warrior, Welsh Warrior & Haymaker & Thatcher's Cheddar Valley. Good pub. But I felt somehow disappointed.
31 Jul 2017 21:14
This building still bears the name "The Swan", which was presumably a former name. But Sawyer's is also now closed.
31 Jul 2017 21:09
The Alexandra Arms was my favourite pub in Kettering and also my favourite in the county of Northamptonshire on a Sunday afternoon visit. This comes fairly close to ticking most of the boxes I'm looking for in a town pub. There is a front bar, which is fairly cosy and another room at the rear where Northamptonshire skittles was being played. Ales are different in each bar. This is a Marston's pub. So there was Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold, Marston's Pedigree New World & Banks's Bitter. But in addition, there was Church End Folka Cola, Hopback Summer Lightning, Castle Rock Screech Owl & Nobby's Swift Nick on. Ciders were Farmer Jim's Rhubarb Bob & Mango Cider & Lilley's Rum Cider. A number of handpulls were unclipped. So the range can obviously get better. The array of pumpclips on the walls is certainly impressive. Locals seemed friendly. My only slight negative was a perceived frosty reception from the barman. But otherwise, definitely recommended.
31 Jul 2017 21:08
Large Everards community pub situated on a bank overlooking a road to the north of Kettering. Clearly a local favourite stocking 4 Everard's ales - Tiger, Sunchaser, Beacon & Single Hop IPA. I believe they normally have a cider too. But this was off on my visit. There are better pubs in the town.
31 Jul 2017 21:03
The Cherry Tree is currently closed and looks as if it is simply being refurbished.
31 Jul 2017 21:00
Following a disappointing visit to the Red Lion at Cranford St John, I moved onto my first port of call in Kettering - the Piper. This is a typical town local, reminiscent of something you would find on a council estate. The welcome was frosty and the interior was drab and like something out of the '70's. There was only one other customer in the room I was in. It has two large rooms. In short, don't come for the interior or the atmosphere. Come here for the ales. A decent selection seems to always be stocked. Yesterday it was Woodforde's Wherry, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Nobby's Midsummer Crown, Goff's Summer Ale & White Knight (both of these were listed on a blackboard but I could see only one clipped) & Potbelly Beijing Black. Westons ciders were Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig. They also had their Country Perry. My review may have started poorly. But it emphasises that you should still visit here for the ale selection.
31 Jul 2017 20:58
After a visit to the Rose & Crown in Islip (listed on here), I arrived in the village of Woodford. I'm sad to report that the White Horse is no longer. There are a couple of new housing developments along the narrow lane where this pub presumably once was. But I can recommend the Duke's in the same village and have requested this to be added to BITE.
31 Jul 2017 20:52
The Dog and Partridge, Titchmarsh
Lovely village. But sadly the pub has been replaced by housing.
31 Jul 2017 20:45
The Montagu Arms in Barnwell was my second pub of a day out in Northamptonshire. I've requested the King's Arms in Polebrook to be added. The Montagu has an idyllic village setting (just noticed the previous reviewer also said this - it must be true) next to a stream. It has a number of different rooms with some focused on diners. But the ale selection was good - Digfield Shacklebush, Adnams Bitter & Blue Monkey Simian Summer. The cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze. Had a relaxing 45 minutes or so here. Recommended.
31 Jul 2017 20:44
The Forum is Hexham's branch of Wetherspoons. It was the busiest pub I tried in the town and in truth is not a bad option. It's located in an old cinema building and is spread over a number of levels. I never did find the upstairs bit with large glass windows overlooking the Market Square. Ales were a bit sparse at first - Big Lamp Prince Bishop Ale, Sharp's Doom Bar & Ruddles Best. But whilst I was there, Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold & Allendale Summit Single were pulled through. Ciders were Taunton Cider Company First Press Original & Weston's Wyld Wood. The pub had a lively atmosphere with older stragglers from the afternoon session intertwined with younger people beginning their night out. It was that twilight zone when both age groups were out at the same time! Moved on from here to the Heart of Northumberland and the impressive Tannery. Neither are listed on the site and I'll request them to be added. The latter was my favourite pub of the day.
31 Jul 2017 20:32
First stop for me in Hexham town centre on a Saturday evening was the Tap & Spile. This pub offers bed & breakfast and I had contacted them for a room. But they never replied. In hindsight, I was happier I had chosen a place a little out of the centre instead. The pub has two traditional rooms and a good selection of ales - Dent Aviator, Mordue Saaz, Pennine Best Bitter & Credence Revolving.
31 Jul 2017 20:26
My first pub in Hexham (I say Hexham, but it's a few miles outside the centre) was the Dipton Mill Inn. Set in a dip in the road, it's a lovely location. Leave your mobile phone at home, as there no chance of a signal here. That leaves the pub to focus on conversation, decent ales and cider and also decent food. The Hexhamshire Brewery is on site and all ales were from them - Devil's Elbow, Cragnook Well & Whapweasel. The cider was Sandford Orchards Devon Mist. I enjoyed a nice and unusual curry here, as Saturday was curry night. Great atmosphere. Worth making the effort to seek out.
31 Jul 2017 20:20
Just over one year on and I paid a return visit to the Dyvel's Inn. A welcome sight this time was an open pub with plenty of people in the garden. I can now give the pub a more realistic score. However a similar set of pub crawlers along the railway line to those I'd just met in the Wellington at Riding Mill awaited. On entering, I noticed a couple of young lads squaring up to one another in the garden. This appears to be a peaceful place normally, with the feel of a village pub inside. The ale selection was also decent, with Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold & Small World Thunderbridge Stout available. Old Rosie was also on for cider drinkers. My stout was delicious. I could sit back and watch the entertainment unfold as one guy made an appearance covered in blood. I wouldn't let this put you off though. You have to look beyond these anomalies and my firm belief is that this is a good place. Having visited two other pubs in the town last year, I also think it's easily the best pub in Corbridge.
31 Jul 2017 20:11
I arrived at this Chef & Brewer establishment at the same time as a large group of people emerged from a hedge in the car park. Had I been a minute earlier, I would have probably got served. But my visit had coincided with a rowdy lot who had arrived on the train. Judging by the previous review, this appears to be a popular local pursuit on this rail line (more of that in my next review in Corbridge). Ales were fairly mainstream - Morland Old Golden Hen, Black Sheep Best Bitter & Greene King IPA. The only different beer was Wylam Gold Tankard. Bar staff hadn't got the faintest idea who was next in the queue to get served. So I waited for 5-10 minutes. The interior has a bit more character than other Chef & Brewer branches. There were some secluded corners being enjoyed by diners, whilst revellers chose to sit on the large patio at the front, enjoying the summer sunshine. You know what you're getting with Chef & Brewer and it isn't too much.
31 Jul 2017 20:04
The Blackbird is a food-oriented and family-friendly not far from Newcastle Airport, but actually in Northumberland. The ale choice looked promising initially - Sharp's Sea Fury, Firebrick Wey-Aye IPA, Mordue Panda Frog Project Amphibious Four, Greene King Blackbird IPA & Handcrafted House Ale & Tops Monkey Business. I opted for the Sea Fury and wished I hadn't. It was hard to find a table and the atmosphere felt fairly subdued. Nice village setting. But failed to deliver for me.
31 Jul 2017 19:58
The Northumberland Arms, Bedlington
The Northumberland Arms was my first of 3 pubs in Bedlington. Finding its opening hours were a bit of a challenge. But I dropped by on Saturday afternoon in the hope of finding it open and sure enough it was. That's more than I can say for the Wharton Arms down the road which advertises as opening at 2pm on a Saturday, but didn't open until 4pm. Thankfully the Wharton Arms is not listed on here, as it's not worth knowing about. The Northumberland Arms had a friendly barmaid and 3 handpulls. Two of them were in use and held Cameron's Road Crew & Theakston Tour De Wot. I was offered samples of both. But they weren't really my kind of ale. So I opted for a soft drink, as I was driving. Friendly locals too make this the best 'real pub' in Bedlington. I use that term as Wetherspoons have recently opened the Red Lion, which I will request to be added. I spent a decent hour there waiting to see if and when the Wharton Arms to open, given they weren't answering the telephone!
31 Jul 2017 19:52
Queens Head, Newbiggin by the Sea
My first pub on a Saturday visit to Northumberland was the Queen's Head in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea. The pub is split into two rooms by the large, central bar. Plenty of pumpclips on the walls allude to a decent, rotating selection. 2 ales are on offer. They were Itchen Valley Pride of the Valley & Hopback Summer Lightning. Seems to have a decent bunch of regulars who were discussing the day's topics of conversation. Old school indeed and not a woman in sight (in reference to the last review). But I'm sure women are made just as welcome! Decent pub. Moved on from here to Bubbles in Ashington. That's not worth adding to the site - no real ales. But they did have a real cider.
31 Jul 2017 19:44
After dining at Angelo's Trattoria in East Rainton (until very recently the Old Ships Inn but never made it onto the site) and having a very pleasant visit to the Three Horseshoes in Leamside (another one I have requested to be added), I concluded my Friday night's drinking in the Ale Taster. I last tried a visit in January, 2013 when it was closed. This time it was open. A decent enough local pub with seating situated around the bar and a smaller room at the side. Service was friendly. But the ales were nothing out of the ordinary - Sharp's Doom Bar, Wells Bombardier, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Purity Pure Gold, Anarchy Blonde Star & Woodforde's Reedlighter. I went for the latter. But all of the ales were fairly similar style and not really my cup of tea.
31 Jul 2017 19:38
The Burn Hotel, Houghton le Spring
Can't say I was too impressed with this Marstons establishment. It is a busy pub located on an intersection with traffic lights. A band was playing live in one corner. So I retreated to the opposite corner where it was quieter. But unbelievably there was music playing on the sound system, competing with the heavy metal band and also the TV. Along with people shouting to make themselves heard, there was a cacophony of noise. The ale was Pedigree. I didn't stick around for long, having seen and heard enough.
31 Jul 2017 19:28
The Copt Hill, Houghton le Spring
Tried visiting here after a visit to the Stables in West Herrington, which is not listed on here. I've requested that to be added, along with the Green at Wardley. Alas the Copt Hill was closed with for sale signs. The only sign of life was a horse grazing in the beer garden. Nice view from the car park and garden though.
31 Jul 2017 19:24
The Shipwrights Hotel, North Hylton
The Shipwright's Hotel enjoys a fabulous location along a dead-end road and overlooking the Wear. But whilst it has plenty of promise, it fails to deliver. There are no longer any real ales. The keg selection was Birra Moretti, Guinness, Rekorderlig Strawberry & Lime, Carling, Carling Cider, Coors Light, Worthingtons Creamflow, John Smiths & Caffreys. The clientele looked a bit rough and ready for a scrap. There are a couple of rooms, with one reserved for diners. No sign of any on my visit though. Staff were friendly enough.
31 Jul 2017 19:18
I'm not sure whether the name is supposed to be Wheatsheaf or Wheat Sheaf. But either way, this was another good Felling pub spoilt only by its lack of custom. There was myself, the barman and one other person who may even have been the landlord. Run by the Big Lamp brewery, 4 of their ales were on - Keelman Brown, Sunny Daze, Prince Bishop Ale & Bitter. The interior is as Snarling Mallard says very traditional. There was no draught cider. But I did notice a large bottle of a Westons cider that may be used to dispense pints/halves. Would like to come back when it's a bit more lively. But I liked this place.
31 Jul 2017 19:11
After a visit to the Schooner in Gateshead (excellent pub that I have requested to be added), I ventured to Felling on Friday evening with some trepidation, having heard that it was somewhat of a rough area. First impressions seemed to back up the rumours. But the Old Fox and the Wheat Sheaf are just a few yards away from each other on a side street and are both great pubs. For me, the Old Fox was the better of the two. It has an open-plan bar with plenty of tables and a worn feel. But the ale selection far surpassed my expectation - Rat The Rat of Khan, Titanic Chocolate & Vanilla Stout, Tiny Rebel Juicy & Dark Star Hophead. Despite it being quiet, the barman was pulling through a fifth beer. My stout was in good form. I'm fairly the Old Fox has improved significantly since the last review on here.
31 Jul 2017 19:06
The Angel was our final pub of the night in Norfolk and was a worthy last calling point. The pub has a main bar and a small games room with a pool table. I gather there was a separate dining room too. The bar area is quite dark (or at least it is at night). But it is an ideal place for conversation. The 3 ales were Hopback Summer Lightning, Woodfordes Wherry & Nethergate Augustinian. In addition, there was Broadoak Perry, fetched from the cellar. The landlord was very friendly. Another decent pub. There is a bowling green adjacent.
23 Jul 2017 12:13
Swanton Morley was our final stop in Norfolk last night and Darby's was the first of the two pubs we tried in the village. In fact, I thought it was the best pub of the day. I didn't spend too much time inside. But the bar area looked nice enough and there were a couple of dogs chilling out. We sat at the rear where there is a smoking/barbecue area on a patio and a larger garden with a childrens' assault course with play equipment. The ale selection was one of the best I'd seen during my travels yesterday - Greene King IPA & Abbot, Lacons Legacy, Woodfordes Flagonry & Adnams Broadside & Ghost Ship. In addition, there were 2 real ciders from Abrahalls, which I hadn't expected - Tutti Frutti & Ruby Tuesday. I got the feeling that they had only just started selling them, as the barman didn't know the price. One of 2 good pubs in the village.
23 Jul 2017 12:09
Lovely and traditional one room village local not far from a steam railway station and line. There were only a handful in on Saturday evening. But it makes for a nice atmosphere to have a reasonably quiet drink. Although there was music playing. Plenty to look at on the walls too. The 2 ales were St Peter's Golden Ale & Oakham Endless Summer. There was also a real cider. This was my eighth pub and only the second with a cider. This was Westons Rosie's Pig. Decent place.
23 Jul 2017 11:53
After dinner at the Bull Inn at Litcham (not listed on here), we headed on to the Ploughshare. Unfortunately it's closed at present and looking rather overgrown. Large signs nearby invite passers by to save the Ploughshare, with an indication that they've got a long way to go.
23 Jul 2017 11:40
The Dabbling Duck, Great Massingham
A large and cosy pub which appears a really popular place for food. The pub is set in a beautiful village with a couple of duck ponds. Inside, there are a couple of rooms at the front. One acts as a bar area where locals had gathered with their dogs, whilst the other appears more suited to diners. Beyond that is a much larger and more formal dining area dominated by a stuffed boar's head. Even further beyond is an outdoor patio where pizzas are cooked, along with speciality barbecue food. There is also a garden area with a kids' play area and accommodation at the rear. Staff were all friendly and help us find some seats to go with the only spare unmade table. Ales were Adnams Ghost Ship, Grain Redwood & Oak & Woodfordes Wherry. Decent pub. Although it didn't feel like a traditional one.
23 Jul 2017 11:36
The Crown was our 5th pub on our Norfolk crawl yesterday. None of the previous 4 (Berney Arms at Barton Bendish, King's Arms at Shouldham, Gate at Fair Green or Sandboy at Bawsey) are listed on the site. The Crown is a Greene King establishment with a predominantly local clientele. Most of them appeared to like using 'fruity' language. The interior is fairly pleasant with a small bar area as you enter and a larger room as you turn to the left. Beyond that is the entrance to the garden, the toilets and a dining room. Nobody was eating on our visit. Ales are mostly from Greene King - Abbot, IPA & Old Speckled Hen. There was also a seasonal beer called Bermuda Joe's with was very fruity indeed. In addition, they had Orkney Kittiwake. Despite the language, the locals seemed friendly. They could do with a complete set of dominoes!
23 Jul 2017 11:29
JJ Moon's has had a bit of a makeover. It has new carpets and the gents toilets now look clean for once, with a fresh feel. The customers are much the same. But the current bar staff seem much friendlier than in the past. The ale range was Sharp's Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot & IPA, Jenning's Hop Commotion & Cotleigh Barn Owl. Ciders were Knight's Malvern Myst, Broadoak Moonshine Rum & Raisin, Hunt's Artful Rodger & Taunton Cider Company First Press Original. Will up my score to 6/10 based on this last visit.
19 Jul 2017 20:09
The White House, Stockley Park
I'm sure I reviewed this pub a few weeks back. But maybe it got lost amidst all the spam. I was back here again on Monday evening. I'm not sure why I persist. But it is the nearest Wetherspoon's pub to where I live. The ale selection is never excellent. On Monday, it was Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot, Sharp's Doom Bar & Windsor & Eton Corker & Eton Boatman. I was here for the cider festival. But they only had 3 ciders on - Worley's Mendip Hills, Ashridge Devon Bloom & Taunton Cider Company First Press Original. At least it was 3 ciders more than the last time I visited. The pub enjoys a nice location next to a lake, with plenty of birdlife. Meal portions appeared small and it can take a long while to get served. Not the best Wetherspoon's.
19 Jul 2017 20:01
Paid a return visit to the Mere last Saturday. This time I found it open and extremely busy. Alsager was hosting some kind of music festival and bands were playing live in the pub. The place was packed and it was a struggle to get served in the small bar area. There were plenty of staff. But it was difficult to physically get to the bar. As a Joule's pub, it had their Blonde & Slumbering Monk, alongside Beer Tonic No. 37, presumably a seasonal beer. In addition, there was Full-Bodied Ruby Bear from Beartown, which I plumped for. At least I've found it open this time. But it's not a patch on the Lodge just up the street.
19 Jul 2017 19:56
The White Horse has a nice, traditional feel inside with a few different drinking areas. Service was friendly. But the ale selection was not quite as good as I hoped - Fuller's London Pride, Greene King IPA, Upham Desert Gold & Westgate Atlantic Hop. Moved on from here to two pubs in Newton-le-Willows. But neither are listed on here. I'll try to get the Firkin Bar added, as it was my favourite pub of the day.
19 Jul 2017 19:47
After finally finding Que Pasa Cantina on Lark Lane open, I moved onto Woolton, another area of Merseyside I'd yet to visit. The Gardener's Arms was the first of two pubs I sampled here and I felt it was the better of the two. Although I believe it's the sister pub to the White Horse, which was my second pub. The Gardener's is situated in a residential area and has a fairly modern feel and looks as if it had been done out recently. The range of ales was better here than in the White Horse - Marston's 61 Deep, Greene King IPA, Sharp's Doom Bar, Thwaite's Bee's Knees, Big Bog Jack O'Lantern & Purple Moose Elderflower Ale. The small pots of beer you often see in front of pumps were on display, which always aids your decision. I went for the Jack O'Lantern which was decent quality.
19 Jul 2017 19:42
This Wirral micropub has been named local CAMRA pub of the year and it's easy to see why. The ale and cider selection is small. But what I had was good quality. Unlike many micropubs, this one does feel like a pub, probably due to its fairly traditional bar area. There is plenty of seating, both at the front and at a slightly more cosy area at the rear. Ales were Holt's Bitter, Salopian Oracle, Big Hand Little Monkey & George Wright Norther Lights. Cider was Seacider Medium. Locals seemed a friendly bunch with a sense of humour. A place I'm sure I'll be back to.
19 Jul 2017 19:33
The Red Fox was my first stop on a Merseyside crawl late on a Saturday lunchtime. It's quite an impressive building from the outside and is set in extensive grounds with a large car park at the front and to the side. It's certainly not your typical pub. I was expecting a fairly pretentious place. But I do quite like Brunning & Price pubs and this was no exception. The interior is every bit as nice as the exterior, with drinkers and diners both catered for. Prices are steep. In fact, I can get cheaper pints in London. But the range was fairly decent. Ales were Facer's Sunlight Blonde & Scrum Dragon, Phoenix Brunning & Price Original, Pennine Hair of the Dog, Coach House Strawberry Blonde, Rudgate Ruby Mild & Elland 1872 Porter. Ciders were Abrahall's Lily The Pink, Slack Alice, Cuckoo Penny, Cracklin' Rosie Perry & Tutti Frutti Cherry & Pineapple, Rosie's Triple D, Black Bart & Wicked Wasp, Gwynt y Ddraig Fiery Fox, Farmer Jim's Strawberry Moon, Weston's Old Rosie & Orchard Pig Navel Gazer. I was not surprised to see that it has been named CAMRA's Cider Pub of the Year for the Wirral. Well worth visiting.
19 Jul 2017 19:25
Was in here late on Sunday afternoon. It's a real ale oasis (Wetherspoon's) in the Trafford Centre. But prices are bumped up accordingly. I didn't notice the upstairs bar in the previous review. The ground floor bar only had 3 ales - Greene King Abbot, Sharps Doom Bar & Tickety Brew Golden Bitter. But I was here for the cider festival. On were Ashridge Devon Bloom, Worley's Mendip Hills, Weston's Old Rosie, Perry's Somerset Redstreak & Taunton Cider Company First Press Original. There was much less seating downstairs than in your typical 'spoon's. Not sure about upstairs. Decent option whilst shopping though.
10 Jul 2017 21:43
The Waggon & Horses was my final pub of the day. It's a bit of a walk out of Leigh town centre and there's a building site in the way, if you head direct. The pub no longer serves any real ales. In fact, I thought it was closed when I first arrived. But alas it was open, with a few punters around the bar and others in a games room. A friendly place. But the keg selection was limited to Strongbow & Strongbow Dark Fruit, Fosters, Carlsberg, Carling, Walker's Smooth Bitter, Tetley Dark Mild & John Smith's Bitter. All handpulls have been removed and I wouldn't be surprised to see it close again.
10 Jul 2017 21:37
This branch of Wetherspoon's was my 16th pub of the day in Greater Manchester and finally I had found a pub that served a real cider. In fact it had 8. Although I suspect there'd be none if the 'spoon's cider festival hadn't been on. Ales were Mole's Mole Catcher, Acorn Yorkshire Pride, Sharp's Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Jennings Hop Commotion & Conway Rampart. Ciders were Thatcher's Cheddar Valley & Stan's Big Apple, Weston's Marcle Hill, Gwatkin Yarlington Mill, Aston Manor Knight's Malvern Myst, Barbourne Strawberry Cider, Tempted Festival Scrumpy & Cock Eyed Pear Mania. Typical 'spoon's layout with fewer customers than I'd expected. Drinking on my own, I still managed to lose my table twice - once after a visit to the toilet and once after a trip to the bar! Service was decent for a change.
10 Jul 2017 21:28
The White Lion was my favourite pub of the day in Greater Manchester. It certainly had the best ale selection - Abbeydale Doctor Morton's Branding Irony, Allgates Industrrious Bee, Bank Top Flat Cap, Green Mill Flavia, Black Edge Black Stout, Elland South Sea Pale & Phoenix White Tornado. The interior has a nice feel too. It was busy enough to have an atmosphere, but quiet enough to find a place to sit. Music was playing. But you could get away from it if you wanted. Best pub in Leigh. But could do with a cider.
10 Jul 2017 21:17
After 13 fairly average/poor pubs in Greater Manchester, I finally hit lucky with this one. It's a prominent building located on a street corner and the interior is just as impressive. The first thing you notice is the grand staircase, which overlooks the central bar. There are 2 or 3 large side rooms too. The 3 ales were also decent - Dog House UPA & Columbus Brown & Dunscar Monroe Blonde. As this is a rugby-mad town, a foreign rugby match was showing on the TV. The gents left a lot to be desired. But I quite liked this pub.
10 Jul 2017 21:10
Holt's pub with a nice, traditional interior. Bar staff looked at me with suspicion, as I was clearly a regular. The question "Can I help?" was asked, rather than "Hello, what would you like?". Maybe I should have said, "yes you can hand me all your money" and that would have satisfied expectations! Holt's Bitter was on, plus Runway To Holts. A band was getting ready for a performance. But this pub was much quieter than other pubs in the town. Maybe a more friendly welcome from the staff would encourage more trade.
10 Jul 2017 20:58
This was one of the busiest pubs I visited in Leigh, which was most likely because it was well priced. It also has a decent and central location near to the bus station. There is one large room, with an outdoor area at the rear and a smoking area at the side. The 3 ales were more unusual than other pubs I visited in the area - George Wright Cheeky Pheasant, Coach House Dragon Slayer & Jennings Cumberland Ale. My Cheeky Pheasant was much more enjoyable than other ales I'd had. But the place was far too busy for my liking and I'm never a fan of bouncers on doors. It's clearly a sign that the pub attracts troublemakers.
10 Jul 2017 20:50
The Waterside Inn is a Greene King pub situated in an old canalside warehouse. The place was nice enough and there are some nice outdoor seating areas overlooking the canal. But being a Greene King pub, the ale selection was poor - IPA, London Glory & Amplified Pale Ale, plus a guest which was St Austell Tribute. There are better pubs in Leigh.
10 Jul 2017 20:45
The Old Boat House certainly has the best location amongst Astley's pubs. It's sat on the canal and there is outdoor seating where you can watch boats and the rest of the world go by. The interior was fairly pleasant too. But it did have more of a restaurant feel, than that of a pub. Ales were a little more adventurous than other pubs in Astley - Exmoor Silver Stallion, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Robinsons Dizzy Blonde. Although I would have preferred a darker beer. Not my favourite place in Astley. We moved on to the Miners' Welfare Institute, where we watched a game of cricket. Sadly it's not listed on here. Neither are the next 6 I visited - the Mort Arms, Half Moon & Union Arms in Tyldesley and the Bowling Green Inn, Leigh Rugby Union Club & Nevison Inn in Leigh. I'll try to get the Union Arms added, as it was worthy of mention.
10 Jul 2017 20:32
Ember Inns establishment near the centre of Astley. It has the typical Ember Inns layout inside. But most people appeared to be sat outside on a grassy area. The ale range wasn't too inspiring - Thwaites Ember Pale Ale & Wainwright, Brains The Rev James Gold, Purity Pure Gold & Sharp's Atlantic.
10 Jul 2017 20:25
The Cart & Horses is a Holt's house on the road out of Astley towards Leigh. It was the first of 17 pubs I sampled in the area on Saturday. Two ales were on - Lee's Bitter and an ale from Shepherd Neame. But nobody knew which one it was. We chose to sit in the garden at the back of the pub which had a bouncy castle to keep little ones entertained. There was also an outdoor patio area, popular with smokers. Whilst I didn't spend much time inside, it was multi-roomed and fairly traditional in style.
10 Jul 2017 20:20
The Wrens was our penultimate pub in Leeds. Things had started to become a little messy and most of our party (including me) were onto gin or cocktails! This is a corner bar, with quite an impressive gin selection from memory. It felt bright and airy and had a number of small rooms. The 3 ales here were Black Sheep Holy Grail, Ilkley Mary Jane & Leeds Yorkshire Gold.
3 Jul 2017 19:15
I quite liked this place. It felt a little off the beaten track. But it has a lovely exterior and inside there was a friendly welcome and many friendly locals. The pub has a real, traditional feel. Ales were Tetley Cask, Abbeydale Moonshine, Acorn Barnsley Bitter, Bradfield Farmer's Blonde, York Yorkshire Terrier, Greene King Amplified Radio X Gold, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin & Kirstall Three Swords. Just the ticket.
3 Jul 2017 19:11
After a visit to the nearby Horse & Trumpet (not listed on here), we moved onto the North Bar, a much more modern affair. Although it was actually celebrating its 20th birthday. Supposedly it had a special birthday beer range. But these were all bottled and when we made a choice from their beer of the week board, it was not available. Cask ales were North Prototype, Kirkstall Pale Ale & Black Band Porter & Springhead Roaring Meg & Left Lion. Some of the craft beers were quite interesting. We went for a Lervig Sippin' Into Darkness Chocolate Martini Imperial Stout at 12%. Although it was an eye-watering £15 a pint. There was no real cider. Still a decent bar that I would go back to.
3 Jul 2017 19:05
Similar to Whitelock's just down the road, this pub is situated up a narrow alleyway. As such, the interior is quite dark. But there's plenty of space both inside in two rooms and outdoors in the alley. One of the two indoor rooms is for drinkers, whilst the other is focused more on diners. Disappointing ale range with Black Sheep Best Bitter, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Leeds Pale, Greene King IPA Gold & IPA Reserve & Morland Old Speckled Hen.
3 Jul 2017 18:56
I'd hyped this pub up in my mind. So I was a little disappointed after actually visiting it. Whitelock's has a lovely location hidden away up an alleyway from Leeds' main shopping street. The ale range was good, whilst not the best in Leeds. Ales during our visit were Ilkley Mary Jane, Theakston Best & Old Peculier, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Kirkstall Pale Ale, Wishbone Ginnel, North Riding US IPA, Riverhead Black Moss Stout, Bad Seed Session IPA, Wilde Child Hedonistic Existence & Treboom Summer Gold. Ciders are Weston's Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig, along with their Country Perry. There are no toilets in the pub. I believe this is a temporary thing. But you have to head further up the alleyway to the Turk's Head. Good pub. But there's better in Leeds.
3 Jul 2017 18:52
This was my second favourite Leeds bar/pub on our Saturday afternoon crawl. It's actually more of a restaurant than a pub. In fact, the ham reference reveals that it is a charcuterie. So things didn't look too promising. But the ale and cider range here is unusual. Kirkstall Three Swords, Roosters High Tea & Birdman & Fallen Chew Chew were the ales. Pulp Beetroot and Orange, Broadoak Perry & Newton Court Gasping Goose was the choice. The keg selection was also decent and included Tiny Rebel Stay Puft. The ground floor room was busy. So we retreated to the quieter basement, where you can also take advantage of table service. Toilet cubicles are unisex. Not what you'd expect and certainly worthy of a repeat visit.
3 Jul 2017 18:46
Third stop on our crawl of Leeds city centre pubs and bars was Tapped. This is a bar which brews its own beer and it has an impressive range of both cask ales and craft beers. The real ales on were Tapped Brew Co. Rodeo, Brew York Viking DNA, Maris The Otter, X-Panda & Big Eagle, Kirkstall Dissolution, Cromarty Whiteout, Bad Seed Aussie Pale, Exit 33 Hopnotised & Mad Skills & Oakham Citra. The real cider was Thistly Cross Strawberry Cider. Some of the keg options were almost £12 a pint. But then they were 10.5%! Seating is on benches, which is ok if you're in a group, but probably not so good if you're on your tod. A bit too pricey for my liking. But it has a decent central location.
3 Jul 2017 18:40
The Head of Steam was our second pub of the day on our visit to Leeds. It had a better selection of both cask ales and craft beers than the Scarborough Hotel just round the corner and a CAMRA discount was offered here. The pub has a traditional feel, with a central bar. Staff were good and patient while we ordered 16 halves! Ales were Camerons Roots and Fruits, Road Crew & Strongarm, Northern Monk New World IPA, Timothy Taylor Boltmaker, Leeds Yorkshire Gold & Wilde Child Hedonistic Existence & Social Pariah. The cider was Lilley's Crazy Goat. Decent choice.
2 Jul 2017 14:14
Nicholson's pub near the station with a fabulous tiled exterior. The interior does not quite live up to the promise though. Ales on were St Austell Nicholson's Pale Ale & Skipper, Tetley Cask, Salopian Shropshire Gold, Sharps Cornish Coaster, West Berkshire Good Old Boy & Titanic Plum Porter. CAMRA discount offered on pints only. With a long session ahead, we were only on halves. But maybe we should have shared pints - a very silly rule. Handy for the station. But there are many better pubs in Leeds.
2 Jul 2017 14:06
Still one of the very few pubs in Uxbridge worth visiting. We were here on a Friday evening, when it was fairly busy with a drunk crowd at the bar. Feels fairly small for a Wetherspoon's. So you can sometimes struggle to get a table. The ale selection was Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharps Doom Bar, Upham Fields of Gold, Ringwood Old Thumper & Loddon Forbury Lion. The cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Visited just in time to use the last Wetherspoon's vouchers.
2 Jul 2017 13:57
Was here last night to try to use up a couple of Wetherspoons vouchers. But that went spectacularly wrong when we got free pints with our meals and were then thrown out at 8pm as we had our boy with us. But JJ Moon's in Ruislip is a branch of 'spoons that I haven't been to for several years. So it was about a time I paid it another visit, especially as it is usually my local CAMRA pub of the year. The ale selection does put most other branches to shame. Last night they had Upham Fields Of Gold, Caledonian Island Inspired Blonde Ale, Vale Black Swan Mild & Gravitas, Dorset Brewing Company Flashman's Clout, Twickenham Gothic Dark, Brewsters Aromantica, Greene King Abbot & IPA, Sharps Doom Bar, Courage Directors & Fullers London Pride. The cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. The interior is quite dark. But it is certainly popular. The vast majority of tables were taken on a Wednesday evening. Meals were ok, without being anything special. But you do get what you pay for. Handy for the Ruislip Manor tube station and was close enough for my other reason for visiting Ruislip - the Hop & Vine, a micropub on the High Street which is not yet listed on here, but well worth a visit. I'll seek to get it added. But returning to JJ Moon's, this is certainly one of the better Wetherspoon's.
29 Jun 2017 19:45
The Turk's Head was my final pub of the day. It's a Fuller's pub situated on a corner plot in a residential area of St Margaret's. The interior felt large and airy and there were plenty of staff available to serve. There appeared to be a function room at the back. The ale selection was lacking though. Fuller's London Pride & Oliver's Island were supplemented by Butcombe Haka. Probably an above-average Fuller's establishment.
26 Jun 2017 20:32
Since the last review, the name has changed again. This place is now called the Alba. The food is still Italian-inspired. Ales were Oakham Citra & Truman's Runner. I also told a lie on my earlier review of the William Webb Ellis when I said it was the only new pub I'd found real cider in. The Alba had Weston's Rosie's Pig. There are also a number of craft beers served from the rear of the bar. This pub was much quieter than others in this area. But that made for a better atmosphere.
26 Jun 2017 20:27
This is an upmarket pub with an upmarket clientele. It was busy on my Sunday afternoon visit with local elite and their mutts and brats visiting. Had a decent selection of ales - Oakham Citra, Surrey Hills Shere Drop, Harveys Sussex Best Bitter & Siren Yulu. The interior is very nice. The toilets are also unusual. There was one gents for standing and one for sitting. But the prices are steep and bartenders appear to spend much of their time preparing cocktails or taking food orders. Not so much pretentious, as what is clearly designed for the local community. Probably nicer at quieter times. It was too busy on a warm summer's day.
26 Jun 2017 20:22
The Cabbage Patch is clearly a very popular pub on matchdays and also when teenage girl bands are playing! Given the previous reviews, I was pleasantly surprised by this place. Whilst it is a Fuller's pub, there were only 2 of their ales - London Pride & Oliver's Island. Guests were Long Arm Lucky Penny, York Guzzler & Wychwood Drophead. The interior was nicely decorated with seating over a couple of rooms and customers spilling over into the garden at the rear. Better than I had expected.
26 Jun 2017 20:02
The Misty Moon is a former Wetherspoon's pub that is now privately-owned. This must have been one of 'spoon's smaller pubs and given the popularity of the William Webb Ellis over the road, I can see why they chose to re-locate. I've yet to find a decent takeover of a Wetherspoon's establishment and this one was no exception. Despite its small size, the Misty Moon was dead compared with its counterpart. There are still a couple of ales - Pride & Bombardier. The barmaid didn't know off hand how much my Pride was. So they clearly don't sell much of it. Disappointing.
26 Jun 2017 19:56
The William Web Ellis, Twickenham
This is a large Wetherspoons in the centre of Twickenham. Despite several staff serving, it took ages to get served with it being a really busy Sunday afternoon. Ales were Bingham's Viennese Whirl, Twickenham Naked Ladies, Redemption Hotspur, Exmoor Gold, Harviestoun Schiehallion, Oakham Scarlet Macaw, Tillingbourne Falls Gold, Sharps Doom Bar & Greene King IPA & Abbot. Cider was Weston's Old Rosie. Finding a table was the next challenge. All were taken, apart from one with dozens of empty glasses on it. I resorted to a bench with a stool. Surveying the clientele, I soon realised that there was an extremely high proportion of female customers. It was only later that I worked out that a girl band called Little Mix were playing at the Stoop. Makes a change from a rugby crowd I guess. The only new pub I tried in Twickenham that served a real cider.
26 Jun 2017 19:51
This pub is currently closed. It's boarded up with skips outside.
26 Jun 2017 19:40
I had been looking forward to visiting this pub for some time. But I was possibly a little disappointed, as I'd expected something much better. This is undoubtedly a decent pub. The interior is fascinating, with plenty of things to admire on the walls and even more on the ceiling. It appears that Young's Bitter, Sambrook's Junction & St Austell Tribute are the regular ales. The two guests were Park Killcat Pale & Shepherd Neame No. 18 Yard Sun & Planet Steam Ale. It would have been nice to have had the option of a dark beer or a real cider. But neither were on offer. Still, I'd be happy to give this another go. But only a 6/10 for me from this visit.
26 Jun 2017 19:36
The Mason's Arms was my favourite pub of the weekend. The location in a residential area does not look too promising. But this is a great community local. It has a single bar, with a corridor leading to the toilets and a small garden at the rear. Sambrook's Junction & Hopback Citra are the regular ales. Guests were Robinsons Robohop & Coastal Handliner. They also had a real cider - Gwynt y Ddraig Ancient Warrior. The barmaid was very friendly. One thing that stands out is the sheer amount of beer ephemera around the pub. It fills absolutely every single nook and cranny. Well worth a visit.
26 Jun 2017 19:29
Shepherd Neame pub located just out of the centre of Teddington. The barmaid appeared to be quite young and inexperienced. On asking for a half, she started pouring a pint. When I clarified that I only wanted a half, she carried on and poured a pint and a half! Luckily the landlord was on hand to assist. The pub was quite busy with its usual Sunday lunch trade being boosted by participants in a Teddington Pram race. Lots of women dressed as men and vice versa. Ales were all from Shepherd Neame - Spitfire, Spitfire Gold, Master Brew & Whitstable Pale Ale. The interior has a very cosy feel to it and my Spitfire was decent too. The exterior looks very nice, with some hanging baskets.
26 Jun 2017 19:23
The Hare and Hounds, Greenford
The Hare & Hounds is a Marstons pub in an area where there are few real ale pubs. It was open on my Sunday morning visit and was quite busy for the time of day. There are two main rooms, with a large garden at the rear. Two handpulls can be found in the room at the rear. They had Marstons Pedigree & Wychwood Drophead. I opted for the latter, which wasn't very good. But it was most likely the first one out. The owners seem to be Irish. Televised motor cycling was showing on the TVs. I got the feeling this was a place popular with people wanting to watch sport. A fairly comfortable place. But I wouldn't go out of my way to return.
26 Jun 2017 19:16
The Grey Horse, Sunbury on Thames
The Grey Horse is a far cry from the other pubs we visited in Lower Sunbury on Saturday. I was here for a function. It's a typical locals' boozer, most likely with a loyal clientele. The small bar is well worn. Carpets could certainly do with replacing. But there is a large outdoor area with a garden at the rear. Pride & Doom Bar were the real ales.
26 Jun 2017 19:07
The Phoenix, Sunbury on Thames
The Phoenix was probably the second best pub we tried in Sunbury on Saturday. Similar to the Magpie, it has a riverside location with an outdoor area at the rear overlooking the river. There is even an outdoor bar. The interior has a number of small rooms, giving it some character. Some are laid out for diners. But there are some more traditional drinkers' bars too. As a Marstons pub, it had 3 ales from them - Brakspear Bitter & Hooray Henley & Wychwood Hobgoblin. However they also had Twickenham Naked Ladies as a guest. Quite a pleasant pub. There are plenty of board games in the window of the bar and it's another place that is seemingly popular with families. Decent place.
26 Jun 2017 19:02
The Magpie was probably just about the best pub we tried in Sunbury on Saturday. It is split over two levels. But only the lower level was open on a Saturday afternoon. It's a Greene King pub and they had their IPA & Magpie Best Bitter. But they also have some interesting guests - Star & Blonde from Portobello and Supernova from the Aylesbury Brewhouse Company. The indoor area is nice enough. But the highlight is the riverside terrace, which is a lovely spot for a relaxing drink. Seems a popular place for families.
26 Jun 2017 18:56
The Flower Pot Hotel, Sunbury on Thames
The Flower Pot was our first stop on a short crawl of Sunbury pubs. Situated opposite the river, it's a Marstons (formerly Brakspear) pub. The interior is quite light and airy. But despite it being quiet, it took an eternity to get served. We were offered a table when we walked in and it would probably have been quicker to have accepted. Nevertheless we waited patiently at the bar whilst another couple deliberated about what food they wanted to order and then the barman went to get some meals to take to another table. Could probably do with more staff. The 2 ales on were Brakspear Honey Bee & Wychwood Hobgoblin. I opted for the Garden Cider Plum & Ginger. Pretty average pub.
26 Jun 2017 18:50
The Five Horseshoes was our final pub of the night in Lincolnshire. As the previous reviewer said, albeit 7 years ago, it's an unpretentious village local with friendly staff and customers. The interior has a nice, traditional feel. Outdoor drinking is on tables near the entrance or in the large garden at the side, complete with children's play area. Ales were Oakham JHB, Abbeydale Absolution, Stoney Ford Welland Wyvern, Bass & Adnams Bitter. Cider was Old Rosie. Although there are also bottles from the local Watergull Orchards. Recommended.
19 Jun 2017 20:22
The Vine had a modern feel to it and was certainly busy with primarily younger drinkers on our Sunday evening visit. It has a light and airy bar, with a compact garden at the rear. Ales on were Sharps Doom Bar & Sea Fury, Hopshackle Vine Ale & Jaramillo & Exmoor Gold. The cider was Aspall's Temple Moon. Friendly barmaid and customers. I'd never seen a gents toilet seat with glitter until coming here.
19 Jun 2017 20:12
The Bull is an Everard's pub in the centre of this small town. It has two bars, with one in an unusual sunken room at the rear. An upstairs room has a pool table. There is also a nice paved courtyard out the back, with a large garden with children's play equipment beyond that. Ales were all from Everard's. The standard ones are Tiger & Original. The seasonal beer was Sunchaser. There was no real cider on this visit.
19 Jun 2017 20:08
The Goat was our next stop after the pubs of Spalding. It's a country pub that does a roaring trade in meals. We chose to eat here too. But it did disappoint in that respect. Where it didn't disappoint was with the ale and cider selection. The choice was Grainstore Nip & Lord Minimus, Ringwood Boon Doggle & Forty Niner, Shipyard Summer Ale & Marstons Old Empire. Ciders were Weston's Rosie's Pig, Grainstore Lady In Pink & Rutland Cider Company Bushberry Cider & Mango Cider. The interior has a number of rooms, whilst we sat in the spacious garden which has 2 separate kids' play areas. Decent pub. But I wouldn't rave about the food.
19 Jun 2017 19:56
The Prior's Oven was our last stop of 7 in Spalding and we'd certainly saved the best until last. This is a fabulous, small micropub run by the brewer from Austendyke Ales, who was present with his partner and dog. Along with the barman and other regulars, conversation rules, making for a really friendly atmosphere. Ales are served on gravity from the central bar. 3 were on yesterday - Tydd Steam Barn Ale, Magpie Thieving Rogue & Austendyke Barbecue 67. Ciders are in the fridge at the rear, along with a few scattered either side. They had Churchill Spalding Scrumpy & Fenland Gold, Rutland Cider Company Bushberry Cider, Grainstore Cider & Lady In Pink, Severn Farmhouse Cider & Watergull Orchards Rhubarb & Ginger Cider - a great local selection. The building itself is full of character. The bar has a fantastic vaulted ceiling and there is a much larger than anticipated lounge room upstairs, with a toilet halfway up. Best new pub I've been to a while and easily the best on this trip to Lincolnshire. A 9/10 from me.
19 Jun 2017 19:48
Contrary to the last review, the Olde White Horse was in the Good Beer Guide in 2008! Whilst it is a Samuel Smith's pub, it does have their Old Brewery Bitter on handpull. So don't rule it out from making another appearance. The pub is a landmark thatched building next to the town's main bridge. It's an impressive sight when viewed from across the river. Ayscoughfee Hall is also nearby and worth a visit. Inside the pub, there are a number of rooms and there is also a garden at the back. Whilst you'll only get the one ale in here, the price is cheap and it's a nice place for a drink. Moved on from here to the Lincoln Arms, the Lincolnshire Poacher and the Red Lion Hotel. But none are listed on the site.
19 Jun 2017 19:38
Hungry Horse pub located on a roundabout in a residential area of Spalding. On arrival, we were asked if we wanted to eat. A second staff member at the bar asked us if we'd reserved. I'd expect that in a top class restaurant, but not in a cheap and tacky local pub! Not believing I required to make a reservation to drink in a pub, I ordered a half a pint of coke for my son. But apparently soft drinks only come in pints - a very strange policy. So we shared a pint. Abbot was the only real ale on. Tables were sticky. You'd probably want paying to eat in here, let along making a reservation. Would anybody seriously do that? Worst pub in Spalding by far.
19 Jun 2017 19:28
First stop in Spalding yesterday was this branch of Wetherspoons. It stretches back a fair way from the road, with a separate, small room and a tiny outdoor smoking patio at the rear. 4 of their regular ales were on - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharps Doom Bar & Wychwood Hobgoblin. In addition there was Hobgoblin Gold, Ascot Posh Pooch & Vale Gravitas. The cider was Old Rosie. Breakfast was good value as usual. Spalding isn't that well endowed with decent pubs, apart from one exception. So this was the best of the rest in the town.
19 Jun 2017 19:15
The White Hart was the last remaining pub in Harlington for me to visit and it's in the current Good Beer Guide. Situated to the north not too far from the M4, it's a reasonably large Fullers pub where drinkers appear to be catered for as well as diners. It was quiet on my Thursday evening visit. There was background music playing, but no other entertainment. Ales were Pride, ESB & Oliver's Island. My ESB appeared to be a little past its best. But not bad enough to return. Not overly impressed.
16 Jun 2017 19:12
Last night was my first visit to the Pheasant in quite a few years. I've only previously been to the restaurant area, which is the large barn-like building. The bar itself is also quite sprawling, with outdoor drinking spilling out to an undercover marquee, to the front and towards the car park. London Pride, Doom Bar & 6X were the ales. So I wouldn't return for those. But the attraction here is the meals. They have a varied menu with two separate special boards. Portions are large and it's quite good value for money, considering its location near Heathrow's hotels and its captive audience. You order at a small server after queuing for up to 20-30 minutes. But food comes much quicker. Decent option if you're looking for food (and a real ale) in the Heathrow area.
16 Jun 2017 19:08
The Joiners Arms, South Norwood
The Joiners' Arms was my final pub of the day. A karaoke was in progress, which I always find off-putting. Most of the customers appeared to be congregated around the bar, presumably to get as far from the crooning as possible. But that made getting the barmaid's attention all the more difficult. The choice of just Wherry or Doom Bar was also uninspiring. Has a cosy interior. But I wouldn't venture back.
12 Jun 2017 21:08
The Catford Bridge Tavern, Catford
The Catford Bridge Tavern is situated just outside Catford Bridge station and has now re-opened. The new owners seem keen to give this venture a good go and they also seem to be encouraging real ale. The interior has two large rooms. I sat at the bar in the front room. 3 ales were on. I opted for the Southwark Maltby Street Mild. Sadly the beer was well past its best and undrinkable. So I returned it. The barmaid called over the manager to check that I was correct and one sniff of the beer was all he needed! On the positive side, it was then replaced with Brockley Red Ale without any fuss and the manager was quick to prepare another dark beer to replace the mild. The third option was Hop Stuff Fusilier. Whilst I was not impressed with my initial choice, beer can often go off and I was encouraged by the service recovery. The pub is advertising a beer festival and may well need to up its game to make that a success. But I sincerely hope they succeed, as I'll certainly be back for another visit one day.
12 Jun 2017 21:04
Catford Constitutional Club, Catford
You approach this pub along an alleyway on one of Catford's main roads. This was my 4th and final Antic pub of the day in South East London. Food had stopped being served for the day. But Yorkshire Puddings were available on the bar, which I thought was a nice touch. The interior is spacious and typically cluttered. Similar to the Baring Hall Hotel I had been to before, this place does not look finished. A couple of well-oiled ladies on the table next to me were enjoying a boogie whilst also commenting on the disgusting nature of the pub and they had apparently spotted mould. So similar to the Baring Hall Hotel, this may not be everybody's cup of tea. But staff were friendly and families are made welcome. Ales were Volden Session Ale, Hackney Kapow, Crate Session IPA & Kent Cobnut. Again there was no real cider. There is a table football game near the entrance. The last poster describes this place as quirky. I quite agree and would happily return.
12 Jun 2017 20:58
The Baring Hall Hotel, Grove Park
This pub is situated opposite Grove Park station (no I'd never heard of it before either) in a bit of a real ale desert. It was my third Antic pub of the day and whilst they are intended to look a bit scruffy, this one was beyond that. Apparently the building had suffered fire damage and is still to be fully restored. But I think Antic like it that way. The 3 ales on were Volden Session Ale, St Austell Tribute & Marble Pint. There was no real cider. Business seemed a little quiet. Kitchen staff looked very bored. The name of the place conjures up a posh establishment. But you'll need to lower your expectations somewhat. I actually quite liked the unfinished look. But it may be a step too far for some.
12 Jun 2017 20:51
The Prince Albert (Rose's), Woolwich
I was last here almost 5 years ago, when the pub was unexpectedly closed on a bank holiday Monday. This time it was open. Entering felt like entering a timewharp. You pass through what I can only describe as coloured streamers in the doorway, reminiscent of 1970s greasy spoon cafes. But the welcome was warm and the locals seemed like a friendly bunch, albeit a little wary of a stranger amongst their midst. The juke box was being well utilised and the large lizard (not sure if it was Ronnie or Reggie) was motionless in its tank at the rear. This is an unspoiled boozer that would probably look exactly the same in 10 years time, including the same customers in the same places. I gave this a 0/10 in 2012. But I'm not entering a more realistic score of 6/10 as I did enjoy my visit. The ales were Caledonian First Dawn, Cotleigh Seahawk & Rosie's Best Bitter. No real cider was available.
12 Jun 2017 20:46
This is a busy Youngs pub at Woolwich Arsenal. It has a nice location overlooking a grassy area. Many people were taking advantage of the afternoon sunshine with alfresco drinking and dining. The interior was very spacious and nicely furnished too. TVs were showing live French Open tennis. But unfortunately the positives end there. I arrived at the bar to find an orderly queue. I also find this practice quite amusing and wanted to go straight to the bar. But I also hate queue jumpers! So I joined the back as any polite British person would. However after a few minutes, one member of staff asked people to come to the bar if they wanted serving. Cue chaos, with the solitary barman left having no clue who was next to be served. The woman in front of me ordered a banquet and bottles of wine that all had to be placed in buckets after they had been filled with ice and topped up with cold water. This was a very tedious process for a drinker waiting to be served. I persevered and when it was my turn, the barman turned to somebody who had been behind me in the queue. Luckily that person said I was next - always nice to see others with manners. So I ordered from a selection of 7 ales. Hop Stuff Fusilier was my choice. The barman tried to pour it. But alas it had run out. Ok, I'll have a Hogsback TEA instead. But wait, that's gone too. Two down 5 to go. Luckily my third choice - Young's Waggle Dance was actually on. The other 4 on were Youngs Bitter & Special, Sharps Doom Bar & Adnams Lighthouse. But whether they were actually available is another matter. The process of trying each ale to no avail cost the barman even more time. If the pumpclip had have been turned round, he would not need to have bothered. Quite a queue had built up at the bar, with more meal orders ready to be placed. Other staff seemed to walk backwards and forwards trying to sort out problems with food ordered. An altogether frustrating experience in a very poorly managed establishment. My advice would be to avoid, until they have got their act sorted.
12 Jun 2017 20:38
The Woolwich Equitable is another Antic pub. This one is an impressive building in the main pedestrian square. The interior is even more impressive with high ceilings and a balcony. There is a large amount of seating on the ground floor and you can apparently get to the balcony too. As the previous reviewer has said, the ale selection is poor. Volden Session Ale & Pale Ale & Belleville Commonside Pale Ale were the 3 on. But I was happy, as they did have real cider - Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Westons Family Reserve. Meals were being served and it seems a popular place for families too. The best of the 4 Antic pubs I tried yesterday.
12 Jun 2017 20:20
This pub near to Plumstead Common is a predominantly locals' boozer. But it has a nice interior spread over 3 rooms. The only real ale was Landlord, as most people here appear to be lager drinkers. There are TVs showing sport and the middle room has a pool table in the corner. Serves a purpose. But not worth making a special visit.
12 Jun 2017 19:58
This micropub is well off the beaten path. But it's also worth seeking out. Beware the limited opening hours, especially on a Sunday when it closes at 2:30. It seems to have a fairly loyal local following and was fairly busy at lunchtime yesterday. Complimentary biscuits were put on each table. Ales and ciders are dispensed from a cool room behind the bar and the selection did not disappoint. The house beer is Tonbridge Pond Life. Guests were Hop Fuzz Yellow Zinger, Whitstable East India Pale, Rockin' Robin Reckless Robin, Kent Brewer's Reserve & Bexkey Odo's Cat Porter. Ciders were Dudda's Tun Disco, Kentish Spice, Pear O'Dudda & Cheery Old Dudda, in addition to the local Eltham Gold. I can easily see why CAMRA voted this the local pub of the year for 2017. It was also my favourite pub of the day in South East London.
12 Jun 2017 19:55
Antic pub close to Deptford station and not too far from New Cross either. I visited here yesterday lunchtime. I was the only customer during my visit, along with a couple of friendly bar staff and others in the open kitchen towards the rear. This is a fairly large pub in typical Antic style and it had a fairly decent range of ales - Volden Session Ale, Hawkshead Bitter, London Beer Factory Chelsea Blonde, Marble Pint & Saltaire Bavarian Gold. Sadly there was no real cider. But I did try their keg George Arthur cider. I assume this is made for the chain, as I saw it in a couple of other Antic pubs later in the day. Without customers, the pub was not completely devoid of atmosphere, as music was playing. Couldn't see any TVs. Menus with fairly adventurous dishes were on each table. Free wifi helped to pass the time. Decent pub.
12 Jun 2017 19:48
The Upminster Taproom was my last stop of the night yesterday and I'd certainly saved the best until last. It can be quite confusing when you first arrive, as what I thought was the bar was actually just a glass window overlooking the cool room where the multiple ales and ciders are kept. But clearly seeing my confused look, one of the staff approached me to take my order. Apparently this is the norm. Ales were Crouch Vale Essex Blonde, Mighty Oak Cascade IPA & Gemini, Dark Star Hophead, Wantsum Fortitude & Colchester Oatmeal Dark Mild. There were also 15 ciders and mead from Lyme Bay. Westons ciders were Old Rosie, Rosie's Pig, Country Perry, Family Reserve, Flat Tyre & Hand Brake. Other ciders were just listed by their fruit content. I believe the selection was Lilley's Rum Cider, Mango Cider, Strawberry Cider & Lemon & Lime, Dudda's Tun Cheery Old Dudda, Blackcurrant Cider & Salted Caramel Cider. Mobile phone noises or conversations are banned. A number of phones are smashed and screwed to the wall as a warning! There are a few high tables inside and a seating area outdoors at the front. This is clearly a very popular place. But I'd definitely recommend a visit. A 9/10 from me.
27 May 2017 20:13
The Ship is situated about 9 or 10 minutes on the bus outside Romford. It's an East End locals pub that was fairly lively on a Friday evening. There are 2 main rooms - 1 is more for dining. There is also a smaller room just behind the bar. All have fairly low, beamed ceilings. Ales were fairly mainstream - Morland Old Speckled Hen, Courage Best, Crouch Vale Brewer's Gold, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Sharps Doom Bar. Good as a local. But a bit too far off the beaten track to recommend, unless passing.
27 May 2017 19:49
Situated just off the Bethnal Green Road, this craft beer pub had a good selection of ales. There were 4 cask ales - Purity Bunny Hop, Salopian Fair Side, Ilkley Spring & One Mile End Docker's Delight. Ciders were Once Upon A Tree Tumpy Ground & Turner's Pear Cider. None of the handpulls or keg options have pumpclips, with all beers and ciders listed on a blackboard. The craft beer selection was much larger than the cask. My Fair Side was not the best. But I quite liked this place. There is a central bar and a pleasant wood and tiled drinking area. Scotch eggs appear to be a speciality. Decent place.
27 May 2017 19:44
Spacious Greene King pub that used to be a Hogshead next to the Stock Exchange. Despite the crowds of people in the street outside, the interior had plenty of tables free on Friday evening. The two Greene King ales were IPA & Broad Street Brew. But they also had 2 guests - Sambrook's Junction & Bedlam Golden Ale. Despite its location, the pub didn't have the feel of a City pub. Most people were dressed casually and there was no air of pretentiousness. Blondie was playing. The downstairs gents toilets were a bit small though. I wasn't expecting to queue! Not a bad option in the City.
27 May 2017 19:31
The Hoop and Grapes, City Of London
Shepherd Neame pub a short walk down from Farringdon Station and not too far from Fleet Street either. The front bar is small. Although mirrors make it look larger than it actually is. Getting access to the bar can be difficult when busy. Bu service was surprisingly efficient. There are tables further back and a garden beyond. In addition, there is an upstairs bar too. Ales were Shepherd Neame Spitfire & Whitstable Bay Pale Ale. The guest was Black Sheep Best Bitter. CAMRA card holders get 50p off on pints or bottles only. Menus were on tables. But I didn't see anybody eating. Fairly standard city boozer.
27 May 2017 19:25
The Stag's Head is located on New Cavendish Street, just off Great Portland Street. It's situated in an art deco building. It has a single, small room with more standing room than seating. The bar is even extended outwards to ensure more drinking space. But more people were outside than in on my Friday afternoon visit. Service wasn't the friendliest and the ale range was not the best - Fullers London Price & Tring Side Pocket For A Toad & Colley's Dog. The TV was off. But music was playing. A fairly average affair.
27 May 2017 19:10
The Thornbury Castle, Marylebone
I can't say I've ever noticed this pub before. It's tucked down a fairly narrow side street to the south side of the Marylebone Road. The interior feels a bit dark. But it's decked out with a fair bit of rugby memorabilia, as this is apparently a rugby pub. There was an impressive range of 6 ales on - Three Brewers Golden English Ale, Three Sods Mon Cheri, Rebellion Zebedee & Angel, Dorking Pilcrow Pale & Vale Fork Handles. After I'd ordered, I then noticed a sign stating they also had Mr Whitehead's Rum Cask. So I ordered one of those too. There was no food being served during my afternoon visit. More people were enjoying the tables outside in the sunshine, than were inside. A TV was on with the sound low in one corner and music was playing. I'm told this pub used to be a bit of a dive. But it's certainly worth a visit these days.
27 May 2017 19:02
The Prince of Wales, East Barnet
The Prince of Wales was my last pub of the night and was also the last pub I hadn't previously visited in the North London area from the last 15 editions of the Good Beer Guide. It hasn't been reviewed for over 6 years and I'd say it has improved substantially since then. There was a mixed clientele with some lager swillers at the bar, a younger group near me and a couple playing what looked like a very complicated board game in the corner. The ale range wasn't bad - Hobsons Old Prickly, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Fuller's London Pride & Sharp's Doom Bar. But I plumped for the Lilley's Mango Cider. I quite liked this pub. But it's a bit off the beaten path.
22 May 2017 21:16
I wasn't expecting too much from the George. But it did marginally exceed my expectations. The interior is open-plan and fairly large. There is also an outdoor drinking area at the front, where you can get accosted by drunks and you can admire the local motor racing up Enfield's version of Talladega. Tables inside were all wet and sticky from previous incumbents. But they did have 3 ales - Sharps Doom Bar, Purity Pure Gold & Timothy Taylor Dark Mild. I don't see the latter too often in these parts and it was in fairly good condition. The price was reasonable too. So swings and roundabouts here.
22 May 2017 21:11
The Old Wheatsheaf is another Enfield local, with a traditional two-room layout. Sport was being shown on a few TVs for the all-male clientele. 3 ales were being consumed - Wadworth 6X, Sharps Atlantic & Courage Best. I had the Best, which was fairly ordinary. Nothing too much to recommend.
22 May 2017 21:06
The Moon Under Water seemed like another older branch of Wetherspoon. Apparently it used to be a dairy, which certainly makes it a bit different from others. Service was good. Ales were Greene King Abbot & Abbot Reserve, Ruddles Best, Sharps Doom Bar, Peerless Red Rocks, Shepherd Neame Spitfire & Nethergate Old Growler. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. Above average Wetherspoons.
22 May 2017 21:03
After another lengthy walk across a golf course from the King & Tinker, I came across this backstreet McMullens house. I thought there was a karaoke going on initially. But I walked into a packed bar to find loads of old folk all having a sing-song on the piano. Feeling a little out of place there, I left them to "We'll Meet Again" and retreated to the lounge. McMullen's Cask Ale, Country Bitter & AK were on, as well as their new Rivertown Brewery's Citra. My AK was well priced. I seem to recall it was £3.20 for a pint. A good example of a thriving community local.
22 May 2017 20:55
I believe this pub is classed as within London. But it's in one of the most remote parts of the capital I've been to. In fact, it's good half an hour walk from the nearest bus route, past Tottenham's brand new training ground, through woodland and past golf courses. Beers were better than I had expected - Fullers London Pride, Greene King IPA, Oakham JHB, St Austell Tribute & Adnams Ghost Ship. There is a small, cosy bar area with a table reserved for dog owners and to the side is a separate dining area. The pub garden had a bouncy castle in operation yesterday. I'm not sure it's worth the slog from the Great Cambridge Road. But it's still a very nice pub.
22 May 2017 20:49
Brewhouse and Kitchen, Islington
Following a recent visit to the Brewhouse & Kitchen in Dorchester, I headed to this branch yesterday before a visit to the Emirates Stadium. Unfortunately, I'm still to be impressed by this chain. 5 of their ales were on - Arc Angel, Spandau B, Watchmaker, Chaplin & Triple AAA. But as with the Dorchester branch, there is no real cider - only fizz. The atmosphere was ok. But I get the feeling this chain struggles for an identity. I'm not sure whether it is supposed to be a restaurant or a pub. It seems to be trying to be both, but doesn't do either very well. Disappointing.
22 May 2017 20:44
The Duke's Head was my favourite pub of 11 I tried in North London yesterday. It's situated at the top of the hill in Highgate village and is an old coaching inn. Nowadays, it has a modern appearance with a good selection of real ales, real ciders and craft beers on keg. Ales on were Magic Rock High Wire, Electric Bear Werrrd!, Uley Bitter, Siren Yulu & Liquid Mistress, Stroud OPA & Five Points Railway Porter. Ciders were Seacider Marmalade & Kentish Pip Craftsman. Craft beers were from breweries such as Brew By Numbers, Siren, Lost & Grounded, Burning Sky, Bristol Beer Factory & Anspach & Hobday. The only surprise to me was that there weren't more people in. Possibly the best pub in Highgate.
22 May 2017 20:36
The Constitution has a nice position next to the canal. I arrived on Sunday lunchtime as they were opening. But seemingly one staff member hadn't turned up and the owner seemed a bit peeved. The ground floor is fairly basic. But there is a nice outdoor area overlooking the canal on the lower level. Ales were Dark Star Hophead, Sambrook's Junction & Gloucester Gold.
22 May 2017 20:25
I wasn't planning to try this place. But I was a little too early for my planned pub in Camden. The Camden Eye enjoys a strategic place on the corner of Kentish Town Road and Camden Road, directly across from the tube station. Sitting in here is a good place for people watching. All manners of life stroll past and some of them stroll into the pub itself. It certainly has a varied clientele. Ales on were Watney's Pale Ale, St Austell Tribute, Wadworth Horizon & Camden Ale, which is actually Caledonian Edinburgh Castle re-badged and far from local!
22 May 2017 20:15
Paid my first visit to this branch of Wetherspoons yesterday morning for a breakfast and a pint. As others have said, this is one of the more traditional 'spoons and presumably one of the older ones. Service was efficient and friendly. Not all ales clipped were on. Those that appeared to be on were Sambrook's Battersea Rise, Sharps Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot & IPA, Dartmoor Jail Ale & Caledonian First Dawn. The cider was Old Rosie. Plastic glasses were in use as there was a game at Wembley. Easily the best pub in the area.
22 May 2017 19:54
For the first time this morning, I had the pleasure of trying the breakfast here. You get a decent sized plate for £6 and they're open from 9am. Whilst I had a coffee, I also managed a few ciders too. It was strange to see the place so quiet. But by the time we left around 11:30, it was starting to fill up a little. With few customers, service was good. Today's ale selection was Ship & Mitre Sublime, Level & Silhouette, Stamps Blond Moment & Rum Porter, Sandstone Sandstone Edge, Kendrick's Victoria, Martland Mill Lancashire Loom, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Nethergate Essex Border, JW Lee's Monnraker & Banks & Taylor Shefford Dark Mild. The one thing I really like about the Ship & Mitre is the fact there are different ciders every time I visit. All 3 on today were new ones for me - Waulkmill Crabbit & Cider Cyser & Rocquette Fauxguette Valley. Still the best pub in Liverpool, in my opinion.
13 May 2017 16:55
I agree that the Grapes has improved further, with the new extension. It still maintains its traditional feel, whilst simply allowing more customers. This is one of the late night establishments in this area. So it was busy when we arrived in the early hours of Saturday morning. The atmosphere was lively and bar staff were friendly and efficient. Ales were Neptune Riptide & Aegir, Salopian Bulletproof & Far Side, Hopcraft Dead Man Calling & Heavy Industry Pigeon Toed Orange Peel. They also had Seacider Medium Dry on handpull. Now possibly my third favourite pub in Liverpool after the Ship & Mitre and the Dispensary.
13 May 2017 16:48
Rigby's was one of 4 pubs we visited yesterday afternoon, along with the Lion, Ranelagh's Tavern and the Sanctuary. The latter two are not listed on here. It's been a while since I've been in here. But little has changed. It was packed on our Friday visit, with little space to manoeuvre in the bar area. The courtyard at the rear was also busy. However for the first time, we sat in the room at the back, where there were spare tables and where it actually feels quite quiet, compared with the rest of the pub. The ale selection wasn't the best. Okell's Bitter & IPA are the 2 regular ales. They also had Castletown Ale from Okell's and 3 other guests - Kirkstall Pale Ale, Lancaster English Pale Ale & Exit 33 Thirst Aid. With no dark beers or ciders, there was nothing particular to suit me. So I resorted to a Thistly Cross cider from a bottle. Still fails to hit the spot.
13 May 2017 16:41
The Augustus John, University of Liverpool
Managed to visit the AJ again last night, as I was in the city on a weekday. Usually I am there at weekends when the pub is still closed. This was a late Friday night visit and its popularity made me wonder why it no longer opens on a Saturday at the very least. All tables were taken and people had spilled outside onto the tables there. I agree with the previous reviewer that there is little atmosphere there. It doesn't really feel like a pub. But the ales and the ciders in particular are still decent. Last night it was Great Orme Woolly Jumper, Peerless Knee-Buckler IPA, Neptune Big Sur & Mobberley Brewhouse Elysium. Ciders were Cotswold Cider Company No Brainer, Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze, Lyme Bay Eventide, Purbeck Cider Company Muddy Scamp, Orchard Pig Navel Gazer, Broadoak Perry, Abrahalls Lily The Pink & Weston's Family Reserve. Still worth a trip up the hill, in my opinion. But then again I'm biased due to the cider selection.
13 May 2017 16:35
Now that the Cider Tap has closed, this is the best place in the Euston area for cider. For beer, the Euston Tap is probably preferable with beer quality better. But the range of ales here is impressive. On a visit yesterday, they had Banks's Sunbeam, Art Brew Unfined Orange IPA, Milestone Magna Carta, Southwark Harvard American Pale Ale, Downton Roman Imperial Stout, Brains The Rev James Bitter & Gold, Dorset Brewing Company Tom Brown's Bitter & Chesil, XT Pi Mild & Xperimental CF 127, Nottingham Mild, Dorking Black Noise Porter, Dark Star Hophead, Bree Louise Session Pale Ale, Titanic Plum Porter, Windsor & Eton Kohinoor IPA & Knight Of The Garter, Stod Fold Blonde & Portobello Spring Ale & Westway Pale Ale. I was back today and a few different ales had appeared - Wimbledon Quartermaine IPA, Downton Four-Leaf Porter, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Rebellion Zebedee. Ciders on both visits were Millwhites Apples & Pears, Rum Cask & Bree Louise House Cider, Harry's No. 8, Kentish Pip Craftsman, Sandford Orchards Pear Shaped, Farmer Jim's Farmyard Fruits, Blaengawney Hallet's Perry, Scoundrel Dry Scrumpy & Westons Old Rosie. I still find the pub itself pretty unwelcoming and staff are far from friendly. But it's still a great choice for a decent ale/cider selection in the Euston area.
13 May 2017 16:24
First visit to the 5th pub of this small chain of pubs on Sunday evening. The pub has a nice, traditional ground floor bar with a dining room upstairs and also an outdoor roof terrace. It was quiet on our visit. They share the same buy 9 pints, get the 10th free offer on real ale and real cider as in the other pubs (Sussex Arms in Twickenham, Antelope in Surbiton, Express in Brentford and the other whose name escapes me in Kingston). I'd only got 8 stamps. But the barman gave me a free drink. The only problem was that he only gave me a free half and charged me for the other one! The ale selection was quite decent - Black Swan Mild, Milestone Honey Porter, Triple fff Hunky Dory, Twickenham Redhead, Hammerpot HPA & Shooting Star, Bass, Windsor & Eton Knight Of The Garter, Big Smoke Solaris & Ascot Alley Cat Ale. All of the ciders were a bit too 'samey' for my liking! There was Lilley's Gladiator, Strawberry Cider & Pickled Parrot Perry, Sandford Orchards Devon Red & Harrys's Prince Harry Ginger Cider. Could have done with some more traditional ones. Nevertheless this is a really good addition to Windsor's pubs and possibly the best in town right now. It's not too far from the castle, but far enough to ensure it doesn't get too crowded or touristy.
9 May 2017 19:52
Paid a swift visit here after the Duke's Inn over the road (not listed on here). The interior of this place is comfortable enough and there were 2 or 3 other customers. There are no real ales. The keg selection was Guinness, Carling, Fosters, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruit, Orchard Pig Reveller, John Smiths, Kronenbourg & Heineken. At £2 a pint, my Reveller was good value and this place is certainly a better option than the Duke's Inn. But I'm struggling to find many more positives.
9 May 2017 19:43
After a visit to the Old Castle, our fourth pub in Bridgend was the Five Bells Inn. This was the third best pub in Bridgend in my opinion. We sat in the front bar, which had a few other customers. I believe there was another bar to the rear. 3 ales were on. Bass & Hancock's HB appear to be the regulars. Timothy Taylor Landlord was the guest ale. We had the HB, which was fine from me. But my drinking partner was not too keen. Moved on from here to Cabo Roche (disappointing) and the Coach Inn (easily the best pub in the town in my opinion). Neither are listed on the site.
9 May 2017 19:36
The Wyndham Arms is a Wetherspoons establishment situated in the town centre of Bridgend. It was the busiest of the 6 pubs we tried and was doing a decent trade in food, with most tables taken. It has a corner location and seems smaller than most other Wetherspoons. The ale selection was decent - Nethergate Stour Valley Gold, Bullmastiff Welsh Red, Rhymney Golden Ale, Brecon Red Beacons, Boss Blonde & Greene King IPA & Abbot. Unfortunately there was no real cider. Probably the second best pub in Bridgend after the Coach Inn (not listed on here).
9 May 2017 19:30
The Railway was the first stop of a short Bridgend crawl on Saturday. It is quite large inside. But it felt a little dark during the daytime. Only a handful of other customers were in. Old Speckled Hen was the only real ale. Disappointing start.
9 May 2017 19:23
After the chaos of the nearby Guild, it was refreshing to return to normality in the Hop Pole. This is a pub specialising in live music, which clearly has a strong, local following on any night. We opted to sit in the reasonably-sized garden in the rear. Ales were Worfield OBJ (O Be Joyful), Wells Bombardier Burning Gold, Robinsons Pint of Thrones, Sharps Doom Bar & Wye Valley HPA. My last pub of the weekend was also the first I'd visited to have more than a single real cider. 3 were in boxes on the bar - Westons Old Rosie & Aspalls Cyderkyn & Temple Moon. Both Aspalls ciders were good. Nice boozer.
2 May 2017 21:45
Came in here for a bite to eat after visiting nearby Avoncroft. It took almost 2 hours to get any food after we entered. Food quality was poor. Waiting staff are scruffy. The only ale is Doom Bar. If you like places where there are more kids than adults (it even has its own play area), you'll be at home here. Felt like being in a live episode of Jeremy Kyle. Sadly we can only give a minimum of 1/10 now. I think that may be over-egging it.
2 May 2017 21:41
The Navigation Inn, Stoke Prior
The Navigation has been refurbished and re-opened under new management (a seemingly enthusiastic young couple). We arrived at opening time yesterday. There are two rooms. We chose the public bar. But whilst it was fairly comfortable, I felt it lacked character. There are 4 handpulls and I think they're gradually building up the range. Two ales were on yesterday - Butty Bach & 6X. Ok. But could be better.
2 May 2017 21:36
You can probably guess where the Railway is situated in Parbold. It's actually right next to the level crossing. Of the 4 pubs in Parbold, it was my favourite, mainly because it was the least pretentious. It was a simple, no frills locals' boozer with a friendly landlord and locals who crack pretty poor jokes - "What's the darkest ale you have" - cue the retort "Guinness". It was of course true. But it's not helpful! The "real" ale selection was Tetleys Cask, Thwaites Wainwright & Lancaster Bomber, Black Edge Ginger & Martland Mill Clogmaker. Handy for..... you guessed it..... Parbold station.
2 May 2017 21:31
Apparently the Windmill was an old grain store. It's an impressive building outside and inside. I entered to find a group exiting and telling me not to bother as they were fully booked. But I was after liquid refreshment, not food. Ales were from the local Windmill brewery - Anderson's Pale Ale & Deckhand. But there were also guests - Southport Golden Sands, Tetley Cask, Slaters Ultra & Black Sheep Best Bitter. This place is pricy and appears focused on diners. But at least the ale range is decent. Toilets are downstairs where there is also a small outdoor drinking area and access to the car park.
2 May 2017 21:27
The Stocks Tavern was the worst of the 4 pubs tried in Parbold. As the previous reviewer states, the interior feels whitewashed and very bland. Some tables were set out for diners, with few others available and no standing room. The best spot appeared to be outside overlooking the car park. I was also overcharged by a pound for my drink. I was then refunded the pound in 10p pieces. Wainwright, Pedigree & Sneck Lifter were the ales. But try anywhere else in Parbold and you'll have a better time.
2 May 2017 21:22
The Wayfarer was my first stop in Parbold on Sunday evening. It was packed with a rather large car park that was full with cars queuing for spaces. Inside was just as busy and uncomfortably so. Whilst this is the home of the Problem Child brewery, the pub is primarily for diners with drinkers only having the space around the bar. With the bar area full, I stood near the diners. Ales from Problem Child were Child Rascal & Scoundrel. Guests were also a decent range - Dark Star American Brown Ale & Southport Carousel. The real cider was Seacider Strawberry, a new one for me. Has some very good points. But on the reverse side, it was too busy and uncomfortable to enjoy.
2 May 2017 21:19
The Dog & Gun was my final pub in the Aughton area. All eyes were on the TV screen, which had the North London derby on when I walked in. This is a Marstons pub with only ales from the Marstons range - Thwaites Wainwright, Banks's Bitter & Marstons Pedigree. There are two fairly small rooms. Locals were packed into the bar, whilst there was an unoccupied lounge. There are better pubs in the area.
2 May 2017 21:14
Now the Town Green Brasserie with an emphasis on food and wine. Wainwright was the real ale option. Expensive. Don't bother, unless you want to eat.
2 May 2017 21:10
This was the second pub in the Aughton area I visited after the Stanley Arms (not listed on here). But the Derby Arms was my favourite pub of 12 I tried in Lancashire either side of the football on Sunday. It's only a small place. But there are a few intimate corners. Ale drinkers are well served by a small but varied selection - Rat Hai Karate & Pet Rat, Rudgate Ruby Mild, Tetleys Cask & Salopian Oracle. Diners also seem well catered for, with the pub doing a roaring trade for food. There is a children's play area in the garden to keep the little ones occupied and to top it all, both staff and customers are friendly. Probably an 8/10, which is an unusual score for me for a pub without a real cider.
2 May 2017 21:08
I thoroughly agree with the last review. This place was a bit of a let down. Whilst it looks promising from the outside, it has been modernised on the inside and has a wine bar feel to it. The only ale on was Wells Bombardier Glorious English. There were a number of people in and most were there for food. However there are a large number of TV screens showing live football. There is no escaping it. I was amused when one elderly fellow walked in and specifically asked if there was a table without a view of the football. The waitress shook her head and laughed. I could see one table out of sight of the football. But it was directly under the speakers which were blasting out the commentary at an unacceptable volume. I'm all for having a TV for football or other sporting events in pubs. But people should be able to have the option of avoiding it if they want. Is this a sports bar, a pub or a restaurant? Poor.
2 May 2017 20:58
Lovely Robinsons pub situated high up in the hills near Ashurst Beacon. It's a large affair inside. Staff were very friendly. But its main priority appears to be food. Unicorn & Wizard were the 2 ales. But I was happy to find Rosie's Pig cider. The better of the two pubs at the top of this hill. Appears popular with cyclists.
2 May 2017 20:52
There's no sign of this pub any longer. Apparently it has been converted to residential use.
2 May 2017 20:47
Thwaites pub situated on the main road through Up Holland. There are a couple of rooms at the front and a larger room at the rear, where the bar is located. Wainwright is the regular ale. They also had Hop To It from Thwaites and Brakspear Oxford Gold. Football was showing on the big screen.
2 May 2017 20:46
Beware the opening times of this pub. It shows as open at 11:30 on some websites. But it doesn't actually open until midday. So I waited in the car park for half an hour. The ale selection was better than I anticipated. But all were pale ales - Allgates Tontine Tipple, Thwaites Wainwright, Salopian Lemon Dream, Atlas Wayfarer & Bristol Beer Factory 12 Apostles. Could have done with a dark beer. Seems to have a strong focus on food.
2 May 2017 20:43
The William Wygston was the better of two Wetherspoons I visited over the weekend. It was also packed. There are plenty of tables. But I think we nabbed the last one, right at the rear. Service was quick though. Ales were Marstons Old Empire, Ringwood Forty Niner, Sharps Doom Bar, Ruddles Best, Adnams Broadside, Exmoor Gold & Grainstore Triple B. The cider was also from Grainstore - Hornet, which I'd had before but was quite pleasant. Preferred the Star & Garter up the road, as it has more character. But it's worth trying both if in Wigston.
2 May 2017 20:35
The Star & Garter was my favourite pub of 10 tried in Leicestershire on Saturday. It is a traditional two room local, which was busy during the early evening. It also stocks a decent range of ales - Everards Tiger, Ascalon & Beacon, Batemans XXXB & Shefford Plum Mild. The cider was Lilleys Merry Monkey. The only drawback was the service. One of the young barmaids stood doing nothing and ignored me on two separate visits to the bar. Luckily one of the older barmaids did spot me. Recommended.
2 May 2017 20:31
The Black Dog appears to be an Indian-owned pub, with some Indian dishes on the menu. But I didn't see anyone eating. Most of the clientele were drinkers and the ale selection was better than the local Wetherspoons - Brunswick Steam Forever, Merry Miner Pit Pony & Everards Tiger & Original. There is a large, covered patio area at the rear that is probably quite a nice place to while away a few hours in the summer. Good pub. Moved on from here to the Wheel (not listed on here), just up the road.
2 May 2017 20:24
Lord Keeper Of The Great Seal, Oadby
Fairly compact Wetherspoons branch on what I guess is Oadby's main street. We visited on Saturday afternoon shortly before the horse racing finished. It was fairly busy with diners and families on the lower level and drinkers nearer the entrance. By the time we left, there were bouncers on the door. Service was decent. Ales were Morland Old Speckled Hen, Sharps Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot & IPA, Theakston Best Bitter & Ramsbury Chalk Steam. The cider was Black Dragon. Not the best branch in the chain. But unlike elsewhere, at least they had a real cider.
2 May 2017 20:18
The Cow & Plough is situated in a barn outside of the centre of Oadby. It belongs to the Steamin' Billy brewery. The two rooms inside have plenty of character. Steamin' Billy beers on were Bitter, Billy, Skydiver & Vardy's Volley. Fullers London Pride is supposedly always on. Guests were Abbeydale Moonshine & Black Sheep Golden Sheep. Another nice pub. But would have been better with a dark ale or a cider.
2 May 2017 20:12
Fox and Goose, Illston On The Hill
Cosy village pub tucked away on the village's main street with a field full of sheep opposite. It's an Everards pub with two of their ales - Beacon & Tiger. There is a small bar and another small lounge. We sat outdoors on the patio area. You're guaranteed a warm welcome here from the local farming community. But it could have done with a better selection of ales and maybe a real cider. Still a nice pub though.
2 May 2017 20:07
The New Greyhound, Market Place
The New Greyhound is tucked away at the centre of this quiet Leicestershire village. It's a Marstons pub and two of their ales were on - Pedigree & Saddle Tank. The landlord was talkative and seemed genuinely interested in his customers. Seating is spread over a couple of rooms either side of the central bar, with a garden at the rear. It was fairly quiet on our Saturday lunchtime visit.
2 May 2017 19:59
Still a great pub. It had a beer festival over the Easter weekend. Of the 3 annual festivals, the one at the end of May is the biggest with generally over 100 ales on throughout the weekend. The pub is a 2 room village local with a basic bar and a cosy lounge. There is an undercover patio at the rear with heaters and a garden beyond that for finer weather. Ales are served on gravity. Yesterday there was Rebellion IPA & The Bard, Mallinsons Calypso Cascade, Pebblefish Admiral Hopper, Brightside Amarillo, Mitchell's Hop House Dennis, Blue Square Abyss Porter & Mill Valley Duke's Perry. The two ciders were Salt Hill Ginger Spice & Broadoak Pheasant Plucker and there was also a perry from Stockmoor. There was also a craft beer - Boundary Push & Pull. Well worth a visit.
24 Apr 2017 19:29
Our final pub of the day was the ever-reliable Pembury Tavern. It had the usual range of Milton ales - Mammon, Minotaur, Nero, Sparta, Medusa, Irene & Justinian. Guests were Slaters Haka & Vog Dark Matter. Ciders were Twisted Misty & Springfield Old Barn. The pizzas looked very tempting. I must try one next time I'm here. My previous reviews were slightly negative, on reflection. So I'm upgrading my score to a 8/10.
23 Apr 2017 12:25
This place is now called the People's Park Tavern. It's situated on the edge of Victoria Park. The outdoor seating areas at the rear were packed when we arrived yesterday, with many families. There is even a crazy golf course in the garden for kids. There was seating available inside, with some people having meals. I believe there was further seating upstairs. Getting served was a bit of a chore though. There were plenty of staff, just too many customers. Ales are brewed on the premises by Laines. But there were only 3 of them - Doubloon, Single Hop Series Summit & Red Empire. There was no real cider either. A bit disappointing and too busy to enjoy. I got the feeling there were normally more ales and possibly cider. But on this visit, this place was distinctly average.
23 Apr 2017 12:22
Another decent visit to the Cock yesterday. In fact, we returned later in the day. It was quieter than on previous visits. But that made the experience a bit more relaxing. Ales on during our first visit were Maregade Vanilla Milk Stout & Amber, Moor Nor'Hop, Howling Hops Pale & Thornbridge Jaipur. By the time we arrived later, Moor Amoor, Gipsy Hill Hepcat & Salopian Free Fall were all on. Ciders on the first visit were Turners Apple Pie & Elderflower, London Glider Dry, Burrow Hill Cider, Seacider Medium Dry & Millwhites Super 8 Number 1. On our return, there was Turners Medium & Millwhites Somer Gold. Still the best pub in Hackney.
23 Apr 2017 12:15
The Old Ship is not a pub I had visited before. The entrance up a narrow alley from Mare Street did not look too appealing. But we gave it a try yesterday. The interior is quite appealing. Although it does have the feel more of a gastropub - not quite what I was expecting. The ale range was Dark Star Hophead, Windsor & Eton Windsor Knot & Hammerton N7. Better than I had expected. But not a patch on the Cock Tavern.
23 Apr 2017 12:08
Greene King pub on a street corner in an area of narrow streets. Despite being a Greene King pub, only their IPA was on. So there is a decent range of guests - Aylesbury Brewhouse Company Supersymmetry, Bedlam Porter, Trumans Swift & G2 Orion. Only a stone's throw from Liverpool Street station. So it may be quieter than other local pubs. Worth knowing about.
23 Apr 2017 11:59
Woodins Shades, Liverpool Street
A return visit to the Woodins Shades yesterday morning. I was hesitant after my last visit. But this time, it was much better. Sat towards the rear of the pub and enjoyed a much better quality ale than last time. The selection this time around was Youngs Hummingbird, St Austell Tribute & Nicholson's Pale Ale, Sharps Doom Bar & Two Tides, Black Wolf Florida Black, Windsor & Eton Knight of the Garter & Fullers London Pride. Better.
23 Apr 2017 11:53
The Moon on the Square, Feltham
Busy and boisterous Wetherspoon pub. I'd just missed a bus and had 16 minutes - just time for a swift half. But I spent most of my time waiting to be served. The 3 male staff members all seemed to be busy, until two of them disappeared. But I was about to give up after waiting 6 or 7 minutes, especially when a regular approached the bar and was being served before he'd even reached the bar! It was at that point that the solitary remaining barman asked me if I had been served. He then realised that I'd been ignored for some while. Ales were Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharps Doom Bar, Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold, Shepherd Neame Bishop's Finger & Spitfire Gold, Wells Bombardier Glorious English, Ascot Ascalon, Wimbledon Copper Leaf, Youngs Special, Sambrooks Pumphouse Pale & Twickenham Naked Ladies. Ciders were Old Rosie & Black Dragon. Still the best pub in Feltham. But bar staff need to be more attentive.
23 Apr 2017 11:49
Now called the Station Inn. I dropped in as my train was a few minutes late. It has a fairly modern interior, with plenty of seating. Ales were Bombardier & Doom Bar. Serves a purpose.
23 Apr 2017 11:43
Corner bar with bouncers on a Friday evening. But it's convenient for the station. Wells Bombardier Burning Gold was the real ale. Service was quick and the atmosphere seemed better than most other Aldershot town centre pubs. A DJ was playing.
23 Apr 2017 11:40
I was surprised to see bouncers on the door here. But it soon became apparent that this was more of a nightclub than a pub. It has a large and open interior with a little seating around the edges. The drinks selection was John Smiths Extra Smooth, Guinness, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruit, Fosters, Carlsberg, Carling, Amstel, Stella Artois & San Miguel. Your choice is dispensed in a plastic glass. In short, don't bother.
23 Apr 2017 11:37
Greene King pub that is now simply called the Victoria. It has a fairly cosy, carpeted interior. But seemingly in common with most other pubs in Aldershot, it does get its fair share of delinquents. Hogsback TEA was the solitary real ale.
23 Apr 2017 11:33
The Trafalgar looks like a traditional boozer from the inside. But the interior is quite plain, with 2 rooms and limited seating. One room has a pool table. As a military town, there is plenty of military-related items on the walls. Music was on a touch too loud and the ale was Tribute. Not the best.
23 Apr 2017 11:29
The Queen Hotel is a Wetherspoon pub and is probably the best pub in Aldershot town centre, which is a very disappointing town for real ale drinkers. The building is quite impressive and the interior is divided into a number of rooms, unlike many other Wetherspoon pubs. It was fairly busy on Friday evening. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Weltons Churchwillian & Hogs Back HBB. There were also 4 ciders - Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Westons Old Rosie & Marcle Hill & Orchard Pig The Hogfather. Decent pub.
23 Apr 2017 11:26
The Imperial Standard is a wedge-shaped building in Aldershot's West End. It was populated with an after-work crowd of a more mature age. Wadworth Bishop's Tipple was the solitary real ale. It's a fair trek from the station (mainly uphill) to get here and it was the one Aldershot pub in the Good Beer Guide I hadn't done. But in all honesty, it was not worth heading out this far. A little disappointing.
23 Apr 2017 11:19
The Crispin stands right next to the Barbican. There were only 3 other people in plus the barman when I arrived. But the landlord and landlady soon returned. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Adnams Ghost Ship & Mad Cat Crispin Pale Ale. This was the only pub in Sandwich to stock a real cider, which was Friels. The pub has a cosy feel and serves Jamaican food. Although it looked a little pricey. One of the best pubs in the town, if not a little quiet on my visit. I moved on from here to the King's Arms Hotel (not listed on the site), which was another one of those pubs that falls silent when I entered. The "Can I help you" opening gambit there might as well have been "What are you doing here? I hope you're not here to cause trouble"! At least the welcome in the Crispin was more civilised.
19 Apr 2017 21:01
The Admiral Owen enjoys a lovely location near to the town's toll bridge. To my surprise, there were 2 unusual ales on handpull - Ripple Steam Best Bitter & Canterbury Ales The Wife Of Bath's Ale. I read that they also should have had some key keg ales too. But I didn't notice them. The building is 15th century. But the interior is a touch more modern. It had a younger crowd than many of the other pubs in the town. Not too bad and it was open on this Easter Monday evening.
19 Apr 2017 20:56
The George & Dragon was my favourite pub in Sandwich. It is tucked way out of the way in one of the maze of narrow, residential streets and it had plenty of character. There were only a few in. But these soon included the landlord and landlady of the Crispin Inn, which I was still to visit. Ales on were Butcombe Bitter, Otter Amber & Mad Cat Mild Disobedience. I chose the mild, which was a decent drink. Worth seeking out.
19 Apr 2017 20:52
The Fleur de Lis Hotel, Sandwich
Having literally having passed through the Market Inn (we walked in one side and out the other), we found the Fleur de Lis directly opposite. It was getting late on Easter Monday evening and with a few pubs still to do, I was looking for a swift visit. With a child in tow, the only way we could be let in was if we sit in the restaurant area. But when I said we only wanted drinks, we were told they couldn't serve us. We ordered a plate of chips. Staff were friendly apart from this and were probably just doing their job. But the ale selection was pretty ordinary - Sharps Doom Bar, Fullers London Pride & Harveys Sussex Best Bitter. A large pub with plenty of seating. But you need to be local to enjoy, unless you want to eat.
19 Apr 2017 20:49
The Market Inn was difficult to identify, as the exterior was covered in scaffolding. It enjoys a nice, central location. It was one of the friendlier of pubs in the town. But only one real ale was offered - Shepherd Neame Master Brew.
19 Apr 2017 20:44
The Red Cow was my first stop in Sandwich. The town itself is lovely with some characterful, narrow streets. It feels like a maze in places. The Red Cow is situated in one of the more open streets, next to a supermarket. In truth it was one of the better pubs in a town was far from friendly. Many of the local folk seemed insular and the bar staff weren't very cheery either. There was an eerie silence around the bar when I was getting served in the Red Cow. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Camerons Ahopalypse Now, Nelson Powder Monkey & Timothy Taylor Boltmaker. No real cider was available on this visit. The interior has 3 different rooms - a dining area at the front to the left, a small room with a bar billiards table to the right and the main bar area beyond. There is also a reasonable sized garden at the rear. Could be better.
19 Apr 2017 20:41
This pub is right at the centre of a Kent village. It seemed a popular place and was hosting a beer festival over the Easter weekend. There are two rooms - a public bar to the left as you enter and a lounge/dining room to the right. At the rear was a courtyard and garden with an outbuilding housing the beer festival. Ales in the bar were Greene King IPA, Wells Bombardier Burning Gold & Wantsum Black Prince. After waiting a few minutes at the bar and being completely ignored, I decided to see what was on as part of the beer festival. They were literally closing the doors and only had Tryst Carronade remaining. Luckily for me, they also had Millwhites Strawberry Cider and I helped them finish the box. Could be a decent pub if they could only manage to at least acknowledge their customers.
19 Apr 2017 20:31
The Plough and Harrow, Tilmanstone
This roadside pub has a lovely location overlooking pastures grazed by sheep. But unfortunately it's closed at present and up for sale.
19 Apr 2017 20:23
After a visit to the Bell Inn in Minster (not listed on here) and a brief trip to the seaside at Margate, I moved onto another micropub - the Wrong Turn. This was my favourite pub of the day in Kent. Situated in a rural, wooded area this is a fabulous, small building with outdoor seating on a veranda at the front and a small garden. Inside feels like a log cabin. But the people are really friendly. Ales were Dark Star Hophead, Goody Ales Good Heaven & Wantsum Black Prince. The cider and perry selection was Kentish Pip Forager & Elderflower, Westons Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig With Raspberry, Damson & Rhubarb, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Two Trees Perry & Abrahalls Thundering Molly & Ruby Tuesday. As we were leaving, a vintage car was rolling into the car park. It's well worth going out of your way to visit this place.
19 Apr 2017 20:21
The Hair of the Dog is a fantastic micropub on Minster's main street. It's a tiny, single room that was packed on an Easter Monday lunchtime. But the welcome was warm and the ale and cider selection was great. On during my visit were Mobberley 1924, Portobello Delovetot Straw Ale, Tickety Brew Golden Bitter, Westons Rosie's Pig & Family Reserve, Kentish Pip Forager Hedgerow Berry, Dudda's Tun Kentish Spice & Cheery Old Dudda & Kings Wood Tropical Cider. The micropubs in this area of Kent are well worth a visit, including this one.
19 Apr 2017 20:12
After a visit to the nearby Minster & Monkton Royal British Legion Club, the New Inn was my second port of call in this Thanet village. The New Inn appears to be a food-dominated pub, situated on a corner. It has a fairly large garden with children's play equipment. 4 ales were on - Sharps Coaster, Gadds No. 7, Hogs Back Tea & Shepherd Neame Master Brew. The second best place in the village. But still pretty ordinary.
19 Apr 2017 20:08
Well it's been a long time coming and I finally got around to visiting Merseyside CAMRA's pub of the year for 2016 and now 2017. It was busy early on a Saturday evening. As you'd expect from a micropub, it has limited seating. But locals are friendly. The landlord didn't smile much. But the barmaid was slightly better. 5 ales were on when I entered - Salopian Propaganda, Hawkshead Red, Coastal Angelina, North Riding Cascade Pale & Skinners Penny Come Quick Stout. During my visit some of these were replaced with Coastal Pier Porter, London Brewing Beer Street, Salopian Free Fall & Black Jack Dead Man's Hand. Ciders were Abrahalls Ruby Tuesday & Snails Bank Apply Dapply and there was also Hallets Perry. As with most micropubs, there is a single room with further space for drinking in the corridor to the toilets. The main room has a selection of small casks on the wall and there is a model railway on a ledge near the ceiling. A popular place that is well worth the recognition it gets and scores a very good 9/10 from me. I just wish it was in a more convenient location.
19 Apr 2017 20:00
I wasn't expecting much from this place. But I was pleasantly surprised. Situated on a corner where (you guessed it), there used to be an old bank, the building seems made for a pub. Inside, you wouldn't actually guess that it was not originally a pub. Locals and the barmaid were friendly and to my surprise there were two real ales from the Big Bog brewery - Spring Bog & Jack O'Lantern. Having had the Spring Bog earlier in Love & Rockets on Lark Lane, I plumped for the Jack O'Lantern which was in good condition. Recommended if you are ever in this area of Liverpool.
19 Apr 2017 19:50
The Fulwood Arms appears to be situated in a bit of a real ale desert and you'll no longer find any in this place. Nevertheless the interior is much nicer than I had anticipated and the barmaid was friendly. The pub is split over two levels with modern furnishings and fake brickwork wallpaper. The keg selection was Coors Light, Guinness & Guinness Golden Ale, Carling, San Miguel, Heineken, Somersby Cider, Blue Moon & Tetleys Extra Cold. Shame there were no ales.
19 Apr 2017 19:46
The Albert was my third of four pubs I tried on Lark Lane on Easter Saturday lunchtime. The Lodge, Rhubarb and Love & Rockets are not listed on here. Lark Lane has become a fairly trendy place to wine and dine, with dozens of bars and cafes. The Albert remains the only real traditional pub. It does look a little dated from the outside. But the interior is still worth seeing. The ale range appears to have gone downhill since my last visit over 7 years ago though. Only Black Sheep Best & Courage Best were on. I was the only customer.
19 Apr 2017 19:40
After a visit to Cedars in Wootton, we concluded our Isle of Wight jaunt at the White Hart, which is conveniently located opposite the ferry port. In fact you can pop in for a drink whilst waiting to board. It's a corner pub that looks quite dilapidated from the outside. The inside is much the same. There was a motley crew inside, with the pool table and jukebox seemingly the centres of attention. The gents' toilets seemed to have a minor flood. The solitary ale was Dartmoor Jail Ale, which was ok. We'd saved the worst pub until last on this occasion.
19 Apr 2017 19:23
The Ship and Castle, East Cowes
This pub is very close to the Red Funnel ferry terminal. But it is currently closed down.
19 Apr 2017 19:18
Godshill is a lovely, small village towards the south of the island. It has some quaint cottages, a number of pubs and a few touristy shops. There is also a model village. The Taverners appears to be the best pub in the village. It has a small car park, which is full with just 4 cars. But there is a public car park further down the road. The pub has a traditional seating area at the front, with the bar, more modern seating areas and a shop at the rear. We were hoping to eat and soon realised how popular this place can get. Nearly every table had a reserved notice on it, despite the pub being fairly quiet. Maybe not so much of a drinkers' pub, as the only space for them was at the bar. We were offered a small table in the shop, which we gratefully accepted. The food was decent and some of the products in the shop were interesting too, with plenty of locally-made produce available. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Goddard's Ale Of Wight & Yates' Taverner's Ale. They also stocked the only real cider I found on this visit - Rumpy Pumpy Scrumpy from the local Godshill producer, who also have a shop in the village. Food-oriented. But a decent pub.
19 Apr 2017 19:15
The Dairymans Daughter, Arreton
The Dairyman's Daughter is situated in the Arreton Barn complex, a collection of touristy shops. The pub is certainly aimed towards visitors and appears to do a good business in food. Prices were set accordingly. Ales were Goddards Fuggle Dee-Dum, Ringwood Arreton Old Village Ale, Best Bitter & Forty Niner & Yates' Islander. Whilst not strictly a real cider, I was quite happy with Addlestones. The inside is quite large. There is a conservatory area near the entrance and more seating areas nearer the bar. There are old penny arcade machines between the entrance and the toilets. A decent place to try.
19 Apr 2017 19:07
There's no sign of a pub here anymore. Appears to have been demolished.
19 Apr 2017 19:03
After a visit to the High Park Tavern (not listed on here), we moved onto our last of 6 pubs in Ryde. The Railway was easily the best pub in town. Although it helped that a festival was on. There are 2 pleasant rooms, a main bar area and a smaller room which had a pool table. There is an outdoor yard area at the rear. The festival didn't have any ciders. But the ales were Blue Monkey Funky Gibbon, Mad Dog Deputy Dawg, 8 Sail Windy Miller, Black Sheep Special Ale, Newby Wyke Bismarck, Horncastle Satan's Fury, Hopback Summer Lightning, Ringwood Razor Back, Burton Bridge Stairway To Heaven, Island Earl's RDA & Yachtsman, Exmoor Gold, Heritage Masterpiece & Shepherd Neame No. 18 Yard Hog Island. This place is convenient for the train station just opposite, where you can get to Ryde or Shanklin. The Bus & Coach Museum is also nearby and occupied half an hour of our time. One of the best pubs on the Isle of Wight.
19 Apr 2017 19:01
I thought this was one of the better pubs in Ryde. It's tucked away on a residential street in a position you would not expect. The interior felt a bit dark. But it has a traditional feel and it appears that sport is popular here, with plenty of live sport shown on the TVs and some locals playing dominoes. The 3 ales are Courage Directors & Goddards Fuggle Dee-Dum & Ale Of Wight.
19 Apr 2017 18:48
The Solent is tucked away from the seafront. It is a two-room local that was quiet on our visit. But the welcome was warm. The 3 ales were Greene King IPA, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold.
19 Apr 2017 18:42
This Fullers pub is a corner local at the top end of the High Street, not too far from the landmark All Saints church. The pub has some nice etched windows. But the ale range was limited to HSB, ESB & London Pride plus a guest also from Fullers - Spring Sprinter. A bit of a hike from the Esplanade. But a fairly friendly place.
19 Apr 2017 18:37
I see that S Fowler & Co was recently voted the runner up in the Isle of Wight CAMRA pub of the year. But I thought it was a distinctly below average Wetherspoons. The location at the top of a street looking down towards the pier is nice. The interior has at least 2 floors, with a family/dining area upstairs. There were stairs going further. But I didn't venture any higher. The ale choice was disappointing - Sharps Doom Bar, Greene King IPA & Abbot, Adnams Broadside, Wickwar BOB, Goddards Fuggle Dee-Dum & Courage Directors. There were no dark ales and no real cider. It was fairly busy on our Good Friday morning visit though and it had a lively atmosphere. Breakfast was also fine. I think there are several better pubs on the island though.
19 Apr 2017 18:30
With time to kill before meeting friends in the Prince of Wales yesterday, I thought I'd give this place (Old Frizzle) a try. I'm not sure what market this business is after. But there weren't many people in. The front room appears to be mainly for diners. A room at the rear was a sports bar. Bar staff were a bit condescending. Maybe trendy young Wimbledon folk like being called pal. But it feels a bit too familiar to me. Wimbledon Tower Special Pale Ale was the solitary real ale. I opted for Stowford Press, which was at least 55p a pint cheaper than the Aspalls in the Prince of Wales. Not a place I'd head back to though.
10 Apr 2017 19:28
The Wibbas Down Inn, Wimbledon
I'd read that this was a particularly large Wetherspoons. But on entering, it felt pretty small. It was only after being there about 20 minutes that I guessed there must be more to it. Following the room round, I soon worked out that the pub is actually a z-shape and there are bars at both the front and rear entrances. The place is very large. But its size and shape makes the middle section particularly dark. Ales were Surrey Hills Collusion, Adnams Bitter, Twickenham Champion's Ale & Black Eel, Thornbridge Jaipur, Windsor & Eton Windsor Knot, Dark Star Hophead, Greene King Abbot & IPA, Oakham Enough Rope, Wimbledon Common Pale Ale & Whistable Bay Red IPA. Unusually for a Wetherspoons, there was no real cider. Probably a decent option for Wimbledon, as real ale choice appears to be limited in the town. But there are better 'spoons than this.
10 Apr 2017 19:21
The Elephant and Castle, Amwell
Apologies. I've got the ales wrong below. The only Tring ale was Side Pocket For A Toad and there was also the local Three Brewers Classic.
6 Apr 2017 20:52
Small pub with a couple of small rooms. There were more people in the garden at the front than inside. But the welcome was friendly and the location is lovely. The 4 ales were Greene King IPA & Abbot & Tring White Hawk & Apache. Decent place.
6 Apr 2017 20:49
The Star appears to be a firm locals' pub. Everybody seemed to know one another and I appeared to be the only outsider. The language was choice, even in the lounge. The bar looked packed late on a Sunday afternoon. 4 ales were on - Greene King Abbot & IPA, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Crouch Vale Yakima Gold.
6 Apr 2017 20:46
The Beehive is a bit like a tardis. It looks quite big from the outside and has a large car park for the size of the pub. However, the single bar interior is tiny. A live Premier League football game was just finishing. Seating is limited and even space around the bar was at a premium. Standing by the door was a bit uncomfortable. The 2 ales were uninspiring too - Greene King IPA & McMullen AK. A touch disappointing.
6 Apr 2017 20:41
The Brown Bear didn't look particularly promising from the outside. I wasn't even sure it was open. But the interior oozes character with a slate floor and plenty of beams. The bar is small, but each table still allows a fair bit of privacy. The 2 ales were from far afield - St Austell Trelawney & Purple Moose Madog's Ale. The better of the 2 pubs I tried in Braughing.
6 Apr 2017 20:38
The Golden Fleece was my first of 2 pubs in Braughing. It looks as if its speciality is food. But there were a couple of ales served by a friendly landlord - Adnams Bitter & Colchester Old Mortality. There is a particularly large and impressive fireplace near the entrance.
6 Apr 2017 20:35
McMullens pub with their AK & Country, as well as Defiant from their new craft brewery offshoot - Rivertown. This felt the slightly more posher of Puckeridge's pubs, with some enjoying Sunday roasts and others outside in the sunshine. The pub has a large garden with play equipment. The interior itself is quite compact. The Crown & Falcon did seem the slightly better pub in the village though.
6 Apr 2017 20:32
The Crown & Falcon was the first of 2 pubs I tried in Puckeridge. This was more of a locals pub who all appeared fairly friendly. The barmaid seemed over the moon that I'd given her two of the new pound coins. They were paraded around the pub. I hadn't even noticed I'd had them. 3 ales were on - Adnams Bitter & Mosaic & Wychwood Hobgoblin. I sat next to a note from Samuel Pepys who reputedly visited the pub.
6 Apr 2017 20:29
The Horse & Groom was the best pub I tried in Hertfordshire on Sunday. It's situated in an older area of the town, near to a viaduct. Whilst it was quiet, there was a good selection of ales and a couple of ciders. Greene King Abbot & Mighty Moose IPA, Butcombe Heathcliff, Woodfordes Reedlighter, Oakham JHB & Black Sheep Best Bitter were all on. The ciders were Lilleys Crazy Goat & Abrahalls Slack Alice. The only pub I've ever visited in Hatfield and I'm told by others who have that it is the best.
6 Apr 2017 20:24
The Swan was my second consecutive Greene King pub. But I must say that I preferred the nearby Elephant & Castle. It has an l-shaped room with dining at one end and sports TV at the other. Locals congregated at the bar in between. Ales were Greene King IPA & Swan Best Bitter, with 3 other national brands - St Austell Tribute, Timothy Taylor Boltmaker & Robinsons Trooper. Seemed to be a locals pub. The car park is too small.
6 Apr 2017 20:19
The Elephant and Castle, Amwell
Nice rural pub with a dining room at the right as you enter and more of a drinking area to the left. The bar itself is at the rear beyond the pub's well. There is a garden at the rear and a larger one to the front. It's a Greene King pub. IPA, Abbot and the house Elephant Brew were on, alongside White Hawk & Apache from Tring.
6 Apr 2017 20:16
The Malvern Hills Hotel, Great Malvern
The Malvern Hills Hotel is situated quite high up and its more of a hotel than a pub. 4 real ales were on though - Wye Valley Butty Bach & HPA, Ringwood Boon Doggle & Thwaites Wainwright. Seems to be popular for food too.
6 Apr 2017 20:06
Roadside pub in the Malvern Hills. It was fairly quiet on my Saturday evening visit. Some diners were lingering and the only other people in were a couple of drinkers at the bar. But the landlord was an affable guy and so were the locals. An open fire was providing plenty of heat. 2 ales were on - Goffs Tournament & Three Shires Hafren. Both had recently been put on and were served from a jug. Nice place.
6 Apr 2017 20:02
The Farmers Arms, Wellington Heath
The Farmers Arms was packed on my Saturday evening visit. The large car park was full, the bar was packed and there was some kind of function going on. Many had spilled outdoors onto the patio overlooking the car park. Had it not been so busy, it would probably have been my favourite pub on this visit to Herefordshire. But it was too busy to enjoy. The ale selection was Siren Mortimer Ale, Gloucester Cascade, Navigation New Dawn Pale & Wye Valley Butty Bach, Daisy Duke & HPA. 4 ciders from Abrahalls were also available - Thundering Molly, Slack Alice, Nell Gwynne & Cuckoo Penny. Worth a visit when quieter.
6 Apr 2017 19:56
The Horseshoe looks like a lovely building from the outside. The interior feels more like a restaurant than a pub and it specialises in pizzas, cooked from an oven at the rear of the single room. Wye Valley HPA & Butty Bach are the 2 ales. Service wasn't particularly attentive or friendly. Stocking the fridge with bottles appeared to be more of a priority. Looks to have great potential from the outside. But doesn't quite live up to it inside. There are better pubs in the town.
6 Apr 2017 19:52
Fairly pleasant country pub at a road junction. I couldn't get to the bar initially as a couple of women were playing darts and blocking access. When leaving the pub, they'd stretched a dog lead across the pub, creating a tripping hazard. Staff seemed friendly enough. But there are clearly some inconsiderate patrons. Ales were Timothy Taylor Landlord, Otter Amber, St Austell Proper Job & Wells Bombardier Glorious English.
6 Apr 2017 19:46
Quiet village pub with a main bar and a dining room. Only 4 or 5 other people were in. Wye Valley Bitter & Partners Hero. Following the sat nav here was about to take me down a very narrow lane, suitable only for a horse and cart. So be careful unless you know where you are going!
6 Apr 2017 19:39
Backstreet pub in Hereford opposite an army base. The pub was fairly busy on a Saturday evening. But most people were congregated around the bar. So seating was still available. It has a fairly cosy atmosphere. 4 ales were on - Wye Valley HPA & Butty Bach, Otter Ale & Greene King Abbot.
6 Apr 2017 19:35
The Beer In Hand bills itself as a micropub. But it's more of a 'macropub' and is bigger than any micropub I have been in before. Whilst it looks fairly small from the outside, it does stretch back quite a way. There is a table football game near the entrance. The bar itself is at the rear. Ales are in a glass chiller behind the bar. 4 were on during my Saturday evening visit - Odyssey Pocket Nuke, The Cult & Oatmeal Stout & Titanic Steerage. Ciders are kept in a fridge and were Olivers Showdown, Gold Rush, Traditional Cider & Perry, Henneys Traditional & Abrahalls Medium Sweet. There were also a selection of craft beers and a number of bottles too. Different styles of seating are available throughout the pub and there is an outdoor area to the side. A decent addition to the Hereford pub scene.
6 Apr 2017 19:32
Another food-dominated pub, which has a small dining area with diners spilling over to an ever smaller bar area, leaving drinkers crowded around the bar itself. 3 real ales are served. These were Wye Valley Bitter, Otter Amber & Hobsons Town Crier. I was hoping for a real cider. But the best option appeared to be a keg one I hadn't tried before, which I was offered instead. However that was soon revealed to have gone and Stowford Press was the only alternative. Plenty of families with kids here early on a Saturday evening.
2 Apr 2017 22:48
The Nags Head is a roadside hostelry north of Hereford. The welcome is warm. But this appears to be more of a foodie pub. 2 ales were on - Sharps Doom Bar & Hobsons Old Prickly. The garden appears to be particularly child friendly. Fairly average.
2 Apr 2017 22:37
Almost 5 years after my previous attempted visit, I tried the Wellington again. There is now a notice on the door stating that the owners couldn't make the business work and it is now closed for good. I can't say I'm surprised, as it never appears to open.
2 Apr 2017 22:32
The Prince Regent is situated out of town up a hill from the centre. Looking at the previous review, I did drop in at the Red House (not listed on here) on the way here from the White Hart and actually found the Red House to be the best pub in town (3 ales from Andwell). The Prince Regent was much quieter with only 3 customers and the landlord. The ale selection was also limited to Summer Lightning & London Gold. Friendly enough though with everybody watching motor cycling on multiple TVs. Moved on from here to the Whitchurch Sports & Social Club, which is also missing from the website.
27 Mar 2017 19:34
The White Hart Hotel, Whitchurch
The White Hart is right at the centre of this small town. It still has accommodation and there is a nice lounge area near the hotel's reception. The public bar is where most people go though and it has more of a pub feel. Although the music seemed a touch too loud for a Sunday evening. The barman was welcoming. 3 ales were on - Arkells 3B & Wiltshire Gold & Donnington On The Nose.
27 Mar 2017 19:30
The Bell was our first stop in Whitchurch. First impressions were of a friendly small town local. It has two bars, one at the front and another at the rear. Old maps line the walls heading towards a pretty, if not slightly overgrown and cluttered garden area, which tends to be used by smokers. Be careful not to get too near the end of the garden as the rather rude landlady will tell you off, advising that it is private property. The barmaid was friendly though and locals were nice enough, but had clearly been smoking something other than cigarettes. Pride, Seafarers & Doom Bar are the ales.
27 Mar 2017 19:26
The Coronation Arms, St Mary Bourne
Still closed. But the signs are still there. So hopefully re-opening as a pub again?
27 Mar 2017 19:21
Wyke Down Country Pub & Restaurant, Andover
This large and popular rural pub has a rambling interior with a number of large rooms. One is primarily a dining area and another has a couple of pool tables. There is a garden at the rear with climbing frames. Fullers London Pride is the regular ale. The guest yesterday was Weltons Horsham Pale. They also had Cornish Orchards Farmhouse Cider, which I was not expecting. Clearly aimed at families and diners, it has a holiday camp feel. You can actually camp or pitch your caravan at the rear.
27 Mar 2017 19:19
The Lardicake is situated in a residential area outside of the town centre. My hopes were raised by a sign on the exterior advertising real ales and craft beers. Alas, the choice was Doom Bar or Landlord. The pub has 2 small rooms. The rear room was being used for a live singer. The England football game was being shown on TVs. This place had a fairly rough and ready feel to it. It had no character at all. Disappointing.
27 Mar 2017 19:15
This Wetherspoons is certainly the best pub in Andover. But it has little competition. It is situated on the town's main shopping street. The interior is the usual bland Wetherspoons. Service was reasonably quick. But as usual, tables were full of glasses and general mess. With a festival currently on, the ale range was probably better than usual - Everards Midland Red, Hook Norton Mind The Gap, Black Sheep Pathmaker, Butcombe Union, Caledonian Brouwerij'Tij Flink, Sharps Doom Bar, Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot & Oakham Enough Rope. Ciders were Thistly Cross Whisky Cask & Westons Rosie's Pig.
27 Mar 2017 19:11
This place is now called the Owl's Nest and is now some kind of café. Certainly not a pub anymore.
27 Mar 2017 19:07
Large Wadworths house situated in the town's former mill. The watermill is still working and can be seen inside. The interior is split over two levels and there is an outdoor area overlooking the river and a multi-storey car par at the rear. Although it was a little overgrown. The 4 ales were all from Wadworth - 6X, IPA, Swordfish & Horizon. A disappointing selection in a disappointing town for real ale pubs.
27 Mar 2017 19:06
This pub was trading as the Lunar Hare and I thought I would pay it a visit as it is in the current Good Beer Guide. However it apparently closed again a few months ago. It is due to open again next month as the Malt House, but is currently closed.
27 Mar 2017 19:01
I was reasonably impressed by this village pub. The village itself is picturesque and is apparently famous for its trout fishing. The White Lion is a good size with 2 or 3 different rooms and a large outdoor drinking area, including a marquee. There were 3 ales - Landlord, Doom Bar & Atlantic. But surprisingly there were also 2 real ciders from Orchard Pig - Philosopher & Maverick. Service felt a little blunt and I suspect the pub relies more on its food trade than for drinks. But better than I had expected.
27 Mar 2017 18:59
The Wonston Arms, Sutton Scotney
The Wonston Arms was probably my favourite pub of 13 visited in Hampshire yesterday. It's set in a lovely English village. Parking is limited. But we found a spot just down the lane. The pub was lively and had live entertainment from a female singer. The pub itself is quite small. But on a warm day like yesterday, the doors can be opened to make the patio area an extension. Quite a few locals were enjoying the sunshine and entertainment and the pub seem to attract its fair share of eccentrics, providing additional entertainment. The landlord was a really affable guy who had only started in the pub trade a couple of years ago. He clearly takes a keen interest in his customers. 4 changing ales are served. It can be difficult to see what is on offer when locals are at the bar. But the landlord was happy to advise. The selection yesterday was Goffs Lancer, Hopback Summer Lightning, Goddards Starboard & Bowman Wallops Wood. A decent, well-run pub.
27 Mar 2017 18:04
Alfie's is situated just opposite the Guildhall in Winchester. It was the one Good Beer Guide pub I hadn't previously visited in the city. The pub has a fairly dark interior. But there is quite a large outdoor area to the rear, including a pool table. Food is served in this area at times. The pub has 4 real ales. Yesterday, these were Upham Last Suspect, West Berkshire Good Old Boy, Flack Manor Flack's Double Drop & Flowerpots Goodens Gold. Sadly there was no real cider. Nice enough pub. But there are better in Winchester.
27 Mar 2017 17:54
The Horse and Groom, Alresford
The Horse & Groom is located in the centre of Alresford, a nice town. It's a Fullers pub with an emphasis on dining. Seating is arranged around a central bar, with some more secluded seating areas. There is an outdoor courtyard at the rear. All of the 4 ales were from the Fullers range, with London Pride, Oliver's Island & HSB supplemented by Front Row.
27 Mar 2017 17:47
After a visit to the Phoenix (not listed on here) on Saturday morning, I was looking for one more pub to visit. Both of the Wetherspoons were open. I walked in the Sir Henry Segrave first. But the ale and cider selection was disappointing. So I opted for the Willow Grove, which certainly seems to be the better of the two. For a Saturday morning it was packed. I really struggled to find a spare table. Before that, it took 10 minutes to get served with breakfasts and plenty of coffees being ordered. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Thwaites Wainwright, Lytham St Patrick's Stout, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Adnams Irish Red, Ringwood Mauler & Wychwood Pinehead Oatmeal Stout. Ciders were Old Rosie & Black Dragon. Some of the locals here are a bit strange. They will certainly keep you amused. A couple of drunks singing Irish songs seemed quite appropriate for the morning after St Patrick's Day.
20 Mar 2017 21:09
It's rare these days that I walk into a pub and get the wow factor that I did here. I'd say this is one of the 10 best pubs I have visited in the UK. Of around 3,000 pubs I've rated on the site, I've only ever given 5 pubs a 10/10. This one is the 6th. It has a rather unassuming location up a dead-end street next to a park and Coventry's rugby stadium. It has the feel of a village local. The interior is a single bar, with a real fire near the door. There were 10 ales, 12 ciders and a perry on my visit yesterday afternoon. The ales were Highgate Dark Mild, Hobsons Twisted Spire, Froth Blowers Piffle Stonker & Gollop With Zest, Framework Equinox Rye, Church End Vanilla Jack, Spontastic & Stout Coffin, Rowton Area 51 & Potbelly SOS. The ciders were Hogans Hazy Daisy & Panking Pole, Snails Bank Pineapple & Pink Grapefruit, Gwatkin No Bull & Stoke Red, Original Somerset Cider Company Apple Jack, Circle Roundabout, Thatchers Cheddar Valley, Handmade Crazy Diamond, Ross-on-Wye Oak Cask , Perrys Pathfinder & Turners Russet. These were supplemented by Broadoak Perry. The atmosphere was good and despite being reasonably busy, I could still get a table. Both dogs and families are welcome. The cider I had (Roundabout) was in good condition. But sadly I was driving on this occasion. I definitely need to come back to sample the rest!
20 Mar 2017 21:03
Another backstreet freehouse in the Churchfields area of the city. This pub was packed. Many were watching the live football. Others had clearly been there a little too long - my wife watched one woman having to be carried out of the ladies. Bar service is from the main room, with a serving hatch in the corridor by the front door. Ales were Byatts Brewhouse Best & Glorious, Church End Goats Milk & Bass. Despite being packed, this place did seem like quite a nice place. Perhaps best to return on a quieter evening.
20 Mar 2017 20:46
Another backstreet pub in the Chapelfields area of the city. It has 3 small rooms that each have their own character. The landlord/barman didn't appear particularly cheerful. But the ale range was good - Otter Bitter, Fullers London Pride, Wickwar Shanakee Stout, Butcombe Bitter & Courage Best. Cider was Old Rosie. Quite a cosy place that is worth a visit if in the area.
20 Mar 2017 20:41
The Craven Arms is situated on the corner of a couple of backstreets. There are a few other pubs within sight that are better options. This one did have Marstons Pedigree New World. But the interior could do with a makeover, with seating falling apart and a gents toilet you had to wade through to get to pee. Although that's probably more of a reflection of the regulars' aim than the quality of the pub. Friendly landlord though.
20 Mar 2017 20:37
The Farmhouse is more of a restaurant these days. It is a large place that serves Indian food, alongside Sunday roasts. There were actually two Greene King Ales - IPA & Abbot. But drinks were quite expensive. I have to say that the Indian food smelt really nice. But this is not really a place you'd want to come regularly just for a drink. There is a large car park and a children's play area outside.
20 Mar 2017 20:34
The Royal Oak doesn't look much from the outside. But the interior has been modernised and it had a fairly friendly atmosphere, with a number of different drinking areas. The modern interior seems to work for once. Ales were fairly standard national ales - Black Sheep Golden Sheep, Greene King IPA, Sharps Doom Bar & Bass. But I was quite happy with the Westons Family Reserve.
20 Mar 2017 20:31
The City Arms is a large Wetherspoons in a prominent position on a busy roundabout. Unlike most branches of Wetherspoons, it looks it was already a pub before they took it over. It even has its own small car park at the front. But it is pay and display and you'll be lucky to get a space. Luckily we got served before quite a few others arrived at the bar. So service was quick. Ales were Sadlers Mud City Stout, Byatts Blackfriars Porter, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharps Doom Bar, Quantock Plastered Pheasant, Loddon Hullabaloo, Marstons Old Empire, Jennings Sneck Lifter & Grainstore Rutland Beast. Cider was Black Dragon. The pub has a few little nooks and crannies, giving it a little more character than most. Better than average.
20 Mar 2017 20:27
The Corner Post was my third micropub of the day on Saturday and it was the best. The landlady was very friendly and chatty and was explaining how they had taken over this former post office, which had also been a shop, into a micropub. There were 4 ales and 1 cider - Salopian Hop Twister, Peerless Langton Spin, Purple Moos Calon Lan, Neptune Undercurrent & Westons Family Reserve. It's about a 7 or 8 minute walk from Blundellsands & Crosby station. But there are other decent micropubs, including the Liverpool Pigeon and another opening near Waterloo station tomorrow, in addition to regular pubs near Waterloo. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit here and will be back.
20 Mar 2017 20:13
The Beer Station was the third pub and the second micropub on my mini crawl from Southport to Crosby on Saturday. It's really handy for the station. You walk off the platform and it's straight opposite. You could combine a visit to the Freshfield while here too. The Beer Station is a typical micropub with conversation dominating and 3 real ales. These were Windmill Deckhand, Liverpool Organic Mork & Parker Saxon Red Ale. The landlord was bemoaning the fact that they are so close to the station and the trains are so regular, as people rush out the door. I'd probably have stayed for another one if there'd been a real cider. But the only options were bottled ones. Nevertheless, I'm sure this place will gain far more trade from its location than it will lose.
20 Mar 2017 20:08
It surprises me that the Clove Hitch still seems to be lacking in customers. There is a great selection of craft beers on keg and 3 real ales. Yesterday these were all from Hawkshead - Iti, Jantar & NZPA. The interior still has the feel of a wine bar though. The courtyard at the rear is nice in the summer. Maybe it is more popular in the evenings. Still a decent place. But could do with more atmosphere during the daytime.
12 Mar 2017 11:40
The Pen Factory is a reasonably new place not far from the Everyman Theatre on Hope Street. I believe it was opened up by the previous owners of the bar in the Everyman before its refurbishment. Despite being below street level, it's quite a light and airy place with a focus on dining. But they do have 4 ales and 2 ciders. Yesterday these were Liverpool Organic Cascade & 24 Carat Gold, Brimstage Trappers Hat, Copper Dragon Best Bitter, Abrahalls Thundering Molly & Orchard Pig Philospher. A good addition to the city's pub scene.
12 Mar 2017 11:34
After a visit to the new micropub nearby (not yet listed on the site), I headed to the Fox. It was fairly quiet late on a Tuesday evening. But the ale range was better than I remember and they now have a cider on handpull. Ales were Three Daggers Blonde, St Austell Proper Job & Trelawny, Green Duck Duck Under, Fullers London Pride & Timothy Taylor Landlord. The cider was Lilleys Merry Monkey. Another pub I should get to more often.
8 Mar 2017 20:00
Made my third visit to the Grosvenor last night. Each time I seem to forget to ask for a CAMRA discount. The price had just been rung into the till by the time I remembered this time. It has been voted local pub of the year again and it's not surprising to see why, with the ale range - XT 15, Weird Beard Fade To Black & Kentish Town Beard, East London Night Watchman & Southwark Centennial. They have also extended their cider range. The 3 from Westons were Hand Brake, No Brainer & Family Reserve. The craft beer selection is also fairly decent. I tried a Terri's Chocolate Orange Brown Ale from Mondo. This is still a friendly community pub. We tried the food too. This was ok, without being exceptional and it wasn't exactly cheap. The Grosvenor is growing on me and hopefully I'll get a discount one day.
8 Mar 2017 19:53
Paid a return visit to the Forester last night, after sampling the Owl & The Pussycat, a new micropub nearby that is not yet listed on here. We sat in the middle room of 3 this time. The bar at the front was reserved for a private function, whilst some were taking advantage of the Thai food served in the room at the rear. The ale range was Fullers London Pride & ESB, Gales Seafarers, St Austell Tribute, Black Sheep Holy Grail & Castle Rock Preservation. They have now stopped serving a real cider. Has gone down in my estimation. But there is more competition locally now.
8 Mar 2017 19:46
The Stapleton Tavern, Finsbury Park
Whilst I hadn't planned to visit this pub, it was on my way to Finsbury Park tube station and I had a bit of spare time. So I thought I'd give it a go. The pub is situated at a busy road junction and it is fairly spacious inside with a large open-plan area either side of the bar. As an Antic pub, it has the usual mix of oddities scattered around. Toilets can be found either side of the bar and apparently can be differentiated by the colour of their tiles! Ales were Morland Old Golden Hen, Redemption Pale Ale, Purity Ubu & Greene King IPA. Sadly they don't stock a real cider. But they did have Aspalls on keg. Better than I had expected.
8 Mar 2017 19:35
I arrived here about 15 minutes before opening on Sunday lunchtime. But it was almost 25 minutes before a door was opened. Apparently the staff would rather set out all the tables with menus and the like, before welcoming anybody in. I very nearly gave up. But eventually I managed to get through the side door and found a reasonably large pub with a couple of rooms. The rear bar is now used for dining. The Dragonfly beers previously mentioned are no longer stocked. The 3 ales on were Sambrooks Junction, Fullers London Pride & Hammerton N7. Cider was Rosie's Pig. There doesn't seem much competition in the vicinity. So maybe that's why they can afford to ignore customers sitting outside. I doubt I'd make a return visit to this area any time soon.
8 Mar 2017 19:30
The Crown is still a really handy pub for the station. But because of that, it always seems to be busy. It's one of the few buildings on this side of Lime Street to have survived the bulldozers. The interior is nice and there are generally 8 ales on, mostly national brands. Yesterday, they had Jennings Cumberland Ale, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Greene King Abbot & IPA, Orkney Dark Island, Sharps Doom Bar, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Everards Sly Fox.
26 Feb 2017 18:31
I hadn't planned to visit the Pelican. But I had time to fit in a visit. Until this point, my favourite Gloucester pub had been Tank, owned and run by Gloucester Brewery in the Docks, but not listed on here. But the Pelican soon trumped that. It has a nice location tucked away in a quiet street to the rear of the cathedral and the interior (2 small rooms) has a cosy atmosphere. There is an outdoor patio at the rear. Run by Wye Valley, it had a good selection of their ales - HPA, Butty Bach, Bitter, The Hopfather, Golden Ale & Same Again. In addition, there were 2 guests - Skinners Porthleven & Tiny Rebel Fubar. But my attention was immediately drawn to the 10 ciders - Ross-on-Wye Medium Dry & Medium Sweet, Harry Taylor's Crooked Branch, Orchard Pig Maverick & Dark Cider The Moon, Sandford Orchards Devon Red & Devon Mist & Westons Old Rosie With Rhubarb, Rosie's Pig & Country Perry. I was spoilt for choice! If I'm ever back in Gloucester, I hope to come back here. Very good.
21 Feb 2017 20:53
My visit to this place was fairly similar to the last reviewer, except my drink was in good condition. The exterior tiling makes it look very impressive indeed. The interior is more down-at-heel, with a dozen or more locals. Ales were Doom Bar, Atlantic & Bass. But to my surprise, there was a handpull with Thatchers Dry, which I took full advantage of. There had been a party held earlier in the day and there was plenty of leftover food, which was also really welcome since I hadn't had any lunch. The ale selection won't bowl you over here. But I quite enjoyed my visit here and it's rare that I see Thatchers Dry anywhere. So I'm plumping for a 7/10.
21 Feb 2017 20:47
The New Inn is not exactly very new. It is one of the oldest pubs in the country with a fair amount of history. It's a fantastic coaching inn situated in a secluded, but photogenic courtyard. It's not immediately obvious which door is the bar. But just look out for other customers. The interior felt a bit basic. But it still holds a bit of character with its beamed ceilings and uneven floors. The ale range is disappointing - Doom Bar, Atlantic, Bombardier & Hobgoblin. But they did also have Old Rosie cider. Don't come for the beer. But come to see a fabulous building and setting.
21 Feb 2017 20:43
The Fountain, like a number of other local pub is situated in a courtyard off a main street in the centre of the city. It had a surprisingly decent range of real ales - Wickwar Bob, Butcombe Bitter, Bristol Beer Factory Independence, St Austell Tribute, Dartmoor Jail Ale, Hillside Legless Cow & Timothy Taylor Landlord. Unfortunately there were no dark ales and no real cider either. Despite this, it I definitely one of the better pubs in the city.
21 Feb 2017 20:36
The Cross Keys Inn, Gloucester
The Cross Keys is tucked away down an alleyway near the main shopping streets. I'd read that it closed on a Sunday daytime. So I was expecting a locked door. To my surprise it was open and there was music playing inside. Unfortunately it was just a musician practicing and the pub was indeed closed. Disappointing. I will hopefully return and find it open one day.
21 Feb 2017 20:33
This place is no longer a Wetherspoons. But looking online, it appeared to have re-opened as a sports bar. So I thought I'd give it a go. It's now called Doctors. My experiences of former Wetherspoons premises tends to be fairy negative, as new owners struggle to cope with such large properties and the real ale tends to disappear. I was surprised to see 2 ales in this place - Pedigree & Hobgoblin. The interior has been refurbished quite nicely and it was actually doing quite a decent trade, with plenty of TVs showing both English and Scottish football. Not as good as a Wetherspoons. But a worthy replacement, in this instance.
21 Feb 2017 20:30
On my first ever visit to Gloucester's pubs, this Wadworth pub on the southern outskirts of the city was my first port of call. It's quite an imposing building on the outside. But it felt a little dull inside and there were only a couple of other customers. Ales are all from Wadworth - IPA, Horizon, Bishop's Tipple & 6X. FA Cup football was on the TV. There is a bowling alley at the rear. The landlord was a friendly guy. Deserves more customer, to create a better atmosphere.
21 Feb 2017 20:23
This place looked like a lovely building from the outside. But on a Sunday lunchtime, all doors were locked. One guy did come out baring his chest, with an unbuttoned shirt and asked if I wanted a room. But I got the feeling he was just a resident, as this is a hotel too. I later found out that it would open at 7pm. But I wasn't about to hang around. So 0/10 for a pub that doesn't open in what should be some of its peak hours.
21 Feb 2017 20:18
Large, modern pub on the edge of a retail development that has pretty much nil character. Food appears to predominate. But there were still a few drinkers standing at the bar. As you'd expect, beers are all from the Marstons range - Banks's Bitter, Ringwood Forty Niner, Marstons Pedigree & Wychwood Hobgoblin. Not a lot to recommend it.
21 Feb 2017 20:15
The Red Lion looked promising from the outside and on entering the ale selection was reasonably good - Sharps Doom Bar, Hook Norton Nice Try, Uley Bitter & Fullers London Pride. The only problem with the pub was that all tables were set out for diners, which left nowhere to sit down to have a drink. Feels more of a restaurant than a pub on a Sunday lunchtime. But maybe there is a better set up in the evenings outside of food hours. Disappointing on my visit though.
21 Feb 2017 20:10
The Three Horseshoes, Frampton on Severn
The Three Horseshoes is the smaller, but the better of Frampton's two pubs. It's located at the opposite end of the village green from the Bell, about 10 minutes walk away. You're assured of a warm welcome here. The landlady gave me some books to read all about the village. The 4 ales are Timothy Taylor Landlord & Boltmaker, Sharps Doom Bar & Uley Bitter. The real cider was from Black Rat. Some of the locals seemed slightly eccentric and the pub dog came and lay down beside me in the front bar. But this adds to the character of the place. There is a further room at the rear. A really good pub.
21 Feb 2017 20:03
The Bell Inn, Frampton on Severn
The Bell is a large pub located at one end of England's largest village green. The pub itself is a large stone building with a number of rooms. There are a number of outhouses too, some featuring farm animals. Whilst a nice place, the ale range was limited to Exmoor Gold, Wye Valley HPA & Otter Bitter. There were 2 ciders from Westons - Old Rosie & Family Reserve. Seems like a place aimed at diners and families.
21 Feb 2017 19:07
The Battesford Court is a former hotel, now a Wetherspoons on Witham's main shopping street. I'd arrived here after visiting the Wheatsheaf in Hatfield Peverel (not listed on the site). The Battesford Court is a typical 'spoons - packed, devoid of character, but with a good selection of ales and this one had 4 ciders. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Flack Manor Black Jack, Shepherd Neame Spitfire & Wibblers Gold. As with the previous review, I think there were 3 ales "coming soon". Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Wyld Wood, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Thistly Cross Whisky Cask.
18 Feb 2017 13:36
The Woolpack was my first of two Witham pubs. It is situated in a conservation area in the north of the town. Parking is a bit of a problem. Nevertheless once inside, I found a two room local with a good selection of ales - Greene King IPA, Mighty Oak Oscar Wilde, Nethergate Rugby Ruck & Witham No Name. They also had Rosie's Pig cider. Oscar Wilde has always been a favourite for me and I enjoyed a swift half. Surprised nobody has reviewed this pub before. I certainly enjoyed it and it was my favourite of 2 pubs in the town.
18 Feb 2017 13:30
The Vine is a food-dominated pub situated in a small village south of Braintree. On arrival, there was only one family in the pub and they soon left. There are quite a few tables, but all seemed to be made up for diners. When the family left, the table they had been sitting at was also set with cutlery. I elected to sit at the bar. Ales were Bishop Nick Heresy & Adnams Bitter & Ghost Ship. I moved on from here to White Notley where the Cross Keys (not listed on here) has started closing during the day. I eventually visited that later in the evening.
18 Feb 2017 13:25
The King William IV, Braintree
The King William IV is situated to the south of Braintree near the main A120. Whilst it is a fair trek from the town centre as Snarling Mallard says, it appears to be Braintree's best pub and my favourite of 10 Essex pubs tried yesterday. The interior is quite compact, with 2 small rooms. You approach the pub from the car park through the garden. I got the feeling that I was probably being discussed as I headed towards the pub, as silence descended when I walked in! This certainly occurred for subsequent customers too. Nevertheless, the landlord seemed like a nice chap and the regulars were quite friendly. The real strength is the ale & cider selection, with 4 of each available. Yesterday, they were Maldon Farmer's Cutty Sark, Mighty Oak Captain Bob, Moody Goose (the in-house brewery) Mystery Mild & Tring Brock Bitter. Ciders were Cetic Marches Lily The Pink & Nell Gwynne & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. I went for the Duddas Tun Pear O'Dudda which was quite sweet, but nice. Recommended.
18 Feb 2017 13:21
The Picture Palace was my first of 3 pubs in Braintree. It's a large Wetherspoons in an old cinema building. Most tables were taken on my Friday lunchtime visit. But it is half term and there were many families present. A strange feature was an orderly queue at the bar, which I don't see too often. It seems more of a trend in pubs in the north, not something I've noticed in the south too often. I avoided the queue to peruse the ale selection - Wibblers Hop Black, Bishop Nick 1555, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Kelham Island Pale Rider, Conwy Welsh Pride, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharps Doom Bar. Cider was Old Rosie. I rejoined the queue, only to find a couple of girls walk straight up to the bar. All credit to the bar staff, they served the queue first. I was slightly worried that the Hop Black would be a little too hoppy for me. But it was a decent ale. I did also try the Wagon & Horses nearby. That was a Greene King pub not listed on here. But the Picture Palace was the better pub.
18 Feb 2017 13:11
The Bell Inn Panfield, Panfield
Quite why there are 17 different entries for this pub, God only knows. But I paid it a visit after the Milli Bar at nearby Andrewsfield Airfield yesterday lunchtime. It's a Greene King in a nice village to the north of Braintree. Entering from the car park, you'll first arrive in the lounge. There is also a bar at the other end of the pub. A few other tables were taken with people enjoying lunch. Families are welcome. Ales were all from Greene King - IPA, Abbot & Yardbird. The local football team appears to play on an adjacent pitch.
18 Feb 2017 13:04
The Crown in Puncknowle was a late addition to my Dorset crawl and was a decent last minute supplement. Leaving the coastal hill mist behind, the road drops into a very nice village and to a pub that also serves as the local shop. There were no other customers, just staff. But the barmaid was very friendly and chatty. I believe she was the landlord's daughter. Ales are all from Palmers - Best Bitter, Copper Ale & Tally Ho! The cider was Dorset Orchards First Press. There are a couple of large rooms. But they probably appeared larger than they really were due to the lack of customers. A pub that deserves more trade and probably my second favourite of the day, simply due to the friendliness of the lady behind the bar.
17 Feb 2017 09:16
My penultimate pub of the day was this coastal hostelry west of Weymouth. It's in the current Good Beer Guide, which quite frankly surprises me. The solitary real ale was branded as Swan Ale, but is actually a Scottish beer - Caledonian Flying Scotsman. A pub on the south coast of England with no English ales seemed a bit odd. Nevertheless service was friendly and the pub was undergoing a bit of a refurb, with a large room containing a pool table being painted. The pub appeared to be popular with families and diners (probably as it was half term). Had to fight my way through dogs to exit. Not my favourite pub of the day.
17 Feb 2017 09:10
Brewhouse and Kitchen, Dorchester
It's taken me a while. But this finally my first visit to one of the Brewhouse & Kitchen pubs, where the ales are brewed on site, with the brewing equipment on display. Apparently it was the old stationmaster's office for the adjacent station. The positives were that they had a decent selection of their own ales - Mayor of Casterbridge Porter, Cerne Abbas Giant, Hopster, Judge Jeffreys, Nine Stones, Crickmay & Stationmaster's Ale. The drinking environment was pleasant. But from a negative perspective, it didn't feel much like a pub - more like a bar that serves food, similar to American bars. The solitary cider was off and the porter was nothing special. I was also a bit perturbed by the service. There are two sets of handpulls either side of a pillar. I'd only had chance to peruse the one set when I was approached to order. After telling the bar manager that I would just take a look at the other ales, I was expecting him to follow me the other side of the pillar. But he unexpectedly disappeared out of sight! I won't rule out this chain and I'm sure I'll visit another branch soon. But the whole concept does feel like a bit of a gimmick.
17 Feb 2017 09:05
Slightly above average Wetherspoons. The interior is more compact than most. But that means you still have to go on a trek to find the toilets. Ales were the usual Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharps Doom Bar. But they also had 4 guests (none from Dorset) - Saltaire Cascade, Goodards Ducks Folly, Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold & Cotleigh Seahawk. Two ciders were also in the fridge and at least one of these was from the county - Purbeck Cider Company Joe's Dry, in addition to Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. The entrance to the pub resembled a crèche, with plenty of families. But the rear was more drinkers. There is a patio outdoor at the rear.
17 Feb 2017 08:58
The Kings Arms Hotel, Dorchester
Looks like it used to be an impressive building. But it's currently closed down and derelict. A ghost walk meets outside the entrance though!
17 Feb 2017 08:55
Tom Browns is the brewery tap for the Dorset Brewing Company (DBC). All 6 ales were from the brewery - Jurassic, Dorset Knob, Great Expectations, Durdle Door, Tom Browns & Flashmans Clout. There was also a handpull for Lilleys Bee Sting Perry. The interior is basic and bare boarded. It's a nice enough drinking environment. But it felt like it attracts a young and fairly trendy crowd. The gents toilets were out of order. So the ladies had become unisex! CAMRA discount offered for ales, but unfortunately not the perry. Could be better with guest ales and a recognition of real cider and perry. Still a reasonable option if in Dorchester though.
17 Feb 2017 08:53
The Blue Raddle was my second stop in Dorchester after the Colliton Club (not listed on the site). It was easily the best pub in the town and by far the best pub I visited in Dorset this time around. It has a single bar and whilst they serve food, it's predominantly a drinkers' pub. Dogs are welcome. But children aren't. I was greeted by a friendly barmaid and having enquired about ciders and then asked whether I wanted fizzy or traditional (nice to be asked, as so many places immediately direct you to commercial options on keg and in bottles), I was directed to the far end of the bar, where they had Fosseway Somerset Glory & Ham Hill Early Glory. I opted for the latter and it was very pleasant. Ales were Cerne Abbas Coconut Rum Stout, Bath Gem, Butcombe Adam Henson's Rare Breed & Eight Arch Session. If I hadn't been driving, I would have tried the stout. A few people were offered tasters and appeared to like it. A decent pub all round and a rare 8/10 from me.
17 Feb 2017 08:48
The Saxon Arms has a strange location in a newly-built part of this village north-west of Dorchester. But the juxtaposition of old and new works well. The pub was extremely busy on my weekday lunchtime visit. Most people were there for lunch and there was a 45 minute wait for tables. There was a fair wait for bar service too. Ales were mainly national brands - Butcombe Bitter, Greene King Abbot, Sharps Doom Bar & Timothy Taylor Landlord. But they did also have Orchard Pig Philospher on a handpull.
17 Feb 2017 08:40
I got the opposite impression of this place from the previous reviewer, in that the Thimble appears to focus more on food than drink. The location is idyllic with a stream running through the garden. But the interior feels fairly modern. There is a bar area at the front, with plenty more seating for diners to the rear. Toilets and the pub's well are located around the back of the bar. It's a Palmers establishment that was serving their Best Bitter, Copper Ale, Dorset Gold & Tally Ho! The cider was Dorset Orchards First Press. I believe this is a cider exclusive to Palmers' pubs, as I found it later on in a second pub. I gave it a go, as I'd never tried it before and it was reasonable. Dogs are welcomed here.
17 Feb 2017 08:33
Another closed pub. A shame, as this looks like a nice setting in a tranquil village. But that's probably the reason it has shut down.
17 Feb 2017 08:21
The Halsey Arms appears to have closed down. The pub is advertised on websites as opening at 11:30 on a weekday. But I waited until after midday and there was no sign of life. Another tell tale sign is the lack of any telephone line any more and I later found an article on the internet looking for people to run the pub.
17 Feb 2017 08:18
The Green Man is situated at the southern end of the small village of Kings Stag. It's a nice brick building with a large car park. The interior has a number of rooms, with the bar in the central room. Only 2 ales were on yesterday during my visit - Butcombe Bitter & Exmoor Ale. I was the first person in. So it was difficult to judge atmosphere and any food offerings. But the dessert menu looked tempting.
17 Feb 2017 08:16
The Coach and Horses, Draycott
My last port of call in Derbyshire this afternoon was the Coach & Horses. I was the first customer in, as it does not open until 4pm. There is a large bar area and a smaller lounge. An outdoor patio area at the rear is for much warmer weather than today. 4 ales are served - Blue Monkey BG Sips & Infinity, Sharps Doom Bar & Greene King Abbot. There seemed to be a large number of snacks, including flavoured scratchings and Pringles. I was sorely tempted, but decided to head home for dinner instead! Surprised nobody has reviewed this one before.
14 Feb 2017 21:46
The White Swan was my third pub in Ockbrook after the Royal Oak and the Cross Keys. The latter is not yet listed on the site. The White Swan was probably the poorest of the three. But that doesn't make it a bad pub. The other two simply had better ale choices. The White Swan had Marstons Pedigree, Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Portobello Market Porter & Adnams Ghost Ship. Only a couple of other customers were in. But it doesn't open until 4pm on weekdays. There are 3 rooms. The smallest room in the middle is the bar. The other two appear to be for food. Not a bad pub and certainly worth trying in combination with the other pubs in this village.
14 Feb 2017 21:42
The Royal Oak was the first of three pubs I tried in this village. Not only was it the best pub in the village, in my opinion, it was my favourite of 10 in Derbyshire. Be careful with the opening hours, as it does close in the afternoon during the week. I managed to get there just before it was due to close. There are a number of rooms, some set up for dining. Service was friendly and there was a good ale selection - Burton Bridge High Spy, Bass, Falstaff Slender Man, Cottage MM Norman's Conquest & Derby The Maltster. There was a real cider in a jug in the fridge, which was from Three Cats. Recommended.
14 Feb 2017 21:37
The Bell and Castle Inn, Derby
Large pub outside of the centre. This place has a number of large rooms. I sat in the main bar area where there are large tables. There is also a kitchen visible from this room. I believe they are now doing food. Although nobody was eating. Toilets are in a separate outhouse at the rear. Ales were Hook Norton Nice Try, Salopian Oracle & Pogo & Sharps Doom Bar. However there is no real cider. A CAMRA discount of 5p off per half is offered. Seemed to lack a bit of atmosphere. But maybe it just needed more customers!
14 Feb 2017 21:32
The Falstaff is situated in the southern backstreets of Derby, in what appears to be a multi-ethnic area. Its 3 rooms ooze character. Most people were in the main bar area. You got the feeling that you could leave and come back here in 5 years time and exactly the same people would be sat there! But they were friendly. The room at the rear holds a pool table and there is a smaller lounge. The 4 ales are all brewed on site - Slender Man, Fistful Of Hops, Phoenix & Smiling Assassin. I had the Phoenix, which was a bit too hoppy for my liking. No real cider is served. Worth the trip out of the city centre though.
14 Feb 2017 21:29
The Malt Shovel is a Marstons pub hidden away in Spondon. But the interior is well worth seeing with plenty of rooms and lots of nooks and crannies, creating a cosy atmosphere. I arrived as the lunchtime rush was subsiding. But staff were still busy with diners. There was also a large function taking place (possibly a wake?) in one room. 5 ales are generally on. 3 are on handpull and 2 are dispensed by gravity. Be sure to check the blackboard to see the full range of ales (all from Marstons) and ciders. Today there was Marstons Pedigree & 61 Deep, Brakspear Bitter, Wychwood Hobgolin, Banks's Sunbeam & Westons Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig. Bar service was efficient. Toilets are outside at the rear. Decent pub, despite only stocking Marstons ales.
14 Feb 2017 21:23
The Harrington Arms appears to be a food-dominated pub, with a number of rooms given over to dining. I sat in the main bar area on possibly the only table not made up for eating. 3 ales are served. Bass is the regular. But today they also had Castle Rock Harvest Pale & Blue Monkey Funky Gibbon. When I asked the barmaid what cider they served, I was told Strongbow and some bottled varieties in the fridge. It was only when I specifically asked if they had Old Rosie (I'd read they normally stocked it) that I was offered that. With no signs anywhere to say that it is available, I assume it's only drunk by locals in the know. It's a shame when pubs stock real cider, but do nothing to promote it, instead choosing to encourage fizzy rubbish.
14 Feb 2017 21:16
Malt Shovel Inn, Aston Upon Trent
The Malt as it is known now is situated just off the main road of this Derbyshire village. It's a nice building with a pleasant interior. 6 ales are served. Today, these were Bass, Sharps Doom Bar & Atlantic, Shiny Affinity, Dancing Duck Dcuk & Titanic Iceberg. I didn't stay long. But I could see it was better than average.
14 Feb 2017 21:08
Today's midweek visit to Derbyshire began at the rather quiet Shakespeare in Shardlow. I was the first customer of the day and I left the pub empty apart from the friendly landlord, who is apparently moving on in a couple of weeks time. The pub has two or three rooms and 2 ales were on when I arrived - Pedigree & Bass. Elsie Mo was pulled through whilst I was there.
14 Feb 2017 21:04
After a visit to the Duke of Cumberland in Bridgefoot (not listed on here), the Stork at Rowrah was my penultimate pub of my day in Cumbria. My last pub (the Hound at Arlecdon) is not listed on here either. The Stork is situated at the junction of 3 roads in what was a very windswept location yesterday evening. It is a friendly local with two small drinking areas and a separate dining area. All of the locals were congregated in the room with the bar. I sat alone in the second room, with music playing from the TV. 2 ales were on - Jennings Bitter & Hesket Newmarket Red Pike. I plumped for the latter which was very enjoyable. Another pub that was much better than I had expected.
13 Feb 2017 21:49
The Black Bull was my last pub in Cockermouth and the worst of the lot. There is a handpull. But there was no real on. The choice was Fosters, Worthingtons, John Smiths, Coors Light, Guinness, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruit, Kronenbourg or Carling. The bar area is dark and a reasonable drinking environment. There is a pool table at the back. I sat at the bar and had a soft drink, listening to conversations about a local missing person. Lo and behold, the said missing person walked through the door. Cue the barmaid to let the mother know and cue some other guy (older brother, stepdad who knows!) to head towards the pub. Sensing there wasn't going to be a happy end, I decided to drink up, spend a penny and leave. But before I could get from the gents to the exit, the unhappy relation arrives, storms past me giving me a whack on the shoulder in the process, making a beeline for the 'missing' youth. The older guy landed the first punch. The whole pub then got involved and after hesitating to view this impromptu live entertainment, I decided I was time for me to walk out the door for good. A poor pub. But at least there was a talking point!
13 Feb 2017 21:43
This place is now called Seth's Bar and it was closed when I initially walked past yesterday. I later found out it does not open until 4 on weekdays and 3 on weekends. Its focus appears to be cocktails, with some kind of flavoured mojito promoted. But there are 3 ales too. These were Great Corby Blonde, Tractor Shed Mowdy & Thwaites Wainwright on this visit. The place was freezing. One other couple were in one corner. Maybe better when there are more people in and it is warmer. But it certainly lacked any kind of atmosphere.
13 Feb 2017 21:29
The Castle Bar appears to be the best pub in Cockermouth. I didn't venture much further than the front bar (apart from a visit to the gents). The bar area feels quite traditional. But apparently there are separate dining areas beyond and on upper levels. With a table going begging in the bar, I didn't feel the need to explore further. Ales are more adventurous than most other Cockermouth pubs - Titanic Plum Porter, Cumbrian Legendary Ales Loweswater Gold & Esthwaite Bitter, Lancaster Sorachi & Jennings Bitter & Cumberland Ale. Unlike the other 6 pubs I tried in the town, this one also had a real cider - Westons Family Reserve. Locals were watching live football. So I joined in.
13 Feb 2017 21:25
With a name like the Bitter End, I was expecting a traditional drinkers' boozer. But the place has more of a bistro feel to it, with food dominating. The front room is more appropriate for drinkers, whilst the rear one is reserved for diners. Dogs are allowed in the front room. But people were eating there too. The whole place has a cosy feel to it. Service took a while, as staff were prioritising meal orders. There were 4 ales - Ennerdale English Pride, Jennings Bitter & Cumberland Ale & Bitter End Lakeland Golden (brewed for the bar). Keg options on the rear bar included ales from Thornbridge & Brew Dog. Not what I had expected. But may be a good option, especially if you want to eat.
13 Feb 2017 21:22
The Swan is a likeable Jennings pub that also dispenses a few guests. Their Bitter, Cumberland Ale & Cocker Hoop was supplemented by 3 other ales - Thwaites Wainwright, Barngates Cracker & Bowness Bay Swan Blonde. I sat on the street side of the bar. But there is another seating area to the rear and what looked like a dining area to the side. Families are welcome and there are board games to keep them amused. One of the better pubs in Cockermouth.
13 Feb 2017 21:17
The Tithe Barn had a Jennings sign on the outside. But the 3 ales on were all from different breweries - Wells Bombardier Glorious English, Leeds Gingerbread Stout & Thwaites Wainwright. The entrance corridor is impressive with nice tiling and stained glass. The bar itself is much more ordinary and it was quiet on my Sunday lunchtime visit. The Scottish barmaid was keeping one eye on the Edinburgh derby football match, which was showing on the TV in the corner. But she only had one other customer when I walked in. I was pleasantly surprised to see a stout on. So I had to sample it. I'm not convinced about the gingerbread flavour though. A much better pub than I had anticipated.
13 Feb 2017 21:12
My first stop in the home town of Jennings was appropriately a Jennings pub on the Main Street. I chose to sit in the front bar, with its real fire. Music was playing. Ales were all from Jennings - Bitter, Cumberland Ale & Sneck Lifter. In hindsight, I should have had a half of Sneck Lifter. I resisted, as I was driving. But it was the only pub I was to see it in during my Cumbrian crawl.
13 Feb 2017 21:07
The Punchbowl, Great Broughton
Of 26 new pubs I tried in the West Midlands, Durham & Cumbria over the weekend, I have to say that this one was my favourite. It's a fabulous single bar local pub in a pretty Cumbrian village, well off the tourist trail. I had picked the weekend of the annual beer festival. A chilly February weekend seemed like an odd time for a festival. But it suited me just fine. 21 ales had been sourced from North East breweries. But the pub has only 3 handpulls. So only 3 were on at any one time. These were turning over quickly though. One guy came in and noted that 2 of the 3 had changed since his visit late the previous evening. The 3 on during my visit were Errant Tusk, Wylam Jakehead IPA & Allendale Wolf. But as I was leaving, the landlord was pulling through another. My half of Wolf was very enjoyable - a very smooth drink. Locals were clearly knowledgeable about their beer and also the local pubs. They were also happy to chat to somebody from out of town. Dogs are welcome. The one I fussed had just been walked up a mountain and back down by his owner - apparently the most exercised dog in Cumbria! Friendly place that is well worth a visit.
13 Feb 2017 21:00
My Sunday morning took me to this Wetherspoons hostelry in Workington, seemingly the only Workington establishment to make any of the last 13 editions of the Good Beer Guide! I remember trying a pub in the town around 10 years ago. But I don't recall which one. The town seems slightly improved on what it was then. But that's not saying much. The Henry Bessemer is an old cinema and was fairly busy with locals tucking into breakfasts yesterday. The ale selection was Hawkshead Red, Windermere Pale & Dry Stone Stout, Ennerdale Darkest, Yates Golden, Sharps Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best. The cider was Old Rosie. I sampled the Darkest, which ironically was not the darkest ale you'll ever see. It was more of a dark ruby colour. Probably the best Workington has to offer.
13 Feb 2017 20:51
The Water House is part of the Wetherspoons chain which has a rambling interior spread over a few different levels. It had a predominantly young crowd on Saturday evening. But I suspect (as with most 'spoons) that it is different during the day. The ale selection was good - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharps Doom Bar, Sonnet 43 Impressment & The Raven, Daleside Pride of England & Yard Of Ale One Yard Beyond. Ciders were Old Rosie & Black Dragon. As my last pub of 13, I finished on a pint of the latter and it sent me back to my B & B in decent spirits.
13 Feb 2017 20:45
The Old Elm Tree is a traditional city centre boozer in Durham. It had a crowd of mixed ages. There is an L-shaped bar area and a raised area with further seating and a dartboard, which was in use. TVs were showing Match of the Day whilst I was there. 5 ales were on - Wychwood Hobgoblin, Durham White Amarillo, Errant Comanche Porter, Rudgate Jerusalem & Marstons EPA. Cider was Old Rosie. Had a nice atmosphere. The only drawback was the cleanliness. Glasses and rubbish were strewn everywhere, whilst the bar staff didn't exactly look rushed off their feet. As I was leaving, they were all doing some kind of dance behind the bar. Leave that to the customers and collect some glasses! Still a decent pub though.
13 Feb 2017 20:40
Colpitts Hotel is a wedge-shaped building on a street corner. It is a Sam Smiths pub and has their Old Brewery Bitter on handpull. The real draw here is the unadorned interior, which is a real throwback. The pub was fairly busy with a crowd that seemed to be mainly students and lecturers. The ale selection may be pretty ordinary. But it's worth going here to see how pubs used to be.
13 Feb 2017 20:36
After a visit to the Garden House Inn and prior to a visit to the Kingslodge Inn (neither listed on here), I tried the Bridge Hotel, which is located underneath Durham's impressive viaduct. The interior is fairly unremarkable and so was the ale selection - Theakston XB, St Austell Proper Job & Holts Two Hoots. Football highlights were being shown on the TV. There are better pubs in Durham.
13 Feb 2017 20:32
Tap and Spile, Framwellgate Moor
The Tap & Spile was my 7th pub of the day in County Durham on Saturday. None of the previous 6 were listed on the site. I've requested most of these to be added. But only the Lambton Worm in Chester-Le-Street and the Newfield Inn in Newfield were of note. The Tap & Spile however was my favourite pub of the day in the county. It's a traditional two-roomed local in the Framwellgate Moor area. 8 ales are split across handpulls in both rooms. The selection on Saturday evening was Salopian Shropshire Gold, Pennine Hair Of The Dog, Maxim Ward's Best Bitter, Roosters YPA, Rudgate Battle Axe, Ossett Clearwater, Anarchy Hard Times & Tyne Bank Motueka Dollar. The cider was Old Rosie. Both rooms were busy and it had a cosy atmosphere. Dogs are welcomed.
13 Feb 2017 20:26
Moon Under Water, Cradley Heath
Had a Friday evening visit to this branch of Wetherspoons, prior to a curry. It's situated on the High Street, nowadays no longer the main thoroughfare through the town. But it was busy on my visit with nearly all tables taken. The interior is open-plan and as with most Wetherspoons, it lacks atmosphere. The ale selection was still fairly decent though - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Exmoor Beast, Backyard Blonde, Sadlers Hop Bomb, Hook Norton Old Hooky & Springhead Fallen Angel. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. Service wasn't the quickest. But was reasonable, given how busy it was.
13 Feb 2017 20:08
Dave was in usual form yesterday. With Everton winning, Liverpool losing and me and my mates having visited other hostelries in the city, he was in a typically sarcastic mood. But you have to take him with a pinch of salt. This is his boozer and his pride and joy. The pub is always packed with people that appreciate the quality of his well-kept and well-sourced ales. So it makes a decent drinking environment. Yesterday's selection was Titanic First Class & Plum Porter, George Wright Mark's Mild, Riverhead Liquorice Latte Stout, Fyne Jagnarok Imperial Jarl, Oakham Citra & Rat White Rat. Still our go to pub in Liverpool, despite the lack of a real cider for me. The dark ales generally make up for it. Still thoroughly recommended.
5 Feb 2017 18:34
Almost a month after trying to visit on a Saturday lunchtime and finding it closed, I tried a visit on a Saturday early evening and found it open. The positives stop there. With 3 bar staff, I was fully expecting to get served quickly. The landlady was struggling to deal with an extremely frothy pint, a barmaid was messing with glasses and the barman was texting or doing something similar on his mobile phone. After a minute or two, I thought I would get served by the barmaid. But she instead decided to serve somebody she knew who had just walked in. Never mind, I thought. I'm sure I'll be served soon. But after serving the guy she knew, she started messing with glasses again with the landlady still dealing with the same problem and the barman still texting. Getting a little impatient by now, I had to shout across to see if anybody was serving. The barmaid came over and said I couldn't have been waiting long and that she had just been serving somebody else, whilst the barman had just finished his shift (fair enough). But I pointed out that I had been waiting a couple of minutes before her previous customer. She said she hadn't seen me and that it was my fault for not shouting her. She also said that anybody who had ever worked behind a bar would understand the need to shout for attention. Well, I worked behind a bar for quite a few years and fully understand that good bar staff will clock the order people have come to the bar. Failing that, a quick 'Who's next' will generally bring out the best in people. But after failing to agree, I ordered a half of mild. The barmaid then proved that she was not only oblivious of customers waiting to be served, she was also unable to listen properly and poured a pint. When serving me the pint, I said I'd asked for a half and she wondered off towards the landlady muttering something. The landlady then shouted across asking me if I was being rude. I've no idea if this was a serious comment or some attempt at a joke. But at this point I was not amused. Surely shouting across a bar would be considered rude, rather than enquiring why nobody was serving me and then stating that I had ordered a half when a pint had been poured. If everybody were to shout across a bar, pubs would feel like meat markets. This really does seem a strange way of having to get served and one I have not seen anywhere else across the country. Maybe Ye Cracke should invest in signs to inform people that they have to shout, so as not to be ignored. With a bitter taste in my mouth, I wasted no time in downing my half of Titanic Mild, safe in the knowledge that I won't be venturing back into a pub that lacks any kind of customer service skills any time in the near future. For the record, the other ales were Thwaites Original, Cottage Resolution, Heavy Industry 77 & Bass. Old Rose was the cider. After all, I had plenty of time to note down all of the beers during my extended wait. No longer worthy of a visit, especially when there are so many other decent pubs in this area. I'd just been to the Hard Times & Misery (which I've just requested to be added) and found excellent and knowledgeable service. Don't waste your time or money here, as it's not wanted unless your known by the staff.
5 Feb 2017 18:27
Black Lodge Brewing, Liverpool
After a visit to the always decent Baltic Fleet, I made a return to Black Lodge Brewing in the Baltic Triangle. I didn't review it last time I was here as I had to get it added to the site. But it's a brewery and bar based in a warehouse. There are no cask ales. All beers are the craft variety, dispensed from taps on the back wall. Beers brewed on site were Three Owls, #333, Smoked Porter, Exotic Garden Pale, This Machine, Farmhouse Pale, El Dorado IPA & Amos The Nipper. They also had Love Lane Pale & Craft Lager from Liverpool Craft. There's not much atmosphere in here. Although maybe it gets packed in an evening. Seating is along bench tables. Toilets are unisex. Since the last time I was here, the brewery equipment has moved from the side of the bar to the rear, spparently to allow space for live bands to perform. This place is a fair jaunt out of the city centre. But the Baltic Triangle is an increasingly trendy area of the city and Black Lodge Brewing is easy to combine with a visit to the Baltic Fleet and it's not far from the Albert Dock either.
5 Feb 2017 18:08
The Ma Boyles Oyster Bar, Liverpool
Ma Boyles is another pub I haven't been in for several years. It has closed and re-opened under new ownership in that time. Whilst it now has even more of a bistro feel and there is clearly a focus on food, it was much busier than I remember it last time. 3 ales were on - Weetwood Cheshire Cat & Mad Hatter & Box Steam Piston Broke. The Mad Hatter was ok, but perhaps not the ideal ale for me.
5 Feb 2017 17:54
I hadn't been in the Cornmarket for 8 or 9 years. But it's much as I remember it, with a lower bar area that was empty and a larger upper area with space for standing and a few stools around the bar and a larger adjacent seating area. 4 ales were on - Thwaites Wainwright, Purity Pure Gold, Black Sheep Holy Grail & Greene King IPA. All were similar sorts of beers. A dark one would have been nice. Nevertheless, this an atmospheric and comfortable place that is well hidden.
5 Feb 2017 17:51
The Liverpool is a pub I'd never been to before until yesterday. It's located nextdoor to James St station. I'd heard some fairly negative reports about the place. So I found it much better than I had expected. Whilst there's no real ales here, the keg selection was reasonable, including a couple of beers from Caledonian - Three Hop & Rare Breed. The interior is fairly dark with a nautical theme. There were a couple of TVs showing live football. Staff were fairly friendly too. I probably won't return, with so many decent pubs in Liverpool.
5 Feb 2017 17:47
Last pub of the night for us in Cornwall was the Cobweb, which is an imposing building at the bottom of the town, opposite the public car park. It has two bars with flagstone floors. One has a pool table. Ales were Tintagel Cornwall's Pride, Harbour Special & Merlin's Muddle & St Austell Tribute. Ciders are Healeys Cornish Rattler & Addlestones.
30 Jan 2017 21:33
The Napoleon is at the top end of Boscombe and was our favourite out of the two we tried. It's in a quiet area. But the pub has three rooms with lots of character. Toilets are outdoors in the corridor that separates the rooms. It's a St Austell house. So Tribute, Cornish Best & HSD were the ales. We decided to have dinner here, which was ok and reasonably priced. Dogs are welcomed and one nearly manage to get to my Sunday roast. But it was just a few centimetres beyond the end of his/her leash! A traditional boozer that is worth seeking out.
30 Jan 2017 21:30
I'm probably one of the few people to visit Tintagel without visiting the castle or any of the Arthurian tourist hotspots. But we emerged from the winter fog to try the King Arthur Arms. It's a fairly large pub that was populated by locals out of the tourist season. There are plenty of tables and some were being used by diners, eating from a fairly basic menu. A pool table appeared to be the centre of attention. Ales were Tintagel Cornwall's Pride, Harbour Special & Merlin's Muddle, Sharps Doom Bar & St Austell Tribute. I was hoping for a real cider. But when I enquired, I was told all of them were real! You can't win them all! My wife did enjoy the draught Rekorderlig Strawberry & Lime, which was certainly 'real' in one sense.
30 Jan 2017 21:26
The Masons Arms is a fascinating St Austell pub in the small town of Camelford. It took a while to get the landlady's attention. But she was very apologetic and turned out to be one of the friendliest hosts you could meet. The pub has two rooms. Most of the locals were in the public bar, where there was a pool table. But the highlight is the second room, which is packed with all kinds of paraphernalia. Tribute, Proper Job & HSD were the ales. At least one of these was dispensed by gravity from a cask on the bar in the lounge. A family and dog friendly pub with a very friendly landlady, who gave us a couple of bar towels some plastic dominoes and the local CAMRA magazine, apparently delivered by a very affable gent who travels for miles just to deliver the mag. Well worth a visit. If only the brewery would let her stock some different ales!
30 Jan 2017 21:18
This pub has been renamed the St Tudy Inn. It's in a lovely village. But it appears to have gone upmarket and the focus appears to be on food, with nearly all tables made up for diners. There is however a small bar area with a number of barrels for stools. More staff than customers were present. But it looked like it had been busier earlier in the afternoon. There were 2 ales - Sharps Doom Bar & Padstow St Tudy Ale. Not the best.
30 Jan 2017 21:12
I really liked this local pub, next to the church in a small, agricultural village. There is a main bar area with a cosy area of seating around the fire and a couple of smaller rooms where there was a pool table and a number of families. The ale selection was better than most other pubs I went to. Doom Bar still seemed to be popular. But they did also have two non-Sharps ales - Tintagel Cornwall's Pride & Skinners Lushingtons. For me, there was also the bonus of the local Haywood Farm Cider, which I hadn't had for some time. This was my favourite pub of the day in Cornwall.
30 Jan 2017 21:09
I was slightly disappointed with this pub. There is a public bar in two sections and a separate restaurant area. The Sunday lunch trade was just wrapping up on our visit. Only one of my first 4 pubs had stocked anything other than Sharps and that was the Wetherspoons. Doom Bar & Sea Fury were the two Sharps beers in this pub. There was no real cider either. Not as good as I'd hoped.
30 Jan 2017 21:04
The last time I was in Bodmin, just over 7 years ago, I'm not convinced this Wetherspoons was open. As its name suggests, it's located in a former chapel and looks like a large Wetherspoons from the outside. But it's actually quite compact and unlike most 'spoons, I felt is did have more of an atmosphere. The ale selection was Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharps Doom Bar, Caledonian Edinburgh Castle, Saltaire Cascade & Tintagel Gwaf Tan (Winter Fire). I was impressed with the range of 4 ciders too - Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Orchard Pig The Hogfather & Polgoon Mounts Bay. The Mounts Bay was very palatable indeed. It's probably now between this pub and the Hole In The Wall for Bodmin's best pub. The town itself appears to have gone downhill and part of it appears to be one giant construction site, which provides chaos on the roads.
30 Jan 2017 20:59
Lerryn is a lovely village on the River Fowey. There are stepping stones to cross the river. The village local is the Ship, which seems to be popular with diners. The interior is no frills. But the landlord and landlady were friendly. Doom Bar & Cornish Coaster made up the predictable ale choice. Worth visiting for the location.
30 Jan 2017 20:51
The Old Ferry Inn was my first stop of the day in Cornwall. It has the advantage of opening in the morning. The pub is situated next to the car ferry over to Fowey at the bottom of the village and a very steep hill. My car struggled to get back up the 1 in 6 incline! A couple of other people were there when we arrived. They were enjoying coffee and tea. Ales are all from Sharps - Own, Atlantic & Cornish Coaster. No real cider was served. The bar is decorated with lots of nautical pictures and memorabilia. There is a separate dining area. But the pub is quite compact, in all. A lovely pub in a handy and picturesque setting. The only drawback is the lack of ale choice and a real cider.
30 Jan 2017 20:47
With time for one more pub in Totnes, I chose the Albert. This is the home of the Bridgewater Brewery. But it only had one of their beers on. This was Albert Ale. Two guests were Teignworthy Old Moggie & Keltec Magic. The cider was Old Rosie. This was actually my favourite pub in Totnes. It had a lively atmosphere in the front bar, with a cover band playing rock classics. I retreated to the slightly quieter rear bar. The pub has a really traditional feel and locals were friendly. So was the landlord. Toilets are in the yard at the rear, where there is also a disused bar billiard table. I'm surprised this is not in the Good Beer Guide.
30 Jan 2017 20:42
Totnes Brewing Company, Totnes
After the madness of the Bull, seeing bar staff with eye patches and customers dressed in sailor costumes all seemed quite sensible to me. This two-roomed bar was packed and was noisy. But it has a good selection of real ales, craft beers and ciders dispensed from its two bars. On this visit, ales from Totnes Brewing Company were Breakfast Bitter, Woodsman IPA & Tropango. Guests were Springhead Outlawed & Thornbridge Peveril. Ciders were Thistly Cross Jaggy Thistle & Ashridge Traditional. With no seats available, I was forced to prop up the bar. But I'd imagine this could be a much better experience on anything other than a Saturday evening. Worth a try though.
30 Jan 2017 20:36
With time to spare, I decided to try the Bull. The real ale here is Bays Devon Dumpling. There is also a Traditional Cider from Ashridge. Not really a place I'd like to dwell. But the entertainment was provided by the clientele. From talk about vibrators to a part of the bar known as the erection section to the seemingly high on cocaine German girls and the tabby cat sat on the bar, all of the people and animals here seemed a bit eccentric. Or maybe it was just the cider!
30 Jan 2017 20:32
The Bay Horse was certainly one of the best pubs in this town. It's right at the top end and was popular with people and dogs on my Saturday evening visit. It also has one of the better ale ranges in town - Noss Beer Works Church Ledge, New Lion Pandit IPA, Mane Event & Totnes Stout. It serves as the brewery tap for the New Lion brewery. There are also a couple of ciders - Ashridge Devon Bloom & Sandford Orchards Vintage. My Devon Bloom (Elderflower) was enjoyable. There are 3 rooms, which are all quite basic. But they an array of different seating. There is accommodation available here too.
30 Jan 2017 20:29
The Rumour Wine Bar is towards the top end of the hill. It's not really a pub. It's more of a wine bar/restaurant. But they do have 2 regular real ale - St Austell Tribute & New Lion Pandit IPA. There is also a third handpull, which was taken with Westons Rosie's Pig. All of the tables appeared to be made out for diners. So I took a seat at the bar. Ok. But there are better places further up the hill.
30 Jan 2017 20:24
The Steam Packet Inn was my first port of call in Totnes on Saturday evening. A visit here saves you having to climb up the hill, as it's by the riverside. Some kind of fun run with torches was being held nearby. But I opted for the more sensible option of the pub, which appeared more focused towards diners than drinkers. Doom Bar is the regular ale. But they also had two guests fro Salcombe - Seahorse & Devon Amber. In addition, I was pleased to see a sign for medium dry and medium sweet ciders from Ashridge. So I opted for one of those, whilst admiring the comings and goings. There are better places in Totnes though.
30 Jan 2017 20:20
The Tally Ho is a great example of a thriving community pub. We're were hoping to eat here, but looked set to be disappointed when we saw all of the reserved signs when we walked in. Luckily there were 2 spare tables. So we enjoyed a nice meal. Not the cheapest, but decent quality. The landlady, staff and locals were all fairly friendly. Dartmoor Legend is the regular ale. There were also two guests - Exmoor Gold & South Hams Wild Blonde. I was also pleased to see a couple of ciders dispensed from the back wall of the bar. These were Hunts Mary Maud's & Yarde Cider. My Yarde was enjoyable. Certainly recommended.
30 Jan 2017 20:14
Whilst I wasn't planning to visit the Maltsters Arms originally, I decided to head here after hearing that one of the pubs I was planning to visit in Totnes later in the evening had closed. The Maltsters was apparently run by Keith Floyd until fairly recently. So it appears fairly popular with diners. It enjoys a lovely riverside location. But the interior felt a bit too modern for my liking. Salcombe Sea Horse is the regular ale. But they also had 3 guests, which were Sharps Doom Bar, New Lion Pandit IPA & South Hams Devon Pride.
30 Jan 2017 20:09
This pub is at the centre of the small village of Ashprington, next to the war memorial, which serves as a roundabout. There is a nice bar area and a raised dining area. We sat in the bar area where the local shooters were due in. Noss Beer Works Church Ledge is the regular ale. There are 2 other handpulls. One had Otter Amber and the other had Friels Cider, which was very nice. I gather this pub has recently been selected for the latest Good Beer Guide and it is well worth its entry.
30 Jan 2017 20:05
I must have walked past this pub on my way from the Dartmouth Inn to Ye Olde Cider bar, the last time I was in Newton Abbot, over 7 years ago. But I doubt it stocked as good a selection of ales and ciders the last time I came. So my visit to the town this time was solely to try the Teign Cellars. You enter the split-level bar from the side. But you'll find the bar in front of you. Four ales are dispensed by handpull. On my visit, these were Arbor Motueka, North Riding Cascade Pale, Mallinsons Dana & Hanlons Winter Wobble. There was also a decent selection of craft beers and in the lower level of the bar, there are a couple of fridges with a large bottle range, which effectively forms a bottle shop. Ciders were Hunts Mary Maud's, Medium & Sweet, Green Valley Sweet, Yarde Cider, Westons Hand Brake & Flat Tyre & Reddaways Medium Dry. With Ye Olde Cider Pub within easy staggering distance, I hope to be back in Newton Abbot again soon!
30 Jan 2017 20:01
After a visit to the wonderful Royal Oak Inn in Ideford (not listed on here), we moved onto the Sandygate Inn. The interior of this pub is quite basic, with one large room at the front and another couple of rooms to the back. There were 3 ales - Dartmoor Jail Ale & Legend & St Austell Tribute. It appears these do not change. Unfortunately, there was no real cider.
30 Jan 2017 19:53
The village of Chudleigh is just off the main A38 and the Bishop Lacy appears to be the best pub in the village. There are 2 rooms. One is the public bar, with a large screen which was showing the football on our visit. The other is a saloon. All of the locals were in the bar and the saloon was empty. Pumpclips for the ales are however in the saloon, with a blackboard displaying those available in the bar. The 2 ales available were Duchess from Cottage & Tor Ale from Black Tor.
30 Jan 2017 19:46
Our final pub in Cambridge was the Maypole and it was a fitting end to our day. It's a little hidden away from the main action. But a total of 13 ales were on - Tiny Rebel Hank, Grain Lignum Vitae, Humpty Dumpty Shaltai Baltai & Red Mill, Three Blind Mice Pirate Hop & Uncle Buckthorn, Shortts Farm Strummer, Tring Black Hawk, Wiper & True Milk Stout, Milton Justinian, St Austell Proper Job & Adnams Bitter & Broadside. Ciders and perry were Cromwells Oliver's Session, Lilleys Pear & Raspberry & Gladiator, Seacider Medium & Westons Old Rosie. The pub has two rooms. I seem to remember the rear one being larger. But most people were in the smaller front bar. I need to come back when I'm a little more sober. But my first impressions were very positive.
27 Jan 2017 20:21
Cambridge Brew House, Cambridge
The Cambridge Brew House felt like it had more of a focus on food than beer. But it is a large building spread over 2 floors. There is a large dining area upstairs that was not in use during our visit. Their own beers on cask were King's Parade, Brewhouse IPA, Night Porter & Misty River. They had others on keg. Guest cask ales were Brewsters Hophead & Colchester Metropolis. They also had a real cider - Side-R Elderflower from Glebe Farm. I did quite like the place though.
27 Jan 2017 20:13
The Champion of the Thames, Cambridge
The Champion of the Thames is another Cambridge pub with lots of character. There is a main room and a smaller side room, where we sat. As a Greene King pub, Abbot & IPA are the regular beers. Guests were Westerham British Bulldog, Moorhouses Premier Bitter & Hadrian Border Tyneside Blonde. You can still do a decent crawl along this street.
27 Jan 2017 20:09
The St Radegund is a small pub with limited opening hours. I know from my last visit to Cambridge that it closes on a Sunday and during the week, it does not open until 5pm. So we arrived just on opening. I can imagine that the single bar could get very crowded with any more than about a dozen people in. So the limited opening hours probably suit it. In reply to the last reviewer, the refurb has not destroyed the pub's character. Despite its size, the pub was supporting 6 ales - Fullers London Pride, Milestone Black Pearl & Cathedral Gold, Woodfordes Wherry, Reunion Ales Beard Tongue & Colchester Anne Downes. Pride & Wherry appear to be the regular ales. No real cider is stocked. Forgot to ask for the CAMRA discount.
27 Jan 2017 19:52
The Hopbine was probably the most disappointing of the 10 Cambridge pubs we visited yesterday. But in every other town, this would be an above average pub. It's just that Cambridge pubs are very good. Only 5 ales were on (God forbid!)- Stod Fold Red, Red Squirrel Mister Squirrel, Colchester Brass Monkey, Oakham Bishop's Farewell & Tring Side Pocket For A Toad. Cider was Abrahalls AM. A CAMRA discount I offered and there is also a happy hour from 5pm (I assume on weekdays only). But we were still slightly too early for the happy hour. Friendly service and generally a nice pub.
27 Jan 2017 19:47
The Elm Tree is a Charles Wells/Banks & Taylor pub which had a decent range of guest ales in addition to their own selection. The full range was Charles Wells A Good Stuffing & Bombardier, Youngs Winter Warmer, Caledonian Edinburgh Castle, Roosters Red State, Yeovil Stout Hearted, Black Sheep Holy Grail & Banks & Taylor Shefford Bitter, Dragon Slayer & Extra Stout. They also had a real cider - Abrahalls Slack Alice. In addition, Belgian beers appear to be a speciality. The pub is a cosy, single room with a step leading down to the larger seating area. Whilst we were there, we were entertained by a guy walking off the street looking for a job. His pre-prepared speech was certainly well practiced. But it didn't really win anybody over! Another very good Cambridge pub.
27 Jan 2017 19:42
A lovely little backstreet boozer in Cambridge, that is a Greene King pub. There was nobody in when we arrived on a weekday afternoon. The pub has 3 small rooms. The snug is tiny. IPA, Abbot & XX Mild are the 3 regular GK beers. Guests were Hook Norton Grey Goose, Wimbledon Windmill Pale, Sadlers Peaky Blinder & Hadrian Border Tyneside Blonde. Old Rosie was the cider. We were soon joined by a couple of younger drinkers who were on the Sambuca! Tempting, but the mild sufficed for me on this occasion. Worth seeking out.
27 Jan 2017 19:36
I was last here several years ago when I spent a little too long supping the various ciders. Ever since, it has been in my mind as the best pub in Cambridge. My visit yesterday only served to confirm that suspicion and the only question mark in my mind was whether to score it a 9/10 or a 10/10. 9 ales were on - Dark Star Hophead & American Pale Ale, Norfolk Brewhouse Moon Gazer, Three Blind Mice Half Wit & Juice Rocket, Mighty Oak Yellow Snow, Colchester London Porter & Woodfordes Wherry & Ruby Red. One local customer walked in and was also offered Incognito from the Crafty brewery, which wasn't officially on. Ciders and perry were Udders Orchard Luddite, Cromwells Oliver's Downfall, Hallets PX, Millwhites Rum Cask, Snails Bank Fruit Bat & Simons Sweet Barton Perry. The pub appears to have changed a little since I was there last. You are immediately greeted by fridges displaying a large bottle selection. To the right-hand side of the bar, you can see the cellar from where all ales and ciders were being dispensed direct from the cask. To the left is another small drinking area, with a larger extension beyond. I don't recall this area last time I was here. But I did have a few. There is also a large outdoor area, that was even in use yesterday. I think they had patio heaters. My conclusion is to rate this pub a 9/10, as there were a few vacant handpulls. Although this is hardly surprising for this time of year. It's certainly the best of many decent pubs in Cambridge and also one of the best pubs in the country.
27 Jan 2017 19:28
It's been several years since I was last in the Kingston Arms and I didn't review it then. I was also quite inebriated the last time I was in. So with this being only my third pub of the day, I got a much better impression. This is a backstreet pub that has an L-shaped room and what looks like it might be a pleasant outdoor courtyard in the summer - not so pleasant on a freezing January day. The pub was busy with plenty of diners and the menu looked very tempting. The ale range was equally good, with the 6 regular beers - Jaipur, Brewers Gold, Summer Lightning, JHB, Wherry & Landlord supplemented by Mighty Oak Oscar Wilde, Green Duck Duck Dastardly, Tydd Steam Armageddon & Great Heck Chopper. Ciders were Lilleys Pear & Raspberry & Pickled Pig Porkers Snout. A far better pub than I remembered it.
27 Jan 2017 19:17
The Devonshire Arms, Cambridge
Paid a return visit to the Devonshire yesterday on arrival to Cambridge. Whilst I really rated it the last time I came, I wasn't quite so impressed this time around. The ale selection was still decent - Milton Pegasus, Dionysus, Nero & Minerva, Slaters Arctic, Acorn Gorlovka & Brewshed Golden Wolf. There were also 2 unusual ciders - Cromwells Oliver's Choice & Potton Press Happy Medium. I opted for the latter, which was a new one for me. But the real let down was the service. I was eventually served by a woman, who looked as if she had just been told she had been sacked! She seemed much happier dealing with the regulars, of which there were quite a few despite my visit being on a weekday lunchtime. I like the pub and the beers. But judging on my experience and some of the other reviews on here, service is lacking. So I'm downgrading my score slightly.
27 Jan 2017 19:12
The Hamilton Hall, Liverpool Street
A handy place to head for when your train is cancelled, as mine was yesterday. It's just up the escalators from the main concourse. A decent selection of ales were on yesterday morning - Exmoor Gold, Greene King Abbot, Green Jack Mahseer, Ringwood Forty Niner, Cotleigh Seahawk, Strathaven Winter Glow, Caledonian Edinburgh Castle & Great Newsome Frothingham Best. Cider was Old Rosie. An earlier start than I had anticipated and this place still had a few other drinkers at 11am on a weekday.
27 Jan 2017 19:06
I'd been to the Beer Rebellion in Gipsy Hill before. But I believe this was the first of their three pubs. So I've been looking forward to coming here, despite the demise of Late Knights brewery. The bar has the look of a micropub. Although there is live music and it can get quite noisy. So it doesn't quite fit the definition. Ales were Siren Broken Dream Breakfast Stout, Gipsy Hill Anorak Plum Mild, East London Brewery Cowcatcher & Arbor Blue Sky Drinking. Ciders were Orchard Pig Reveller & Cock Eyed Devon Jasper. They also had craft beers from Fourpure, Wiper & True, Little Beer Corporation & Gipsy Hill. Possibly the best pub in Peckham. Note that there is another similar pub called Beer Shop London, about 15 minutes walk away that is worth a visit in combination with Beer Rebellion. I'll request for it to be added here.
23 Jan 2017 00:07
The Kentish Drovers is a Wetherspoons pub in the heart of Peckham. It's full of all sorts of characters of all nationalities and cultures. As a pub and an example of a 'spoons, it's pretty poor. The ale selection was Ruddles Best, Caledonian Edinburgh Castle & Sambrooks Junction. The cider was Old Rosie. I had a swift half of Edinburgh Castle before moving on. Believe it or not, there are better places in Peckham.
23 Jan 2017 00:02
The Stormbird was the better of the 2 Camberwell pubs I tried last night. I visited the Hermit's Cave across the road back in 2010. Whilst they are related, they are worlds apart. The Hermits Cave has the better atmosphere. The Stormbird has the better beers. The latter has limited seating. I ended up propping up the bar. Only 3 real ales were on - Five Points Railway Porter, Hawshead Windermere Pale & Siren Liquid Mistress. Ciders were Sandford Orchards Devon Mist & Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. Another key draw is the craft beer selection, which included brews from Beavertown, Magic Rock, Left Hand Brewing, Mikkeler, Moor & Siren. There was also a decent bottle selection. Pub of the day in South East London for me and the Railway Porter was divine!
22 Jan 2017 23:59
I wasn't intending to do an Antic pub crawl, but this was the third in a row of the chain's pubs for me. Another trendy place that was packed on a Saturday night, with all kinds of people. Some were watching the live football, some were dining, others were just there for the conversation. The beers were Butcombe Bitter, Moles The Tunneler & Castle Rock Snowhite. Ok, but not the best Antic pub I've been to.
22 Jan 2017 23:54
The Old Red Lion is situated next to Oakham's London pub (Oaka). I'd been there before, but somehow missed the Old Red Lion. It's now an Antic pub, with a fairly trendy (eclectic) interior. Although the building itself is ancient. Ales were Vim Volden, Hawkshead Bitter & Dark Star American Pale Ale & Revelation. They also had a cider - Blaengawney Hallets Blindfold and a perry, also from Hallets, one of my favourite producers. With lots of nooks and crannies and a convenient location near to Kennington tube, I can definitely recommend it.
22 Jan 2017 23:51
We retreated from the Grape & Grain across the other side of the traffic lights to the much livelier Westow House. I quite like Antic pubs and this one is no exception. Although no dark beers or real cider means it will stay as a 6/10 after this visit. The ale choice was Volden Pale & Session, Brighton Bier South Coast IPA, Redwell Julol, But The Horns Stiff Upper Lip, Adnams Ghost Ship & Dark Star Hophead. Many people were eating food and most tables were taken. If you're in the area, give it a try.
22 Jan 2017 23:47
The Grape and Grain, Crystal Palace
Yesterday was a return visit to the Grape & Grain for me. Whilst I've heard people raving about the place, I've never been won over. The beer selection is good for the area. But there's countless better pubs across South-East London, let alone London as a whole. Whilst up to 12 beers can be served, yesterday there was 8 - Rudgate Brew No. 1 Vanilla Mild, East London Brewery Night Watchman, Dark Star Hophead & Original, St Peters Ruby Red Ale, Adnams Bitter, Hogsback Tea & Brewsters Sarah Guppy. There were 2 real ciders - Westons Old Rosie & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Gents toilets were out of order, meaning a queue for the solitary disabled toilet. Disappointing.
22 Jan 2017 23:44
I believe this is the 4th of the Draft Houses I have visited. Here at opening on Saturday lunchtime, I was greeted with 4 ales - Burning Sky Plateau & Porter, Siren Vermont Tea Party & Sambrooks Four Chimneys Chocolate Stout. I had half of the porter and the stout and both were in good condition. I don't recall the pricing being too excessive, especially with a CAMRA discount. It is food-oriented and quite modern inside. There's a few decent pubs on this stretch of Tower Bridge Road and this is one of them.
22 Jan 2017 23:40
The Quayside was my final pub of 36 over 4 days in Newcastle. It's one of Wetherspoons' Lloyds bars and has a modern feel to it. Being quite late in the evening, it was attracting a younger crowd. Ale selection was limited to Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharps Doom Bar, Sonnet 43 Abolition & Seraphim & Arundel Winter Knights. But a pint of Thistly Cross Whisky Cask rounded my evening off quite nicely.
22 Jan 2017 23:35
I'd been nextdoor to here in the Hop & Cleaver 3 nights previous. But back in the area, I decided to give the Redhouse a try. It has what feels like an ancient interior, with exposed brickwork. The ale selection was better than I was expecting - Hop & Cleaver Devil's Pale, Cullercoats Tyne, Allendale Ruby Columbus, Anarchy Blonde Star, Great North Eastern Rivet Catcher & Mordue Five Bridges. No real cider though. Quite an atmospheric place that I will not pass by in a hurry next time.
22 Jan 2017 23:32
After a visit to the Head Of Steam near Central station earlier in the evening, I ended up at this branch of the chain much later in the night. The Quayside site is a much brighter, upmarket version. It is larger and busier than the one in the city centre. Popular with couples, rather than singles. If anything, the ale range is also better - Anarchy Sublime Chaos, Box Social Slay Bell, Consett Steel Town, Sonnet 43 Miss Scarlet's Revolver, Leeds Reindeer Porter & Camerons Ahopalypse Now & Inglenoon. Cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Scrumpy. A guitarist was in action in one corner. Another place to add to the list of Newcastle pubs to visit.
22 Jan 2017 23:28
The Pitcher and Piano, Newcastle
I needed somewhere to eat late at night. So this place suited me fine at 9pm, as I just caught last orders for food. It's a large building, set right on the Quayside with a good view of the Tyne. Popular with a younger crowd. But 2 ales were being served - Marstons EPA & Wychwood Hobgoblin. My Hobgoblin and meal were just what the doctor ordered. But not normally my kind of establishment.
22 Jan 2017 23:22
I made a swift visit to the plush Hotel Du Vin (not listed on here), before moving down to the Free Trade. I last visited here in 2010 and remember leaving in a bit of a state. That day it was my 9th pub of the day and they had a cider festival on. This time, luckily it was only my 8th and the cider selection was much more limited - Dawsons 100, Pure North Valley Gold, Worleys Beatnik Billy & Kentish Pip Firespice. Ales were Thornbridge Jaipur, Allendale Gluten Free IPA, Roosters High Tea, Almasty Centennial Simcoe, Fyne Ales Jarl & Hawkshead Windermere Pale. It feels a lot more spit and sawdust than I remember it. Although last time I was drunk and it was packed. This time, my visit was much more relaxing. Upgrading my rating to 8/10. A really good boozer.
22 Jan 2017 23:18
I gave the Cumberland Arms a 9/10 the last time I visited here in 2010. I don't normally bestow such a high mark and I very often mark a pub down when making a return visit. Not so here. The Cumberland Arms is still my favourite pub in Newcastle. It feels like a little bit of rural England slapped bang in the middle of a big city. The two rooms are just as atmospheric as last time. The one was being occupied by some musicians and singers. So I headed for the room on the left. Ales were North Prototype, Allendale Mosaic, Thirst Class Hoppy Couple IPA, Magic Rock Common Grounds Coffee Porter & Wylam Rapper. Ciders were Cock Eyed Copper Beech, Gibbet Oak Russet & Sampford Courtenay. I had the Courtenay, which was extremely dry albeit nice. A great pub and one of the finest in the country, in my opinion.
22 Jan 2017 23:14
The Cluny has been on my list of pubs to visit for years now. For some reason, I failed to make it here the last time I was in the area. But as is often the case with pubs I have been waiting to visit, I was somewhat underwhelmed. It did not help that the bar staff decided to serve people who had walked in after me first. The bar is L-shaped and there is a large beam at the corner. I had moved round the corner to try to get somebody's attention. So others got served first. The ale range was good - Consett Stout, Anarchy Boot Boys, Leeds Midnight Bell, Camerons Ahopalypse Now, Out There Cassini & Sonnet 43 The Raven Bourbon Milk Stout. Ciders were Orchard Pig Maverick Ginger & Chilli & Abrahalls Ruby Tuesday & Down Down. Live music is clearly a feature here and a band was warming up. But as with the previous reviewer, I feel the Cumberland Arms and Free Trade are better pubs in this area of town. Still decent though.
22 Jan 2017 23:09
The Ship was my second pub in Byker last Thursday evening, following the Tanners Arms (not listed on here). The Ship is sat opposite the Cluny. But it is a much more compact place. 5 ales were on. They were Consett White Hot, Allendale Wolf, Adnams Broadside & Ghost Ship & Cullercoats Forth. They also had 2 ciders from Orchard Pig - Philosopher & Explorer. I fancied some food in here. But they've switched everything to vegan. So I opted against it. One local thought it was hilarious telling visitors that the place was haunted, whilst pushing one of the low-hanging light bulbs. He proceeded to do this both on the way to the toilet and on his return. Each to their own! There's better pubs nearby. But certainly add this as part of a crawl.
22 Jan 2017 23:04
It's been several years since I last visited the Head Of Steam and I don't believe I've reviewed it on here previously. So I paid it a return visit on Thursday. The pub is directly opposite Central station. It is on the first floor of the building. I felt it always had a rough feel to it. But it felt decidedly less edgy on this visit and it may have had a refurb. The ale range was decent - Leeds Pale, Exit 33 Nicaraguan Rum Stout & Light Weight, Brinkburn Canny Sculler & Camerons Blue Mountain Jamaican Coffee & Rum Ale. The cider was Woodhall's Wizard's Sleeve. I enjoyed a swift half of the Camerons beer before moving on. I'm sure I'll be back much sooner.
22 Jan 2017 22:57
I was staying in the nearby Crowne Plaza hotel. So I thought I'd give the Telegraph a try on Thursday evening. It's just over the rear of Central station. Signs on the doorway state that toilets are for customers only, or a 50p charge otherwise. They suggest coming in for a coffee or tea for just £1! 4 ales are served. They were Mordue Workie Ticket & Five Bridges & Great North Eastern Rivet Catcher & Westoe IPA. The interior was dark, with little atmosphere. There are much better pubs around. Try the Box Social, just down the road in the railway arches.
22 Jan 2017 22:44
Northumberland Hussar, Newcastle
The Northumberland Hussar is not the easiest pub to get to. It's a good 20 minute walk from Chillingham Road metro station. But I was encouraged by reviews I'd read and decided to finish off my Wednesday night here. The location is fairly unassuming. On approach to it, you think you're entering a council estate-type pub with keg beers only. But they had 5 fairly unusual ales - Hunters January, Brinkburn Geordie Pagoda, Firebrick Trade Star, Out There Angara Baltic Porter & Roosters Weekender. I ordered a half of the Porter, only to be told that I could only order a two thirds. I find this a very strange concept and one I'd seen before in the Brandling Villa in South Gosforth. What is wrong with the traditional half pint? Selling ales in thirds or two thirds does not make the place any trendier. I can't quite understand it. The Porter was vile and the worst beer I had during my visit to Newcastle. If you end up in Chillingham Road, my advice would be to go no further than the Chillingham itself near the metro station. Despite the promising ale selection, this place is pretentious and does not know how to keep its beer.
22 Jan 2017 22:40
The County was my final port of call in Gosforth. It was reasonably busy inside and has a traditional feel to it. It is a John Barras pub with more ales than I've previously seen in their establishments. They had a County Gosforth Best Bitter, Anarchy Urban Assault, Ossett Clearwater, Three Kings Billy Mill, Great North Eastern Rivet Catcher, Wylam Angel & Gold Tankard, Wells Bombardier, Greene King IPA & Caledonian Deuchars IPA. Thatchers Cheddar Valley cider was also stocked. Nice pub. But my only gripe would be the price. £2.05 for a half of cider is more expensive than in London. But I suppose Cheddar Valley is rarely seen in these parts. No CAMRA discount on cider either (but there was on ales).
22 Jan 2017 22:34
The Job Bulman is a Wetherspoons on a side street just off Gosforth's High Street. In my opinion, it is Gosforth's best pub. It has the usual decent range of ales - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sonnet 43 The Raven Bourbon Milk Stout, Maxim Maximus & Andersons Best Scotch & Sharps Doom Bar and in addition, they also had Old Rosie cider. I enjoyed a chicken meal here on what was Wetherspoons' chicken night. That was fine too. The interior is fairly modern, with an outdoor courtyard looking as if it might be quite pleasant in the summer. In the winter, it was handy for smokers. Decent pub.
22 Jan 2017 22:30
The Brandling Arms is set back a little from the High Street and therefore enjoys a pleasant green area at the front. It's fairly large and the interior is modern and airy. But there appears to be a focus on food. Durham White Gold is the regular ale. 2 guests were Woodfordes Tundra & Harbour Breakfast Pale. None of these took my fancy. So I opted for an Aspalls cider. Nice building. But a little disappointing as a pub.
22 Jan 2017 22:26
The Queen Victoria was pretty dead on my Wednesday evening visit. The one other customer left soon after I arrived, leaving me with just 2 bar staff and the landlord. The interior is nice enough. It is fairly traditional. 3 ales and a cider were on - Sharps Doom Bar, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, Rudgate Jorvik Blonde & Westons Old Rosie. I drank my Old Rosie swiftly and moved on to busier pubs.
22 Jan 2017 22:19
My first stop in Gosforth was the Gosforth Hotel, on the corner at a set of traffic lights. It's very much a locals pub and was busy on my Wednesday evening visit. Sky Sports News was showing on the TV. 6 ales were on. The 2 regulars are Allendale Pennine Pale & Mordue Workie Ticket. Guests were Sonnet 43 Aurora, Sharps Doom Bar, Hadrian Border Grainger Ale & Adnams Ghost Ship. A CAMRA discount is promoted. It turned out to be one of Gosforth's better pubs.
22 Jan 2017 22:16
The Twin Farms, Kenton Bank Foot
Wednesday's tour of Newcastle pubs took me out to Kenton Bank Foot and the Twin Farms, which is a Fitzgeralds establishment within easy walk of Bank Foot metro station. I was a little disappointed though. It's predominantly a foodie place. But they did have 4 ales. Anarchy Blonde Star is the regular beer. There was another guest from Anarchy - Citrastar, in addition to Sonnet 43 Abolition & Great North Eastern Red Ellen. Not worth the trek from the city centre. But I'm told the food is good.
22 Jan 2017 22:11
The Old George is tucked away up a side passage just off the Bigg Market and High Bridge. But it's a really old pub with low ceilings and plenty of character. The ale selection is also decent - Bass supplemented by 4 guests - Cullercoats Shuggy Boat Blonde & Jack The Devil, Sonnet 43 The Raven Bourbon Milk Stout & Anarchy Blonde Star. I had the Raven, which went down very nicely, despite it being my final stop for the night. Another place to add to future Newcastle itineraries.
22 Jan 2017 22:07
The Pleased To Meet You is somewhere I hadn't noticed on my previous ramblings around Newcastle, despite it being on the same street as my favourite Newcastle city centre pub - Bacchus. This place feels quite upmarket and similar to a cocktail bar, with a young clientele. Mordue Five Bridges is the resident ale. There were also 4 guests on my visit - Fyne Ale Crystal Highlander, Roosters Howl Rum Barrel Imperial Stout, Black Hill Hartley Stone & Dark Star Crème Brulee. The whole place feels a bit pretentious. But it's clearly popular and with this range of ales, I'll definitely be back.
22 Jan 2017 22:03
The City Tavern is located on a side street, just off one of Newcastle's main shopping drags. It opens up to a large bar area with a lengthy table in the middle. Two of the beers are house beers - City Tavern Ale (Caledonian Edinburgh Castle) & City Tavern Bar Hound (Theakston Lightfoot). Guests were Hopback Crop Circle, Marstons 61 Deep, Wychwood Dryneck, Leeds Gingerbread Stout, Brains SA & Shepherd Neame Spitfire. The cider was also house branded as Hectors. I was told by the barman that it was a local cider. But I soon realised it was Westons Old Rosie in another guise. I must admit I hadn't realised that Herefordshire and Tyne & Wear were so close. This place is worth calling in though.
22 Jan 2017 21:55
The Five Swans, Newcastle upon Tyne
The Five Swans is another cavernous Wetherspoons in Newcastle. It is tucked away from the busier streets, near the Civic Centre. But it was still packed on my Tuesday evening visit. It was my favourite of the city centre 'spoons. With several different rooms, you're sure to find a table even if it is packed. Service took a while. But I seemed to have walked in during a rush. Ales were Titanic Full Steam Ahead, White Horse Village Idiot, Dukeries Farmers Branch, Strathaven Winter Glow, Vog Dark Matter Blackcurrant Porter, Clock House Post Horn Pale Ale, Sharps Doom Bar, Ruddles Best & Greene King Abbot. Ciders were both from Thistly Cross - Ginger & Whisky Cask. A very good branch of this chain.
22 Jan 2017 21:50
The Hotspur is conveniently situated for Haymarket metro station. It's a small, but basic city centre pub with a nice atmosphere and a decent selection of 5 ales and 2 ciders. The ales were Cullercoats Jack The Devil, Wylam Cascade & Galaxia, Anarchy Strait Jacket and a house beer - Warden of the East Hotspur Bitter. The 2 ciders were both from Westons - Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig. A pleasant place to enjoy a swift one or a longer session.
22 Jan 2017 21:45
The Trent House is a pub favoured by students, not far from St James' Park. On my Tuesday evening visit, it was fairly busy. But I managed to find a small table. The ground floor bar is small. But I gather there is another upstairs. The 4 ales on were Harviestoun Bitter And Twisted, Caledonian Golden XPA, Copper Dragon Serendipity & Firebrick Blaydon Brick. The number of pumpclips on the ceiling indicated that they've had a fair few decent beers in here in the past.
22 Jan 2017 21:41
The Strawberry is a rather down at heel pub situated right next to St James' Park stadium. Some of the clientele were quite rowdy, but not in an overly-threatening manner. 5 ales were on. The regulars are Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Mordue Northumbrian Blonde. Guests were High House Farm Matfen Magic, Tops Jack Tar & Great North Eastern Rivet Catcher. I had the Jack Tar, which was in good condition. I'd also entered during happy hour and had the opportunity to hit a big red button to get a discount. I managed to get 25% off, which made the ale taste that much better. Not a bad place for a visit. But I think I'd avoid on matchdays.
22 Jan 2017 21:37
Tilley's was my final stop on my Monday evening crawl of Newcastle pubs and it was a fitting finale. How on earth has this pub not been in the Good Beer Guide since 2010? Tilley's is part of the Head Of Steam group of pubs. I'm amazed I've never been in here before. But if in this part of town, we often end up in the Bodega instead. I was suitably impressed. The single bar has sufficient seating and is a nice drinking environment. The ale selection was good - 7 were on - Camerons Apocalypse Now & Blue Mountain Jamaican Coffee and Rum Porter, Credence Coffee Porter, Mordue Workie Ticket, Leeds Yorkshire Gold & Midnight Bell & Tyne Bank Mocha Milk Stout. The cider was Old Rosie. Quiet when I initially walked in, it soon got much noisier when a loud and clearly quite inebriated group walked in. No trouble though. I will definitely be back here.
22 Jan 2017 21:32
My penultimate stop of the night was the Forth. It's located up an alleyway leading down towards Central station. I've passed it many times, but never ventured in. Monday evening was quiz night, with a rather amusing hostess. There are 2 main rooms and a smaller and much darker back room, where I sat to try to get a bit more peace and quiet and to have a meal with my drink. Doom Bar is the regular ale. But they also had 4 guests - Roosters Little Bird, Ilkley Mary Jane, Durham White Gold & Adnams Longboat. I opted for the latter, which was cloudy and the worst drink of the evening. The burger I had was ok though.
22 Jan 2017 21:26
The Union Rooms is one of a couple of large Wetherspoons located just across from Newcastle Central station. It is surprising to have two so close together. But I heard that the Union Rooms may soon be closing. The other pub is the Mile Castle, which I will request to be added. The Union Rooms is a fairly grand building though. The upstairs was closed for a private party, which was just as well as I saw a couple of people getting lost in the maze of rooms downstairs alone. The interior echoes a fair amount. So it does quite noisy in here. For the full selection of ales, you are best checking both the main bar at the front and the smaller bar at the rear. Although on this occasion, the ale selection was poor - just the usual Wetherspoons staples - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharps Doom Bar, supplemented by Ringwood Boon Doggle. Two ciders could be found at the rear bar - Westons Old Rosie & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Whilst the Union Rooms is the more impressive building, you're likely to find a better selection of ales in the massive Mile Castle just up the street.
22 Jan 2017 21:19
My next stop in Newcastle was the Bridge Tavern. It doesn't look much from the outside. But inside, there is another good selection of ales. On my visit, they had 7 ales - Bridge House Casual Guise (brewed on site), Siren Under Current, Clouded Minds Clout Stout, Wylam #3000 Cream Porter, Magic Rock Common Grounds Coffee Porter, Harbour Red And White & Almasty NZ Pale. They also had a real cider - Pulp Apple. I sat in the large bare-boarded room where the bar is located. But there may well have been other rooms. As with other Newcastle pubs, it was reasonably busy for a Monday evening. Yet another pub in this area of the city that is definitely worthy of a return visit.
22 Jan 2017 21:12
This place seemed very dark when I first entered. Whilst it does have its own brewery, it also has a heavy focus on food with waitresses ready to approach you when you walk through the door. There is a seating area as you first walk in and another dining room to the right. The bar is up a few stairs towards the rear, beyond which there is another large room, with an outdoor courtyard just off the bar and seemingly another maze of rooms that link with adjoining properties. I was only on my second pub. But despite being relatively sober, I managed to get lost twice on the way to the gents! The ale selection was impressive. From their on site brewery, they had Devil's Pale, Robin (Christmas Pudding Spices), Flanders Folly & Cappuccino Porter. Also on were Errant & Stubrew Heavy Is The Crown Espresso Stout, Atom Fission IPA (Orange & Chilli), Fyne Ales Highlander & Rudgate York Chocolate Stout. I opted for two of these. But neither were as good as I'd hoped. This place is still definitely worth a visit though, if you find yourself in the Quayside area.
22 Jan 2017 21:06
This building is currently sat derelict. It looks like it has been closed a number of years. A shame, considering the Quayside area is now booming.
22 Jan 2017 20:59
4 nights in Newcastle last week was started in this micropub, close to Newcastle Central station and in one of the railway arches. As previous reviews say, they have moved venues. The old venue, also under a railway arch is now occupied by Box Social, another micropub, which I visited later in the week and will request to be added to the site. The new larger premises for the Split Chimp, means the upstairs fits a bowling alley. That must be a first for a micropub. The ground floor section has plenty of seating. The regular ale is Errant Clever Chimp. There were 3 guests - Titanic Cherry Dark, Strathaven Timorous Beastie & Bank Top Flat Cap. There are a number of craft beers on keg too and two real ciders in the fridge. These were Strawberry Moon & Rhubarb Bob, both from Farmer Jims. The barman (owner?) was saying how much CAMRA like the place. But it's annoying that discounts are only offered on pints. Nevertheless, this is a really welcome addition to the Newcastle pub scene and one I will return to next time I am in the city.
22 Jan 2017 20:57
The Lodge was my last stop of the night in Cheshire and was one of the better pubs of the day. A total of 8 ales were on - Pictish Sorachi, Ilkley Mary Jane, Dark Star American Pale Ale & Original, Oakham Inferno, Black Sheep Golden Sheep, Neptune Fugu & Marstons Burton Bitter. There were also 4 ciders. 2 were definitely Orchard Pig The Hogfather & Westons Rosie's Pig. They also had another from Westons, which was possibly Family Reserve. I opted for one from Farmer Jims, which was I believe their medium cider. But there is no cider list anywhere and you can't see the names on the boxes which are in the right-hand room as you enter. That room is the main public bar and there was an incident involving an irate local when I entered. But this soon appeared to be resolved. The room to the left as you enter is slightly smaller. But both have a traditional feel and most locals were much more friendly and were engaging in polite conversation. Recommended.
22 Jan 2017 20:48
Joules pub that was closed on my Sunday evening visit. I later read somewhere that it closes at 6pm on a Sunday evening. But their own website and others are out of date. No beerintheevening on this occasion. So a 0/10 for now. But I will try to hit lucky again.
22 Jan 2017 20:41
I've changed trains many times at Crewe and have contemplated walking here many times before. But it's a fair walk from the station and tucked away just to the east of Crewe's town centre. I'd heard good reviews about the pub and was expecting good things. But to be honest, I was slightly disappointed and I didn't think the Borough Arms was as good as Hops. This is a typical local boozer, with an L-shaped bar and another side room. Conversation rules. The ale selection is also good. On this visit, they had 9 ales - Abbeydale Dam Good Stuffing, Coastal Ocean Sunset, Oakham New World Order & Inferno, Cairngorm Trade Winds, Idle Valley Jaded Pioneer, Wadworth Dray Bells, Fyne Ales Crystal Highlander & Thornbridge Jaipur. They also had 2 ciders - Westons Old Rosie & Cotswold Cider Company Yellow Hammer. I opted for the latter, which was perfectly fine. But I was short-changed by the young barman, who seemed completely confused by what I had given him. It was eventually resolved. But I don't think he had a clue what he was doing! My review may feel a little negative. But my score reflects the average that the pub currently has. This is a really good pub. But I was somehow expecting something even better.
22 Jan 2017 20:37
This pub appears to be one of the roughest in Crewe. There were certainly a few characters in on my Sunday evening visit. It's a Robinsons house that seemed to have two ales - Unicorn & Dizzy Blonde. Although one of the pumpclips was half turned (I don't recall which) and may have been off. Looks promising from the outside. But not worth venturing in.
22 Jan 2017 20:29
I'd intended to visit the Gaffers Row much earlier last Sunday. But on arrival shortly after 10am, I found it closed. This was apparently something to do with some blocked pipes. presumably as a result of the cold weather. I returned much later in the evening and rather amusingly, I was followed through the door by a happy landlord from another local pub who had been taking all of Wetherspoons' customers throughout the day. Apparently they had not been able to open until 6pm. Nevertheless, it was back open. But it wasn't really worth the wait. Bar staff were friendly and offered a taster of one of the ales. They had the usual Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, along with 2 guests from Lymestone - Stone Faced & Ein Stein and an Everards collaboration brew - Kawasaki Red Ale. Cider was Old Rosie. Feels like it has a lighter, more modern décor than many other branches and is convenient for the town bus station, which is just behind the building.
22 Jan 2017 20:23
As you approach this place, it feels like it is going to be similar to a wine bar or a restaurant. But the interior has the feel of a micro pub. Although it is slightly larger than most micro pubs and it certainly pre-dates the micro pub scene. 6 ales and 6 ciders or perrys were on (although looking at the last review, I may have missed the 2 ales on gravity) - Townhouse Barney's Stout, Raw Grey Ghost IPA, Hopcraft Queen Anne's Revenge, Cwrw Ial Kia Kaha, Red Willow Stateless & Seamless, Ross-on-Wye Broome Farm Perry, Snails Bank Tumbledown & Very Perry, Lilleys Merry Monkey & Abrahalls Lily The Pink & Slack Alice. There were a fair few customers in and it had got much busier as I left to continue my Sunday evening jaunt around the town. My favourite pub in Crewe, on this evidence.
22 Jan 2017 20:18
The Hop Pole was my first port of call in Crewe last Sunday evening. It's a lively pub with several separate drinking areas, tucked away in a residential area to the south of the centre. There were 3 ales on - Doom Bar, Hooky & Shropshire Gold. Locals were playing pool in one section. But there was a separate bar area and other rooms too.
22 Jan 2017 20:10
I was very impressed by this pub. I was expecting a dining pub. But on entering, there was no sign of any diners, just a fair number of drinkers. Thwaites Original is the regular ale. But they also had 3 guests - Woodlands Midnight Stout, Tatton Gyle 66 & Pennine Amber Necker. There was also a few craft beers on keg dispensed from the back of the bar. These included Titanic Plum Porter. I went for the Gyle 66, a 12% Imperial Russian Stout, which was very nice indeed. No real cider is sold. Definitely worth seeking out though. Moved on from here to the Little Man at Wettenhall (not listed on the site, but I'll request for it to be added).
22 Jan 2017 20:04
With all pubs in Crewe closed last Sunday morning, I took a drive out to this fairly large Greene King pub to the west of town. Lo and behold, it did open at 11am. The pubs primary focus appears to be dining. But there is certainly a following of drinkers too. Greene King IPA & Abbot are the regular ales. But they also had an ale called Joey The Swan, also from Greene King along with 3 other guests - Batemans XB, Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted & Sadlers Peaky Blinder. I opted for the Abbot which was in good condition. The interior of the pub is fairly cosy. Drinkers seems to congregate around the bar, where there were a couple of small tables. But most of the pub is set aside for food. It has a large car park outside. At least it was a real ale pub in the Crewe area that actually opened before midday.
22 Jan 2017 19:57
This is a pub located in a shopping arcade in the centre of Crewe. I called here last Sunday morning on the off chance that it might be open. But it seems that opening hours are fairly limited. Not even the Wetherspoons in the town was open.
22 Jan 2017 19:50
Tried this pub on Tuesday night. It's a local pub not far from Heathrow. There are 2 separate rooms. Service was fine and there was a real ale on (Doom Bar). Otherwise, I can't really recommend a visit
12 Jan 2017 20:26
There was nobody in when we arrived here yesterday. But the 6 of us managed to pretty much fill the bar. 4 ales were on - Brimstage IPA, Big Bog Hinky Punk, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin & Greyhawk Casey Jones. All of the ales were pale and most of our party were happy. The cider was Old Rosie. Still a fantastic little pub that is well worth seeking out.
8 Jan 2017 15:52
Tried visiting here yesterday afternoon. But it was closed. I hope it isn't closed for good, as it is has been one of the city's better pubs. I don't believe it is, as there was a light on inside. But the front door was locked and the side door still had a shutter down. Disappointing. 0/10 based on this visit.
8 Jan 2017 15:49
This pub used to be open for breakfast at weekends. But it no longer opens until midday. Nevertheless, the ale range was fairly decent - Stamps Winter Warmer, Phoenix Spotland Gold & Wychwood Hobgoblin. The cider was Rosie's Black Bart. I went for the Winter Warmer, which was a chocolate and mandarin porter and very enjoyable too. The interior always feels quite grungy and it's a popular place for music, with a free juke box. There are long bench tables and seating with further tables and seating at the side. It's a fairly dark place, as it is underground.
8 Jan 2017 15:47
The Flute and Firkin, Liverpool
We visited the Flute yesterday (Saturday) morning as it is one of the few pubs in this part of town that opens in the morning. It had 3 ales on - Banks's Sunbeam, Tetleys Christmas Cracker & Sharps Doom Bar. Most of our part opted for the Sunbeam, whilst I (probably stupidly) plumped for the Christmas beer, even though Christmas was a couple of weeks ago. The taste was vile and it didn't take much to work out that the beer was off. I exchanged it for a Sunbeam, which was marginally better. The pub was also far too hot. Disappointing experience.
8 Jan 2017 15:42
With its other pub across the green (the Cross Keys) now being a private house, this appears to be the only real ale pub left in this village. The pub has a real country pub feel to it. It serves food. But most people appeared to be there for the ales, of which there were 2 - Timothy Taylor Landlord & Inveralmond Santa's Swallie. Another half decent pub in Lanarkshire.
5 Jan 2017 23:18
After visiting two town pubs not listed on here (the George Bar in Hamilton and Hudson's in East Kilbride), I ventured out to the Scottish countryside to this quaint pub in a very small village. The bar area has lots of character. There were more customers in there than you'd expect for its location and time of the week. In fact, I'm surprised it was open at all. A great little pub. But sadly its single handpull was unused. Keg options were Guinness, Harviestoun Schiehallion. Belhaven Best, Carling, Tennents Ice Cold, Stella Artois & Blackthorn Gold. A welcoming place that could be worth a few more points with some decent ales.
5 Jan 2017 23:15
The Rowan Tree Inn, Uddingston
The Rowan Tree is a small pub located in a back street of this small town. It is nextdoor to the Tunnocks factory, manufacturer of the famous tea cakes. The interior is worth venturing in for. It has a long bar, with real fires at either end and a couple of side rooms. It was very sparsely populated on my midweek lunchtime visit. Doom Bar was the real ale. Come here to marvel at the unspoiled interior, not for the beer.
5 Jan 2017 23:07
After a visit to the very disappointing Wetherspoons in Airdrie, my faith in the chain was restored with a visit to the Vulcan in Coatbridge. It stands next to a rather ugly block of flats. You wouldn't think it was an ideal location for a 'spoons. But I was greeted on entry by a friendly and professional barman who quickly went behind the bar and instantly told me which of the ales on handpull were still available - Adnams Het Anker Belgian Blonde, Everards Kawasaki Red Ale & Kelburn Dark Matter. I went for the latter, which the barman recommended and it was the best beer I had during the day. This was a busier place than the Robert Hamilton in Airdrie. Yet the bar staff here were keeping a much tighter ship. My favourite pub during my this day's visit to Lanarkshire. I continued from here to the smaller, more intimate St Andrew's Bar. This is the other side of town and not listed on here. It's still worth a visit and also stocks a real ale.
5 Jan 2017 23:02
The Robert Hamilton appears to be the only pub in this town dispensing real ales. Maybe there's not much demand, as most people appear to swill out of cans on the streets. But this is a Wetherspoons and a poor one at that. Alcohol is not served until 11am. It was not too much of a surprise to me that there was a queue at the bar as the clock struck 11. One woman was serving food, whilst the other was behind the bar. As the clock struck 11, both decided that their job was to serve food, leaving some frustrated customers. The guy next to me gave up and walked out. When I was eventually served, it transpired that they only had 2 ales - Atlas Nimbus & Everards Kawasaki Red Ale. Amongst the numerous "coming soon" signs, there was a pumpclip for Orkney Dark Island. But attempts to order this were futile, as apparently it was off. It's possible there was only one ale by the time I left, as the Nimbus appeared to have run out too. I enquired about real cider and was met with a quizzical look from the bar manager. I pointed at the bag in the box lying on the floor. But she shrugged her shoulders and I guessed there was no replacement forthcoming. A pretty poor excuse for a Wetherspoons. I also tried the Cellar Bar around the corner. There's no real ale there and it's not listed on this site. But you're more likely to get served their quicker by a manager who is friendly and eager to please, rather than a corporate chain who at times could not give a monkeys.
5 Jan 2017 22:53
The Volunteer Arms is CAMRA's pub of the year for Scotland and Northern Ireland. So I had really high hopes and had booked accommodation in Musselburgh to take full advantage. This is undoubtedly a good pub. But I wonder if I'd built this up in my mind too much, as I wasn't as overwhelmed as I'd expected. I'd visited the Grey Horse in Balerno earlier and whilst it would be difficult to chose between the two, I thought the Grey Horse was marginally the better. Nevertheless, this pub is certainly worth of a 7/10. The ale range is mostly pale ales, which was part of my disappointment - Oakham JHB, Bishop's Farewell & Green Devil IPA, Fyne Ales Jarl & Stewarts Crossfire. The availability of Moles Black Rat cider tempered my disappointment. Whisky also appears to be a speciality. I sat in the main bar area which has lots of wood panelling and is a perfect environment for conversation. TVs normally detract from conversation. But the live football showing on 2 TVs was actually a talking point of many conversations and complemented the bar without detracting from the convivial atmosphere. This is without doubt the best pub in Musselburgh and worth seeking out. Apparently it was CAMRA's national pub of the year in 1997.
5 Jan 2017 22:44
The David Macbeth Moir, Musselburgh
The David MacBeth Moir is another Wetherspoons cinema conversion, with some impressive art deco features and some large film posters. I chose to eat here on what was the Tuesday grill night. So a gammon and a pint of 6.5% Black Cork from the Knops brewery for £8. Other ales were Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Greene King Abbot & Stewarts 80/-. The cider was Orchard Pig Juggler. Staff were fairly jolly. But service was out of turn. The gents toilets were a disgrace. 3 cubicles - one with no toilet paper, one out of service and another absolutely smeared with excrement. I'm glad I attempted to go after my dinner. A decent enough 'spoons let down by the lack of cleanliness in the toilets.
5 Jan 2017 22:36
The Levenhall Arms, Musselburgh
The Levenhall Arms is located at the far eastern end of the racecourse in Musselburgh. There are a couple of small rooms for drinking and a bistro where Indian food is served. I fancied a biryani. But apparently the chef had just started a 4 week holiday! The regular ale is Ossian from Inveralmond. But there were 2 guests from Strathaven - Duchess Anne & Claverhouse. One of a trio of decent pubs in this town.
5 Jan 2017 22:31
The Grey Horse was my favourite pub on my visit to the Lothians on Tuesday. Its situated on a pedestrianized street in Balerno and has a single small public bar, along with a lounge occupied by a Chinese restaurant. The ale selection was better than other pubs I tried - Morland Old Speckled Hen, Alechemy Up And Atom, Strathaven Duchess Anne & Cragmill Gold & Loch Lomond White Out Blonde Stout. There is a friendly bunch of locals. Well worth a visit.
5 Jan 2017 22:27
The Prestoungrange Gothenburg, Prestonpans
After a visit to the Ducks Inn in Aberlady (not listed on here), I tried to visit this place, nicknamed the Goth. It was a pub I was looking forward to visiting. But I arrived too late. The place had closed by 2:55pm on a Tuesday afternoon and the door was locked. A quick call to their telephone number revealed that they wouldn't re-open until midday the following afternoon and they wouldn't consider allowing me in for a swift half. I'll try to visit again some time later in my life and I should really have come here first before the Ducks Inn. But this is not a place you can get a beer in the evening (or even in the afternoon) at this current time. 0/10.
5 Jan 2017 22:23
The Blacksmiths Forge, Dalkeith
The Blacksmith' Forge is a fairly large Wetherspoons pub that looks like it is in a new building. But I may be wrong. The ale selection was better than some of the other 'spoons I visited on this Scotland trip - Titanic Full Steam Ahead, Adnams Het Anker Belgian Blonde, Harviestoun Schiehallion, Everards Kawasaki Red Ale, Windswept Weizen, Sharps Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot & Caledonian Deuchars IPA. Cider was Black Dragon. Appears to be the better of the 2 real ale pubs in Dalkeith. But the Buccleuch nearby doe not provide much competition.
5 Jan 2017 22:19
The Black Bull is a corner pub near the centre of Dalkeith that satisfies a predominantly local clientele. The main bar has narrow bench-type tables around its edge, making it feel like a courtroom. Everybody was quite happily watching the barmaid remove the Christmas decorations from the large wooden casks above the bar. The surroundings are quite pleasing on the eye. But sadly there are no real ales. Keg options were Guinness, Strongbow, Tennents & Tennents Ice Cold, Carling, Belhaven Best & McEwans 80/- & Tartan Special. The nearby Blacksmith's Forge is the place to go for real ales. But this place is a good option for those who prefer traditional pubs. Alternatively you could go and abuse the locals and enjoy a can of strong lager in the local shopping parade, which a couple of local drunks had elected to do!
5 Jan 2017 22:14
The Laird & Dog has a nice roadside location in the dip of the main road through the village. There are a number of different areas in which to drink and dogs are welcomed. The ale selection was a little different compared with other local pubs and the pub appears to be in favour with CAMRA currently. Two of the 3 ales were from Isle of Arran - Red Squirrel & Fireside. The third was Oregon IPA from Clockwork. I sampled the Fireside which tasted as if it should have been quite a nice ale. But it was certainly on its last legs. Certainly one of the better pubs in this area.
5 Jan 2017 22:09
The Steading is a rather unusual looking pub that was much busier than I'd expected on a Tuesday lunchtime. Most people were in for the food. But the pub does have 3 ales. The regular Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Timothy Taylor Landlord were supplemented by Jack Back, a guest ale from Stewart. Not a bad option just outside Edinburgh.
5 Jan 2017 22:05
A midweek trip to Scotland saw me start my exploits in this roadside pub to the south of Edinburgh. I was here for opening at 11am. Although they may have been serving breakfast before then. I was first in and appeared to startle the barmaid. Caledonian Deuchars IPA is the regular ale. But guests were Fullers London Pride, Theakston XB & Wells Bombardier Glorious English. The bar is quite a nice environment to drink in. But the pub is otherwise unexceptional.
5 Jan 2017 22:01
I very often walk by here and take a quick glance at the ale selection. It has certainly improved of late. So 4 of us stopped here for a quick half on Monday. It was much quieter than I've seen it and we managed to get a seat. The 3 ales on were Big Bog Peat Bog Porter, Southport Sandgrounder Bitter & Liverpool Organic Honey Blonde. We had two halves of 2 of the ales. A CAMRA discount is offered, but only on pints. Apparently 2 halves don't equate to a pint where the discount is concerned though. Not the best way of winning custom. But I'll increase my rating to a 5/10. There are far more welcoming pubs not too far from here.
5 Jan 2017 21:37
It's been over 7 years since I last set foot in here. But after a visit to the nearby Molly Malone's (not listed on here), I thought I'd give it a go. It's a tiny back street boozer in Liverpool's small gay quarter. Whilst it has a cosy feel, the real ale choice is limited to Greene King IPA. So I settled with a Guinness. Could be so much better.
5 Jan 2017 21:31
Tried visiting this place early on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon. Despite most other places around being open, this one was closed. 0/10 from me.
5 Jan 2017 21:28
The Lime Kiln was fairly quiet on my Bank Holiday Monday lunchtime visit. But I still rate this as the best Wetherspoons in Liverpool city centre. It feels a little on a limb during the daytime. But when this area is liveliest at night, its location becomes apparent. Ales on this visit were Hawkshead Red, Loddon Hullabalo, Black Sheep Riggwelter, Three B's Shuttle Ale, Coach House Cheshire Gold, Brecon Six Beacons, Salopian Darwin's Origin, Exmoor Gold, Peerless Triple Blond, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. For a less crowded experience than the North Western, the Richard John Blackler, the Welkin and the Fall Well, this is the best Wetherspoons pub for a quiet daytime drink in the centre of Liverpool.
5 Jan 2017 21:26
I'd tried to visit the Crown earlier on in the day. But it wasn't opening until evening on New Year's Day. So we decided to give it another go. It has a main bar area, with a smaller area at the back that was not in use. There was a smattering of locals and a large dog sprawled across 2 large seats near the fire. Ales were Mighty Oak IPA & Bingle Jells & XT 2. Ciders were Woodalls Wizard's Sleeve, Westons Flat Tyre & Burnards Oakey Dokey. I went for the Wizard's Sleeve, which was a new one on me and very pleasant too. Locals seemed quite amused with the name. I'm glad we made the journey back, as this was possibly my favourite pub in Cambridgeshire on the day.
5 Jan 2017 21:13
My last Cambridge pub of the day on New Year's Day was this Milton Brewery establishment on the southern outskirts of the city, amidst a modern housing development. It was quiet inside. But there were 5 or 6 customers in the larger of the 2 bars. Ales were mostly from Milton - Pegasus, Medusa, Sparta, Justinian & Mammon. There were also guests from Milk Street - Zig Zag Stout & Session Ale & Banks & Taylor Santa's Slayer. The cider was Abrahalls Thundering Molly. A bit out of the way. But worth the trek out of town.
5 Jan 2017 21:06
With several more Cambridge pubs found closed on New Year's Day (Portland Arms, Elm Tree, Free Press, Pint Shop & Mill), you can always rely on a Wetherspoons to be open. This is an old cinema, as the name suggests. The interior is fairly spacious, with plenty of spare seating. The gents toilets were particularly large with urinals on a couple of levels! Despite it being fairly quiet, the age-old problem of getting served was in evidence, with few staff available. Ales were Long Man Old Man, City Of Cambridge Boathouse Bitter & Hobsons Choice, Sharps Doom Bar, Greene King IPA & Abbot, Woodfordes Nog, Burton Bridge Santi Freeze, Wolf Lupus Lupus & Wychwood Hobgoblin. No real cider is served. Not the best Wetherspoons. A fairly average branch.
5 Jan 2017 21:01
The Carlton Arms looks like a bit of a dive from the outside. But at least it was open, unlike most pubs in Cambridge when we visited. It turned out to be a really good pub with a decent ale selection and an even better cider selection. I'm not sure if the pub is West Indian-owned. But many of the clientele were certainly of West Indian descent and speciality foods included jerk chicken and curried goat. The interior has some strange decorations. But it's clearly a popular place and the locals seemed a fairly friendly bunch, if not a little inebriated. There was even a couple of complimentary cheeses we were invited to sample. Ales were Oakham JHB, Adnams Broadside, Hook Norton Hooky & Sharps Doom Bar. Ciders were Cornish Orchards Farmhouse, Hogans Panking Pole, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Fiery Fox, Happy Daze & Two Trees Perry, Westons Old Rosie & Orchard Pig Philosopher & The Hogfather. I was spoilt for choice. As you can see from my first sentence, this is an unassuming place that exceeded all of my expectations.
5 Jan 2017 20:54
As we were struggling to find any open pubs in Cambridge, we headed towards the outskirts where presumably even without the students and tourists, there would be enough locals to warrant pubs being open. We thought our luck was in here, with the signs up outside, the lights on inside and about a dozen customers when we walked in. Sadly the barman didn't seem to like the look of us and stated they were closed. Strange that when most of the customers had full or almost full pints and a game of pool was in full progress. Whilst I haven't reviewed most of the pubs we found closed in Cambridge, as New Year's Day does mean pubs have strange opening hours, a pub with such a poor welcome does deserve a special mention and a rating of 0/10, as the casual customer cannot get a beer in the evening here.
5 Jan 2017 20:47
The Pickerel was like an oasis in the real desert that is Cambridge on New Year's Day. With the Hopbine, St Radegund, the Champion of the Thames, the Cambridge Brew House, the Maypole, the Mitre and the Castle Inn all closed, I was well onto my list of reserve pubs for the day when arriving here. Unsurprisingly, it was rather busy. There are 2 small rooms with access to the bar, with a larger interconnecting room and another smaller area at the rear with a real fire. This is a Taylor Walker pub, which had a decent selection of ales - Taylor Walker 1730 Special Pale Ale, Oakham Pickerel & Citra, Tring Pale Four, Woodfordes Nelson's Revenge & Wherry, Greene King IPA Reserve & Timothy Taylor Boltmaker. There were also 2 real ciders - Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig from Westons. Be sure to check both rooms with access to the bar to see the full selection. Bar staff are knowledgeable. A welcome sight on New Year's Day.
5 Jan 2017 20:42
The White Swan was fairly quiet on our New Year's Day visit. There were just 3 other drinkers present. But the main bar area is quite cosy. The 2 regular ales are Adnams Ghost Ship & Tring Side Pocket For A Toad. 2 guests were Turpins Meditation & Crafty Beers Sauvignon Blonde. They also had 2 ciders from Franklins - Fuddle & Gasper. Recommended.
5 Jan 2017 20:34
The Boot was only the second pub we found open in Cambridgeshire on New Year's Day, following aborted attempts to visit the Carpenters Arms at Great Wilbraham, the Hole In The Wall at Little Wilbraham and the Crown Inn at Ashley. The other open pub was the fantastic Reindeer at Saxon Street, which I have requested to be added. The Boot seemed a friendly enough place, populated mainly by locals, many of whom seemed to have had quite a few. There was a single room with a TV showing live football. The regular ales are Adnams Bitter & Greene King IPA. Guests on this occasion were Woodfordes Once Bittern & Mighty Oak Pixie. Decent pub.
5 Jan 2017 20:26
The Prince Blucher, Twickenham
Fullers pub with a couple of TV screens showing live football and rugby last night. The interior is nice enough. But the Fullers ales - London Pride, ESB, Oliver's Island, Wise Men & Seafarers (Gales) were a little underwhelming. There is no real cider either. I was only here to watch the football. So it served a purpose. But if in the area, I'd otherwise choose to spend my time in the Sussex Arms opposite instead.
31 Dec 2016 19:40
I was in the Sussex Arms last night after visiting a couple of times during the last year. It was rather busy, with very limited seating. But the ale and cider range were as good as ever. Ales were Saltaire Blonde, Atom Pale Ale, Icknield Malt, Tiny Rebel Cwtch, Allendale Tar Bar'l, Hop Stuff Oatmeal Stout, Big Smoke Maple & Pecan Brown Ale, Harbour Amber Ale & White Horse Black Beauty. Park Brewery Killcat Pale came on whilst I was there. Ciders were Orchard Pig Juggler, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, Biddenden Dry, Medium & Red Love & Celtic Marches Abrahalls AM. Service was good, despite it being a struggle to get to the bar. I noted that in relation to the previous comment, the food hygiene rating is now 4. I also overheard a conversation between a group of regulars, who were saying that the Albert in Kingston is the 4th pub in this small chain. So I'll have to get back there soon. The Sussex Arms is still one of the best pubs in London.
31 Dec 2016 19:37
Ironically I used this pub as a toilet stop en route to the football. The pub was too busy to spot anybody using it for a toilet. Although for a pub just 15 minutes walk from the ground, it was quieter than I would have expected. On the way out, I spotted a few people I knew and with time to spare, elected to stay for a drink. The pub does have a handpull. But no real ale was on and some of the keg beers were off too. The options were Stella, Strongbow, Carling, Fosters, John Smiths & Heineken. I opted for a bottle of imported Guinness which went down quite nicely. Another pub ticked off and who knows, I may need the toilet again some day when passing!
28 Dec 2016 21:57
My last stop in Bottesford was the Rutland Arms. In common with the other 2 pubs, you'll probably find yourself climbing over dogs to get to the bar. There are 2 main rooms, 1 with a pool table that was in use. Fairly busy, but not quite as busy as the other 2 pubs in the village. There was also a large dining room, which was closed. Ales were national brands - Wells Bombardier, Sharps Doom Bar, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Tetleys Cask. Moved on from here to the Gas Gorilla Bar & Grill in Barkestone-le-Vale which was closed, despite advertising as open on Bank Holidays on its website and my favourite pub of the day, the Anchor at Plungar. I will request for it to be added.
28 Dec 2016 21:50
The Bull seemed to be the best and most popular out of Bottesford's 3 pubs. It was packed and standing room only on Boxing Day. Service took a while. There are 2 rooms. I ventured into the one on the right as you enter, which stretches back a fair way. But there was still no spare space. Live football was on the TV and I believe there was a pool table at the back. The Bull certainly seems to have the most adventurous ale selection in the village - Theakston Best, Fullers London Pride & Castle Rock Harvest Pale.
28 Dec 2016 21:47
The Red Lion was my first stop in Bottesford on Boxing Day lunchtime. My initial assumption was that it was closed. Signs lead you to a locked door at the rear. But I happened to look inside and saw a handful of other people. Hoping it wasn't a private party, I ventured to the front entrance where the door was open. The pub has 3 rooms - a down-to-earth public bar with a couple of dogs and several loclas, a larger lounge bar and a small interconnecting room. I chose the middle room. It was much busier than I had expected and the barman was rushed off his feet. As a Greene King pub, their IPA was on with Nottingham Extra Pale Ale also available.
28 Dec 2016 21:43
The Two Brewers was my last pub of the night in Buckinghamshire. My penultimate was the Bell Inn at Beachampton, which is not listed on this site. I'd saved the Two Brewers until last as the pub was supposed to have been closed between 2-6. However I arrived shortly after 6 to find it packed to the rafters. It clearly hadn't been shut and it was easily the busiest pub I'd been to all day. I just about managed to get served and retreated to the porch between the two main rooms. It did feel as if I'd intruded onto the villagers private party, as everybody knew one another and who knows, maybe it was a private party that I'd gatecrashed. The only obvious ale was Doom Bar. But locals were ordering an IPA from an unclipped handpull. My guess was that this was Greene King. Was far too busy to enjoy.
28 Dec 2016 21:33
The Shoulder of Mutton, Little Horwood
This pub is currently closed. I read in the local CAMRA magazine that the new owners wanted to re-open it as a pizza restaurant. But this is being contested. So its future is uncertain.
28 Dec 2016 21:28
The Nag's Head is just outside of the centre of this small market town. But it is a welcoming and cosy place. Tetley Cask, Fullers London Pride & Sharps Doom Bar was the rather uninspiring ale selection. But this small pub with its L-shaped room had a nice atmosphere to it and seems a good hub for conversation. There was a pool table at the rear and a smoking area also out the back.
28 Dec 2016 21:27
The George is now a Vale Brewery pub and it was much busier than other pubs I had visited. There is a large front room, with a smaller room at the rear. With all tables taken in the front bar, I retreated to the back room where a family with several young charges had taken residence and created a right mess. On arriving, the landlord seemed a bit flustered. He was trying to refuse service to a young lad he had barred the previous night, until he realised it was a case of mistaken identity - rather amusing. The Vale beers were Gravitas & Best. Guests were Dukeries Red Nose & Santa's Beer's, Bewdley Sir Keith Park & Aylesbury Brewhouse Australis. Old Rosie was the cider. The George has the better ales in the town. But I actually preferred the Nag's Head.
28 Dec 2016 21:23
The Pilgrim was another pub that exceeded my expectations. Although the interior felt a little cold in both atmosphere and temperature. The bar is at the centre of an open-plan room that spreads out either side, with toilets at the rear. It seems popular with dog owners. 3 ales were on - XT4 appears to be the regular ale, with Chiltern Beechwood Bitter & Animal Heron the guests. They also had Millwhites Apples & Pears - not one of my favourite producers, but still a welcome sight.
28 Dec 2016 21:17
The Black Boy feels like a really remote place. Yet it is not too far off the beaten track. Situated in a small farming village, you can certainly smell the countryside! But the views across the fields are nice. The pub itself has an attractive exterior. The interior has an atmospheric bar area and a dining area round the corner. The owner appears to be Italian and food is clearly popular here. 3 ales were served - XT4 & 25 & Chiltern Beechwood Bitter. There was no real cider. I tried the XT25, which was a Christmas ale and reasonably good. Worth a visit.
28 Dec 2016 21:11
The White Swan is on a main road north out of Aylesbury. Aesthetically pleasing from the outside, the welcome inside was warm too. Being a Fullers pub, the ale range was limited to London Pride, Bengal Lancer & Seafarers. But this is a cosy place with 2 rooms at the front of the pub and a separate dining area off to the side. Clearly popular with locals who seemed a friendly enough bunch.
28 Dec 2016 21:06
The Old Millwrights Arms is a Greene King pub and with fairly low expectations, I was pleasantly surprised by this place. It was fairly quiet on Christmas Eve lunchtime. Despite a couple of the handpulls being unclipped, there was still a decent selection. Greene King IPA & Milly's Ale & Morland Old Speckled Hen were the Greene King ales. But there was also Skinners Christmas Fairy & Hillfire 3C. They also had 3 ciders - Westons Rosie's Pig, Cornwall Cider Company Mango, Lime and Ginger & Cornish Orchards Pear Cider. There were few customers inside. But the interior had a nice feel to it and the barmaid was friendly. I even got a CAMRA discount for my cider. Not quite as good as the Hop Pole at the other end of town. But possibly the second best pub in Aylesbury and it was my favourite from this tour of Bucks.
28 Dec 2016 21:03
The Bricklayers Arms, Aylesbury
The Bricklayers is situated on a busy road. Be careful if driving here. There is a pay and display car park opposite and next to the Aristocrat. But the Bricklayers does have its own car park at the rear of the building. The pub is situated over a few different levels, giving it character. It also has a fairly large garden at the rear. Being a Fullers pub it had London Pride & ESB. But there was also a guest - Adnams Shingle Bells. Fairly welcoming place. But there are better pubs in the town.
28 Dec 2016 20:56
The Bull was my first stop of a crawl of Buckinghamshire pubs. I'd just been to the nearby Chiltern Brewery shop nearby for some last minute Christmas shopping. The pub was not as good as I was hoping. There is a bar area at the front and a lounge at the rear. Greene King IPA & Sharps Doom Bar were supplemented by Brains Firking Good. Nothing special to recommend it.
28 Dec 2016 20:51
I reviewed the Greyfriar under its former name back in September last year. I really enjoyed my visit and wrote that it was handy for the station. Last night with 20 minutes to spare between trains, I had the bright idea to pop in for a swift half. Sadly, a group of 4 people just beat me to the entrance door and embarked on ordering the most obscure items and then paying with a card. After they were finally served, I was left with only 5-10 minutes before my train and guess what - the young barmaid decided to serve somebody else who had just come to the bar. I cut my losses at this point, used the facilities and left. It would appear that it is not so handy for the station, the ale range has been reduced to just two ales, service is poor, you will be lucky to get a beer on the same evening you walked in. But the toilets were clean and served a purpose. So the place does therefore merit a 1/10.
21 Dec 2016 20:31
Chef & Brewer establishment on the main A4 east of Newbury. It's a typical chain pub that is aimed at diners. Although there is a small area for drinkers and they had 3 ales - Greene King IPA, Berkshire Arms Best Bitter & Hardy and Hansons Rocking Rudolph. We opted to eat here. The food was ok, but expensive for what it was.
21 Dec 2016 20:12
I had high hopes for this village pub, which uniquely sits right nextdoor to the Spotted Dog. They're literally a stone's throw from one another. I'd read that a real cider is sometimes on offer. But on asking the young bar staff if they had a real cider, I was met with a "it depends what you mean by real cider". A few fizzy options were offered to me, which I politely declined. I asked what dark ales they had on and one female customer shouted out Guinness. With such ignorance, I knew I was on my own. I eventually opted for the Westons Mulled Cider. Ales were Courage Best, Fullers London Pride, Sharps Atlantic, Wells A Good Stuffing, Hardy and Hansons Rocking Rudolph & West Berkshire Good Old Boy. So no real dark ales anyway. The interior is fairly nice, with a few secluded spots. The only annoyance were the flies, which isn't a good sign. A decent pub. But could be better with more knowledgeable staff.
21 Dec 2016 20:10
After a visit to the King Charles Tavern just down the street (not listed on here), I finished off at this branch of Wetherspoons. It feels like a typical branch of the chain. But it was the worst selection of real ales I've seen in any of their branches. Just their staples Sharps Doom Bar, Ruddles Best & Greene King Abbot were on. If it's a Wetherspoons you're after, head to the Hatchet Inn instead.
21 Dec 2016 20:03
I hadn't planned on coming here. But I was drawn by a mention of the place in the local CAMRA magazine, where it mentioned that there were 12 ciders. There were a fair few ciders polycasks and boxes behind the bar. But only 2 had any cider in them - Westons Hand Brake & Orchard Pig Philosopher. The ale range was better - Loddon Hullabaloo, Hook Norton Hooky, West Berkshire Good Old Boy, Binghams The Warmer & Wild Weather Hubcap Halo. The place was fairly packed and it was lively. So despite the false hope for ciders, it's clearly a popular place and one to look out for.
21 Dec 2016 19:58
The Hatchet was the only one of the town's Wetherspoons I was planning to visit. But in the end, I visited both and this was easily the better one. It has a fairly cramped bar area. But there was sufficient seating, despite it being fairly busy last night. The ales were Greene King Abbot, Wild Weather Christmas At The Weathers, Lymestone Stone Cold, Exmoor Exmas, Adnams Yuletide & Ruddles Best. Ciders were Orchard Pig Juggler & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. I tried the Wild Weather beer which was a disappointing mild. Lively place though.
21 Dec 2016 19:52
This place is now a Slug & Lettuce. I don't think I've ever been in a decent pub from this chain. The one in Leicester is probably closest to average. This branch has no real ales at all. The keg selection was Peroni, Thatchers Gold, Guinness, Amstel, Estrella Damm, Hop House 13 Lager, Rekorderlig Strawberry & Lime, Westons Mortimers Orchard, Meantime London Pale & Heineken. At £5.10 a pint, I wasn't about to stick around for a session. The gents toilets were one of the worst I've ever seen. You had to literally wade through whatever was on the floor to do your business. The barman that had served me had just come out of there when I entered. I'm surprised he hadn't closed them until they were cleaned. Appalling.
21 Dec 2016 19:47
This place is now called the Newbury. It had obviously been busy during the day yesterday, as there were glasses strewn everywhere. There is a bar area to the left as you enter and a larger dining area to the right. The clientele appeared to be mainly local office workers, many of whom had obviously had a few too many. Ales on were Ramsbury Gold & Bitter, Greene King The Newbury Best Bitter, Upham Punter & Timothy Taylor Landlord.
21 Dec 2016 19:41
I was back in Newbury last night and the Cow & Cask was my first stop. It's easily the town's best pub in my opinion. It's a typical micropub, located in what was presumably a shop previously. There is no music, TV or fruit machines. Conversation is encouraged. Ales are served on stillage behind the bar, with 2 boxes of cider on the bar itself. The 4 ales on during my visit were Andwell Porter, Arkells Sir Noel, Hermitage Frost Bite & Indigenous Double Wharp. Ciders were Lilleys Strawberry Cider & Tutts Clump Berkshire Diamond. The landlord is fairly friendly and joins in the conversation. A CAMRA discount of 10p per half or 20p per pint is offered. All 4 halves I sampled were in good condition. The blackboard records how many ales have been served since the place opened. It currently reads 299 and locals were looking forward to the 300th cask, which should be on tomorrow. Well worth a visit and not too far to walk from the station. Note it is closed on Sunday and Monday.
21 Dec 2016 19:37
The Lock Stock and Barrel, Newbury
Fullers pub in Newbury town centre. It feels fairly comfortable inside and stretches back a fair way, with plenty of seating. Ales were all from Fullers - Pride, ESB, Oliver's Island & Bengal Lancer. My ESB was ok. But the prices in here are certainly higher than average for Newbury.
21 Dec 2016 19:17
The Monument Public House, Newbury
The Monument is a fairly basic town centre boozer just to the north of the town centre. It's a fairly small space, with a few different drinking areas, including a games room with pool table and dartboard. Judging by the number of trophies, they must be well used. Bombardier Burning Gold & Hobgoblin were the ales. The Hobgoblin wasn't the best.
21 Dec 2016 19:13
The Blackbird was our first stop on Sunday afternoon in the Newbury area. It was probably the best of the 5 pubs we went to. Locals, bar staff and the landlord were welcoming. There's a main bar area and a separate, smaller dining area off to the side. There were 3 handpulls with 2 ales on - West Berkshire Good Old Boy & Indigenous Nosey Parker. I had the Nosey Parker, which was good. A selection of board games are available. We were asked if we'd been to the nearby Watermill Theatre. But sadly we're not that cultured!
21 Dec 2016 19:08
The Knife and Cleaver, Houghton Conquest
This was my penultimate pub for me to visit in Bedfordshire last night. It is now a very popular restaurant. The last review over 7 years ago mentions Greek food. But I don't believe it is now Greek food. There were plenty of tables. But most were set out for diners. I sat down at one with my drink and that clearly confused the waiting staff, one of whom came over and said "Can I help you" and "will you be eating with us this evening?". I politely declined the offer of any help and said I'd just like to enjoy my drink! As a Wells & Youngs pub, the ale range was disappointing too with just Wells Eagle IPA & Bombardier Glorious English & Youngs London Gold. I moved on from here to the Chequers in Wootton, which is not listed on here, but was much more of a traditional pub.
11 Dec 2016 18:28
This was my favourite pub of the day in Bedfordshire. There were only a couple of customers in when I arrived. But there were many more by the time I left. It's a fairly unusual place in that it doesn't actually have a bar. Beers are dispensed from casks from a separate room, whilst ciders are fetched from the cellar outside. The pub has several different rooms with lots of character. There were no TVs that I could see. But there was still Christmas music being played. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Adnams Ghost Ship, Woodfordes Wherry, Greene King Abbot & Brains Bread of Heaven. The two ciders were both from Franklins - Dunton & Gasper. A third cider was off. Locals and staff congregate near the entrance to the room with the casks. They are certainly friendly. But it's difficult to know who is a customer and who might be serving with no bar! Nevertheless, this is a classic English village pub that is not to be missed.
11 Dec 2016 18:21
Still closed. The pub sign is still there. But it is now a private residence.
11 Dec 2016 18:15
I made a return visit to Biggleswade last night as I wasn't aware of this pub the last time I was in the town in February, 2015. After a number of foodie-type pubs in North Bedfordshire, this was much more to my liking. There is one room which is quite narrow, but stretches back a fair way. The bar area was packed with drinkers and parties, making the task of getting served more arduous than it should have been. The rear area of the room is a small area for dining with a carvery. Ales were Brentwood Chocwork Orange, Greene King IPA, XX Mild & London Glory, Sadlers One Hop Stop, Nobbys Guilsborough Gold, Wells Eagle IPA & Mighty Oak Maldon Gold. Ciders were Aspalls Cyderkyn & Westons Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig. I think I still prefer the Golden Pheasant across the road. But this is certainly another good option in Biggleswade and would have possible have got a higher rating me from me if it had not been so crowded.
11 Dec 2016 18:14
The Plough at Bolnhurst, Bolnhurst
The Plough is an upmarket dining establishment that serves real ale. It certainly seems a popular place with a rather large car park that was filling up rapidly. I believe I was the only customer only in there for a drink. So this is another North Bedfordshire pub that is actually more a restaurant than a pub. Nevertheless I was made to feel quite welcome, with complimentary homemade crisps given to me to accompany my ale. Staff were friendly and professional. There were plenty of them too. 3 ales were on - Woodfordes Wherry, Adnams Bitter & Phipps NBC Beckett's Ale. Looks like the sort of place you'd head to for a special occasion. But I quite liked it.
11 Dec 2016 18:06
The Horse and Jockey, Ravensden
I initially tried to visit this pub late Saturday afternoon and it was closed. I returned after 6pm to find it open. There is a bar area and a dining area to the side. The place is certainly more focused on diners than drinkers. Although the latter are catered for by 4 real ales - Adnams Bitter, Courage Best & Cottage Up And Under & Sentimental Journey. This just doesn't feel like a pub anymore though and it feels a little uncomfortable just going in for a drink. Its opening hours centred around meal times confirm that food is the priority.
11 Dec 2016 18:01
Seemed like a friendly enough local establishment. It's another Greene King pub, that was serving their IPA & Rocking Rudolph from Hardy & Hansons. A few of the clientele were a little rowdy and were getting ready for an evening on the town. Live football was on the TV.
11 Dec 2016 17:57
Almost 2 years on, I returned to the Polhill Arms to find it open, unlike the Jackal at Thurleigh, the Plough at Bolnhurst and the Horse & Jockey at Ravensden which were all closed on my Saturday afternoon visit. I did however managed to fit in the Victoria at Wilden (not listed on the site) in between. But the Polhill Arms has been voted CAMRA cider pub of the year 2016 for North Bedfordshire. So I was keen to visit. It's a Greene King pub that had Hardy & Hansons Kimberley Bitter, Belhaven IPA & Westgate Fireside as ales. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig & Thatchers Heritage. Locals were watching live Premier League football. Certainly a decent pub and I can now enter a more realistic rating of 7/10.
11 Dec 2016 17:54
This pub was closed when I passed by yesterday afternoon. I'd heard it was closed. But to all intents and purposes, it still looks like a pub with the pub sign still present and notices on the door. Although the notices may have said it was closed for good, which it may well be as I returned later in the evening after 7pm and there was still no sign of life.
11 Dec 2016 17:49
Coaching inn on the A6. It has a bar area at the front, with separate dining areas and function rooms to the side. As a Charles Wells pub, the ale range wasn't the best. Wells Bombardier & Eagle IPA were on, alongside Courage Directors & Black Sheep Special Ale. It took a while to get served, despite there being lots of staff seemingly doing nothing. I read that the garden can be nice. But probably not in the driving rain! Disappointing.
11 Dec 2016 17:45
I'm surprised there's no reviews for this place. With its painted side wall, it's not too difficult to find. Parking is a bit trickier though. The pub is located on a dead-end street with cars either side. You may be lucky to find a space along the street. But if you don't, there's nowhere to turn at the end and you'll have to reverse the whole length of the street. Inside there are 2 or 3 rooms. The front room is a public bar, whilst the rear rooms seem to be reserved for diners, of which there were plenty. Prices seemed reasonable. 2 ales were on - Enville Ale & Holdens Golden Glow. A Thatchers Heritage pumpclip was present. But they did not actually have any. So I plumped for a keg Banks's Mild, which was fine. Not a pub I'd ever considered going to before. But I'd certainly consider a return visit.
11 Dec 2016 17:38
The Old Hare and Hounds, Rednal
I paid the Old Hare & Hounds a visit on Thursday evening as it was the only Birmingham pub in the Good Beer Guide I hadn't yet tried. However it was somewhat disappointing. This is an Ember Inns establishment and this chain has pretty much identikit interiors with a fake cosy feel to it. Whilst they are aimed at diners, they do generally have a few real ales and offer a CAMRA discount too. The ale range was Black Sheep Ember Pale Ale & Snow Place Like Home, Adnams Longboat, Purity Ubu & Brakspear Bitter. It's possible the best pub in Rednal, but not somewhere I'd head back to.
11 Dec 2016 17:32
I hadn't been here since it was owned by O'Neills. Now it is a Nicholsons establishment. Not a lot has changed inside, except the ale range is much better. On my Thursday lunchtime visit, there was St Austell Nicholson's Pale Ale, Cotleigh Tawny Owl, Ilkley Mary Jane, Thornbridge Wild Holly, Bays Gold, Great Heck Dave & Harbour Breakfast Ale. Service was efficient. But prices seemed a bit steep. Better than it used to be and I'd say it's now one of Richmond's better pubs.
11 Dec 2016 17:26
I was here after the match on Sunday. I'd just been to the Richard John Blackler. So this was my 5th Wetherspoons of the day. I don't normally do that many in a month. As Wirraldrinker says, this is a big improvement on the former Head of Steam that was really struggling in its later years. The major drawback with this place now is its popularity. Whilst there is plenty of seating in multiple areas, access to the bar is limited and it always seems to be a fight to get served. The toilets were a disgrace. One cubicle had no lock and another had no toilet paper. The one with no paper was flooded and one of the hand driers was out of service. For a fairly new Wetherspoons establishment, this place certainly needs looking at again. You'll get a far better experience trying one of the other city centre 'spoons - the Richard John Blackler, The Lime Kiln, The Fall Well or the Welkin. For the record, the ales were Phoenix Big Bang, Coach House Innkeepers Special Reserve & Blunderbus Old Porter, Orkney Clootie Dumpling, Beartown Brown Bear, Greene King Abbot, Woods Wonderful & JW Lees Christmas Plum Pudding.
6 Dec 2016 21:42
The Black Horse is a popular pub on matchdays, being near Goodison Park. But I had never set foot in here until Sunday. Just like my previous pub, the Black Bull, many people were enjoying watching the Bournemouth v Liverpool game. But in here it was for different reasons, as the score had switched from 1-3 to 4-3! The place was packed and this is a place with plenty of space. It's a Greene King pub with 3 handpulls. But real ale is no longer served. The keg choice was Coors Light, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruit, Guinness & Guinness Extra Cold, Carling, Stella, Greene King IPA, Hardy & Hansons Mild & John Smiths. Not really my kind of pub. But serves a purpose on matchdays and presumably for the community on non-matchdays.
6 Dec 2016 21:34
After a visit to the Bootle Arms, Melling (not listed on here), I returned to Walton and decided to make an unplanned stop at this landmark pub that is situated on a busy traffic intersection near the Raven where I had been previously. Ironically the two young lads who were being refused alcohol were in here, still hanging round several hours later. Real ale is not served here. Keg options are Carling, Somersby Cider, Somersby Strawberry & Rhubarb, John Smiths, Carlsberg & Carlsberg Export, San Miguel, Guinness & Tuborg. Quite a number of Liverpool fans were enjoying watching their team beating Bournemouth 1-3. I left them too it!
6 Dec 2016 21:29
The Scotch Piper is one of those pubs on Merseyside that I've always looked forward to visiting. It's tucked a bit out of the way, not making it too accessible. But this place is a real gem that was my favourite pub of the day. I just wished I'd have had longer here. But with my bus arriving late and more pubs to visit in the area, it was a swift visit. The pub is an ancient thatched building with character aplenty. The gents toilets are outside. 2 handpulls were clipped - Marstons Pedigree New World & Moorhouses White Witch. I opted for the latter, only to be told after that the third handpull also had the Piper 1320 Ale, also brewed by Marstons. But the clip had fallen off. The landlord was very friendly and interested in hearing about the pubs I'd been to on the Isle of Man the previous day, as he was a fan of the TT racing. A classic car rally was to be held there later in the day and his car was already taking pride of place on the car park. A roaring log fire was burning in the bar area and the place was begging me to stay longer. But time waits for no man and I made the decision to leave to get my next bus. I hope to be back though, as this is one of those special pubs that is not to be missed. I read in the local MerseyAle that the brewer wants to introduce food. I hope enough people protest. Leave this place alone to do what it does best.
6 Dec 2016 21:23
I believe the Frank Hornby was the runner up in Merseyside CAMRA's recent pub of the year competition. This seemed surprising to me, as it's another Wetherspoons. But I agree with them. This is certainly one of the best Wetherspoons I have been to. Well above average. The pub is situated outside of the main shopping area in Maghull on a suburban street, I assume this was always a pub rather than a shop/cinema/theatre conversion as many normally are. The interior was different to the standard 'spoons layout and with plenty of windows, it is bright and cosy. Service was surprisingly efficient and the ale range was good - Phoenix Wobbly Bob & Double Gold, Red Star Formby IPA & Weissbier, Weetwood Old Dog & Ambush, Lytham Royal, Brightside Identity Crisis & Polaris & Banks's Barley Brown's Tumble Off Pale Ale. Real cider is not promoted. But I asked and found they had Old Rosie. The pub was fairly busy with people enjoying late breakfasts or early lunches. But staff were fairly efficient clearing tables of detritus, which is often a bug bear of mine in Wetherspoons. Model trains and other Frank Hornby items decorate some of the walls. It's not very often I'd give a Wetherspoons an 8/10. But this is well deserved.
6 Dec 2016 21:17
The Hare & Hounds is an Ember Inns establishment that was just next to where my bus stopped. It opens at 11am on a Sunday morning and there were already a few in for lunch and drinks. The ale range was a little disappointing with all beers being pale ones - Wells Bombardier, Liverpool Organic 24 Carat Gold, Robinsons Dizzy Blonde & Black Sheep Ember Pale Ale & Snow Place Like Home. Despite preferring darker beers, I took my chance with the Bombardier and enjoyed a CAMRA discount. The young barmaid knew nothing about this. But the cash till said yes and I was 20p better off after my half!
6 Dec 2016 21:10
My first ever visit to Kirkby. I wasn't too impressed. But at least this Wetherspoons was doing a good trade on a Sunday morning. There were plenty enjoying breakfasts. It's in the main shopping area and not far from the bus station. It feels quite light and airy, especially compared to the Raven in Walton where I had been previously. Ales were Banks's Barley Brown's Tumble Off Pale Ale, Peerless Chill Factor & Moorhouses Blonde Witch. Unusually for a 'spoons, there were only the 4 handpulls. The 4th was unused. I opted for the mulled cider, as it was a cold morning. Service was friendly.
6 Dec 2016 21:04
I paid an early Sunday morning visit to the Raven on a visit to some of the pubs in North Liverpool that I had yet to try. This is a Wetherspoons that serves alcohol from 9am on a Sunday with food served from 8am. I arrived a little too early for a drink, but didn't have too long to wait. A few other hardy souls were watching the clock tick to 9! The place is a typical open-plan Wetherspoons. But it feels dark inside. The barmaid was friendly. But she was good in dealing with a couple of young drinkers who had clearly been out all night. She continually refused to serve them any more alcohol. Ales were Hawkshead Bitter & Lakeland Gold, Jennings Bitter & Sneck Lifter, Peerless Red Rocks, Banks's Barley Brown's Tumble Off Pale Ale, Exmoor Gold & Coach House Cranberry. Not a Ruddles Best, Abbot or Doom Bar in sight. I'm not sure if this is a change in policy from 'spoons. But it certainly made for a more interesting ale selection. No real cider is available here. But they did have Orchard Pig Juggler as a mulled cider.
6 Dec 2016 21:00
The Bridge has 3 real ales. On this visit, they had Bushys Manx Bitter & Humbug & Ruddles Best. But they are also one of the few spots on the island where you can get a real cider. Rosie's Pig was available from a box behind the bar. Locals were all congregated in the public bar, where there is limited seating. But they appeared a friendly bunch. I preferred the Shore Hotel though.
6 Dec 2016 20:49
I was quite taken by this place. The Old Laxey Bosun's Bitter brewed on site is the only ale. But I really enjoyed it. The pub has a nice situation next to a bridge over the river. There is currently no vehicle access over the bridge. But pedestrians can cross. A nice drinking environment and the barmaid was friendly. The landlord/brewer seemed a little grumpy though. Still well worth a visit.
6 Dec 2016 20:45
The Stanley is situated on a street corner overlooking the quay. It was very quiet compared with the Plough round the corner. There is a small public bar, where there were 3 customers and there is a larger and more comfortable lounge where there was another couple. The real ale was Okells Bitter. Disappointing.
6 Dec 2016 20:41
The Plough was the busiest pub I visited on the Isle of Man on Saturday. There are 2 rooms, with one handpull in one and a second in the other room. It was a struggle to get to the bar with an after-work crowd playing darts and watching the rugby. Okells Bitter & Moorhouses Pride of Pendle were the 2 ales. The barmaid/landlady was friendly despite clearly being busy. Possibly the best pub in Ramsey. But it's been over 7 years since I've been here.
6 Dec 2016 20:39
The Baltic was one of my favourite pubs on the Isle of Man on this visit. I was the only customer. But the landlady was very friendly and took an interest in this visitor to the island. The pub itself is a 2 room place with plenty of character. Okells Bitter & MPA were the 2 ales. The pub seems to be suffering from a major road closure to fit a storm drain in the village. I was sent on a diversion and ended up on a forestry track, before eventually reaching the pub. Still worth a visit though.
6 Dec 2016 20:36
The Hawthorn is a roadside establishment that has a reputation for good food. In fact, it is now more of a restaurant than a pub with all tables laid out for diners. Nevertheless, they did have Westgate Fireside which was pleasant. Better than I had expected and they don't mind people going in just for a drink.
6 Dec 2016 20:30
The Crosby Hotel is a large establishment that again appears to focus on diners, rather than drinkers. The lunchtime rush was clearly over and the place felt dead. There is a large dining area and a separate bar. Okells Bitter & Morland Old Speckled Hen was the uninspiring ale selection.
6 Dec 2016 20:26
I'm not sure what the reference to a railway is here, as there didn't seem to be one around. This is a traditional pub that was in the process of a refurbishment. I'm not sure if the gents is normally outside. Locals and staff didn't appear that welcoming though. Ales were Coach House Dick Turpin, Robinsons Trooper, Brains Open Casket & Okells Bitter, an above average selection for the island. Might be worth another try.
6 Dec 2016 20:23
Looks a bit of a hovel, rather than a haven from the outside. But the landlord and locals were friendly. TVs were showing live Premier League football. Okells Bitter is the real ale. Situated next to the station. But there are better pubs in Port Erin.
6 Dec 2016 20:15
The Station Hotel is a nicely decorated place. But there seems to be a focus on food here. Okells Bitter & IPA were on. The guest was Sharps Doom Bar. Food looked decent. But this did not feel like a drinkers' pub.
6 Dec 2016 20:12
The Station Hotel, Port St Mary
The Railway Station Hotel is unsurprisingly situated nextdoor to Port St Mary station. It was quiet on my Saturday lunchtime visit. In fact, I was the only customer. But the friendly landlady was expecting a crowd in to watch the rugby. There are 4 ales on, 2 in each room. On this visit, they were Okells Bitter & MPA & Bushy's Best Bitter & Helmsman. Judging by the last review, I guess this place has had a refurbishment. There is a public bar where the sport was to be shown and a lounge bar with a real fire and music playing. Reasonable place that could have done with more customers to create an atmosphere. But this was an off-season visit.
6 Dec 2016 20:07
The Glen Helen Lodge, St Johns
This pub has a nice location in the countryside on the TT course. But unfortunately it is currently closed and for sale.
6 Dec 2016 19:52
This was the first of 3 pubs I visited in Staines on Thursday night. It was the only remaining pub in Staines that I hadn't been to that served real ale. But London Pride was the only ale. The pub is now Indian-owned and they appear to serve Indian meals. Locals provide the entertainment here. The sight of middle-aged women trying to do the splits in the centre of the bar was mildly amusing. Disappointing though. Moved onto the London Stone and the George which were far better.
6 Dec 2016 19:48
The Platform Tavern, Southampton
The Platform Tavern was my last stop in Southampton. In fact, I had intended to try to fit one more in. But the Platform turned out to be my favourite pub of the day. It's quite convenient if you have a ferry to catch or if you've just stepped off one. The interior has plenty of artwork to admire. There are 2 rooms - a main bar area, with a mix of seating and a dining room with more tables crammed in. Fullers London Pride & Gales Seafarers are the standard ales. Guests on my visit were Burning Sky Plateau, Bristol Beer Factory Kiwi & Siren Ryesing Tides IPA. Initially when asked what real ciders they had, the barman only mentioned Westons Old Rosie. But I later discovered Westons Country Perry, JJ's Perry-Letic, Cock Eyed Strawberry Blonde & Chilli Ginger & Cornish Orchards Farmhouse. Complimentary roast potatoes were on the bar. I could have spent a lot longer in here. But I had a coach to catch. I'll definitely be back though.
28 Nov 2016 19:02
The Dancing Man is home to the Dancing Man brewery and the equipment is on display. The building is certainly an old one. But the interior feels a bit too modern. It's quite a large space with plenty of seating and also plenty of room for upright drinking too. It was fairly quiet on my Sunday evening visit. So it felt like it was lacking in atmosphere. Most of the real ales were from the in-house brewery - Vagrant, Bone Dry, Snake Oil Porter, Jack 'O' Diamonds, Big Casino & Fiddler's Jig. There were also 2 guests from Broken Bridge - It's Five O'clock Somewhere & No Chaff. In addition, there is also a selection of craft beers on keg. I opted for the Porter, which was ok. I'm sure I'll be back. But I was somehow expecting better.
28 Nov 2016 18:57
Duke of Wellington, Southampton
The Duke of Wellington oozes character. A visit feels like stepping back in time. It was fairly busy on my Sunday evening visit. In fact it was the busiest of 4 pubs I sampled in this area. An impromptu folk music session was underway in one corner. It's a Wadworth's house. I had the Swordfish. But there was also Horizon, Dray Bells & Nectar. A guest was Nipper from the Island Brewery. Recommended.
28 Nov 2016 18:51
The Titanic is in an area of Southampton where I haven't previously drunk, near the Docks. It's a fairly old-fashioned local where you're assumed of a warm welcome. But it was fairly quiet on my Sunday evening visit. Titanic Lifeboat & Morland Old Speckled Hen were the 2 ales. The Lifeboat wasn't really to my liking. Plenty of Titanic memorabilia, as you'd expect. This place feels a little off the beaten track. But it's actually fairly close to the centre of Southampton and I may well be back as there are some other decent pubs in this area that can be combined with this one.
28 Nov 2016 18:48
The Park Inn was our 5th stop in Southampton (the Fremantle Arms was our 4th and is not listed on here). Another fairly friendly pub that is clearly well looked after. Apparently the landlord and landlady ran the pub many years ago and they have since returned to revive the place. It's a Wadworth house with their IPA, 6X & Swordfish. Guests were Castle Rock Elsie Mo & Yeovil Ruby. Luckily for me, Thatchers Heritage was on too. A fair way out of town. We moved on from here to a new craft ale type place called Overdraft, which I'll request to be added.
28 Nov 2016 18:42
The Waterloo Arms was the third stop of our Southampton crawl (the second stop, the Key & Anchor) is not listed on here). The Waterloo is a Hopback pub. This is possibly only the second Hopback pub I have visited, having previously been to the Sultan in London. This one felt similar in character. It's fairly cosy inside and many were enjoying Sunday lunches. The ale range was mostly Hopback - Crop Circle, Red Amber, Winter Lightning, Summer Lightning, Entire Stout & GFB. Other ales were Downton New Forest Ale, Daleside Stout & Oldershaw Old Boy. One of a few decent pubs in the area.
28 Nov 2016 18:36
The Wellington Arms, Southampton
The Wellington Arms was our first stop of a Sunday crawl of Southampton pubs. It's a backstreet corner boozer that feels a little worn around the edges. But it has a decent range of ales and some friendly locals. Ales on our visit were Triple fff Alton's Pride, Red Cat Mrs M's Porter, Brewhouse & Kitchen Double Tide Stout & The Wellie Gull & Fullers London Pride & ESB. Bowman Amerigo was pulled through whilst we were there. I believe there were more ales in the other room. There is no real cider though. Worth the effort to find.
28 Nov 2016 18:31
After a brief visit to Ffrwd in nearby Cefn-y-Bedd (not listed on here), our final stop of the night on our Sunday tour of North East Wales was the Olde Talbot. This is a fairly basic locals boozer in a lovely location. Lighting in the bar area was very harsh on the eye. But locals were very friendly and happy to indulge in conversation with a couple of non-locals. Black Sheep Best Bitter is the solitary real ale. But come here for the location and the conversation. One of our best 3 pubs of the day.
21 Nov 2016 17:49
The Acton Park is situated on the northern outskirts of Wrexham. But it seems to be the place where middle class local real ale drinkers and their families congregate. It's an Ember Inns place. So you know what to expect, a cosy but identikit interior with plenty of tables, mainly populated by diners. But Ember Inns do have a fairly decent range of ales. On this visit, it was Titanic Plum Porter, Adnams Ghost Ship & Broadside, Black Sheep Ember Pale, Thwaites Wainwright, Moles Mole Catcher & Marstons Pedigree. Don't forget to ask for a CAMRA discount, if you're a member. Comfortable place that is good by Wrexham standards.
21 Nov 2016 17:43
Joules pub which as the previous reviewer said was very quiet on our visit. Only 2 other customers were present. It has a long narrow room with an imposing antelope's head near the entrance. There are mirrors on either side to make the place look bigger. But it all feels a bit fake. In addition to the Joules beers - Blonde, Pale Ale, Slumbering Monk & Moon Madness, they also had Salopian Oracle. It was also the only pub on this visit to Wales that stocked a real cider (Rosie's Pig). For some reason, I asked if they offered a CAMRA discount. The barmaid asked what CAMRA was and was enlightened by one of the two customers. Unfortunately his description wasn't too complimentary. A strange kind of place. But as the previous reviewer has said, if I did find myself drinking in Wrexham town centre again, I'd probably gravitate here.
21 Nov 2016 17:38
Tried visiting this pub again yesterday (another Sunday). It's now called the Soul Suite. But it was still closed.
21 Nov 2016 17:33
The Colliers was the local CAMRA branch's pub of the year for 2016. So it's surprising nobody has reviewed it. But as with the previous 2 pubs I visited, it's situated up a residential side road and can't attract any passing trade. The interior looks as if it has previously been done up, with a large main bar, a tiny snug opposite the bar and a further room at the rear. The garden looked like it might be appealing in better weather too. Toilets were spotless. For a rural pub, the ale range is really good, with so many old pumpclips on the ceiling. My only criticisms were the lack of a dark beer or a cider and also the lack of any real atmosphere on our Sunday afternoon visit. The ales were Purple Moose Glaslyn & Snowdonia Ale, Salopian Oracle & Facers Flintshire Bitter. Recommended.
21 Nov 2016 17:31
Another pub tucked away up a narrow lane. You'd need to know it was here to ever find it. Locals were friendly and happy to recommend the real ale, which was JW Lees Tan Y Ddraig. Watch your head on the low beams though!
21 Nov 2016 17:26
The Mill Inn feels like it is living in the land that time forgot. It's located up a narrow lane in a quiet Welsh village. By the look of it, you could be forgiven if you approached and assumed it had closed down (as we did). But inside there are 3 small rooms and the place is obviously popular with locals. Most beverages appeared to be from cans. But there was a real ale on - Facers Abbey Red, which was certainly drinkable. Certainly a good pub to try for the curious.
21 Nov 2016 17:24
The Aqueduct Inn, Froncysyllte
Of the 10 pubs we tried in the Wrexham area yesterday, this was certainly one of the best 3. The Aqueduct enjoys a splendid location on a steep bank overlooking the Pontcysylltye Aqueduct and is also alongside the main A5. There are 3 choices of rooms on entry. To the left is a dining area, to the right is a games room where darts is played and live sport is shown on TV and in the middle is perhaps the smallest room, where locals congregate. The ale range was better than I had anticipated - Hafod Clwydian Bronze, Titanic Steerage & Slaters Top Totty. Parking is a bit tricky. But if you're passing by on the A5, give it a try.
21 Nov 2016 17:20
The Hand Hotel looks quite a grand pub from the outside and is located in the centre of this town/village, just a stone's throw from the English border. Much of the interior now appears to be given away to function rooms and accommodation. The 2 main bar areas are very basic and populated by locals. No real ales are currently served. The keg selection was Wrexham Lager, Guinness, Strongbow, Carlsberg, Fosters, Tetleys Smoothflow, Shropshire Lager, Stella Artois 4 & Crystal Lager. Disappointing to be honest. For real ales, try the Boat House at Chirk Marina, just outside of town. Unfortunately it's not listed on the site.
21 Nov 2016 17:15
Another pub that is now closed. It is still standing, but looking a bit forlorn.
21 Nov 2016 17:10
The Old Chainyard was the first of 2 pubs I decided to try in Coseley on Saturday evening. The other (the New Inn - a Bathams house) is not listed on here. The Old Chainyard seemed to have a reasonably friendly bunch of locals. Although I didn't particularly appreciate the guy next to me taking his shoes off. The interior is cosy. A band or perhaps a karaoke was being set up in the one corner. The barmaid was too busy chatting with friends to realise I'd only asked for a half! 2 ales were on - Oakham Bishop's Farewell & Salopian Lemon Dream. This is certainly the only place in the area you're likely to find anything out of the ordinary, when it comes to ales.
21 Nov 2016 17:10
This pub is now closed. I walked past without even noticing it on Saturday evening. It may even have been demolished. But there is certainly no sign of a pub.
21 Nov 2016 17:06
I just had time for a quick one here before catching a train from the nearby Moorfields station. The Lion is back open again. I didn't recognise the people behind the bar. So I'm not sure if they're new owners or not. The ale selection didn't seem quite as good - Conwy Welsh Pride, JW Lees MPA, Robinsons Wizard, Adnams Broadside, Moorhouses Pride of Pendle & Youngs Bitter. The cider was Rosie's Pig. But if they're trying to build trade back up again, the more limited range than normal is understandable. This is still a good pub even by Liverpool pubs' standards and of course it's always worth coming to see the fantastic interior alone. For the first time ever, I managed to get a seat in the bar.
21 Nov 2016 17:02
After a visit to the new Ranelagh's Tavern, I decided to head across town to see how the James Monro is nowadays. After briefly being excellent, it closed and the new landlord appears to be tied to Marstons again. Just EPA & Pedigree were on. A few people were in watching live Premier League football. Nowhere near as good as it used to be.
21 Nov 2016 16:58
Was in here on Friday night to sample the wares of their beer festival and also to have a meal. It's a pub that stretches round from a cosy seating area at one end to a dining area at the other, with an L-shaped bar. The pub had hosted a Meet The Brewer event with Binghams on the Monday and had a few of their ales on. In addition, they had a number of former champion beer of Britain medallists. The selection was Binghams Vanilla Stout, Twyford Tipple, Brickworks Bitter, Space Hoppy & V Old Ale, Thornbridge Jaipur, Tiny Rebel Cwtch & Pheasantry Best Bitter. Ciders and Perries were Westons Country Perry, Hand Brake, Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig, Sandford Orchards Devon Red, Orchard Pig Philospher & Explorer, Hogans Hazy Daisy & Panking Pole & Cornish Orchards Farmhouse & Blush. The meals we had were ok. But the highlight was the beer. I'm not sure how many ales and ciders they have outside of festivals though.
21 Nov 2016 16:53
The Glengower Hotel, Aberystwyth
I'd saved the Glengower until last, as I was expecting a decent cider selection and it was the closest drinking establishment to our B & B. Whilst I rated the Ship & Castle as the best pub in the town centre, the Glengower is the best pub near the seafront. There's little to choose between them. The Ship & Castle had the slightly better ale selection and felt more like a pub. The Glengower is a seafront hotel that has converted its downstairs rooms to a bar with a view. The ale selection was almost on a par with the Ship & Castle and the cider selection was the best in town. Ales are to the left of the bar as you walk in. Ciders are to the right and also on handpulls. The selection was Purple Moose Dark Side of the Moose, Wye Valley Butty Bach & HPA, Salopian Shropshire Gold, Mantle Rock Steady, Lilleys Lemon and Lime & Bee Sting Perry & Gwynt y Ddraig Ancient Warrior, Farmhouse Scrumpy & Happy Daze. There is plenty of seating and TVs were showing live international football. Food was still being served, despite it being late in the evening. I later discovered they should offer a CAMRA discount. But you obviously have to be in the know. Still a really good bar though.
14 Nov 2016 20:00
Yr Hen Orsaf is Aberystwyth's Wetherspoons. It is located at the main railway station, with seating on the station itself. The interior was much quieter than I had anticipated. But it still took a while to be served, with people seemingly confused about who was next to be served, plus there was the age-old 'spoons issue of lengthy food and coffee orders. The ale selection was Evan Evans Welsh Pale Ale & Cwrw, Brewsters Hop Quest, Coach House Hoptober, Bluestone Elderflower Blonde, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharps Doom Bar. Cider was Old Rosie. Customers were mostly students, who were dining. I suppose this is as good a place as any for those on a budget. Toilets were upstairs. The gents was rather large. I've been to better Wetherspoons.
14 Nov 2016 19:54
I was expecting this place to be closed. But it was open. Although despite the town centre being busy, I was the only customer in here alongside the 2 staff. The interior is fairly impressive with large booth-type seating. But it felt a little dilapidated. The solitary real ale was Felinfoel Double Dragon, which was ok. With nobody in, the place lacked atmosphere. Not quite sure how or why the gents toilets were in such a state. Disappointing.
14 Nov 2016 19:48
The Ship and Castle, Aberystwyth
This is the best pub in the town centre. Despite being tucked away on the High Street (a fairly quiet back street), it was busy on my Saturday evening visit with all tables taken. Most people appeared to be in for the rugby. But there was also a pool table in use at one corner. The ale selection is probably the best in town. They had Marble Pint, Wye Valley HPA & Butty Bach, North Riding Ice Cream Porter & Sadlers Thin Ice. Cider was Black Dragon. I went for the Ice Cream Porter, which was delicious. Just could have done with a seat!
14 Nov 2016 19:43
The Mill is no longer a real ale pub. It is a corner pub that was playing loud music and showing the rugby on my Saturday evening visit. The uninspiring keg choice was Carling, Carling Cider, Worthingtons, Kronenbourg, Strongbow, Staropramen, Coors Light & Guinness. Has little to recommend it. Even the wifi failed to work.
14 Nov 2016 19:39
The Fountain was my first stop in Aberystwyth. It is in fact on the opposite side of the river from the town centre in an area known a Trefechan. The exterior has been painted a bright red/pink colour and the building adjacent to it has been knocked down. There are two entrances. One leads to a small dining area, whilst the other is a public bar with a pool table in the middle. Beyond that was another tiny room. I chose the bar, where the solitary handpull can be found. Locals were there watching the rugby and tucking into complimentary sausages and chips that were on the bar. The real ale was Felinfoel Cambrian Bitter.
14 Nov 2016 19:34
Most websites state that the Rhos Yr Hafod does not open until 5pm. So we intentionally delayed our arrival. However we did reach here a little earlier than planned and found the pub was open with locals having watched the international rugby. After a few attempts at getting in the front door and assuming there was some kind of 'lock in', one guy finally opened the door for us. This is a fairly friendly place that serves a couple of ales. On this visit, they had Cottage Saxon & Mantle Cwrw Teifi. I tried the latter, which wasn't really my kind of beer. But it was well kept.
14 Nov 2016 19:18
After trying the 2 Brains houses - the Black Lion and the Castle, I was hoping this would be the best of 3 pubs in Lampeter. But unfortunately it's closed down and boarded up. This university town is a bit of a beer desert.
14 Nov 2016 19:11
After trying the 2 Brains houses - the Black Lion and the Castle, I was hoping this would be the best of 3 pubs in Lampeter. But unfortunately it's closed down and boarded up. This university town is a bit of a beer desert.
14 Nov 2016 19:11
The Black Lion is probably the best pub in Lampeter. It looks like it used to be a coaching inn, with a parking area at the rear of the building. It is a touch commercialised today though and is owned by Brains. There is a large central bar, with seating all round. Locals were congregated to the left-hand side if you enter from the street, or in front of you if you enter from the passageway to the side. It seems that service is only from this side too, as we witnessed a few people walk in, stand at the bar for a while, before giving up and leaving. Ales were Brains The Rev James Gold & The Rev James Original & Wychwood Hobgoblin.
14 Nov 2016 19:09
We came to New Quay last just about 5 years and I didn't get around to visit this pub. A shame, as it's now closed down.
14 Nov 2016 19:02
The Penrhiwgaled Arms, Llandysul
The Penrhiwgaled Arms was our second pub on a crawl of the west coast of Wales. We'd stopped at the Ship Inn at Aberporth first. But that pub is not listed on here. The Penrhiwgaled is situated in the small village of Cross Inn on the road to Newquay. It is a friendy and reasonable size pub, which had the one solitary real ale on our visit. This was Evan Evans Welsh Pale Ale. There is a large area for a pool table at one end of the bar and there is a children's play area in the garden at the rear.
14 Nov 2016 19:00
The Victoria was my final new pub of the day, before concluding my wanderings in the nearby Antelope. The Victoria is another Youngs pub, which appeared to be popular with families. It is a busy place, with a number of different rooms. Whilst it may have been refurbished, it still retains a nice character. Youngs Bitter & London Gold were the standard ales. But they also had Twickenham Grandstand and Trumans Hoptoberfest was pulled through whilst I was there. A reasonable enough place. But with the Antelope waiting, I soon moved on.
6 Nov 2016 16:23
The Black Lion is a seemingly popular Youngs pub at a set of traffic lights. It was busy with locals watching 2 different football matches on the TVs. Youngs Bitter & Special were the regular beers. But there were also 2 guests - Twickenham Sundancer & Island Yachtsman's Ale. Ok. But nothing special.
6 Nov 2016 16:19
I paid a return visit to this pub yesterday. Summer Lightning & Ranmore Ale are still on. The guests yesterday were Oakham Inferno & Black Sheep Best Bitter. Aspalls has been replaced by Stowford Press. But still no real cider. Still a nice pub. But I think I may have overrated it with a 7 on my last visit.
6 Nov 2016 16:16
The Queens Head, Kingston Upon Thames
My final pub in Kingston was the Queens Head. It's a fairly commercialised Fullers pub on the main road out of the town towards Richmond. It feels aimed towards diners and also offers accommodation. There were 4 handpulls, which were dispensing 3 Fullers beers - London Pride, Oliver's Island & Red Fox, in addition to Seacider Medium. I was really surprised to see Seacider in this place. I'm really hoping that Fullers have some kind of agreement with them, as it's one of my favourite ciders. Of the 6 pubs in Kingston I'd been to, this was only the second to have stocked a real cider. So at least I left happy!
6 Nov 2016 16:12
The Park Tavern, Kingston Upon Thames
The Park Tavern was my fifth stop on my Kingston crawl. It has a lovely location in a terraced street that leads to Richmond Park. The exterior is covered with plenty of foliage, giving it a cosy feel. There are a number of tables on the patio at the front. Inside is just as cosy and there was a decent selection of ales. Fullers London Pride & Youngs Bitter are the permanent ales. There were also 4 guests - Gales Fire Cracker, Twickenham Naked Ladies, Caledonian Trick Or Treat & Binghams Twyford Tipple. There are a huge number of pumpclips on the ceiling, attesting to the decent ale selection they've had over the years. Most of the customers appealed to be regulars. This appears to be a thriving community pub and ended up being my favourite pub of the day in Kingston.
6 Nov 2016 16:05
The Spring Grove, Kingston Upon Thames
The Spring Grove is a Youngs pub situated in a residential area to the south of the centre in Kingston. I entered with quite a low expectation. But I was actually reasonably impressed. Youngs Bitter, Special & London Gold were the permanent beers. But they had 3 guests too - Wimbledon Phoenix Smoked Porter, Sharps Coaster & Trumans Hoptoberfest. The interior is large, with a front bar area and 2 large rooms devoted to diners. Toilets are upstairs. The hand driers in the gents are quite unique. My Porter was nice enough. But drinks prices are on the high side. You'll pay 60p more for a pint here than in the town centre. So I wasn't surprised to see it virtually empty.
6 Nov 2016 15:59
Woody's is a café-style bar on Kingston's riverfront, not far from the shopping area. It was quite a pleasant place to while away a little time watching the comings and goings on the river. Yesterday there were countless rowing boats going by. On the ale front, there are only 2. Autumn Red from Portobello & Little Nipper from Brightwater were on. There are also craft beers and various bottles. I was the first customer in. But another couple came in. A fourth person arrived. But she gave up waiting for service, as bar staff were too busy fulfilling other tasks. The furniture is quite unique. There are better pubs in Kingston. But if you're in this neck of the woods, it's probably worth popping in to see what they have.
6 Nov 2016 15:53
The Druid's Head, Kingston Upon Thames
I was the first customer in here yesterday morning. It's quite a large pub with a number of different seating area. I chose to watch the world go by in the front window. This is supposed to be the oldest pub in the town. But it does now have a modern feel. As previous reviewers have said, there is a decent range of ales despite this being a Greene King pub. IPA & Abbot are the regular beers. But there were also 6 guests - Twickenham Autumn Red, Cottage Red and Ruth & Honey Bunny, Ascot Alligator Ale, Everards Tiger & Red Squirrel Hopfest. My only criticism would be that there were no milds, stouts or porters. I tried the Red and Ruth, which was a ruby ale, but too hoppy for my palate.
6 Nov 2016 15:46
The Kings Tun, Kingston Upon Thames
The King's Tun was my first stop a Kingston crawl yesterday. I was here for breakfast and a quick pint. As Lezford says, it's near the train station. It's also just round the corner from the bus station on Cromwell Road. Getting across the road isn't easy though. Next time I'll use the lights! As with most Wetherspoons, this one has 2 banks of handpulls and unlike many, there are different ales on each bank. Yesterday morning they had 11 ales - Greene King Abbot & IPA, Oakham Citra & Sharps Doom Bar are the regulars. Guests were Twickenham Grandstand, Strange Brew & Redhead, Arundel Sussex Craft Coffee Milk Stout, Dark Star Green Hopped IPA, Kissingate Toffee Cog & Surrey Hills Collusion. There were also 2 real ciders from Westons - Old Rosie & Marcle Hill, in addition to a mulled cider from them too. The interior is quite spacious. Apparently there are 2 floors. But I stayed on the ground and enjoyed a nicer than normal breakfast. Service from both the bar and the kitchen was quick and efficient. Certainly one of the better Wetherspoons I've been in.
6 Nov 2016 15:39
We've always wondered up and down the High Road on the way to White Hart Lane and never found a decent pub to visit. I'd noticed that the Beehive was in the current Good Beer Guide. So I thought I'd give it a try whilst in the area on Friday evening. It's certainly impressive from the outside and the interior is quite spacious with more than enough tables. Although I could imagine it could get quite busy on a match day. There is also a garden area at the rear for any overspill. A small room to the side has a pool table and a football table. We chose to sit in the main room where the bar is situated and enjoyed a couple of burgers and a kid's meal. I was a little disappointed with the ale range though, with only 3 being available - Hackney Best Bitter & Beehive Brew (presumably a house beer) & Redemption Pale Ale. The real cider appeared to have been replaced by a mulled cherry cider. But that was fairly pleasant. It's not cheap in here. But the clientele are the trendy type that suggest that this area could be up and coming within the next several years. Stepping out onto the High Road, you wouldn't think so though!
6 Nov 2016 15:30
The Ramsden Arms is not far from Blackpool North station. But it feels on a bit of a limb away from the town centre. It has a large interior with a couple of rooms. 2 ales were on - Wainwright & The Rev James. I went for the latter, which was ok. Very quiet on my Saturday afternoon visit with only a couple of others plus the barmaid in. Live football had just been on when I arrived.
31 Oct 2016 19:11
Popular Greene King pub well in the main shopping area and well away from the touristy bars near the Promenade. The ale selection was fairly decent for a Greene King pub with Greene King IPA, Black Edge American Pale Ale, Phoenix Spotland Gold, Heavy Industry Collaborator, Bowland Buster IPA, Morland Old Speckled Hen & Hawkshead Dry Stone Stout. The stout was nice. CAMRA discounts are offered.
31 Oct 2016 19:08
The Pump and Truncheon, Blackpool
The Pump & Truncheon was my favourite pub I tried in Blackpool this weekend. I arrived quite late on Saturday evening and was the last to be served before they shut up shop for the evening. The pub has a fairly basic interior that was decked out for Halloween. Being at the rear of the main buildings of the Promenade, it was quiet enough to enjoy a couple of swift halves, but busy enough to have an atmosphere. The barmaid was friendly. 6 ales were on - Pig Iron EPA, Cottage Red Fang, Bristol Beer Factory Enigma, Sharps Doom Bar, Cross Bar Witching Hour & Fuggle Bunny Brew House Cotton Tail. Ciders and perries were Aspalls Waddlegoose Lane Blueberry, Lilleys Sunset Cider, Snails Bank Tumbledown Perry & Very Perry, Cock Eyed Mad Jack, Cotswold Cider Company Yellow Hammer & No Brainer & Orchard Pig Maverick. Recommended.
31 Oct 2016 19:05
Churchills is a traditional pub that was quite lively on my Friday evening visit. Karaoke was in full swing in my visit, with a drag queen seemingly finding it popular. There was certainly a mixed bunch in here. But the atmosphere was friendly. The 4 ales were Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Wells Bombardier Glorious English, Shepherd Neame Spitfire & Morland Old Speckled Hen. I like a pub with characters. One of the better pubs I tried in Blackpool.
31 Oct 2016 18:59
Greene King pub that is currently closed awaiting a new tenant.
31 Oct 2016 18:56
The Layton Rakes is one of 3 Wetherspoons in a small area between the town centre and the Promenade. There's enough space to accommodate the mixture of drinkers - old folks, stag & hen parties and me! A number of bouncers were on the door, primarily to deter underage drinkers. The ale choice was typical of the chain - Coach House Raspberry, Moorhouses White Witch & Pendle Witches Brew, Greene King Abbot, Swannay Dark Monro, Ruddles Best & Sharps Doom Bar. Ciders were Old Rosie & Black Dragon. I didn't visit the roof terrace. But it looked quite a nice space when I saw it from the top of Blackpool Tower.
31 Oct 2016 18:54
Fairly bland corner pub in the centre of Blackpool. Both ales were from Charles Wells - Bombardier & Golden Cauldron. It was still reasonably busy on Friday evening. But there were tables available. It has an outdoor area with tables too. Beer is served in plastic if you're planning on sitting outside. Disappointing.
31 Oct 2016 18:49
The Rifle Volunteer is a little away from the town centre. But it is not too far of a diversion if you're heading from Turf Moor to Manchester Road station, as we were. You can at least start making your way uphill here and there is also a chippy on the way back to the station! We weren't too inspired by the ale selection here though and were surprised that it makes the current Good Beer Guide. 3 ales were on - Reedley Hallows No Nay Never & Filly Close Blonde & Bass. Whilst the pub is a fairly decent local, albeit surprisingly quiet with the football on, there are better ale selections in many other pubs across Burnley. I guess it depends whether you want variety of ales or just a quiet place for a pint.
25 Oct 2016 18:33
The Talbot is uphill out of the town centre. But I thought it was worth the climb. As with the Bridge, the Talbot was packed with Burnley FC matchday fans. But getting served here was much easier. Head to the right-hand bar for the real ale selection. Naylors NYB, Rossendale Halo Pale, Moorhouses Premiership, Reedley Hallows Pendleside & New Laund Dark, JW Lees MPA, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin & Timothy Taylor Boltmaker were all on. Cider was Thatchers Heritage. TVs were showing live football and there was a small stage in one corner. With the Bridge Beer Huis being so difficult to judge, with it being unpleasantly crowded, I ended up rating the Talbot as my favourite pub of the day. By the way, if you're heading to the football ground, it's also worth stopping off at the KSC 110 Club. They charge 20p to get in. But they have a half decent selection of ales there too.
25 Oct 2016 18:27
Situated just across a car park from the town centre, this place is probably deservedly Burnley's best known real ale pub. We could tell when we arrived that it was going to be busy, judging by the dozens of people standing outside. I was eternally optimistic would be empty! But it was 4-5 deep at the bar. We persevered and I even managed to establish all of the ales - St Austell Proper Job, Reedley Hallows Filly Close Blonde, Vog Dark Matter Blackcurrant Porter & Moorhouses Blonde Witch & Premiership. The cider was Celtic Marches Abrahalls Slack Alice. Certainly a decent selection. But it was very difficult to judge this place as it was simply too busy to enjoy. I'll need to come back when there is no football on.
25 Oct 2016 18:22
After a visit to the lively Bootleggers Music Bar (not listed on here), we moved onto our third Wetherspoons of the day, the second one we'd tried in Burnley. Luckily their festival was on. So there was a decent enough selection for us to try something different - Moorhouses Pendle Witches Brew, Saltaire Stateside IPA, Ruddles Best, Worsthorne Golden Boot, Theakston Vanilla Stout, Caledonian Recreation Ale & Deuchars IPA, Everards Hop Session, & Wadworth Epic Brew. Cider was Old Rosie. This place had a bit more character to it than the nearby Brun Lea. As Lezford mentions, the split levels makes it slightly more 'interesting' than the bog standard open-plan layout. It's as interesting as the vast majority of Wetherspoons get anyway!
25 Oct 2016 18:17
The Brun Lea was the first of 2 Wetherspoons we visited in our whistlestop tour of the town. This place felt fairly small. There was an upstairs. But I'm not sure if there was any seating. It took a while to get served. Ales were Ruddles Best, Maxim Northern Knight, Shepherd Neame Hot Night At The Village, Camerons Press Gang, Caledonian Recreation Ale, Cotleigh Hip Hop Hooray & Wadworth Bentspoke Braddon Bitter. The cider was Barbourne Sweet Kernel, which I had not sampled previously. I recommend both branches of 'spoons in this town.
25 Oct 2016 18:11
I gather this is Burnley's first micropub. It was doing a good trade on our Saturday lunchtime visit. Pendleside was the only ale from Reedley Hallows, who apparently own the place. But there were 4 guests - York Yorkshire Terrier & Centurion's Ghost Ale, Slaters Original & Bank Top Flat Cap. There are several tables despite the pub's small size. We secured the last table and on each one there was complimentary nibbles. I must admit to being a fan of micropubs and whilst we found better pubs in Burnley, I quite liked this place.
25 Oct 2016 18:07
This is now called Baltic Homeland and is a restaurant. Although there was a keg beer selection. I gather it used to be a JW Lees house. I may try to visit next time I am back in Burnley.
25 Oct 2016 18:03
The Cross Keys is a fairly large pub at the end of St James St. There is plenty of seating inside and an open fire was blazing. There are big screens showing live football and a stage presumably for bands and/or karaoke. 3 ales are dispensed. On this occasion, two were from the local Reedley Hallows brewery - Pendleside & Griffin IPA. The third ale was Copper Dragon Golden Pippin. Locals were willing to engage in conversation.
25 Oct 2016 18:02
The Ministry Of Ale is the first pub you'll see if you arrive into Manchester Road station. Despite spotting it, it was always planned to be my first port of call in Burnley on Saturday. I believe it normally opens at midday. But on a matchday, it opens at 11:30, which suited us fine as our train arrived shortly before midday. This is a decent old-fashioned boozer, that I'd imagine is frequented by a loyal group of locals during the week. It has a brewery that you can view on entry. The main seating area can be cramped when there are a few in. 4 ales were on. But they were all pale ales - Prospect Silver Tally, Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted, Deeply Vale Golden Vale & Phoenix Pale Moonlight. Unfortunately the previous reviewer may have jinxed my visit as none of the house-brewed Moonstone ales were on. Still a decent pub though.
25 Oct 2016 17:59
The Manchester and County, Manchester
I'd passed this Wetherspoons several times before. But I'd never before ventured in. Saturday morning was an opportunity to do this, whilst passing through Manchester city centre. It's convenient for both Piccadilly station and the main shopping area. With few other pubs open before 11am, it was predictably busy. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Everards Pitch Black, JW Lees Autumn Ale, Wadworth Bentspoke Braddon Bitter, RCH Return From The Ashes & Greene King Abbot. There was no real cider. The interior is typically characterless Wetherspoons. A handy place to visit when no other pubs are open. But Manchester has too many decent pubs to make this a destination in its own right.
25 Oct 2016 17:53
Was back here on Sunday evening for a carvery. It was packed as usual. Ales have deteriorated since the last visit. Only Doom Bar was available. The best cider choice I could see was Thatchers Old Rascal in bottles. The furniture could do with an update, unless you like holes in your seats. Not a place I would head for a beer. But it's ok for a cheap roast dinner.
18 Oct 2016 21:30
The Pie & Ale was my last stop before heading to the football. But this was my favourite pub of the day in Manchester. It doesn't look like a pub from the outside and it doesn't feel like one inside. But there is plenty of seating space over 2 floors with a fairly trendy drinking/eating environment. If you turn right as you enter, you'll find a good selection of ales. On Saturday, these were Siren Under Current, Hawkshead Cumbrian 5 Hop, Black Jack American Amber & Gold Coast Pale Specials & Thirst Class Porter In A Storm. The cider was Hogans Wild Elder. The number of pumpclips on the walls, suggest they have stocked many decent ales. They presumably sell pies too. Although I didn't see any. They offer a CAMRA discount too. So good, I returned after the game for more.
18 Oct 2016 21:27
A Soup Kitchen is a good way to describe this Northern Quarter establishment. If you've ever been to Wagamama's, you'd feel at home here, as seating is on rows of long benches, apart from some extremely high stools against the windows. Queues form along a food counter, eventually leading to a till where you pay for your meal. However, there is a separate bar which was dispensing an eclectic range of ales - Sonnet 43 Impressment, North Riding Mosaic Pale, Totally Brewed Punch In The Face IPA, North Brewing Company Prototype & Redbush Tea & Vanilla Mild. When I asked the barmaid about ciders, I got a list of the basic fizzy stuff, plus mass marketed bottles. But whilst she was reeling the list off, I spotted a box in the fridge. So I ended up with a Red Bank Autumn Magic. Whoever knew cider was produced in Bolton?!! In fairness, I have tried it before. But it was still very nice. There are so many decent bars around this area and this is certainly one of them.
18 Oct 2016 21:22
The Hare and Hounds, Manchester
Spit and sawdust describes this pub fairly well. It's a no frills place that could probably do with a lick of paint. But the 3 rooms do have character and the place was heaving early on our Saturday afternoon visit. We had to fight to get in the door. Ales were Holts Bitter, Sharps Doom Bar & Robinsons Dizzy Blonde. We played safe and went for the Holts, as it was clearly the most popular. It was far better than I had anticipated. Traditional pub that is well worth a visit, if you like this kind of pub.
18 Oct 2016 21:16
I've passed the Micro Bar before. You can see it as you walk along the street next to the Arndale Centre. But this time, I ventured in. I'm told it has recently changed hands, having previously belonged to Boggart. But I'm not sure how true this is. 2 ales were on. They were Dancing Duck Ay Up & Phoenix Navy. The cider was Lilleys Sunset. I had the last, before it was replaced with Bee Sting Perry. There's also a few keg options, which included Elland 1872 Porter. They also have a good bottle selection in fridges. Seating is café style. So it doesn't really feel like a pub/bar. But I guess they have a good turnover of ales and ciders here. So it's got to be worth a visit.
18 Oct 2016 21:12
The Old Wellington Inn, Manchester
Having been in the Sinclairs Oysters Bar almost 8 years ago, I returned to try the other pub in this historic building - the Old Wellington. It's a Nicholsons establishment with a fairly small interior. Its draw on this sunny Saturday afternoon was the outdoor courtyard at the front. But this meant that all drinks were served in plastic glasses. The ale selection was Moles Mole Catcher, Moorhouses White Witch, Black Wolf Big Red, Purity Ubu & St Austell Nicholson's Pale Ale. Whilst we were there London Beer Factory Chelsea Blonde & Fullers London Pride were pulled through. A reasonable range of ales. But I've just come from London, how is it there are 2 adjacent pubs both serving Pride?! We stood at the bar and witnessed a couple of incidents of where the customer is clearly never right! One person was told they ordered a pint of Peroni and not a bottle. So a pint was what they were getting. Another was told that there was nothing wrong with the cider. Luckily my patience wasn't tested. So I didn't have to vote with my feet. Nice pub. But customer service requires improvement.
18 Oct 2016 21:08
The Crown and Anchor, Manchester
Holts pub in a fairly lively area near to the Arndale Centre. The pub seems to focus on food. But there are 6 ales. On Saturday lunchtime, these were Holts Bitter, IPA & Two Hoots, Booteg Racketeer & Twisted Grove & Fullers London Pride. So no dark ales and no ciders either. There's plenty of seating. But it was fairly popular. So finding a perch wasn't easy. The interior is fairly bland. There are better pubs nearby.
18 Oct 2016 21:02
The Piccadilly Tap was my first of 7 new pubs visited in Manchester city centre on Saturday. It's on the pedestrian ramp leading up to Piccadilly station. I assume it's in a former retail premises. But I don't recall what was there previously. It's certainly a very handy place to use up any spare minutes you may have before catching a train. As described previously, the interior feels vintage/retro. There are a few tables on the ground floor and a reasonably sized drinking area outdoors at the front. A bouncer was on the door. I was expecting more real ales. But 6 still isn't bad - Redemption Trinity, Northern Monk New World IPA, Heavy Industry 77, Adnams Bitter & Cashmere IPA & Torrside Late To The Party. There are more craft ales available. The cider selection is disappointing. Feels a bit too fake for my liking. But as I say, it's handy.
18 Oct 2016 20:57
The Belle Vue is a 5-10 minute walk from the railway station and is on a backstreet next to the railway line. From the outside it looked closed and I was on the verge of passing by. But then I noticed a light, tried a door and lo and behold, it was open. This is a proper boozer with a good selection of ales and ciders. It turned out to be my favourite pub in High Wycombe. Ales were Adnams Broadside & Ghost Ship, Greene King Golden Breeze, Sharps Atlantic & Rebellion IPA. Ciders were Thatchers Heritage & Cheddar Valley, Aspalls Cyderkyn, Westons Rosie's Pig & Old Rosie & Radnage Dry. The interior is a fairly basic inverted L-shaped room, whilst there is a very pleasant garden to the side. The landlord and customers were friendly. It looked like a band was about to set up. I love this sort of pub. Whilst you may get a better ale selection in other Wycombe pubs, the cider selection was certainly the best and this was by far the most authentic pub I found in the town.
9 Oct 2016 17:12
The Flint Cottage, High Wycombe
The Bootlegger is conveniently located opposite the station. I'm not sure what I was expecting. But it was a surprise to find such a decent pub here. 9 real ales were on - Tring Mansion Mild & Sea Vixen, Rebellion Mild, Smuggler & Victory, Hardy & Hansons Olde Trip, Leighton Buzzard Cuckoo, XT1 & Thornbridge Hopton. At the rear of the bar there is a list of craft beers from brewers such as Tool, Siren, Brewdog, Wiper & True & Meantime. There were no real ciders that I could see. But fridges to the one end of the room contain many different ales and ciders in bottles. The barmaid was friendly too and there is plenty of space to sit. A good pub.
9 Oct 2016 17:06
Fullers pub in a historic building. This place appears to be focused on its Thai food, rather than its beer. London Pride was the solitary real ale. The staff are Thai and the food did look good. But the lady behind the bar got my order wrong and the interior felt a bit dark and dingy. The worst of 6 Wycombe pubs I tried earlier today.
9 Oct 2016 16:59
The Falcon is the nicer of the two Wetherspoons in High Wycombe. This one is located in the main shopping area and is slightly larger than the William Robert Loosley. Ales were Loddon Ferryman's Gold, Windsor & Eton Kohinoor IPA & Canberra, Ringwood Old Thumper, Binghams Twyford Tipple, Sharps Doom Bar, Ruddles Best & Greene King Abbot. This branch had no real cider either. But the big problem here was service. Whilst there were 2 people stood doing nothing in the William Robert Loosley, the one barman here was absolutely rushed off his feet. As I left, he had about 10-15 people waiting to be served, with people ordering coffees and breakfasts. I went across the road to the Red Squirrel Brewery Shop Emporium where there were more staff than customers. But at least there was a far better range of beers and ciders. I'm sure this place will be added in due course. But it was a far better choice than either of the Wetherspoons.
9 Oct 2016 16:54
The Robert William Loosley, High Wycombe
There's not much to chose between the two Wetherspoons in High Wycombe. But I think this is marginally the worst. This one is just outside the centre on the A40. As you can see from the picture above, it's called the William Robert Loosley as opposed to Robert William. Greene KIng Abbot is the permanent ale and they had 4 guests - Binghams Sussex Extra Pale Ale, Sharps Doom Bar, Eagle Air Reet & Loddon Forbury Lion. But 5 ales is a poor selection by Wetherspoons standards. There was no real cider either. The two bar staff didn't seem too keen to want to serve, despite stood chatting at the end of the bar. There are much better pubs in High Wycombe.
9 Oct 2016 16:47
The Hare and Hounds, Sunbury on Thames
I was in Sunbury yesterday and thought I'd give one of the local pubs a go. The Hare & Hounds is a Fullers pub. There are 3 rooms - a bar, a restaurant and a small area in between. Pride & ESB were the two predictable ales. Although it does appear that they have occasional guests. Cambridge Bitter was "coming soon". Seemed a friendly enough place. But nothing to encourage me to come back as there are Fullers pubs with the same qualities nearer to me.
8 Oct 2016 11:07
The George and Dragon, Yiewsley
Was in here again 8 days ago. Just Greene King IPA & Morland Old Golden Hen on for real ale drinkers. Aspalls Waddlegoose Lane in a bottle was my choice. One TV was showing football and the others had Ryder Cup golf on. Bar staff were friendly. Have never tried the food in here. But I'm told its good value. Food is served until 9pm. Always a mixture of clientele in here. Still just about the best pub in West Drayton/Yiewsley. But that's saying something!
8 Oct 2016 11:03
After a 7 year absence, we recalled how much we enjoyed this pub on our last visit and made a point of booking a table for a Saturday evening meal. The pub, the ales and the ciders/perries were just as good as we remembered. But the food was a bit of a let down. We remembered seeing a decent blackboard of options in the bar. But now there is a very limited standard menu. Food was ok, without being anything special. I will downgrade my rating from a 9 to an 8, as this is still a great place for a drink. Ales yesterday were Loddon Hoppit, West Berkshire Screaming Eagle, Church End Red Shirt Blues & Butts Traditional & Organic Jester. Ciders and perries were Westons Old Rosie, Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze, Lilleys Bee Sting & Crazy Goat, Crazy Dave's Wessex Apple & Berkshire Apple, Broadoak Moonshine, Millwhites Apples & Pears & Abrahalls Cracklin' Rosie.
2 Oct 2016 20:20
The Star Inn, Waltham St Lawrence
This pub appears to be closed again. The pub sign has gone and the closure looks permanent this time.
2 Oct 2016 20:14
Wasn't overly impressed with this place. It does feel a bit upmarket and has prices to match. Most people appear to be in there for the food. Drinks prices were high (£8.25 for a half of cider and 2 soft drinks). But most people are probably focused on the food prices and don't notice the added extras. Two ales were on - Rebellion IPA & Sharps Doom Bar. Nice location. But could be much better.
2 Oct 2016 20:12
The Junction, Clapham Junction
I haven't been here since it was called the Windsor Castle. I was thoroughly expecting to walk in and back out again after having seen the drinks range. But it was tempting enough to stay. It's a Taylor Walker pub a short distance from Clapham Junction railway station. It was reasonably busy yesterday evening. Bar staff were serving people out of order, which is always annoying. I nearly dropped on the floor when told the price for a half was £2.75!! Inflation is clearly rampant here. Ales were Greene King IPA, Plain Innspiration & Sheep Dip & Taylor Walker 1730 Special Pale Ale. There were 2 ciders from Lilleys - Mango and Apples & Pears. Not a place I'd return to with these prices.
25 Sep 2016 13:26
The Brewhouse was our 4th and final stop in Poole early yesterday afternoon. It was the best of the 4 too. Whilst this is a Milk Street pub, only one of the beers was on - Beer Blonde. Guests were Dark Star Hophead, Great Heck Voodoo Mild & Roosters Eighty Eight. Ciders were Orchard Pig Maverick & Philosopher, Worley's Mendip Hills & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Whilst the Maverick was visible in a box behind the bar, others are fetched from the cellar and are listed on a small blackboard on the bar. It was fairly quiet inside, with just a handful of locals, despite its busy High Street location. But the atmosphere was fine. Worth a visit.
25 Sep 2016 13:18
Wadworth establishment now called the Rope & Anchor that was doing a reasonable trade (in both food and drink) yesterday lunchtime. Ales from Wadworth were Horizon, Farmer's Glory, 6X & Swordfish. Nethergate Old Growler was a guest. There are 4 handpulls and 2 casks served by gravity from behind the bar. Service was friendly.
25 Sep 2016 13:13
The King Charles was our second pub in Poole yesterday lunchtime after the Drift (not listed on the site). It has quite a dark interior and live football was being shown. But only a couple of people were watching and the place had very little atmosphere. The ale range was fairly poor too - Sharps Doom Bar, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Youngs Bitter. Worst of the 4 Poole pubs we tried.
25 Sep 2016 13:09
Ye Olde Bulls Head Inn, Beaumaris
The Olde Bull's Head was the second of our Beaumaris pubs. There is a view of the castle at the end of the street. This is a fully functioning hotel. The reception and a lounge are to the right as you enter. There is a bar with a main room and a smaller side room with access to the toilets on the left. The toilet door is one of the smallest I've ever seen. These 2 rooms are very traditional in their nature. But to the rear is a large and modern function/dining room. We were surprised to see a selection of 6 real ales. Some are fetched from this rear function room. The ale selection was Hancocks HB, Bass, Muirhouse Malibrew, Conwy Welsh Pride & Beachcomber Blonde & Lleu Celtic Brew. They also have a rather large collection of gins. The clientele here seemed to be drunk and a touch eccentric. Recommended.
22 Sep 2016 19:51
The George and Dragon, Beaumaris
After finding yet another Anglesey pub closed (the Owain Glyndwr at Llandona), I arrived into Beaumaris for the first time in over 30 years. First port of call was this Robinsons pub. It feels like a little decoration could be in order, with the carpets in particular being well worn. But this is a very old building (with low ceilings in places - watch your head) that promotes its 16th century wall paintings. The 2 ales were George & Dragon Ale & Hop Gun. Worth a visit. But the ale quality doesn't seem too reliable.
22 Sep 2016 19:46
Ship Inn, Tynygongl, Pentraeth
The Ship Inn at Red Wharf Bay was our favourite pub during our visit to Anglesey. It enjoys a fine location overlooking a bay, with plenty of small boats to admire. Most people were sat outside enjoying the views. But there are a few different rooms indoors, all with lots of character. 3 ales were on - Timothy Taylor Landlord, Conwy Kenneally's Bitter & Facers Bulkeley Bitter. I believe the Kenneally's are the family that have owned this place for years. I'm not sure what the Bulkeley refers to. But we did later see a Bulkeley Hotel in Beaumaris. The Ship is well worth the detour off the main road. The beer choice isn't too bad. But the views are definitely worth it.
22 Sep 2016 19:36
After an unsuccessful drive to the north of Anglesey, where the Bull Bay Hotel has recently been sold, the Adelphi Vault wasn't open until 3pm (we later returned to find it open and seemingly the only pub on the island to sell a real cider and a local one at that) and the Bedol was boarded up (none of these 3 are listed on here), we were glad to find the oasis that is the PIlot Boat Inn. As you enter, the first thing you'll notice is an old double decker bus. This is a soft play area for kids. I assume you ask at the bar for entrance. There is also a garden with swings on the other side. The pub itself is Robinsons. Unicorn & Trooper were their 2 ales. They were doing a good trade in food and there are plenty of tables available. Not too sure about the music being played though. I assume it was a collection of sea shanties, which was a tad annoying. Views up the hills to the rear are impressive.
22 Sep 2016 19:24
The Victoria Hotel, Menai Bridge
The Victoria Hotel is a rather nice hotel which does a couple of real ales. The main bar is to the left just after the reception and the receptionist came to serve us. She was very welcoming. There is a large function room with another bar to a rear and a conservatory that was packed with OAPs enjoying lunch. But the lady recommended we tried the garden at the rear with views down to the Menai Strait. There are plenty of tables there and it was actually warm enough to eat too. Bass is the regular ale and they also have a guest, which was Black Sheep Holy Grail. Best of the 3 pubs listed on here for Menai Bridge. However the Liverpool Arms just down the steps from the garden was a better option, albeit not listed on here. Beware the opening times of the nearby Auckland Arms. This does not open until 3pm.
22 Sep 2016 19:18
This is a Marstons pub on the roundabout on the Anglesey side of the Menai Bridge. Beware of opening times. Their website advertises that it opens at 11am. But at 11:30 it still wasn't open. This wasn't too much of a problem, as the Anglesey Arms is just opposite and was open. The interior has a few different small rooms, with an outdoor area at the rear. The specials menu looked tempting, with plenty of fish dishes. Ales were Ringwood Boon Doggle & Old Thumber & Brakspear Varsity Pale. Marginally better than the Anglesey Arms. But nothing particularly exciting.
22 Sep 2016 19:10
The Anglesey Arms, Menai Bridge
The Anglesey Arms is a modern-looking pub that is much older than it looks. It is situated on the roundabout at the Anglesey end of the Menai Bridge. It opens at 11 in the morning. The main bar is spacious. There was a function room to the rear, with accommodation on the upper floors. Ales are all from JW Lees. On this occasion, there was MPA, Bitter, Jumbo Star & Tan Y Ddraig. It all felt a bit too sanitised to me.
22 Sep 2016 19:04
After a visit to one of Liverpool's newest bars (Hard Times & Misery), I dropped into one Liverpool's best pubs. It was quite on this Saturday afternoon. But there were a few people in the room to the right as you enter and a couple more in the rear room. Ales were Settle Earl Grey IPA, Tetley Cask, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Ossett North/South Divide & Rock The Boat Liverpool Light. Old Rosie is on a pump these days, after they did try selling other real ciders last summer. But the Old Rosie was off on this visit. The pub has received a lot of publicity about its sell off. It would be a devastating blow if this place was to close.
19 Sep 2016 21:08
We were tempted by this Indian. But the Blue Boar is just opposite.
19 Sep 2016 20:55
The Kilvert's Hotel, Hay on Wye
Kilverts has a nice position in the centre of this town. It's quite a large place inside and there are also a couple of tables at the front. The ale selection was a bit limited with more pumpclips turned round than in use. But they did have Brecon Welsh Beacons & Wye Valley Butty Bach. More importantly for me, Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Scrumpy was being sold from a box at the back of the bar. Staff are friendly. But it does feel a bit touristy.
19 Sep 2016 20:37
I wasn't intending to visit Hay-on-Wye. But with 2 of my planned pubs closed, we had the opportunity to try 2 in this touristy town, with a nice castle. The Blue Boar was fairly quiet. The landlord/chef was at the bar conversing with a local. He seemed to know what he was talking about in regards to food. 4 ales were on - Timothy Taylor Landlord, Sharps Doom Bar, Greene King IPA & Brains The Rev James. Dunkertons Organic cider was available too. A good pub.
19 Sep 2016 20:34
After a visit to the very nice Three Horseshoes in Velindre, we attempted a visit to the Holly Bush Inn. Well at least it used to be the Holly Bush. It is now advertised as a Nepalese & Thai restaurant. The interior looks basic and peering through the windows, I could still see a Wye Valley pumpclip. We didn't get the chance to enter to see how welcome we'd be as drinkers, as the place doesn't open on a Sunday apart from lunchtime. There was a cat sat in the car park and a peacock in the garden. The car park also had a huge (thousands) collection of empty bottles - not sure why! It's another 0/10 from me, as no beer was forthcoming.
19 Sep 2016 20:30
The Tower Hotel is an imposing building. But I'm really not sure if it is open or not. The pathway to the bar entrance was overgrown and didn't look as if it had been used for a few months. A notice on the door stated that the pub was closed. However lights were on at the side of the building near the Carvery entrance. But the door was locked. I was told by another licensee that the place now only opens on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Their website confirms it is open on these days. But this was around 4pm on a Sunday and it was already closed, despite the website saying it closed at 6! I tried calling. But the telephone just rang and rang. A shame. But it's a 0/10 from me.
19 Sep 2016 20:26
The Castle of Brecon Hotel, Brecon
It's been almost 7 years since our last visit to Brecon and we were back to try 3 of more recent entries to the Good Beer Guide. The Brecon Rugby Club was our first stop. But that is not listed on here. The Castle of Brecon Hotel is sat on top of a hill and it does feel more like a hotel than a drinking establishment, with a rather pretentious feel, including such things as display cabinets selling jewellery and a separate bar serving coffees. Service was efficient. But a smile would have been nice. Ales were Brains The Rev James, Otter Ale & Wye Valley Butty Bach. Assuming things are still the same in Brecon, there are better pubs in the town.
19 Sep 2016 20:21
The sign for this pub is still there. It was an Indian restaurant. But now it appears that it will re-open as a Thai.
19 Sep 2016 20:19
The Three Horseshoes, Groesffordd
The Three Horseshoes is tucked away in a cul-de-sac on a hill in this small village. It has a modern interior, with a raised area for dining. In fact, most people appeared to be having Sunday lunch with several staff delivering many meals and vegetables past our table. The 3 ales were Glamorgan Welsh Pale, Brains The Rev James & St Austell Tribute. The cider was Dog Dancer. Felt a bit too modern for my liking. But a better than average pub.
19 Sep 2016 20:18
The Old Ford Inn is a roadside pub on the A40 in lovely countryside. The car park was packed and it was clear why when we got inside to see many people tucking into the obviously-popular Sunday lunches. The Rev James was the solitary real ale. With no tables to be had inside, we chose to enjoy some rare Welsh sunshine in the narrow beer garden overlooking fields and the Brecon Beacons beyond. Nice pub despite the lack of ale choice.
19 Sep 2016 20:09
The Star was our third pub of the day (the New Inn at Bwlch is not listed on here). It also turned out to be the best of the day. Situated in a very nice village with a canal running behind it, this is a deservedly popular pub with a decent range of ales. A selection of 6 is seemingly good for this area - Malt Starry Nights, Dark Star American Pale Ale, Roosters Eighty Eight, Orkney Red Macgregor, Thwaites Lancaster Bomber & Oakham Inferno. The number of pumpclips on the walls show just how many ales this pub has got through. They also had a cider (Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze) and a perry (Lilleys Crazy Goat). There seemed to be quite a few from Yorkshire. There is plenty of seating in different areas inside and there is a garden to the rear too, with steps leading up to the canal. Lots of people were enquiring about food. So the pub clearly has a very good reputation. Dogs are welcome. But it currently has a for sale notice up. So hopefully it won't be lost. Parking in the village is difficult.
19 Sep 2016 20:05
The Harp was our first Welsh pub of the day yesterday. It's a two room local with a car park at the rear which looks over fields full of sheep and a river valley. The young barmaid seemed new to the job. She charged for a pint, when we only had a half. But the landlord was on hand to assist. The 2 ales were Wye Valley Butty Bach & Cottage Honey Bunny. Fairly average place. Locals were friendly.
19 Sep 2016 19:52
The Prince of Wales, Wimbledon
Paid a return visit to the Prince of Wales on Monday. Prices haven't improved. £4.55 for a pint of Old Rosie cider, with the 10% CAMRA discount. Ales were Old Speckled Hen, Wandle & Lion. Mad Goose had run out shortly before we arrived. The presence of Old Rosie was a decent surprise though. This is a spacious pub that shows live football. In an era when even Sky are pricing out pubs and I tried several near to me who can no longer afford their subscription, it can be relied on if you want to watch the football. There always seems to be plenty of available seats when I've been. Convenient for the station.
14 Sep 2016 20:59
The Nag's Head clearly displays opening times of 9:15-2:30 & 5-10:30 on a Sunday on their own website. So imagine my surprise to turn up on a Sunday evening at 9:45 to be told they are closed. This despite all of the lights being on. The one guy (presumably the landlord) presumably didn't like the look of me. When I told him I'd driven from London to visit his pub (albeit in addition to 10 others!), he repeated that the pub was closed and that he had to "do something upstairs". When I asked if I could just have a half, this request was also denied. This doesn't seem much of a way to run a pub, especially as they weren't supposed to close for another 45 minutes. It's no wonder that other pubs in Usk had plenty of trade, but this one didn't. This one gets a big fat zero out of ten for me as you cannot rely on them to sell you a beer in the evening. Note the Usk Conservative Club was also closed on this Sunday evening, again despite some websites (not their own) showing it as open. If you're looking for somewhere to drink in Usk, I recommend the New Court Hotel (not listed on here). It does actually open at its advertised times and it serves an excellent range of both ales and ciders. It wasn't particularly busy and those there were predominantly young. But at least it is reliable.
14 Sep 2016 20:32
The Royal Hotel is an impressive building in a nice corner of Usk. But it is sadly closed at present.
14 Sep 2016 20:19
The King's Head Hotel was the busiest of the Usk pubs we tried. It is a hotel with on main comfortable bar which appears to be popular amongst middle-aged and elderly locals. Ales were London Pride, Landlord & Butty Bach. A welcoming and nicely-decorated pub. But not the best pub in Usk in my opinion.
14 Sep 2016 20:18
Coach and Horses, Abergavenney
It's been almost 8 years since I was last drinking in Abergavenny. But I returned on Sunday to try the Coach & Horses. But we returned on Sunday lunchtime to find this pub closed. A call to the pub revealed that it would be opening later on at 7pm. So we duly returned later in the day. We found a pub that was not too welcoming and had just 2 ales - SA & 6X. Clientele all appeared to know each other. So I assume they were all locals. Toilets are to the rear. There are much better pubs in Abergavenny, or at least there were.
14 Sep 2016 20:15
The Star was a short drive down the road from the Horseshoe. At first glance, it looked like a foodie pub. But on entering, it transpired that it was primarily drinkers. The ale range was a little disappointing, with little adventure - Bass, Wadworth 6X, Greene King Abbot & Wye Valley Butty Bach. The barmaid appeared to be worked off her feet. But the garden is large and has things for kids, including a sandpit.
14 Sep 2016 20:10
After a visit to the remote Goose & Cuckoo in Upper Llanover, we moved on to the first of two pubs in Mamhilad. The Horseshoe was my favourite pub of the day in Wales. It is a fairly small place that has friendly and professional service. The barman, chef and landlord took a keen interest. Ales were Mad Dog Y Ffoledd, Goffs Camelot & Tiny Rebel Cwtch. Then I noticed the selection of 6 ciders - Westons Old Rosie & Family Reserve, Gwynt y Ddraig Ancient Warrior & Farmhouse Scrumpy and Hallets Oak Aged & Blindfold. Hallets is one of my favourite producers and apparently they are based nearby here. We stayed for a late Sunday lunch, which was also very enjoyable. Recommended.
14 Sep 2016 20:07
After a visit to the very impressive Lamb & Fox at Pwll Du near Blaenavon (not currently listed on here), we moved onto this locals' pub in Beaufort. It didn't look particularly welcoming from the outside. But locals were friendly enough. Only 1 ale is served - Rhymney Export. The handpull is in the lounge, which was set out for a party. Locals were in the bar, which has plenty of references to Welsh rugby. I went to better pubs on my visit to South Wales. But don't rule this one out.
14 Sep 2016 20:01
This pub is now the Tafarn y Bont (Bridge Inn) and is situated off the main road in the village next to a stream. We sat on the patio at the back, next to the stream. I wasn't expecting much in the ale range and I certainly wasn't expecting a cider. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Tudor IPA & Cwm Rhondda Boyo Pale Ale. Just before ordering, I spotted the Bragdy Brodyr's Black Beauty Craft Cider in a box on the bar, only dispensed in half pints. That was one I'd not tried before and it was quite dry, but enjoyed in the sunshine. Another decent pub that was much better than I'd anticipated.
14 Sep 2016 19:57
Our first pub of the day on Sunday was the Bridge Inn. It's situated next to a bridge over the River Usk, where there is a weir. Plenty of bench-type seating outdoors at the rear and overlooking the river was quite a welcome sight on a warm autumn day. The ale range was mostly local - Twt Lol Horny Goat Ale, Tudor Skirrid Welsh Bitter, Hancocks HB & Glamorgan Jemima's Pitchfork. Cider was Rosie's Pig. The car park at the side is very small and street parking is limited. A decent pub.
14 Sep 2016 19:51
Paid my second or third visit to BrewDog Liverpool yesterday. So I suppose I ought to give it a review. If you've been to one BrewDog, you've really been to them all, as they follow the same formula. Whilst this place seemed fairly busy when it first opened, it does appear to be much quieter now, with only a handful of punters in yesterday lunchtime. Beers are all keg here and with some fairly strong ones on offer, they're expensive, even for thirds. So it's not necessarily somewhere you'd stay for a session. BrewDog beers yesterday were Punk IPA, Dead Pony Club Live, 5AM Saint, Vagabond, Kingpin, Hmni Ingrid, Crew Brew, Doodlebug, Hop Fiction, Jack Hammer, Proto Helles, Nanny State, Proto Red, Ace of Citra & Ace of Chinook. From other breweries, there were Against The Grain Coq de la Marche, Tool Velvets Are Blue & Mr Pink, Beavertown Clausenii, Stone Mocha IPA, Americano Stout & Points Unknown, Weihenstephan 1516, Oskar Blues Dagga, Logsdon Farmhouse Straffe Drieling, Lindemans Framboise & Alphabet A To The K. The bar is quite nice inside with central bench seating, booths and other tables. There is an area with pinball machines in one corner near the toilets. It's located a little away from the main pub/bar action. So I doubt it attracts much passing grade. But it's still a good option if you like craft beers and are touring around the local pubs.
28 Aug 2016 10:34
The Baltic Fleet is currently only brewing its Summer Ale on the premises. So that is pretty much a permanent beer. But what is nice now is that the remaining 8 handpulls have guest ales and a couple of ciders. Yesterday's selection was Liverpool Organic Harbour, Brimstage Trappers Hat, Facers Clwyd Gold, Melwood Derby Stout, Big Bog Blonde Bach, Spitting Feathers Thirst Quencher, Malvern Magic Kingston Black & Westons Old Banger. So the selection is now much more varied. My only gripe would be the cost. Two halves of cider now costs £4. But the barman seemed to be quite knowledgeable and a wider range of food now appears to be served - scouse, burgers etc. The pub still feels a bit out on a limb. But it's undoubtedly one of the best 5 or 6 in Liverpool.
28 Aug 2016 10:26
I thought I would pay this pub a visit, as I heard it is now dispensing real ale. But Doom Bar was the only ale available, with an Atlantic pumpclip turned round. I went for the M & B Mild, not bad value for £2. The pub does have a very seedy feel with glass mirrors all round promoting the lap dancing bar (Aphrodite) downstairs. There were quite a lot of flies. Not the best pub I've been to in the city centre.
28 Aug 2016 10:20
The Crown was the first of three stops in West Derby for us yesterday. This was the only one without any real ale. The options were Carling, Fosters, John Smiths, Strongbow, Gunness, Black Sheep Best Bitter (keg) & Tetleys Dark Mild. It's quite an impressive pub inside and out. But it could do with a bit of investment. The bowling green at the rear is immaculate though. The Royal Standard is just opposite here, if you fancy a real ale and something more modern, whilst the Halton Castle is not too far away either for more ale. Neither are listed on here.
24 Aug 2016 21:16
This is possibly the only place worth drinking in when in Huyton. It's a Wetherspoons on a dual carriageway. The place certainly provided us with some entertainment. I've seen DVD's being traded in pubs many times, but not cheese. One guy was quite happily selling blocks of cheese, that had apparently come direct from the wholesaler. Bar staff were standing for no messing though and soon ushered him out. Ales were Peerless IPA, Triple Blond & Gold, Banks's Sunbeam, Titanic First Class, Oakham JHB, Coach House Dick Turpin, Marstons Empire IPA & Ruddles Best. Ciders were Garden Cider Vintage & Mr Whiteheads Midnight Special.
24 Aug 2016 21:11
The Kings Head, Llantwit Major
Two room Brains house. I sat in the bar, which is basically-furnished. A pool table stands at one end with a dart board. Locals congregated around the bar, discussing football. Brains Bitter & Opening Ceremony were the 2 ales on offer. I was somehow expecting better for my final pub of the day.
22 Aug 2016 20:35
The Old White Hart Inn, Llantwit Major
The Old White Hart is one of 5 pubs in the centre of this lovely village. All are in a very short walking distance. So the town makes a great place for a pub crawl. The Old White Hart is another historic building and it felt like quite a sedate place, with more of a middle-aged crowd. Landlord, Old Speckled Hen & Rev James were the 3 ales on offer. I only found the small bar. There is a corridor leading to the toilets. No toilet paper in the gents. Still a nice village local.
22 Aug 2016 20:31
After a visit to the Llantwit Major Rugby Club to the east of the centre, I moved on to the centre of the village and started my 3 pub crawl with the Old Swan Inn. It turned out to be the best of the 3. Initial thoughts were that this was going to be a disappointing visit, with all handpulls unclipped. The old interior was impressive though. One of the rooms being used as a crèche was less impressive. Underterred, I enquired about ales only to be told there was a beer festival in the garden. Ales were Wadworth IPA & Bishop's Tipple, Wantsum 1381, Muirhouse Something Hoppy, Naylors Velvet, Black Country Fireside & Great Heck Proverbs 31.6. 3 ciders and a perry were all from Gwynt y Ddraig - Happy Daze, Black Dragon, Dog Dancer & Two Trees. I was the only person outside in the driving rain. But at least it was undercover. Drinks were dispensed in plastic glasses - maybe they were expecting me to riot, or maybe the local constabulary is over-zealous. Nevertheless, a very good pub. Watch your step as you exit the front door. You'll walk straight out into the road. I chose the rear door, mainly because I didn't fancy negotiating the screaming babies and their prams.
22 Aug 2016 20:26
After a visit to the recently re-opened Blacksmith's Arms at Llanfaes, I moved onto the Boverton Castle. This pub is situated just outside the small town of Llantwit Major and overlooks the castle itself. It is a traditional 2 room pub, with modern rooms. I chose to sit in the busier bar, where locals were watching the Olympics on two televisions. They were welcoming and even asked me what I wanted to watch on the TV. The ale choice was a little underwhelming though, with Old Speckled Hen, Rev James & Landlord being the 3 ales. I guess I'm just too spoilt! The pork roll I had was nice though.
22 Aug 2016 20:17
The Blue Anchor, East Aberthaw
What a lovely country pub. It's got a fabulous village location and a nice thatched exterior. The interior is even better, with lots of small, dark rooms, with flagstone floors and low doorways. The front bar has a large open fireplace. The only drawback here is that this place is more of a restaurant than a pub. Ales were Theakston Old Peculier, Wye Valley HPA, Wadworth 6X, Brains Bitter & Mumbles Summer Sin. They also had Happy Daze cider from Gwynt y Ddraig. Not the cheapest place around for a drink. But worth a visit. Dogs are welcome in the front bar.
22 Aug 2016 20:11
Disappointing Wetherspoons pub in Barry town centre. It was reasonably busy on my early Sunday afternoon visit. Ales were Mumbles Gold, Trumans Ipanema, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Brains SA, Rhymney King's Ale & Export, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharps Doom Bar. My disappointment was the fact that this branch does not stock real cider. Service was friendly though. I'm sure I've seen the barmaid that served me somewhere before! The building is nice, if not dark inside. I didn't try the lower level, that was apparently this former bank's vaults. That looked a bit brighter. I moved on quickly to get my cider fix at the excellent Barry West End Club (sadly not listed on here, but the highlight of my trip to South Wales).
22 Aug 2016 19:58
The Castle Hotel is situated at the top of a hill, outside the centre of Barry. It's a large building. But only part of it appears to be in use right now. In fact, I initially thought it was closed. But an open door was the only invitation I needed. The bar area has a real faded elegance to it, with a grand wooden staircase and plenty of features to occupy your gaze. Sadly the pub has long had its heyday. There were 3 locals and the landlord present. The language was choice. But there were 2 ales - Abbot & SA. Pay it a visit before it closes for good.
22 Aug 2016 19:51
The Horse & Jockey, West Bromwich
The Horse & Jockey is a corner Marstons pub with two rooms and a conservatory at the rear. I sat in the quiet room at the front. Ales were all from the Marstons group - Jennings Cocker Hoop, Marstons Old Empire, Thwaites Wainwright & Banks's Bitter. I quite enjoyed my Cheese & Pickle roll. This is the last West Bromwich pub I can review as neither the Royal Oak nor the Greets Green Sports & Social Club are listed on here.
22 Aug 2016 19:45
The Crown and Cushion, West Bromwich
I quite liked this pub. It's situated in a prominent position where two roads converge. The interior is reasonably small. But it felt quite homely. A cat was sat in the middle of the room washing its backside, whilst the place clearly welcomes people from all cultures - it's rare I see elderly Indian couples in pubs. The barmaid was friendly and ales were different to most local pubs. They had Greene King Golden Breeze, Harviestoun Bitter and Twisted & Castle Rock Harvest Pale. Gents toilets are outdoors. A good pub that I'm surprised hasn't been reviewed previously.
22 Aug 2016 19:41
This is a backstreet, Jamaican-owned pub in a God-forsaken area. There are some modern developments nearby. So it's a miracle it hasn't been knocked down. It appears to be hanging on by a thread. There was one customer in, when I arrived. But he soon jumped in a taxi. No real ale is available. Keg options were Carling, Carling Extra Cold, Stella Artois, Strongbow, M & B Mild, Guinness, Coors Light & Worthingtons. The bottles of Dragon Stout very nearly tempted me. Not recommended and I doubt it will be open for long.
22 Aug 2016 19:35
The Old Hop Pole, West Bromwich
Small, but lively pub with a central bar and a couple of hidden corners. It was busy after the West Brom game with one fan insisting on singing football songs and trying to wind up some Villa fans. Ales were Robinsons Dizzy Blonde, Wye Valley HPA & Goffs White Knight. Whilst I preferred the Wheatsheaf over the road, the Old Hop Pole did at least have a more varied ale selection.
22 Aug 2016 19:29
West Bromwich's HIgh Street is a bit run down. But the Wheatsheaf points to better times in days gone by. It has a nice, traditional interior and is clearly a much-loved locals boozer where conversation rules. I chose to sit in the front bar with mostly elderly regulars. There appeared to be a rear room with nobody in to. This is a Holdens house that had 3 ales - Bitter, Special & Golden Glow. Live Premier League football was showing on the TV in the corner. Probably the highlight of my trip to West Bromwich.
22 Aug 2016 19:24
The Billiard Hall, West Bromwich
The Billiard Hall is well located next to the town's bus station and not too far from the tram stop. It's an impressive building from the outside and it looks fairly small. But as with most Wetherspoons, it's much larger than you expect. I do agree with the previous reviewer that the interior is a bit bland. Service was efficient though, despite it being busy following West Brom's home game. A few fans were in. Ales on were Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot, Trumans Ipanema, Exmoor Gold, Lymestone Stone The Crows & Ringwood Old Thumper. Ciders were Bottle Kicking Cider Company Fullback, Abrahalls Status Quo Down Down & Westons Old Rosie. Big screens were showing the Olympics and horse racing. Better than I had anticipated.
22 Aug 2016 19:19
The Vernon was one of 6 pubs visited yesterday in Liverpool. Still a fairly reliable place that does an interesting selection of ales. Yesterday, there was Black Edge Zinc, Stamps Penny Black, Cottage Sticky Wicket, Brains The Rev James, Coastal Summer Bloom & Sandiway Hop Schism. My Penny Black was nice enough. But a few in our party questioned the quality of their choices. Cider is still Black Dragon. But I note the Rum Porter is now longer a permanent ale. Scottish football was being shown on the TVs in both rooms. Probably in my favourite 7 or 8 pubs in Liverpool. But there are better.
14 Aug 2016 10:41
The Cadeby Pub & Restaurant seems to be a fairly trendy, upmarket establishment. The interior has a number of rooms and there is a garden at the front, which was very peaceful. Bar staff are friendly. They offer professional service. But unfortunately food service had just stopped for the day. So we were destined to stay hungry. Ales were Black Sheep Best Bitter, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Acorn Blonde. The toilets were impressive. They are nicely decorated and actually had display cabinets advertising the pub's events and wares within. The whole thing felt a bit pretentious. But it can be forgiven, as the location and peacefulness was a welcome change from other pubs we tried in South Yorkshire. From here, we moved onto the George & Dragon, Imperial Brewery Tap, Falcon & Concertina Band Club, all in Mexborough. But it appears BITE hasn't reached Mexborough yet!
10 Aug 2016 19:58
The Boat Inn was very popular with the local middle classes. It has a nice setting next to the canal. Although the courtyard seating between various old buildings has no canal view. Service at the bar was slow, with customers forming an orderly queue. Bar staff didn't seem to know much about their products. But they were smartly dressed. Wells Bombardier, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Sharps Doom Bar & Leeds Pale were the 4 ales. We managed to find a table in the courtyard. But the table was filthy and the leftovers from other peoples' meals were on the floor. We noticed other customers using the staff's cleaning equipment to clean the food detritus off the table before their meals. Glasses were strewn across most tables. Whilst we were looking for food, the lack of cleanliness, the likely wait to be served and the generic-looking chain pub menu didn't fill us with confidence. So we moved on. Lovely setting. But looks as if it bites off a bit more than it can chew.
10 Aug 2016 19:53
The Ivanhoe is a large Sam Smiths pub that looks very impressive from the outside. But the interior feels very worn. Most of the clientele were out watching a cricket match on the pitch immediately behind the pub. Others were drinking on a raised area to the front of the pub, overlooking the car park. As you'd expect, the only real ale was Old Brewery Bitter.
10 Aug 2016 19:44
The Glasshouse is situated near the Pilkington Glass plant. It is an impressive building both inside and out and it was busy on our Sunday afternoon visit. Many were sat outside on a large patio area. Inside was a little quieter and there are numerous TVs that were showing Scottish football. Staff were nice. But the ale selection was disappointing - Tetleys Cask & Robinsons Trooper. Not overly impressed. We moved onto the far superior Doncaster Brewery Tap (not listed on here, but our favourite pub of the day).
10 Aug 2016 19:34
The Eden Arms is a modern purpose-built pub and is part of the Ember Inns chain. It is next to a Tesco supermarket and a housing estate. There is plenty of space inside. But it also has a patio at the front, that was popular on our sunny Sunday afternoon visit. The ale selection was Brakspear Bitter, Black Sheep Ember Pale Ale, Abbeydale Moonshine, St Austell Cornish Best & Harviestoun Summer Legend. If you've been to one of these pubs before, you'll know exactly what you're getting.
10 Aug 2016 19:29
The Beverley Inn was our third stop on Sunday's tour of Yorkshire, following the Star at Sancton and the Wheatsheaf at Armthorpe. Neither are listed on here. The Beverley Inn has the feel of an estate pub and we were surprised to find it very quiet on a Sunday lunchtime. TVs were showing a Leeds Championship game and there were just 2 or 3 other customers. Although a few others arrived after us. The 2 ales were Hadrian Border Tyneside Blonde & Black Sheep Best Bitter. There is a small garden area at the front, next to the car park.
10 Aug 2016 19:25
The Cornerhouse is the antithesis of the White Horse opposite. It has next to no character. But it does have a great selection of ales. On my late Saturday evening visit, they had Black Sheep Best Bitter, Adnams Broadside, White Horse Black Horse Porter, Abbeydale Deception, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Greene King IPA, Knots of May Light Mild, Cross Bay Zenith & Sunset, St Peter's Mild, Stonehenge Heel Stone & Exmoor Fox. The cider was Westons Old Banger. Service was friendly and professional. The good choice of beers makes this a recommendation. I moved on from here to the recently re-opened Durham Ox and also the Moulders Arms. Neither are listed on here.
8 Aug 2016 21:35
After the Dog & Duck (not listed on here, although its picture is!), I moved onto the highlight of my Beverley trip. The White Horse is a Sam Smiths pub. So you know what you're getting in terms of the beer. Old Brewery Bitter is on handpull. But it's the fabulous historic interior, lit entirely with gaslamps that it the real draw. It truly is like stepping back in time. There are lots of small rooms, with tables aplenty. I had a room to myself on a Saturday evening. Drinks were a little pricy though, especially soft drinks. Don't come here expecting good beer. But do come to marvel at the inside.
8 Aug 2016 21:31
Chequers is a fantastic micropub tucked away in an alleyway. It has 5 ales, which were Atom IPA & Dark Matter, Vocation Chop & Change, Half Moon Phoebe & Yorkshire Brewing Company Mosaic on my visit. The sheer number of pumpclips on the walls shows how many ales they get through. In addition, there were 8 ciders and perries - Abrahalls Ruby Tuesday, Sandford Orchards Devon Scrumpy, Blaengawney Hallets Rum Cask, Westcroft Janet's Jungle Juice, Farmer Jims Farmyard Perry, Moorlands Farm Rhubarb Cider & Westons Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig. My only criticism is that locals crowd around the bar, making service and choice extremely difficult. They also look at you as if you are a major convenience when you try to get to the bar. The irony being that all the tables were free. There's a couple of tables outside too. A great pub, only spoilt by bar access issues.
8 Aug 2016 21:24
The Monk's Walk was undoubtedly one of my favourite pubs in Beverley. It's an attractive building on a street leading towards the Minster. I'm told the landlord used to work at the Minster and has recently taken ownership. He was quite a friendly chap. There are 2 bars - a small bar to the left of the central alleyway and a larger bar on the right-hand side. 5 ales were on in all - York Yorkshire Terrier & Missouri Gold & Great Newsome Jem's Stout, Frothingham Best & Sleck Dust. The latter two were served by gravity from the smaller bar, whilst the first 3 were on handpull in the main bar. Another handpull in the smaller bar was dispensing Atom Camomile, whilst Colemans Cider Company Dry was also in that room. The landlord was keen to light candles to get everybody in the mood and the pub does have a kind of medieval feel. A CAMRA discount is available on request, which I only discovered on my second round.
8 Aug 2016 21:19
This corner pub is now closed and seemingly being converted to residential use.
8 Aug 2016 21:12
The Sun is situated in a great location next to the Minster and not far from the railway crossing. It has a main bar area where a band was setting up, a conservatory area to the rear and an outdoor drinking space beyond that. There is also a small separate seating area to the right as you enter. Furniture is minimal. Ales were York Guzzler, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Greene King Doosra & Timothy Taylor Landlord. Ok, but certainly not the best pub in Beverley by a long shot.
8 Aug 2016 21:10
The Tiger Inn was very quiet when we first stepped in on Saturday evening. We were the first diners. But it soon filled up with both drinkers and diners. The former are catered for in a bar at the front, with the latter accommodated in a side room the other side of the corridor. The corridor itself has a serving hatch to the bar. The ale choice was a little disappointing - Golden Sheep, Hobgoblin & Landlord. Rosie's Pig was the cider. Old Rosie was advertised everywhere. But I couldn't see any. We enjoyed a well-priced meal, with friendly service. The pub has a nice location too.
8 Aug 2016 21:06
The Woolpack was our second stop in Beverley. It is situated on a residential street at the western end of town on a road that leads to the Westwood. It's an old property with a number of different rooms. We were looking for food. But they couldn't accommodate us and most tables were reserved, with people spilling out onto the street. We found an unreserved table in the small snug at the front, which is the place for dog owners to go. Ales are all from Marstons - Wychwood Hoptathlon & Hobgoblin, Jennings Bitter, Cocker Hoop & Sneck Lifter, Banks's Sunbeam & Marstons EPA. There is no real cider. Lovely little pub. But I think there are better pubs in the town.
8 Aug 2016 21:02
The Green Dragon was our first stop in Beverley. It initially looks like a small pub in the Market Place. But it stretches back a fair way, with an outdoor courtyard/corridor area to the side. The interior is fairly non-descript and it's fairly dark. Ales were Inveralmond Frisco Steamy, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Rudgate Ruby Mild, Timothy Taylor Golden Best, Orkney Dark Island, Molson Coors New Season Pale Ale, Black Sheep Best Bitter & Greene King IPA. Cider was Old Rosie. Food was available. But it didn't look the best quality. Staff were friendly enough though.
8 Aug 2016 21:01
The Goodmanham Arms was our fourth pub of the day in Yorkshire after the Marketplace Alehouse & Deli in Doncaster, the Black Swan in Asselby and the now closed Carpenters Arms in Market Weighton. The Goodmanham Arms is a lovely small village pub situated on a bend in the lane. It has a nice interior with a couple of tiny rooms, an outdoor courtyard with plenty of seating and the toilets and a garden area to the side and rear, with a children's play area. The All Hallows brewery is on site and they had No Notion Porter, Ragged Robyn, Wold's Way IPA & Peg Fyfe Dark Mild. Guests were St Austell Tribute, Theakston Best, Nick Stafford's Hambleton Ales Stallion & Ossett Yorkshire Blonde. Ciders were Orchard Pig Maverick, Cock Eyed Mad Jack, Westons Old Rosie & Purbeck Cheeky Cherry. Dogs and children are welcomed. There is a tiny parking area. But be careful not to run over anybody in the courtyard. A really good pub that is worth seeking out.
8 Aug 2016 20:51
Always on the lookout for a new pub, our original plan before a Tuesday night visit to the MK Arena was a trip to the Red Lion in Fenny Stratford. But we received reports that it was closed for a funeral. So instead we paid an impromptu return to the Rising Sun. Rather disappointingly (at first), nearly all the ciders appeared to have sold out. But one guy returned from a stock take to find 20 boxes in the cellar. The evening suddenly got better. The 6 I tried were Millwhites Riser Cider (on handpull), Ventons Sweet, Lyme Bay Chapel Rock, Wrights Scrumpy & Tutts Clump Blackberry & Jazz. Amongst others on were Tutts Clump Perry, Nempnetts Piglets Choice, Westcroft Dry & Westons Family Reserve. The 5 ales were Red Willow Wreckless, Whitstable East India Pale Ale, By The Horns Stiff Upper Lip & Tring Riser Bitter & Drop Bar. There is also an impressive array of craft beers in the fridges, many in cans. The Rising Sun has knowledgeable staff and is a very pleasant place to spend a summer's evening either in the airy bar area or outside watching canal boat owners and pedestrians navigating the locks. I'm glad I've finally made a return visit. Improving my rating to 9/10.
27 Jul 2016 21:07
My final pub in Skipton was the Woolly Sheep, a Timothy Taylor pub. Entrance is along a corridor. There are three similar sized rooms, one behind the other with the bar itself split between the front two. Not all ales are available in the front room. There is also an outdoor seating area to the rear. TT ales were Landlord, Boltmaker, Golden Best, Ram Tam & Dark Mild. In addition, they had Reedley Hallows Filly Close Blonde & Moorhouses Witches Cauldron as guests. Traditional place that is one of the better options in the town. Seemingly popular with diners.
27 Jul 2016 20:58
The Devonshire is located in a rather imposing building and has plenty of space for seating over two large rooms and some smaller side rooms. Ales were Rudgate Ruby Mild, Daleside Bitter, Settle No. 3 Nine Standards Porter, Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot, Naylors Yorkshire Ale & Sharps Doom Bar. It was the last day of the Wetherspoons cider festival and they still had Celtic Marches Status Quo Down Down, Hecks 1841 & Cornish Orchards Pear Cider. Clientele were the usual for Wetherspoons. It took one woman well over half an hour to collect all the dead glasses and plates and it wasn't that busy. It's always difficult finding a clean table in these establishments. But you know what you get.
27 Jul 2016 20:54
The Albion is tucked away up a back street and as such, it was quieter than many other local options on Sunday evening. But it still had its fair share of locals. 4 ales are on - Butcombe Bitter, Caledonian Golden XPA & Theakston Best are the regulars. JW Lees Manchester Pale Ale was the guest. I went for the Theakstons despite seeing a note in the Castle that all their beer had been recalled! It tasted fine to me.
27 Jul 2016 20:47
The Red Lion Hotel is on the High Street. I'd just visited the Bistro des Amis, around the corner and not listed on here. The Red Lion itself is a Greene King establishment that obviously gets fairly busy at times. The number of empty glasses on tables reminded me of a Wetherspoons. Being a Greene King pub, it had Abbot & IPA. But there was also Bank Top Bad To The Bone, Ossett Silver King, Kirkby Lonsdale Monumental & Moorhouses Blond Witch. As luck would have it, the barman let me try a sample of the Bank Top beer. It was in a very poor condition. So I opted for an Old Rosie instead. I'm sure this pub gets very busy on market days. Food is served. But again, that looked a similar quality to 'spoons. One of the better Greene King pubs though.
27 Jul 2016 20:42
The Castle is probably the nearest pub to Skipton's castle. But I don't believe the castle itself is visible from here. The interior is sub-divided into different sections and has character. Food is served. But the young waitresses seemed a bit hapless. Ale choice was poor - Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Fullers Quintessential Pale Ale & Banks's Bitter. Old Peculier was off due to some kind of problem with all Theakson ales?? Nice enough pub. But could do with a better beer selection.
27 Jul 2016 20:37
I quite liked the Narrow Boat. It would easily be the best pub in Skipton if it wasn't for the exorbitant pricing. £5.70 for a pint of real cider is really taking the mickey. I paid it as there were 2 ciders I hadn't tried before. But that's well above the going rate. Ales appeared to be much cheaper. It was almost as if they were trying to link real cider to the overpriced craft beer scene. Ales on offer were Ilkley Mary Jane, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Black Sheep Golden Sheep, Okells Bitter, Bristol Beer Factory Nova, Kirkstall Slightly Sworded & Anarchy Hard Times. Portobello Star was being pulled through. The 2 ciders were Lyme Bay Sundown Apricot & Pulp Rhubarb. They also had Gwynt y Ddraig Two Trees Perry, which was cheaper. Normally my type of pub and probably still the second best in the town. Just a shame about the pricing.
27 Jul 2016 20:33
The Beer Engine was my favourite pub in Skipton. It's a micropub, easily missed as it's tucked away in an alleyway. It was fairly busy on my Sunday evening visit. But luckily I secured a table before too many arrived. Ales and ciders are dispensed from barrels in a refrigerated cabinet behind the bar. The ale selection was Mallinsons Motueka, Springhead Outlawed, Dark Horse Craven Bitter, Roosters The Accomplice & Stockport Stock Porter. Ciders were Westons Cider Twist Raspberry & Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Scrumpy. Friendly staff. Recommended.
27 Jul 2016 20:26
The Cock & Bottle was fairly quiet on my Sunday evening visit. The landlord was quite friendly. He was serving some particularly hot pork scratchings to one guy seemingly taking a challenge that he could eat the lot. The main bar area is quite large. There is a snug at the front and an outdoor area at the side that stretches to the rear. Ale selection was reasonably good - Black Sheep Best Bitter, Elland Beyond The Pale, Settle No. 1 Nine Standards & Wychwood Hobgoblin. A fairly decent start to my Skipton crawl.
27 Jul 2016 20:22
Still standing. But now closed. Looks as if it hasn't long been shut though.
27 Jul 2016 20:19
The Masons Arms seemed like quite a nice village pub. It's clearly a locals' pub. Whilst there was plenty of available seating, locals were intent on crowding around the bar area, making it very difficult to get served. After waiting 10 minutes to get served, the landlord finally appeared and asked bluntly if I was waiting. No, I'm standing here for the hell of it!! The whole feeling was that we were interrupting a clique. Ales were Thwaites Wainwright, Tetleys Cask, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Brains SA. No real cider was available. Food smelt lovely. But we didn't stay long, as the welcome was poor and the much better pubs of Skipton beckoned.
27 Jul 2016 20:17
After the Clarendon Hotel at Hebden (not listed on here), this was our 5th pub of the day in the Dales. It was the busiest of the lot, with what seemed like a party on in one room. But it was spilling out into the main bar area and the lovely outside area to the front. Looks like it has a bit of character. But it was too busy to really enjoy. Ales were Thwaites Original, John Smiths Cask, Tetleys Cask, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Wharfedale Blonde & Fountaine Inn IPA. Plenty of families were visiting.
27 Jul 2016 20:13
The Foresters Arms, Grassington
The Foresters Arms is situated on Grassington's main drag, which was thronged with tourists on my Sunday lunchtime visit. It feels like a fairly traditional pub, that is obviously popular with locals and tourists alike. There is a main bar area, a pool table at one end and further seating at the end nearest the kitchens. Ales were Tetleys Cask & Mild, Black Sheep Best Bitter & Riggwelter, Wharfedale Blonde & Timothy Taylor Landlord. I initially chose the Mild. But luckily the barmaid was having a few issues and I ended up with a Riggwelter, which was quite a decent ale. Better than I had expected.
27 Jul 2016 20:06
The King's Head is situated in the fairly touristy village of Kettlewell, which has plenty to attract you here. The pub itself felt a little commercialised and there is a clear focus on food. Nevertheless, the interior does maintain a nice character. There are a few tables outside at the front. Ales were Dark Horse Hetton Pale, Wharfedale Blonde & Tetleys Cask.
27 Jul 2016 20:01
This pub is set in a fantastic Dales location. It's off some of the main tourist drags. So it was considerably quieter than other Dales pubs we visited. It overlooks the village green and there are a number of tables on the edge of the green to enjoy the views and the peace and quiet. The interior has a narrow bar and a number of small rooms. Landlord & Boltmaker were the 2 ales on handpull. There was no sign of a jug. So maybe the landlord has stopped serving direct from the jug now.
27 Jul 2016 19:58
The Grove is situated just behind the town's new leisure centre. It was my final pub of the day in Huddersfield and I'd saved the best until last. I'd read that there were 19 real ales and didn't think for one minute they'd all be on. But sure enough, they were - Oakham Citra, Thronbridge Jaipur & Handsome, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Vocation Bread and Butter, Atom Schrodinger's Cat, Durham White Velvet, Hawkshead Cumbrian Shop, Mallinsons Azacca, Adnams Samba City, Shiny Wrench, Brass Castle Dream Time, Sadlers Hop Bomb, Beer Ink Flagship, Fallen Chew Chew, London Beer Lab Bramling End, Green Jack Summer Dream, Brodies Shoreditch Sunshine & Northern Monk Grove Birthday Beer. There were also 3 ciders - Cornish Orchards Gold, La Cantina Yesterday's Dream & Westons Old Rosie. All of these, along with craft beers were listed on blackboards. A most impressive selection and the 2 I had were good quality. I believe there were 2 rooms, served by the central bar. But I'd had a few by this time. Whilst I have scored this a 9/10, the same as the Rat & Ratchet, this pub was a toss up between a 9 or a 10, whereas the Rat & Ratchet was more at the 8 end of the 9's! They're both excellent pubs that aren't too far away from them. The Grove was slightly nearer the bus station, enabling me to catch the last bus of the night back to my hotel. Certainly the best pub in Huddersfield I tried and probably in my top 10 for the country.
25 Jul 2016 21:05
The Rat and Ratchet, Huddersfield
An Ossett pub and home to the Rat brewery. It's situated just outside the town centre and has several different nicely decorated drinking areas in a pub similar to other Ossett establishments I have visited. There's a good selection of ales and one cider on handpull. However look out for the cider list, as there are other ciders in boxes at the side of the bar. Ales on during my visit were Goose Eye Bitter, Ossett Silver King & Yorkshire Blonder, Rat King Rat, White Rat, Dubbel & Soratchi Ace, Saltaire Triple Chocoholic & Butcombe Chinook APA. Ciders were Pulp Damson, Whin Hill Dry, Chant Singing Cider, Once Upon A Tree Tumpy Ground & Dorothy's Orchard & Twisted Desert Dry. I tried the Whin Hill and the Triple Chocoholic. Both were in good condition. It was fairly busy on my Saturday evening visit. But there were still tables to be had. Another Huddersfield highlight. Very impressed. A 9/10 from me.
25 Jul 2016 20:56
The Star is situated on a side street that runs parallel to a main road. The interior is a large, single bar. There's a good selection of real ales - Timothy Taylor Landlord, Pictish Brewers Gold, Mallinsons Azacca, U235 & Columbus, Amber Ales Parisian Dream, Thornbridge Wye, Pentrich Soma & Sentinel Orange Stout. The real cider was Udders Orchard Lindley Gold. The cider was very nice. But the Orange Stout was on the turn. A very friendly place that is certainly one of the best of a good selection of hostelries in Huddersfield.
25 Jul 2016 20:49
The Shoulder of Mutton is situated at the end of a small cobbled side street. But just round the corner is the car park and what looks like quite a rough area. The car park was full of broken glass where presumably a few windows had been smashed. The pub itself is very nice inside. The highlights are the two rooms either side near the entrance. But all the locals were congregated in the main bar. I believe there was a pool room upstairs. Ales were Tetleys Cask, Grey Hawk Blonde Obsession, Bradfield Farmer's Blonde, Small World Arncliffe Bitter & Mallinsons Lockwood. There was no real cider. Nice interior. Shame about the area.
25 Jul 2016 20:44
We visited the Railway after a trip to the Armitage Bridge Monkey Club (not listed on here). The Railway is situated near the station and overlooks a large valley. This appears to be a locals' pub, with a friendly landlord. The main room has a pool table at one end, whilst there is a smaller snug. It has tables out the front and a garden to the side. There's a good selection of ales - Geeves Clear Cut & Topaz, Small World Spikes Gold & Barncliffe Bitter, Greene King The Rum Runner & Empire Minute Man. There was no real cider. Another good pub in the Huddersfield area. We moved on from here to the equally friendly Berry Brow Liberal Club (also not listed on here).
25 Jul 2016 20:40
The King's Head is at the other end of the station from the Head of Steam. The tiled interior of this place is much simpler than the Head Of Steam. But the ale and cider range is good. There are craft beers too. Drinkers spill out onto the large square in front of the station. The ale range on Saturday was Yorkshire Dales Fors Abbaye, Small World Thunderbridge Stout, Golcar Dark Mild, Abbeydale Red, Wit and Blue, JW Lees Kaleidoscope, Church End Goat's Milk, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Golden Best & Bradfield Farmer's Blonde. Ciders were Burnards Oakey Dokey & Pulp Damson Cider. Needless to say, it's handy when catching a train. Although you may just miss it!
25 Jul 2016 20:33
The Head of Steam, Huddersfield
This pub is at the one end of the station at Huddersfield (the King's Head is at the other end). I was quite impressed with this place. The bar extends from one room to another. Craft beers are dispensed from the bar on the left as you enter, with real ales and ciders dispensed from the room on the right. Both have further rooms at the rear, which adjoin the platform. The rooms feel like typical railway station waiting rooms and there is lots of railway memorabilia to admire. Ales were Camerons Haze & Gold Bullion, Black Sheep Golden Sheep, Little Valley Hebden's Wheat, Anarchy Blonde Star & Boot Boys, Small World Secret & Thunderbridge Stout, Stancill Porter, Fell Robust Porter & Sonnet 43 Abolition. The three ciders in fridges behind the bar were Lilleys Crazy Goat, Bottle Kicking Cider Company Pineapple, Peach & Passion Fruit & Westons Cider Twist Raspberry. The pub soon got packed with large groups, possibly those doing the Ale Trail, or possibly just stag parties. As many were drinking cans of Red Stripe, they were more likely the latter. Very impressed with this pub.
25 Jul 2016 20:28
Wood Street Craft Beer House, Huddersfield
Small bar up a side street in Huddersfield, but quite close to the station. There are 2 rooms inside, with the bar accessed only from the room on the right. 4 ales are on offer. These were Great Heck Patrick, Beer Ink Pin Up Pale Ale & Flagship IPA & Brightside Boston Vienna Lager. There was no real cider. The barman said this was due to the high temperatures. But there are craft beers on draught and a good selection of bottles too. Plenty of board games are available to play. Food is pizza with varied toppings. This was the first of many decent pubs in Huddersfield.
25 Jul 2016 20:17
After a visit to Corey's Sports Bar in Tamworth town centre, we moved on to the Bull's Head which is a Marstons pub situated on a busy cross roads, with one road being Watling Street. It didn't look too promising from the outside. The outdoor tables were full of people smoking. Inside was much nicer though, with a bar and a lounge over two levels. Locals were preparing for a quiz that involved making shapes with play dough! Pedigree & Hobgoblin Gold were the ales. Locals and staff were friendly.
18 Jul 2016 19:25
Modern pub that appears to be popular with a younger crowd. The bar area is light and airy and there is a raised section with a pool table. TV screens were showing the Open golf tournament and music was being played. At the rear is a large paved garden area. Marstons Red Man & Wye Valley Butty Bach & HPA were the 3 ales. There was no real cider. Fairly average.
18 Jul 2016 19:17
Ye Olde Seven Stars, Kidderminster
The Olde Seven Stars was my second favourite pub in Kidderminster following Saturday afternoon's tour of 6 of the town's pubs. This pub is right in the town centre. It has a small front bar, with a much larger rear room and an outside drinking area to the side, where you can also find the toilets. I didn't see it. But apparently there is a large garden to the rear too. The many pumpclips on the walls show the variety of ales this place has stocked. On this visit, there were Three Tuns Rantipole & Stout, Holdens Golden Glow, Moorhouses Blond Witch, Wells Bombardier Burning Gold & Woods Shropshire Lad. Cider was Thatcher Heritage. Friendly staff and customers also.
18 Jul 2016 18:31
The Swan is situated in a pedestrianised area of the town centre opposite the town hall. It is open early for breakfast. The single bar is nice to relax a while in. Three Bewdley beers were on - Worcestershire Sway, Worcestershire Way & Sir Keith Park, in addition to Jennings Cumerland Ale & Sharps Atlantic. Cider was Cheddar Valley. A good option if touring the town's pubs.
18 Jul 2016 18:24
You wouldn't think it from the outside. But the Boar's Head is a rockers pub situated near the town centre. It has two rooms, which give way to a semi-outdoor performance area and a garden beyond. There is also a corridor providing more drinking space. Plenty of skulls and the like, in addition to some rather large speakers give a clue as to what this place is like in the evening. During the day, it was much more genteel. Hobgoblin & Hobgoblin Gold were the 2 ales. No real cider was available.
18 Jul 2016 18:19
The Weavers Real Ale House, Kidderminster
Weavers seems to be Kidderminster's highlight. It's situated within easy distance of the station, just down the hill towards the town centre. There is a table outside. But there is adequate room indoors for people to sample the range of ales, ciders and craft beers. The selection on Saturday afternoon was Three Tuns XXX, Wye Valley Daisy Duke, RCH Phoenix Gold, Pig Iron Unbeweavable, Corvedale Dark & Delicious & Fownes Upper Gornal Bitter. Ciders were Thatchers Heritage, Abrahalls Lily The Pink, Westons Wyld Wood & Barbourne Golden Drop. 3 KeyKeg beers were Fixed Wheel Pope of Dope & Blackheath Stout & Green Duck Fat Neck. There was also a Belgian beer selection in bottles. Staff and customers all seemed to be knowledgeable. They were relieved that the rush before the Kidderminster Harriers match had subsided. A friendly place that is Kidderminster's best pub in my opinion. Whilst no CAMRA discount was offered, they do appear to have a loyalty card you can get stamped.
18 Jul 2016 18:16
The Railway Train Inn, Kidderminster
The Railway Train is a backstreet locals' pub overlooking the railway line between Blakedown and Kidderminster. You get a nice view of the track from the gents. Inside is an l-shaped bar, seemingly more popular with lager drinkers than ale drinkers. But there were 2 ales - EPA & Wainwright. Clearly popular with the local community though and a group were playing dominoes. There is a small seating area at the front overlooking the street.
18 Jul 2016 18:08
The Old Waggon & Horses is a Marstons pub on the main road between Stourbridge and Kidderminster. A few people were sat outside when we arrived and there were plenty of cars. But other than the two bar staff, there was nobody else indoors. The interior is fairly modern, but still cosy. I'm sure I've been here before many years ago. But I doubt I'd recognise it anymore. Ales were Marstons Pedigree, Banks's Lion Roar & Thwaites Magic Sponge, which actually had a real sponge on each pumpclip. It was a darker beer. But I wasn't too impressed by it. Ok, but nothing special.
18 Jul 2016 18:04
The French Hen was a far better option than any of the places I went to in nearby Belbroughton. It looks impressive from the outside and the interior is certainly French-themed with a couple of rooms filled with references to France. The ale selection was reasonable too - Wye Valley Butty Bach & Woodsman Pale Ale (the pub used to be called the Woodman), Enville Ale & Wells Bombardier. No real cider was served. Didn't see anybody trying the food. Nice place.
18 Jul 2016 17:59
The Talbot is situated just up the road from the Queens. It is slightly nicer inside. But this is also a Marstons pub and is another place primarily for diners. Ales were slightly more adventurous than the Queens - Thwaites Wainwright, Marstons Revisionist Red IPA & Jennings Cocker Hoop. A few people appeared to be taking advantage of the nice weather, sitting outside to the rear. From here, I walked back down to the Belbroughton Club (not listed on here) which was the best of the 3 establishments I tried in the village.
18 Jul 2016 17:55
The Queens Hotel, Belbroughton
The Queens has a nice setting next to a stream in the pleasant village of Belbroughton. But the interior is fairly soulless. It's mainly a dining establishment. The ale selection isn't too inspiring either, as it's a Marstons place - Marstons EPA & Ringwood Boon Doggle & Forty Niner. Only 2 other groups of customers were in on a Saturday lunchtime. I thought the price for a half of Forty Niner was reasonable and I'm fairly sure the glass I was given was more of a schooner than a half pint.
18 Jul 2016 17:52
The Prince Of Wales, Brownhills
The Prince of Wales is on the busy A5 Watling Street. It is a fairly small pub, which stretches back a way from the entrance and is slightly larger than it first seems. No real ale is served. Although there was one handpull with a Doom Bar clip turned round. The keg options were Banks's Original, John Smiths Extra Smooth, Strongbow & Strongbow Dark Fruits, Guinness, Carling, San Miguel & Worthingtons. Only one other customer was in on this weekday visit. Not really worth a return visit.
13 Jul 2016 21:50
Large pub set back from a busy roadside. But unfortunately its now closed. Try the Swan (not listed on here) instead. That was the best pub I tried in Brownhills.
13 Jul 2016 21:47
The Wheatsheaf is situated a little way out of town next to two schools. It doesn't open until 4pm during the week. I arrived to find just two other customers and a cat in the centre of the bar. One turned out to be the landlord (not the cat). The ale range is fairly decent - Oakham Citra, Holdens Golden Glow & Wye Valley Butty Bach were the regular ales. 2 guests were also on - AJ's Stuck In the Mud & Beowulf Dark Raven. I quite enjoyed my Stuck In The Mud. But unfortunately there was no real cider. No CAMRA discount was offered either. The interior is L-shaped, creating two separate drinking areas. A fairly decent option when in Walsall.
13 Jul 2016 21:45
The Walsall Arms is situated in an old industrial street to the east of the town centre. It doesn't look promising at all. The interior has the feeling of a club and there is a skittles alley at the rear. Just the landlord and two local gents were in. They were soon replaced by two younger ladies on the wine. Timothy Taylor Landlord, Wye Valley Bitter & HPA, Ludlow Gold & Holdens Golden Glow were the ales.
13 Jul 2016 20:45
I note that the Victoria has not been in the Good Beer Guide since the 2005 edition. But I really can't see why not. It's a great little traditional boozer with a good selection of real ales and a real cider too. There are 2 rooms at ground level - a small and cosy front bar and a larger rear bar. There is a further room upstairs with a pool table. Toilets are upstairs too. The ale range was Wye Valley HPA, Backyard Bitter, Cottage North Western Pale Ale, Morland Old Speckled Hen & Greene King Abbot. The cider was Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. Recommended.
13 Jul 2016 20:41
The Arbor Lights looked the most promising of all the pubs I visited. But once inside, it soon proved to be the worst. Real ales are no longer available. In fact unless you wanted a bottle, the only draught options were Carling or Leffe. The Spanish barman was friendly enough though and the interior is large and modern. Everything felt very clean. It just needs some decent beers.
13 Jul 2016 20:38
The Fountain is situated just outside the town centre and in common with many pubs in this area, it doesn't look much from the outside. But it is the ale range that sets it apart. All but one of the ales were from Backyard - The Hoard, Blonde, Bostin, Gold, East India Pale Ale, Summer & Chinook IPA. The one guest was the sublime Derventio Lucretius, a very sweet cherry stout. I also sampled Backyard's own cider. The interior is two rooms either side of a central bar. There were about 5 customers in when I arrived. But soon after I arrived, only 2 were left. So it felt very quiet. Nevertheless, the ale range made this the best of 10 pubs I visited yesterday. Shuts during the afternoon in the week.
13 Jul 2016 20:36
The Butts is a locals pub situated in a residential area to the north of Walsall, not far from the Arboretum. It was busier than many of the other pubs I visited. All the other customers were men. The barmaid was the only woman. Conversation was involving everybody and clearly everybody knew one another. There are 2 rooms - a main bar and another fairly large room that served as a games room. Ales were Wye Valley Butty Back, Holdens Golden Glow, Jennings Cocker Hoop & Church End Fallen Angel. A friendly community pub.
13 Jul 2016 20:31
The Manor Arms was my second stop of the day during my midweek visit to the West Midlands. My first pub had been the Four Crosses at Shelfield which is not listed on here. The Manor Arms didn't look too welcoming from the outside and its car park was empty, whereas the Boathouse at the end of the road looked busy. The Banks's sign outside didn't make it too appealing either. But inside felt like another world. The main bar area, without a bar counter makes the place feel very old and it is indeed one of the oldest pubs in the country. There are at least two other traditional rooms. As the Banks's sign suggested, the ale range is all from Marstons - Thwaites Wainwright, Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold, Banks's Bitter & Sunbeam & Jennings Cocker Hoop. Rolls and pork pies are available at £1.20 each. This is a fabulously well preserved and historic pub that deserves much more custom than it had during my Tuesday afternoon visit.
13 Jul 2016 20:26
The Old Bush Inn is situated in front of Pelsall Villa's football ground. It is currently closed and looking very run down.
13 Jul 2016 20:14
The Silk Mercer is Devizes' branch of Wetherspoons. It's a typical 'spoons open-plan layout that stretches back a long way with space maximised by having toilets upstairs. As usual many people were using the disabled. There is an outdoor area at the rear. The standard Wetherspoons ales - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharps Doom Bar were supplemented by 2 guests - Prescott Track Record & Hook Norton Yeastie Boys, in addition to a couple "coming soon". As it's currently their cider festival, they had 5 real ciders in boxes in the fridges - Cock Eyed Monkey Mango, Westons Rosie's Pig Hand Brake, Cornish Orchards "Pear Cider", Hunts Percy's Pride & Aspalls Waddlegoose Lane Bullhead Cyder. As with most Wetherspoons, the clientele is fairly rowdy. It's most likely the cheapest place in town and this reflects in the standard of customers. It was busy, with staff seemingly unable to clear the glasses from tables. If I look behind the unusually good cider choice (due to the festival), this is a very ordinary Wetherspoons.
10 Jul 2016 14:42
The Vaults looks a small unassuming place in the centre of Devizes. I'd parked outside it and hadn't even noticed it at first. Parking is free here after 6pm. The interior is long and narrow with very little seating. Ales are amongst the most unusual in Devizes. On this occasion there was Kennet & Avon Devizes Dark & Deep Lock, First Chop Manchester Bitter & Arbor 456. There were also 3 ciders from Worleys - Mendip Hills, Red Hen & Beatnik Billy. In addition, there is a good selection of craft beers and an even better bottled range with a bottle shop in the cellar. Prices for some of these can be steep. But the real cider pricing was reasonable. Pies are available from a heated cabinet behind the bar. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the beers. Not a pub in the strictest sense. But a bar dispensing probably the best range of drinks in Devizes. Therefore one of the three best pubs in Devizes.
10 Jul 2016 14:34
The Lamb is in my opinion one of the best 3 pubs in Devizes. I'm undecided which one is the best. This place scores highly due to its wonderful, quirky interior. The single bar has plenty of wood panelling and furniture with a unique feature being a small peephole enabling punters to check out what is happening in the corridor outside. On this occasion, there seemed to be a minor disturbance involving somebody shouting the odds! The corridor itself through which you enter, leads to the toilets and an enclosed courtyard that appeared quite popular. Where the pub disappoints is that it is yet another Wadworth establishment with only their ales served - 6X, IPA, Swordfish & Misplaced Optimism. I opted for a cranberry juice as driving. £2.60! This would be the stand out pub in Devizes if it wasn't for the poor ale selection and the exorbitant prices. Customers are in the most part friendly. But the barmaid seemed a bit standoffish.
10 Jul 2016 14:25
The Fox & Hounds is a thatched building set in the countryside just outside of Devizes. The bar/dining area was fairly dark and is lit with candles. It had an overwhelming smell of damp dogs. Food appears to be its prime concern. There are a couple of tables at the front overlooking the car park and fields, with a garden housing an old stagecoach at the rear, along a skittles alley. It's a Wadworth establishment. So the ale choice was IPA, 6X & Swordfish. To my surprise, there were also 2 real ciders - Westons Old Rosie & Lilleys Sunset. The young barmaid/waitress required hope in pouring them and mistakenly rung through a pint on the till, when I'd only ordered a half. The cider choice had clearly flustered her! Nevertheless, I was much more impressed with this pub than I'd initially expected.
10 Jul 2016 14:18
The Cavalier is a community Wadworth pub on a housing estate at the edge of Devizes. It has a single room with a pool table and TVs (showing Wimbledon) where you enter from the large car park and a dartboard at the other end. Most locals were congregated around the bar which was dispensing 6X and IPA. There is also a garden, which seemed to be popular with the kids and a skittle alley at the back. Very much a functional kind of place that serves a good purpose. But not worth a special journey here from the town centre.
10 Jul 2016 14:12
A country-type pub on the edge of Devizes. I'd hoped to be able to use the car park. But it's so small that even with only one car in it, there was no room to turn! The interior is a single room around the bar, with a couple of more secluded areas. There is an outdoor patio area next to the car park. Ales were Hopback GFB, Downton New Forest Ale & Great Western Maiden Voyage. There is no real cider available. Although Old Rosie can be purchased in bottles. Cosy place.
10 Jul 2016 14:08
The Waggon & Horses was to be my third stop in Devizes. It's a building situated in a residential area not far from the town centre. It was a Wadworth's pub. But it's currently closed. Research online suggests it closed in spring this year.
10 Jul 2016 14:03
The Bear Hotel is a nice looking building from the outside. But it is primarily a hotel and the interior is very bland and uninspiring. Although there may have been other rooms I didn't try. There is a small courtyard at the back, which seemed quite popular with families. A wedding reception appeared to be taking place somewhere in the hotel. The car park is clearly in high demand. The £10 cost for it seemed a bit excessive. Ales are from Wadworth - IPA, 6X & Swordfish. Service from the young barmaids was good. But compared with the other pubs in the town, this was the worst I visited.
10 Jul 2016 14:00
The British Lion was my first stop on my first ever visit to Devizes. It's on a busy road at the edge of the town centre. A local street festival appeared to be in progress in the nearby Sidmouth Street where I was later to purchase a Chinese takeaway from! The British Lion is a typical market town boozer with friendly staff and customers, mostly of the ageing variety but with a few youngsters. It's clearly been a real ale haunt for many years. Moles Tap Bitter is the regular beer and there are 3 guests - Church End Fallen Angel, Holsworthy Muck 'n' Straw & Otter Summer Light. Cider is dispensed from a cask in the corner and this was Black Rat. Apparently this alternates with Cheddar Valley. Most people sit in the main bar area at the front. But there is an area with a pool table at the back near the toilets. Definitely worth a visit and one of the best 3 pubs I found in the town.
10 Jul 2016 13:34
The Waggon & Horses is a thatched pub in a picturesque location near to Avebury. It's on the main A4. So it probably doesn't have to try too hard to secure business. The interior is dark and has a couple of separate areas. There seems to be a focus on food. At the rear on the bank behind the pub is a lovely garden area, which was popular with a group of cyclists on a summer Saturday afternoon. Glasses were building up on most of the tables in the garden, with staff too busy talking at the bar. This is a Wadworth house. So 6X was on, alongside Swordfish & (Misplaced) Optimism, a seasonal beer for the European Championship football competition. The word 'Misplaced' appears to have been added after England's exit! A bonus I wasn't expecting was Old Rosie cider. There is a car park at the rear and another parking area on the opposite side of the A4.
10 Jul 2016 13:26
The Welington Arms, Marlborough
It's been quite a few years since I was last in Marlborough. I made a return visit on market day and tried a third pub on the High Street. This one is at the southern end. It's clearly an old building (18th century apparently). Doom Bar & 6X were the regular ales with Ramsbury Gold available as a guest. No real cider was available. Service was friendly. A TV was showing the Wimbledon ladies' final. I can't remember what the Marlborough and the Green Dragon were like. But you can do a half decent crawl along the length of the High Street here.
10 Jul 2016 13:20
The Crown and Anchor, Marlborough
A quiet rural pub with just the landlord, chef and one other couple present. Both the staff and customers were friendly and were wondering where all their customers were! The interior has 3 rooms and a small garden next to the car park. Wickwar Brand Oak Bitter is the regular ale. There was also a pumpclip for Crafty Cr'Anchor which I assume was a house beer. 2 guest were Hook Norton Hooky & the local Ramsbury Sun Splash. Nice pub.
10 Jul 2016 13:12
The Crown at Aldbourne, Aldbourne
I'm struggling to see how this is the pub represented by Aldbourne in the Good Beer Guide. It did have one unusual beer from a brewery not normally seen in these parts (Bank Top Gold Digger). But the other ales were all national ones - Landlord, Doom Bar & Spitfire. Service provided was the bare minimum with a distinct lack of communication - one of those moments where you're expected to hand cash over without being informed of the price. Nevertheless, this is a nicely located pub that feels more like a dining one that a drinkers pub. A dog was present in the bar and appeared to be the source of a few unpleasant smells. Nice pub in a nice location. But seemingly taking its status for granted.
10 Jul 2016 13:06
Aldbourne was my second stop on a tour of Wiltshire pubs yesterday. I've request my first stop (the Red Lion at nearby Baydon) to be added to the site. The Blue Boar was the better of the two Aldbourne pubs. It's located overlooking the village green and impressive church in this tranquil village. There is a cosy bar area and a number of tables at the front, which were popular on a sunny summer Saturday lunchtime. Families were able to watch their kids use the full expanse of the village green. A separate entrance leads to a restaurant. This is a Wadworth pub. So IPA & 6X were on alongside a guest from Youngs - Hummingbird. The pub was also having a mini cider "festival" with 5 different boxes at the end of the bar containing Bottle Kicking Cider Company Scrambler, Sheppys Orchard Dew, Barbourne Painted Lady Perry, Westons Rosie's Pig & Thatchers Heritage. Recommended.
10 Jul 2016 13:01
The Jug and Jester, Leamington Spa
I returned to Leamington on Sunday to visit the Jug & Jester, the town's second Wetherspoons. Similar to the Benjamin Satchwell, at first sight this appears to be a small branch of the chain. But they're both tardis-like. This one has 4 interlinking rooms on different levels with some rather gaudy furniture. But it works and feels different from many of the identikit Wetherspoons. Ales are spread across the top 2 rooms - Backyard Jigger Stout, Banks's Alpha 5, Titanic Iceberg, Roosters Cream, Sharps Doom Bar, Ruddles Best, White Horse Blowing Stone, Greene King Abbot and a couple more 'coming soon'. Cider was Old Rosie. Spent a while here watching Sky Sports News before moving on. The better of the 2 Leamington Wetherspoons.
4 Jul 2016 21:49
The Cricketers Arms, Leamington Spa
The Cricketers has a nice leafy location, overlooking a bowling green. It seems a fairly trendy place to go to and on Saturday evening, people were settling down for the live football. Food was still being served. With very little room inside, we retreated to the patio at the rear. Service was quick and ales were Timothy Taylor Landlord, Slaughterhouse Saddleback & Twickenham Naked Ladies. Cider was Rosie's Pig. After resisting the local tipple all day long, I finally gave in and tried the rather nice Saddleback. A decent option in Leamington.
4 Jul 2016 21:46
The Green Man is a lively estate pub in an area where there seemed like few other options. Music was blasting out, boxing was being shown on the big screens and the place was very busy. The solitary ale was Bishop's Finger. Not really a place to linger unless you live nearby and it has to be your local.
4 Jul 2016 21:43
This looks like it might have been the sort of pub I'd have liked. But sadly it is no more. The mural on the side is still impressive though.
4 Jul 2016 21:41
This place is currently closed. The sign is still up and the garden at the rear looks as if somebody has tended to it fairly recently. But it's all locked up and the upstairs windows were broken. The first of 3 closed pubs in a row! The area south of the river in Leamington feels like a real ale ghost town.
4 Jul 2016 21:39
The Somerville Arms, Leamington Spa
The Somerville Arms ended up being my favourite pub in Leamington Spa. We had arrived earlier in the afternoon to find it closed, despite opening times on the doors suggesting it should have been open. All the lights were on too. But the doors were locked. A quick call and the landlord confirmed that he would be opening at 5:30, i.e. the same time it opens during the week. But please get the signs changed! This is an Everards pub with most of their ales - Tiger, Sunchaser, Original & Beacon all with original pumpclips. They also have 2 Adnams ales - Southwold Bitter & Broadside, in addition to Ossett Big Red. Westons Old Rosie & Country Perry are dispensed (rather lively in our case) from some fake barrels at the end of the bar. The main room has plenty of wood and some tables hidden away in alcoves. Locals were sat at the bar passing the time of day. There is a smaller room to the rear, also with access to the bar. Plenty of character and worth the trek out of town, assuming you know it's open.
4 Jul 2016 21:37
Woodland Tavern, Leamington Spa
The Woodland is a nice local pub, just far enough away from the town centre to maintain a quiet feel. It is a proper boozer where conversation dominates, despite a couple of TVs that were showing the tennis. A friendly pub dog completes the picture. I was somehow expecting a better range of ales though. There were 3 - Slaughterhouse Saddleback, Caledonian Kick Off & Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold. Ciders were Thatchers Cheddar Valley & Westons Rosie's Pig. Has a cuckoo clock on the wall and it works!
4 Jul 2016 21:32
The Benjamin Satchwell, Leamington Spa
The Benjamin Satchwell is located on Leamington's showcase street (The Parade). It has a really narrow frontage and I thought I was entering the country's smallest Wetherspoons. But appearances can be deceptive. This place stretches back all the way to the next street and has a long bar. Ales were Warwickshire Beer Co. Kingmaker, Sharps Doom Bar, Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot, Davenports Imperial, Banks's Alpha 5 & Backyard Lionheart. Cider was Rosie's Pig. The interior is typical 'spoons. So are some of the characters that can be found here. Nevertheless I was left a little disappointed with Leamington's pub offering and this was one of the better pubs in the town.
4 Jul 2016 21:28
The Copper Pot, Leamington Spa
The Copper Pot is a busy Greene King pub in the town centre. It seems to be a fairly cheap place that attracts a mixed clientele during the day and clubgoers and the like in the evenings. 2 ales were on - Abbot & Back of the Net. Multiple TVs were showing live coverage of Wimbledon. The interior is modern. Not particularly my cup of tea.
4 Jul 2016 21:24
The Newbold Comyn Arms, Leamington Spa
The Newbold Comyn Arms is situated on the edge of Leamington. We struggled to find it at first. It's located in a park next to a leisure centre. In fact, its location is very nice. The large building in the picture appears to be a function room. Drinks service is from the adjacent Stables Bar. On entry to the bar area, one could have forgiven to have thought you were in a crèche. I'm sure the number of children outnumbered the number of adults. This status continued outside where there is a large grassy area ideal for playing ball games and a kids' playground. Drinks choice was surprisingly good - Warwickshire Beer Co. Darling Buds, Church Farm IPA, Purity Mad Goose & Teignworthy Spring Tide. Ciders were Thatchers Heritage & Cheddar Valley. Recommended.
4 Jul 2016 21:20
The Stag at Offchurch is a picturesque thatched village pub that was only spoiled by some unsightly roadworks outside. The interior was pleasant enough. But service felt a touch pretentious. Adverts in the toilets for gift vouchers to use in the restaurant revealed that it's part of a small chain of 3 pubs. Despite the external appearance, this is very much a restaurant, as opposed to a pub. Although they did have 3 ales - Tribute, Ubu & Hooky and its one other redeeming feature for me - Henneys Traditional Cider, not something I've seen on handpull before.
4 Jul 2016 21:15
The White Hart has a nice setting overlooking the Warwickshire countryside. But this is another place that appears to be largely for diners. There was an overwhelming smell of fish when we arrived. But the place does seem to specialise in seafood. The room is fairly cosy and many tables had reserved signs on them. Ales were St Austell Tribute, Greene King IPA & Slaughterhouse Saddleback. They also had a real cider - Thatchers Heritage. Nice place. But it didn't really feel like a pub. This was the only pub we visited that shuts on weekend afternoons. So check the opening times.
4 Jul 2016 21:07
The Gamecock was the final pub we sampled in Harbury. There was literally nobody around when we arrived - no customers and no staff. After a few minutes wait, I located what I assume to be the landlord in the garden. The pub itself has a modern feel. There were 2 ales - Black Sheep Best Bitter & Byatts Phoenix Gold. The landlord turned out to be fairly amiable. But I preferred the Old New Inn and the Shakespeare.
4 Jul 2016 21:03
The Shakespeare was the second of our pubs in the village of Harbury. Unfortunately the best of 3 pubs in the village we tried appears to be the one not listed on here - the Old New Inn. Walking into the Shakespeare, I thought at first that I'd wondered into the village shop, as there was a decent range of sauces, jams and chutneys. But just beyond was the bar. Sharps Doom Bar, Purity Mad Goose & Slaughterhouse Saddleback were the 3 ales. We sat in a nice little table in the window. But this does seem to be predominantly a diners pub.
4 Jul 2016 21:01
Quiet village pub on the western side of the M40. There was one other local sat at the bar when we arrived on a Saturday lunchtime. Good job we didn't want food as the cook hadn't turned up. She did later on after a few people had been turned away. 4 real ales were on - 2 were from the Froth Blowers brewery - Piffle Snonker & Thornswoggle, whilst there was also Greene King IPA & Abbot.
4 Jul 2016 20:56
The Hollist Arms was our last stop of the day in Sussex. It was also probably the third best pub. The village is the home of Langham's Brewery and 2 of their ales were on - Jester & Best Bitter. I believe it may have been the brewer who was giving us the taster notes. Other ales were Hophead, Doom Bar & Landlord. Another nice village pub with a small bar area and a separate dining room. The garden is also a lovely spot and toilets are outside. A little off the beaten track. But worth locating.
27 Jun 2016 20:23
The Three Moles is tucked away around a mile off the main road. From what I've seen of Sussex so far, the best pubs tend to be those away from the main drags and the Three Moles was no exception. It was one of the two standout pubs we visited yesterday. The pub is reached via steps. A car park is opposite. It has the feel of a typical railway establishment, as it's situated near to an old railway station. Only 2 ales were on - Bowman Swift One & Skinners Betty Stogs. There was also Sandford Orchards Devon Scrumpy. A beer festival had been held in a tent to the side of the pub the previous weekend.
27 Jun 2016 20:19
The Halfway Bridge Inn, Lodsworth
The Halfway Bridge has a nice location on the main A272 and looks an old building from the outside. The inside has been modernised and feels a little out of character. Food appears to be the main attraction. There is a small garden to the side. Ales were Langham Sundowner, Sharps Doom Bar & Arundel Sussex Gold. Nothing particularly special.
27 Jun 2016 20:13
After some fairly mediocre pubs in West Sussex, our 7th pub was a vast improvement. This is a lovely little pub situated on a bank in the village of Tillington. It's off the main road. So I doubt it gets much passing business. The interior is cosy. But the highlight is the garden, with lots of different seating options, including hay bales and a hammock. There are chickens at the rear, but no sign of the cats that are mentioned on signs. Only 2 ales were on - Dark Star Hophead & Harveys Sussex Best Bitter. Old Rosie cider is also available. But it's not advertised and is hidden away underneath the counter. The village was hosting an open garden day and the pub's garden was one of the set. Well worth a visit.
27 Jun 2016 20:07
The Stonemason's Inn, Petworth
The Stonemasons is situated to the northern end of the lovely village of Petworth. It's a nice enough small pub with 3 real ales - Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, Dark Star Hophead & Skinners Betty Stogs. The landlady appeared fairly friendly. We sat in the pleasant garden which has numerous tables. Probably not the best pub in Petworth. We preferred the Angel on our last visit.
27 Jun 2016 20:00
The Cricketers Arms, Wisborough Green
Felt more like a proper pub than the Three Crowns on the main road. This pub is the other side of the village green and tables at the front have a good view of the green. We sat outside. But the interior looked fairly nice too. Live football was on the TV. Ales were Dark Star Hophead, Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, St Austell Tribute & Fullers London Pride.
27 Jun 2016 19:55
The Three Crowns, Wisborough Green
The Three Crowns is a pub cum restaurant that appears to be popular with the local hoi polloi. Many of them were dining inside with their charges. We chose to sit in the large rear garden, access to which is through a narrow area to the side of the bar. But first you need to negotiate the teenage waiters and waitresses discussing their jobs. They are fairly oblivious to the fact that customers might want to get through to the garden which is the pub's biggest draw. It's a very pleasant space with plenty of tables, chickens to one side and a couple of swings at the back. Ales were Weltons English Pride, Shepherd Neame Spitfire Gold, Harveys Sussex Best Bitter & Hammerpot Red Hunter.
27 Jun 2016 19:51
The Railway Inn, Billingshurst
The Railway is situated (unsurprisingly) right next to the level crossing and railway station in Billingshurst. It has a nice cosy bar area at the front and a quieter dining area to the rear where one solitary person was enjoying Sunday lunch. Locals congregate around the bar itself making it difficult to get served. Beyond that is a small garden and car park. Ales were Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Sharps Doom Bar, Fullers London Pride & Firebird Paleface American Pale Ale. There was a cask at the end of the bar. But I couldn't tell if it contained anything different. The nearby Billingshurst Carnival was fairly enjoyable. That had a beer tent. But real ale drinkers were nipping into the Railway for their refreshment.
27 Jun 2016 19:45
Two room locals pub in this small town. One was a lively bar, whilst the other was a quieter lounge-type room. Both customers and staff were friendly. A couple of ales had gone off as we arrived. But there was still Ringwood Razor Back, Banks's Lion Roar, Youngs Special & Courage Best. They also had Scrumpy Wasp Nice Pear left over from a recent festival, which was a new one for me. The car park and garden is reached from the street through a passageway. But the garden was a little overgrown. Nice enough town pub.
27 Jun 2016 19:40
Fairly nice country pub. Although the welcome was slightly suspect. I'm never too impressed when the first greeting is "can I help you?". It suggests you're maybe in the wrong place or perhaps you might like to rob the place. An alternative could be "what is somebody like you doing in a place like this?". Nevertheless after necessary 'pleasantries' were exchanged, I did finally get served. The interior is fairly small, with a number of different partitioned areas. The garden is nice, with plenty of tables and a children's play area. Ales all on handpull were Downlands √13 Pale Ale, Long Man Best Bitter, St Austell Proper Job, Fullers London Pride and the ubiquitous Harveys Sussex Best Bitter.
27 Jun 2016 19:30
Made a return visit to the Good Yarn today. I felt it had a better ale selection than on previous visits - Weltons Come On England, Binghams Admiral & Doodle Stout, Hook Norton Yeastie Boys, Greene King Abbot, Sharps Doom Bar & Ruddles Best. Cider was Black Dragon. It was fairly busy with its usual fair share of shoppers. We grabbed a booth in the family area at the rear. One of the better pubs in Uxbridge.
25 Jun 2016 21:02
The Ferry is situated away from the rest of the village of Reedham and is next to the car ferry over the River Yare. We stopped here for Sunday dinner and a swift half. Ales were Woodfordes Wherry, Lacons Encore & the local Humpty Dumpty Swallowtail & Ferryman. We had earlier visited the Humpty Dumpty brewery shop in the village itself. Food was nice, if not a little expensive. Has plenty of seating indoors and some overlooking the river itself on a raised area. Nice location.
21 Jun 2016 21:50
Currently closed. Still looks like a pub. But not sure if it will re-open or not.
21 Jun 2016 21:46
The Ship enjoys a lovely location next to the River Yare, which is clearly popular with boaters on the Norfolk Broads. The garden overlooks the river and the railway swing bridge, which is interesting to watch open and close. The interior is nice too, with a small games room and a larger bar. Ales were Steam Box Golden Bolt, Wolf Edith Cavell & Adnams Bitter & Broadside.
21 Jun 2016 21:45
The St. John's Head, Great Yarmouth
The St John's Head was another good Yarmouth pub. Although the clientele did feel a little cliquey. The cosy interior has an old juke box playing rock music. Ale choice was good - Elgoods Cambridge Bitter & Double Swan, Adnams Tally-Ho & Mauldons Cuckoo. Cider was Addlestones. We moved on from here to the Tombstone Saloon, brewery tap for the Tombstone Brewery and with 10 ciders too. That was easily our favourite pub in Great Yarmouth, but is sadly not listed on here.
21 Jun 2016 21:41
There was no longer any sign of a pub on this spot. I believe I identified the building. But it's no longer a pub anymore.
21 Jun 2016 21:36
Mariners Tavern, Great Yarmouth
Next up for us was the Mariners. I had high hopes and it didn't disappoint. There are 2 rooms - a popular front bar with loud music and a much quieter rear room with horse racing being shown. A selection of guitars suggested this is where live music possibly occurs. The barman was very friendly and knowledgeable. He was on his own, but doing a good job. Ales were Triple fff Goldfffinger, Saltaire Raspberry Blonde, Harveys Sussex Dark Mild, Mauldons Silver Adder, Greene King Abbot, Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Skinners Cornish Trawler, Woodfordes Nelson's Revenge, Oakham Bishop's Farewell & Acorn Barnsley Bitter. Ciders and perries are in the fridge behind the rear bar. But there are pumpclips in the rear bar. On Saturday afternoon, they had Westons Rosie's Pig Hand Brake (a very nice damson cider), Sandford Orchards Old Kirton & Mr Whiteheads Midnight Special, Novo Pyrus & Newton's Discovery. Recommended. But we were later to find an even better pub.
21 Jun 2016 21:33
Backstreet pub that had no other customers when we arrived on a wet Saturday lunchtime. It was so wet that the roof between the bar and separate games room was leaking. Buckets were in situ. The small garden at the front is a little strange. You wouldn't fit too many people into it. But it wasn't quite the weather for outdoor drinking. Ales were Butcombe Bitter, Lacons Encore & Dark Star Hophead. Cider was Old Rosie. Pumpclips on the walls pointed to a good range of ales having been stocked. One other customer had entered by the time we arrived. A nice pub. But it probably feels very different when busier.
21 Jun 2016 21:26
The Gallon Pot was the second of the Great Yarmouth pubs we visited. It re-opened around 6 months ago and is situated at the end of the Market Place. But we were surprised by how quiet it was on a Saturday evening. Nevertheless it ensured we had a quiet meal, which was good value for money and the diane sauce on the steak was sublime. Ales were less inspiring, with Marstons Pedigree, Lacons Hoptrick & Woodfordes Wherry on. Staff were friendly but under-worked. Deserves more custom. We moved on from here to the Oliver Twist, which was my favourite pub of our first day in the town. Whilst it's not listed on here, I will request it and it's well worth a visit for a great selection of ales and cider and a very strange clientele with lots of missing teeth!
21 Jun 2016 21:18
The Barking Smack, Great Yarmouth
The Barking Smack is on the seafront at Great Yarmouth. It is a single room with a large outdoor terrace at the front. Meals are served. But the options didn't seem too tempting. So we moved on elsewhere for food. Plenty of barstaff were available for serving. Three ales from Grain were on - Oak, Redwood & ThreeOneSix. They also stock a real cider from a box at the side of the bar. This was Kingfisher Farm Cider and went down very nicely. Not a bad pub. But I was surprised as to how good Great Yarmouth pubs were and there were better options.
21 Jun 2016 21:12
Fullers pub with a very convenient bus stop directly outside. On entering, there was a very tempting smell of oriental food. I initially thought it was Chinese. But it was in fact Thai. Ales are all from Fullers - Olivers Island, Pride, ESB & Ninety. Bar staff were friendly. European Championship football was on the TV. Not bad for a Fullers pub. But I did move on to the superior Sussex Arms after not too long.
15 Jun 2016 21:48
The Prince of Wales, Twickenham
Fairly pleasant locals pub with one large bar and what seemed like a smaller room at the rear to one side. There is a nice garden at the same side. The landlord appears to be Northern Irish. 4 ales were on - Weltons English Pride, Adnams Bitter, Timothy Taylor Golden Best & Twickenham Summer Sun. I tried the Weltons, which wasn't up to much. European Championship football was being shown on the TV. Makes a change from some of the local Fullers pub and I thought the ale range was similar to the nearby Riflemans. But for the best selection, head to the Sussex Arms.
15 Jun 2016 21:45
The Snowdrop was my last and favourite pub of the day. It is situated in a residential area of Cliffe with a fairly dramatic chalk cliff backdrop. It's also next to a lengthy tunnel that leads to the other end of Lewes. The interior feels cosy. But there are plenty of tables crammed in. There are also 2 outdoor areas either side of the pub. Both have several tables too. The ale selection was good and was complemented by a good range of craft beers on keg. Yesterday they had Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, Burning Sky Aurora & Plateau, Downlands Twent Six Strong Pale Ale & Thirteen Pale Ale & 360 Degrees Pale Ale on cask. Cider was Seacider Medium. The best pub we tried in Lewes.
13 Jun 2016 19:41
The John Harvey Tavern is situated up a side street opposite the Harveys brewery and alongside the River Ouse. It's a fairly large place with a large bar area and an equally large dining area to the left as you walk in. There are a small number of tables just outside by the entrance door. Around 6 casks were behind the bar, all labelled with Harveys Sussex Best Bitter. On handpull there was also Armada Ale, Copperwheat Beer & Olympia Golden Ale. Unlike the Gardeners Arms, service here was with a smile.
13 Jun 2016 19:36
I had high hopes for the Gardeners Arms. But it somehow failed to live up to expectations. It's a fairly small, single room bar that had a fairly sullen barmaid on my visit. Whilst she was smiling and laughing with locals, she adopted a fairly miserable attitude with me. When asked if they offered a CAMRA discount (as stated by their website), she said she didn't think so. So I've no idea if I got one. The ale range was impressive though - Oakham Bishop's Farewell, Burning Sky Aurora, Devil's Dyke Porter, Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, Crouch Vale Amarillo & Thornbridge 6 Weeks. Cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. This seems a lovely little pub and it's just the kind of pub I normally love. But on this occasion, service appeared to be lacking. A good pub, but not the best in Lewes.
13 Jun 2016 19:33
The Dorset is a Harveys pub overlooking the main parking area in Lewes, with the Harveys brewery also just across the car park. It had 4 of their ales on - Sussex Best Bitter, Sussex Dark Mils, Copper Wheat Beer & Olympia Golden Ale. The interior is centred around the bar. But there is another room in one corner at the front. This was empty on my visit. Most people were sat outside at the front admiring the car park. There is both covered and open air seating there. The least impressive of the Lewes pubs we visited.
13 Jun 2016 19:26
Greene King pub situated next to the Lavender Line, with its old preserved trains. Whilst some of the Greene King standards were on - Greene King IPA, Morland Old Golden Hen & Hardy and Hansons Olde Trip, there were also some guests - Isfield Imperial, Black Cat Hopsmack & Dark Star American Pale Ale. They also had 2 ciders - Westons Old Rosie & Seacider Medium. The interior is primarily set across 2 rooms. Although there is a third, smaller room next to the toilets, with a bar billiards table. To the side of the pub is a garden with a children's play area. Another good pub.
13 Jun 2016 19:22
The Alma Arms is a really nice community pub located just to the south east of the lengthy High Street. It has a couple of rooms, with a function room and small garden at the rear. The function room was hosting a celebration for the Queen's birthday and the garden was full of kids using the play equipment. Ales were all from Harveys - Sussex Best Bitter, Sussex Dark Mild & Olympia Golden Ale. Finally I had also found a place with a real cider - Westons Rosie's Pig. A really friendly pub. Easily the best pub in the first half of my Sussex crawl.
13 Jun 2016 19:17
The Pig and Butcher, Five Ash Down
Harveys village pub. The room on the right is a games room with a pool table. The room on the left is a bar area, that leads into a separate dining section beyond. The 2 Harveys ales were Sussex Best Bitter & Sussex Champion. The interior is fairly non-descript. Some of the staff were tucking into Sunday lunches. Arguably the most disappointing of the 10 pubs we tried in East Sussex yesterday.
13 Jun 2016 19:12
After a game of Pooh sticks in Ashdown Forest (I kid you not), we traversed a ford and arrived at the very nicely located Hatch Inn. This place is tiny in all aspects. Getting through the door was a challenge, let alone getting to the bar. However there was a small room at the rear that was completely unoccupied. Tables were set up for diners. But there were none. The garden looked quite pleasant. But it wasn't quite the weather for outdoor drinking early yesterday afternoon. Inside, most of the locals (with their dogs) seemed upper class. Ales were Larkins Traditional, Harveys Sussex Best Bitter & Youngs Bitter. Not the best ale range. But the location scores this pub an extra point.
13 Jun 2016 19:08
This place is still intact. But it is no longer a pub. The Anchor is just opposite and still open.
13 Jun 2016 19:03
A pleasant country pub with an unusual verandah in Winnie the Pooh country. The pub seemed a little geared to tourists with a table full of promotional leaflets for various attractions being the centre of attention. Ales were Larkins Traditional, Sambrooks Junction & Harveys Sussex Best Bitter. I was expecting real cider. But alas there was none. A few people were eating and there were locals drinking at the bar too. A slight improvement on the nearby Dorset Arms.
13 Jun 2016 19:02
The Dorset Arms, Withyham Hartfield
The Dorset Arms is quite an impressive building inside and out. It feels like an old manor house. But there is currently scaffolding and it wasn't immediately obvious whether or not it was open. But the barmaid was quite welcoming when we did go in. It's clearly popular for food, as we were immediately asked if we had booked a table. There is bar to the left as you walk in and a dining area to the right. The 3 ales were Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, Long Man Long Blonde & Adnams Bitter. Nice pub. But the ale selection was a little lacking.
13 Jun 2016 18:58
The Reckless Engineer, Bristol
We saw the Reckless Engineer when we had arrived at Temple Meads station earlier in the day. It looked like a bit of a dive. On our return and with 10-15 minutes before our train departure, it seemed a good idea to slip in a swift half. Two ales were Otter Ale & Wells Bombardier Burning Gold. The best cider I could see was Addlestones on keg. The interior was pretty basic, with not much in the way of decoration. There were few other customers in either, considering its prime location opposite the station. Pretty poor, but handy.
5 Jun 2016 18:52
Please ignore my previous review - that should have been for the Three Tuns. The Seven Stars was quite a lively place quite close to the station. It was packed and a local band was in full swing, with plenty of songs about cider, which went down a treat. The ale choice was Prescott Hill Climb & Super 6, Yeovil Summerset, Plain Ales Bitter, Boss Six & Black Yeovil Stout Hearted. I know I had Ben Crossman Dry. But I believe there was probably a much larger selection. But by this point I was too drunk to care. Possibly the best pub I went to in Bristol yesterday. I certainly remember enjoying myself here. But I must endeavour to go back when much more sober.
5 Jun 2016 18:47
The Three Tuns was closed until 4pm yesterday, as it was close to the central riot zone and all of the police baracades. But I made the journey back here before starting my way towards the station. This is a larger pubs than it looks from the outside and has a courtyard garden. The ale range was mostly golden type beers - Vibrant Forest Vienna Rye Pale, Dorset Piddle Piddle, Arbor Motueka & Hoploader, Beerd Gambit, Black Flag El Dorado & Firebrand Graffiti IPA. Ciders were Westons Rosie's Pig & Worleys Mendip Hills. The latter cider was enjoyable. Another place offering CAMRA discounts and another good Bristol pub.
5 Jun 2016 18:42
The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer, Bristol
Another establishment where it is difficult to work out what is cask and what is keg. The interior was quite dark and dingy. But there is plenty of space and it stretches back a long way. I quite liked the beer barrel urinals in the gents. The full beer selection was Wiper & True Milk Shake, Brew By Numbers 11/15, The Kernel IPA, Hammerton Life On Mars, Gloucester Saison 2, Crafty Devil White Riot, Mondo May The Schwartz Be With You, Purity Lawless, Pure Gold & Mad Goose, Electric Bear Edison & Red, Boss Blaze & Buzz, Hawkshead Red, Vibrant Forest Black Forest & Siren Broken Dream. Ciders and perries were Hogans Pickers Passion, Soured Cider & Poachers Perry & Lilleys Stargazer. Wasn't overly impressed.
5 Jun 2016 18:39
I'm not quite sure what to make of the Small Bar. It's one of these modern craft beer places that dispense expensively-priced beers in third and two third glasses. There's a large beer menu behind the bar and there's no indication of which beers were cask and which were keg. Nevertheless the full selection was Left Handed Giant/Verdant Headlamp Stillwater Saison, Magic Rock Salty Kiss & Hire Wire Grapefruit, Cloudwater Old Garde Red Wine BA, Custard Porter & Clauseni Imperial Stout, Left Handed Giant Pilsner, Pale, USPA, Lactose Tolerant & Kolsssh, Northern Monk True North, Vocation Chop & Change, Tool Reparationsbajer, Rogue 7 Hop & Dead Hop Ale, Vibrant Forest Nova Foresta, Left Handed Giant/Wylam Ctr-Alt-Del & Kernel Dry Stout. Ciders were St Paul's Cidery Lucifer Dry & Sandford Orchards Devon Mist. The interior has a number of rooms spread over 2 floors. It's certainly not small. This was our first stop in the Beermuda Triangle.
5 Jun 2016 18:32
The Seven Stars was closed until 4pm yesterday, as it was close to the central riot zone and all of the police baracades. But I made the journey back here before starting my way towards the station. This is a larger pubs than it looks from the outside and has a courtyard garden. The ale range was mostly golden type beers - Vibrant Forest Vienna Rye Pale, Dorset Piddle Piddle, Arbor Motueka & Hoploader, Beerd Gambit, Black Flag El Dorado & Firebrand Graffiti IPA. Ciders were Westons Rosie's Pig & Worleys Mendip Hills. The latter cider was enjoyable. Another place offering CAMRA discounts and another good Bristol pub.
5 Jun 2016 18:23
I struggled to find No. 1 Harbourside initially. It is part of a modern quayside development with many cafes and bars. This place is a modern bar too, with tables outside which were all occupied on this sunny afternoon. The ale range was good - Bristol Beer Factory It's Mild, Seven & Sorachi, Arbor Summit & New Bristol Brewery Super Natural. Cleeve Orchard Medium was the cider. Doesn't really have the atmosphere of a pub. But nevertheless this is a decent place to know about next to one of the ferry stops.
5 Jun 2016 18:17
After a visit to the Gryphon (rockers pub), I moved on to Smoke & Mirrors. This place has a quaint frontage and stretches back a fair way from the street. It's a pub that focuses on magic. But on this day, it appeared all of its customers had done a disappearing act. Not willing to join them, I drank up swiftly. 3 ales were on - Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Edinburgh Castle & St Austell Tribute. Disappointing.
5 Jun 2016 18:09
This place is now the Lime Kiln. It's another small, single bar Bristol pub with just a couple of other customers in. Luckily some of the anarchist protesters attempted to enter as we arrived. But I don't think their lager of choice was available. We were happy enough with the ale selection though - Staggeringly Good Veloci Rapture, Byatts American Brown Ale, Yeovil Star Gazer, Vibrant Forest Vienna Pale Ale, Church End EU & Fat Cat Porter. Cider was Sandford Orchards Devon Mist. A CAMRA discount is offered.
5 Jun 2016 18:03
With some local hostelries closed due to some anarchist demonstrations, we decided to head up the hill to the Hope & Anchor where a beer festival was in progress. The interior is quite nice and at the rear is a garden on a hill where the beer festival beers (and ciders) were being served. The garden was very pleasant indeed in the early afternoon sunshine. Ales available were Alechemy Starhopper, Dark Star Hophead, Black Iris Bajan Breaskfast & Rise and Shine, Saltaire Trio, Bad Co. Honey Hi, Dorset Piddle Slasher, Red Squirrel Mad Squirrel IPA, Crate Rye, Bristol Beer Factory Bristol Export, Good Chemistry Big Bang, New Bristol Brewery Supernatural, Gloucester Mosaic & Glamorgan Welsh Pale. Ciders and perries were Brislington Brain Twister, Hecks Vintage Dry, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, Sandford Orchards Devon Red, Original Cider Company Pheasant, Westons Family Reserve, Lilleys Red Rabbit & Somerset Scrumpy & Worleys Red Hen. CAMRA discounts can be had. Although the barman at the festival counter was struggling to add up the price as it was and ended up a bit flummoxed. Another excellent Bristol hostelry.
5 Jun 2016 17:57
The Bag Of Nails is a small place with not much room to swing a cat. In fact, the first thing you notice when you walk in is the smell of cat urine and you'll soon see the moggies asleep in their beds on the bar. As a cat owner, I wasn't too bothered. But I could imagine it being a bit off-putting for some. Nevertheless this is a fantastic little pub with a good ale selection - Tapstone Kush Kingdom, Three Daggers Dagger Edge, Flying Monk Habit, Fixed Wheel Blackheath Stout, Bad Co Wild Gravity, Crate Brewer's Tap & Vibrant Forest Session IPA. The cider was Ashridge Elderflower Cider dispensed from a handpull with a Babycham pumpclip. Music is played from a record player. The décor is fairly gaudy. Recommended.
5 Jun 2016 17:48
The Orchard was the first stop on a crawl of Bristol. It's a backstreet boozer located on a side street on Spike Island, near to the SS Great Britain and just a short ferry ride away from Hotwells and Clifton. A number of ales are served on gravity - Prescott Chequered Flag, Bath Gem, Box Steam Piston Broke, Otter Bitter & St Austell Tribute & Proper Job. But the real draw are the ciders and perries. Some are on handpull. But the majority are fetched directly from the cellar. There is a blackboard at the side of the bar displaying the full list, which comprised Westons Old Rosie, Thatchers Traditional & Cheddar Valley, Orchards Cider, Cornish Orchards Mulled Cider, Severn Cider Hendre Huffcap Perry, Dry Cider & Sweet Cider, Hecks Yarlington Mill & Blakeney Red Perry, Hancocks Dry & Sweet, Handmade Fire Starter & Springtime Surprise, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, Wessex Medium & Dry, Beard And Sabre Cider, Haywood Farm Dry & Sweet, Gloucestershire Chisel Jersey, Dorset Nectar Medium, New Forest Dry & Sweet, Ham Hill Medium, Countryman Medium & Ventons Dry. With a long crawl ahead, I only had the chance to try two. But I'm sure I'll be back one day to get through some more. The bar itself is fairly simple. It is a single room, with a couple of tables out the front. It is clearly a music pub too. The landlord and barmaid were friendly and knowledgeable. A number of bar snacks are served, such as Scotch Eggs, which were very nice. Situated on a bit of a limb, being away from the main Bristol pub areas. But well worth seeking out.
5 Jun 2016 17:37
This place has reverted to being called The Cambridge Hotel. It is at the northern end of the High Street at its junction with the A30. Whilst I still think it has accommodation, I think this is the last place I would choose to stay at. The barman was quite brash and the rowdy locals appeared to take great delight in ringing a bell each time somebody broke wind. Tables were filthy. Toilets were slightly cleaner. Ales were Ghost Ship & Doom Bar. It now bills itself as a nightclub, which I doubt helps those in the accommodation. On the plus side, prices are cheap.
31 May 2016 20:33
Camberley has one long High Street with a number of pubs. I think I did the two pubs at the furthest ends. The Claude du Vall is a Wetherspoons at the southern end, nextdoor to and opposite what looked like a couple of rough establishments, judging by the clientele outside. This pub is fairly small by 'spoons standards. The windows at the front open completely to make it a little nicer during the summer months. I believe there was also an outdoor courtyard to the side. Ales were Greene King Abbot, Sharps Doom Bar, Ruddles Best, Dark Star Revelation, Oakham JHB, Twickenham Summer Sun, Surrey Hills Greensand IPA & Ascot Aureole Ale. Cider was Old Rosie. Service was friendly and for once they accepted a CAMRA voucher for a pint of cider. A better than average Wetherspoons and probably the best pub in the town.
31 May 2016 20:29
The Rose and Thistle, Frimley Green
The Rose & Thistle looks like the best pub in a town I'd only really ever heard of due to the darts. True to my perceptions, there was a guy playing darts. A fairly busy pub with more people outside than inside. But it did have a good selection of ales and excellent service by a barmaid who was patient and clearly knowledgeable about the ales. The selection on cask was Celt Experience Otherworld Batch II: Pale, Rudgate Dick Firkin & Sharps Doom Bar. Tasting notes were on a blackboard. They also had some interesting keg options. The interior is plain and simple. Nice place.
31 May 2016 20:22
The Swan is a Chef & Brewer establishment hidden away along the canal, a little way off the main road through Ash Vale. With its location, it was predictably popular on a nice bank holiday Sunday, especially the outdoor area. Not everybody was there for their meals. Drinks were expensive and I've been to Chef & Brewer pubs with better selections. Nevertheless, they did have Courage Directors, Greene King IPA & Mucky Duck & Hop Art Hoppy Blonde. I later discovered a handpull with Westons Old Rosie just around the side. Service was very slow. One barmaid who was serving walked off after I had been waiting for 5 minutes. She obviously something more important to do. But then at least she could have at least apologised for having to walk away. Perhaps a little training is in order. Nice enough chain pub spoiled by poor service and high prices.
31 May 2016 20:14
Napiers is a real local establishment. The small bar is L-shaped. There is a pool table in a separate room at one end. Forty Niner was the real ale option. The car park is a little strange. If it was full, there would be at least a couple of cars completely boxed in. There's nothing particularly special about this pub. But the barmaid was friendly and bubbly.
31 May 2016 20:08
The Good Intent is situated in another lovely Surrey village. I was expecting to find a beer festival here, as they normally have one over the late bank holiday weekend. But a sign on the blackboard revealed that it had been postponed due to a fire in an outbuilding. The ale selection was disappointing with all but one being national brands - Sharps Doom Bar, Courage Directors, Otter Bitter, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Black Sheep Best Bitter & Hogs Back TEA. Most people seemed to be drinking in the garden at the rear. I was the only person left inside. A little disappointing.
31 May 2016 20:03
The Royal Oak was my favourite pub of 11 I sampled in Guildford on Sunday. Although I think the presence of a cider festival influenced my decision! Whilst there were only 4 real ciders, it was good to see what seemed to be a locals pub promoting the real stuff and also to see the locals fully engaging and trying each of them. The 4 available were also rarely seen in these parts - Cornwall Cider Company Mango, Lime & Ginger Fruit Cider, Cornish Orchards Vintage, Lyme Bay Eventide & Hogans Panking Pole. I went for the one I hadn't previously tried - the Eventide, which was nice. Ales were not quite so adventurous, with just Ringwood Razor Back & Forty Niner & Marstons Pedigree available. What looks like a small garden at the side opens up into a large space with a children's play house. A barbecue was very popular. But a 10 minute wait for a burger put me off. The interior is small, but cosy. Lovely pub with hospitable hosts.
31 May 2016 19:55
The Rodboro Buildings is a landmark Guildford building at a busy traffic junction near the centre of the town. Inside, is a rambling Wetherspoons with a few distinct drinking areas over 2 floors. The effect is modern, with exposed ducting. With so much space and even with plenty of customers, it didn't feel busy. Bar staff do a good job of serving people quickly. The ale selection was Sharps Doom Bar, Greene King IPA & Abbot, Firebird American Pale Ale, Hogs Back TEA, Everards/Mad Fox Defender, Gold Mark Liquid Gold, Triple fff Alton's Pride & Little Beer Corporation Little Haka. Ciders were Orchard Pig The Hogfather & Westons Old Rosie. Certainly one of the better pubs in Guildford.
31 May 2016 19:46
Moving away from the Surrey Hills and its over-inflated prices, I arrived at a couple of better priced pubs in Guildford. The Stoke is on the outskirts. But that doesn't stop the car park filling up with shoppers. It's a pay and display affair. But it was clear that not all of the owners were in the pub. The Stoke doubles up as a pizza place. But I wouldn't class it as a gastropub. It certainly has a good selection of ales. On Sunday, it was Plain Ales Mayday, Innocence & Sheep Dip, Red Squirrel Hopfest, Slaters Queen Bee, Little Beer Corporation Little S.O.B. & Greene King IPA. On closer inspection, this is part of the Greene King chain. But you wouldn't know. I was hoping for real cider. But none were available. When I asked, the foreign barman offered me Aspalls or Kopparberg. I went for the Mayday instead, which was good. I think this could be my favourite pub in Guildford so far.
31 May 2016 19:41
The Onslow Arms looked like a fairly unassuming roadside pub at first glance. But then I entered the car park and found an area with around 100 cars parked and an overspill area with countless more. The pub itself is a rambling affair with a number of rooms. It's clearly another place that is more of a restaurant than a pub. But there was a pleasant patio area at the rear which seemed more popular for drinkers. Unfortunately I was driving and drivers appear to be penalised here. £4 for a cranberry juice makes this one of the most expensive places I have ever been to. Ales were Caledonian Onslow Arms Ale, Surrey Hills Shere Drop, Little Beer Corporation & Sharps Cornish Coaster. There were also some posh-type lagers seemingly available. But I did watch one toff try to order one which was not available. His second choice was unavailable too. At that point it was easier for the barman to inform him of what was actually available! Nice pub. But I can only award a 4/10 for the completely unrealistic pricing. I wish I had declined to pay and walked out as £4 for a fruit juice is lunacy, Surrey or not.
31 May 2016 19:33
The Abinger Hatch, Abinger Common
The Abinger Hatch is set deep in the Surrey Hills. You pass through a wooded area to get here and at the summit of a hill, you find a small village with the pub opposite the church. It seems to be primarily a dining pub for the wealthy local residents. But there were 4 real ales and a nice beer garden in which to sup them. Ringwood Razor Back, Hop Art IPA, Langham LSD & Cottage Conquest was the choice. No real cider was on offer, to clear up previous comments. But maybe availability is seasonal. Popular with the huge number of cyclists in the area. Worth a visit for the setting alone.
31 May 2016 19:26
The Old Cannon Brewery, Bury St Edmunds
This was our final pub of the night and another brewpub. The brewing equipment is near the entrance at the side of the bar. Staff are very professional and know their stuff. This is an old building. But the interior feels very clinical and lacks atmosphere. There is accommodation just across the courtyard. Ales from Old Cannon were Best Bitter, Gunner's Daughter & Rusty Gun. I wasn't overly impressed with my Gunner's Daughter. Guest ales were Woodfordes Reedlighter & Adnams Broadside.
23 May 2016 20:39
The Beerhouse, Bury St Edmunds
The Beerhouse was the first of two pubs for us in Bury St Edmunds. It has a fairly modern interior and appears to be the tap room for the Brewshed Brewery, which is just opposite. From them, there was Best Bitter, American Blonde & Pale Ale. Guests were Corvedale Norman's Pride, Wolf Golden Jackal, Raw Blonde Pale Ale & Humpty Dumpty Little Sharpie. Ciders were Abrahalls Lily The Pink & Thundering Molly & Harry Taylor's Crooked Branch. A nice place. But at £4.10 a pint, it's a little pricey. There's a covered and an uncovered area outdoors at the rear.
23 May 2016 20:35
The Greyhound was the only Greene King pub I tried in Suffolk yesterday. But I read that it won the local CAMRA branch's pub of the month award for February. The landlord seemed a friendly chap and the pub deserves merit for stocking XX Mild. In addition to the mild, they had IPA & Abbot, as well as Humpty Dumpty Little Sharpie & Butcombe Bitter. The interior is an L-shape with two rooms and apparently there is a snug in the middle. But we sat outdoors at the rear. Near the exit, there is a pool table.
23 May 2016 20:29
Was desperate for a pee when arriving here. On following somebody in, I decided to use the conveniences first as it would be a few minutes before I could get served. By the time I came out, another guy had appeared and was buying a large round. By the time I got served, I needed the toilet again! Ales are situated on handpulls at the back of the bar. So they are not immediately obvious. On this visit, they were Woodfordes Wherry, Greene King IPA Reserve, Brains The Rev James & Earl Soham Gold. It consists of 2 rooms - an attractive bar area and a separate dining area to the right as you walk in. This pub is now open all day at weekends and you could tell that some of the locals had been taking full advantage. There's a very handy chip shop two doors up.
23 May 2016 19:33
Wingfield looked like a very nice village. But this pub which is in the current Good Beer Guide is now closed and up for sale. It doesn't look as if it will become a pub again anytime soon.
23 May 2016 19:28
Locals pub set in the Suffolk countryside. It's a fairly modern-looking interior. But this pub is clearly at the heart of the community. 4 ales were being dispensed - Greene King Abbot, Adnams Bitter & Broadside & Lacons Encore. International football was being shown on the TV and there is a darts board in one corner. There's an undercover smoking area outside to the side.
23 May 2016 19:26
St Peters Hall, St Peter South Elmham
The Brewery Tap for St Peter's brewery is located in the middle of nowhere. But it's a very impressive building. With only a couple of other people here on a Sunday afternoon, it was very quiet too. There is a small bar area and a larger dining area with a large fireplace and some impressive church pews for seating. There's some fantastic woodwork. Outdoor seating can be found at the rear overlooking the moat with a dead floating fish and cattle on the other side. 3 St Peter's ales were on draught - Best Bitter, Ruby Red Ale & Organic Ale. But I think that the only one remaining was the Organic. There is a full bottled selection of St Peter's ales and also their new cider, which we tried. Worth a visit to see this fabulous building. The brewery and shop are opposite.
23 May 2016 19:23
Still has the look of a pub and is nicely located. However, the owners have turned it into a bed and breakfast. So this place is now closed. I can recommend the Fox at Shadingfield instead. I'll request for it to be added onto this site. But it was one of the best 2 pubs we tried in Suffolk yesterday and has a wide ale selection.
23 May 2016 19:15
Having read about this pub, I'd imagined a restaurant that served a couple of ales, rather than a pub that does food. Whilst it has clearly won admirers for its seafood, it still has the look and feel of a pub and it had 4 ales - Adnams Bitter & Ghost Ship & Greene King IPA & Abbot. There are outdoor drinking areas at both the front and rear. The etched windows at the front point to a day when the bar area was divided. But I have to say that this pub exceeded my (rather low) expectations.
23 May 2016 19:10
The Buck was certainly one of the best pubs we tried in Suffolk yesterday. It has quite a characterful interior with 3 ales and 3 ciders. The ales were Barrell and Sellers Pale Ale, Mauldons Silver Adder & Lacons Dark Mild. Ciders were Burnards Oakey Dokey & Monty's Double & Westons Family Reserve. A perry was on the blackboard, but had run out. There are 2 or 3 small rooms inside and people were arriving for Sunday lunch. We sat in the small rear garden, which also has a patio area to relax in the sun (assuming it is shining).
23 May 2016 19:01
Roadside pub on the main A140 south of Diss. We arrived here yesterday lunchtime upon opening. Ales were all local - Adnams Bitter & Broadside & Nethergate IPA. The landlord was friendly enough. Along with others who followed us, we chose to sit in the pleasant garden at the rear, which has a slide, swings and a couple of mole hills. Fairly old fashioned but comfortable pub.
23 May 2016 18:55
The Mad Bishop and Bear, Paddington
Fancying a drink after the train back to London, I initially tried the Cider Tap (soon to close) at Euston only to find they had stopped serving by 9pm (very strange for a weekend). So I grabbed the opportunity to have a swift half at the Mad Bishop & Bear. This is a Fullers pub, generally with a guest ale or two. It is situated in the retail development up a couple of escalators. But it is still fairly busy. Departure screens ensure you don't miss your train or you can at least check what time the next one is, if you do happen to stay for one too many. On my visit, they had Fullers London Pride, ESB & Olivers Island, Gales Seafarers & Redwood, St Austell Tribute & Tomos Watkins The Last Inch. I went for the Redwood, which I wasn't too keen on. Still a handy place to know about and certainly the best of the 2 pubs at Paddington station. I've just noticed that they offer a CAMRA discount too.
18 May 2016 17:58
The Fly in the Loaf, Liverpool
The Fly In The Loaf was the third of eight pubs we visited in Liverpool on Sunday. To save repeating myself, I won't review the others. But I will request for the Merchant to be added to the site. The Fly In the Loaf always seems to be busy. But the ale choice can be inconsistent. As an Okells pub, it always stocks one of their ales. On Sunday it was their Bitter. In addition, there was Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild, Firebird Two Horses & Pacific Gem, Jennings Sneck Lifter, Robinsons Trooper & Salopian Oracle. Popular for those watching the football on the TV and generally has enough bar staff to ensure service is prompt. Has a decent bottle selection too. Still one of the city's best pubs.
18 May 2016 17:51
The John Bull was my last stop of the evening last Thursday before the long trip back to London. It does not open until 7pm. So this had to be the last pub I had planned. Several other people entered at the same time as me and a few more entered soon after. So it took a while for the landlord to clear the initial rush. The pub has a musty smell to it on first entering. But it's a really old-fashioned (in a nice way) backstreet local, the likes of which have been vanishing all over the country. The single room is split into two by a central partition, whilst there is a small outdoor seating area to the side with tables made out of bottles. 3 ales were available - Acorn Blonde, Hadrian Border Bandwagon & Black Country BFG. There were 2 ciders - Westons Old Rosie & Broadoak Moonshine, in addition to Broadoak Perry. Probably the best pub in Alnwick. Although the Tanners Arms runs it close and would probably be many people's favourite. I'd advise everybody to try them both one evening.
18 May 2016 17:45
After being in Alnwick earlier in the day, I returned to visit 2 pubs that had earlier been closed. Both were excellent. First stop was the Tanners Arms. This is a small, but popular one room local. It is brightly coloured inside and apparently hosts various live music events. There is a strange feature in the middle of the bar - a tree trunk. Toilets are through sliding doors as there'd be insufficient room for a swing door. Ales were Tempest Cascadian Blonde Ale, Wylam Galatia, Allendale Wagtail & Born In The Borders Dark Horse. Cider fetched from the cellar was Thistly Cross Original. I tried the Dark Horse and the Thistly Cross and both were good. Clientele were mostly getting on a little (including myself) and some appeared a little eccentric. A really good place for a drink.
18 May 2016 17:39
The Queens Head Inn, Great Whittington
Village pub that doubles as a Chinese restaurant. I had to wait until 5pm for it to open and I'd probably have ordered a meal, had they served food before 6pm. But I settled for the complimentary prawn crackers. 2 ales from the nearby High House Farm were on - Sundancer & Nel's Best. But having been to their brewery tap earlier, I settled for a Blaydon from Firebrick which wasn't too well kept. The Queen's Head is clearly a well-loved community local and therefore worthy of your custom, despite the slightly suspect beer quality. There is a garden at the front.
18 May 2016 08:09
With the Dyvels Inn at Corbridge closed, I found myself killing time waiting for pubs that only opened in the evening to open. But the Rat Inn at Anick was a great place to do just that. It has some marvellous views over the valley and is set in a small hamlet. Inside there is a clear focus on meals, with most food locally sourced. Outside, there is a very nice garden (at the front). Toilets are outside at the rear. Ales were Wylam Spring Thing, North Blyth Fuggles Gold, Cumberland Corby Fox & Allendale Wagtail. They also had a cider - Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze. My favourite pub of the day and well worth a visit.
18 May 2016 08:00
The Dyvels Inn is on the station side of the river. But unfortunately it is currently closed for refurbishment. 0/10 as no beer available at present.
18 May 2016 07:56
The second pub I tried in Corbridge was the Black Bull. It's a Greene King pub and at least the prices were more reasonable here than in the nearby Angel. Ales were Belhaven Golden Bay, Morland Old Golden Hen, Greene King IPA & Up The Wall Landlord's Choice. Had a mixture of local drinkers and diners. But was fairly quiet on this weekday afternoon. There is a tight car park at the rear, approached by an equally narrow passageway.
18 May 2016 07:54
Following a visit to the High House Farm Brewery (not listed on here) in the middle of nowhere, I moved onto the riverside town of Corbridge. For some reason, I expected an industrial-type town. But this is quite a picturesque place. The Angel is a hotel with sky high prices. As I was driving, I had to settle for an apple juice and a pack of crisps. I nearly fell over when asked to pay £4.40. The front patio was very popular in the sunshine, whilst a few diners were finishing off their lunches in the modernised interior. Car parking is at the rear beyond a barrier, for which you need the code to get back out. Ales were Tyne Bank Silver Dollar, Wylam The Angel's Share (house beer), Cumberland Great Corby Ale, Mordue Workie Ticket & Hadrian Border Tyneside Blonde. But this place was far too expensive to linger.
18 May 2016 07:51
After a visit to the Plough in Alnwick (not listed on here), I took a lovely drive in the sunshine over the moors to Rothbury where I located the Queen's Head. This was a quiet pub in the centre of this reasonably large village. I'm not sure if it's always this quiet. But this was a weekday lunchtime. Ales were Wharfebank Blood Orange IPA, St Austell Tribute, Maxim Double Maxim & Marstons Pedigree. The landlord was a friendly guy. The main bar was cosy and there is a small garden and car park at the rear. Worth a visit for the drive here alone.
18 May 2016 07:42
Coaching inn in the lovely port of Alnmouth. There are 2 rooms - 1 is a traditional bar and the other a dining area. At the rear is an outdoor terrace. I arrived on a Thursday morning and was the first customer. With no staff around, I had to ring bell for service. Ales were Black Sheep Best Bitter, Credence Blonde, Roosters Yankee & Cumberland Great Corby Stout. I chose the stout which was nice. A Thistly Cross cider was available on keg. Nice pub in a nice town.
18 May 2016 07:34
The Millstone was my final pub of the day in Tyne & Wear. It's a 2-roomed pub that is clearly popular with locals. Ales were Bass, Sharps Doom Bar, Hexhamshire Whapweasel, Wylam Bitter & Spring Thing, Anarchy Blonde Star & Allendale Pennine Pale & Force Majeure. My Wylam Bitter was somewhat cloudy and whilst not the worst drink of the day, it was worse than average. Still a reasonable pub though.
14 May 2016 18:13
The Brandling Villa, South Gosforth
I thought this was the best of the 3 South Gosforth pubs I tried. It certainly had the best ale range. But there's a strange way of dispensing things. When I ordered a half of one ale, the barmaid muttered something about third or two third pints. I politely declined that offer and asked for a half. When it came to £2.45, I thought I was back in London. But it soon became apparent that I'd been dispensed two thirds of a pint - very strange. The guy next to me seemed to indicate that this happens to most people who walk in for the first time. It's a shame that the barmaid couldn't have been more communicative. I also later found out that CAMRA discounts are offered. But none were advertised and I wasn't offered one. Ales were Ilkley Crossroads, Black Isle Goldeneye, Tickety Brew Cherry Berlinerweisse, Oakham Black Hole Porter, Bristol Beer Factory Southville Hop, Allendale Wolf, Tyne Bank Frank and Bird & Pacifica, Mordue Radgie Gadgie & Roosters Fort Smith. Ciders were Thatchers Heritage & Westons Old Rosie. Nice pub and decent beer. It was just the service issues and prices that mark it down.
14 May 2016 18:10
The Victory was the first of 3 South Gosforth establishments I sampled late on Wednesday evening. I didn't find it particularly welcoming. My arrival appeared to be a distraction for the barmaid, who was placing glasses on shelves. Without getting off the floor, she asked if she could help me, almost as if there was a faint possibility that I wouldn't need any help that would require her to get off the floor. Ales were Victory Ale (Caledonian Edinburgh Castle), Theakston Lightfoot & Thwaites Wainwright. Some kind of musical pub quiz was going on. So there was no chance of a quiet drink. Nice enough interior. But nothing else to recommend it.
14 May 2016 18:04
George Stephenson Inn, Newcastle
This pub was probably the worst of the day for me. On entering, I was ignored for a few minutes, until a regular walked in and I was finally acknowledged. Ales were Moles Six FIngers, Theakstons Locomotive Brew & Rocket Ale & Everards Ascalon. A number of other handpulls showed beers that were "coming soon". The Rocket Ale I had was the worst drink of the day and clearly on the turn. I'd have taken it back if I hadn't had a bus to catch. I later found out that CAMRA discounts are available. But there are no signs to promote this and it is not offered. Situated next to a railway bridge carrying the East Coast main line. Seemed popular. So maybe I was just unlucky.
14 May 2016 17:59
Shiremoor House Farm, North Shields
Shiremoor House Farm is another Fitzgerald's place. It's more of a restaurant than a pub. But there's a good selection of ales and ciders - Anarchy Blonde Star, Three Kings Dark Side of the Toon & Ring of Fire, Great North Eastern Rivet Catcher & Thistly Cross Strawberry Cider & Ginger Cider. The interior is spacious and seemed to have a vaguely medieval feel. This place was far better than I had expected. But it's a bit out of the way.
14 May 2016 17:54
The Beacon is an Ember Inns pub. So food is popular. The ale range was better than in other pubs - Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Navigation Britannia, Black Sheep Best Bitter & Ember Pale Ale, Ilkley Mary Jane, Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold & Marstons Pedigree. With nothing springing out, I plumped for the Britannia which happened to be 'on offer'. Typical branch of this chain.
14 May 2016 17:50
Fairly average pub a few minutes walk from Monkseaton metro station. There is a dining room on one side and a public bar to the other. Tables were all laid out in the dining room. But despite this no food was being served. There are 4 handpumps in all - 2 in each room, with no apparent notice stating what is in the other room. The 4 ales on my visit were Marstons Pedigree, Robinsons Beerdo, Wells Bombardier Burning Gold & Exmoor Hound Dog. They were all fairly pale ales. But the Beerdo was fine.
14 May 2016 17:47
The Fat Ox was the final pub I tried in Whitley Bay, as it doesn't open until 3pm on weekdays. This is clearly a popular place for live music with bands advertised most nights. One real ale was on - Three Kings Billy Mill. They also had Old Rosie cider. Beer for dogs was advertised. Strangely this was the second pub I'd seen this in. Seems to be a popular trait for this area.
14 May 2016 17:42
Fitzgeralds Whitley Bay, Whitley Bay
Not as nice or as popular as Fitzgerald's pubs I've been to in Newcastle or Sunderland. But still a decent pub. 3 ales were on - Fyne Ales Jarl, Allendale Adder & Titanic Plum Porter. Cider was Thistly Cross Original. It's a spacious room with seating spread around the large central bar. It was very quiet on my Wednesday afternoon visit. It has competition from a Wetherspoons just round the corner. Best pub I tried in Whitley Bay.
14 May 2016 17:39
The Rockcliffe Arms was my second pub of the day on Wednesday after the Beehive at Earsdon. It's a pleasant backstreet boozer near the station. It's part of the Fitzgeralds chain. The interior is quite dark. Sky Sports was showing on the TV. But the main form of entertainment appears to be conversation. Ales were Sonnet 43 Seraphim, Ossett Gold, Rat Rat Attack & Three Bridges The Rock (the house beer). Sadly no dark beers or real ciders.
14 May 2016 17:33
This was our last stop of our Leicester crawl. Armed with a kebab, I remember seeing the Steamin' Billy sign and heading in for one last swift half. Steamin' Billy Bitter, Tipsy Fisherman & Vardy's Volley, as well as Belvoir Dark Horse were the ales. I don't remember too much more about it, apart from it feeling quite large, dark and fairly plush. I'll have to try this again when more sober.
8 May 2016 16:51
Busy city centre Wetherspoons with locals enjoying Leicester City's title celebrations. It's fairly typical of the chain with a large-open plan room and plenty of seating. Ales were Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot, Grainstore Ten Fifty, Oakham Green Devil IPA, Lymestone Stonefish Mild, Nottingham Rock Mild, Sharps Doom Bar, Ascot Anastasia Exile Stout, Wild Weather Choppy Waters & Marstons One Is 90. Cider was Bottle Kicking Cider Company Traditional Medium. Decent branch.
8 May 2016 16:47
Having left the game early, this was our first pub as we hit the town again. I don't recall too much about it. But the ales were Everards Tiger & Sunchaser, Tollgate Best Bitter, California Steam & High Street Bitter. A Westons Old Rosie pumpclip was present. But they had run out. Apparently a CAMRA discount is offered. But we certainly didn't get offered one! Ok pub. But there are many better in the city.
8 May 2016 16:41
Yet another decent Leicester pub. As we did last season, we arrived here after everybody else had already flooded out to the match. Just time for a swift half, as we still had 20 minutes before kick off. Ales were Steamin' Billy Tipsy Fisherman, Skydiver & Bitter & Everards Ascalon. Ciders were Broadoak Moonshine & Fynburys Rutland Cider.
8 May 2016 16:37
This is now the West End Brewery. Despite being only around 15 minutes walk from Leicester City's football ground, it was fairly quiet. So perhaps word hasn't got round about this place yet. It brews its own beer on the premises and the barman was formerly at the Criterion. The ground floor is fairly spacious, with plenty of seating. Toilets were downstairs. Two of their own ales were on - Mild & IPA, in addition to Hart No. 3 Ruby, Tres Bien Parakeet & Gwynt y Ddraig Ancient Warrior was dispensed from a box on the bar. Well worth a visit.
8 May 2016 16:33
I last visited here almost 4 years ago. It was very quiet that time. This time it was quite the opposite with queues up to 4 deep at the bar. Punters were spilling outside. But the ale range was as good if not better - Milestone Dark Vader & Emperial Ale Strikes Back, Grainstore Ten Fifty, Oakham JHB & Bishop's Farewell, Batemans XB & Riyad Mahrez Mild (not sure which brewery), in addition to Farmer Fear Thirsty Farmer cider (another new one for me). Another good Leicester pub.
8 May 2016 16:29
I was most impressed with the Charlotte. I'm told that it's now run by the people that used to run The Pub. 6 ales were on, plus a cider - Rudgate Brew No. 1 Vanilla Mild, Elwoods Puff, Tring Side Pocket For A Toad, Salopian Pathfinder, Grafters Cascade & Buck Pendeen American Pale. The cider was Joe's Dry - not one I'd had before. The interior of this pub has been stripped back to a minimum. But the atmosphere was good, with plenty of singing from the Leicester fans. It's fairly small and has the feel of a micropub. A good option and easy to combine with the Criterion.
8 May 2016 16:20
Paid a return visit to the Criterion yesterday. It didn't feel quite as good as my last visit. There were still plenty of ales on - The Pig Pub Pig Out, Kelham Island Pale Rider, 8 Sail Bard's Bitter, Nelson Midshipman Dark Mild, Tres Bien Parakeet, Market Harborough Hoppy Pale Ale, Salopian Darwin's Origin, Shardlow Slayed & Langton Bowler. Cider was Charnwood Appley 'Av Another & Rockingham Forest Dabinett. The ciders were farm. But the Mild was poor. The pub was also much busier than on our last visit. I think I'd still rate this as just about Leicester's best pub.
8 May 2016 16:15
The Rutland and Derby, Leicester
The Rutland & Derby was our third stop on yesterday's tour of Leicester. It's another Everards house. But this one had a few guests - in addition to Tiger & Sunchaser, they had Bath Golden Hare & Castle Rock Elsie Mo. Cider was Westons Rosie's Pig. The pub has more of an upmarket feel than other Everards pubs and there was a popular outdoor courtyard at the back which was very pleasant in the sunshine yesterday lunchtime. CAMRA discounts are offered.
8 May 2016 16:11
The Ale Wagon is still one of Leicester's best alehouses. Little has changed since my last visit. Ales on this time were Burton Bridge Draught Ale, Grainstore Steelback IPA, Hoskins Brothers Bitter, Green & Gold & IPA & Belvoir Dark Horse. Cider was Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. Most of the locals are friendly.
8 May 2016 16:05
After my failed attempt to visit 4 years ago , I made the Barley Mow our first stop yesterday. It's fairly close to the station. The interior doesn't have too many tables. I guess most people stand. But it was early enough to be able to grab one of the tables. The ale selection was not the best - Everards Tiger, Beacon & Original & Wood Farm (aka Kendricks) Webb Ellis & Mulligans. No real cider was stocked.
8 May 2016 16:02
The Bird in Hand, Bishop's Lydeard
There was just enough time for one more Somerset pub. So we headed here after getting off the steam railway. It's a locals pub with one main room, divided into different sections. Locals were watching a Championship game. We settled in a corner waiting to order dinner. Ales were Exmoor Gold, Cotleigh Tawny Bitter & Goffs Black Horse & Tournament. The Black Horse was very nice. There is a small garden and car park at the rear. Handy if visiting the railway. Although I noticed that the Quantock Brewery also has premises next to the station that had been open for ale consumption earlier in the day.
3 May 2016 20:10
It's been almost 3 years since my last visit, when I found it closed. But I was determined to get here whilst in Minehead this time. It's certainly been well refurbished and still enjoys a lovely location next to the harbour. The only drawback is the restrictive Marstons range - Ringwood Best, Boon Doggle & Old Thumber & Wychwood Hobgoblin. It's 10 minutes walk from the station along the seafront. Probably the best pub in the town.
3 May 2016 20:06
Came in here yesterday morning for a breakfast and a pint. It's a large Wetherspoons in the typical style of the chain. It was predictably busy, before other pubs had opened. Ales were Cotleigh Long-Eared Owl, Sharps Doom Bar, Redpoint IPA, Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot, Quantock Nightjar & Blindmans Golden Spring. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Marcle Hill, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. We sat near the Bridgwater Carnival photographs at the rear of the pub, that the previous reviewer refers to. Breakfast was adequate and well priced. Had my little one in tow and plenty of others had too. Fairly soulless, as usual. But serves a (good) purpose.
3 May 2016 19:58
The Fountain was second Bridgwater pub and my last of the day in Somerset. It has a nice situation in the centre of the town next to the river. The ale range can probably only be bettered by the Wetherspoons (unless there was somewhere I was missing). But unlike the 'spoons, this was a proper pub. Neither did it have the local characters as in the Bristol & Exeter Inn. The pub is fairly small. But it was busy. I sat next to a group of people using sign language. Ales were Heritage Ales Victorian Porter, Moles Rucking Mole, Black Templar (apparently Landlord's Choice), Black Rat Cider (from a flask in the fridge) & Quantock Ginger Cockney & White Hind. Good pub with a traditional feel.
3 May 2016 19:53
Bristol and Exeter Inn, Bridgwater
I believe this used to be a cider house. It's not quite anymore, with only one real cider as such. It also has a real ale. The ale was Mole's Elmo's Fire. The cider was Rich's Farmhouse. I read the previous comments on here not knowing what to expect. But they're all pretty much spot on. This is a small one-room pub on a roundabout, near the station. It feels run-down. The customers are extremely down-to-earth. The barman (owner?) was Irish. I turned around from the bar and saw only one spare table. This just happened to be the one situated next to the extremely inebriated young lady who was dancing and singing incorrect words to songs from the jukebox and not quite in tune. She was well endowed and very nearly popping out of her red dress. Two equally inebriated young ladies were egging her on, as she danced around me. For a few brief moments, I thought I'd entered a strip club and was about to be smothered. Other locals, some missing a few teeth were also keen for the young lady to dance and were furnishing the jukebox with enough coins to keep her going, a bit like the laughing clown at the seaside. The décor feels very dated. But as previous reviews have said, this is what gives it character. One rather strange feature was around a dozen dummies and a baby's milk bottle tied together with a piece of string on the corner of the bar. You'll either love this pub or you'll hate it. But this is very much part of what makes England what it is today. I loved the place. I wouldn't want it as my local. But there's free entertainment to be had here in an unadorned traditional Somerset market town hostelry. If you find yourself in Bridgwater, give it a try. 7/10.
3 May 2016 19:42
With the King William at Catcott apparently closed for good, we had a longer wait than expected for the Ring O'Bells to open. A few others joined us as it neared the 7pm opening time. I was glad we waited though. This is another lovely Somerset hostelry with a couple of real ales, a real cider, a cosy lounge and a large room complete with a skittle alley. The 2 ales were Severn Vale Dursley Stem Bitter & RCH PG Steam. Cider was Wilkins Farmhouse. We also enjoyed a decent dinner here too. I opted for the Sunday roast deal, which included a dessert for £10.50. Was worth the wait.
3 May 2016 19:29
Headed to this pub after a visit to the 37 Club in Puriton. Their website says they open at 6pm on a Sunday. A board outside proclaimed that they were open, with opening times also confirmed as from 6pm. A contradictory notice said they served roasts all day on a Sunday until 7pm. A note on the door suggested they'd be closed on Bank Holiday Monday. We waited and we waited. We called and we called again. But the pub never opened and nobody answered our calls. I'm not entirely sure if it's still trading, given all this uncertainty. But what is certain is that you can't get a beerintheevening here. So the only score I can give is 0/10.
3 May 2016 19:25
Another nice Somerset village pub. But the drinks selection was not as good as others. 2 real ales were listed on a blackboard - Bays Gold & Cheddar Potholer. But there were no pumpclips on the handpulls either side of the bar. So I'm not convinced they were still available. I was driving. So I didn't actually enquire. But there was no real cider either. The bar area had a few locals present. They were watching the football. We sat in a small room adjoining the lounge, where there was one other customer when we arrived. Friendly enough staff. We moved on to do some birdwatching on the Levels after this, or rather bird-scaring with my son in tow! Not the best pub of the day.
3 May 2016 19:20
After a brief visit to the Bere Cider Company, we dropped into this very pleasant village hostelry in an equally pleasant village. I'm fairly sure there were 2 rooms. But everybody appeared to be in the main bar area, which has a few nooks and crannies and a variety of seating. 3 ales were on - Thwaites Wainwright, Three Daggers Daggers Ale & St Austell Tribute. Two Farmer Jims ciders were also being served - Medium & Farmyard Fruits. Well worth a visit.
3 May 2016 19:14
The Old Custom House, Langport
Langport is a nice, small town. But this pub is now closed.
3 May 2016 19:10
The Rose and Crown, Huish Episcopi
The Rose & Crown was my favourite pub of the day. With its taproom in the centre of the pub, it feels fairly unique. There are several cosy rooms with flagstone floors. 3 ales were being served - Teignworthy Reel Ale, Butcombe Bitter & Goffs White Knight. Cider was Burrow Hill Farmhouse. Locals congregated in the tap room were friendly. Toilets are outdoors. There is also a small garden next to a stream. Fabulous pubs with lots of character.
3 May 2016 19:06
The Devonshire Arms, Long Sutton
Impressive stone building overlooking the village green. But the interior feels more like an upmarket restaurant, with prices to match. They do have a couple of real ales - Otter Bitter & Oakham JHB. No real cider was available on draught. Although they did have Ashton Press. There is a small car park at the back, which leads to a large garden spread over a couple of levels. The rear garden has vegetables growing. Felt a bit pretentious.
3 May 2016 19:02
The Bell Inn was our first stop on our Sunday crawl of Somerset. It's a village pub with a couple of rooms. Most people were there for Sunday lunch. One other guy was having a quite drink, whilst reading the newspaper. 3 ales were on - Exmoor Fox, Sharps Doom Bar & St Austell Tribute. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig. Took a while to get served as we arrived just after a group of 3 who placed drinks and then food orders. But otherwise service was fine.
3 May 2016 18:05
After a visit to the unheralded Black Lodge Brewing in the Baltic Triangle (I have requested for it to be added), I moved on to the Grapes for a swift visit. The ale range wasn't quite as good as on previous visits. But The Grapes is still a place any ale lover should search out when in Liverpool. The outdoor courtyard at the rear is currently closed whilst works are undertaken. The gents toilets could do with a refresh too. But this small corner pub has plenty of charm and knowledgeable staff. They also serve Thai/Lao food. Ales on this visit were Red Star Lakota & Samba, Liverpool Organic Liverpool Pilsner, Robinsons Trooper, Sandiway Hop Schism & Hop Sepia & Rock The Boat Liverpool Light. The cider was Orchard Pig Explorer.
3 May 2016 17:57
Paid a return visit here on Saturday after trying Constellations and before visiting the Baltic Social & Black Lodge Brewing, also in the Baltic Triangle. None of the others are listed on here. But the Camp & Furnace was the worst of the 4. We waited for almost 5 minutes with nobody else at the bar, only to be completely ignored. One girl was standing behind the bar counting pennies, whilst other staff appeared behind the bar only to walk off again. We did get a strange look from the penny counter when we decided to vote with our feet. But there was still a complete lack of interest in winning back our custom. 0/10.
3 May 2016 17:36
I visited the Wenlock last night for a session. The pub seems to be going for more of a trendy feel these days and the clientele is a bit more well heeled than previously. But it's more popular than ever and finding a table was difficult. The ale range was just as good as ever and there are still a few real ciders in addition to some craft/keg options. Real ales last night were Dark Star American Pale Ale, Hackney American Pale Ale, Marble Chocolate Marble, New River Riverbed Red & London Tap, Tyne Bank Sorachi Dollar, Windsor & Eton Guardsman, Mighty Oak Oscar Wilde & Thornbridge Jaipur. Ciders were Handmade Crazy Diamond & Browns, Seacider Hardcore & Thatchers Cheddar Valley. They also had Olivers Perry. Still an excellent pub that has survived the test of time.
24 Apr 2016 17:30
I've often wondered past the Vine on the way to the nearby Southampton Arms. There's very often people enjoying the patio at the front during summer months. With the Southampton Arms opening later than normal due to an oversleeping issue, we used the opportunity to try the Vine out. There were 4 ales, which was far more than I had expected - Greene King IPA, Trumans Runner, London Beer Factory Beyond The Pale & Sambrooks Pumphouse Pale. There is no real cider. But there a couple of interesting draught selections. The pub has the feel of a gastropub and was bigger than I had expected.
24 Apr 2016 17:26
Was in the Cross Keys yesterday (Saturday) morning. It was quiet at first, but soon filled up. The barman was friendly. The interior felt less cluttered than on previous visits. But maybe that was simply because it was empty. 5 ales were on - 3 from Brodies - Jamaican Stout, London Fields Pale Ale & Shoreditch Sunshine. The guest ales were Windsor & Eton Guardsman & Redemption Pale Ale. The stout was a bit too hoppy for my taste.
24 Apr 2016 17:18
There was just enough time for me to try one last pub in Stafford town centre on Wednesday afternoon. I chose the Bird In Hand, but later wish I hadn't. Apparently this used to be a Joules pub and from experience, they tend to be well decorated, with the possible exception of the British Lion in Crewe. Other patrons were in a fairly characterless room at the front. This had doors open to a patio at the rear, with music playing. The front two rooms were much more traditional, but were unoccupied and looked as if they needed a little bit of attention. No cask ales were available. Just a keg selection of John Smiths Extra Smooth, Thatchers Gold, Carlsberg, Carling, Guinness, Strongbow & Tetleys Smoothflow. Locals seemed fairly friendly though. Disappointing.
22 Apr 2016 22:10
The Crown was my penultimate pub on Wednesday afternoon in Staffordshire. This pub is situated fairly high up overlooking the town of Stafford. The front bar is fairly small and narrow, but was where all the locals were congregated. At least I guess they were local. But none were talking. Ales were Wye Valley HPA, Bass, Brains The Rev James & Holdens Black Country Bitter. Nice enough pub. But doesn't open until 4pm during the week though.
22 Apr 2016 22:02
Was not overly impressed with this pub. Was supposed to open at 4pm. But it was nearer to 4:30 when it opened, as the guy running the place had fallen asleep! Other pubs in Brewood were already busy by then. So they are missing a trick. Although the Three Stirrups is a little way away from the village centre and doesn't have the canal next to it like the Bridge. Wye Valley HPA was the real ale. But they did at least do Addlestones. The bar didn't feel particularly welcoming. But there is a large garden adjacent to the car park. The pub was undergoing a refurbishment on my visit.
22 Apr 2016 21:57
The Swan is a lovely old pub situated at the centre of this village. Car parking is at the rear underneath an archway. The pub was fairly busy inside and out, with people enjoying the weather in a seating area at the rear. Ales were Broughs Light Pale Ale, Weetwood Oregon Pale, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Wye Valley HPA, Courage Directors & Theakston Black Bull. The best pub in Brewood.
22 Apr 2016 21:53
The first of 3 pubs sampled in Brewood. This one is a Marstons establishment and has a very nice canalside setting. With the spring sun out, many people were enjoying the tables outside. Inside there is a small bar area and a larger lounge, presumably for diners. Ales were Thwaites Wainwright, Wychwood Jester Jack, Marstons EPA & Banks's Sunbeam with Thwaites Lancaster Bomber being pulled through. No real cider was served.
22 Apr 2016 21:49
This pub is currently closed. It looks as if it was being refurbished. There were no signs and doors wouldn't open. I could still see cask ales on the bar and there were no signs to indicate when it was closed or indeed when it would open. The only person around was on the roof. I went in search of liquid refreshment elsewhere. 0/10.
22 Apr 2016 21:46
Yes. This is definitely still closed. But it doesn't appear to be lived in at present. It still has the pub signs up.
22 Apr 2016 21:43
After the Bell Inn at Haughton, this was my 5th Staffordshire pub of the day on Wednesday and probably the best. It's a rural place with a decent selection of ales and ciders - Holdens Black Country Bitter, Hobsons Town Crier, Ludlow Gold, Westons Wyld Wood, Shepton Mallet Cider Mill Somerset Fruit Forager & Hurst View Jibber Jabber. A CAMRA discount is offered, but it's not well advertised. So make sure you ask - I didn't. The lounge was quite welcoming. There were a couple still finishing lunch. The bar did seem to have more people in and there was also a large garden at the rear of the car park with plenty of things to keep children occupied. Worth a look.
22 Apr 2016 21:42
Titanic pub almost in the centre of Stafford. But it does have its own car park to the rear. The interior feels similar to other Titanic pubs I've been to in the Stoke area. Lifeboat, Plum Porter, Steerage, Anchor, Iceberg, Capt Smiths & White Star were their ales. They also had Batemans XB & Silver Hare & Everards Tiger. Westons ciders were Family Reserve, Old Rosie & Cider Twist Raspberry. They are situated high up at one end of the bar and are not immediately obvious. Busier than other Stafford pubs I tried, this was probably the best one too.
22 Apr 2016 21:36
The Star & Garter was my second Stafford pub of the day on Wednesday. It's close enough to the town centre to be considered and far enough to ensure it's not busy. There is a central bar with plenty of seating, as well as outdoor seating at the front and in a rear garden. Ales were Timothy Taylor Landlord, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Black Sheep Best Bitter & Marstons England's Pride. The real cider was Westons Family Reserve. My attention was also diverted to an unusual wooden barrel on the bar, which contained a fizzy cider from South West Orchards, which I had not seen before. The barmaid was friendly. Far better than I had expected.
22 Apr 2016 21:27
Two room pub situated at the end of a cul-de-sac. I was in shortly after opening time on a weekday and there was only one other customer in the lounge at the rear. I sat in the small bar at the front. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Ludlow Gold, Bass, Everards Mad Hatter's Tea Party & Phipps NBC Red Star. The cider was Addlestones. It's difficult to judge a pub when it's so quiet. But this seemed a nice enough place.
22 Apr 2016 21:20
The Swan was our final port of call yesterday. Another roadside pub on a B road. Whilst I think they'd stopped serving food, this felt very much like a pub whose business is based around dining. It was busier than other pubs we'd been to and probably supports the local drinkers too. Ales were Ludlow Gold, Wye Valley Butty Bach & Hobsons Twisted Spire. A comfortable pub that is worth stopping at if passing by.
18 Apr 2016 20:52
The Sun is the home of the Corvedale brewery. Ales from them were Dark & Delicious, Fuggles Gold, Pax Ale & Oatmeal Stout. Cider was Gwatkin Norman Cider. The landlord and brewer is an amiable and chatty guy originally from North London. We enjoyed a brief visit chatting with him. The pub is a 2-room local on what is a fairly main road for the area. One room has a pool table. Certainly one of the best pubs of the day for us. How is this pub not in the Good Beer Guide?
18 Apr 2016 20:49
The Waterdine, Llanfair Waterdine
The Waterdine is situated in the middle of nowhere. But it's sadly no longer a pub. I'd read that it was now a restaurant. But there was little sign of life on our Sunday evening visit.
18 Apr 2016 20:45
If we thought the village of Clun was remote, we were very much mistaken. From there we headed west towards the Welsh border and during the 20 minute drive, we did not see one other car. The Anchor seems to be the land that time forgot. We parked in the car park, which is surrounded by dilapidated buildings and went in search of the entrance. What looked like a disused doorway turned out to be the main entrance. What strikes you first about this place is its fairly dirty appearance. There is plenty of mould, the toilets look like a health hazard and the walls in the main bar are a shade of yellow from years of cigarette smoke. The place is in dire need of re-decoration. But to do so would probably destroy the character of this place. It's a real unspoiled gem that is sadly a dying breed. The landlord is a friendly guy. I can't see how this place makes money. So my guess is that he's in it to serve the local community and for the love of the pub. The main room has a pool table at one end, with church pew seating. There is a smaller room the other side of the bar. Situated quite high up, it can get quite cold in here. Ales were Clun Pale Ale, Hobsons Best & Six Bells Big Nev's. Cider was Westons Family Reserve. Whilst this won't be everybody's cup of tea, I love this kind of place and long may it last. Only opens in the evening. 8/10.
18 Apr 2016 20:43
The White Horse is home to the Clun brewery. Pale & Citadel were their 2 cask ales. Bottled beers and take aways were available. They also had Salopian Darwin's Origin & Hop Twister, Wye Valley Butty Bach & Hobsons Best. The cider was Farmer Jims Dry and they also had Farmer Jims Farmyard Perry. More of a community pub than the Sun. This place appeared more of a family pub whilst also accommodating for a younger crowd. Both pubs in Clun have their merits. I thought the White Horse had the edge.
18 Apr 2016 20:33
The Sun was the first of the two pubs we visited in Clun yesterday. The two were like chalk and cheese. The Sun was suffering from a power cut. But this only served to make for a great atmosphere. The wife wanted a Tia Maria. Unfortunately the last bottle was sat on the bar with a candle in it. The barmaid then used it as a makeshift lantern to go and retrieve another bottle. This place clearly has a few characters, some of whom had clearly consumed one too many. One was playing a harmonica. There are 2 small rooms around the bar and a deceivingly larger space for diners to the side of the room on the right. Nobody was dining on our visit, presumably because they couldn't cook any food! Ales were all from Three Tuns - Rantipole, XXX & 1642. Without any lights, I'm not sure our visit was the norm. But this felt like a real step back in time, which was quite enjoyable.
18 Apr 2016 20:29
Situated in the centre of a small village in the heart of the Shropshire countryside, this is another community local. It has 2 rooms - the main bar at the front and what looked like a smaller room at the rear. A darts match was in progress during our visit in the rear room and was being keenly followed in both bars. Ales were Hobsons Best, Gloucester Gold & Stonehouse Station Bitter. They also stocked Westons Country Perry. Watch your step if you cross to/from the car park opposite. You'll hopefully hear the passing cars before you get knocked down!
18 Apr 2016 20:22
Community local on a B road to the west of Craven Arms. Seemed like a friendly place in a farming community. Ludlow Gold & St Austell Spring Fever were the ales. Has a nice garden, with a barbecue for the summer months. Quiet.
18 Apr 2016 20:15
The Bricklayers Arms, Copthorne
The Bricklayers Arms was our second Joules pub in Shrewsbury. We preferred the Dolphin. The Bricklayers is a bigger pub with 2 or 3 different rooms. Pale, Blonde & Slumbering Monk were the 3 Joules ales. There were no guests available (one Springhead pumpclip was turned) and no real cider either. Although I understand that one had recently run out. Features an older crowd than the Dolphin. Many were here for their Sunday lunch.
18 Apr 2016 20:11
The Vaults was the best of 3 new pubs I tried in Shrewsbury yesterday afternoon. It's a fairly small bar with an outdoor patio area over two levels at the rear. Ales were Battlefield 1066, Hobsons Town Crier & Stonehouse Off The Rails. They also had Stonehouse Sweeney Mountain cider which was quite pleasant. I understand this place can get quite busy in the evening. But it had a nice, quiet atmosphere during the daytime. Close to the station and the castle. The barman was a friendly guy who did a couple of runs to the cellar firstly to check what cider it was as again to serve me one! Recommended.
18 Apr 2016 20:07
The Dolphin was the first stop in Shrewsbury yesterday. It's a Joules pub on the edge of town that has a nice feel to it, with a couple of rooms and bare floorboards. Joules beers - No. 37, Slumbering Monk & Pale Ale are supplemented Bespoke Over A Barrel & Pennine Hair Of The Dog. Cider was Old Rosie. Nice pub.
18 Apr 2016 19:23
The George and Dragon, Much Wenlock
The George & Dragon was the first of 11 Shropshire pubs my wife and I trawled around yesterday. It's a nice olde worlde building on the High Street with a cosy front bar and a dining area at the rear. Ales were fairly mainstream - Morland Old Golden Hen, St Austell Tribute, Hobsons Best & Greene King Abbott. No real cider is served. The young barman overcharged me. But it wasn't deliberate. Clearly a place for locals and their dogs.
18 Apr 2016 19:19
The Ship & Mitre is back to being my favourite pub in Liverpool. With plenty of staff, it's much easier getting served than it used to be and for me, the range of ciders has also improved with some more unusual ones during my last few visits. Ales on Saturday were Marstons EPA, Abbeydale Daily Bread, Keltek Magic, Cross Bay Sunset, Titanic Iceberg & Cherry Dark, Herefordshire Celtic Gold, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Milestone Anniversary Ale, Ringwood Old Thumper, 4T's Rock The Stout & Roosters Londinium. Ciders were Twisted Misty, Orgasmic Top Cider & Sheppy's Orchard Dew. A new craft ale place with 20 ales has opened nearby recently (the Dead Crafty Beer Company) which should add to the attraction of this area.
18 Apr 2016 19:06
Saturday was my second visit to Mackenzie's. It's a corner pub situated in a good area for ales. It used to be HSBC Bank. Nicely decorated inside, we visited not long after it opened. I'd passed by a few times since. But they'd had no ales that took my fancy. This time though we did decide to stop for a drink, before heading down to the Dispensary. All 5 handpulls had ales - Sharps Doom Bar, Southport Golden Sands, Salopian Shropshire Gold, Liverpool Organic Kitty Wilkinson & Brimstage Trapper's Hat. The Kitty Wilkinson was very nice. The pub was very quiet. There were only a handful of customers watching the football. Although I'd imagine it gets busier in the evenings. Toilets are clean. Worth a look.
18 Apr 2016 18:57
Nice interior. But pretty rubbish beer I'm afraid. It's located amongst some of the best pubs in Liverpool and if you haven't been before, it's worth a visit to see the décor. But I very often find myself walking in and then straight back out again. On Saturday I vowed to stay and have a drink. Luckily for me, Nicholsons had a real ale festival on. Ales were Box Steam Tunnel Vision, Moorhouses Black Cat Reserve, St Austell Nicholsons Pale Ale, Portobello Triple Choc Stout, Arkells Tinge of Ginge, Inveralmond Marzenfest, Navigation Britannia, Celt Experience Galaxy Equinox, Glamorgan Dead Canary & Liverpool Organic 24 Carat Gold. The two halves I had were pretty poor. Walk on by if you've been here before. I also tried the brand new Refinery across the road. But despite having 3 ales on, that was no better.
18 Apr 2016 18:52
After a poor experience in the London Stone, I didn't fair much better in the George. Apparently this branch of Wetherspoons is the only one in the country (to my knowledge) to only accept CAMRA vouchers when there is a festival on! Or was it the fact that the barman didn't know how to work the tills and was too arrogant to seek help. Either way, Wetherspoons need to decide whether they will offer discounts or not. Ales were Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharps Doom Bar, Hogsback Tea, Binghams Marynka, Adnams Oyster Stout, Reunion Opening Gambit & Weltons Equinox. Ciders were Old Rosie & The Hogfather. It was busy as usual in here, both upstairs and downstairs. But this really is a pretty average (or lower than average) 'spoons. Yet another complaint to Tim Martin forthcoming.
18 Apr 2016 18:46
Now called the London Stone and offering a better selection of ales, I can't say I was impressed with this place. Waited almost 10 minutes to get served, despite two guys ignoring me. They definitely had the ability to dispense beer as I observed them later. When finally served by the overworked barmaid, it took an eternity to pour a half and I ended up with the last half from the box, which wasn't in the best of form. Only one table was remaining without a reserved sign. So I went for that, only to be informed by one of the two lazy barmen that I needed to move as that table (despite not having a notice) was reserved too. I informed him that I'd be delighted to vacate the premises! Poor welcome, poor service. A strange way to treat customers. Ales were Hop Art Hoppist, Windsor & Eton Kohinoor IPA & Hammerpot Australian Pale. The cider was Westons Cider Twist Raspberry.
18 Apr 2016 18:40
After 2 pubs and a bottle shop in East Dulwich, we moved onto Beer Rebellion at Gipsy Hill. It's one of 3 Late Knights establishments in the capital and this one is situated right opposite the station. It has a micropub feel with only a few tables and a tiny space. Although a large part is taken up by a semi-open kitchen. There was a good selection of cask ales - Late Knights Morning Glory, Wormcatcher, Crack of Dawn, Peckham Rye IPA & Penge Porter & Dark Star Hophead. They also had a read cider - Abrahalls AD. Craft beers were Late Knights American Pale & Hefeweizen, Siren Liquid Mistress, London Beer Factory Imperial Milk Stout & Orbit Neu. The milk stout was very nice indeed. This was easily our favourite pub of the day. I'll have to try the other branches in Peckham and Sydenham.
15 Apr 2016 18:24
Was back here on Wednesday evening for a second visit. As you'd expect it is much quieter during the week and the place takes on a different atmosphere. The ales were Moor Revival, Saltaire Long Day IPA, Brockley Red Ale & Gipsy Hill Bounder. They also had a cider (Harry Taylor's Crooked Branch) and a perry (Snails Bank Very Perry). There is a good selection of bottled beers and craft beers on keg. They have a happy hour from 5pm. Table seating on the pavement at the front is available. Incidentally, a few doors up there is a very decent bottle shop (Hop Burns & Black) which I visited and can also recommend.
15 Apr 2016 18:17
The Horse & Jockey in Manton was my final pub of the weekend. It is a small country pub with a bar area to the left as you enter and a dining area to the right. The car park is fairly large. It is situated next to Rutland Water and a couple of cyclists arrived the same time as me. I'd imagine it gets busy in summer months. Ales were Grainstore Cooking & Fall At The First & Greene King Marmalade On Toast. Clean toilets.
11 Apr 2016 21:19
The Grainstore Brewery, Oakham
I was hoping for better from the Grainstore. It certainly seemed popular. But I wasn't as impressed as I'd hoped. The brewery is situated right next to Oakham station. The single bar has a full range of Grainstore ales on, in addition to their 2 ciders - Ten Fifty, Cooking, Rutland Beast, Rutland Panther, Triple B, Apocalypse, Red Herring, Rutland Osprey, Lady In Pink & Hornet. It was quite noisy in here, with football on the TV and a few kids. A nice enough drinking atmosphere. But it would have been nice to have had some non-Grainstore ales on. I'm not sure if CAMRA members get a discount for halves (I believe they do for pints). But I certainly wasn't offered one.
11 Apr 2016 21:15
The Wheatsheaf is a quiet Everards pub with a bar, a lounge and a nice conservatory area that connects the two. The garden at the rear looked as if it could make a pleasant spot for a beer on a summer's day. Everards ales on were Tiger, Sunchaser, Beacon & Original. They also had Adnams Bitter, Batemans XXXB & Westons Rosie's Pig. Nice pub, if not a bit too quiet. From here, I moved onto the Lord Nelson (not listed on here) and I have to agree with the two previous reviewers that it is the best pub in town. It was certainly my favourite pub of the day in Rutland. I will request for it to be added.
11 Apr 2016 21:09
This is now the Three Crowns and was my second Oakham pub (the White Lion Hotel is not listed on here). It's a Steamin' Billy pub serving 4 of their ales - Tipsy Fisherman, Skydiver, Bitter & Vardy's Volley. Fynbury's Rutland Cider is also served. It was fairly quiet for a Sunday afternoon. Although the music was a bit loud. One guy was playing darts whilst a couple played on what I assume was a fruit machine. The environment was fine but the gents toilets left a lot to be desired. Dogs are welcome. What I assume was the pub's dog, was doing a dancing trick for biscuits!
11 Apr 2016 21:05
Country pub on the peninsula of Rutland Water. My visit clearly coincided with a busy spell as there was no space on what is a quite large car park. Luckily I found a space down the road. The Finch's Arms feels more like a hotel/restaurant than a pub. But it does clearly cater for drinkers. I was offered a taster of one of the ales before deciding against choosing it. Ales were St Austell Tribute, Grainstore Rutland Osprey, Castle Rock Harvest Pale & Morland Old Speckled Hen. This is a family friendly pub and although I didn't see it, apparently one of the rooms has views over the Water.
11 Apr 2016 20:59
The Noel is situated close to Rutland Water. So it inevitably attracts its fair share of walkers and cyclists. Whilst it looks quite traditional on the outside, the interior is pretty characterless and has the feel of an Indian restaurant. However it seems to be a fairly upmarket eatery these days, advertising for functions and you can even get your own Noel card. I'm not sure what that gets you quite. 2 Grainstore beers were on - Cooking & Red Kite. Opening hours appear limited. Probably the worst pub of the day for me.
11 Apr 2016 20:52
The Green Dragon is one of at least a couple of pubs in this pretty village. There is a public bar and a lounge area for diners. With the bar being busy and all tables set up for diners in the lounge, I sat at the bar in the lounge area. Ales were White Horse Village Idiot, Brewsters Hopticale Illusion, King's Cliffe 5C & Greene King IPA. There were a couple of benches on a small patio at the front and there also appeared to be at the garden at the rear. The landlady was friendly and chatty. Nice pub.
11 Apr 2016 20:48
The Exeter Arms was my first stop of the day yesterday in Rutland. It's an imposing building overlooking the centre of the village. But sadly I never got to go inside. It appears to have closed within the last month or so. I waited patiently for it to open its doors, as there was no evidence that it was closed. Tried calling and got an unobtainable tone (never a good sign) and then finally noticed a review on tripadvisor stating it was closed. I moved onto the Blue Bell at Belmesthorpe instead (not listed on here but definitely open).
11 Apr 2016 20:43
The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak
Over a year on from my last visit, I'm still rating the Southampton Arms as the best pub in London. It still has the same amount of ales and ciders. The ales are continually changing. On entry, they had Dark Star Partridge, Revelation & Espresso, Gyle 59 The Rye Saisonnier, Marble Lagonda IPA, Magic Rock Ringmaster, Gipsy Hill Beatnik, Triple fff Pressed Rat and Warthog, Dark Arts Stout & Howling Hops Ruby Red. By the time we'd left, Howling Hops Amber Dexter & Running Beer, Harbour IPA & Burning Sky Aurora had all been pulled through instead of 4 of the original options. I hadn't noticed it before, but there is a small cabinet by the entrance door with the pumpclips for forthcoming ales. Ciders and perries were Cider Bus, Burrow Hill Farmhouse, Olivers Making Hay, Newton Court Gasping Goose, Grenadier Medium (possibly Millwhites), Fosseway Somerset Glory, Millwhites Rum Cask & Sandford Orchard's Fanny's Bramble. The food is typical pub snacks such as Scotch Eggs and sausage rolls. Along with the pork joint for sandwiches, it always looks tempting. But the prices are less so. My only problems with the place are that it is generally packed (you're best advised to get here at opening time when you can enjoy the pub and get a table) and it feels a little too trendy to be a decent alehouse. Nevertheless, it still scores a solid 9/10 from me.
11 Apr 2016 19:50
One of the closest bars to Vicarage Road football ground, Mangans was absolutely packed. Whilst it does have handpulls, no real ale was available - just Budweiser, Carlsberg, San Miguel, Thatchers Gold, Guinness, Fosters, Strongbow & John Smiths Extra Cold. Once through the busy bar area, the bar opens out a little at the back where there are more TV screens showing live sports and I believe there was a pool table amidst all the people. I eventually escaped through the fire exit at the rear, avoiding the bouncers at the front. This was a better option than the One Bell or the One Crown. But it was nothing particular to shout about.
11 Apr 2016 19:37
The One Bell appears to be a popular pub situated on the High Street opposite what is probably the town's main church. It's a basic L-shaped interior with only keg beers and ciders available - Stella, Carling, Guinness, Tetleys Extra Cold, Carlsberg, Carlsberg Export, San Miguel & Magners. Not the most inspiring selection. The pub is under threat of closure and is due to stop trading in May. It was busy inside and out, with many spilling onto the street. The clientele were mostly football fans, with a few kids around too. Nothing to recommend here. Although service was friendly.
11 Apr 2016 19:33
Busy Irish pub serving drinks in plastic glasses for the masses of football fans. The bar is central to it all, with pretty much standing room only around. But there was slightly more space at the rear. Beyond the toilets was an outdoor patio with plenty of space and a few smokers. Championship football was showing on multiple TVs. Bombardier was the only ale on. Very basic pub with little character and little to recommend it.
11 Apr 2016 19:30
The Estcourt Arms stands on a busy road junction and is just opposite the Wellington. I only had time to try the Estcourt. It is a two room locals pub, that was popular with Watford fans, pre-match. The main bar was fairly packed. So I retreated to the snug, which I had for myself until later being joined by a couple of others. With just 3 tables, it is tiny. A few were eating typical pub grub in the bar. London Pride & Side Pocket For A Toad were the two real ales. I opted for the Lilleys Apples & Pears keg option, which I have rarely seen. Service was quick. The snug also had a selection of board games for use. A pub that is not spectacular. But it is worth knowing about.
11 Apr 2016 19:25
Backsteet Greene King pub that shares its premises with a Thai restaurant. Ales were not just from the Greene King range - Greene King IPA & Abbot, Morland Original, Westerham British Bulldog, Joules Slumbering Monk & Harviestoun Bitter and Twisted. The pub has a small bar area, which has a cosy feel and a larger area beyond for diners. Most of the customers were here for the football, including a fair few people I knew. Live football was showing. The Southern Cross is a short walk away. So this is probably the best area for drinking in Watford and not too far from Watford Junction station.
11 Apr 2016 19:20
I wasn't sure what a Flaming Grill pub would actually be like. But it did feel more like a pub than a restaurant. There is a large amount of seating around a central bar. The bar staff were talkative and after they finally opened around 5 minutes late I could understand why, as they didn't have any of the normal keg offerings due to some kind of fault. That was no problem for me, as I was after the real ale. There was a better selection than I had anticipated - Windsor & Eton Guardsman, Tring Bring Me Sunshine, Moongazing & Side Pocket For A Toad & Vale Black Swan. The other people waiting had to settle for ales too - a good way of promoting ale. They also offer a CAMRA discount to those with a card or on this day to those who couldn't order keg! This was possibly the best range of real ales anywhere in the town. A board advertised events for every night of the week. Although I'm not sure that Monday Night Football really qualified. There are several TVs for sports fans and a cash machine for those who aren't prepared. Far better than I thought.
11 Apr 2016 19:17
West Herts Sports and Social Club, Watford
Sports club on the site of Watford's first football pitches. It was still fairly lively on my Saturday morning visit with several kids games going on. There are outdoor tables on a patio overlooking the fields. A smattering of people were present in the bar. But many were drinking tea and coffee. The barmaid was fairly bubbly. Shame she supported Liverpool. Ales on were Colchester No. 1 & Diesel, Burton Bridge Howelling Ale, Youngs Bitter & Shepherd Neame Spitfire Gold. CAMRA members are welcome and the chances are you won't have to show your card. TVs were showing Sky Sports News and all BT Sports matches were promoted. I'm told the annual Watford Beer Festival is held here. There is a fair amount of parking. But I believe it is members only on matchdays.
11 Apr 2016 19:09
As I've done a review on April 8th for the last couple of years, I should probably add another. Still have a weekly visit here and nothing much has changed, apart from perhaps the price. Ales on Wednesday evening were Rebellion IPA & Waterloo, Mallinsons Bravo, Errant Knight, Green Duck Shaky Steven's American Stout, Bradford Odsal Top, Fixed Wheel Century Gold & Mighty Oak Saffron Gold. Ciders were Hecks Farmhouse, Winkeligh Sam's Autumn Scrumpy & Bridge Farm Perry. A craft beer was Lervig Lucky Jack. Still a favourite of mine.
8 Apr 2016 20:15
The Fox is situated at the end of a lovely little village. I arrived into the tiny car park just in time as the barman was closing at around 10:30 on my Tuesday evening visit. Two other locals were the only other customers. It's a relatively small pub with outdoor gents toilets. Plenty of character and with 2 ales - Timothy Taylor Boltmaker & XT 3. Certainly worth a visit.
8 Apr 2016 20:11
This pub is now called the Pickled Ploughman. It is primarily an eating establishment these days. But it still do a couple of real ales. On my Tuesday evening visit, there was Sneck Lifter & Mad Goose. A few of the staff were gossiping at the end of the bar, whilst another group sat at a table were the only others in. But I suspect it was much busier earlier in the evening whilst dinner was being served. Has a thatched roof.
8 Apr 2016 20:07
The quiet village of Bodicote is situated on the edge of Banbury. But it feels a world away. The Plough is a two room pub - one for drinkers and one for diners. The dining room was unoccupied, whilst the bar had 3 people and the landlord. It's now a Wadworth pub with 3 ales. On my visit, they were St George & The Dragon, Henry's IPA & 6X.
8 Apr 2016 20:03
Modern chain pub (Ember Inns) heading out of Banbury. A couple of their beers were "coming soon". So the range was not as good as I was hoping - Brakspear Bitter, Bass, Navigation Britannia, Ember Inns Pale Ale, Hook Norton Lion & BRU Red Ale. Most other people were there for the food and were paying up as time was edging on. There are better pubs in Banbury.
8 Apr 2016 20:00
The Exchange is a typical old-school Wetherspoons. But it was actually my second favourite pub in Banbury. It was fairly busy for a Tuesday evening. It took a while to get served, despite me being the only person waiting. Ales were Marstons El Dorado, Hawkshead Vienna Lager, Wadworth Bibock, Batemans Dark Lord, Ruddles Best, Fullers London Pride, Hook Norton Hooky Mild, Brains The Rev James & Purity Saddle Black. The cider on tap was Westons Old Rosie. But they may also have had an Orchard Pig cider in a box in the fridge. Managed to get a booth, which generally seemed to be taken in most 'spoons.
8 Apr 2016 19:57
I left the bar brawl at Ye Olde Reine Deer behind to find serenity in the White Horse. This is without a doubt Banbury's best pub. It's a large place with different drinking areas. But when a group of young lads departed, I was the only one in. Although I was later joined by another couple. The landlord was a chatty fellow and knowledgeable about his beers, ciders and wines. There are 5 ales on during the week and a couple of ciders. The ale range increases to 10 at weekends. My visit coincided with Green Duck Shaky Steven's American Stout, Orkney Northern Light, Everards Beacon & Tiger & Hales Free Heart. Ciders were Fynbury Rutland Cider & Westons Family Reserve. The cider sells so well here, that he's trying to get a third one on regularly. Well worth a visit and my favourite pub of the night.
8 Apr 2016 19:52
Ye Olde Reine Deer is a historic pub on what appeared to be a semi-pedestrianised street in Banbury's town centre. It's a Hook Norton pub with a good range of their ales - Hooky, Old Hooky, Hooky Gold, Hooky Mild & Lion. In addition, I was to surprised to see Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig ciders. Nice enough pub and I was settling in for a quiet drink when the free Tuesday entertainment started. A guy who had apparently earlier being dealing with counterfeit notes was bundled through the door and surrounded by locals. He was trying to escape, but was prevented from doing so. Not quite what I was expecting when I first entered. But this was still the best pub on my crawl so far and who would have thought that you could get such free entertainment on a Tuesday night!
8 Apr 2016 19:46
My second pub of a weekday evening in Banbury was an improvement on the first. This is more of a traditional two room boozer near the train station. Locals were congregated near the bar doing magic tricks! The 2 ales were both from Adnams - Bitter & Ghost Ship. Moved on from here to the nearby Mill Arts Centre (not listed on here).
8 Apr 2016 19:39
The Hanwell Arms is a modern Marstons pub on a new-build housing estate and next to a retail development. I visited on a Tuesday evening and there were a few people in after work, some ordering dinner. The pub is a fairly bland open-plan affair. The table I was sat didn't seem as if it had been cleaned for a while. Burton Bitter & Pedigree were the ales. I didn't bother with either. Loud music playing in the toilets, which were at least clean.
8 Apr 2016 19:35
I'm not sure what made me finish off an evening in Richmond here last night. But I did and my fellow drinking partner and I consumed an Aspalls cider each! Pride was the real ale. A private party was in full swing in the upstairs bar, whilst the downstairs bar was fairly quiet. Not recommended.
4 Apr 2016 20:42
I'm surprised I've never reviewed this pub before, despite numerous visits. Although I hadn't been here for a few years. Situated very close to the station, it can get very busy. The area on the street at the front can also get crowded, especially in summer. This Saturday evening visit was fairy quiet. As it's a Youngs pub, they only had the Ordinary, Special & London Gold. Toilets appear to have moved downstairs, where there is a caged area with reserve supplies of spirits. Upstairs there now appears to be accommodation. The main room is much bigger than it initially looks with plenty of seating at the rear. A handy place for meeting friends.
4 Apr 2016 20:40
The Triple Crown Inn, Richmond
The Triple Crown has always been one of my favourite pubs in Richmond, primarily because I believe it is free of tie. So the ale range does vary. Yesterday it was Youngs Bitter, Sharps Doom Bar, Stonehenge Sign of Spring & Dorset Brewing Co Flashman's Clout. I seem to remember Twickenham beers being on the last time I came. But the pub was much quieter than my last visit and it seemed to have lost a little of its atmosphere. It also seemed a bit more grubby than I remember. Still a welcome change from the Youngs and Fullers pubs in town.
4 Apr 2016 20:36
The Hope is another Richmond pub that I was visiting for the first time yesterday. I was already a little bit drunk by the time I arrived yesterday. But my lasting impression of this place was a light and airy space around a central bar. There were 3 ales - Gales Seafarers, Youngs Bitter & By The Horns Stiff Upper Lip. This pub is also rather unusual in Richmond in serving a real cider. This was Orchard Pig Explorer. Better than the many Fullers & Youngs pubs in Richmond, despite serving 2 of their ales!
4 Apr 2016 20:33
I quite like the Sun. I hadn't been for a few years. But it's a very pleasant pub with a strong rugby following, located close enough to the station to be handy, whilst being far enough away from the main drag so as not to get too packed. There are a number of TVs. Some were showing the football. Others were showing the cricket. The only drawback is that it is a Fullers pub. Seafarers, Spring Sprinter, London Pride & ESB were the 4 ales from their range. I'll leave my score unchanged.
4 Apr 2016 20:29
At last, Richmond has a decent real ale and cider pub. The Mitre is tucked away in a residential side street, but fairly close to North Sheen station. The drinks range is impressive - Marble Lagonda IPA, Summer Wine Diablo, 360 Degrees Mayflower, Wild Beer Co Bibble, Celt Experience Otherworld, Tickety Brew Double Hop Pale, Arbor Oz Bomb, Saltaire New World Red & Bad Co Dazed & Confused Milk Stout. Ciders and perries were Lilleys Gladiator, Apple & Blackberry & Bee Sting Perry, as well as Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. The bar is a small space and the decoration is quite plain. But this place will not get packed, due to its location, unless of course its reputation begins to grow (which it certainly deserves). Tasters are offered and there are also printed tasting notes at the corner of the bar. The landlord brought round small plates of roast potatoes that was a nice touch. There is also a patio area at the front with further seating. Whilst a fair way from Richmond town centre, I'll certainly be making every effort to persuade fellow drinkers to head here whenever in Richmond.
4 Apr 2016 20:25
Whilst I'd been to the nearby Red Cow several years back, I'd not previously been aware of this Fullers gastropub up a back street. It certainly attracts a middle-upper class clientele, which is reflected in the prices. Fullers London Pride & Olivers Island & Gales Seafarers & Spring Sprinter were the ales. With all tables inside taken by diners, I retreated to the paved garden at the rear, where it was very pleasant in the sun. But it was soon taken over by Richmond's finest, complete with their young charges. Not somewhere I'd rush back to. But it's clearly got a captive market.
4 Apr 2016 20:19
The Crown is on a main road heading out of Richmond. I paid it a visit as I was passing. But this is a fairly basic boozer that dispensed 2 ales - Fullers London Pride & Youngs Bitter. There seemed to be a focus on sports on the TV and it was gearing up to the afternoon's 2 live football matches.
4 Apr 2016 20:15
The Tap on the Line was the one pub in Kew I hadn't previously visited. So I popped in here yesterday lunchtime prior to meeting up with friends in Richmond. As others have said, the ale range is not too exciting, as it's Fullers. London Pride, Olivers Island & HSB were all on. But they did also have Windsor & Eton Kohinoor IPA. The building itself is impressive with a high ceiling in the main bar and a dining area similar to a conservatory with tall windows overlooking the City-bound platform. Outdoors there is a small courtyard where many were enjoying the Spring sun and listening to some kind of live music which appeared to be part of a small fair that was taking part. The area was certainly fairly lively.
4 Apr 2016 20:12
The Final Whistle was the best pub in Southwell in my opinion. It has a strong railway theme and is situated in a residential area on the edge of town. The bar area is large with different rooms all with railway themes. At the rear and outdoors there is a courtyard designed to resemble a station. Ales were Final Whistle Gold & Pale Ale, Everards Tiger, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Rudgate Volsung, Batemans Salem Porter, Bass, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Oakham Beermonster & Red Willow Seamless Pale Ale. Ciders were Lilleys Mango Cider & Strawberry Cider, Westons Rosie's Pig, Thistly Cross Traditional & Broadoak Moonshine. The ciders are dispensed from what look like mini barrels on the bar, which is quite neat. All ales and ciders are displayed on a blackboard with prices and ABV. Easily the best pub in Southwell. 8/10.
4 Apr 2016 20:07
The Bramley Apple is a Springhead pub that was quieter than the other local pubs. The landlord was on his own and was certainly being kept busy. Apparently the first Bramley Apple tree was grown nearby. The ale range was a little disappointing with Roaring Meg & Bramley Apple from Springhead, Light Headed from Vale of Glamorgan and Random Toss from Flipside. There were no real ciders that I could see. The interior is a single large room with a larger drinking area to the side as you enter. I wouldn't say this was a bad pub. But it felt the least welcoming of the 4 Southwell pubs I tried.
4 Apr 2016 20:01
The Hearty Goodfellow, Southwell
The Hearty Goodfellow was my second pub in Southwell. It has one large room with a number of separate drinking areas. A male singer was performing. Some of the clientele looked as if they had had a few. Service was friendly and there is a good range of ales and ciders - Welbeck Abbey The Hearty Blonde, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Rudgate Viking Bitter, Everards Tiger, Dukeries Pale Ale, Westons Cider Twist Raspberry, Lilleys Mango Cider & Aspalls Waddlegoose Lane. Despite the good selection, I felt there was something missing here and it didn't quite have as good an atmosphere as the Old Coach House down the road. Still worthy of a solid 6/10 though.
4 Apr 2016 19:57
The Old Coach House, Southwell
The Old Coach House is either the first or last of 3 pubs you will find on Church Street. For me, it was the best of the 3. Rooms are spread around the central bar, with main bar area itself quite busy. But I still managed to find a table. The ale range was Rudgate Ostara, Sharps Doom Bar, Salopian Golden Thread, Cross Bay Sunset, Oakham Old Coach House Blonde & Newby Wyke Banquo. Another good pub.
4 Apr 2016 19:53
The Waggon and Horses, Bleasby
The Waggon & Horses was absolutely packed on my Saturday evening visit, with people spilling out of the front of the pub. There looked no possibility of fighting my way to the bar. Instead I headed into the empty dining area, where I easily got served. It appears there was a party on. The landlord was busy clearing the tables in the dining room to allow some of the revellers to spill into this room. He explained that the pub is a Blue Monkey house with some of their ales - BG Sips, Infinity & Funky Gibbon on. They also had Tribute & Doom Bar and as luck would have it, he had added Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze cider that day. A good pub.
4 Apr 2016 19:49
The Reindeer is a quiet village pub set back from the main road. It was very quiet on my Saturday evening visit. I'm told it was about to close for a refurbishment. The 4 ales were Ringwood Mauler, Jennings Bitter, Marstons Pedigree & Thwaites Wainwright. Not a bad pub. But I'm struggling to work out how this pub makes the Good Beer Guide, when the Black Horse at Caythorpe is absent.
4 Apr 2016 19:45
The Black Horse was my favourite pub on my 12 pub crawl of Nottinghamshire. It's an unassuming building from the outside in a quiet village. It has 2 small rooms with a corridor connecting the two. I sat in a bar with one man and his dog, until another couple joined us. There were a few more locals in the other room. It has a typical country pub feel and you are assured of a warm welcome. It is also the home of the Caythorpe Brewery. They only had their Dover Beck Bitter on. But they also had Bass, Greene King Abbot & Castle Rock Harvest Pale. A place where you cannot avoid engaging in conversation with locals. The gents toilet can be found outside in the car park. Full of character, this pub is well worth a visit.
4 Apr 2016 19:41
The Old Ship Inn was marginally the best pub I tried in Lowdham. It has two rooms - a small bar and a larger lounge with an area set aside for diners. There is a covered outdoor seating area at the back used by smokers. The young staff were fairly pleasant. Ales were Timothy Taylor Landlord & Golden Best, Castle Rock Harvest Pale & Blue Monkey BG Sips.
4 Apr 2016 19:37
The World's End was the first of 2 pubs for me in Lowdham. It's another Marstons pub located up a bumpy side road that doesn't initially appear to go anywhere. Three ales were Marstons Pedigree, Mansfield Cask Ale & Banks's Sunbeam. Service was friendly. The pub itself is a single room, which is fairly long. A band was setting up at one end. It was fairly busy.
4 Apr 2016 19:26
The Woodlark is the better of the two pubs in Lambley. Similar to the Robin Hood, the Woodlark has a public bar and a separate dining area. The bar was packed. So I managed to find a table in the other room, which was also busy with diners. The pub has a fair range of Sam Smiths products, including Old Brewery Bitter on handpull. But it wasn't exclusively Sam Smiths, as they also had Harvest Pale, Landlord & Tiger. Felt more welcoming than the Robin Hood and also seems more popular.
4 Apr 2016 19:21
The Robin Hood and Little John, Lambley
The first of 2 pubs I visited in Lambley on Saturday. It is now named simply Robin Hood. I'm not sure what Little John did to get his name dropped. This is a Marstons pub with 2 rooms. I sat in the room used mainly for diners. It was fairly quiet. The public bar appeared much busier. Ales were Banks's Bitter, Ringwood Boon Doggle & Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold. Fairly average.
4 Apr 2016 19:17
The Robin Hood and Little John, Arnold
This pub was the first stop on my tour of Nottinghamshire pubs and to be honest, I hadn't noticed that it had been named CAMRA's National Cider Pub of the Year. Cider is dispensed from 8 taps on the wall. 7 were on offer for my visit - Dorset Nectar Sweet Maiden, Wildcat & Organic, Dorset Star Yarlington Mill & First Press & West Milton Golden Ball & Perry. Ales are mostly from Lincoln Green - Marion, Tuck, Hood, Little John, Daybrook Bitter, Indium & Tantalum. But they did also have 3 other ales from other breweries - Slaters Golden, Nethergate Old Growler & Everards Tiger. A 5% CAMRA discount is available on request. Unfortunately I missed out on this on my first 2 drinks. The pub itself is sited on a busy set of traffic lights. It has 2 rooms and I believe there was an outdoor courtyard at the rear. I can't say that I liked this pub as much as the previous pub of the year (Castle at West Lulworth). But it's certainly worthy of an 8/10. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable. I would have stayed here much longer if I hadn't planned a much longer crawl!
4 Apr 2016 19:09
This is a strange place in another nice Northamptonshire village. I had been here earlier in the day shortly after lunchtime, only to find it closed. When you call up to find out opening times, you will speak to a Chinese lady. She runs a separate Chinese takeaway business from the pub. She was clearly good at saying 'sorry', but not much use when it comes to opening hours. I returned shortly before 6pm to find the doors open. But they were only open for the takeaway business. Nobody knew if the bar would be manned! Eventually shortly after 6pm, the landlord arrived. He was a really affable guy who has only recently taken over this village pub from Hook Norton. He plans to restore the pub to how it was 100 years ago. The Chinese business will disappear as pub grub is restored. Hooky was the only ale on offer. Apparently all of the others had been drunk over what had been a busy Easter weekend. Nowhere near the best pub I visited in Northamptonshire today. But I sincerely wish the landlord all the best with his venture.
28 Mar 2016 21:42
The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth
I visited the Royal Oak in Blisworth a few years back. But now I had returned to try the Walnut Tree. The latter is located alongside the railway tracks of the West Coast mainline. The focus appears to be on the hotel business and the bar does have the feel of a hotel bar, despite the presence of a number of locals. Ales were Towcester Mill Mill Race, Great Oakly Wagtail, Sharps Doom Bar & Phipps NBC India Pale Ale. A reasonable selection of ales. But the bar lacked atmosphere and just didn't do it for me.
28 Mar 2016 21:36
After trying 4 town pubs in Brackley and Towcester, I returned to the countryside for my 8th pub, the George. Despite the overnight storms, the afternoon sunshine had attracted a number of people onto the garden outside. As luck would have it, a beer festival was in progress. This consisted of 6 casks in a room at the back, in addition to the usual range on the bar. The full selection was Great Oakley (the local brewery) Wot's Occurring & Tiffield Thunderbolt, Brentwood Lumberjack, Vale VPA, Mighty Oak Kings, Monty's Old Jailhouse & Masquerade, Craft Drink Company Codger, Aviator & Dursley Steam Bitter & 360 Degree Brewing IPA. No real cider was served. Although I think it had simply sold out. A fairly busy place. There is a side room where you can play Northamptonshire skittles, which has a number of sports shirts on the ceiling. The Aston Villa scarf wedged behind some iron bars on the windowsill may give an indication that the landlord is a Birmingham City fan!
28 Mar 2016 21:33
The Plough is a very friendly establishment on the town's main street with a convivial landlord. He has an interesting sense of humour which is used to keep the locals in check. The front bar was busiest. But there is also a larger, more comfortable lounge at the rear. I was disappointed with the ale choice. The number of pumpclips on the ceiling would suggest that it is generally much better. Today, the only options were Eagle IPA or Bombardier Burning Gold. There was no real cider either. Apparently this will be stocked from mid-April onwards. From here I moved onto the Towcester Mill Brewery Tap. Whilst it's not listed on here (I'll request it to be added), it can be found just around the corner from the Plough and was head and shoulders above all of the other 9 pubs I visited this afternoon.
28 Mar 2016 21:25
The Greyhound was the better of the two Brackley pubs I sampled. It's a Greene King pub a little out of the town centre and it has a little bit of character, being divided up into different drinking and eating areas. The barmaid was friendly and offered a sampler of the Greene King Marmalade On Toast I had ordered. IPA and Abbot were the other choices. This was a fairly busy place and my Marmalade on Toast was certainly different. Although I'm not sure I'd choose it again.
28 Mar 2016 21:20
Brackley is a pretty little market town. But its pubs leave a lot to be desired. The Red Lion is a Charles Wells hostelry situated next to the town hall and near to the main public car park. Food seemed to be popular. Although kitchen staff set the fire alarm off at one point. The barmaid assured everybody that there was no need to evacuate. The large single room is fairly characterless. The ale choice was Bombardier, Eagle or Directors. Live music was advertised. Not particularly inspiring.
28 Mar 2016 21:17
This pub is a little tricky to find. I ended up doing a circuit before finally finding the fairly cramped and busy car park. The pub has a number of different rooms and dispenses a couple of ales. Today there was Hooky & Side Pocket For A Toad. A Towcester Mill brew was coming soon. Service was friendly and a number of other tables appeared to have just finished their lunches during my visit. Certainly the best of the first few pubs I visited. But there were better to come later.
28 Mar 2016 21:13
Greene King pub in a rather nice village. There appears to be only one room these days. Tables are set out rather strangely with one large circular one blocking access to the bar. There's a limited range of food. Ales were Landlord & Old Golden Hen. The landlady seemed friendly enough. But other than the location, I'm struggling to find too much to recommend this place.
28 Mar 2016 21:09
The Great Western Arms is located on the border between Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire, just west of the M40 and next to both a railway line and a canal. It's primarily a foodie pub. But it did have a range of Hook Norton ales - Hooky, Old Hooky, Lion & Curious Crane. I assume the latter is a new brew from this brewery. They also had Old Rosie cider and a good range of spirits. The pub is clearly popular for its food with several table loads arriving during my short visit. It consists of 2 rooms, with a small seating area outside at the front and a garden at the rear.
28 Mar 2016 21:06
Holdens pub outside of the centre of Brierley Hill and away from the Merry Hill shopping centre. 5 Holdens ales were on during our Sunday lunchtime visit - Black Country Mild, Black Country Bitter, Black Country Special, Golden Glow & Tara a bit..er. It has 2 rooms and a nice conservatory where they were about to start serving Sunday lunch. I used to live not far from here over 30 years ago. But this was the first time I'd visited the Rose & Crown and it was better than I had expected.
27 Mar 2016 14:57
This place certainly rivals the Anvil for the best pub in Wigan award. It's located just under the railway line from Wigan North Western station in the railway arches. On my visit, ales were Prospect Totem & Nutty Slack, Colchester Cats Whiskers Cream Stout, Cumbrian Legendary Ales Loweswater Gold, Torrside Brewing Franconia, Pictish Amphora & Bad Seed Session IPA. Ciders were La Cantina Morning Glory & Amarena Perry, Sandford Orchards Bumbleberry & Ampleforth Abbey Cider. There is a bottled selection for carry outs. Unfortunately it was standing room only in here also. Being able to see the estimated train times is a great way of making the most of your drinking time. Another really good pub for Wigan.
27 Mar 2016 14:53
With an hour to spare in Wigan whilst changing trains, I made the 10 minute walk to Doc's Symposium. Described as a micropub, it felt more like a continental café. It comes complete with a delicatessen counter. Ales were Weetwood Cheshire Cat & Eastgate, York Guzzler, Black Edge Hop & Prospect Silver Tally. It was busy late on a Saturday evening. There were more tables than your average micropub. But all were taken. So standing or sitting outside were the only options. Not as good as I was hoping. So I drank up swiftly and moved on.
27 Mar 2016 14:45
My A-Z of Southport ended appropriately at the Zetland. This is a fairly basic boozer located in the back streets of Southport. As a Marstons pub, the only 2 ales it dispensed was Cumberland Ale & Boon Doggle. But it is a large pub with both a bar with a large area for a pool table and a more comfortable lounge. Meols Cop station is not too far away.
27 Mar 2016 14:40
This was the best pub/bar I tried in Southport last weekend. It is classed as a micropub and is situated at the end of an arcade, in an alleyway. There are only a few tables at ground floor level and the bar area can get very cramped. I retreated upstairs where there are tables with old arcade games. Although the space is even smaller and a little claustrophobic. Ales were Totally Brewed Sorachi Mango IPA, Cross Bay Rauch Bier, Hophurst Campfire & Salopian Bauhaus. There is also a good selection of craft beers on keg. These included Melwood Instant Karma, Salopian Kashmir & Mad Hatter Absence of Strawberries. In addition, there is a good bottle selection. Easily the best pub in Southport sampled on this visit and probably the best I've been to in the town so far. No CAMRA discount was offered, despite me later discovering it advertised by CAMRA. Nevertheless, I'd recommend it.
27 Mar 2016 14:36
The Sandgrounder was the third of five pubs I was trying in the Southport area. The Sparrowhawk in Formby and the Barrel House in Birkdale are not listed on here. I'll request for them to be added. The Sandgrounder itself was the worst of these first three pubs. The ale range was decent - Neptune Brown Ale, Southport Sandgrounder & Peerless Red Nelson. But the bar itself feels more like a sports bar than a pub with a big open-plan room dominated by numerous TV screens showing different sports. It was busy and quite loud. CAMRA members are offered 30p off per pint. But there are no discounts for half pints. A bit too mainstream for my liking with no character whatsoever.
27 Mar 2016 14:23
The Marlingford Bell, Marlingford
The Bell was our last stop of the day. It's a fairly large, upmarket place, with a single, large bar. We arrived to find a first aid demonstration in full force, with a sizeable audience. A couple of other locals were at the bar. This appears to be another place that specialises in food. But it clearly has a community function too. Humpty Dumpty Red Mill & Woodfordes Wherry were the ales. I wasn't too impressed with the Red Mill. The barmaid was fairly friendly.
14 Mar 2016 20:20
The Cock was my penultimate pub of the day and is another recommended hostelry. There was only one other small group in. But the young barman was friendly and another young local lad came in too and we discussed local pubs and breweries. The ales were Winters Storm Force & Sea Of Tranquility & Green Jack Drifter. Apparently Winters was brewed locally in the village previously. The Sea of Tranquility was quite a nice tipple, especially for £1.30 a half. Another nice Norfolk pub.
14 Mar 2016 20:17
The Feathers was our final pub in Wymondham. It closes in the afternoon. So we had to return a little later on. It was fairly busy. But there is plenty of seating available. Ales were Wentworth Gold, Growler Feathers Wymondham Tickler, Greene King Abbot, Adnams Ghost Ship & Fullers London Pride. It has a rather nice enclosed garden area at the rear.
14 Mar 2016 20:12
The Cherry Tree is situated in a rural area a couple of miles outside Wymondham. The lady that runs the place is extremely friendly. Her partner is the brewer for Buffy's. All 3 ales were from the brewery - Buffy's Ale, Norfolk Terrier & Polly's Folly. I tried the ale which was brought from the cellar. It was a little cloudy, but still very nice. We ordered food and it made a refreshing change to be able to order whatever we wanted, rather than be tied from a menu. Although they do have a blackboard with a list of their pies - I tried the lamb & rosemary which was very nice indeed. Meals came with chips or potatoes and either peas or beans. Good, basic pub grub. My only minor comment would be that the chips were a little on the crispy side. Locals were also friendly and happy to engage in conversation. This is clearly a good community pub. A good selection of board game was also available. It was mildly amusing to see the one local guy attempt to exit the pub with his Sunday lunch, only to completely miss the door and walk into the wall. But he'd clearly had an enjoyable afternoon in the pub. The landlady described this as a pub with food, as opposed to a restaurant with ales, as a lot of the local pubs have been forced to become. I would say that this pretty much sums the Cherry Tree up and it's the sort of pub I prefer - food should really be secondary in a pub. If in the area, give this pub a try. You'll be assured of a warm welcome. Our second favourite pub of the day, only beaten by the Banham Barrel due to the Barrel serving real cider!
14 Mar 2016 20:09
The Green Dragon is the oldest pub in Wymondham and one of the oldest in the country. It is also the best pub in the town and is a stone's throw from the Abbey. It's a lovely old building with 3 downstairs rooms and an upstairs room too. Unfortunately the place was so packed that there was no room to enjoy a drink. A few people were dining. But most people appeared to be there for the ales. A birthday part was in full swing upstairs. The ale choice was Brentwood Chocwork Orange, Oakham Scarlet Macaw and the Green Dragon house ale (I believe from Marstons). I retreated to the courtyard at the side of the pub to consume my half of Chocwork Orange. There is also a beer garden here. Very nice pub.
14 Mar 2016 19:58
The Cross Keys is a lovely old building overlooking the Market Place with its fabulous Market Cross structure. There's clearly been a reduction in the number of ales since the last review over 6 years ago. But 2 of the 3 were fairly original - Black Hole Cosmic II & St Peter's Hoppy T'Ale. They also had the omnipresent Woodfordes Wherry. Nice 2 room interior and more atmosphere than the 4 previous pubs we had visited.
14 Mar 2016 19:53
Situated opposite Wymondham's impressive railway station, the Railway became the third pub of the day where we were the only people in. Once again, this is a food-dominated pub. Adnams Bitter & Ghost Ship were the ales. The barmaid was friendly enough. By the time we left, a few other people were arriving for dinner. A little disappointing.
14 Mar 2016 19:49
After a trip to the King's Head in New Buckenham (not listed on this site), we headed to the Gamekeeper in Old Buckenham. We were expecting the pub to close at 5pm on a Sunday. But we were a touch surprised to find it already locked up at 4:30. They did see us trying to get in though and allowed us in for a drink, as we promised it would be a swift one. Landlord was the only real ale available. Whilst the interior of the building was quite impressive, with lots of wood, we weren't overly impressed. Apparently new owners have taken over recently. This is primarily a food pub. For drinkers it has little attraction. Worst pub of the day.
14 Mar 2016 19:45
After a visit to Banham Zoo, this was our first pub of the day in Norfolk. It's situated in a small retail complex called the Appleyard and is not immediately visible from the road. The Barrel is not your typical pub. We were the only visitors on arrival. But the lady behind the bar was very friendly and accommodating. This used to be a speciality cider bar and they still stock the local cider from Jonty's - Early Night Dry, Early Night Sweet & Red Sky. They also had Crones Organic. Ales were served by gravity from behind the bar with Elmtree Dark House Stout & Best Bitter & Adnams Bitter. This was the only pub of 10 to serve real cider. So I'm glad I had a couple. Unsurprisingly, it was my favourite pub of the day. Live music appears to be popular here too.
14 Mar 2016 19:40
The Fall Well is one of 5 Wetherspoons in Liverpool city centre. It's fairly large, but can often get missed unless you're a shopper. Yesterday evening had its usual mix of shoppers, those getting ready for an evening out and fans back from the football. I was one of the latter and came here after trying out the new Club House in Liverpool One Shopping Centre. As usual, it took a while to get served. But the ale range was worth the wait - Conwy Oatmeal Stout, Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot, Ramsgate Gadds Dogbolter, Sharps Doom Bar & Orkney Dragonhead. Ciders were Old Rosie & Black Dragon. The latter seemed to be particularly popular. Busy as normal. But it somehow has a dingy feel inside.
6 Mar 2016 17:51
The 23 Club is the downstairs cellar bar in the Clove Hitch. My review will cover both. The Clove Hitch is an upmarket bar/restaurant with 3 cask ales and around a dozen craft beers served from taps at the rear of the bar. The 23 Club downstairs has shorter opening hours. But it also has the same craft beer selection and a fantastic bottle shop. Yesterday's cask ales were Oakham Citra, Magic Rock Common Grounds Triple Coffee Porter & Liverpool Craft American Red. The craft beers included the excellent Pilot Moccachino Stout & Weird Beard Black Perle. The Clove Hitch and the 23 Club are one of Liverpool's best kept secrets and if you include the Pen Factory a couple of doors up, they make a great place to start a crawl heading past the Philharmonic and down Hardman Street. One of the best 5 pubs in Liverpool.
6 Mar 2016 17:47
Clearly students don't review on here, as mine are the only reviews for over 8 years. Was back here yesterday. Little has changed. Although there was only 1 ale - Liverpool Organic Bier Head. The cider was Rosie's Triple D. A fair few were in to watch the North London derby football game on one of several TV screens. Others were in for food. Moved on from here to the far superior Pen Factory (not listed on here).
6 Mar 2016 17:41
The Chapel ended up being our final stop of the day. It's a wonderful little place and feels like you are drinking in a library. A bunch of schoolkids coming in and going upstairs gave even more weight to this. But we were here for the ales (and ciders). The ales were Whitstable Rennaissance, Tonbridge Blonde Ambition & G2 Crux Premium. But the piles of boxed ciders got my attention - East Stour Dry & Medium, Cherry, Blackcurrant & Lemon, Kingswood Raspberry & Mango, Brainbiter & Traditional, Kentish Pip Wild Summer, Firespice, Forager, Craftsman & Vintage Pip, Hendersons Toffee Apple, Dudda's Tun Dry, Sweet, Apricot Cider, Disco & Kentish Perry. The barmaid was a good laugh and we had a very good evening here, before making our way back to the station via a kebab house. Fantastic, atmospheric place.
6 Mar 2016 17:34
The Thirty-Nine Steps Alehouse, Broadstairs
I stand corrected - the Chapel is on here. But the postcode is incorrect. So it appears amongst the Margate pubs. I'll add a review.
6 Mar 2016 17:26
The Thirty-Nine Steps Alehouse, Broadstairs
Our proposed tour of Broadstairs micropubs started here, but was running a little behind schedule due to train problems. The Thirty-Nine Steps is fairly large for a micropub and is located just down the hill from the station. Wold Top Wold's Way, Portobello Triple Choc Stout, Charington IPA & Yates' Dark Side of the Wight were the ales. Ciders were all from Westons - Elderflower Old Rosie, Raspberry Twist, Country Perry, Family Reserve & Old Rosie. Locals seemed to find us quite amusing! We moved on from here to the Chapel (not listed on here), which was my favourite pub of the day. Sadly the amount of cider in there precluded our plans to move on to the Four Candles and the Yard of Ale. Maybe next time......!
6 Mar 2016 17:24
With our train cancelled, I had enough time to pay the Eight Bells a visit. It's a 7 or 8 minute walk from the station and it is a Youngs House. Ordinary & Special were on. After tripping through the door, I had a swift half of Special before moving on. The bar is fairly cosy. Toilets (or at least the gents) are outdoors at the rear. Ok pub. But typically bland Youngs beers.
6 Mar 2016 17:18
With just enough time before our time, we headed to the Unicorn which is quite handy for the station. It seemed a fairly small pub. But I didn't have time to check it out in detail. Locals were friendly. Ales were Shepherd Neame Master Brew, Sharps Doom Bar, Wells Bombardier & Hopdaemon Golden Braid. Cider was Kentish Pip Craftsman. We moved on from here to the excellent Bottle Shop in a farmer's market next to the station.
6 Mar 2016 17:14
As the previous review states, this is now the Black Griffin. It is on one of Canterbury's main shopping streets. But it was surprisingly quiet. 4 ales were on - Exmoor Antler, Goddards Fuddle-Dee-Dum, Moorhouses Pride of Pendle & Upper Punter. Cider was Old Rosie. We tried just about all the ales between us and were less than impressed with the quality. We stayed in the front bar. But there appeared to be further space behind.
6 Mar 2016 17:10
The best pub of our short crawl of Canterbury. Beers are mostly from the Canterbury Brewery - Street Light Porter, Foundry Red Rye, Foundry Man's Gold, Foundry Torpedo. There was also Tiny Rebel Dirty Stop Out. 3 ciders were also on from Canterbury - Pear Drop, Apple Oaked & Cloudy. The bar is laid out over 2 floors, with toilets upstairs. Many people were eating. But we were here just for the beers and everything we had was rather nice. Not quite sure why all the bar staff were wearing headsets though. But the Foundry was certainly better than the Old Brewery Tavern just round the corner, which had no ales on at all.
6 Mar 2016 17:06
One of 2 Wetherspoons in Canterbury. It may be big. But service was extremely slow. Typical interior with the usual decent selection of ales - Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot, Sharps Doom Bar, Hopdaemon Green Daemon & Incubus, Titanic Stout, Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Burton Bridge XL Bitter & Old Dairy Up and Under. The cider was Old Rosie. The place was packed with most people having lunch.
6 Mar 2016 16:58
The New Inn was our first stop on a short crawl of Canterbury pubs. It's a back street pub on a terraced street to the east of town. 5 ales were on - Purity Pure Gold, Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, Oakham Citra, Adnams Ghost Ship & Thornbridge Jaipur. I was hoping they'd have a real cider. But sadly the best available was Aspalls Harry Sparrow on keg. The front bar is quite small and it leads into a conservatory. Nice enough pub. But would have preferred a dark beer or a cider.
6 Mar 2016 16:54
The Wellington is always worth a visit in Birmingham, if you're into real ale. There's plenty of them - Wye Valley HPA, Black Country BFG, Pig on the Wall & Fireside, Purity Mad Goose, Froth Blowers Piffle Snonker, Malvern Hills Radar Love, Burton Bridge Top Dog Stout, Kendricks Winter Warmer, Derby Penny's Porter, Abbeydale/Brewdog/Skull and Bones Boys Club Chockwork Orange, Elland White Prussian, Beowulf Dark Raven & Small World Long Moor Pale. Ciders were Springfield Wobbly Monk, Hairy Ferret Cherry & Farmer Jims Copper Top. The clientele was as varied as ever, with people gathering for a folk evening and mingling with football fans. It was busy for a Tuesday evening. Quality pub.
3 Mar 2016 22:40
The Post Office Vaults, Birmingham
The Post Office Vaults is always top of my list of pubs to visit in Birmingham City Centre and it has to be if you like real cider (and perry). 13 were on this time - Hogans Poachers Perry, Pickers Passion, Hazy Daisy, Panking Pole & Elderflower Power, Tricky Medium, Rich's Farmhouse, Penallt Capsy Wennet, Bartestree Katy, Williams & Hughes Orchard Blend Rioja Cask, Ventons Skippy's Scrumpy & Days Cottage Blakeney Red Perry. The ale range is more limited. But it's still sufficient to attract my fellow drinkers in - Salopian Oracle, Hobsons Champion Mild, Sperrin Annesley Mild, Acorn Hallertau Blanc IPA, Three Shire Hafren Ale, Beowulf Beorma & Finn's Hall & Animal Brewery Shark.
3 Mar 2016 22:35
Bacchus was the solitary remaining pub in Birmingham in the last 14 Good Beer Guides I'd yet to visit. So I put that right on Tuesday evening. It's an unusual Nicholsons pub situated in an arcade under a hotel. The décor is impressive. Sadly the beer range isn't - St Austell Nicholson's Pale Ale & Tribute, Sharps Doom Bar, Hook Norton Lion, Brains Phonics, Purity Ubu & Kelburn Goldihops. Nothing we tried was any good. So we only stayed for a half. Worth trying once to see the interior though.
3 Mar 2016 22:29
There's something about the Victoria I really like. It looks a dump from the outside. But it's far from it inside. Situated almost at the bottom of the steps of New Street station's new southern exit, it's popularity can only increase. It was an unscheduled stop here, but worthwhile as we found our favourite beer of the day - Cocoa Wonderland from Thornbridge. Other options were Purity Mad Goose, Sadlers Sorachi Solo, Blackjack Royal Flush & Left Handed Giant Brewing USPA. Much quieter than on my previous visit and an older clientele. But I'll be back.
3 Mar 2016 22:26
I'd recommended this pub to a few other people and they liked it. So a return visit was planned for Tuesday afternoon this week. The place is clearly now a haunt for real ale enthusiasts, albeit not the easiest to find. Whilst it's a Black Country Ales pub, it appears to focus on specific breweries. On Tuesday, it was Cloudwater - Session IPA, Vermont ESB, US Light Ale, Black IPA, Pale & Smoked Porter. Black Country beers were Pig on the Wall, BFG & Fireside. Other guests were Pig & Porter Skylarking & Wishbone Rascal. Cider was Hogans Admiral Hopped, whilst the perry was Poachers Perry also from Hogans. One of Birmingham's better pubs.
3 Mar 2016 22:23
The Artful Dodger was the final of 22 pubs sampled in York this time round and was on my route back to the station. It's a long, thin rockers bar with more ciders than ales. The 3 beers were Hop Studio Fire and Ice, Sonnet 43 Steam Beer Amber Ale & Anarchy Sublime Chaos Breakfast Stout. The ciders were Snails Bank Orchard Dry, Farmer Jims Sweet, Twisted Desert Dry & Pure North Have 'n' Apple. Two new ciders for me. I felt the place lacked a bit of atmosphere. Although this was Monday afternoon.
3 Mar 2016 22:17
What visit to York would be complete without a visit to the Maltings near the Lendal Bridge. This is still a decent real ale haunt where the choice on Monday lunchtime was Roosters Yankee, Wild Beer Millionaire, Brass Castle Annexation, Black Sheep Best Bitter & Golden Sheep, Bad Seed Smoked Maple Ale, York Guzzler & Hanlons Copper Glow. 4 ciders were Biddendens Dry, Westons Old Rosie, Millwhites Rum Cask & Original Somerset Cider Company Applejack Kingston Black. I attempted the large chip butty. I was warned that it really was large. But I think I gave it a really good stab until finally conceding defeat with around 6 of the very large chips to go. The chips are delicious and it was washed down with the 8.3% Annexation and the Applejack Kingston Black! Just what the doctor ordered after climbing the tower at York Minster before being evacuated for a fire alarm! One of the best 3 pubs in York, in my opinion.
3 Mar 2016 22:14
I had to pay the Ackhorne a return visit, as it was the nearest pub to the apartment we were staying in. Sunday night was quiz night. It was busy with a fair mix of characters. But it always feels a little uncomfortable walking into a quiz night half-way through with lots of uncomfortable silences and whispering. Nevertheless, this is still a surprising find tucked away on a narrow side street off the busy Micklegate. Ales were Roosters Yankee, Sonnet 43 Bourbon Milk Stout, Leeds Best, Partners JYB & Ringwood Boon Doggle. Cider was Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig. Surprised this hasn't been in the Good Beer Guide since 2007. But I'm sure I'll be back.
3 Mar 2016 22:09
This pub has reverted to being called the Falcon, or rather the Falcon Tap. It has a small front room and a corridor leading to a larger rear bar where the real ales are located. These were Bad Co. Dazed and Confused, Arbor Monsoon Saison, Blue Bee Into The Void, Imperial Classical Bitter & Ramsgate Gadds Uberhop. Ciders are in the front bar and were Snails Bank Tumbledown Dry & Westons Old Rosie. There were 2 other customers in the rear bar on my Sunday evening visit. But they soon left, leaving just me and what looked like a very bored barman. The pub had looked much busier on the Saturday when I had passed by. But whilst the drinks range is good, maybe word of mouth hasn't been spread just yet. One to watch.
3 Mar 2016 22:05
Whilst the Swan is a little off the beaten track, it's still a must visit in York. This is not only for the good selection of ales, ciders and perries, but also for the fabulous unspoiled traditional interior with its bar in the wide corridor. The selection on Sunday evening was Pennine Winter Warmer, Tetleys Cask, Sonnet 43 Steam Beer Amber Ale, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Bridgehouse Blonde, Treboom Swan Special Blonde, Broadoak Perry & Thistly Cross Whisky Cask cider. Staff are friendly. The back room was packed out. So I chose the front room, where I was the only person. But I'd recommend a visit here.
3 Mar 2016 22:01
The Slip Inn was the last of the new pubs in York I had vowed to visit. But I was left somewhat disappointed. It was quiet on Sunday evening with only 3 or 4 other people. The ales were Great Heck Treasure IPA, Abbeydale Moonshine, Timothy Taylor Boltmaker, Rudgate Ruby Mild & Leeds Pale. Unfortunately they have stopped dispensing real cider, as I prefer a dark beer if I'm on ale. But the Boltmaker was ok. Toilets are outside. This is a sister pub and just down a side street from the much better Swan.
3 Mar 2016 21:57
I had to fit in another visit to the Blue Bell during my visit to York and I managed to do this on Sunday evening. It was packed as always and this time, I forced my way into the front bar. The only drawback is that its popularity v size ratio is too high and it can feel a little uncomfortable. The beer range was Kelham Island Kelham Best, Bradfield Farmers Blonde, Rudgate Ruby Mild, Roosters Britannia, Treboom Hop Britannia & Timothy Taylor Landlord. Cider was Rosie's Pig. The Blue Bell looks so unassuming from the outside. But you just have to pay it a visit.
3 Mar 2016 21:53
Following a visit to the House of Trembling Madness (a hidden gem that I will request to be added to the site), we moved on to the Hop. This is a real ale bar/pizza restaurant. I believe it used to be solely an Italian restaurant. But it has obviously diversified. The tiled front room gives way to a much larger rear area where most people eat and where the pizza oven is located. The pub is an Ossett pub. So you will find a typically good selection. On Saturday evening it was Brass Castle Mosaic, Treboom Yorkshire Sparkle, Allgates Gidlow Mash, Rat White Rat, Ossett Yorkshire Blonde, Big Red, Silver King & Excelsior & Burton Bridge Bramble Stout. Cider was Apple County Naughty Horsey & Glebe Farm Side-R with Elderflower. We stayed here for a few and tried the pizzas, which are very tasty. The pub is clearly popular with large groups who can congregate around the long tables. Toilets are upstairs. Recommended.
3 Mar 2016 21:49
Newly-opened Leeds brewery pub in York. Their Yorkshire Gold, Pale, Best & Midnight Bell were on. Guests were Ridgeside Black Night, Treboom Myricale & Marble Earl Grey IPA & Ginger. Despite it being new, the place had a fairly worn feel. I believe it used to be a restaurant. It stretches back further than you originally think and there is plenty of space upstairs too. One room is so tiny, it only just fits the one table. Board games are available to play. This is Leeds' second pub in York. Note the bar's height from the floor when you walk in. You feel like a child if trying to order from here.
3 Mar 2016 21:41
The Volunteer was very busy on my first visit here on Saturday evening, with many people here to see a live band. Tucked away up a side street from the main road, I hadn't noticed it when walking past to the Fox earlier. But I found it on my way back to town. The music was a bit too loud for my liking (I must be getting old). But the beer range was. Timothy Taylor Landlord, Brass Castle Cliffhanger & Tail Gunner, Saltaire Pride, Leeds Yorkshire Gold, Brown Cow Thriller In Vanilla, Great Newsome Liquorice Lads Stout & Ossett Inception was the ale choice. Thistly Cross Original cider was on keg. Another excellent York pub.
3 Mar 2016 21:37
I agree that it's well worth the walk out to Holgate to get to this Ossett pub to the west of the city centre. It has a very traditional interior spread over several rooms and a good range of beers from Ossett and some of their associated breweries. It was also very busy on Saturday evening. Ales were Ossett Yorkshire Blonde, Big Red, Silver King & Excelsior, Shiny Wrench Stout, Tiny Rebel S.N.A.F.U, Bridestones Citra Red & Tetleys Cask. Cider was from Black Rat. Combine this with a visit to the Volunteer nearby.
3 Mar 2016 21:32
Second visit to this pub - well third actually, but the first time it had closed down. I don't remember too much about my previous visit, apart from the fact it was very quiet. On Saturday evening, there were more people in and there was a much better atmosphere. We sat in the back room and chatted with both the locals and staff. The ale range is good - Hop Studio Mokaya, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, Slaters Rye IPA & Wold Top Bitter. Cider was The Hogfather. The Mokaya was certainly very spicy. But all credit to the barmaid. She did warn me and offered a sample first. This pub is definitely growing on me.
3 Mar 2016 21:28
I finally managed to pay a return visit to the Rook & Gaskill this time in York. This was my favourite pub in York last time I was here. I understand it went downhill for a while. But it is now run by the former licensee of the Waggon & Horses across the road. He is a fairly amiable chap and the Rook & Gaskill is back amongst the two or three best pubs in York. It retains the same single-room interior and a very good ale range from some more unusual breweries. Roosters Yankee, North Cotswold Fosseway Flanker, Yeovil Star Gazer, Empire The Italian Job, Intrepid Mother's Bruin, Ghost Brew Reaper, Raw Extreme No. 6 Hopspresso & Wild Beer Co. Stalker. Ciders were Broadoak Moonshine & Westcroft Cider. The Stalker at 7% was excellent and went down far too easily. The selection is now up on a TV screen. Worth the walk outside the walls.
3 Mar 2016 21:22
Return visit to the Waggon & Horses that I believed may have changed hands since my last visit. It's still owned by Batemans. So the ales are mainly from them - Salem Porter, Hooker, East Coast Screamer & XXXB. But they also had two guests - Brewsmith Anvil Ale & Oakham Citra. Ciders were Rosie's Pig & Cheddar Valley. Having been somewhat inebriated on my last visit and using the bar to prop myself up, I had a better chance to explore the interior this time round. There are 4 or 5 small rooms. One at the rear also has access to the bar and is quite cosy. The place was fairly busy with the rugby being shown in the main room. We ordered two of their burgers which were filling and quite tasty. Still a good pub. But it feels like Batemans have more of a hold over it now, making the ale range a touch more predictable.
3 Mar 2016 21:13
After a visit to the new Pavement Vaults on Piccadilly (just requested for it to be added), we moved on to this place which is now called the Walmgate Ale House & Bistro. It still has a bistro-type feel. So I'm not sure if anything has been done to the interior since the previous reviews. It's a fairly dark and narrow interior. There are few tables due to the lack of space. Upright drinking appears to be the norm. I wasn't overly impressed with the ale range - York Walmgate Ale & Guzzler, Great Heck Dave, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin & Rudgate Viking Bitter. I plumped for the keg Great Yorkshire Yorkshire Cider - nothing special. In a city with such wonderful pubs, you're guaranteed to find a better selection and more traditional drinking environments elsewhere.
3 Mar 2016 21:07
I remembered visiting here over 7 years ago. So I popped in again to buy some beers for a forthcoming train journey. Has a good selection of ales and a rather smelly cheese counter. Old Rosie cider is dispensed from a box. There's quite a few other off licenses in York. But this must certainly be one of the best still.
3 Mar 2016 20:58
Unassuming Samuel Smiths pub on a terraced side street. The pub has a welcoming atmosphere in its two small rooms. One was being used for an evening of dominoes, whilst the other seemed to be where the local dogs hung out (the four-legged variety)! I was introduced to one friendly creature. Old Brewery Bitter is available on cask. I quite liked the atmosphere in here and would certainly pay another visit if around here.
3 Mar 2016 20:56
It's a fair walk south of the city centre to this Marstons local. I got a few strange looks when I walked in and the barmaid's "Can I help you?" comment suggested she was expecting me to be lost or ready to rob the place. But she soon became friendlier when I said I'd like to try a half of the house Saddle Sore Ale. Other options were Burton Bitter or Boon Doggle. Football and rugby were on different TVs. Not really worth the walk out of the city.
3 Mar 2016 20:53
Brigantes Bar and Brasserie, York
It's been several years since my first visit to Brigantes and I don't believe it was listed on here at the time. It was much busier than I remembered. But it still has a fine selection of ales. This time we also tried the food which was good. Service was attentive and friendly too. Ales on during our visit were Black Sheep Golden Sheep, Great Heck Chopper, York Nordic Fury, Elland 1872 Porter & Catch The Rainbow, Okells MPA, Brass Castle Vanaheim & Rams Head Bitter & Timothy Taylor Ram Tam. Cider was Orgasmic Sweet. The last time I came was before the York Tap opened and it is just about close enough to the station to allow for a fleeting visit whilst changing trains. But I'd stick at the station in the Tap if changing trains again. Nevertheless, Brigantes is worthy of a visit in its own right. Situated on the lively Micklegate strip, it can get quite busy at weekends.
3 Mar 2016 20:50
After the York Tap, we paid a visit to Pivni which is the second of the three York pubs in their small chain. There's a good range of cask, keg and bottled beers still. Friday's range was Thornbridge St Petersburg, Ilkley Pale, Dark Star Partridge, Arbor Summit & Durham Magus. Ciders were Cornish Orchards Farmhouse Dry & Westons Family Reserve. Incidentally we also tried their new Pavement Vaults pub on Piccadilly, which is also worth a visit but not listed on here.
3 Mar 2016 20:45
On a long weekend in York, this was my first, last and favourite pub in the city. It's a great place if using the station as we where. The interior is divided into two halves by the bar and it was fairly busy on both weekday afternoon visits. It still has an excellent ale range. On Friday it was Vocation Divide and Conquer, Titanic Mild, Stout & Plum Porter, Brass Castle Bad Kitty, Anarchy Crime Scene & Warhead, Hardknott Continuum, Brighton Bier Freshman, Mino Bier & Bier, Hopcraft Juicy Fruits & Mate Spawn and Die, Camerons Ahopaclypse Now, Glastonbury Lady of the Lake, Ilkley Mary Jane and their own Tapped Brew Co. Stout. Ciders were Westons Single Orchard & Celtic Marches Cracklin' Rosie. By the time I returned 3 days later, new ales were Bad Seed Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, Glastonbury Mystery Tor, Allendale 11 Malt Porter, Simcoe, Golden Plover & Yakima Pale, Hop Studio Pale, Mordue Radgie Gadgie, Pig & Porter Skylarking & Ashburnham, Birghton Bier West Bier, Hopcraft Atlantico Sur, Arbor The Devil Made Me Brew It & Tapped Brew Co. Ale & Rodeo. Sandford Orchards Shaky Bridge was a new cider. Great place for a drink. My only concern would be some of the pricing. £6 for a pint of the Imperial Stout seemed a bit steep. Although I believe it was 8.3%.
3 Mar 2016 20:39
Popped in here today whilst in the area. The real ale selection was Doom Bar or Doom Bar. It seems to be a bit of a community pub. But it did lack character and also ales. I'm sure there are better pubs in Wycombe.
21 Feb 2016 20:12
The Moon in the Square, Bournemouth
Overlooking the main square in Bournemouth is this large Wetherspoons split over two floors. There were some different ales upstairs to downstairs. Although you never can tell with Wetherspoons as some ales they have clips for are not always available. The overall selection was Ruddles Best, Vibrant Forest Cydonia, Dorset Brewing Co Jurassic Dark, Sharps Doom Bar, Gadds Dogbolter, Ringwood Forty Niner & Old Thumper & Greene King Abbot. The cider was Purbeck Joe's Sweet. The place was very busy with nearly all tables downstairs taken. The only one we can find still had the remains of somebody's meal on it. This was not cleared away by the time we left. So the staff on duty were clearly struggling to cope with the demand. Nice central location. But we moved on from here to the Firkin Shed, Chaplins and the Sir Percy Florence Shelley (a better 'spoons in my opinion), with a football match somewhere in between.
21 Feb 2016 20:06
The Nelson was my favourite new pub of the day. For ales it's not the best, with just Ringwood Best Bitter & Forty Niner & Sharps Doom Bar on. But I was encouraged by a blackboard with an impressive real cider list. Trying to order two halves met with some confused looks from behind the bar, until the landlord appeared and accompanied me with two empty half glasses to his secret stash of cider and perry. After wiping the dust off some of the boxes and slinging a couple of halves of rather cloudy samples over his shoulder, the final cider choice became apparent - Pennard Medium & Sweet, Hecks Port Wine of Glastonbury, Dry, Sweet, Brown Apples, Kingston Black, Morgan Sweet & Perry, Blackmore Vale Medium Farmhouse, Westons Old Rosie, Twinways Roger's Dry, Bridge Farm Dry & Sweet & Isle of Purbeck Muddy Scamp. A very impressive selection which I assumed to have been left over from a previous beer/cider festival. Needless to say, I stayed for a few halves before we moved on back to the centre of Bournemouth. Nearly all my favourite pubs appear to be in Dorset. This one is up there for me. Maybe I should retire to Dorset, if I make it that far. Oh, and the pub also serves Thai food.
21 Feb 2016 19:55
Visited here yesterday lunchtime. We appeared to be the first customers. The pub appears to promote itself as more of a seafood restaurant than a pub. But it did have 2 ales - Dartmoor Jail Ale & Ringwood Best Bitter. The interior looks as if it was originally 2 rooms. But it has been opened up and doubtless some of the character has been lost. Disappointing.
21 Feb 2016 19:48
Ye Olde George Inn, Christchurch
Closed 2 weeks ago according to a notice on the window. Has a prominent position in Christchurch. So I would think it should re-open at some point soon.
21 Feb 2016 18:50
The Thomas Tripp, Christchurch
The Thomas Tripp was the first of 4 new pubs sampled in the Christchurch and Bournemouth area yesterday. It's a Marstons (formerly Ringwood) with their Best Bitter, Forty Niner & XXXX Porter on, in addition to a guest - Flack Manor Union Flack. The pub is fairly nice, with a cosy feel and the porter was in good condition. The only pub we got into in Christchurch. But worthy of a visit.
21 Feb 2016 18:49
The Longwood is a Marstons estate pub that is fairly large and appears to cater mainly for families and diners looking for a cheap meal. 4 ales were on - Thwaites Lancaster Bomber, Ringwood Boondoggle, Brakspear Oxford Gold & Marstons Help For Heroes. I was also pleasantly surprised to see Westons Old Rosie. This was a busy place with many tables reserved (presumably for Valentine's Day). I also decided to treat (!) my wife with a burger and chips, which was ok and value for money. Has a fairly bland interior, whilst the exterior has a large car park and over a dozen tables overlooking Watling Street and the side street it stands on.
14 Feb 2016 21:56
Locals pub not far from Drayton Manor. As the previous reviewer said, the 3 ales are Bass, Sharps Doom Bar & Marstons Pedigree and these don't appear to change. Locals were congregated around the bar and also in the various seating. The single room was fairly full. The jukebox was a little too loud. But this seemed a friendly enough place.
14 Feb 2016 21:52
I always try to fit in one new pub when visiting the city and the All Bar One was my new pub for the day. It was my last of 10 pubs in all. It was smaller than I'd anticipated. But the beer range and the clientele were what I was expected apart from one particularly drunk customer creating a scene. Peroni, Aspalls, Guinness, Pilsner Urquell, Purity Longhorn IPA & Lawless, Estrella Damm, Amstel & Sierra Nevada Pale Ale was the draught selection. Ok. But I won't be back.
14 Feb 2016 21:49
Central Commercial Hotel, Liverpool
Paid a return visit to the Central yesterday as the 2nd of 10 pubs. There are still 4 real ales on tap. Yesterday was Wells Bombardier Glorious English & Try Time, Red Star Lakota & Thwaites Wainwright. Opposite Central station and near the main shopping area of Liverpool, this is a fairly handy place to visit. The interior is also one of the best in Liverpool. But the beer range can be bettered in so many other Liverpool pubs.
14 Feb 2016 21:45
The Wheel was my penultimate pub today (Sunday afternoon) and is a cosy Greene King pub. Although judging by the number of pumpclips on the ceiling, it has regular guests. Punters in the front bar were watching the rugby. So I retreated to the lounge at the rear. There was only one other customer when I entered, along with the 2 pub dogs who took a definite interest in my pork scratchings. This room soon filled up too. But no worry, as it's quite large and designed to accommodate diners. Ales were Ruddles Best, Greene King IPA Reserve, Malt Starry Nights & Cottage Try Me. Appears to have won multiple awards. Note there is one other pub in the village not listed on here (the Black Lion), which was to be my final destination of the day.
7 Feb 2016 22:04
The Black Horse was my third and final pub in Lacey Green. Mordue Workie Ticket, Holts Two Hoots, Brakspear Bitter & Marstons Revisionist Red IPA were the 4 ales. Addlestones was the keg cider. Roast potatoes and crackling were on the bar for consumption. The clientele all seemed to be locals. It's clearly a family friendly pub. Fairly small place, with some mildly amusing cartoons in the gents.
7 Feb 2016 21:59
The Whip Inn was the best of 6 pubs I visited in the Chilterns today. It has a good range of ales and 4 ciders from Lilleys too. There are 2 main rooms - a bar area and a larger seating area at the rear that was being used by diners. The young bar staff were quite entertaining. Although the 'f' word was perhaps being used a bit too liberally by one. Ales were Malt Prestwood's Best, Stancill Barnsley Bitter, Slightly Foxed Brewing Company Slightly Foxed, Nottingham Rock Mild, Rebellion IPA & Burton Bridge Stairway To Heaven. Ciders were Cheeky Pig, Pear & Raspberry, Bittersweet & Gladiator. Chalkboards show the beers and ciders and I liked the idea of having the ales on display in third pint glasses high on the wall next to each ale on the blackboard. I've never seen it done this way before. I wasn't expecting to find a pub this good today. I'll probably make the effort to get back here one day.
7 Feb 2016 21:57
Pink and Lily, Princes Risborough
The Pink & Lily appears to be a largely food dominated pub. But it does have 4 real ales - Haresfoot White Label, Sharps Doom Bar, Chiltern Black & Malt Starry Nights were today's selection. Sunday roasts appeared to be popular and the place was fairly busy. The garden has some children's play equipment and two strange bubble-like contraptions containing tables. They appear to be a way to drink outside without having to endure wind and/or rain. One of them was occupied today.
7 Feb 2016 21:52
Judging by the opening times on the door, I was lucky to find this pub open. It currently opens only on Friday evenings and weekend lunchtimes. But it's a lovely country pub with a bar area at the front and a dining area at the rear. Rebellion IPA & Roasted Nuts were the ales. Plenty of character and some nice countryside nearby. Glad it was open.
7 Feb 2016 21:48
London Road Ale House, Stoke on Trent
We'd heard about this new pub in Stoke after drinking at its sister pub, the Bridge Street Ale House in Newcastle-under-Lyme. If anything the staff in this place were even more friendly and the drinks range was better still. Ales were Weal Noir, Black Hole Cyborg, Stewart Edinburgh No. 3, Ramsgate Gadds No. 5 & Mobberley Road Runner. Ciders were Tumbledown Medium, Cornish Orchards Blush, Applejack Kingston Black, Cracklin Rosie Perry & Lilleys Lemon & Lime. The helpful guy in charge suggested a Caribbean take away just down the road and gave us their takeaway menu to allow us to order and have one more for the road. In fact, we took a 6 pint take out too! This place only opened in December (2015). So word has clearly not got round about its existence yet. Hopefully the people of Stoke will support this, as it's a really good addition to the town's pub scene.
7 Feb 2016 21:41
Duke Of York, Newcastle under Lyme
I assume this is the pub now called the Freebird. If so, it's a rock pub that opens later in the day than most. On Saturday it was due to open at 3. But as luck would have it, the doors were open for a private party in the other room. The landlord was happy to serve us. Whilst this is not a traditional pub, by any stretch of the imagination, it does have a good selection of ales - Revolutions Furry-Tail of Yorkshire, Wincle Waller, Boss Bliss, Springhead Outlawed, Castle Rock Attenborough Reserve, Goffs Tournament, Front Row Crouch Traditional Bitter & Revolutions Red Hand. All beers we had were enjoyed. Although sadly we didn't have much time here. The landlord seemed a fairly friendly chap and was clearly knowledgeable about ales and music. Incidentally, the Albert just down the road is worth a visit if you prefer a more traditional pub. But you won't get the same ale range as the Freebird.
7 Feb 2016 21:33
The Old Brown Jug, Newcastle under Lyme
We were warned that this Marstons pub was not what it used to be and the warning turned out to be correct. EPA & Pedigree were the ales. Old Rosie was the cider. Staff were friendly enough. But we were the only customers in and I'd say this is much more of a late night venue, with a stage (presumably for bands or karaoke) dominating the fairly characterless bar. Disappointing pub. The worst of 7 we sampled in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
7 Feb 2016 21:29
Bridge Street Ale House, Newcastle under Lyme
After a visit to the excellent Lymestone Vaults (not listed on here - I'll request it), we had been alerted by a friend to this larger than expected micropub, just off Newcastle's main drags. The barman was friendly and knowledgeable. All the casks of ales and boxes of ciders are in a glass cabinet in the window. They are listed on blackboards along with a list of what is coming soon. The front bar has a number of high tables with bench-type seating. This gives way to a more comfortable seating area and another room with tables at the rear. Ales were Woodlands General's Tipple, Ramsgate Beautiful British Beer, Walls Allerton Pale & Peakstones Black Hole. Ciders were Sandford Orchards Pear Shaped, Olivers Shezam, Original Somerset Cider Company Bootleg Moonshine & Cornish Orchards Blush. I suspect we'll be back here next time we are in Newcastle.
7 Feb 2016 21:26
The Ironmarket, Newcastle under Lyme
I think this pub may have been closed for a while. You can tell it was a bland chain pub in its previous incarnation. There were a number of handpulls. But only Cross Bay Nightfall was on. Most of the locals were drinking cans of Carling. We were suspicious of the Nightfall. But it was far better than we'd expected. Doubt I'd come here again, unless passing.
7 Feb 2016 21:16
Arnold MacHin, Newcastle under Lyme
This Wetherspoons was the first of 7 pubs we tried in Newcastle early on a Saturday afternoon. The interior feels a little smaller than most branches. But the ale and cider range was good - Ruddles Best, Exmoor Beast, Kelham Island Pale Rider, Conwy Scrum Down, Greene King Abbot, Springhead Spice of Life, Moorhouses Pride of Pendle & Sharps Doom Bar; ciders were Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, Orchard Pig The Hogfather & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Usual daytime 'spoons clientele. Situated just at the end of what I assume to be the main shopping street and where the pedestrianized zone begins.
7 Feb 2016 21:13
The Shrewsbury Arms was our last pub of the evening in Oxton. It's been several years since I was last in here. This time, it was reasonably busy. But last time I remember it as heaving. Ales were Wells Bombardier Glorious English, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Thwaites Wainwright & Greene King IPA - not the best of choice. Probably the worst of the 3 pubs we visited for the ales. But probably the best for atmosphere. Whilst the interior wasn't that inspiring, it did feel more lively. This is a more friendly pub than those others I've visited in Oxton. So for that alone, it deserves some credit.
4 Feb 2016 21:53
Oxton Bar and Terrace, Oxton Village
The Oxton Bar & Kitchen is right at the centre of the village. It initially seemed quite a nice place. But one of our party was soon reprimanded for wearing a football shirt and asked to cover up! Certainly a pretentious place - this is the Wirral, not Surrey! The 3 ales were Liverpool Organic 24 Carat Gold & South Pale & Spitting Feathers Thirst Quencher. Nice enough place. Shame about the staff's attitude.
4 Feb 2016 21:50
The Caernarvon Castle was our first pub last night in Oxton. It's a Greene King pub with a large car park, that was almost full at 5:30 on a weekday evening. The pub was fairly busy with what were mainly diners. In addition to the Greene King ales, they do have some guest beers, with Peerless seemingly a common sight. They had Frodsham Buzzin', Peerless Triple Blond, Pale & Paxton Peculiar, Caernarvon Castle Landlord's Choice, Morland Old Speckled Hen & Greene King IPA & Abbot. The best choice of beers we found in our 3 pubs. But as the previous reviewer says, there's very little atmosphere.
4 Feb 2016 21:46
With time for just one more pub before the match, I had initially tried to visit Carlisle Rugby Club, which was severely damaged in the recent floods, along with dozens of local residences in the Warwick Road area. I was expecting the Magpie to have closed down. But a quick check found it open. Apparently it had re-opened on Friday last week. It's now a Sam Smiths pub. Whilst there is no real ale, it has their full range of keg options - Extra Stout, Cider Reserve, Light Mild, Double Four, Taddy Lager, Alpine Lager, Old Brewery Bitter, Sovereign Bitter & Pure Brewed Organic Lager. With some of the cheapest prices in the country, I was mildly amused to see one guy topping up his pint in the car park from a can of Strongbow - class! The pub has been nicely refurbished and has kept its character. There is a large area out the back, that looks like it once had a bowling green. A terrace overlooks it. The Magpie is just high enough up the hill to have escaped the flooding and is worthy of a visit. It did take a while to get served though, with plenty of people giving it a try.
2 Feb 2016 21:59
The Crown and Thistle Inn, Carlisle
Walked in here late on Sunday morning to find the place absolutely packed. It has two bars - the one on the left was the cosier one of the two and was extremely busy. The other bar was much quieter. Although I did find a seat in the busiest room. Sharps Atlantic & Charnwood Try Hopped were the 2 ales. But I went for a keg mild. Definitely the better (and more popular) of the 2 Stanwix pubs I tried.
2 Feb 2016 21:53
It's a fair walk from the station in Carlisle out to Stanwix, through a flood-hit area. But Stanwix is up a steep hill and therefore untouched, or at least the two pubs I tried here were. Both were open before midday on a Sunday. The Crown Inn is a 2-bar community local, with friendly staff. Locals were gearing up for the FA Cup match. Greene King IPA & Thwaites Wainwright were the ales. I opted for a keg cider. Nice enough pub. But could do with a more adventurous ale on.
2 Feb 2016 21:51
Returned here with a bit of a hangover on Sunday morning. Unlike the early hours the night before, there were no queues, no bouncers, entrance was free and there was no deafening music. It was still busy though with the pre-football crowd. Luckily they had a fair number of staff behind the bar. Ales were Greene King IPA, Hawkshead Windermere Pale, Sharps Doom Bar, Cumberland Corby Blonde, Morland Old Speckled Hen & Youngs Special. What better way to work off a hangover with a Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon cider! Not a bad option during the day. But I think the nearby Woodrow Wilson is better.
2 Feb 2016 21:47
After declining to pay an entry fee to the Lloyds Number One bar, we finished the night in the William Rufus, a standard Wetherspoons just up the road. The only drawback was that we were thrown out at 1:30am, whereas the William Rufus opens later! Just as well really. Ales were Burton Bridge Burton XL Bitter, Settle Metropolitan Ruby Ale, Stonehenge Danish Dynamite, Hawkshead Bitter & Dry Stone Stout, Tring Colley's Dog, Cumberland Corby Ale & Blonde, Ruddles Best, Thwaites Wainwright, Greene King Abbot, Jennings Sneck Lifter & Thornbridge Jaipur. Cider was Old Rosie. A large enough pub that was much quieter than its counterparts up towards the station. The better of the two 'Spoons.
2 Feb 2016 21:44
The Cumberland Inn is at the heart of Carlisle's nightlife strip near the station. We opted for this after having to queue (!) to get into the nearby Lloyds Bar only to find bouncers charging £2 to get in (!!). Needless to say, I'm a bit too long in the tooth to pay for entry to a pub. The Cumberland had its own bouncer and was every bit as noisy as the William Rufus. But we didn't have to queue and we didn't have to pay to get in. Inside was a sea of people enjoying 1990s/2000s dance classics. There were both young and old. It was quite a spectacle, reminding me of my clubbing days. There's a nice tiled error around the bar. But it's probably much nicer when clean, as we were sticking firmly to the floor with every attempted step. There's a vacant handpull here, showing it why it made the Good Beer Guide in 2006. But our choice was Guinness, Guinness Extra Cold, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruit, Fosters, John Smiths Extra Smooth or Stella. I could have quite happily stayed longer admiring the sights and listening to the music. But my drinking partner removed his earplugs to signal his desire to move on somewhere a little more civilised!
2 Feb 2016 21:40
After 7 fairly relaxing pubs, I hit the centre of Carlisle's late night drinking circuit with the Griffin on the edge of it, just outside the railway station. It's quite a grand building inside and out. There is plenty of seating space both upstairs and downstairs. I believe the upstairs room had its own bar too. But I was getting a little merry by now. I do remember that most tables were littered with glasses, either indicating it had been a very busy evening, or they simply didn't have enough staff. I'll opt for the former reason, as another friend had described the action earlier in the evening as 'cabaret'. Whilst this is a Greene King establishment, it's not limited to just their own beers. Hardy & Hansons Rocked Out, Robinsons Trooper, Greene King IPA & Copper Dragon Golden Pippin were the ales. The Rocked Out was ok, but nothing special. A CAMRA discount was offered. I'd imagine the Griffin would make for a pleasant drink during the day. But it was just a bit too lively to enjoy during my visit.
2 Feb 2016 21:33
I was supposed to be meeting a friend here. But at first I walked into another local bar (Eaten By Monsters - not listed on here). Whilst that bar did have 3 ales, it wasn't the Moo Bar. I think I was fooled by what looked like a cow symbol on the front window! Eaten By Monsters was very busy and on two levels and I was tempted to stay with the 'quality' of the sights inside! But I pinched myself, exited and moved a few doors along to the much quieter Moo Bar. This has a huge array of handpulls. But you get the feeling that Carlisle is not quite ready for this kind of establishment. There were only around a dozen customers in on a Saturday night and not all of the handpulls had beers. It was much busier on the Sunday afternoon after the football. Ales on were Carlisle Brewing Company Oatmeal Stout, Flaxen, Carlisle Pale Ale & Spun Gold, Arbor The Devil Made Me Brew It & Boomtown Brown, Cross Bay Sunset, Allendale Pennine Pale & Golden Plover & Hawkshead Windermere Pale & Bitter. No real ciders are dispensed. But they do also have a good range of craft beers and also bottles. Ilkley The Mayan (a chilli stout) was very enjoyable from the keg. Other keg options included Saltaire Stateside IPA, Tirril Pennine Pilsner, Tickety Brew IPA & Hammertown Baron H. The bar staff were very knowledgeable. All in all, the best pub in Carlisle for ale drinkers.
2 Feb 2016 21:24
Another town centre pub, on the edge of the Lanes shopping centre and with a splendid exterior and interior. This pub has 2 separate rooms, which are both small and cosy, especially when busy as it was late on Saturday evening. The barmaid was very friendly. Ales on were Theakston Best Bitter, Robinsons Dizzy Blonde & Weetwood Cheshire Cat. I had the latter. But I'd have much preferred a darker beer. The real ale range may not be mind-blowing. But it's worth a visit to sample a very traditional interior.
2 Feb 2016 21:15
Pub number 5 for me was the King's Head back in the town centre. It is situated in a nice street within the main shopping area. With all the shops closed, the pub still had plenty of punters and was the best pub I'd visited thus far. Ales were Yates's Golden Ale & Bitter, Arbor Oz Bomb & Ilkley Fireside Porter. Unusually for Carlisle pubs, it also had a cider - Rosie's Pig. I later found that the pub has just started offering a CAMRA discount. But it wasn't offered to this CAMRA member. Neverthless, the interior has plenty of character with plenty of old beams. There's no mobile phone reception - probably a good thing. Not the best pub in Carlisle. But it's up there.
2 Feb 2016 21:11
I think the building is still here. But there's certainly no open pub any more. The Maltsters Arms opposite is no more too.
2 Feb 2016 21:06
The Jovial Sailor was my fourth stop in Carlisle (the Milbourne Arms is not listed on here but is in the 2016 Good Beer Guide - Lord knows why). Similar to the Milbourne, the Jovial Sailor had only one ale on - Theakston Best. A pigeon fanciers club was being promoted, whilst locals were drinking blue WKD mixed with double measures of brandy. Seems very much like a locals pub. But I did seem to follow a group of foreign lads that could hardly speak a word of English in - my guess would be Ukrainian seamen, but who knows! A pub with character and characters.
2 Feb 2016 21:05
The Linton Holme Inn, Carlisle
The Linton Holme has re-opened in the last year and according to the locals we spoke to, few people manage to find it. It's a very nice corner pub deep in a residential area. There is some very impressive tiling inside. There are 2 or 3 rooms and 2 ales - Yates's Bitter & Sun Goddess. Locals seemed very friendly and there was a female singer performing. Worth seeking out.
2 Feb 2016 20:58
The Spinners Arms, Cummersdale
Arrived into Carlisle by train and took the last bus of the weekend to Cummersdale at 18:07 on a Saturday evening! This is the home of the Carlisle Brewing Company, even though they have now located to a larger brewery on an industrial estate. Three of their ales were on - Spun Gold, Best Bitter & Oatmeal Stout. I had the Stout, whilst my drinking partner had the Bitter. The Bitter was definitely the better option and it was very nice. Reports from elsewhere in Carlisle suggested that the Spun Gold was not too brilliant. But we certainly enjoyed the Bitter. The Spinners Arms is a fairly small single-bar pub that appears to be mainly used by locals. It was a reasonably long walk up the lane and into a housing estate for another bus back to the centre of Carlisle - not the best option when it's snowing and there's a biting wind! But I was on a mission to get through as many pubs in Carlisle as possible.
2 Feb 2016 20:54
Saturday lunchtime was my first visit to the Bree Louise in a good while. With just over half an hour before my train, I calculated there was time for a swift half. My best plans were scuppered when the barman served me a pint instead. He gave it me for the price of a half. So I didn't have the nerve to ask for a CAMRA discount (25p per half). It was fairly busy with a mix of typical real ale buffs and a few football fans. Ales were Bree Louise Session Pale Ale, Brains Bitter, First Gold, Cambrian Pale, Rev Jame Gold, Rev James Rye & Rev James Original, Caledonian Double Dark, Tring Colley's Dog, Jennings Cockle Warmer, Plain Ales Best Bitter, Celt Experience Horse Cranium Chocolate Lime Milk Porter, Titanic Plum Porter, Banks's Sunbeam, Milestone 9 Gallons, Redemption Big Chief IPA, & Downton Elderquad. Ciders and perries were Millwhites Blackberry Blush, Apples & Pears, Bree Louise House Cider, Vintage, Somer Gold & Single Variety Grenadier, Westons Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig, Wilkins Farmhouse Sweet & Abrahalls Thundering Molly. Still a good pub for drinks selection. But I still think it lacks atmosphere. The no frills description is fairly apt.
2 Feb 2016 20:47
The British Lion (the Pig), Crewe
I had 40 minutes whilst changing trains in Crewe. I walked in and out of the very quiet Corner Bar, which has seemingly gone downhill. Only a Greene King ale was on. I continued to the British Lion and was surprised to see that this is now a Joules pub. It's unlike any other Joules pub I have visited, with a much more down at heel feel. The jukebox was on very loud and Dutch football was on the TV. It had an edgy feel. Slumbering Monk, Blonde & Old No. 6 were the 3 ales on. I had the latter, which served a purpose before I had to leave to catch my next train.
25 Jan 2016 19:18
The Dispensary is still our regular haunt in Liverpool. But as you can guess, I'm very often touring around Liverpool's other establishments. Despite this, I always make the effort to get here for at least one. The ale quality is always good. But the ale range can sometimes seem a little predictable, with the same breweries featuring - typically Titanic, Rat, Fernandes & Ossett. Yesterday's selection was George Wright Mark's Mild, Titanic First Class & Plum Porter, Fyne Ragnarok Imperial Jarl, Rat Mother Rat Milk Stout, King Rat & White Rat & Mallinsons Ella. The Milk Stout was very enjoyable last night. The Addlestones cider is no longer served. Aspalls is the only cider on draught now. Also missed is the Titanic Cappuccino, which used to be a regular beer. But we have not seen this for a couple of years now. The landlord is a staunch red. A big screen comes down and the blinds/curtains are drawn when they're playing on the TV! Woe be tied anybody who puts their coats on the seats! But he is a nice enough guy with a dry sense of humour when you get to know him and he clearly has a love for good beer. The Dispensary is always popular and definitely worth a visit for anybody sampling Liverpool's pubs. My personal favourite in Liverpool has to be the Ship & Mitre these days. But I know my friends would disagree and for me the Dispensary runs it very close. Go to the Ship & Mitre for the best range. But go to the Dispensary for the best quality.
25 Jan 2016 19:13
The Caledonia was much busier than on our last visit and was seemingly more popular on a Sunday evening than many city centre pubs. This was no doubt helped by a jazz band performing. Live music seems to be a feature on most days know and this is obviously a big draw for the large student crowd. The ales were Plassey New World Pale, Empire Mad Dogs and Englishmen & Burscough Hold Your Plums. Cider was Orchard Pig Explorer. There were also some craft beers. I tried the Tickety Brew Coffee Anise Porter, which was quite frankly awful - the first craft beer I have tried that was off, despite being served at a cold temperature. An unusual feature was a vending machine selling cans of 3 kinds of Heavy Industry beers. At £3.80 each, we decided not to partake. I'll give the pub the benefit of the doubt, despite the poor quality beer. This is still a pub I should probably visit more often.
25 Jan 2016 19:03
Peter Kavanagh's is well out of the city centre. So I don't get to go here too often. It's also in a backstreet. So you don't tend to notice it in passing. Nevertheless it's still one of Liverpool's pub gems, with 3 different rooms that are all impressive. The ale range is good, but not quite good enough to tempt us here any more often. Yesterday it was Cottage Nemesis & Golden Arrow, Greene King Abbot, George Wright Cheeky Pheasant & Ossett Columbia Creek. All the beers we tried were well kept.
25 Jan 2016 18:58
In addition to the below, Wadworth 6X, Marstons Pedigree & Wychwood Hobgoblin were also on.
25 Jan 2016 18:52
The Black Horse Hotel, Northfield
The Black Horse is a landmark building on a busy junction of the Bristol Road. It is impressive, both inside and out. Although it feels much smaller when inside, despite its grandeur from the roadside. It feels somewhat different from most Wetherspoons I've been in. Bouncers were on the door on our Saturday evening visit. Service at the bar was quick and there were plenty of tables for seating. Ales were Derventio Cleopatra, Elland Nettle Thrasher, White Horse Wayland Smithy, Titanic Route 10 IPA, Green Jack Waxwing, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharps Doom Bar & Fullers London Pride. They also had Westons Country Perry & Orchard Pig Maverick. Nice place.
25 Jan 2016 18:51
This was my second consecutive Ember Inns pub, following the Selly Park Tavern. In my opinion, this was the better of the two. The man who served me appeared to be the manager and he was friendly and knowledgeable. Service was quick, despite the pub being fairly busy. The pub has a disabled parking area at the front, with a larger car park at the rear. There is also a patio at the rear, seemingly popular with smokers. Ales were Adnams Broadside, St Austell Tribute, Thwaites Wainwright, Conwy California & Brakspear Bitter. They also had Thatchers Cheddar Valley cider. The only drawback was the strong smell of cleaning fluid in the bar area. Nicer than the usual Ember Inns pub.
25 Jan 2016 18:45
The Selly Park Tavern, Selly Oak
Nice enough pub. But there was quite a wait to be served on Saturday evening and most tables had empty glasses on them. Unsurprisingly they were running out of glasses behind the bar. It certainly seems like they need a few more staff. Ales were Harviestoun Old Engine Oil, Purity Ubu, Brakspear Bitter, Cotleigh Uncle Sam & Sharps Doom Bar. The interior is a typical Ember Inns one. It's one large room with standard décor. Although a number of beams and partitions help create separate drinking environments. The pub has a large car park with a bowling green at the rear and a separate skittle alley that appeared to be in use during our visit.
25 Jan 2016 18:39
I see that it's been over 4 years since I'd last been here. It's appeared on the front cover of the Good Beer Guide since I was last here! So we finished our evening tour of Clapham & Battersea here yesterday. The Eagle is pretty much unchanged from what I remember. It's a cosy backstreet local that can get busy at times. But the ale selection has diminished since my last visit, with only 5 on during this visit - Surrey Hills Greensand IPA & Shere Drop, Trumans Attaboy, Brodies Bethnal Green Bitter & Downton Four Corners. There were 3 or 4 vacant handpulls. That surprised me considering how busy it was. Ciders are still keg or bottle only. I may have over-rated this pub last time I was here. It's good. But London has so many better pubs.
17 Jan 2016 17:34
After a visit to the BrewDog pub 5-10 minutes walk away, we continued to this Draft House pub. This is the third pub from this chain that I have visited and they follow a similar formula. 3 ales were on - Belleville Tie Die Rye, Sambrooks Four Chimneys Chocolate Stout & Dark Star Revelation. They also have a good craft beer selection and bottled beers too. Although the craft beers can be fairly pricy. There's a discount for CAMRA members. Another place with a predominantly young (but friendly) crowd. I may have been here when it was the Pitcher & Piano. The Draft House chain is a big improvement on Pitcher & Piano.
17 Jan 2016 17:28
After a brief trip to the Finborough Arms, we ventured out to Clapham to try a few new pubs yesterday evening. The Four Thieves is a large venue with several different drinking areas. The one at the front was patronised by young families. The main bar area seemed to be the local youth and there was another large side room, an outdoor patio and further space upstairs, which we didn't try. Whilst this place brews its own beer, it seems to be more of a hip and trendy place than most other brewpubs. But they had a large selection of their own ales - School Of Hops Citra, Light Ale of Year Edition, Cuddle Me Buff, Pink Grapefruit Sour, Black IPA & London Porter. Apparently they distil their own gin too and I opted for a sloe gin! I have it noted down that I came here many years ago when it was Bar Risa. But I certainly don't remember it. A decent addition to the Battersea/Clapham scene. But it may be better to visit during the day when I would imagine it is quieter.
17 Jan 2016 17:18
Paid a return visit to the Antelope yesterday. It's a short 5 minute walk from the station. Yesterday there was a small market set up on the pavement outside, which I hadn't seen before. The ale and cider range still doesn't disappoint. Yesterday lunchtime it was Big Smoke (the resident brewery) Dark Wave Porter, Electric Eye Pale Ale & Underworld Vanilla Stout, Ascot Alley Cat Ale, Hardy & Hansons Rocking Rudolph, Vale Hornbrook & Brill Gold, Roosters YPA, Red Willow Mirthless & Belhaven Smoke Stack Stout. Ciders & perries can be found on handpull around the side of the bar - Gwatkin Squeal Pig Perry, Lilleys Mulled Cider, Hallets Heartbreaker & Millwhites Rioja Cask & Hedgelayer. We were here early enough to secure a table. But it can soon get busy. I think this was my third or fourth visit here and it's hasn't failed to disappoint as yet.
17 Jan 2016 17:09
As per the previous review, this is now a Co-Op. The blue sign you can see on the picture is still there and gives false hope as you exit the station. But then you notice the green Co-Op signs.
17 Jan 2016 17:00
This former cricket pavilion is a little off the beaten track. But it's worth going just to admire all of the sports memorabilia covering every inch of wall and ceiling space. Much of it centres around local teams such as Wimbledon and Fulham. The ale range is reasonably good and you can check what is available on their website. Yesterday there was Twickenham Naked Ladies & Sundancer, Weltons Heat Was In The Very Sod, Fullers London Pride & ESB, Adnams Broadside & Youngs Bitter. Cider was Wyld Wood. Food is served from a counter and is probably fairly popular, given the counter has its own staff. But there was a strong smell of fish. We weren't sure this place was open on arriving shortly after 11am yesterday. The door to the veranda was open. But the door to the bar was not. The veranda was nice and warm anyway! I'm not sure I'd hurry back here as it's a good 15-20 minute walk from either Malden Manor or Berrylands stations where trains are also fairly infrequent. In addition there's no other pubs nearby. The nearest place listed on here is the Manor, which is now a Co-Op!
17 Jan 2016 16:55
Tried visiting this place last night. It is advertised as open to midnight. But at 11pm last night, they were not serving any more. The barman claimed it was too quiet and they were closing early. There were still several groups in. So we didn't quite buy this. 0/10 for a place that you can't rely on to be open.
14 Jan 2016 22:28
Port Street Beer House, Manchester
The Port Street Beer House was my final pub of the day. It's been on my hit list for some time. But I finally ended up here late last night. It was better than I had anticipated. The interior is fairly modern and it felt a little cramped with the volume of drinkers. Real ales were Hammerton Pentonville Oyster Stout, Celt Experience Pre-Prohibition IPA, Track Mazama, Magic Rock Common Grounds Coffee Porter, Wylam Puffing Billy, Cloudwater Bitter & Summer Wine Resistance Dark Mild. The Coffee Porter was nice. This bar also has a great selection of bottles and also craft beers, lagers and ciders - Magic Rock Dancing Bear Pils, Odell IPA, Mad Hatter Felicia (white chocolate & raspberry), Firestone Walker Easy Jack, Real Time Saison Partizan & Prairie, Hawkshead & Wild Beer BA Oat Wine, Hawkshead Brodie's Prime Export, Redchurch Shoreditch Blonde, Flensburger Lager, Mars Atom, Liefmans Cuvee Brut, Sandford Orchards Devon Mist, Mein Grunes Schneider Weisse, Veltins Pilsner, Orbit Laika Dunkelweisse, Brooklyn Lord Sarachi, Magic Rock/Lervig Redolent Rye & Mad Hatter Penny Lane Pale. If you know where you're going, it is very convenient for Piccadiily station. So I'd like to bet I'll be back here in the none too distant future.
14 Jan 2016 22:10
The Art Picture House is the prominent building you see when entering Bury by tram or bus. It is a Wetherspoons outlet with a central bar and the preserved former cinema interior. Ales were Caledonian Rising Sun Pale Ale, Butcombe Moxee IPA, JW Lees The Governor, Wells Bombardier Glorious English, Phoenix Wobbly Bob, Moorhouses Blond Witch, Ruddles Best & Sharps Doom Bar. Ciders were Westons The Collaborators & Black Rat. Very handy place and one of two good Wetherspoons in the town.
14 Jan 2016 22:02
This place has a vaguely art deco feel to it. It appears to be mainly a dining establishment. But drinkers are taken care of and I imagine it becomes more of a bar later in the evening. Silver Street Ruby & Old J Spiced Rum Porter, Pennine Yule Pride & Timothy Taylor Landlord were the 4 ales. The Porter was excellent. I was warned off this place. But I'm glad I didn't heed the warning, as this is another decent town centre bar in Bury.
14 Jan 2016 21:59
The Clarence is the brewery tap for the Silver Street brewery. Their ales are brewed on the premises. I was surprised to see that it is a fairly trendy place. It was seemingly popular with the after work white collar crowd. The interior is nice, with the original tiled floor preserved and lots of wood. Three Silver Street ales - 103, Session & Heavy were supplemented by Lytham Stout & Redhawk American Red Ale & Mobberley Brewhouse 1924. There were several craft beers too. Well worth a visit and probably the second best pub in town.
14 Jan 2016 21:55
Wyldes is a busy bar on a main intersection in Bury town centre. It has a number of large seating areas. The upper levels were closed. But downstairs was still busy. There are plenty of TV screens. But the ale selection was limited. This is a Joseph Holts house and only their Bitter & Two Hoots were on. Worst pub I tried in Bury.
14 Jan 2016 21:51
Has the usual Wetherspoons large, single room. It was fairly busy on my late weekday afternoon visit. Plenty of staff. But none of them were in a hurry to serve. Ales were Old Tom Strong Ale, JW Lees Bitter, Phoenix White Monk, Caledonian Rising Sun Pale Ale, Bridgehouse Cherry Choc Stout, Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot & Sharps Doom Bar. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Thistly Whisky Cask. A pint of the latter went down very nicely. Both Wetherspoons in Bury are above average.
14 Jan 2016 21:49
Another Thwaites pub, tucked away opposite a church, but nextdoor to one of Bury's two Wetherspoon joints, the Two Tubs has a fair amount of character. All of the ales were from Thwaites. Some were their experimental beers. Wainwright, Original, 13 Guns, Lancaster Bomber, Columbus Brown & Yule Love It was the choice. The fact that a Christmas beer was on means the beers probably don't turn over that quickly. Cider was Old Rosie. Locals in the front bar were fairly friendly. There is a lot of seating in the rooms beyond, with another separate bar. Was offered a free half of the Original as they'd had to pour half a pint of each ale for their Cask Marque inspection.
14 Jan 2016 21:45
This place was easily my favourite pub of the day. It's the original station refreshment rooms and is situated on the platform at the atmospheric Bolton Street Station. 10 ales, 6 ciders and a perry were being dispensed by a knowledgeable barman. Locals also seemed well up on their beers. The 10 on handpull yesterday were Beartown Wojtek, Saltaire Amarillo Gold, Silver Street 103, Green Mill Talisman, Greenfield Vanilla Stout, Riverhead Gingerbread Mild, Cottage Flying Scotsman, Wentworth Challenge & Outstanding Ultra Pale & Piston Broke. The latter is the session ale that is a permanent fixture. Ciders are brought from somewhere behind the bar. The selection was Broadoak Perry, Thatchers Cheddar Valley, Westons Old Rosie, Biddendens Bushells, Bartestree Katy, Hurst View Jibber Jabber & Tardebigge Cider. Two of these were new ciders for me and I also had the mild and the stout. The stout was very nice indeed. There are hundreds of pumpclips on the ceiling and walls. They've clearly had a lot of beers on at various times here. I also echo the previous reviewers comments about the prices. £3 for a pint of cider was good value. The ales were cheaper still. A well deserved 9/10 from me and a must for any visitor to Bury.
14 Jan 2016 21:41
Thwaites pub on a crossroads west of Bury. It appears to have a good reputation for food. But there was at least one other person here just for the ales. Thwaites beers were Original, Nutty Black, Black Bull Bitter & Wainwright. They also had Jennings Cumberland Ale. I'm not sure this was worth the trip out of town. But a reasonably good pub.
14 Jan 2016 21:30
Another pub I had on my shortlist that I passed on a bus. You can't really tell that this was ever a pub.
14 Jan 2016 21:27
I noticed this place on the way to the Brown Cow. The exterior of the building is still intact and it currently looks like it is being used as offices.
14 Jan 2016 21:26
This was the first pub on a midweek trip to Bury. A word of warning though, the footpath from the bus route on Brandlesholme Road is like a mudbath at this time of year. But it does have nice views over the Irwell. The Brown Cow, situated in a country park feels a million miles away from the centre of Bury. It was almost 2 o'clock when I arrived. But there were still a few in finishing their lunches. 3 ales were on - Wells Bombardier Burning Gold, Elland Blonde & Cottage EPA. I had the Elland, which was ok. But all of the ales were a similar style and not exactly my cup of tea. The interior is fairly cosy and I can imagine this is a lovely spot in the summer. It wasn't too bad in the mid winter either. Fairly close to the East Lancs. Railway.
14 Jan 2016 21:24
The Willowbank was another Wavertree pub I haven't been to for over 20 years. It was my favourite of the 3 pubs we tried. There is a circular bar with different ales on both sides. Most of the seating was at the rear. The gents toilets were impressively clean. Ales were Tetleys Cask, Robinsons Trooper, Greene King IPA, Brains The Rev James, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin & Morland Old Speckled Hen. Adnams Ghost Ship was supposed to be on. But I couldn't see any sign of it. Addlestones cider was on handpull. A much better pub than I remember.
10 Jan 2016 14:32
This is a very nice backstreet local, just off Wavertree High Street. Whilst other pubs have a better range of ales, you'll go a fair way to beat the character of this place, with its 2 small rooms. On arrival yesterday lunchtime, we weren't sure it was open. But when the moment of truth arrived, the door opened! There were only 3 other customers in when we arrived and just 2 by the time we left. The 4 ales were St Austell Proper Job, Morland Original, Liverpool Organic Cascade & Timothy Taylor Landlord. Addlestones cider was available on keg. The Cains sign is still up outside. But obviously the Cains has long since gone. There's a few other pubs on the High Street I haven't tried. But this is a bit out of the way to become a regular haunt.
10 Jan 2016 14:26
The Richmond Tavern, Wavertree
After a visit to Pi in Mossley Hill, we headed alongside the railway and along Penny Lane to the Richmond. I haven't been here for 22 years and to be honest I don't recognise it from the pub I used to frequent. It's now an Ember Inns establishment with a warm family-friendly environment more suited to diners than drinkers. They did however have 7 ales - Black Sheep Best Bitter, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Kelburn Goldihops, St Austell Tribute, Liverpool Organic 24 Carat Gold, Thwaites Wainwright & Brakspear Bitter. A CAMRA discount is offered for each person who has a card in your part. The worst of 3 pubs we tried in Wavertree. Whilst the drinking environment is pleasant, it doesn't feel like a real pub.
10 Jan 2016 14:21
The Railway Arms, West Drayton
Came in here last night to watch the football. It's been a while since I last visited. The place is much as it was last time I was here and they still have a real ale. Last night it was Windsor & Eton Windsor Knot. Mainly filled with people from the North, perhaps working on the Crossrail extension. But a reasonably friendly crowd. I'll stick with a 4/10. But it's verging on a 5.
7 Jan 2016 22:31
The Brickmakers Arms, Yiewsley
It's been quite a few years since I was here last. I tried visiting the Brickmakers last night, only to find it closed. The building is still there and all the signs are too. But I know it was for sale not long ago. So I'm not sure whether it actually sold or whether it was withdrawn from the market.
7 Jan 2016 22:28
I'd stood outside this pub shortly after midday in the pouring rain waiting for this pub to open, with no answer on the pub's telephone. I eventually gave up and returned much later in the evening to finally find it open. This is a fairly large corner pub with 2 bars. There were 3 or 4 people in one room watching the darts and another person in the other room. The ale choice was good - Roosters Yankee, Thornbridge Jaipur & Ilkley Fireside Porter. Another enjoyable St Helens pub, when it finally opened! I continued on to the Brown Edge (not listed on here), another pub that had earlier been closed.
7 Jan 2016 21:50
The Olde England was another of the pubs I'd found closed on a Sunday afternoon. It wasn't much livelier on a Sunday evening, with 2 other customers who soon disappeared. However, I thought this place had a real charm. There are 2 bars which are dimly lit and have plenty of character. Ales on were Robinsons Trooper, Dizzy Blonde, Unicorn & Wizard & Facers Landslide. In addition, there were 3 ciders - Westons Old Rosie & Wyld Wood & Abrahalls Nell Gwynne. I had the Nell Gwynne, which was a new one for me. A loyalty card was advertised, where you could buy 9 pints and get your 10th free. Unfortunately, I wasn't having that much of a session. Well worth a visit.
7 Jan 2016 21:46
The Duke of Cambridge, St Helens
I'd been to Duke Street earlier in the day on Sunday and of 4 pubs tried in this area, only the Sportsman's was open. On my return later in the evening, I visited the News Room, a small and modern bar not listed on here and then moved on here to the Duke of Cambridge. This is certainly a down at heel pub. There only appeared to be 2 other people here - the barmaid and what appeared to be a DJ who was controlling the music being shown on a huge screen. Perhaps impromptu dancing sessions start here some nights in the huge open area with very little setting. But this was a pub with very little atmosphere. Cocktails such as Purple People Eater were advertised. But they did have 2 respectable ales - Salopian Shropshire Gold & Moorhouses Blond Witch and apparently it was local CAMRA pub of the year not too long ago. So maybe I visited on an off night. But I didn't think too much of this place.
7 Jan 2016 21:41
Situated right next to Rainford station, this pub is rather unusual in that it has a set of traffic lights in its car park as the entrance is narrow and pulls out onto a busy junction. Live music appears to be a big thing here and a group were playing in one room. There are however places to escape. 3 George Wright ales were on - Cheeky Pheasant, Up The Junction! and Mild. There was also Robinsons Trooper & Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze cider. I quite liked this pub.
7 Jan 2016 21:35
I was here on Sunday evening. This seemed like a locals pub. There is a bar area as you enter and a larger room beyond, which appears to be popular with diners. Brains The Rev James, Coach House Postlethwaite's, Thwaites Wainwright, Facers Midwinter Minstrel, Oceanic Steam White Star & George Wright Pipe Dream. I had the White Star which was good. I was hoping for a dark ale. But none were forthcoming. Still a decent option locally though.
7 Jan 2016 21:31
Another foodie pub in the lovely rural village of Kings Moss. I think I was the only person there just for a drink and there were no tables available. So I didn't hang around for long. But they do have 3 ales which were Black Sheep Best Bitter, Greene King London Glory & West Berkshire Good Old Boy. Food smelt nice. Nice pub. But more of a restaurant than a drinkers' place.
7 Jan 2016 21:27
I made a return visit to this pub on Sunday. It has now re-opened. Whilst primarily a gastropub now, there are still 3 rooms, one main dining area and two smaller bars. I sat in the front bar and enjoyed a pack of black pudding flavour pork scratchings. Ales were Greene King Abbot, Black Sheep Best Bitter & Weetwood Cheshire Cat. There were plenty of staff. I'm now able to update my rating. Nice rural location overlooking fields, assuming you don't get off an hourly bus to find it closed!
7 Jan 2016 21:23
A quick trip out to Eccleston and I found this large roadside pub that feels much smaller when you're inside. It was also very quiet with only one other drinker and one or two families there for Sunday lunch. Live football was being shown. 3 ales were on - Jennings Cumberland Ale, Thwaites Wainwright & George Wright Jack Frost. Service was friendly.
7 Jan 2016 21:20
Finally a pub that was open on Sunday lunchtime in St Helens (I managed to find 7 closed or demolished)! Not only was it open. But this was the pub of the day. There are 2 comfortable rooms, a knowledgeable landlord and a good selection of ales - Greenfield Thirst Born, George Wright Blonde Moment, Purple Moose Snowdonia, Oakham Raucous Reindeer & JHB, Vibrant Forest Black Forest, Ilkley Mary Christmas & Heavy Industry Nelson's Eye. I went for the Lilleys Strawberry Cider.
7 Jan 2016 21:15
This pub now appears to be flats. I went to the nearby Red Lion Hotel instead, which was probably the worst pub of 14 I tried in the area on Sunday. It's not listed on here and not worth adding.
7 Jan 2016 21:08
The Glass House was my second Wetherspoons in St Helens on Sunday morning. I'd previously been to the Running Horses nearby and is not listed on here. The Glass House was the better of the two. It's the usual open-plan pub with a lower level that seemed to be more popular with those eating breakfasts. Service was prompt. Ales were Bath Ales Festivity, Banks's Driftwood Pale Ale, Burton Bridge Burton XL Bitter, Weetwood Oast House, Sharps Doom Bar, Ruddles Best, The Glass House Big Jugs, Greene King Abbot & Heritage Empire IPA. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Mulled Cider & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. They also had Sandford Orchards Pear Shaped.
7 Jan 2016 21:06
Directly opposite Hampton Court and adjacent to the river, this is a popular Brunning & Price pub/eatery. I normally like the Brunning & Price formula, which combines good food with a decent selection of ales. Late on a Saturday evening, most tables were being occupied by diners. So it felt uncomfortable taking a table just to drink. It is spread over two floors with a spiral staircase in the middle of the room. Ales were Timothy Taylor Landlord, Hop Art Hoppy Blonde, Sambrooks Pumphouse Pale, Phoenix Brunning & Price Original Bitter, Oakham Citra & Hogsback Tea. So no dark ales, which I prefer. One of the worst pubs I've been to in this chain. But the location of this one ensures it will always be busy.
4 Jan 2016 23:10
The best of 3 pubs I tried in Hampton on Saturday evening and the best of 10 altogether in West London. This is a busy community pub with a separate restaurant at the back, which was equally popular. Ales were Hopback Summer Lightning, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Triple fff Winter Oatmeal Stout & Hardy & Hansons Rocking Rudolph. The Stout was very enjoyable. Another pub with live football being shown. Well worth a visit.
4 Jan 2016 23:04
The World's End seemed a nice locals pub. Many were watching the live football. But there were a number of families still in as kids can stay until 7pm. There is a pool table one side of the bar. Ales were Hogsback HBB, Windsor & Eton Guardsman & Greene King Abbot & Fireside. I tried the Fireside, which a very nice tipple. Much better than I had expected for some reason.
4 Jan 2016 23:01
This was my first of 3 pubs in Hampton on Saturday evening. The other two were better, in my opinion. This place has 2 rooms. The main bar was busy, with all tables taken. It looked quite nice. I retreated to the side room which is presumably used more for diners. A sign showed that the kitchen had just re-opened that day. But nobody was dining. This second room felt very cold in comparison to the other. The lighting made it feel quite stark. Ales were Otter Bitter, Skinners Betty Stogs, Courage Best & Hogsback Tea.
4 Jan 2016 22:58
Another new Fullers pub I visited on Saturday. I understand this is a listed building. It's certainly an old pub. The ale range (Pride & ESB) was uninspiring. But the small bar area is pleasant enough and apparently there is a separate restaurant. Locals were mainly watching the football scores coming in on the TV. Not the cheapest of pubs. A place I've been past so many times. But I don't remember ever venturing in and I won't be in too much of a hurry to return.
4 Jan 2016 22:49
A visit to the Plough feels like a visit to a country pub, despite it being in London. This was my second Fullers pub of the day and another surprise. It's a good 10-15 minute walk from the nearest bus route. But this is a very pleasant inn. Pride, Seafarers & Rosey Nosey were the 3 ales. But to my surprise there were 2 Cornish Orchards ciders - Farmhouse & Vintage. The pub seems to attract its fair share of characters though and some of the language was a bit choice. But I still quite liked this pub.
4 Jan 2016 22:45
This pub was last in the Good Beer Guide in 2006. It's now keg only with Fosters, Stella, Kronenbourg, Strongbow, Guinness & Carling. The interior is also very worn with ripped upholstery. Has clearly seen better days. Try the Southall Conservative & Unionist Club nearby.
4 Jan 2016 22:42
My first visit to the Grosvenor was on Saturday. It's been on my to do list for a while, as it was recently voted pub of the year by my local CAMRA branch. It's a refurbished corner pub in a heavily residential area. What used to be at least two large rooms has been opened out. But a partition remains where a door once was. There were 5 ales on - Trumans Gunboat Smith & Swift, Weird Beard Black Perle, Vale Gravitas & Siren Love of Work. Cider was Old Rosie. Got a slightly sarcastic response when I asked if there were any different ales on the other side of the bar (there were, so make sure you check). I was quickly informed that they sold 28 different ales! I also read later that a CAMRA discount is offered. But this is obviously kept a closely guarded secret, as it is not advertised anywhere and certainly wasn't offered. A good pub. But maybe my expectations were higher. I still prefer the Fox in Hanwell.
4 Jan 2016 22:38
The Grand Union, Westbourne Park
This is a canalside Fullers pub a short stroll from Westbourne Park tube. But it's unlike any Fullers pub I've been to previously with a good range of cask ales and also a large craft beer selection. Ales on handpull were Redemption Pale Ale & Rock The Kazbek, Mondo James Brown Ale, Fullers London Pride & Five Points Pale. The keg selection is served from taps at the back of the bar and included a couple of Fullers beers, plus others from Meantime, Camden, Trumans, Kernel, Uprising & Weird Beard. The interior is split over a couple of levels and is fairly modern. The clientele seem to be a fairly trendy bunch. One to recommend.
4 Jan 2016 22:32
The Elephant and Castle, Kensington
Nicholsons pub in a fairly quiet pub just north of High Street Kensington. I was in shortly after opening time on Saturday. So I was the first in. I was joined shortly later by a guy with a stick who looked vaguely like Doc from Back to the Future. I got the feeling I was sat at his usual table, as he chose to sit as close to me as possible, whilst the rest of the pub was empty. This is a fairly small one room corner pub. Music from a radio was being played. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Roosters Fort Smith, St Austell Nicholsons Pale Ale, Trumans Yule Star & Camerons Tontine. I opted for the Camerons beer. But it was on the turn and the worst beer of the day. The pub itself wasn't too bad though and is handy to know about.
4 Jan 2016 22:26
The Ealing Park Tavern, South Ealing
I finished off a 6 pub crawl here yesterday evening. I'd heard that they now brew their own beer under the name Long Arm Brewing. So it's an improvement on my last visit. They had 4 of their own ales on - OK IPA, Smoked Stout, Bridie Flipper & Lucky Penny, in addition to Adnams Bitter. The Smoked Stout was good. Still a food-oriented pub. But I'll have to give it another go, when I'm more sober!
1 Jan 2016 15:43
The Magpie and Crown, Brentford
The Magpie & Crown was very quiet on my early evening visit yesterday with only one other customer in when I arrived. The pub hasn't changed much though, with a good range of ales and a perry, along with some craft beers and a good selection of bottles. Yesterday they had Thwaites Yule Love It, Belleville Tie Die Rye, Weltons Thou & I, Hardknott Azimuth & Infrared IPA, Marble Pint & Sandford Orchards Pear Shaped. I also tried the Red Willow Heartless Chocolate Stout. I still like this place. But I have to say that I do now prefer the Express Ale & Cider House further up the road near Kew Bridge station, which was where I headed next.
1 Jan 2016 15:34
This place has now reverted to its original name, the Northumberland Arms. It's been 4 years since I was here last. But I'm sure it was the same guy behind the bar. Locals were friendly and the 3 ales are now supplemented by a cider. This time there was Cottage Scrooge, Sharps Nadelik & Doom Bar & Lilleys Pear & Raspberry Cider, which I hadn't had before. I thought I'd try this place again as I was passing and I was glad I did.
1 Jan 2016 15:26
The Red Lion has recently changed hands and it was noticeably quieter than on previous visits. But there was a still a range of ales and ciders. Although the range appears to have reduced slightly. Yesterday they had Sharps Cornish Coaster, Twickenham Naked Ladies & Redhead, Ascot Winter Reserve, Belleville Commodore Pale Ale & Elgoods CXXX. Ciders were Snails Tumbledown Medium & Orchard Dry. Apparently the ciders will soon move to handpull. The pub itself is virtually unchanged. Although the seating in the one bar did seem to have changed since my last visit. Only one bartender made service a little slow, despite it being quiet. But he was friendly enough and doing a good job.
1 Jan 2016 15:21
The Moon Under Water, Hounslow
First pub of a short New Year's Eve crawl for me. With one CAMRA voucher remaining, it had to be a Wetherspoons. It's been almost 6 years since I was last here. But I'd still rate it as the only decent real ale pub in Hounslow. It was fairly busy yesterday afternoon and there was a reasonable range of ales - Caledonian Double Dark, Greene King Abbot, Upham Punter, Ruddles Best, The Celt Experience The Lost Antlers, Goddards Fuddle Dee-Dum, Marstons Empire IPA & Sharps Doom Bar. Cider was Westons Old Rosie & Mulled Cider. Staff were efficient.
1 Jan 2016 15:15
Richard John Blackler, Liverpool
The Richard John Blackler is one of 5 Wetherspoons in Liverpool city centre. It's very handy for Lime Street station. Although there is also the 'spoons in the station itself. Its location on the edge of the main shopping area is also a reason why this place always seems to be heaving. Yesterday evening was no different and despite a large number of bar staff, it took nearly 10-15 minutes to get served and was not helped with people getting served out of turn. The ale selection is reasonable. But it rarely inspires me. Yesterday it was Moorhouses Pendle Witches Brew, Coach House Raspberry, Greene King Abbot & Abbot Reserve, Peerless Knee-Buckler IPA, Hanlons Goodwill Festival Ale, Adnams Stone Amber Ale, Lytham Bailey's Blinder, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Sharps Doom Bar & Ruddles Best. Cider was Old Rosie. A decent enough pub. But far too busy for it to be considered as a regular haunt and with so many independent pubs in Liverpool, why go to a Wetherspoons?
29 Dec 2015 21:06
I always try to visit a pub I haven't been to before when in Liverpool. But I'm really starting to struggle these days. The Crocodile was my new pub on yesterday's visit. It's tucked away on a side street only yards away from the Cavern Quarter and the city's main shopping area. But despite its location, it was fairly quiet. The interior is large and dark with the room stretching back a fair way. The décor is very traditional and service was friendly. There are no real ales here. The keg range was Tetleys Smooth & Mild, Guinness, Carling, Strongbow, San Miguel & Tuborg. There is a bar called Baby Croc just across the courtyard that seems more of a late night venue. But this pub was surprisingly better than I had expected. Liverpool pubs still have the knack of surprising me now and then.
29 Dec 2015 21:01
The Excelsior is a pub I often try when in Liverpool, especially when visiting the Ship & Mitre a couple of doors up. But I tend to walk in one door and out the other. Yesterday however, I dwelt a little longer and actually had a drink. There are 6 ales in here these days and having two from Salopian signifies an improvement in the range of beers. The pub is slightly bigger than it first looks, with the space opening up at the back. It can get very busy when there is football on. But at other times it can provide a welcome respite from the crowds in the Ship & Mitre. Ales on during my visit were Brains The Rev James, Robinsons Dizzy Blonde, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Neptune King of the Sea & Salopian Choir Porter & Shropshire Gold.
29 Dec 2015 20:56
Looks a bit of a dive from the outside. But the main bar has plenty of character. The corridor between has some original tiling and leads to a lounge area and another room with a pool table. But the vast majority of people were congregated in the bar. Two ales from Church End were on - Stocking Filler & Silent Night. The Stocking Filler was fine. But I'm not sure how much of this they actually sell. I certainly couldn't see anybody else drinking the ales.
27 Dec 2015 21:43
Came here to watch the football yesterday. It bills itself as the Britannia Sports Bar and has multiple TV screens with the capability of showing at least three different sporting events at any one time. There are also different seating areas, allowing you to be able to have sound for your preferred game too. It had obviously been a very busy Boxing Day here, as glasses, bottles and food were strewn across pretty much every table and bar staff appeared to be struggling for glasses. It did quieten down a little, enabling them to clear up. But this is obviously a very busy pub on matchdays. Not a pub for real ale aficionados. Doom Bar was the only ale. But this place does serve a purpose.
27 Dec 2015 21:38
Was here on 31st October, after also visiting the Bear Tavern in Bearwood too. This is an old Midland Bank and now a pub owned by Black Country Ales. It is not the biggest space and you can see through to the cellar at the rear. Bar staff were knowledgeable. The ale range was Derventio Gold, Coastal Cornish Cascade, Hydes Original, Backyard Blonde, Black Country Pig on the Wall, BFG & Fireside, Byatts Mighty Rose & Urban Red, The Beer Studio Spicy Santiam, Community Brewing Pothole Porter, Belhaven Howell At The Moon & Spitting Feathers Smoked Autumn. Ciders were Thistly Cross Whisky Cask & Kentish Pip Fire Spiced. Clientele were typical real ale drinking types (although I'm probably one too). A good pub. But I'm not sure if I'll find myself in Bearwood too often.
25 Dec 2015 18:35
Was back at the Belvedere early evening yesterday. It was packed and for anybody who has been here, you'll understand that it only takes about 15-20 customers to become packed. I managed to find a little corner of the bar to enjoy a pint. The 4 ales were Tickety Brew Stout, Brimstage IPA, Red Willow Seamless & Phoenix Christmass Kiss. The cider was Rosies Wicked Wasp. So I can correct my last review - the real ciders do change. A few people seemed to be drinking the Liverpool Gin too. I believe that is distilled here. The Belvedere is still a consistently good pub and tucked far enough out of the way to ensure it doesn't receive too much footfall. Any busier and you wouldn't be able to get through the door.
20 Dec 2015 14:46
The Lister Hotel was the third of the five new pubs we tried yesterday in this area of poor pubs. In fact, this was marginally the best of these 5. But it probably only warrants a 4/10. It was fairly busy early on a Saturday afternoon. A Championship football match was on the TV. The bar is U-shaped with two rooms, one either side. No real ales and a typical keg range - Manns Chestnut, Worthingtons Creamflow, Carling, Guinness, Magners Golden Draught, Coors Light, Fosters & John Smiths Extra Smooth. The barmaid was efficient, without being particularly cheerful. We moved on from here to the Sheil Park and the Belmont. They weren't any better and neither are listed on here.
20 Dec 2015 14:40
I assume this place used to be an old cinema. It's not as big as some of the Wetherspoons cinema conversions and in fact it's no longer a Wetherspoons, leaving Kensington as a real ale desert. 4 handpulls are still there. But real ale is no longer served. Keg options are San Miguel, Tuborg, Carlsberg, Staropramen, Carling & Carling Cider, Tetley's Mild & Extra Cold, Coors Light, Guinness & Guinness Golden Ale. You can still tell that this was a Wetherspoons and I'm surprised that anybody chose to re-open this as a pub. Some of the seating areas nearer the entrance are cordoned off. So there's clearly not the demand for this size of a pub in the area. Still probably one of the best options in Kensington though.
20 Dec 2015 14:33
This place is known as Paddy's Bar. We went in here yesterday lunchtime, as the Picture House opposite was shut. It is a typical Irish bar and the landlord really is named Harry. The bar looks like a right dive from the outside. But it is better inside and there were several people in, many watching horse racing channels. There's no real ale here. The keg options are Guinness, Carling, Fosters, John Smiths Extra Cold, Tetleys Extra Cold, Thwaites Dark Smooth & Strongbow.
20 Dec 2015 14:25
This pub is now closed. The shutters were down when I tried to visit yesterday. Looks as if it has been closed for some time.
20 Dec 2015 14:22
Somehow we saved the best pub until last again on our 11 pub crawl of Norwich. This is a fantastic little pub situated next to the river. There was a good selection of ales and ciders - Lacons Saint Nick's, Adnams Ghost Ship, Partners Stout & About, Moon Gazer Winter Porter, Orkney Northern Light, Woodfordes Wherry, Sharps Doom Bar, Wolf For Fox Sake & Golden Jackal, Farmer Jims Dry & Kingfisher Farm Cider. We decided to finish with two halves. But I very nearly ended up with 2 pints. Whilst I could have happily stayed for more, we had a train to catch. I need to make a note to try this pub much earlier in the day next time. As it's worth spending a lot longer here. Norwich is a great city for pubs and whilst we didn't get to the Fat Cat on this visit, the Ribs of Beef did almost make up for it.
13 Dec 2015 16:22
I thought the Glasshouse was one of the worst Wetherspoons I've been in for some time. I'm surprised that in a city of so many real ale establishments that this place was packed late yesterday afternoon. Hanlons Goodwill Festival Ale, Coach House Christmas Ale, St Peter's The Merry Elf, Sharps Doom Bar & Greene King Abbot were the 5 ales. No ciders were on. There are a number of different drinking areas downstairs, with an upstairs area too. We didn't stay too long.
13 Dec 2015 16:15
The Norwich Tap House belongs to Redwell Brewery. There are no real ales and with the black and white board behind the bar listing the craft beers, it very much has the look and feel of a Brewdog bar. Beers were Redwell Starless, Steam Pale & Hells, Partisan & Prairie Real Time, Marble Earl Grey, Dark Star American Pale Ale, Wild Beer Millionaire, Mondo Up In Smoke, Magic Rock Rhubarbarella, Northern Alechemy Sour, Becks Vier, Great Yorkshire Blackout, Aspalls, Goose Island IPA & Liefmans Fruitesse. The Blackout was nice. But these beers can seem a little cold, especially at this time of the year.
13 Dec 2015 16:08
St Andrews Brew House, Norwich
Our next stop was the St Andrews Brewhouse. This was a good find. It has its own working brewery and was dispensing St Andrews Stout, Tombland Coffee Porter, Wensum Ale & Santa's Beer-d, alongside a guest - Grain ThreeOneSix. They have a good selection of craft beers in the fridges. Three real ciders from Westons were also on - Old Rosie, Rosie's Pig & Family Reserve. A function appeared to be going on upstairs, whilst the ground floor was busy. Not too happy about one of our drinks being poured from a pint glass that had clearly been standing there for a while though.
13 Dec 2015 16:03
Don't confuse this pub with the St Andrew's Brewhouse up the road (like I did). Whilst it used to be called St Andrew's Tavern), it is now an Adnams pub. Their Bitter, Broadside & Shingle Shells were all on. There was also a guest - Castle Rock Snowhite. Come to think of it, I think they had Purity Mad Goose too. A nice enough place and it was busy too.
13 Dec 2015 15:59
The Vine is a very strange place. It is tiny and primarily a Thai restaurant. But it also serves some interesting ales. On our visit yesterday, there was Oakham JHB & Car Thief & Baird Beer Maris Otter 50. The latter was a Japanese ale brewed to commemorate the 50th harvest of Maris Otter barley. Nethergate Red Santa was being pulled through. The Thai owners certainly don't seem to mind the real ale drinkers. In fact, they appear to positively encourage it. Whilst this can't make for a romantic atmosphere for those who are there for the food, I understand there is a downstairs too. Worth a visit.
13 Dec 2015 15:55
After a very disappointing visit to Number 12, we moved onto the Sir Garnet. This is a pub overlooking the very interesting market. We wandered through the market afterwards and the food selection looked very enticing. The pub itself has a number of different levels for seating, with toilets downstairs. 3 ales were on - Adnams Old Ale, Lacons Saint Nicks & Joc's Norfolk Kiwi. A busy place where it was not possible to get comfortable. We only noticed the third level of seating as we were about to leave, after having stood.
13 Dec 2015 15:50
Take 5 was the third stop on our Norwich crawl. But unfortunately we only had around 15 minutes before we needed to head off towards the football ground. The building is listed and the bar is fairly nice inside with artwork for sale on the walls. There was only one other customer inside. Ales were Green Jack Ole Cock, Humpty Dumpty Swallowtail, Wolf Golden Jackal & Golden Triangle Mosaic. Ciders were Crones & Addlestones. A good option in Norwich.
13 Dec 2015 15:43
With the Cottage and the Plasterers Arms not yet open, we moved onto the Wig & Pen. Yesterday was my first visit to this pub, which is close to Norwich Cathedral. It's fairly small inside. A number of people were dining. 6 ales were on - St Austell Tribute, Humpty Dumpty Little Sharpie, Wolf Sirius Dog Star, Lacons Saint Nick's, Woodfordes Bure Gold & Adnams Bitter.
13 Dec 2015 15:35
The Cottage Freehouse, Norwich
Tried visiting here yesterday morning at around 11:40. The CAMRA website shows the pub opening at 11am. But this is clearly incorrect. Their own website does not work. Hopefully we'll have another visit to Norwich within the next 18 months and we can have another go. 0/10 for a closed pub for now.
13 Dec 2015 15:27
Correction - my review should have been for the Cottage in Silver Road. Haven't tried this one yet.
13 Dec 2015 15:26
Tried visiting here yesterday morning at around 11:40. The CAMRA website shows the pub opening at 11am. But this is clearly incorrect. Their own website does not work. Hopefully we'll have another visit to Norwich within the next 18 months and we can have another go. 0/10 for a closed pub for now.
13 Dec 2015 15:25
The Red Lion was our first stop in Norwich yesterday. It's a corner pub with a nice situation next to the River Wensum. There were plenty of people in when we arrived at 11am yesterday. We believed that opening time was 11. But the number of customers would indicate it had been open earlier than that. 6 ales were on - Woodfordes Bure Gold, Elmtree Winter Solstice, Oldershaw Autumn Hue, Adnams Ghost Ship, Hardy & Hansons Rocking Rudolph & Green Jack Waxwing. The Winter Solstice was very nice indeed. A bridge next to the pub is Norwich's oldest and from it, you could see a number of people making full use of the river in various boats, even on a December morning. A good pub.
13 Dec 2015 15:03
The Hamilton Hall, Liverpool Street
Not a bad Wetherspoons. It's certainly an impressive interior and it's very handy if you're catching a train. But it's always busy. Even at 8am yesterday, the main bar area was busy. But there is a much smaller quiet room at the back and an upstairs seating area too. Service at the bar was indifferent on my latest visit. Ales were Banks's Driftwood, Daleside Santa's Progress, Everards Nutcracker, Jennings Red Breast, Nethergate Old Growler, Black Country Fireside, Titanic Eight Bells, Marstons Revisionist Sardinian Bock & Elgoods Hickathrift. Cider was Westons Wyld Wood. We ordered breakfasts before our train journey to East Anglia and these all came very quickly.
13 Dec 2015 14:54
I seem to have tread the same route as Lezford from the Two Brewers to the Acre. I couldn't visit Windsor without visiting a new pub and the Acre was my new pub. Being the former Liberal Club, it does lack the atmosphere of a pub. But the drinks are still fairly cheap and there were 3 fairly decent ales - Windsor & Eton Guardsman & Mandarin Ale & Wychwood Santa's Goliath Sack. I was offered samples of 2 of them and chose the Wychwood beer. Whilst ok, it wasn't my cup of tea. The place was fairly busy, with a group of lads playing darts and some elder customers tucking into food, which smelt very nice. Sky Sports was on the TV and music was being played. It's only a 6-7 minute walk from here to the Central station.
11 Dec 2015 20:52
Made a return visit to the Two Brewers on Wednesday evening and managed to get a table this time. It always seems to be packed. Still full of character, especially when it's dark. There were plenty of people for meals. The only disappointment for me is that the 3 ales remain the same all the time - Pride, Doom Bar & Tribute.
11 Dec 2015 20:45
I've often thought that the Carpenters Arms is the best pub in Windsor. So I suggested it for our office Christmas meal and it was chosen. It is a Nicholsons pub hidden away in an alleyway near the Castle and the Guildhall. The alleyway is on the beaten path for tourists. But it is also popular with the local trade, making it a popular place. 8 ales were on - Fullers London Pride, Wadworth 6X, St Austell Nicholson's Pale Ale, Trumans Yule Star & Three Wise Hops, Cotleigh Uncle Sam, Roosters Fort Smith & Sharps Doom Bar. I had a couple of pints of the Yule Star which was fine. The meal itself was not the best quality. But it still represented good value and there was plenty of it. Staff were friendly and our party seemed satisfied. Still a good pub.
11 Dec 2015 20:41
I think I've been here before when it was the Slug & Lettuce. Now it is a fairly upmarket McMullens pub with prices to match the clientele it is trying to attract. 3 of their ales were on - Duchess, County & IPA. The Duchess was reasonable. Décor is ok. But you could hardly describe it as traditional. In an ideal location, opposite the castle, this pub served as a good meeting place.
11 Dec 2015 20:34
The Victoria was my final pub on Monday evening and I'd saved the best until last. It's an Allgates pub, with very friendly owners and staff. The 2 small rooms are both served from the central bar. Allgates ales were Wigan Junction & Blue Sky Tea (Napoleon's Retreat was possibly on in the other room). Guests were Buntingford Hurricane & Lincoln Green Archer. The cider was Sandford Orchards Vintage. The landlady was keen to discuss cider with me. She has recently opened a micropub in Wigan. I'd heard people talking about it in an earlier pub and saying how busy it was. So I'll have to search that one out next time I am in Wigan. Apparently the Victoria was Allgates' first pub. It's worth a visit.
8 Dec 2015 21:15
Had a quick look for this pub. But I couldn't locate it. There certainly wasn't an open pub here any longer.
8 Dec 2015 21:06
The Gerrard Arms was pub number 9 for me. It's a little more modern than you might expect when you enter, with a long bar and seating at either end. The barman was friendly. Ales were Thwaites Wainwright, Tetleys Cask & Dark Mild & Prospect Silver Tally. The most expensive pub of my visit to Greater Manchester.
8 Dec 2015 21:04
This pub was closed on my visit yesterday evening. There are no opening times on the door and despite lots of searching for a telephone number to check the times, I never managed to contact them. 0/10 for a closed pub.
8 Dec 2015 21:01
The Hare & Hounds was the second and better of the pubs I tried in Hindley. This is a traditional Allgates pub just down the hill from the station, towards the town centre. A group of elderly customers with dry senses of humour were congregated around the bar. The barman was younger, but certainly knowledgeable. Allgates ales were Wigan Junction & Meadow Pit. Guests were Stockport Brewing Co Cascade, Cheshire Brewhouse Cheshire Set & Burton Bridge Damson Porter. This was my second favourite pub of the day. A fine local.
8 Dec 2015 20:59
The Edington Arms was the nicest of 3 Holts pubs I tried on my Monday afternoon visit to this area of Greater Manchester. This one has a nice cosy atmosphere, with seating situated around a central bar. It's right next to Hindley station. Ales were all from Holts - Bitter, Two Hoots and the seasonal Bah Humbrew, which wasn't too bad. Locals were engaged in conversation and appeared quite friendly. The barmaid was also nice and offered me a sample, before buying. Sport was being shown on the TV.
8 Dec 2015 20:49
The Rosehill Tavern, Westhoughton
Another Holts pub for me to visit. This one is next to Daisy Hill station. Seems to be primarily a locals pub. Holts Bitter was the real ale. The interior is fairly tradition, with 3 separate high-ceilinged rooms. Most people appear to congregate around the bar. The tiling in the entrance porch is impressive.
8 Dec 2015 20:45
The Pendle Witch is tucked away down an alleyway just off the main street in Atherton and near the town's car parks. You wouldn't know it was here, unless you'd been told about it. I first arrived at this Moorhouses pub at lunchtime, only to find it doesn't open until 3pm. You enter through a conservatory. But that gives way to a large, dark bar area. An excellent range of Moorhouses ales was on offer - Pendle Porter, Premier Bitter, Blond Witch, Pendle Witches Brew, Pride of Pendle & White Witch. They also had Wychwood The Dog's Boll*cks & Old Mill Liquid Gold. Lilleys Bee Sting Perry & Westons Old Rosie were keg cider options. Customers were friendly and so were the staff. Receiving more change than I'd actually paid for my drink was quite entertaining, as was another young lady managing to drop the contents of the float for the till across the bar! A nice pub though and well worth a visit if you're ever in Atherton.
8 Dec 2015 20:41
The Masons Arms is situated on a busy crossroads to the west of Atherton. I appeared to be the first visitor early on a Monday afternoon. 2 ales were selling - Thwaites Wainwright & Copper Dragon Best Bitter. Fairly cosy place that I'm sure gets much busier in the evenings.
8 Dec 2015 20:36
The sign for Old Isaacs is still there. But this has now been re-branded as the Pound Pub. No real ales are served. Cask options are Carlsberg, Tetleys Extra Cold, Guinness, Budweiser, Stella Artois 4 & Cidre, Becks Vier & Boddingtons. Halves were £1 and pints were £1.50. The interior was fairly traditional. The place was busy with the kind of customers you'd normally find in a Wetherspoons. I guess this pub fills a gap in the market as there is no 'spoons in Atherton, to my knowledge.
8 Dec 2015 20:33
Large Holts pub on the edge of Atherton town centre. It doesn't look much from the outside. But at 95p for a half, my Mild was certainly very good value. They also had the Bitter & Two Hoots, as well as Wells Bombardier. Typical community pub with 2 spacious rooms and numerous TVs showing different programmes.
8 Dec 2015 20:30
The Jolly Nailor was my first stop in Atherton yesterday and was my favourite pub in the town. There are 3 rooms, each with different characters. Staff are friendly and the ale choice is good. On my visit they had Dark Star Winter Meltdown, Scarborough Citra, Cross Bay Comet, Allgates Mad Monk & Thornbridge Brother Rabbit. They also had Sandford Orchards Pear Shaped. I went for the Mad Monk, which was a 7.1% Imperial Russian Stout and a fine way to start the day. The jukebox was popular, seemingly with fans of the Smiths and Metallica. No CAMRA discount was offered to me. But still a very good pub.
8 Dec 2015 20:26
The Station Inn, Kidderminster
The Station is a short walk from Kidderminster station, but hidden away up a side street. It's firmly a locals pubs and I got quite a few strange looks from them, as I appeared to be sitting at their usual table. The pub seems quite small at first sight. But there are a number of different areas and rooms as you head further back. Staff were friendly. Ales were Enville Ale & Ginger, Wye Valley Butty Bach & HPA & Holdens Golden Glow. CAMRA members receive a discount off real ale. No real cider is served.
8 Dec 2015 20:22
The King and Castle, Kidderminster
After a trip on the Severn Valley Railway, I thought it would be appropriate to give the King & Castle a try. It is part of the railway station and feels like an old waiting room. It doesn't really feel like a pub. 6 ales were on - Hobsons Mild, Exmoor Gold, Wye Valley Butty Bach & Santa Special, Pennine Jingle Bell Rock & Salopian Firkin Freezing. No real cider is served. Was slightly disappointed with this place.
8 Dec 2015 20:18
Large Wetherspoons on the main street leading up from the bridge. It stretches back a fair way from the road. There is a small seating error at the front, with the bar beyond that. At the side is a conservatory and there is more seating at the rear. Toilets are upstairs. I'm told that floor was the old ballroom. It was a busy Sunday prior to Christmas on our visit, with every table taken, mostly with diners. Although there were still a fair number of drinkers in. Ales were Ruddles Best, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Sharps Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot, Everards Sudwerk, Hook Norton AFO, Bath Ales Festivity & Tetleys Christmas Cracker. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Mr Whiteheads Apples & Pears. A busy, fairly chaotic place. Typical Wetherspoons really. Plenty of staff meant that service was quick.
8 Dec 2015 20:13
Nice, little pub down a residential back street. We came here to watch the football, whilst still looking for some decent ales. The Rifleman appeared to fit the bill. It is the current Richmond & Hounslow CAMRA pub of the year. But I was actually a little disappointed. 5 of the ales are on permanently and there is a 6th ale, which is a guest. The guest was Twickenham Naked Ladies. The 5 regulars were Timothy Taylor Landlord, Dark Star Hophead, Twickenham Redhead, Youngs Bitter & Butcombe Bitter. I had the Redhead which was ok. But I do prefer a real cider or a dark beer. So the drinks range felt a bit limited to me, especially after just coming from the Sussex Arms with its fabulous ale and cider selection. So overall a nice pub, that suited our needs. But not as good as I was hoping.
4 Dec 2015 21:02
I still like the Sussex Arms and its sister pubs the Antelope and the Express Tavern. I hadn't been to the Sussex Arms for almost 3 years and nothing much has changed, apart from maybe the food prices. We were planning to have one of the pies. But at £14, we elected not to. Beer prices were still reasonable though. On venturing early on a Tuesday evening, it was fairly busy. A small group were having what looked like an office party in the back room, whilst the main bar was reasonably busy too. I chose a table next to the pub's little kitten, who was on a shelf! Not all handpulls were in use on arrival. The ale selection was Big Smoke Electric Eye, Saltaire Challenger Special & Raspberry Blonde, Twickenham Sundancer, Grandstand, Milk Stout & Vanilla Stout & Mondo James Brown Ale. Before long, 5 new beers were pulled through - Big Smoke IPA & Underworld Milk Stout, Thames Side White Swan Pale, Triple fff Comfortably Numb & Vale GMT. There appeared to be many more local brewers than I remember from previous visits. There are some interesting keg options too. Ciders were Millwhites Apples & Pears & Hedgelayer, Abrahalls Dry, Lilleys Mango Cider, Vachery Farm Guildford Dancing Juice & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Bar staff (all male) were friendly enough and were serving people in order. They still do the deal where you buy 9 pints and get the 10th one free. Still one of London's best pubs.
4 Dec 2015 20:57
I thought I'd done all of the best pubs Bournemouth has to offer. But this is by far the best. In fact it's easily the best micropub I have been to and is now amongst my 5 favourite pubs in the country. It's reasonably large by micropub standards. There were enough tables and seats for everybody, despite it being a matchday at the nearby Bournemouth football ground. The interior is nicely decorated with plenty to keep your attention. Although the figure standing by the door was a bit off-putting. I kept thinking he was one of our party! There is no TV and a ban on the use of mobile phones, punishable with a fine for charity. Music is played from a record player. Beers are listed on a blackboard. There is also a large selection of ciders. As you head to the toilets, you can see the selection of ciders in boxes. I counted 32. Needless to say this was not a pub I wanted to leave! Beyond the toilets is an outdoor area. But yesterday wasn't a day for outdoor drinking. The landlord is a fairly amiable chap and has a blue goatee beard. Everybody enjoyed the ales - Oakham Tranquility IPA, Stonehenge Danish Dynamite, Burning Sky Plateau, Vibrant Forest Black Oktober, Tiny Rebel Dirty Stop Out & Gyle 59 Freedom Hiker. I believe other ales came on during the day. So turnover is good. Ciders that I could see on were King Harry Medium, Broadoak Perry, Mr Whiteheads Devil's Device, Farmer Jims Farmyard Fruits, Courtenay Traditional Devon Cider, Once Upon A Tree Dorothy's Orchard, Abrahalls Slack Alice, Orchard Pig Maverick, Farm Scrumpy (not sure who from), Dorset Sunshine Medium, Sherborne Medium, Purbeck Muddy Scamp & King Brain Sweet. The landlord also offered me a half of a sample cider from the Original Cider Company. This is a pub well worth visiting if you are in Bournemouth. Although the opening hours seem fairly limited. I hope that Bournemouth stay in the Premiership next season, as this is definitely a place I'll return to. 10/10 and only the 5th pub I've awarded this score.
29 Nov 2015 13:45
The Christopher Creeke , Bournemouth
Fairly typical Wetherspoons pub not too far from Bournemouth railway station. It was reasonably busy with all tables taken yesterday lunchtime. 8 ales and 2 ciders were on - Ringwood Forty Niner & Old Thumper, Marstons Burton Bitter, Dorset Brewing Company Smokin' Rock, Sharps Doom Bar, Wickwar Cotswold Way, Vibrant Forest Cydonia, Greene King Abbot, Hogans Hazy Daisy & Westons Old Rosie with Rhubarb. Better than I had expected.
29 Nov 2015 13:29
Seemingly about to re-open as a "Five Guys" burger restaurant.
22 Nov 2015 20:19
When arriving into Euston these days, if I'm still in need of further refreshment, I tend to go to the Cider Tap opposite. But as I hadn't ventured into the Euston Tap itself for quite a while, I thought I'd give it another try. The Euston Tap was a rather novel place when it first opened a few years ago. Looking at these two old gatehouses at the entrance to the station, you'd never have thought they would be large enough for bars and the Euston Tap can still get very crowded due to its size. It's still one of the best places for craft beer in the capital. But I prefer the Craft Beer Co outlets. The downstairs layout at the Tap is designed for vertical drinking around the bar. I've never been a fan of the upstairs seating area, that feels a little claustrophobic. The Cider Tap has a much better design downstairs. Although it's clearly not as popular. Last night the Euston Tap had a smell of urine in one corner, that was quite off-putting. The cask ale selection was Arbor/Moor Double Dark Alliance, Moor Smokey Horizon & Raw, Burning Sky Aurora, Siren Undercurrent & Broken Dream & Tiny Rebel One Inch Punch. I'll be back at the Cider Tap next time!
22 Nov 2015 19:49
I thought I'd better give this pub another visit yesterday, having not been there for a few months. It preceded another small crawl of the area including the Fly In The Loaf, the Roscoe Head (hopefully not my last visit there) and the Dispensary. There are so many decent real ale places in this area now, that anybody who visits Liverpool for its ale should make their way to this part of Liverpool. Although you won't stumble upon this pub in passing. It's situated up a narrow side street. I often consider the Cracke as one of my favourite pubs in Liverpool. But yesterday's visit wasn't the best. The ale range seemed a little reduced - Thwaites Original, Plassey Midnight Mild, Slaters Autumn Red & Black Country Chain Ale. The cider was Old Rosie. There were only 4 other customers and the barmaid present. But this is often a pub that gets busiest in the evening. I'm reducing my score slightly. But this is still one of the best 5/6 pubs in Liverpool in my opinion.
22 Nov 2015 19:31
This was one of two Liverpool bars I tried for the first time yesterday (the Dough Bar was the other, but is not listed on here). Having seen the previous review and score, I wasn't expecting much. It's a busy enough place with most people sat at the bar or stood/sat at various tall tables. There is a DJ booth with another section that is presumably used for events that was closed. The keg selection was M & B Mild, Grolsch, Strongbow, John Smiths Extra Cold, Fosters, Carling, Guinness, Thwaites Dark, Coors Light & Strongbow Dark Fruits. There are lots of drinks offers, including shots for 60p! I've been to many worse pubs/bars in Liverpool than this one. So I'll increase it's average score by giving it a 3/10.
22 Nov 2015 19:25
Egham United Services Club, Egham
Was in here today for the latest Egham Beer Festival. The festival is always worth a visit. 60 ales were on this time, alongside a range of ciders and perries. This is always one of my favourite clubs in the country. It has a large central room with a full-size snooker table and a stage area for regular live music. Around 7 or 8 ales are on at the bar with an outdoor patio used for festivals at the back. There is a small snug area to the side of the bar. Well worth seeking out if in Egham.
15 Nov 2015 18:24
The Railway was our last pub of the day in South London and the best of 3 we tried in Cheam. Ales were Courage Best & Directors, Greene King Abbot, Sharps Atlantic & Windsor & Eton Parklife. The Abbot was fine and for some reason we rounded off the day with sambucas. This is a nice and cosy pub, albeit quite small and standing room only. Being next to the station makes it well located.
15 Nov 2015 18:19
The Claret Wine Bar, Cheam Village
The Claret Wine Bar had a better ale selection than the Prince of Wales, just up the road. But there was still nothing exciting - Shepherd Neame Bishop's Finger & Master Brew, Palmers Copper Ale & Sharps Doom Bar. A singer was on in the corner next to a staircase that presumably led to more seating on an upper level. Not bad. But for some reason I was expecting better.
15 Nov 2015 18:16
The first of 3 pubs in Cheam. None of them impressed me greatly. The interior was fine. A few appeared to be in for meals. 2 ales were on - Doom Bar & Hobgoblin. New tills appeared to be giving staff some problems. £5.70 seemed to be far too expensive for halves of Hobgoblin & Guinness. But the computer said no when it was queried. The young barmaid didn't see anything wrong either. But couldn't tell me how much each half was! I was eventually refunded £2. God knows how I managed to pick up on it after 10 pubs!
15 Nov 2015 18:14
The Grapes was a smaller and far less crowded Wetherspoons than the Moon on the Hill. Service was much more efficient. My only criticism was a couple of the frustrating "Coming Soon" labels being present. The "available" selection was Batemans Young Henry's, Dark Star Hophead, Adnams Bengali, Twickenham Naked Ladies, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharps Doom Bar. They also had a couple of real ciders - Perry's Somerset Redstreak & Hunts Mary Maud's Medium. The better of Sutton's 2 Wetherspoons.
15 Nov 2015 18:09
I was expecting this to be the best of the 2 Wetherspoons in Sutton. But I much preferred the Grapes further along the High Street. The Moon on the Hill is the larger of the two and was also the busiest on our Saturday evening visit. I'm never too keen with pubs having bouncers on the door. But this one had a couple. Waiting over 10 minutes for a drink is fairly unacceptable, especially when staff are serving everybody out of turn. There were plenty of ales. But there were no dark ones and real cider is not served either. The ale choice was Ruddles Best, Sharps Doom Bar, Kings Red River, Oakham Scarlet Macaw & Asylum, Kelham Island Pale Rider, Ringwood Forty Niner, Thornbridge Jaipur & Twickenham Naked Ladies. A lot of people were in for food. Others were clearly in for a session, with wine and shots helping people run up bills of almost £100. Disappointing Wetherspoons.
15 Nov 2015 18:03
Whilst I'd been to the Whispering Moon across the road in Spring 2013, I returned to Wallington to give the Wallington Arms a go. It's an Antic pub and was one of my favourite 3 pubs of the day. There is a large, single room with plenty of seating. Food is served. But it still feels more like a pub. 4 ales and 2 ciders were on - Vim Volden, Thornbridge Jaipur, King Beer Poacher's Moon, Sambrooks Wandle, Lilleys Merry Monkey & Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze. It was a long train journey here. But well worth it.
15 Nov 2015 17:56
The Royal Standard, Wandsworth
The Royal Standard is situated a stone's throw from Wandsworth Town station. It's a corner pub at the bottom of a terraced street. It had quite a modern feel. But it's only a small affair with toilets upstairs. There are 2 handpulls. But only 1 was in use - Reigate Pilgrim Progress. A couple of South Africans were in and were dispelling the merits of English pubs but were not as impressed with the English weather!
15 Nov 2015 17:51
The first of 2 Prince of Wales pubs I was to visit yesterday. This one is in Clapham on one side of the Common. It looks quite trendy from the outside. But I wasn't quite prepared for the interior, which is absolutely crammed full of bric-a-brac hanging from the walls and ceiling. Ales were Longman American Pale Ale, Sambrooks Pumphous Pale & Harveys Sussex Best Bitter. Ciders were both from Millwhites - Rum Cask & Blackberry Blush. Certainly one of the best 3 pubs of the day. I think it's the first time I've visited 2 pubs in a row that both had working sets of traffic lights in (I'm fairly sure there was one in my previous pub -the Craft, Brixton too)! Well worth a visit.
15 Nov 2015 17:36
I've just noticed that I seem to have done pretty much the same route as lezford, but one week later. We both went to the Constitution in Pimlico and then the Craft in Brixton on Saturday afternoons! This was the 5th of the Craft pubs I've been to, with only Clapham, Aldgate and Brighton to do (I think). It pretty much follows the same formula as the Cask in Pimlico and the Craft pubs in Clerkenwell, Holborn and Islington, offering a range of cask ales (often focusing on specific breweries), an interesting craft beer selection and a fair few bottled beers. Situated next to the market at Brixton and next to the railway arches, this is a small café-type bar. The bar itself it fairly small and I can imagine the queues to get served in here could be horrific at times. There are a small number of tables and stools downstairs with more seating upstairs, similar to the Euston Tap but without the death-defying spiral staircase. The real ale selection yesterday was Kent Clerkenwell Pale, Porter, Beyond the Pale & Brewers Reserve, Saltaire Citra, Challenger Special, Stateside IPA & Saltaire Pride & Summer Wine Teleporter. Cider was Millwhites Strawberry Cider. The craft beer/cider options were Pheasant Plucker, Lilleys Bee Sting Perry, Cigar City Invasion & Jai Alai, Evil Twin Hipster Ale, Sahtipaja Ich Bin Ein Berliner, Magic Rock Villainous, Brixton Electric IPA, B Nektar Meadery The Dude's Rug Hard Cider, Hammerton Pentonville, Thornbridge Tzara & Chiron, Harbour Pilsner, Rothaus Wheat Beer & Siren Baby Wheel. The bottles are in fridges underneath the bar. Whilst I quite like the variety of ales this place offers, it lacks the atmosphere of a pub. I still prefer the Clerkenwell branch. Just about my favourite pub of the day.
15 Nov 2015 17:30
I'd been to the Chimes Wine Bar (also on Churton Street) previously as this used to be one of the more reliable cider places in London. When visiting, I'd often noticed this pub further up the street, but never set foot in it. Yesterday afternoon I finally made it in to what is a very cosy backstreet local with what seems like a fairly loyal clientele. Whilst it doesn't have the beer range of the nearby Cask, it is a much nicer drinking environment with lots of nautical memorabilia. A couple of TVs were showing football and horse racing. Ales were Greene King IPA, Sharps Doom Bar & Wadworth 6X. To my surprise, they also had Old Rosie cider - maybe because the Chimes is now no more and the locals needed somewhere else to get their cider fix. Worth popping into.
15 Nov 2015 17:17
The Hour Glass, South Kensington
I was quite impressed by the Hour Glass. It has recently re-opened after a refurbishment. In an area not too far from the Michelin Building with a few designer shops around, it was more down-at-heel than I was expecting. But even still, many of the patrons were supping on wine, rather than the ales. The selection was Fullers London Pride, Portobello Market Porter & Trumans Swift. A box of cider was on the bar, which contained Gwynt y Ddraig Autumn Magic. Some rather expensive bar snacks are available. For example, pork scratchings at £4.50. Samples of their other wares, such as Scotch Eggs can be seen on the bar. But I quite liked this pub and it's certainly one of the best in the area.
15 Nov 2015 17:09
The Durell Arms was our first stop of the day. We'd started in the posher end of this part of London. This place is a short hop from Parson's Green tube on the Fulham Road. Whilst it's a Greene King pub, you wouldn't particularly notice it. Plenty of tables were reserved for diners. So there's clearly a focus on food. But there were 4 ales and some craft-type beers too. Greene King IPA was supplemented by Adnams Old Ale, Windsor & Eton Zinzan's Ale and something called Squirrel Ale. Not too far from Chelsea's football ground. But not somewhere I'd rush back to.
15 Nov 2015 17:03
The Bull was my final pub of the day and a little away from where I'd been drinking all day (Forest Hill & East Dulwich). But I was here to see a friend of mine play in a band. I'd promised to come for a while and finally made it yesterday. I also note the Bull has made the latest Good Beer Guide. It has 2 rooms served by a central bar. Each room has its own entrance from outside. So you have to briefly go out and back in again if you want to get to the toilets or the other bar. The place has a fairly worn feel to it. But it was busy and both staff and customers (plus their dogs) were friendly. Ales were Adnams Broadside, Moorhouses Pride Of Pendle, Sharps Doom Bar & Cornish Coaster & Charles Wells Poppy Ale. Not the easiest of pubs to get to, as it's well away from a station. But all in all, not too bad.
8 Nov 2015 17:57
Youngs pub on a corner overlooking Peckham Rye. Unlike most East Dulwich pubs, it was fairly quiet yesterday evening. 3 Youngs ales (Bitter, Special & Winter Warmer) were supplemented by Portobello VPA. The décor is fairly bright. There are plenty of tables for diners and an outdoor heated patio at the front seemed reasonably popular. I wasn't overly taken with this pub. But as Youngs pubs go, it was ok.
8 Nov 2015 17:50
The Crystal Palace Tavern, East Dulwich
As has been said previously, this pub is now the Great Exhibition. It is tucked away on a street corner in the back streets of East Dulwich. I was slightly disappointed with the pub. It's a Laines pub and the only 2 ales on offer were both from Laine - 48 & Best Bitter. There was no real cider either. It was very noisy in there too, with some kind of entertainment that was more annoying than entertaining. The interior was also a little too dark for my liking. Seemed to have a fairly young, well-heeled crowd, with some dining. But there are far better pubs in East Dulwich in my opinion.
8 Nov 2015 17:47
The East Dulwich Tavern (EDT), Dulwich
After a visit to the excellent Flying Pig (not listed on here, but I have requested it to be added), not too far away from here on East Dulwich Road, I moved on to the East Dulwich Tavern. This place was packed with diners and those in to watch Chelsea play on the TV. However once I'd found a path to the bar, service was quick and the barman was very knowledgeable. There was a good selection of ales too. Although they had no real cider. Ales were Great Heck Washington Red, Brick Peckham Coal Line Porter, Revolutions Fireworks Smoked Pumpkin Porter, Clarkshaws Phoenix Rising, Volden Vim, Dark Star Hophead, Franklins English Garden & Sharps Atlantic. I had the 2 porters which were both enjoyable. Second best pub in East Dulwich after the Flying Pig.
8 Nov 2015 17:41
I was slightly disappointed by the Herne Tavern. It seems to be a food-oriented pub and only 2 ales were on - St Austell Tribute & Shepherd Neame Spitfire Gold. There was no real cider either. So I had to be content with Aspalls. The interior was nice, with seating along a large, central island bar. But the focus does appear to be on the food and the place felt fairly soulless on a Saturday lunchtime/early afternoon. Although a few families were in.
8 Nov 2015 17:33
All Inn One is a pub/bar on the eastern side of the train tracks in Forest Hill. This is a much quieter area than the other side of the station and this was reflected in the fact that I walked in to find only one other customer. Live football was being shown on the TV. 3 real ales were on - Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Burning Sky Plateau & Brains SA, with Gipsy Hill Bounder "coming soon", following the annoying Wetherspoons trait of displaying beers that aren't actually on yet! But I was quite happy to see Rich's Legbender cider on a 5th handpull. There is a larger room for dining at the back. But the bar area in 2 sections is reasonably large too.
8 Nov 2015 17:27
I have to admit to quite liking Antic pubs. They are very individual in their interiors, yet follow a common theme that makes them feel welcoming and atmospheric. The Sylvan Post is a former post office with some very interesting tiny snugs. I sat in the main bar area, where there are some very basic tables anc chairs. A number of families were in and the food appeared to be popular. I was content with the ale range that was quite varied - Gipsy Hill Bounder, Ilkley Scary Spice, Twickenham Autumn Red, Volden Vim & Signature Session. I went for the only non-London beer - the Scary Spice, which was a rather nice pumpkin ale. A selection of board games was prominent. Well worth a visit if in Forest Hill and is just up the hill from the station.
8 Nov 2015 17:22
The Dartmouth Arms, Forest Hill
The Dartmouth Arms was probably the worst of the 5 pubs I tried in the Forest Hill area. Situated close to the station, I was the only customer in on a Saturday lunchtime. As the previous poster says, it has a retro feel with strange wallpaper and lighting. There are 3 sections, a front bar where I sat, a small middle bar where you get served and a larger section of the rear where the kitchens are located. Has very much a trendy feel, with music playing to match the ambience. 3 ales were on - Charles Wells Poppy Ale, Adnams Ghost Ship & St Austell Proper Job. I went for the Stowford Press cider. Not somewhere I was tempted to linger. I imagine this pub only really gets going in the evening when the diners come in.
8 Nov 2015 17:16
This large Wetherspoons cinema conversion was my second pub of the day yesterday. It's a truly splendid building, similar to the Coronet in North London. There's a real sense of spaciousness in here. Seating is split over different levels and the bar occupies the old screen area. 10 ales and 1 cider were on - Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot, Harviestoun Old Manor, Sharps Doom Bar, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Summerskills Westward Ho!, Southwark Harvard American Pale Ale, Oakham JHB, Shepherd Neame Bishop's Finger, Youngs Special & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. There was a mixture of customers in here, from people in for coffees and breakfasts to people like me who were starting the day early. Service was efficient. One of the better Wetherspoons I have been to.
8 Nov 2015 17:12
The Blythe Hill Tavern, Forest Hill
I'm not sure what I was expecting of the Blythe Hill Tavern when I ventured in there yesterday. But I knew that it was currently rated number 3 in the UK on BITE. But having visited for the first time, I can see why it's rated so highly. I was the first in at 11am yesterday. I remained in the small bar at the front, which has a narrow passage between the bars through to the other room/rooms. It almost looks as if you're going behind the bar itself to get through. There were 3 guys working the bar. At least 2 were Irish and all were very friendly and seemingly keen to chat to this first time visitor. It's not often staff take such an interest. So top marks where welcome is concerned. The interior is very cosy. The front bar is decorated with a golf theme and there are plenty of mentions of Ireland. There is a small TV in the corner, where horse racing was showing. If I am to be critical, the ale range could be wider. Yesterday they had Dark Star Hophead, Brockley Red Ale, Courage Best, Sharps Doom Bar & Harveys Sussex Best. But being a cider drinker, I was very happy to see a good and varied selection - Millwhites Rum Cask & Hedgleyer, Lilleys Bee Sting Perry, Sandford Orchards Devon Mist, Turners Russet & Elderflower & Westons Old Rosie. What better way to start a long day of drinking than an 8.5% cider (the Russet). Whilst others came close, the Blythe Hill Tavern gets my vote for my favourite pub of the day in South East London yesterday. Thanks very much to the owner for giving me a copy of CAMRA's London's Best Beer Pubs & Bars book - plenty more ideas for places to visit now. If only this was my local......!
8 Nov 2015 17:04
The Raven must be another place that I have walked past many times and never set foot in. I noticed it was in the latest Good Beer Guide. So with time to kill, I thought it might be worth a try. A bouncer at the door didn't bode well as I passed initially. But on returning from the John Bull Chophouse, he appeared to have disappeared. One young lady on a bench outside looked rather ill and another guy inside at the bar looked as if he wanted a fight! 3 ales and a cider were on - Wychwood Hobgoblin, Moorhouses Blond Witch, Bank Top Old Slapper & Sandford Orchards Fanny's Bramble. Service was friendly and the interior is very nice, with a central corridor spanning the pub and drinking areas either side. Another establishment I'll probably drop into next time I'm in Wigan.
2 Nov 2015 17:53
I had a bit of time to kill whilst changing trains in Wigan last night. So I walked the 5 minutes up the hill to this ancient place, that I've never noticed before. It's situated just off the main drag and overlooks a large square. But you wouldn't necessarily know it was here. It's actually just behind the Moon Under Water. The interior was seriously decked out for Halloween. Many of the customers were inebriated. The more sober ones appeared to be seeking solitude outside. I braved the interior and was rewarded with a decent selection of drinks for a Thwaites house. They did have 2 of their craft brews - Boo & Handsome Devil. In addition they had Hobgoblin. But they also had Westons Old Rosie and their Mulled Cider. Atmospheric place that is worth a try when in Wigan.
2 Nov 2015 17:48
There's still some banners outside this bar. But it looks as if it closed some while ago.
2 Nov 2015 17:42
Market Tavern (Lincoln Square), St Helens
After a visit to the very quiet Sefton just round the corner, I finished my St Helens crawl in the Market Tavern. This was another reasonably busy pub. There is a small outdoor courtyard at the rear that seemed well populated. Not all of the handpulls were clipped. But they did have 3 ales - George Wright Cheeky Pheasant, Robinsons Trick or Treat & Hart of Preston Lord of the Glen. They also had Black Bart cider from Rosie's. A pub right in one of the main shopping areas. Yet it was still alive on a Sunday evening. Plenty of bar staff. But they didn't really have a clue in what order to serve people. Not as good as the Cricketers or the Turks Head. But a fairly decent option in the town centre.
2 Nov 2015 17:41
This place appears to be Irish owned. The music was booming as I entered last night. After fighting through the crowd of smokers at the entrance, I managed to enter a fairly busy and lively pub, full of middle aged people dancing to the music. There's still no real ales - just the standard keg range of Fosters, Tetleys, Carling, John Smiths, Strongbow, Guinness & Coors Light. There was a slight smell of stale urine at the bar. After sitting down for a while to soak it all in, I very swiftly moved on, safe in the knowledge that my short visit to the Royal at least allowed me to fit a couple more St Helens pubs in.
2 Nov 2015 17:35
Beechams Bar and Brewery, St Helens
Still says Beechams above the door. But still closed. Luckily since the last review, a few more decent real ale outlets appear to have opened up in St Helens.
2 Nov 2015 17:32
Holts pub on the edge of St Helens with a couple of guest ales on too. The interior is reasonably impressive with multiple drinking areas. It was fairly busy too, with many locals watching Rugby League. The 2 Holts ales were their Bitter and Hat Trick. The other 3 ales were Bootleg Fools Gold, Wells Bombardier & Sharps Doom Bar. It was nice to find an open pub after my wasted trip to Crank. Moved on from here to the Cricketers Arms - seemingly St Helens' finest pub, but strangely not listed on here. I'll request it to be added.
2 Nov 2015 17:29
Took the trip out on the bus here yesterday only to find it closed. Unfortunately the buses are only once an hour and Crank isn't the most happening of places to entertain yourself for an hour. So 0/10 for this attempt.
2 Nov 2015 17:22
Modern bar on the main drag through West Kirby. It was quiet with just 2 or 3 other people there on our damp Tuesday evening visit. Commodity Brewing Company Tail Whip, Liverpool Organic Cascade, Purple Moose Calon Lan, Thwaites Wainwright & Peerless Red Willow were the ales. Old Rosie was the cider. I preferred the West Kirby Tap. But this is not a bad pub/bar in its own right.
29 Oct 2015 17:11
I finally made my first visit to the West Kirby Tap on Tuesday evening. With the Abbey a few doors up, the Dee Hotel and the White Lion, it makes West Kirby far more appealing. The interior has a large roof with a few leaks, as we soon found out. Ales were Potbelly SOS, Peerless Oatmeal Stout, Milestone Lock, Prop & Barrel, Spitting Feathers Thirst Quencher & Session Beer, Front Row 99 & Bowland Gold. They also had Westons Old Rosie with Rhubarb. Without a doubt one of the best 4 or 5 pubs on the Wirral right now.
29 Oct 2015 17:06
The Cock and Dragon, Cockfosters
This place has been re-opened as the Cock Inn. Cockfosters appears to be a real ale desert, apart from this place. We found it extremely disappointing. The interior is upmarket and it obviously fancies itself more as a restaurant than a pub/bar. Most staff were intent on waiting tables, washing glasses or stocking shelves and seemed too busy to serve us. Ales were Exmoor Silver Stallion, Caledonian Autumn Red & Adnams Broadside. When we finally did get served, the Silver Stallion turned out to be a truly dreadful beer, or rather it was way past its best. The barman didn't appear to understand at first when we passed comment. In fairness, he did eventually offer to exchange it. But we needed to get to the tube station fairly quickly. So we declined the offer. Notably he did not take the beer off. So somebody else would have been served a pint of vinegar. Worst pub of the day and a poor way to finish on.
25 Oct 2015 19:38
The Railway Bell is a bright and airy Wetherspoons, which was quite refreshing. It was also very busy. The furniture layout can appear a bit cluttered in places. The ale range was Wickwar Cotswold Way, Shepherd Neame Low Blow, Three Castles Corn Dolly, Titanic 7C's, JW Lees Drayman's Reward, Liberation Sin Bin, Greene King Abbot, Sharps Doom Bar & Ruddles Best. Considering this was a beer festival, I was a bit disappointed that there were no darker beers on. The one cider was Old Rosie. Very handy for the station.
25 Oct 2015 19:31
I'm surprised this pub still survives. It's tucked away just behind a Wetherspoons and is sunk below the ground. Neverthless, it's a fairly good Greene King pub. There are two bars. The one had live football on the TV and a pool table in use at the centre. The other room was much quieter. In addition to Greene King IPA, Abbot & London Glory, they also had 2 guest ales - Woodfordes Wherry & Sadlers One Hop Stop. A fairly good pub.
25 Oct 2015 19:24
Fairly imposing building in a residential area. The drinking area is divided into two by the bar. One side features a mural of the Battle of Barnet. It was fairly quiet on our Saturday afternoon visit with only around 4 other customers in. There were 4 ales on - Greene King IPA, St Austell Ruck & Roll, Fullers London Pride & Otter Bitter. That was better than we were expecting.
25 Oct 2015 19:19
This pub is now simply known as the Monk. The front bar is a little dark and features some high tables. It was decked out for Halloween, apart from one table that was ready for Christmas! The barman seemed a jovial kind of fellow. The ale range could have been better - Greene King Abbot & IPA, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Skinners Betty Stogs. There is a brighter conservatory area at the rear, which appears to be used by diners. Beyond that was an outdoor area. Around 10-12 people were in.
25 Oct 2015 19:14
Despite the last few reviews, I quite liked this pub. It's a Youngs pub tucked away off the main road. The ale range was the worst of the day - Youngs Ordinary & Special. But the barmaid appeared friendly enough and the pub has a nice feel, with its collection of salt and pepper pots and model boats. Only 3 or 4 other solitary figures were in. A comedy moment occurred when the barmaid asked these regulars if the flat cap behind the bar was theirs. One punter took one look at the flat cap in his possession and decided he had the wrong one and that the one behind the bar was his. Cue an exchange of flat caps. Either some kind of Ann Summers party for flat caps goes on here or the locals are in such a state when they leave each evening that they take the wrong caps. Not being a connoisseur, they all looked the same to me! Not sure about the purple frontage. But this was certainly an interesting place.
25 Oct 2015 19:10
The brewery tap for the Barnet brewery is situated on a double roundabout just outside the town. Only one of their ales was on - Barnet Glory. But this was soon replaced by Barnet Best Bitter. Other ales were West Berkshire Blindside Flanker, Camerons Thirst Blood, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Springhead Maid Marian, Nottingham Legend, XT 13 & Colchester Red Diesel. The cider was Rosie's Pig. This seems to be popular with diners and families. Both were present yesterday lunchtime. Staff are mostly young. There were plenty of them. But they didn't seem the friendliest bunch.
25 Oct 2015 18:58
Ye Olde Mitre was our favourite pub of the day. The word 'Olde' is quite appropriate as it feels quite olde worlde. There are a number of different rooms, with a corridor leading along the side of them. Apparently it is an old coaching inn. It had a cosy feel. The ale selection was good - East London Brewery Pale, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Colchester Brazilian Coffee & Vanilla Porter, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Adnams Bitter, Tring Brock Bitter, Charles Wells Bombardier Burning Gold & Greene King Abbot. Cider was Old Rosie. Customers were mostly solitary figures reading their newspapers. Although there was also a wedding party. A great spot for a relaxing half or pint. The porter was very nice indeed. Well worth a visit and only a short way from the tube station.
25 Oct 2015 18:50
McMullens house situated in a residential area to the west of the town centre. Beware of the pub's website and also other websites such as WhatPub that show this pub opening early. The latter showed it opening as 8:30. But opening times on the door show that 11:30 is correct. The pub has a couple of rooms and appears to have diversified into dining, whilst still maintaining a community function. 3 McMullens ales were on - AK, Country Bitter & Hops & Glory. I went for the AK which wasn't the best I've ever tried. Staff were friendly enough. Only 2 other customers were in, shortly after opening.
25 Oct 2015 18:44
This was the first stop of a swift 10 pub crawl of Barnet and Cockfosters yesterday daytime. It was the first pub we could find open in High Barnet at 11am. This used to be a Wetherspoons. But it now appears to be Irish-owned. Located on the High Street, the interior is long and narrow, with the bar situated around half way along. Lighting is dim, apart from a couple of skylights. Ales were mainly from St Austell - Tribute, Trelawney & Proper Job. But Adnams Broadside was also on. No real cider was available. As with many of the local pubs, it was decked out for Halloween. A reasonable start.
25 Oct 2015 18:40
This is a pub that I've passed many times. But I finally ventured in yesterday to see if it had any real ale on, as it got a mention in the local CAMRA guide recently. There was one solitary handpull at the end of the bar. But alas it was unclipped. The keg range was Tetleys Dark Mild, Carling, Caffreys, Worthingtons, Coors Light, San Miguel and of course Guinness. As the name suggests, this is an Irish bar with quite an authentic feel. It's busy and boisterous with Irish music playing. There appears to be quite a few live acts. The bar area was very crowded. But there were enough staff to keep everybody reasonably happy. Tables were at a premium. I'm not sure I'd return. But it was at least better than I had anticipated.
18 Oct 2015 16:34
The better of the two pubs we tried in the Holyport area. The White Hart has a large car park that was fairly busy. I only went into the bar area. But I presume there was a dining room too, given the amount of cars. We made use of the garden, which has a children's play area. Whilst this is a Greene King pub, the ale range is a bit more adventurous than most - My Generation Beer Company Session Pale Ale, Goffs Galahad, Skinners Betty Stogs & Greene King IPA. The Galahad wasn't too bad. Rugby was being shown on the TV and there is still a bar billiard table in one corner.
18 Oct 2015 16:29
Small village pub just off the main green and therefore a little quieter than the nearby George On The Green, with the Steam Fair on. The ale range was not too inspiring - Marstons Pedigree, Brakspear Bitter & Ringwood Boon Doggle. It seems to be primarily a foodie pub. Most were tucking into Sunday lunches. We considered it until seeing the price of £22.50 for 2 courses. Maybe that's the going rate locally. But it seemed steep. A handful of locals were congregated around the bar watching the rugby. The interior feels too modern.
18 Oct 2015 16:24
Quieter and not quite as noisy as previous visits. The pub itself is still very much unchanged. Service is good and the ale range is still fine. Yesterday was Grafton Coco Loco, Mr Grundy's Sniper, Jennings Summit Else, Robinsons Trooper, Cottage Defiant, Wadworth Dirty Rucker & Phoenix Hopsack & Wobbly Bob. The real cider can be found at the end of the bar. It's always Rosie's Triple D these days. Still worth visiting for a quick one, or more of a session if you're into the music.
18 Oct 2015 16:20
This was pub number 5 on our itinerary yesterday. It's a Lloyds No. 1 Pub that probably gets very busy on weekend evenings. But I've only ever been in during the daytime. Wetherspoons currently have a beer festival on. So the choice was good - Ruddles Best, Harviestoun Old Manor, Arundel Smokehouse Porter, Greene King New Horizons IPA, Oakleaf 10 Little Acorns, Green Jack Rising Sun, Cross Bay Nightfall, Batemans QED, Wadworth Minagof, Belhaven Old Gold, Wychwood King Goblin & Tring Moloko. Ciders were Orchard Pig Hogfather, Tempted Special Reserve, Westons Old Rosie & Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. Seating is on two levels. This was the first time I've sat upstairs. It's quite a large area with it's own separate bar. Although none of the ales are dispensed from there. One of 5 Wetherspoons in Liverpool City Centre these days.
18 Oct 2015 16:16
The Augustus John, University of Liverpool
Tried another visit here yesterday. There's now sign on the window with opening hours and it no longer opens at weekends. Very disappointing. This pub is too far out of the way to make a special journey to anymore. I doubt I'll be back for a few years with the new opening times. Very disappointing change.
18 Oct 2015 16:08
The Wild Card Brewery, Walthamstow
This was my 13th and final pub of the night and I think I saved the best until last. It's more of a bar than a pub and it is located in a small warehouse on an equally small industrial estate. There appeared to be one or two other trendy looking places there too. The interior is small. There are a few tables and a tiny bar, alongside all of the brewing equipment. There is also a single unisex toilet. With no seating indoors, I braved the chilly autumn night, along with about a dozen others at the trestle tables in the very dim light. The whole experience feels like you're drinking in an illegal drinking den. But make no mistake, this is a trendy spot that is certainly popular with the young locals. Three of the Wild Card ales were on - Pale Ale, Jack Of Clubs Ruby & Ace of Spades Porter. The cider was Wilkins Dry. The Walthamstow drinking scene is certainly looking up and with the Nags Head only a short distance away, this is well worth a visit on any Walthamstow crawl. But beware the limited opening hours.
11 Oct 2015 22:12
Another pub that I quite liked. From the outside, it seemed like a traditional East London boozer. But inside, it clearly catered for a young, trendy crowd. It was very dark inside and loud dance music was playing. TVs were showing both live football and live rugby, whilst meals were still being served quite late into the evening. Lord knows how people could see what they were eating though. The food and drink has a Cornwall emphasis - something they were calling the 'Cornwall Project' or something similar. I'm not quite sure what that was all about. Ales were Tintagel Cornwall's Pride, Trumans Swift & Runner, Sambrooks Wandle & Caledonian Drop Kick. I quite liked the atmosphere in here. Worth a try.
11 Oct 2015 22:01
After a swift visit to the reasonably impressive White Hart in Whitechapel (not listed on here, but I'll request it to be added), I braved the replacement bus service up the Kingsland Road to the Fox. This seemed a fairly upmarket pub. There were lots of people drinking outside and I skirted round a couple of bouncers and entered. Inside was strange, in that everybody apart from those at the bar were seated. I suspect tables had been booked to watch the England rugby match and maybe I shouldn't have been able to just walk in. But nevertheless, I hovered around the bar area and enjoyed only my second cider of the day. Ciders were Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze & Sandford Orchards Shaky Bridge. Ales were Redemption Big Chief, Dark Star Hophead, Kent Pale & Burning Sky Aurora & Plateau. There appeared to be a good range of craft beers and a decent bottle selection too. It was difficult to judge the place with the rugby on. But it certainly seemed quite a trendy establishment and one I wouldn't mind trying again one day.
11 Oct 2015 21:56
I'd been to a number of pubs in Wapping, which I always find to be one of the most characterful areas of London. But this was my first visit to this pub yesterday. The rugby was on and many of the local pubs were packed. This small single room bar was not quite so busy. So I even managed to secure a table. Two ales were on - the house beer Old Star Special from Elgoods & Fullers London Pride. I tried the Special which was fine. A couple of TVs were showing the rugby and at one end of the bar is a pool table. Not a bad pub at all. But I think there are better ones in Wapping in my opinion.
11 Oct 2015 21:48
I can't say I've ever been to Rainham before. But the town centre looked quite nice. The Phoenix is a locals pub. But locals and staff did appear friendly. Most were watching the rugby. The ales were all national ones - St Austell Tribute, Greene King Abbot, Courage Directors & John Smiths Cask. There was a vacant handpull, that I believe normally has Wells Bombardier. A nice pub that had a 'comfortable' feel to it. But a shame the ale range wasn't more adventurous. But my Directors was ok. Moved on to the Crooked Billet at Creekmouth (not listed on here), only to find it occupied by some eastern Europeans that didn't speak much English!
11 Oct 2015 21:41
This pub is a good 15 minute walk from Dagenham East tube and is located at a busy set of traffic lights. The large bar certainly seems popular with the locals. Various football crests and memorabilia dot the walls and there is also plenty of wood panelling. Service was prompt and friendly. The ale range was lacking - only Brakspear Oxford Gold. Saturday afternoon Sky Sports News coverage was on one TV and another had live horse racing. This is clearly a big sports pub and Dagenham & Redbridge's ground is just down the road. Not as good as I expected. But the interior is certainly worthy of a visit.
11 Oct 2015 21:36
Large and busy Wetherspoons. Tables were at a premium on a Saturday afternoon. There doesn't seem to be much competition in Hornchurch. Ales were Greene King Abbot & Abbot Reserve, Ringwood Old Thumper, Cairngorm Wildcat, Dorset Brewing Company Jurassic, Ruddles Best, Caledonian Por La Playa & Goffs Lancer. The cider was Bottle Kicking Cider Company Raspberry & Pomegranate. It was nice to see toilets on the ground level for once in a 'spoons. Service was efficient. Easily the best pub in the Hornchurch/Upminster area.
11 Oct 2015 21:32
Locals pub in a prominent position on a busy road junction, the kind of location supermarket chains love. Luckily there's a large Sainsburys just down the road. The pub has a front bar and a couple of smaller rooms behind the bar, including one with a darts board. Nearly everybody appeared to be local. The barmaid seemed a character. She was boasted that she'd been there 5 months and was easily the longest serving. I'm not surprised. Youngs Ordinary & Sharps Doom Bar was the ale selection. I went for the Youngs. Not worth the walk out of Hornchurch town centre.
11 Oct 2015 21:28
The Thatched House is a short bus journey from Upminster on the lesser spotted 347 bus (operates only 4 times daily, except Sundays). Alternatively it's a 10 minute walk from the 346 route and right on the edge of London. It has a pleasant interior, but seemed primarily a dining establishment. Three ales were on - Adnams Broadside, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Brakspear Bitter. My Hobgoblin was fine. There is a small drinking area near the bar with sofas and armchairs and what appeared to be a dining area beyond that.
11 Oct 2015 21:21
Marstons pub a short walk from Upminster station and with an uninspiring ale range - Banks's Bitter, Marstons Pedigree & Jennings Cumberland Ale. It was cheap enough now and with seemingly no Wetherspoons in Upminster, it serves a purpose. Food seemed to be popular too. The pub itself is a large, single room with some tables with high stools and other tables more suitable for dining.
11 Oct 2015 21:17
Huntsman and Hounds, Upminster
Ember Inns establishment that was very quiet on my Saturday morning visit. This is definitely more of a dining establishment and has plenty of tables. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot, Brakspear Bitter & Adnams Broadside & Ghost Ship. No real cider was available. The pub is in the Corbets Tey area of Upminster. If you catch the bus from Upminster station, make sure you're going the wrong way. I managed to get as far as Upminster Bridge before realising I was going the wrong way and expect to wait up to 20 minutes for another bus!
11 Oct 2015 21:13
The George and Dragon, Lancaster
The George & Dragon was my final pub of the night in Lancaster. It was very quiet with only 3 other customers present. Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Lancaster Red & Greene King Scrum Down were the 3 ales on. A beer festival had been held the previous weekend. The pub is a single bar that overlooks the river. Another pub that offers discounts for CAMRA members. Could have done with a few more customers to create an atmosphere.
5 Oct 2015 20:38
Corner pub in the centre of Lancaster that appeared to be hosting a party and a karaoke night last night. There were a few characters. Lancaster Blonde, Cottage Blindside, Pennine Amber Necker & Timothy Taylor Landlord were the 4 ales. Service was good. Karaoke is not really my thing. So I moved on rather quickly.
5 Oct 2015 20:35
Merchants was the best new pub I tried in Lancaster last night. It's a cellar bar that is just a stone's throw away from the castle. It had a good range of ales - Walls Beaters Choice, Arkells Moonlight, Animal Snarl, Old School Merchants 1688 Castle Blonde, Settle No. 3 Nine Standards Porter, Borough Brewery Ella & Martland Mill Lancashire Loom, all dispensed by young, efficient staff. A pub quiz appeared to be ongoing. But it was not too intrusive. Well worth a visit. Offers a discount for CAMRA members.
5 Oct 2015 20:31
The Yorkshire House, Lancaster
Rockers pub not too far from the centre of the Lancaster action. It had a decent range of ales - Coniston Bluebird, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Batemans Autumn Fall & Mad Dog Bark Like A Bird, plus a cider - Old Rosie with Rhubarb. Live music appears to be popular. I don't believe there was any last night. But it was still fairly busy. There was an outdoor area at the rear.
5 Oct 2015 20:26
I'm fairly sure this pub is no longer. We went looking for it. But there was no sign. Lots of building work in the area, as they're building a new motorway to Heysham. One building that looked like it was the pub was certainly closed.
5 Oct 2015 20:21
All the beers in this place were from the Marstons range. So I assume this is a former Jennings establishment - Wychwood Dirty Tackle, Jennings Cumberland Ale & Summit Else & Ringwood Best. It's a large building that must have been hiding quite a few punters given how busy the car park was. One group were shown from their table in the bar area to a table for a meal, whilst there also seemed to be a party ongoing. Quite an upmarket place.
5 Oct 2015 20:19
The Hest Bank Hotel, Hest Bank
After a swift half in the Blue Anchor at Bolton-Le-Sands, we moved on to the Hest Bank in a village above the West Coast Main Line. There are a number of different rooms. Food is clearly popular and we were greeted by two young waitresses as we entered. I think they were expecting us to have a table reservation. But we made a beeline for the bar, where Black Sheep Best Bitter, Thwaites Wainwirght & Goddards Scrum Diggity were all awaiting us. A rather unusual feature near the bar is a small fire with fake smoke coming from it. Reasonably busy.
5 Oct 2015 20:15
The Limeburners Arms, Nether Kellet
I was very impressed by this small village pub. As far as I could see, it had only the one room with a friendly landlord and equally friendly locals. A small TV was showing the rugby in one corner. But conversation appears to be king here. 2 ales were on during our visit - Cross Bay Sunset and an excellent Isle of Arran Dark Ale. A genuine pub with loads of character.
5 Oct 2015 20:10
The Bay Horse was the first pub I tried yesterday in my late afternoon/evening visit to Lancashire. It's a pleasant country pub. Whilst I only ventured as far as the front bar, there appeared to be other rooms beyond, possibly including a dining room. Everards Tiger & Coniston Bluebird were the 2 ales on offer. Open all day at the weekend. We also tried the Redwell just down the road and not listed on here.
5 Oct 2015 20:06
Almost 3 years on from my last visit and I have to say that the Robin Hood remains the best pub in Amblecote. It was just as busy as our last visit with all tables in the front bar taken. We were relegated to the paved terrace at the rear, which was also busy despite the temperature starting to drop a bit on this Saturday evening. The ale selection was better than last time - Holdens Golden Glow, Bathams Bitter, Titanic Plum Porter, Pardoes Netherton Pale Ale, Purity Mad Goose, Wye Valley HPA, St Austell Proper Job, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Enville Ginger Beer & Exmoor Gold. Cider was Thatchers Heritage, Mr Whiteheads Rum Cask & Gwynt y Ddraig Dog Dancer. Increasing my rating to an 8/10.
5 Oct 2015 19:10
The Starving Rascal, Stourbridge
Paid a return visit here after trying the Red Lion just down the hill. It was reasonably quiet here, until a large group of pub crawlers came in, some a bit worse the wear. Ales were Enville Ale, Ossett Yorkshire Blonde, Malvern Hills Black Pear, Salopian Oracle & Bewdley Sir Keith Park. Cider was Orchard Pig Explorer. We sat in the front room this time. It was showing live Premier League football on the small TV. Still a good pub and you can certainly do a decent crawl in this area.
5 Oct 2015 19:05
It's been a few years since I was last in here. But we paid a return visit on Monday evening. It seems even bigger than I remember it. There are a couple of small rooms at the front where the main bar is. These give way to a larger conservatory and then an even larger room where a barbecue takes place on matchdays. I can recommend the chicken tikka kebabs. Curries also looked tasty. Crowds spill out onto an outdoor patio beyond that, which also stretches down the side of the pub. The pub caters for the masses on a matchday (West Bromwich Albion). But I would like to return one day on a non-matchday to see how it fairs. 2 real ales were on - Holdens Golden Glow & Ludlow Gold. Serves a purpose well.
1 Oct 2015 00:04
The Royal Exchange was our final pub in Bloxwich. It has a number of rooms. We appeared to pick the quietest, as most customers appeared to be in the public bar. There was also a pool room with the emergency exit sign hanging by the wire above the doorway. Pedigree was the only ale and the barman managed to overcharge us. I'm almost certain this was a genuine mistake though. Even the aforementioned Highgate Mild on keg was off! Not the best.
30 Sep 2015 23:59
Large pub on a busy set of traffic lights. Has the look of an urban council estate pub from the outside. But the small front bar has a fair amount of character and there was a larger room at the rear. Claims to be under new ownership. But no real ale is served. The keg range was restricted to Carling & Carling Cider, Guinness, Thatchers Gold, Worthingtons Creamflow, Boddingtons & Coors Light. I'm sure this pub has seen much better days.
30 Sep 2015 23:56
I believe this pub is currently closed. It certainly looked as if it has been a long time since it has been open when we drove past on Monday. But it certainly left me intrigued and I'd love to give this a go one day.
30 Sep 2015 23:53
No sign of this pub now. But the houses there seemed to pre-date the internet. So it's not clear exactly where the pub was.
30 Sep 2015 23:51
The Wheatsheaf was undoubtedly the best of what Bloxwich had to offer on Monday evening. It's an old Banks's house with Bitter, Mild & Sunbeam on, in addition to a guest beer from Arkells - Rugbeer. The interior felt welcoming and a real fire was blazing. There is a large collection of sewing machines in one area. A small garden can be found at the rear. Both the barmaid and locals were friendly. A number of social events appear to take place regularly.
30 Sep 2015 23:50
The Lamp was the first of 4 Bloxwich pubs sampled for our West Midlands visit on Monday night. It's a Holdens pub that was serving Black Country Mild, Black Country Bitter & Golden Glow. The central bar has a lounge-like area on one side and more of a bar on the other. Felt like a true locals boozer. But it didn't feel like the cleanest pub you'd ever go in. But that was maybe simple because the interior is quite worn.
30 Sep 2015 23:47
The Three Crowns was our final pub of the day in Leicestershire and was a good way to finish. It had a well populated bar, with a group of others seated outside at the rear. The ale selection was ok - Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Sharps Doom Bar, Bass & Shipstones Bitter. Rosie's Pig was the cider. The outdoor toilets made a refreshing change and they were actually very clean. I liked the fact there was a general store opposite called Ga Ga Granville's!
30 Sep 2015 23:42
The Anchor Inn, Walton on the Wolds
Very quiet village pub with just one other customer inside and a handful outside at both the front and the rear. A nice setting and pleasant inside too. Taylor Landlord, Fullers London Pride & Adnams Bitter were the 3 ales. Probably gets busier later in the evening with locals.
30 Sep 2015 23:37
Soar Bridge Inn, Barrow On Soar
The Soar Bridge probably has the best ale selection in this town - Everards Tiger, Sunchaser & Original, Banks & Taylor Black Squirrel, Batemans XB & Castle Rock Crafty Flanker. Cider was Westons Family Reserve. The last of the Sunday lunches was being consumed and live rugby was on the TV. I preferred the Navigation for location. But this is undoubtedly a good pub.
30 Sep 2015 23:34
The Hunting Lodge, Barrow upon Soar
The Hunting Lodge is certainly an impressive building. But as a pub, it didn't seem to work. I guess most of their trade is in meals. It certainly was on a Sunday afternoon. The ale range was Abbot, Old Golden Hen & Broadside. Appears to offer accommodation too. Rugby was being shown on the TV.
30 Sep 2015 23:31
The Navigation Inn, Barrow upon Soar
The Navigation was our favourite of 3 pubs in Barrow upon Soar. It is set in a residential area and as you'd expect is alongside a canal. We arrived to see a bunch of Hare Krishna's jumping up and down and seemingly setting off on a boat journey along the canal, which was all a bit surreal. Ales inside were Wychwood Dirty Tackle, Caledonian Golden XPA, Theakston Best, Navigation Inn Ale & Greene King Abbot. There was a strong smell of urine in the bar area from something or someone. Championship football was being shown on the TV. We retreated to the suntrap patio with nice views of the canal. You could spend hours there. Not the best selection of ales. But a lovely location.
30 Sep 2015 23:29
Having been to the Free Trade in this small town a number of years ago, I returned to Sileby to try this Steamin' Billy pub. It has a fairly traditional feel. Although you can tell it has only recently been refurbished. The one room has the feel of a library. There is outdoor seating in a small garden at the rear of the very tight car park. Ales were Tipsy Fisherman, Billy Bitter & Skydiver. In addition there were 2 guests - Belvoir Dark Horse & Charnwood Vixen. Fynburys Rutland Cider & Broadoak Perry were also available. Seems to offer a number of events to encourage local custom. Quite impressed with this pub.
30 Sep 2015 23:26
This was the third and least favourite of the places we tried in Syston. We much preferred the Dog & Gun and the Syston & District Social Club, that are not listed on here. The latter was my favourite establishment of the day. The Queen Victoria is nice as a pub. It certainly looks as if it has had plenty of history. But as an Everards place, the ale range was a touch limited - Beacon & Tiger, plus Empress Victoria (a house beer) and Batemans XB. Due to have a beer festival this weekend. The outdoor area at the rear looked quite pleasant.
30 Sep 2015 23:19
The Brookside was to be our second pub of the day on Sunday. But it was closed due to "a family bereavement". Has a lovely setting in this pretty village though. 0/10 for now. But maybe I'll be back to try it again one day.
30 Sep 2015 23:14
The Malt Shovel was the first offering of the day for us in Leicestershire. You could easily think you're in Lancashire whilst visiting a Thwaites pub. So I'm sure I'll be seeing more Thwaites this weekend! Thwaites Original, Wainwright, Lancaster Bomber & Nutty Black were all on, in addition to Beartown Bearly Literate. I had the Nutty Black that was almost pure vinegar - I don't often leave a drink and should really have returned this. Staff were setting up for Sunday lunch with many tables having reserved signs. Apparently a CAMRA discount should have been offered. But it wasn't. Poor.
30 Sep 2015 23:13
The last of 12 Grantham pubs we tried on Saturday, the Lord Harrowby is hidden away in the backstreets outside the town centre. But it's a friendly two room local with a decent real ale offering - Brewsters Hophead, St Austell Ruck & Roll, Rudgate Cask In Glory, Twisted Brewery Rider & Mallinsons Brewer Gold. No real cider was available. The bar was showing the rugby and the lounge was for people who fancied a bit more peace and quiet. Certainly one of Grantham's best pubs.
30 Sep 2015 23:02
The Tollemache Inn is a large corner Wetherspoons at the edge of Grantham town centre. Service was good and the ale range was also reasonable for a Wetherspoons - Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot, Adnams Broadside, Sharps Doom Bar, Grafton Lady Mary, Oldershaw Blonde & Newton's Drop, Newby Wyke Black Beerd's Extra & Rudgate Battle Axe. Ciders were Hecks Glastonbury Gold, Cornish Orchards Pear Cider, Barbourne Crimson King, Hunts Mary Maud's Medium, Perry's Somerset Cider & Sandford Orchards The Collaborators. A few were in to watch the rugby, which was on the TVs with sound. Grantham is one of those towns where the Wetherspoons is a welcome addition. Only the Nobody Inn, Chequers and the Lord Harrowby can really beat it.
30 Sep 2015 22:58
After a visit to the Grantham Railway Club, we moved on to the Stagger Inn. This is a nice enough pub, but no longer stocks any real ales. John Smiths Extra Smooth, Symonds Founders Reserve, Carlsberg Extra Cold, Kronenbourg, Strongbow, Carling & Guinness was the offering, for the record!
30 Sep 2015 22:53
Still very much closed. But you can still tell it was a pub (unlike the Hunting Tower Arms down the road which is now a Kwik Save). So it may re-open one day.
30 Sep 2015 22:50
Locals pub in a Grantham side street that has 2 rooms and a few local characters dancing along to tunes they were playing on the jukebox. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar & Newby Wyke Bear Island. Clearly an old pub and whilst searching for local accommodation, I noted that they offer fairly cheap rooms. I just wasn't quite quick enough to book.
30 Sep 2015 22:49
After visits to Chequers and the Angel & Royal (neither listed on here), we moved on to the Goose At The Bank. This large open-plan pub has a Wetherspoons feel to it. But it is part of a different chain. Ales on were Tom Woods Lincoln Gold & Bomber County, Joseph Holt Mild, Black Sheep Best Bitter & Greene King Scrum Down. Cider was Westons Family Reserve. TV screens were showing a choice of live football or rugby. This place looks as if it can get very busy. But we still found seating. Overall, it exceeded my expectations.
30 Sep 2015 22:46
This place had recently re-opened and made the 2016 Good Beer Guide as the Chameleon. But it is closed again!
30 Sep 2015 22:41
The Blue Pig is a half-timbered building just on the edge of the town centre. It has a single bar serving 3 different rooms, that still maintain a bit of character. The pub has a rough and ready feel to it. But I don't regard that as a bad thing. Ales were Wychwood Hobgoblin & Hobgoblin Gold, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Oldershaw Heavenly Gold. Cider was Old Rosie. Worth a visit, as part of a Grantham crawl.
30 Sep 2015 22:40
The Black Dog was our third Grantham pub on Saturday following the Avenue Hotel and the Nobody Inn. The latter was easily the best pub in the town, but is not listed on the site. The Black Dog is a Marstons pub with only their ales available - Marstons Pedigree & Speeding Mallard, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Mansfield Cask Ale. There are a number of different areas you can choose to sit in. Live football scores were being shown in one area and live rugby in another. They were preparing for that evening's England v Wales game with banners and flags. So it is clearly a popular pub for sports viewers.
30 Sep 2015 22:36
The Stag was our second pub of the day on a Saturday Lincolnshire crawl, after the Ancaster Social Club. It's an Everards pub serving Tiger, Sunchaser & Beacon. They also had a guest from Castle Rock - Crafty Flanker. Whilst it seemed primarily a foodie-type pub, there were a couple of drinkers. There is a dining area on one side and a lounge (where food is also served) on the other. Some of the seating is on old church pews. Has a nice village location.
30 Sep 2015 22:29
I ventured out to Colindale for my final pub of the evening last Friday. This is the first pub I've tried in this area and I wasn't overly impressed. The pub is nice enough itself and has a community feel. But some of the locals were a bit too rowdy and the ale range was not the best - Caledonian Drop Kick & Golden XPA, alongside Chandos Charmer, presumably the house beer. Wasn't really worth the trip across London for.
30 Sep 2015 22:23
The Grafton Arms, Kentish Town
The Grafton is a large pub near to Kentish Town West station. It has a large room downstairs with a central island bar. I went upstairs to see if it was any quieter. But it was busy there too. So I went back downstairs and propped up the bar. Ales were Sambrooks Wandle, Purity Mad Goose, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Moncada Notting Hill Amber & By The Horns Stiff Upper Lip. Cider was Westons Rosie's Pig. Supposed to offer a CAMRA discount. But I certainly wasn't offered it. But nevertheless a fairly nice pub.
30 Sep 2015 22:20
The Lion and Unicorn, Kentish Town
The Lion & Unicorn is on a residential side street in Kentish Town. It is a Youngs pub with a nicely decorated interior and a small patio at the front. Ales were Sharps Coaster, Purity Mad Goose, Redemption Big Chief & Youngs Wooden Spoon & Ordinary. Nice enough pub. But the ales weren't to my liking and there was no real cider. There is a theatre upstairs.
30 Sep 2015 22:16
The Black Heart is located in a narrow side street just parallel to the main drag in Camden. It is a rockers pub that is dark and noisy. But it is large enough inside and I managed to secure a seat on my Friday evening visit. The solitary ale was Gloucester Red Sorachi. They also had Lilleys Sunset Cider & Bee Sting Perry. There seemed to be a good range of craft and bottled beers too. The unisex toilets are fairly unique. I remembered reading about them, but still wondered if I was in the right place when following a couple of women in.
30 Sep 2015 22:11
I'm not sure I've ever ventured into this large square with a central car park (and as I remember a weekend market advertised). So I'd certainly never noticed the Gunmakers before. But its entry in the latest Good Beer Guide attracted me here. It's a large, single room place. But seating is limited and I was forced to join others on the pavement at the front. Ales were ok- London Fields Shoreditch Triangle, Harveys South Down Harvest, Sambrooks Scrumdown & Trumans Somersault. But I would have preferred a dark beer or a cider.
30 Sep 2015 22:04
The Lyric was my favourite pub of Friday evening. It's a typically small Soho establishment just off the hustle and bustle of Shaftesbury Avenue. It can get a few deep at the bar. But there were plenty of staff on hand to serve. The ale range was Wild Weather Shepherds Warning & Storm In A Teacup, Dark Star American Pale Ale, Red Willow Feckless, Trumans Zephyr & Big Smoke Underworld Milk Stout. Lilleys Bee Sting Perry was also on and there is a good range of craft beers. Crowds spill out onto the pavement and receive plastic glasses if they choose to do so. The gents is through a narrow door and down some equally narrow stairs. Well worth a visit.
30 Sep 2015 21:59
The Lamb Tavern, Leadenhall Market
Having visited the Lamb over 5 years ago last, I returned to take in Old Tom's Bar, which is in the basement of this establishment. Whilst the Lamb itself was packed on my late Friday afternoon visit with many spilling out into the market itself, few manage to spot the narrow entrance, including myself. I eventually went into the Lamb to find out where the entrance to Old Tom's Bar actually was. The bar was much quieter and I easily secured a table. The look and feel is of an old butchers premises with white tiled walls and meat hanging over the bar. Sharps Coaster & Youngs Ordinary & London Gold were on offer. I plumped for Aspalls. Complimentary sausage rolls were on the bar. It's well worth knowing about Old Tom's Bar, if you're looking for something a bit more peaceful. I assume the ales are the same as in the Lamb upstairs. Only open during the week.
30 Sep 2015 21:54
The Draft House was the first of my 8 London pubs on Friday evening. I'd only previously been to the Battersea branch of this chain. As you'd expect given its location, this is full of City types who on the most part appear to be pretty inconsiderate. Trying to see the ale range was difficult in itself with a group of them hogging the bar. With the rugby world cup having started, quite a few were in to watch it on the huge screen. Ales were Windsor & Eton Zinzan's Drop, Old Dairy Gold Top, Sambrooks Wandle, Draft House Session IPA & Dark Star Hophead. The cider was Orchard Pig Philosopher. Service was lacklustre. Whilst the one barman acknowledged me, one barmaid ignored me in favour of drying glasses, whilst being happy to serve somebody who'd just walked up to the bar. CAMRA members are supposedly offered discounts. But none was offered on this occasion. Not somewhere I'd make a beeline for. But ok if in the area.
30 Sep 2015 21:46
No visit to Reading is complete without a visit to the Alehouse. It certainly makes my top 20 pubs in the country. It was busy as usual on our early Tuesday evening visit. But despite its compact size and central location, I've never really found it crowded. 3 ales from West Berkshire - Dr Hexter's Healer, Swift Pale & Good Old Boy are supplemented by guests - Hackney Waimea, Siren Bre Broken Dream, Binghams Thirst Past The Post, Offbeat Outlandish Pale & Great Heck Washington Red. There were also 5 ciders and perries - Lilleys Wild Dog & Crazy Goat, Gwynt y Ddraig Two Trees Perry & Fiery Fox & Sandford Orchards Pear Shaped. They also still do mead from Lyme Bay - an excellent drink to finish on. This pub oozes character and has plenty of local characters too. Almost a 10/10. But I tend to save such scores for only 3 or 4 pubs. The only downside for me is that the Alehouse hinders me from seeking out new pubs in the town!
23 Sep 2015 21:41
My second new pub of the day in Reading and I really enjoyed this one. It's really handy for the West entrance to the station. There are 6 real ales, 1 real cider and a good selection of craft beers too. CAMRA discounts of 20% per pint (and I think 10% per half) are offered on the ales. The number of pumpclips on the wall testify to the decent selection they've had on here since it re-opened. On our visit, they had Hogsback HBB, Salopian Shropshire Gold, Red Squirrel Redtail Citra, Animal Snarl, Ticketybrew Pale Ale & Dancing Duck Dark Drake. The Dark Drake was excellent. Cider was Farmer Jim's Medium. Well worth a visit.
23 Sep 2015 21:34
I'm not sure if this is a pub that serves Thai food or a Thai restaurant that serves ale. On our Tuesday afternoon visit, it felt slightly more like a pub with only fellow drinkers and no diners. 4 ales were on - Sharps Doom Bar, Wadworth Dirty Rucker & Wells Bombardier & Bombardier Burning Gold. We went for the Wadworth ale, which wasn't the best. We might have tried a curry. But the specials didn't start until 6pm and there were better pubs awaiting us elsewhere in Reading.
23 Sep 2015 21:27
Open-plan Greene King pub with a central bar. The two bar staff were struggling to cope with the number of people and were serving people out of turn. When you've got people ordering large rounds including one with 10 Jagerbombs(!), it can clearly take a while to get served in here. It took me 10 minutes to finally get served. Was it worth it? Probably not. Greene King Abbot & IPA was the real ale section. Although they did have 3 Lilleys ciders - Apples & Pears, Crazy Goat & Bee Sting Perry. The rear of the pub has an area for bands and DJ's. There is a more comfortable snug celebrating Dylan Thomas at the front and an outdoor terrace area also at the front. It's not particularly inspiring and not worth the lengthy wait to get served. But the real cider does earn it a point for me. So 5/10.
20 Sep 2015 13:49
Still in search of a really decent drinking hole in Swansea and whilst there's some fairly good pubs, there's none in particular that stand out. We paid a return visit to the Brunswick Arms after our first visit 3 years ago. The pub is pretty much unchanged. It is fairly large and quite dark inside. The ale range was Brains The Rev James, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Greene King Abbot, Courage Directors & Best & West Coast Red, the latter dispensed by gravity. Gwynt y Ddraig is still the solitary real cider. Rugby was being shown on the TVs. I think the 2 Wetherspoons pubs still trump this as the best pubs in Swansea, which doesn't say much for the quality of pubs in the city.
20 Sep 2015 13:40
After trying the Valley across the road (not listed on here), we moved onto the Joiners Arms to sample the ales from the Swansea brewery. Similar to the Valley, the Joiners Arms has a proper village pub feel and stocked a decent range of ales - Caledonian Autumn Red, Swansea Bishopwood Bitter, Three Cliffs Gold & The Original Wood, Marstons Pedigree, Brains No. 8 & Courage Best. No real cider is dispensed. For that head over to the Valley. The Joiners has a couple of rooms. You can access the bar and the gents from both. Both had TVs , with one room showing Premier League football and the other showing World Cup rugby. The front bar has a spiral staircase right in the middle. There is a small seated area at the front and possibly another at the rear. The Joiners was pub of the day.
20 Sep 2015 13:27
Quiet village pub where we enjoyed a swift pint in the Welsh sunshine yesterday. The 3 ales were Tribute, The Rev James & London Pride. No real cider was available. But Addlestones cider was on keg. The interior felt fairly modern. Although we didn't stay long there, as we headed outside. Nice location. But we headed across to Bishopston next to find a couple of better pubs.
20 Sep 2015 13:20
The Duncombe Arms was my final pub of the night yesterday. It is a Greene King pub, but has a decent range of guest ales. In addition to their IPA & Abbot, they had Potbelly Beijing Black, Cliff Quay Tumble Home & Ossett Silver King. The cider was Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. The interior is fairly open-plan. But unfortunately a quiz was taking place. This meant that all tables were reserved and standing at the bar with silence apart from the women reading the quiz questions and the occasional bit of banter. Service was fairly inattentive. The barman was one of those that would be more suited to a nightclub with bottle spinning antics. But nevertheless this is another decent option for Hertford. Just don't pick a Thursday night.
18 Sep 2015 20:22
Back to Hertford and the Old Barge was my fourth pub there and this was another excellent place. Although I did feel it lacked a little atmosphere, as it is quite a large place and maybe needed a few more customers. There is a small room to the left when you enter and a larger room to the right. A few people were in to eat. The barmaid was friendly and happy to offer advice about the ale and cider range and also to allow samples. The range was Madness Brewing Co. Lovestruck, Elland Catch The Rainbow, Woodfordes Wherry & St Austell Tribute. 3 real ciders were Abrahalls Slack Alice, Somerset Cider Co. Bootleg Moonshine & Lilleys Mango Cider. The pub has a lovely location next to the canal and next to a narrow bridge. Just the other side is the Hertford Club, not listed on the site, which was my next port of call.
18 Sep 2015 20:07
I took a break from the decent pubs in Hertford to give the Fox & Hounds one more try. This time it was open. But this is clearly more of a restaurant serving a couple of ales, rather than a pub serving food. All other customers were dining. Nevertheless service was friendly and they had Watling Street Premium Ale & Adnams Bitter. The former is from a brand new brewery (opened a couple of months ago) from nearby Radlett. So the owners clearly have a good eye for decent ales. The entrance to the toilets is disguised with a bookcase design and the overall design of the place is nice. My only concern is that it just does not feel like a pub and with the inconsistent opening hours, I'll only be upgrading my score to a 4/10.
18 Sep 2015 19:44
The Old Cross Tavern, Hertford
Third pub of my Hertford crawl and this was much busier than the Black Horse and the White Horse, despite it being a smaller pub. It has its own brewery, appropriately named Old Cross and was dispensing its Autumn Ale. In addition there was Raw Baby Ghost IPA, Wold Top Golden Summer, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Dark Star Espresso. This was the only pub I visited in Hertford not dispensing a real cider. But the Espresso was an adequate replacement for me. The barman (landlord?) was friendly. A beer festival was being advertised for October. The scotch eggs caught my eye too. But I'd already decided to try the nextdoor Chinese takeaway! Runs the Black Horse close as my favourite pub in Hertford.
18 Sep 2015 19:33
I was slightly disappointed with the White Horse, compared with the standards of other Hertford pubs. It is a Fullers pub. But I was expecting a few more guests than just Butcombe Rare Breed. The Fullers ales were Seafarers, Pride & ESB. For a pub that is supposed to offer 10 ales, this was particularly poor. 2 Millwhites ciders are served from the fridge - Hedgelayer & Rioja Cask. I sat in the small bar to the left as you enter with a group of locals who were discussing royalty and socialism - rather entertaining. The building itself is certainly appealing inside and out. But the lack of ales felt as if the present owners were preparing for its closure.
18 Sep 2015 19:24
This was the first of 6 Hertford pubs sampled on a Thursday evening and was just about the best. You can do a fairly decent crawl in this town. This particular pub is separated from the main part of the town centre by the town's main road, the A414 and is in aresidential street. It has a couple of small rooms. The larger is the main bar area and there is a smaller area with a dartboard. I didn't notice a TV. So maybe they have taken heed of the last review. Staff and the locals were friendly. There are 6 handpulls. But on this visit, only 4 ales were on - Buntingford 50 Summers & Highwayman, Greene King St Edmunds Ale & Red Squirrel Conservation Ale. Ciders are fetched from the cellar and there were 3 - Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze, Lilleys Merry Monkey & Abrahalls Slack Alice. A couple of people were on the Merry Monkey. So I joined in, having not had that one before. Discounts for CAMRA members on ales and ciders are actively offered. I believe this was 10p per pint. But it may have been 20p.
18 Sep 2015 19:18
Despite my last comment 2 years ago that I needed to get here more often, the Pilgrim is not a place I've had a drink in too many times since. We often go in, but are disappointed by the ale range that appears to have shrunk of late. 3 ales were on - Spitting Feathers Solstice, Sharps Doom Bar & Titanic Plum Porter. Rosies Black Bart was advertised. But I couldn't see it anywhere. But I was happy enough with the porter. I still like this place as a pub. It has a fairly unique atmosphere and being in between the Cracke and the Grapes, it's still a place I will visit.
13 Sep 2015 12:28
The Old Blind School, Liverpool
Yesterday was my first visit to the newly opened Old Blind School. It's a fairly posh kind of place where you're welcomed by a receptionist, who has expected you to have reserved a table. This appears to be first and foremost a dining place. But we moved along to the bar area and found 2 ales - Salopian Hop Twister & Liverpool Organic Williamson Tunnale. I opted for the latter only to be told it was off. They're supposed to have 3 ales. So perhaps this was not a true reflection of this place and I'll undoubtedly be back, as it's in a great area for Liverpool's pubs. But from this experience, it certainly won't be a place I'll make a beeline for.
13 Sep 2015 12:21
What better time to pay my first visit to the Casa after the results of the Labour leadership vote! I have passed many times, but never entered. It's a Liverpool institution. But that's more due to its history than anything else. The keg range of ales is fairly uninspiring. Plenty of socialist stuff on the walls and customers wearing Jeremy Corbyn badges! Much busier than the Clove Hitch just up the road. But I doubt I'll wander in again.
13 Sep 2015 12:13
The Crooked Billet was easily the best of 3 Ware pubs we tried yesterday. It is a 2 roomed pub where conversation is king. There is a small room on entry, with one end dominated by a dart board. The second room is larger, but has a pool table at the far end. Ales were Otter Bitter, Lacons Falcon Ale, Adnams Mosaic Pale Ale & Nethergate Umbel Ale. Ciders and perries were Aspalls Ciderkyn & Westons Old Rosie, Rosie's Pig & Country Perry. The Good Beer Guide states that there's always 1 or 2 dark beers (mild, porter or stout). But sadly this proved incorrect. The locals seemed a bit too cliquey too. But nevertheless, this did feel like a proper pub that deserves another try some time.
6 Sep 2015 11:04
After a visit to the Rose & Crown (a McMullens pub just up the road), our penultimate pub of the day was the Worppell. It's a Greene King pub on a local roundabout. The interior was nice enough. But the ale selection - Greene King IPA & Abbot & Sharps Doom Bar was lacking. 3 other customers were present on this early Saturday evening visit.
6 Sep 2015 10:54
A lovely little village pub serving a couple of ales and a cider. Youngs Special & Buntingford Highwayman IPA were the ales. The cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze. Had a fairly decent menu too, with plenty of game and fish options. The interior is fairly large with a front bar area and a larger dining area behind. There are some outdoor tables at the front and at the side.
6 Sep 2015 10:49
I was not overly impressed with this village pub. It has a single bar that bends round to a pool table. There is a garden at the rear of the car park. Ales were Adnams Bitter & Greene King IPA. Not particularly inspiring.
6 Sep 2015 10:46
The Lord Louis, Stanstead Abbotts
This pub no longer looks open. It certainly wasn't open on a Saturday afternoon, despite its website saying it would be. It appears to host a Thai restaurant (or maybe it's now a Thai restaurant hosting a pub). Opening hours for food suggested they were only 12-2 for lunch. It's a Fullers pub that appears to be looking for new proprietors. Peering through the window, I could see London Pride handpulls and little else. 0/10 as not open, despite their website stating it was.
6 Sep 2015 10:41
Closed for a wedding reception yesterday. It's a shame that pub's choose short term profit instead of long term gain. Surely one room could have been opened up for drinkers. The village itself looked nice and the pub has a large garden at the rear with a children's play area. But it's a 0/10 for me, as being closed on a Saturday is unacceptable.
6 Sep 2015 10:34
Another roadside pub seemingly popular with diners. Ales were fairly mainstream - Courage Best, Wells Bombardier Glorious English & Adnams Broadside. There is a nice fenced garden with an aviary. A larger nearby garden had a deflated bouncy castle, presumably left over from the previous bank holiday weekend. I believe there was a separate restaurant. Although most people appeared to be eating in the bar. Nice building. But there are better places locally for a wider selection of ales.
6 Sep 2015 10:31
Small roadside pub that looked closed when we initially approached. But there were a handful of customers inside. There is a small patio at the front, with 3 or 4 tables used by smokers. Ales are dispensed by gravity - Oakham JHB, Courage Best, Woodfordes Wherry, Maldon Hydrogen & Tring Side Pocket For A Toad. Parking is opposite. We missed that too originally.
6 Sep 2015 10:25
The Queen's Head was our first and favourite pub of the day in Hertfordshire yesterday. It has 2 rooms - a public bar and another room which was hosting a function yesterday. There had been a beer festival the previous weekend. The pub also has a fair sized garden to the side. Both landlord and staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Toilets are clean. The ale selection was Maldon Puck's Folly & The Hotel Porter, Mighty Oak Maldon Gold & Fullers London Pride. Ciders and perries were Westons Old Rosie, Rosie's Pig & Country Perry, Oakham Twisted Tree, Oaple & Orchard Reserve, Troggi Sweet, Johnsons Harry Masters, Cider By Rosie, Olivers Draught & Hartlands Farmhouse. A bit off the beaten track. But well worth the effort.
6 Sep 2015 10:15
The Rose & Crown was our penultimate pub of the day in Kent (the last was the Queen's Arms in Egerton Forstal which is not listed on here and not worth adding). We gathered something was going on when we arrived, as cars were parked all along the lane. We initially thought there was a band playing. There was, but it was as part of the entertainment for a beer festival. I ordered a spirit from the bar for my wife, where they told me there were more real ales outside. I then went outside to order a beer only for somebody who'd just arrived at the bar to jump the queue and get served ahead of me. Then I was told I needed to buy vouchers inside at the bar (why didn't the bar staff tell me that in the first place?). Back at the bar, I was about to be served when somebody else wandered up to the bar and I was ignored again in favour of presumably somebody else the staff knew. After an order involving a Guinness which required the obligatory top-up and a spirit with a mixer and then an enquiry about what chocolate they sold(?), I finally managed to get the required voucher to go back to the outside bar and join the queue again!! The whole process took 15 minutes - not too satisfactory. There were plenty of people outside, with a marquee hosting the band and also a food stall. Ales were Whitstable Native Bitter & Pearl Of Kent, Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, Nelson's Trafalgar, Friggin' in the Riggin' & Nelson's Blood, Musket Fife & Drum & Flintlock & Dartford Wobbler Curiously Dark. Cider was Biddendens Bushells. I tried the Curiously Dark, which wasn't the best beer in the world. Nice to see a beer festival. But service was lacking and beer quality was questionable.
31 Aug 2015 15:27
Lively Shepherd Neame pub in the village of Doddington, not too far out of Faversham. There were plenty of drinkers spilling out onto a paved area to the side of the pub. This may have been due to the volume of the music in the bar area, which was a bit too high. The bar area does have a pool table at one end, whilst there is also a slightly quieter lounge with a raised dining area. At the rear, there is a garden with a children's play area. Ales were Shepherd Neame Master Brew & Samuel Adams Blonde Ambition & Whitstable Bay Pale Ale.
31 Aug 2015 15:15
Worth visiting along with the Plough Inn just along the road in the North Downs. The Bowl seemed more like a locals pub. It does have a dining area. But this wasn't being used. Although it was almost Sunday evening. Most of those in were drinkers. Unfortunately many were hogging the bar, making ale choice difficult. 4 were available - Old Dairy Blue Top, Wantsum Fortitude, Sharps Doom Bar & Tonbridge Rustic. Talking of rustic, there were a number of old rusty farming implements scattered around the property. There's a stuffed fox in the fireplace.
31 Aug 2015 15:10
The Plough was just about our favourite pub of the day in Kent. Staff were friendly and cheerful. This seems to be a foodie pub. But they had a good selection of ales - Whitstable Winkle Picker & East India Pale Ale, Musket Dragon's Tail & Old Dairy Summer Top. Biddendens Bushells cider was also available from the fridge, although not too well promoted. Outdoors, there is a very large garden with well scattered tables. There is also a children's play area and a field for camping at the back. It's set high up in the North Downs in a small village, but well worth a visit.
31 Aug 2015 15:05
Snarden seemed like a very nice old village indeed. Whilst there didn't appear to be anybody inside on our Sunday afternoon visit, there were several in the lovely rear garden that overlooks the large village pond with plenty of ducks. It made for a very peaceful setting. There is also a small courtyard immediately to the rear of the pub with a few fish. 3 ales were on - Sharps Doom Bar, Old Dairy Summer Top & Harveys Sussex Best Bitter. Service was good. I'm not sure where all the customers were. But the car park was full. There is parking on the street nearby if you struggle. No sign of any food inside. Although it was mid-afternoon and what looked like the chef was in the garden with us.
31 Aug 2015 14:58
The Bell and Jorrocks, Frittenden
This is a good village local with some varied real ales. Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, Woodfordes Wherry (possibly the only pub in Kent that has this on as standard), Musket Fife & Drum & Wantsum One Hop Amarillo were the 4 ales on during our visit. There is no real cider. Seating indoors was limited on our visit, as space had been cleared presumably for a band. We found a table next to a large propeller retrieved from a German plane that had been shot down here during WWII. There are a few tables outside the front of the pub and a small area to the side used by smokers. Worth a visit.
31 Aug 2015 14:51
The Three Chimneys was our third pub of our Sunday visit to Kent. The village is the home of Biddenden cider and sure enough they had a couple of casks of real cider. In addition, there were 3 ales dispensed on gravity - Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, Adnams Bitter and another ale called Driftwood (not sure of the brewery unless it was actually something from the Driftwood brewery in Cornwall). Our visit was soured by the poor service. Locals were congregated in the central part of the bar, meaning that it was very difficult to get the attention of the barmaids from behind the pub's beams. They were too busy chatting with the locals. When finally served, the barmaid got the order wrong. Nevertheless, this pub has a nice feel. The bar area itself is very traditional. There is a small patio to the side.
31 Aug 2015 14:46
After paying £12.10 for a round in the nearby Dering Arms, I was happy to only forego a £5 note in this village pub. Although I did have a pack of crisps in the Dering Arms. The George is a friendly village local. Ales were Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, Brakspear Bitter, Westerham Grass Hopper & Morland Old Speckled Hen. Cider was Biddendens Dry from a jug in the fridge. The bar is nice, with pictures of the village sports teams on the walls. There appeared to be a separate dining area. But they also had complimentary vegetarian sausages and parsnips on the bar.The garden at the side is very nice. Although the number of wasps meant everybody eventually sought solace indoors. I was struggling to work out how to remove the rather large wasp doing a backstroke in my cider, when my son decided that the best method was to tip it all out on the grass! My visit still ended up being so much cheaper than the Dering Arms! This one was of the best pubs of the day. Dogs and children escaping wasps are allowed in the bar.
31 Aug 2015 14:38
This fantastic-looking pub sits next to Pluckley station. Both the exterior and interior feel like a country mansion. The prices make it even more realistic. This was our first Kent pub of the day and I was left fearing for my wallet. But the high-ceilinged rooms inside do create a good impression. Only one real ale was on - Goachers Dering Ale. There are a number of ciders in bottles. Staff were friendly enough. Food looked nice. But I dread to think how expensive that was. There is a small garden to the side. Beware the limited opening hours on a Sunday (it closes at 3 or 4pm).
31 Aug 2015 14:27
Jolly Butchers, Stoke Newington
I've yet to come here and not find it heaving. Our Saturday evening visit was just as bad as previous visits. The rain outside probably wasn't helping, as everybody was staying indoors. But this is still a nice pub where you can have a good session. Food from the open kitchen in the corner is still popular and the place feels just as trendy as ever. Although there was more of a mix of age ranges this time. Ales were Five Points Railway Porter, East London Foundation Bitter, King Beer Lost Kingdom IPA & Northern Lights, Hardknot Continuum & Thornbridge Lumford Pale Ale. Ciders and perries were all from Hogans - Panking Pole, Poachers Perry & Rock Steady. Although the latter was a collaboration with Tiny Rebel. Has a good selection of keg beers too. But some can be pricy.
31 Aug 2015 14:17
We enjoyed our visit here a couple of years ago. So we decided to head back here this Saturday lunchtime. Unlike our last visit it was very quiet with only a handful of other punters. The barman informed us that Saturday evenings in winter can get very busy. Despite being daytime, the pub felt just as dark as our last visit. Ales on were Howling Hops (the house brewery) Oatmeal Stout, Black XX & Smoked Porter, Dark Star Hophead, Siren Under Current & Northern Monk Chennai Export Porter. Brockley Pale Ale & Red Ale were pulled through later. In addition they have a good real cider and perry selection - Snails Bank Orchard Dry, Ross-on-Wye Traditional Farmhouse, Newton Court Panting Partridge & Yarlington Mill & Burrow Hill Cider. A good keg selection can be found on the other side of the L-shaped bar. I agree about the toilets. But having just come from the Pembury, I think they were a slight improvement. Still the best pub in Hackney in my opinion.
31 Aug 2015 14:10
After a swift half at the Winchmore Hill Cricket Club, we caught the train down to Hackney to visit the Pembury. The pub feels a little more worn than on my last visit. The gents don't seem in the best condition. They had a good range of Milton ales as usual - Medea, Minotaur, Nero, Saturn, Medusa, Justinian, Pegasus & Minerva. In addition, they had 2 guests - Partners Blonde & Sonnet 43 Steam Beer. The real cider - Cock Eyed Cock Bird was almost finished. But they squeezed a half out for me. I thought it was much quieter than on previous visits too. There were plenty of spare tables on this Saturday afternoon visit. I wasn't too enamoured with the quality of the Milton beers either. There were 3 dark beers and none were that good. Having visited the 2 Milton pubs in Cambridge, the Pembury doesn't quite live up to high expectations. Try the Devonshire Arms in Cambridge for a slightly better experience.
31 Aug 2015 14:03
The Orange Tree, Winchmore Hill
I preferred the Orange Tree to the nearby Dog & Duck. The interior felt a little chintzy, but was not too over the top. A few people were in for an early lunch. Others were arriving to watch live football. Athletics was on another TV. Ales were Redemption Urban Dusk, Greene King IPA & their own Orange Tree Landlord's Choice. I went for the Urban Dusk, which was ok without being brilliant. It advertises a secret garden outside.
31 Aug 2015 13:53
The Dog and Duck, Winchmore Hill
First pub of the day and my first every visit to Winchmore Hill. This pub is located in a side street. There was some decorating work in progress on our visit. But they were happy to let us in just before midday on Saturday. The single bar seemed nice. But we were tempted by the rear garden. Ales were fairly standard - Greene King IPA, Youngs Bitter & Timothy Taylor Landlord. Looks like they normally have Pride. But this was off on this occasion. I went for the Stowford Press. My fellow drinker enjoyed his Landlord. One other drinker had arrived by the time we left. Ok. But would be nice to have a different ale on.
31 Aug 2015 13:47
This was my favourite Barnsley pub. It appears to be the Acorn brewery tap with a number of guest ales and ciders. The interior is narrow, but stretches a fair way back, with the bar at the back. It can get a bit congested in the bar area when busy. Ales were Acorn Barnsley Bitter, Blonde, Gorlovka Imperial Stout, Summer Pale & West Stand Bogs, Dark Star Festival & Victorian Mild & Half Moon APA. Ciders were Lilleys Gladiator & Farmer Jims Copper Top. I'd make this my first port of call if in Barnsley again.
28 Aug 2015 21:25
The Joseph Bramah was our second port of call in Barnsley. It doesn't look like a Wetherspoons from the outside. I wandered if I was walking into the smallest ever 'spoons. But whilst it is narrow, it goes a fair way back. Ales were Stancill Barnsley Bitter & India Pale Ale, Everards Park Ale Schlafly, Ilkley Black, Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot & Sharps Doom Bar. The cider was Thistly Cross Barrel Aged. This place was rather full. Due to its narrow nature, it appears more suited for vertical drinking, with less tables than most. We retreated to the courtyard, which was also packed.
28 Aug 2015 21:19
The first of 2 Wetherspoons we visited in Barnsley on Wednesday evening. It's on a pedestrianized shopping street that is deserted after 5pm. Typical branch of Spoons, which was busy during our visit. I think we took the last table. Ales were Milestone Little John, Inveralmond Rascal, Sharps Doom Bar, Old Mill Yorkshire Pearl, Springhead Maid Marian, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best. The cider was Sandford Orchards The General and the perry was Barbourne Painted Lady. Probably one of the best pubs in Barnsley.
28 Aug 2015 21:15
Last pub of the day before getting the bus back to Cowes from the bus station over the road. I was expected good things. But I was disappointed. On entering, I got that "you're not from around here" look. The CAMRA website states that real cider is available. Unfortunately, the bar staff did not know what that was. So I had to enlighten them. I decided to turn to the ales. Not the most inspiring range - Fullers London Pride, Youngs Special & Goddards Scrumdiggity. I asked what type of ale the Scrumdiggity was and was told that all 3 were real ales - now they're attempting to enlighten me! Giving up at this point, I ordered a Scrumdiggity and endeavoured to exit as soon as possible. With a band setting up in one room and everyone else crammed into the other room, there was no space to get comfortable anyway. Very disappointing. Those in search for decent real ale and cider in Newport should head to the Newport Ale House, a few minutes walk away.
23 Aug 2015 13:43
The Castle was the penultimate pub of our Isle of Wight crawl yesterday. It claims to be the oldest pub in Newport. I had to laugh at the description of the pub in the 2010 Good Beer Guide, when it was the only pub in Newport in the Guide. "Full of character", it said. Characters maybe! There were plenty of loud-mouthed youths around. "Reputed to be the last pub in England to allow cock fighting". I could quite imagine it taking place here and judging by some of the local women, maybe it does! "Once renowned as the home for every thief, rogue and beggar in Newport". It does seem to have reclaimed this honour! In all seriousness, this could be a nice pub without some of the rowdier clientele. It has low ceilings and does have character (as well as characters). A band was setting up. But we didn't stay for that, as we had a ferry to catch. Wadworth Farmers Glory & 6X & Ringwood Best were the 3 ales. No real cider is served. In relation to the previous review, I'd actually advise staying in here rather than visiting the Wetherspoons. The ale range isn't much better, there is no character and there are no characters to watch.
23 Aug 2015 13:34
The Bargemans Rest is a large former Ringwood pub (now taken over by Marstons) with a fairly peaceful setting next to the River Medina with plenty of boats, ducks and swans. There is an outdoor seating area where you can take it all in. Inside, there is plenty of room for diners. I struggled to locate the gents at first. Ales were Ringwood Forty Niner, Best & Showman's Tipple, Goddards Fuggle Dee-Dum, Thwaites Lancaster Bomber, Marstons Old Empire & Brakspear Bitter. We moved on from here to the William Coppin (poor branch of Wetherspoons) and the highlight of our trip, the Newport Ale House). Neither are listed on here. I will request the latter to be added.
23 Aug 2015 13:23
Another nice island pub. But sadly it lacked a real ale choice - only 6X was available. But the interior is very nice. Being near the old Newport rail station, it has lots of railway memorabilia. There is a main bar and a quieter side room. There is also a shaded outdoor area at the side. The barmaid was friendly enough.
23 Aug 2015 13:15
The Travellers Joy is not the easiest pub to get to at the weekend on public transport. During the week the 32 bus runs past. At the weekend, you have to walk down from Northwood after taking the number 1. But it's worth the effort, with the largest selection of real ales in this area of the island. Ales on were Island Wight Gold & Earl's RDA, Brains The Rev James, Camerons Press Gang, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Theakston Old Peculier & Butcombe Yeti. It was also one of only two pubs I found serving real cider - Biddendens Bushells. The main bar had some locals clustered around the bar. A side room has a pool table. At the rear was a garden with several tables overlooking fields. It was popular with wasps and flying ants. There is also a children's play area with a climbing frame, a slide and a boat. We walked back up to the village to do the much more inferior Horseshoe Inn (not listed on here). But the Travellers Joy is recommended.
23 Aug 2015 13:07
I quite liked the Kingston Arms. It's on the main Newport Road heading south out of Cowes. As we approached it, it seemed closed. But we noticed an open door and found 3 small rooms, a landlord and a solitary customer. The interior is nicely decorated with plenty of odds and sods. The main bar is dominated by a pool table. Goddards Fuggle Dee-Dum & Yates Golden were the 2 ales. A 3rd handpull had the clipped turned round. No real cider was available. There is a table outside, if you fancy some sunchine! I'm not sure how this pub survives with only one customer here on a Saturday afternoon. But I hope it does, as it has a really homely feel and at least has a couple of ales from the island, rather than mainland/mainstream beers.
23 Aug 2015 12:57
Fullers pub at the northern end of the High Street. Whilst it only stocks Fullers beers - Pride, ESB, HSB & Olivers Island, it's a nice enough little pub with a central bar and a conservatory at the rear. One of the most expensive pubs we found on the island on this visit. It's a pleasant flat walk round the coast from here to Gurnard to the Woodvale Hotel and the Portland Inn up the hill inland in Gurnard Village. Neither are listed on here. But the Portland was one of our favourite pubs of the 14 we tried.
23 Aug 2015 12:44
Reasonably nice pub with a selection of real ales at the southern end of the High Street in Cowes. It's clearly an old pub with low beamed ceilings. There are a couple of rooms inside and a courtyard at the rear. Seemed to be popular with diners and the tourist trade. Ales were Goddards Fuggle Dee-Dum, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Fullers London Pride, Sharps Doom Bar & Theakston Lightfoot. Moved on from here to the Rum Bar (formerly Bertie's) a bit further up the High Street, where you'll find some more unusual ales. It's not listed on the site.
23 Aug 2015 12:36
The Wykeham Arms was my final Winchester pub and it's a nice Fullers pub near one of the city gates and the college, whilst being not too far from the castle. This is a very nice area of Winchester. It was very busy on my Saturday evening visit. Most people were drinking in the L-shaped bar. But there were also 2 more formal dining areas and an outdoor area I did not venture too. Standing at the bar felt a little uncomfortable. This doesn't seemed to be the done thing. I was asked twice if I needed serving, when I already had a drink in front of me. Another pub that is popular with the more well-heeled residents of Winchester. Ales were Gales HSB & Seafarers & Fullers Oliver's Island & London Pride. Unusually for a Fullers pub, they also stock a non-Fullers ale - Flower Pots Goodens Gold.
16 Aug 2015 15:58
The only Greene King pub I tried yesterday. But this is not your ordinary Greene King establishment. It appears to be more of a restaurant populated by the local middle/upper classes, who are more likely to be cracking open bottles of wine than sampling the poor range of Greene King ales - St Edmunds & Morland Original. The interior is nice enough with seating around a central bar. But the clientele seemed a bit too snobbish for my liking. But this seemed to be a problem throughout Winchester, with the exception of perhaps the Black Boy and the Eclipse. Disappointing.
16 Aug 2015 15:53
Small corner pub owned by Wadworths on a hill heading out of town. Ales were mostly from Wadworths - 6X, Horizon, Swordfish & Henry's IPA. But they did also have Everards Sunchaser Blonde. They also had Westons Old Rosie cider. Appears to be another foodie pub, with many tables having reserved signs for dinner. There was an outdoor area at the rear. Service took a while. But I think I just arrived at the wrong time. Shares some kind of loyalty scheme with other local pubs, including what was to be my next destination, the Green Man.
16 Aug 2015 15:48
Small corner pub owned by Wadworths on a hill heading out of town. Ales were mostly from Wadworths - 6X, Horizon, Swordfish & Henry's IPA. But they did also have Everards Sunchaser Blonde. They also had Westons Old Rosie cider. Appears to be another foodie pub, with many tables having reserved signs for dinner. There was an outdoor area at the rear. Service took a while. But I think I just arrived at the wrong time. Shares some kind of loyalty scheme with other local pubs, including what was to be my next destination, the Green Man.
16 Aug 2015 15:47
This pub felt a bit more like a wine bar than a pub. But it served 4 local ales and appeared to be popular for romantic meals for the locals. It has two small rooms (one is a restaurant) and plenty of staff. There also appeared to be an outdoor drinking area. Ales were Alfred's Saxon Bronze, Ringwood Best, Itchen Valley Belgarum & Ballards Golden Bine.
16 Aug 2015 15:42
Small centuries old pub in the centre of town. Most customers appeared to be taking advantage of the summer weather. Those inside all seemed to know one another. A few had been to the game at Southampton. I kept a reasonably low profile, given the result. Some of the language was a little choice. Staff were nice enough. Ales were Longman American Pale Ale, Butcombe Bitter, Sharps Doom Bar & Timothy Taylor Landlord. They were being dispensed in glass but were not the cheapest.
16 Aug 2015 15:36
Small centuries old pub in the centre of town. Most customers appeared to be taking advantage of the summer weather. Those inside all seemed to know one another. A few had been to the game at Southampton. I kept a reasonably low profile, given the result. Some of the language was a little choice. Staff were nice enough. Ales were Longman American Pale Ale, Butcombe Bitter, Sharps Doom Bar & Timothy Taylor Landlord. They were being dispensed in glass but were not the cheapest.
16 Aug 2015 15:36
The Bishop On The Bridge, Winchester
Riverside Fullers establishment that reminded me very much of the White House in Guildford. The interior is light and airy and many people were taking advantage of the patio at the rear on the Itchen river bank. Only beers from the Fullers range were available - Pride, ESB, HSB & Oliver's Island. So from that perspective, it was disappointing. Nice location though and right next to the town centre.
16 Aug 2015 15:31
I returned to Winchester and found The Black Boy was my favourite new pub of the day. It doesn't quite match my visit to the Hyde Tavern a few years back. But The Black Boy is almost as good. It has low beamed ceilings with lots of little rooms and all sorts of paraphernalia, including upside down Christmas trees hanging from the ceiling and stuffed warthogs. There was a table football table in the room I sat in and there was also an impressive outdoor courtyard. Situated just out of town, it is near a pleasant weir on the River Itchen. Customers were mainly couples and families. For some reason I was expecting more ales. But I was surprised to see an American cask ale - Napa Smith Pale Ale. They also had Bowman Swift One & Cardinal, Flowerpots Bitter & Hopback Summer Lightning. Ciders all appeared to be from Lilleys - Mango Cider & Sunset on handpull and 3 others on keg. This place is well worth a visit.
16 Aug 2015 15:26
Very quiet village pub, where I was the only customer. This is now a Marstons pub. Two of their ales - Ringwood Best & Marstons Pedigree were on. The landlord was friendly enough. But the pub lacked atmosphere and customers. A TV was showing Sky Sports News with the afternoon football results.
16 Aug 2015 15:14
This pub has an idyllic location right next to the River Itchen. It is prime walking country. The interior has lots of individual rooms, around a central bar. But they have been modernised a little. The room I sat in had a collection of fish in glass cases. Being a Wadworth house, only their ales are sold - 6X, Horizon, Henry's IPA & Farmers Glory. It appears they normally have Westons Rosie's Pig as a real cider. But this was off on my visit. I was served by a polite young lady. But I was the only customer in the pub. A few others were outside. Food is served all day. Although it is a more limited menu during the late afternoon. Nice pub. Shame the ales were only Wadworths.
16 Aug 2015 15:08
Lovely thatched country pub with a welcoming landlord. I only saw evidence of one of the dogs. But he/she seemed quite friendly to the other customers. There's a couple of stuffed animals and birds by the bar and other objects such as grandfather clocks create a nice drinking environment. There were a handful of customers inside with a few more in the garden to the rear. Has a good size car park. Ales are dispensed by gravity. They had Red Cat Bitter, Marston Pedigree, Langhams Hip Hop & Palmers Copper Ale. There was also a real cider I hadn't previously tried - JJ's Special Reserve, which was on the sweet side. Certainly one of the best 2 pubs of the day for me.
16 Aug 2015 15:01
The Running Horse Inn, New Alresford
Passed by to see on the off chance that this pub might have re-opened. But it's still closed and the exterior looks a little dilapidated. A shame, as Alresford looks to be a nice small town.
16 Aug 2015 14:52
I had just time for one pub in Winchester yesterday morning. So the Old Gaolhouse was my choice. It's a Wetherspoons with a reasonable selection of ales - Wolf Granny Wouldn't Like It, Ringwood Forty Niner, Greene King IPA & ABbot, Bragdy Conwy Sufin' IPA, Flack Manor Flack Catcher, Hogsback Tea, Banks's Central Session Room IPA, Longdog Brindle & Triple fff India Brown Ale and ciders - Cornish Orchards Farmhouse & Blush, Orchard Pig Marmalade Cider & Hogans Hazy Daisy. Service was good for me. But it did get much busier when a few awkward customers came in wanting to discuss dietary requirements and other issues for their breakfasts! One of the best pubs in Winchester and better than the average Wetherspoons.
16 Aug 2015 14:49
The North Western is a newly-opened Wetherspoons at Lime Street station. It replaces the former Head of Steam. Whilst the Head of Steam did actually have the feel of a Wetherspoons, the interior has been completely gutted and the pub now makes much better use of the available space and feels a much nicer space with the windows replaced and bar now occupying a central position. It was packed after the football yesterday and getting served can be a challenge. Ales were Ruddles Best, Titanic White Star & Three B's Pinch Noggin. The real cider was Fynbury Medium. Well worth a visit if you're waiting for a train. I suspect this will take custom away from the Crown and Ma Egerton's. But they're also worth a visit.
9 Aug 2015 13:05
This is now called the Crafty Chandler. We were drawn in here by the re-branding. But it's still nothing special. Ales were Thwaites Wainwright & Lancaster Bomber, Adnams Bitter & Wychwood Hobgoblin. I think this is still part of a chain and it's maybe improved ever so slightly. But still not worthy of a special visit.
9 Aug 2015 13:00
After visits to the Ship & Mitre and the Vernon, we continued along Dale Street to Rigbys. It's been a while since I've been in here. We rarely get this far along the street. Having met the owners a few months ago in Ukraine, I decided to try it out once again. Inside is still quite nice. But it's always difficult to find a seat. Yesterday was no different, as many were in to watch the live football. We retreated to the outdoor courtyard, which also has a TV screen and was also packed. But we found a corner to stand. Had a quick look in the Lady of Mann that shares the same courtyard. But the ale range in there wasn't the best. In Rigbys itself they had Okells Bitter, IPA & Saison, Jennings Dark Mild, Purple Moose Snowdonia Ale & Odyssey Bootlegger. Real cider is no longer stocked. Ok for a quick drink if you're down this way.
9 Aug 2015 12:57
Paid a return visit to the Lion. This time it was open, but very quiet - probably because of the strange opening times. Doom Bar was the only ale. There's a small drinking area at the front of the pub overlooking the busy A road and another enclosed patio area at the rear. The place doubles as a hotel. But nobody was at the reception desk. At least it was open this time. But I wasn't overly impressed.
5 Aug 2015 18:58
The best Ledbury had to offer in terms of pubs and sited amidst all the historic buildings on Church Lane. My only criticism would be that the pub does feel as if it trades on this location and rests on its laurels rather than concentrating on its own strengths. Ledbury Dark, Hobsons Best, Youngs Hummingbird, Wye Valley Butty Bach, Courage Best & Wells Eagle IPA were the 6 ales. Rosies Pig was the real cider. The front bar is traditional and the back room is nice too. Tables were being moved at the front in readiness for live music on my Sunday afternoon visit. Well worth a visit.
3 Aug 2015 19:39
The Brewery Inn is situated on a side road off the High Street and is a real throwback in time. Tourists don't seem to make it this way. So this is the preserve of locals. Many struggle to find non-swear words in their vocabulary! But they were still a fairly friendly bunch. Banks's Bitter & Marstons Bitter were the 2 ales.
3 Aug 2015 19:35
The Olde Talbot Hotel, Ledbury
Agree that the Talbot is in a very nice old building. There are a few different rooms. The bar seems mainly for drinkers, whilst there is a more formal restaurant and there appeared to be an outdoor area. I'm not sure if this is a Wadworth pub. But they had 6X & Henry's IPA. The only none-Wadworth ale was Wye Valley Butty Bach. Come for the splendid interior and exterior.
3 Aug 2015 19:32
Out of town chain pub, clearly popular with families and those after a cheap meal. The car park was packed. The pub is so called because of the adjacent cricket pitch. It has a large garden with children's play equipment and wasps galore. Ales were Wickwar Real Ale Works & Wye Valley Best & HPA. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Rosies Pig. Not the best pub, but clearly has a captive audience.
3 Aug 2015 19:30
Roadside country pub on a B road to Ledbury. There's plenty of hops in the main bar, whilst there's also a separate dining area. A couple of locals were drinking at the bar. The rest of the clientele were eating. Ales were Wye Valley Bitter, Ledbury Gold & Bathams Best. No real ciders were available.
3 Aug 2015 19:27
The Majors Arms, Halmonds Frome
The Majors Arms was the first pub I tried on my second day in Herefordshire. This place has a marvellous view over the surrounding countryside from the patio. Purity Pure Gold & Otter Bitter were the ales. They also had Henneys Traditional Still Cider & Malvern Magic Perry. The interior is much darker, but still fairly cosy.
3 Aug 2015 19:20
The Roebuck was our final pub of the day. It was supposed to be our first. But we arrived shortly after 2pm on a Saturday to find it already closed for the afternoon. It re-opened at 6pm and the reason for its closure soon became apparent. This is mainly a foodie pub, where there is a decent ale selection. But this is mostly for the diners. Hobsons Best & Woods Shropshire Hills Beauty were the 2 ales. No real ciders were served. The village shop is attached.
3 Aug 2015 18:06
You can still see the frame for the sign outside. But the pub has now long gone.
3 Aug 2015 18:04
The Bell appears to have been modernised. You immediately encounter the bar when you enter. Either side are drinking spaces that stretch back to a darts room and the toilets behind. Half of the real ales were from Cornwall - St Austell Proper Job & Sharps Doom Bar. The others were much more local - Wye Valley HPA & Hobsons Best. There was no real cider. Not as good as I was expecting.
3 Aug 2015 18:01
The Chequers was the better of the two pubs we tried on Etnam Street. It has quite an old fashioned feel inside with a front and a rear bar. There is also an outdoor courtyard at the side, with access to the toilets. Ladies have an indoor option too. Ales were all local - Wye Valley HPA & Butty Bach, Hobsons Best & Woods Oak. Cider was Westons 1st Quality. Comfortable place with a nice, friendly atmosphere.
3 Aug 2015 17:58
The Black Swan Hotel, Leominster
This place seemed a bit rough around the edges and some of the locals are characters, especially the women. The main bar is at the front of the pub. But there are a couple of larger rooms, including one for dining at the rear. The real ale was Sharps Atlantic. The cider was Abrahalls Lily The Pink. Nice to see a cider. But I felt it lacked atmosphere.
3 Aug 2015 17:37
The first and the best of 4 Leominster pubs we tried. The ale selection wasn't the best in this small pub - Ludlow Best & Gold & Woods Parish were the 3 ales that were on. But this place has some real character. There are 2 small rooms. Locals appeared to be crammed into the smaller one. Service was fine on our visit.
3 Aug 2015 17:35
This ended up being our first port of call on Saturday and as luck would have it, we stumbled across a beer festival. This is a nice country pub with the front garden in use for the festival, with a couple of marquees - 1 for the ales (and ciders) and the other presumably for live music. Food was being cooked outdoors too. But it was a bit too expensive. Ales in the tent and in the bar were Wye Valley HPA, Butty Bach & Summertime, Hobsons Champion Mild, Ludlow Blonde, Malvern Hills Pfeizen, Purple Moose Snowdonia Ale, Ledbury Bitter, Mulberry Duck Copper Bottom, Six Bells How Do, Joules Pale Ale & Stockton Cross Tidy Job. Ciders and perries were Snails Bank Appley Dapply, Orchard Dry & Tumbledown, Marches Marcherman & Sweet Fanny Adams, Newtons Gasping Goose, Panting Partridge & Blakeney Red & Westons Rosies Pig. Very nice pub. Although my opinion was probably swayed by the better than normal drinks selection.
3 Aug 2015 17:31
The last time I went through Edinburgh Airport, I tried the Sir Walter Scott airside. This time it seemed rude not to try the Turnhouse landside. It's rather expensive in here. But they know they've got a captive audience. Sharps Doom Bar, Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Edinbrew Industrial Pale Ale were the 3 ales on offer. Thistly Cross Barrel Aged & Orchard Pig Marmalade Cider were also left over from the recent cider festival. Serves a purpose.
31 Jul 2015 19:40
Came in here late on Tuesday evening. From the outside, this Lloyds No. 1 Bar looks small. But inside it stretches back quite a way and has an upper floor. So there is always plenty of tables. The 2 bar staff struggled to cope with the volume of customers. It took around 10 minutes to get served on each visit to the bar. God help anybody who wants a drink on a Friday or Saturday night. To give credit to the staff, they were making every attempt to serve people in order with the lady maintaining good vigilance. Ales were Strathaven Clydesdale IPA & Avondale, Hook Norton Old Hooky, Kelburn Red Smiddy, Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Greene King Abbot. Ciders left over from Wetherspoon's recent festival were Healeys Cloudy Cornish Scrumpy, Westons Old Rosie With Rhubarb & Barbourne Crimson King. My visit was cut short by a planned fire alarm. They did give everybody warning and in fairness, they waited for people to finish eating. That gave me just enough time to down my pint and leave when the alarm forced everybody out onto the street after 11pm at night! Apparently they do this on busy Saturday nights too.
31 Jul 2015 19:36
The Ericht Alehouse was easily the best of 3 pubs I tried in Blairgowrie. The other 2 (Royal Hotel and the Old Cross Inn & Restaurant) are not listed on here and nowhere near as good. The landlord of the Ericht Alehouse clearly prides himself on the quality of his ales. 5 ales were on - Loch Lomomd Lomond Red, Barney's Good Ordinary Pale Ale & Volcano IPA, Inveralmond Rascal London Porter & Alechemy Five Sisters. The cider was Thistly Cross Original. I guess this is on most of the time as the pumpclip still displayed the old strength of 7.2% (it's now been reduced to 6.2%). It was very quiet on my late afternoon/early evening visit on Tuesday. But this was my favourite pub of the day.
31 Jul 2015 19:28
Atholl Arms Hotel, Blair Atholl
A hugely impressive hotel and restaurant with a couple of bars. I walked through the main entrance and witnessed the first bar to the left. For the Bothy Bar, head right through the large restaurant and turn left at the end through another large dining room. You'll then find the Bothy Bar with plenty of tables and lots of little corners with seating. The bar stocks the same Moulin ales as brewed at the Moulin Inn - Old Remedial, Ale of Atholl, Braveheart & Moulin Light. Right next to Blair Atholl station, this pub is also worth a visit if you can't make it to the Moulin Inn. Moved on from here to the Bridge of Cally Hotel (not listed on here).
31 Jul 2015 18:33
I'd never been to Pitlochry before and it seems a lovely little town, albeit a bit touristy. Tourists had spilled into the Old Mill, making it fairly busy early on a Tuesday afternoon. Most were eating. But a few locals were drinking. 3 ales plus a real cider were on - Strathbaan Head East & Due South, Cromarty Happy Chappy & Cairn o'Mohr Cider. The cider was a new one on me and was very nice indeed. The Old Mill has a fully functional watermill just outside. I agree that it does have the feeling of a hotel and for all I know it may have rooms. It's clearly a popular tourist destination in the town. But I did like this place.
31 Jul 2015 18:28
My 4th pub on Tuesday and I really liked this one. It was very busy for a Tuesday lunchtime, mainly with foreign tourists dining. I didn't notice anybody else drinking the ales from the house Moulin brewery. There were 4 of these - Old Remedial, Ale of Atholl, Braveheart & Moulin Light. The pub is a wonderful little building dating back to the 17th century, with plenty of beams and low ceilings. Just outside Pitlochry, it's well worth a visit.
31 Jul 2015 18:24
Glenisla Hotel, Kirkton of Glenisla
The Glenisla was my second pub of the day on Tuesday after the very quiet Drovers Inn at Memus (not listed on here). The Glenisla did have 2 other customers. They were friendly, as was the landlord. Hobgoblin Gold was the only real ale. Food appears to be its mainstay. Although it clearly offers rooms too. The pub is fairly remote. But there is enough seating in the single bar split over 2 levels. A shame there weren't more ales. But I wonder how much demand there is. Moved on from here to the Strathardle Inn at Kirkmichael. Again that one is not listed on here.
31 Jul 2015 18:19
This pub has now been re-named as Lock 25 and was the last of my 28 pub Edinburgh crawl. It's fairly modern in appearance and was quiet early on a Monday evening. It has plenty of space. Ales were Tryst Amarillo, Alechemy Starlaw Pale Ale, Fallen Grapevine & Sonnet 43 Bourbon Milk Stout. Cider was Farmer Jims Medium, which was very nice. A good way to end the first part of my mini Scotland tour.
30 Jul 2015 22:15
Bennet's Bar is excellent inside and out. It's one of those pubs where you can look at a picture (as above) and really want to take a look inside. It ended up being my favourite pub in Edinburgh. How on earth has it not been in the Good Beer Guide since 2007?! Ales were Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted & Schiehallion, Inveralmond Lia Fail & Seven Peaks Mosaic IPA. They also had a real cider - Shepton Mallet Cider Mill Somerset Snuffler, which was also good. The interior is very traditional and features a long, narrow bar. I believe there may have been another room at the rear. When a family arrived to eat, they were seated in a tiny room that had its own entrance outside the pub's entrance. I hadn't even noticed this room when I entered. But it looked intriguing. Tables in the main room have maps of Edinburgh on them, which create a talking point. Both staff and customers were friendly. The choice of ales and cider, the atmosphere and the traditional interior all combine to make this a really good place to visit. With the Cloisters Bar also nearby, this is an area of Edinburgh worth making the effort to get to.
30 Jul 2015 22:12
I really liked this pub. It has an excellent range of ales listed on a blackboard. The interior does have a religious feel, which creates a cold atmosphere. But the place was busy and the beer quality was good. Ales were Stewart Pentland IPA & Holy Grale, Highland Pale, Alechemy Bad Day At The Office, Siren Undercurrent, Tiny Rebel Cwtch, Oakham Robber, Mallinsons Citra & Pilot Moccachino Stout. I had the stout and it was my favourite beer from my 40 Scottish pubs - simply divine. Although I'm not too sure I could have drunk too much of it.
30 Jul 2015 22:04
Reasonably large corner pub at the traffic lights. Bar staff were friendly and knowledgeable. I believe this was a Taylor Walker pub. Has some nice interior features. Ales were Alechemy Five Sisters Red Pale Ale, Houston Festival Ale & Killelan & Inveralmond Thrappledouser. Cider was Rosie's Pig.
30 Jul 2015 22:00
Small one bar pub that was fairly busy late on Monday afternoon as they were preparing for a wine-tasting evening. Ales were Williams Brothers Birds & Bees, Inveralmond Ossian, Orkney Dark Island, Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted. Cider was Addlestones. Nice enough pub.
30 Jul 2015 21:58
Tiny Edinburgh institution up some steps from Waverley station on the way up to the top of the Royal Mile. Despite its size, I did manage to get hold of a seat. But this is a fairly tight space. Ales were Scottish Borders Foxy Blonde, Harviestoun Tasman Bullet, Allendale American Brown Ale & Broughton The Reiver. Cider on offer was Addlestones. Good selection and also an interesting range of railway memorabilia on the walls. I like the pub, but I think Edinburgh has better.
30 Jul 2015 21:55
Took quite a while to get served in here, as the barmaid discussed problems with the coffee machine. They did apologise quite profusely when they realised I was waiting. The ale selection was Deuchars, Edinburgh Castle, Dark Island & Landlord. Has the feel of an Irish bar. The smaller room at the back appeared a little more cosy. On the Royal Mile, it sees plenty of tourists.
30 Jul 2015 21:50
Came here early on Monday afternoon. It was packed with tourists eating. I felt a bit uncomfortable drinking on a table and surrounded with diners. It felt my like a restaurant that served ales. But this is prime tourist territory. Ales on were Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Sharps Doom Bar, Tetleys No. 1 High Street, Atlas Meridian, Williams Brothers Birds & Bees & Orkney Dark Island. Cider was Rosie's Pig. Possibly better outside of prime dining hours. But I didn't want to hang around here for too long.
30 Jul 2015 21:48
Now promoted as a craft beer establishment and shortened to just 'Gait', this pub does have some real ales. Although it was one of the pricier establishments I found in Edinburgh. The interior is fairly modern, but retains some religious artefacts as befitted it's previous name. Ales were An Teallach Crofters Pale Ale & An Teallach Ale, Born In The Borders Holy Cow, Old Worthy Wild Bill's Aces & Eights Salted Chocolate Stout, Windswept Blonde & Natural Selection Bitter Descent. Lacked atmosphere. But certainly has a good selection of ales - both real and craft.
30 Jul 2015 21:44
I believe this pub is now called the Kilderkin. It is at the bottom of the Royal Mile, not far from Holyrood. It's fairly dull inside, in that there is not too much light. There are 2 rooms. Ales were Orkney Puffin Ale, Alechemy Starlaw Pale Ale & Caledonian Edinburgh Castle. Fairly average pub by Edinburgh standards.
30 Jul 2015 21:38
Yes this is a gay-friendly bar. But I didn't feel uncomfortable in here and there is a reasonable ale selection - Houston Peter's Well & Slainte & Caledonian Deuchars IPA. They also had Old Rosie cider. Staff were friendly. The interior has some interesting features. Worthy of an entry in the current Good Beer Guide.
30 Jul 2015 21:35
Just round the corner from the Café Royal is the Guildford - another architectural masterpiece. I could have spent hours staring at the marvellous ceiling. But instead my eyes were distracted by the equally good range of ales - Orkney IPA & Dark Island, Stewarts Pentland IPA, Natural Selection Bitter Descent, Fyne Jarl, Brewed Awakening Coffee Stout, Old Worthy A Worthy Cause, Allendale Wolf, Fallen Blackhouse Smoked Porter & Alechemy 10 Storey Malt Bomb. I went for the porter which was just to my satisfaction, not too smokey. The only downside was a lack of a real cider. The pub has a galleried area popular with tourists and diners, whilst there is clearly a regular local drinking clientele too. Without a doubt one of the best pubs in Edinburgh.
30 Jul 2015 21:32
Back in the centre of Edinburgh where I had left off the previous evening, I approached the Café Royal and it felt like I was about to enter the Ritz! The public bar is fairly down-to-earth though. It is popular with tourists, mostly for the food and the fantastic interior. Prices were reasonable too. Note that some of the ales will be different on the other side of the bar. I believe there was 7 handpulls in all. Ales on offer Monday lunchtime were Edinburgh Brew Co EPA, Kelburn Dark Moor, Misty Law & Cart Blanche & Inveralmond Inkie Pinkie. Worth a visit for the interior alone.
30 Jul 2015 21:26
The Railway Inn, Juniper Green
This pub is now called the Juniper Green Inn. It's well outside of the centre of Edinburgh, but was near where I was staying. So I started here on Monday lunchtime. Only one other customer was in. But I guess most pubs would be quiet on a Monday lunchtime. Ales were Morland Original, Taylor Landlord, Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Orkney Corncrake Ale. I was still recovering from the previous day's exertions and cheated with a soft drink!
30 Jul 2015 21:22
Just time for one more pub on my first day in Edinburgh. The Abbotsford is at the eastern end of Rose Street. I understand the western end is much busier. It was very quiet in here. Although it was late on a Sunday evening. Has a lovely interior and as I remember, service was fine. Ales were Windswept Wolf & Aurora, Strathaven Old Mortality, Orkney Pale Ale & Oakham Citra.
30 Jul 2015 21:18
The Blue Blazer was my favourite pub from my first day of Edinburgh drinking. Ales were Loch Lomond Hop Trial, Knopa India Pale Ale & Cromarty Brewed Awakening. I tried the Brewed Awakening which was a really intense coffee stout - very nice indeed. For ciders, I only initially spotted Westons Rosies Pig. But then I noticed a blackboard with 3 more listed - Blaengawney Hallets Heart Breaker, Olivers Gold Rush & Hogans Hazy Daisy. Needless to say, I stayed for 2 more ciders before falling back up the stairs. This is a basement pub accessed from an alleyway. It has little natural light. It seemed popular with tourists. The only downside I could see was that locals didn't seem the most welcoming, or maybe they'd just had a bad day. I'll definitely pay this pub a visit next time I'm in Edinburgh. 8/10.
30 Jul 2015 21:13
Another petite-sized Edinburgh bar with just a single room. But what it lacked in quantity, it more than made up for in quality, especially with the ale selection - Pilot Archive Pale Ale, Northern Monk Black Session IPA, Weird Beard California Common, Tickety Brew Wit Bier & Jasmine Green Tea, Old Worthy Lost In The Dark & East London Brewery Foundation Bitter were all on. I remembering having a 7.5% beer from this selection. It was good. But I can't recall for the life of me which one it was. Another worthwhile Edinburgh pub.
30 Jul 2015 21:06
The Beehive was the next stop on my crawl of Edinburgh. It was better than I had expected and sounds as if it has improved from previous reviews. Ales were Wells Bombardier & Bombardier Burning Gold, Houston Slainte, Cairngorm Buzz & An Teallach Ale. They also had Millwhites Apples & Pears - not my favourite cider (or rather pyder), but still nice to see in Scotland. I was starting to fade a bit by now. So I don't remember too much more, other than the fact that it was reasonably friendly and quite busy.
30 Jul 2015 21:00
Sorry - I've just remembered that this was actually a John Barras pub - possibly a slight improvement on Greene King.
30 Jul 2015 20:55
After a quick one in the Filmhouse (on Lothian Road but not listed on here), we moved on to the Blue Blazer. This was another excellent small pub with plenty of character. Kelburn Goldihops, Oakham Citra, Strathaven Midnight Walk, Stewart Saison Des Pluies (couldn't have been apt for my brief Scottish tour) & Loch Lomond Kessog were the ales. Thistly Cross Cider was also on handpull and thoroughly enjoyed by me. Not overly busy on a Sunday evening. This was my favourite pub so far in Edinburgh. But I later surpassed this. Service was good. Didn't try the toilets!
30 Jul 2015 20:53
Thomson's Bar is a small single-bar pub that had a nice traditional interior, typical of many Edinburgh pubs. It had a good selection of ales too - Oakham Green Devil IPA, Alechemy Five Sisters Pale Ale, Orkney Scapa Special, Strathbraan Due South, Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Fyne Jarl. Agree that staff were friendly. Another good pub within easy walk of the station.
30 Jul 2015 20:47
Nicholsons bar in a prominent position at a busy road junction and transport interchange. It's not quite as large as it looks from the outside. But it was still fairly comfortable. Has a decent selection of ales, typical of other Nicholsons establishments. Ales were national than most Edinburgh pubs/bars - Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Stewarts 80/- were the Scottish representation, whilst they also had St Austell Nicholson's Pale Ale, Brains The Rev James Gold, Black Wolf Rok, Robinsons Trooper, Thwaites Wainwright, Hadleys Gold & Shepherd Neame Red Sails. This was also the first pub I found real cider in - Old Rosie was on. Nice interior and very handy for Haymarket station.
30 Jul 2015 20:43
I think this place has recently re-opened. There's still no brewing on the premises and it now appears to be owned by an offshoot of Greene King. A modern-looking establishment in an inner city retail area, it's spread over 2 floors and clearly popular with diners after a chain bar/restaurant experience. Nevertheless, it does dispense real ales - Orkney Dark Island, Inveralmond Lia Fail & Greene King IPA. It was very busy. But there are plenty of tables. So there was still something to eat. The upstairs bar no longer offers service. Ok, but lacked a proper pub atmosphere.
30 Jul 2015 20:39
No football colours and no football fans are allowed in this pub. So I decided to ignore that and give it a try. It's a modern-looking bar, popular with diners and families. But there are still 3 ales - Natural Selection Bitter Descent, Fallen Brewing Sleeper Pils & Fyne Vital Spark. Agree with the last review - it's a little too trendy for my liking.
30 Jul 2015 20:35
This was the favourite of my 6 pubs I tried before the Hearts game on Sunday. It's another locals pub with a far better selection of ales than I anticipated - Fyne Avalanche, Fallen Brewing Local Motive, Drygate Seven Peaks, Wharfebank Tether Blond & Inveralmond Lia Fail. I've always liked the latter. Worth a visit. Not too far from Tynecastle and quiet enough to allow a pleasant drink, even on a matchday.
30 Jul 2015 20:30
The Diggers (Athletic Arms), Edinburgh
Traditional corner pub that is obviously very popular on matchdays. There's plenty of staff. But it's still difficult to get served as everybody crowds round the bar and you have to shout over everyone's heads. A reasonable selection of ales - Navigation Nottingham Apus, Caledonian Lipsmacker, Flying Scotsman & Deuchars IPA, Stewart Diggers & Alechemy Starlaw Pale Ale. I liked the busy atmosphere. But with standing room only, it was a bit uncomfortable. Probably much better on non-matchdays.
30 Jul 2015 20:27
The Caledonian Sample Room, Edinburgh
The Caley Sample Room was my second pub of my 2 day Edinburgh crawl, following the Spylaw Tavern (not listed on here). For some reason I was expecting a brewery tap for the Caledonian brewery. But this is a modern bar with a good selection of ales from several breweries.- East London Foundation Bitter, Captain Ozturk 40 Yard Screamer IPA, Edinbrew Industrial, Cromarty Happy Chappy & Atlantic Drift, Highland Jack Flag & Tempest White Light. No real cider was on offer though. A good pub not far from Tynecastle football ground.
30 Jul 2015 20:22
The Bath Tavern was my last pub of the day. The last post mentions that this was a Greene King pub. There are certainly Greene King beermats on the bar. But the 2 ales today were HPA & Doom Bar. Service was friendly. This is a small one-bar pub. Nice enough. But there are plenty of better places nearer the centre.
11 Jul 2015 23:21
Sandford Park Ale House, Cheltenham
This is certainly one of Cheltenham's best pubs. Whilst I prefer the Jolly Brewmaster, this was my favourite pub today. 9 ales and 1 cider are on handpull and there is a good keg selection of craft beers at the rear. Real ales were Purity Mad Goose, Wye Valley Butty Bach, Oakham Citra, Tring Ridgeway, Celt Experience Native Storm, Bristol Beer Factory Nova, Kite Dr Price's Lemon Ale, Wickwar Station Porter & Loose Cannon IPA. The cider was Sandford Orchards Bumbleberry. Food is served. But there are not too many tables inside. One room has a bar billiards table. There is a small patio used by smokers at the rear, with a fairly large garden beyond that, bordering onto Sandford Park itself. Took a while to get served. But service was friendly. Worth a visit.
11 Jul 2015 23:17
The Old Restoration, Cheltenham
Claims to be Cheltenham's oldest pub. As you enter, there are low ceilings and it does look as if it is fairly old. The bar itself is at the rear, where the pub opens out somewhat. Despite its age, it has been modernised and has lost much of its character. Nevertheless there is a good range of ales and ciders here. On my visit there was Cotswold Lion Old Restoration, Hook Norton Old Hooky, Prescott Super 6 & Goffs White Night & Lancer. The 2 real ciders were Celtic Marches Abrahalls Medium & Lilleys Darkcider. With the Wetherspoons just round the corner, the Strand (not listed on here, but another excellent pub) across the road and the Sandford Park Alehouse further up the rood, you can do an excellent short pub crawl here.
11 Jul 2015 23:11
The Moon Under Water, Cheltenham
Lloyds No. 1 Bar in the centre of Cheltenham. It had a good selection of ales and ciders. I was looking forward to seeing what they had as part of their cider festival. The range was good. Although one of the ciders that was advertised as available could not be found. Ales were Thornbridge Jaipur, Salopian Shropshire Gold, Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, North Cotswold Shaglayer, Brewsters Aromantica & Sadlers Hop Bomb. Ciders that were actually available were Westons Old Rosie, Mr Whiteheads Apples & Pears, Bottle Kicking Cider Company Raspberry & Pomegranate & Perrys Somerset Redstreak. An above average branch of Wetherspoons.
11 Jul 2015 23:04
The Merry Fellow Inn, Charlton Kings
Looks nice from the outside. But there's not too much to recommend inside. It's a fairly ordinary pub. Although the garden looked nice. Ales were HPA & Doom Bar. Customers seemed to be primarily locals.
11 Jul 2015 22:58
This pub is larger than it initially looks and has outdoor seating too. There is a small car park. But this was full on my visit. The location in a village-like setting is lovely. But it did feel a bit too foodie for my liking. Although there were plenty of people there just for the drinks. Ales were Adnams Ghost Ship, Brakspear Bitter, West Berkshire Mister Chubb's & Wickwar Bob.
11 Jul 2015 22:55
Backstreet local that I meant to visit a few years back. But I never got round to it. The interior is dominated by a bowling alley. There is limited seating and two rooms have been knocked into one. The gents toilets are outside. All 4 ales were from Arkells - Moonlight, Hoperation IPA, Wiltshire Gold & Kingsdown Special Ale. It was fairly quiet early on my Saturday afternoon visit.
11 Jul 2015 22:51
Ember Inns pub. I could only see 5 ales on. But my attention was drawn to the real cider that they have apparently just started selling - Rosie's Pig. The 5 ales were Brakspear Bitter, Robinsons Trooper, Butcombe Bitter, Wells Bombardier Glorious English & Haresfoot Wild Boy. The place is fairly soulless and is more of a dining place than a pub. Its situation on a shopping development in a residential area does not help. But it does appear to be frequented by some local drinkers.
11 Jul 2015 22:46
Morans Eating House, Cheltenham
This was my first establishment of the day and a rather unusual place. But shortly after 11am, it was already really busy. Most customers appeared to be enjoying breakfast or simply coffee. I went for a bottle of perry! They have 2 handpumps. Today they were dispensing Flying Monk Elmers & Exmoor Gold. There is a good bottle selection too. Located in the Bath Road shopping area, this place is worth a visit. I guess it turns into more of a bar the later in the evening you go.
11 Jul 2015 22:38
Was back at this hotel bar for another function yesterday. It hasn't improved much from my previous visits. St Austell Cornish Best & Marstons Pedigree were the beers.
5 Jul 2015 14:30
This pub is just opposite Brockwell Lido. The welcome wasn't the warmest. I was expecting the landlord/bar manager to serve me. But he seemed too self-important to do that and was more concerned with reading something off his mobile phone to serve a customer. Neverthless, the pub interior was nice enough and I didn't have to wait too long before the other guy behind the bar served me. Prices were also cheaper than the nearby Florence. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Woodfordes Wherry, Cross Bay Zenith & Purity Mad Goose. Cider was Stowford Press.
5 Jul 2015 14:27
This pub advertises as opening at 11:30. Whatpub says 11:00 on a Saturday. But at 11:30 yesterday, there was no sign of life. So I headed back to the Commercial. Came back here at midday to find that it must have opened some time between, as a few other customers were already in. Took a look at the real ales and was asked why I'd want to drink a warm beer on such a warm day! I opted for a Hawkes Urban Orchards keg cider. The ales were Trumans Zephyr, Sambrooks Lavender Hill & Weasel Beer from the on site brewery. A slightly more upmarket pub, as you can tell from the prices.
5 Jul 2015 14:24
With the pub I'd planned to visit not yet open at 11:30, I found the Commercial opened and thought I'd have a swift one there. It's just opposite the railway station and has a nice feel to it. Surprisingly 3 ales were on - Sharps Doom Bar, Sambrooks Junction & Black Hill Rok. Even more surprising was a real cider - Orchard Pig Maverick. But when I pointed at the box and asked for a pint of cider, I was offered Aspalls or Addlestones. Another customer also came in and asked what ciders they served. Why is it that everybody forgets about the real cider and try to promote the artificial stuff?! Anyway, rant over. I quite enjoyed my half and all credit to them for actually stocking real cider.
5 Jul 2015 14:20
Was back in the Blue Anchor after a couple of years on Thursday evening. The pub along with the neighbouring Rutland Arms has a fabulous location next to the River Thames. But it's central London prices and use of plastic glasses are a little annoying. It's practice of locking all the doors by 11:20 meaning you can't even use the toilets is also worrying. Thank God for the Rutland Arms! The ale selection was Sambrooks Pumphouse Pale & Lavender Hill & Nelson Blue Anchor Ale. No real cider is served. Although they have Orchard Pig Reveller on keg. A good place to meet and with a fabulous location. But nothing else to recommend it.
5 Jul 2015 14:10
Typical town centre Wetherspoons. It looks like it was a former shop and stretches back quite a way to the bar at the rear. Drinking space is maximised with toilets upstairs. The décor is fairly modern and not particularly inspiring. Ales were Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Fullers London Pride, Marstons Help For Heroes, Tring Kotuku, Georges Saxon Gold, Woodfordes Nelson's & Woods Chestnut. Ciders were Old Rosie & Wyld Wood. As usual, confusion reigned over the acceptance of CAMRA vouchers for real cider!
5 Jul 2015 14:05
Chef & Brewer pub next to Hockley Woods. It seemed to be doing a good trade late on Wednesday evening and most customers appeared to be there for the drinks rather than the food, unless they'd already eaten. Ales were Greene King IPA, Robinsons Wizard & Castle Rock Harvest Pale. Not the cheapest pub around. The car park is pay and display (£2!). But at least this is not enforced in the evening.
5 Jul 2015 14:00
Another very pleasant Essex pub. It has a number of outdoor drinking areas, including tables at the front, a small yard at the rear and a grassy area at the back of the car park. The interior is small but cosy and the ale selection was limited, but of reasonably quality - Caledonian Flying Scotsman & Surf Sup & Elgoods Cambridge Bitter. The better of the 2 pubs I tried in Hockley.
5 Jul 2015 13:57
This pub is slightly away from the centre of Rochford. It's listed in the current Good Beer Guide. But it has clearly been closed and has only just re-opened under new ownership. Doom Bar was the only ale. Still £1 for a J2O (I was driving) seemed very good value. A beer garden at the rear looks as if it could be quite pleasant given a bit of attention. I hope they can get this place back up and running again. But on this occasion, it wasn't the best.
5 Jul 2015 13:52
Shepherd Neame pub that has 3 rooms and is in the centre of town. You can watch the local youths doing youthful things from the front bar. 2 ales were on - Shepherd Neame Spitfire & Mighty Oak Rex. The lady behind the bar offered me a taster of the Mighty Oak beer. But it wasn't my kind of beer. Ok pub. But lacked atmosphere. There were only about 3 other customers.
5 Jul 2015 13:48
The Miley seemed a strange little pub, tucked away behind some houses next to a hospital. The ale range was ok - Hopback World Hop Medley, Pitfields Red Ale, Morland Old Speckled Hen & Belhaven Golden Bay. Sadly I didn't notice the cider range until after I'd ordered. They had Double Vision, Millwhites Rioja Cask & Hedgelayer. A pub quiz was about to start. But I wasn't invited to join - just as well really as I had 5 more pubs to visit. There is a large outdoor area that you have to walk through to get to the entrance. Most of this is covered. So I guess it's used by smokers. I'm surprised this pub hasn't been in the Good Beer Guide since 2005. It was the second best pub I found in Rochford.
5 Jul 2015 13:45
This was the first of 4 pubs I tried in Rochford and it was probably the best of them. The ale selection was good - Greene King Abbot, Shalfords Levelly Gold, Adnams Bitter, Titanic Plum Porter, Maldon Liberty Ale & Peerless Red Rocks. The cider selection listed on a blackboard also looked impressive, until I actually asked for one. There were 5 or 6 listed. But they had none of them! Apparently they were getting some more in next week. That sounds like either poor stock control or that they had just finished some kind of festival. The pub itself has a nice feel and there is a small courtyard out the back. The jukebox seemed a hit. No sign of any food. Probably my favourite pub of the day on my visit to Essex despite the lack of a real cider.
5 Jul 2015 13:41
Lovely little weatherboard pub that's a bit out of the way in a nice location. Inside was quite warm and it had a cosy feel to it. There were more people behind the bar than actually drinking. But only one guy appeared to be serving. Ales were Adnams Bitter, Exmoor Gold, Nethergate Growler Bitter & Bishop Nick 1555.
5 Jul 2015 13:36
The Shepherd and Dog, Ballards Gore
Friendly rural pub. I hadn't been before. So I have nothing to compare it with. But the one side of the bar area did seem a little bare and devoid of character. 4 ales were on - George's Cockleboats Best Bitter & Wakering Gold, Dark Star Espresso & Maldon Sailing Barge Dawn. CAMRA members can get 20p off per pint. But there's no discount for halves. But it was far cheaper than the Victory Inn in Ashingdon anyway. No sign of any food as yet. But there weren't many people in on my Wednesday evening visit.
5 Jul 2015 13:30
First of 10 Essex pubs sampled on a very hot Wednesday evening. 3 ales were on - George's Victory Ale, Brains The Rev James & Sharps Doom Bar. Ciders were Westons Twist Raspberry & Old Rosie. Although I thought £2.33 for half was bit excessive. The interior was light and airy, which made it quite a refreshing escape from the heat.
5 Jul 2015 13:25
Well we weren't planning to visit the Causeway. But with the Fishermans Arms closed, we moved down to the town centre to make this our final pub. And it didn't disappoint. The picture you see above appears to show the pub with a shop next to it. But in fact, both premises are part of the pub, as the bar extends into the neighbouring property. A musician was playing. We retreated to one of the splendid side rooms. One has traditional décor, the other is a little different. There is also a small outdoor area to the rear. This feels like a really good town pub and despite being a Marstons pub, it serves Strongarm from the neighbouring Camerons brewery. Banks's Bitter & Ringwood Boon Doggle accompanied it. Not a bad way to finish our 21 pub crawl of Cumbria & Durham.
29 Jun 2015 22:18
The Fishermans Inn, Hartlepool
This was due to be our last pub of the day in Durham. But we found it shut at 4:30pm on a Sunday afternoon. I'm not sure why Hartlepool pubs shut on a Sunday - we also fancied the Brewery Tap and the Rat Race Ale House. But they were also closed. At least I can use this to plug the nearby Globe which is sadly not listed on here, but was my favourite pub of the day (I will request for it to be added). They do a fabulous pint of Strongarm with the reknowned Hartlepool Head. Pay it a visit to find out! It was absolutely packed too, to prove that there is demand on a Sunday. 0/10 for the Fishermans though. All websites I could find suggested it would be open.
29 Jun 2015 22:14
What are the chances of visiting two Ember Inns establishments in a row - very good in Hartlepool. From the Tall Ships, we moved onto the White House. Apparently this was a former catholic school, which complimented our earlier visit to the Catholic club in Billingham. The White House was much quieter than the Tall Ships, with far less diners. So it fell more like a pub. The outdoor patio at the front was also quite pleasant in the Sunday sun. Ales were Purity Ubu, Hopback Summer Lightning, Wells Bombardier, Timothy Taylor Boltmaker & Brakspear Bitter.
29 Jun 2015 22:08
Modern Ember Inn pub/restaurant sat on a roundabout within a commercial development. The ale range was surprisingly good - Hopback Summer Lightning, Glamorgan My Darlin' Lemontime, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Brakspear Bitter & Woodfordes Norfolk Champion. The wings, lattice fries and garlic bread also hit the spot. Most people were in for their Sunday lunch and it was reasonably busy. Fairly characterless establishment. But better than expected and staff were friendly.
29 Jun 2015 22:05
The Ship was slightly disappointing. One one real ale was on - Strongarm. The other handpull was unused. The pub itself felt more traditional than the Wellington across the road. Again food was popular. But it just failed to hit the spot. We continued on to the Spotted Cow and the McOrville Inn in nearby Elwick. Neither are listed on here. But we quite liked the latter.
29 Jun 2015 22:00
This was our third stop of the day in Durham after the Station Hotel and the Greenholme Catholic Club (yes you read that right!), both in Billingham. Neither are listed on here. The two pubs in Wolviston are opposite one another. The Wellington was probably the nicest of the two. Whilst it has been modernised, it has been done with care and the pub now seems popular with both drinkers and diners. Only 2 ales were on - Morland Old Speckled Hen & Tyne Bank Monument.
29 Jun 2015 21:57
The Manor Arms, Broughton in Furness
The Manor Arms restored our faith in Broughton after the disappointment of the other pubs. This is a friendly single bar local that is deservedly popular. Yates's Bitter, Abbeydale Doctor Morton's Eurocrat, Town House Audley Gold, Cumbrian Legendary Ales Loweswater Gold, Hawkshead Windermere Pale & Cumberland Corby Pale were the ales. Ciders and perries were Somerset Fruit Forager & West Country & Westons Old Rosie, Rosie's Pig & Country Perry. Locals were friendly especially the Egremont Cricket Club drinkers (well actually they weren't that local) and the pub had a real traditional feel. Staff are also friendly and professional - one is happy to pull some of the beers, whilst another deals with the same order from the cellar. It is pleasantly situated overlooking the square. The only two downsides for me were the 2 unused handpulls and the conspicuous lack of a stag party that had supposedly booked all of the pub's accommodation. We were there until last orders and they still hadn't appeared. Sadly we ended up at the Old Kings Head for the night!
29 Jun 2015 21:53
Black Cock Inn, Broughton-in-Furness
Another disappointment in Broughton. This looked like quite a nice pub. But we were in need of food. Our experiences at the Old Kings Head weren't the best, the High Cross was closed and we knew the Manor Arms didn't do food. So to find the kitchen at the Black Cock was closed was a worry. Luckily the locals suggested a nice bistro around the corner, which did the trick. The barmaid was also friendly. But the ale range - Lancaster Red & Blonde & Copper Dragon Golden Pippin failed to make up for the lack of food.
29 Jun 2015 21:46
High Cross Inn, Broughton-in-Furness
We decided to climb up the hill from the village to the High Cross, only to find it closed. It was a Robinsons pub. Not sure if it will re-open.
29 Jun 2015 21:42
Old Kings Head, Broughton in Furness
We decided to stay the night here as supposedly the Manor Arms was fully booked with a stag party. This is Broughton's version of Fawlty Towers. The rooms were ok, apart from light bulbs not working and shower heads not staying up. Breakfast is also fine. But the pub itself is hopelessly mis-managed. We watched the young barman struggling as somebody came in wanting a Strongbow. He decided it had run out and went to change it, only to discover that they had none left. At the same time, one of the 2 other customers in the pub wanted to pay his bill, whilst the phone started ringing. The young barman re-appeared without any Strongbow, but with a large fish on a plate for the other customer. He disappeared for a short while to get some knives and forks for fish consumption, before re-appearing to sort out the Strongbow problem. As the guy wanted to pay the bill watched on bemused and the phone continued to ring, another guy who we thought was the landlord wandered round looking completely disinterested and the landlady appeared to inform the barman that there were loads of glasses to be collected from the outside. She also informed the Strongbow customer that a coach party had consumed a whole keg of it earlier in the day - likely story. Most of the food items had run out - presumably the cider-swilling coach party had been hungry too. We watched a few people wander in looking for food and walking back out again. This didn't seem to worry the staff! Nevertheless, the ale range all from the Ulverston Brewery was good - Another Fine Mess, Laughing Gravy, Lonesome Pine & Flying Elephants. Good comedy value here.
29 Jun 2015 21:39
Our pub tour kept getting and better and then we reached the pinnace - the Prince of Wales. This is an excellent real ale pub located right across the road from Foxfield station. You can even wait for the signal to go up and still have 3-4 minutes to finish your pint and board your train. The ale range was Kinver Nightjar, Barngates Pale, Town House Wayiti, Foxfield Fleur de Lys & Dougie's Dark Mild & Bowness Bay Swan Black. Ciders were Westcroft Medium & Madhatters Farting Dog. Perries were Westons Country Perry & Ross-on-Wye Broome Farm Hendre Huffcap. There is also a fine selection of whiskeys and meads, in addition to many bottled ciders. The Foxfield beers are brewed here and the landlord/lady also own Tigertops in Wakefield. The pasty range was certainly extensive. What I also liked was that the pub had its fair selection of local character. A big pile of board games is for customers' use whilst they wait for their pasties. The only two down marks for us were the staff. They seemed to be getting on fine with the locals, but were not so friendly to visitors. Apparently the owners were away doing their own tour of Norwich. In addition, the beer quality was not the best. It may have been our selection. So I'm willing to give it the benefit of the doubt. From my perspective, the cider and perry I had were both good.
29 Jun 2015 21:29
I'm amazed that I'm the first to review this pub. It's a gem of an establishment located just off the main road, but easy to reach. We joined the one other customer and had a very enjoyable 45 minutes or was it 1 hour chatting with the landlady or barmaid and the other customer. This is the brewery tap for the Greenodd brewery. Their selection was Gold, Best Bitter, Kiln Bitter, Cascade & Greenodd Roundabout. Tasters were offered to aid selection. Addlestones cider was also available. Note the small grotto in the pub's car park. Most definitely worth a detour into the village.
29 Jun 2015 21:21
This pub is tucked away in a village away from the main A road. The rear patio overlooks fields and hills beyond. The interior is traditional and you're likely to receive a warm welcome. Ales were Black Sheep Best Bitter, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Pennine Real Blonde, Tetleys Cask, Snowhill Pale & Slaters Haka. I recommend the Extreme Chilli Pork Scratchings! Worth a visit.
29 Jun 2015 21:18
Yes this is a Thwaites pub that serves only Thwaites beers - Original, Anglers Ale, Lancaster Bomber & Wainwrights. But it did score a little higher for me with its choice of 3 ciders - Mr Whiteheads Newton's Discovery & Westons Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig. It was good to see a cider from as far afield as Hampshire. There are 2 rooms, 1 more for diners and the other more for drinkers. It felt a little dated. But that's not always a bad thing. I quite liked this pub.
29 Jun 2015 21:14
Reasonably busy pub with most punters choosing to take advantage of the large garden at the rear. It has a relaxing setting next to the river. Inside is a bit dark. Ales were Unsworth's Yard Freedom & Sir Edgar Harrington's Last Wolf, Bowness Bay Swan Blonde & Mere Gold & Old School Hopscotch. The bar staff seemed a bit grumpy. But overall we preferred this pub in Cartmel, due to its setting and better ale range.
29 Jun 2015 21:09
This was the first of two pubs in Cartmel. It wasn't the best of decisions to visit during a race meeting. But at least it was the day between races. The Kings Arms has been modernised, but still maintains a little charm. We sat in a small side room. Ales were Hawkshead Hop Black Bitter, Red & Windermere Pale & Sharps Doom Bar. Preferred the Royal Oak next door.
29 Jun 2015 21:07
Conveniently located next to the station, this pub has a nice location next to a small river. The staff are friendly. Although it was too early for them to count (mis-calculating change). Luckily it was early enough in the day for me to retain my maths skills. The ale range on Saturday was Healeys The Welly, Unsworth's Yard Freedom & Sir Edgar Harrington's Last Wold & Marstons Pedigree New World. Cider was Rosie's Pig. Certainly a good village pub.
29 Jun 2015 21:02
Pheasant Inn, Grange over Sands
The Pheasant Inn seems to be mainly a foodie pub. You know the sort where you walk in and the staff say "can I help you", just looking forward to telling you they are fully booked. There is always a look of disappointment when you say you're in the pub just for a beer! Nevertheless, this was a fairly nice pub with a decent ale range - Thwaites Original, Cumbrian Legendary Ales Loweswater Gold, Dent Aviator, Wold Top Bitter & Yates's Golden. Nice location.
29 Jun 2015 20:58
The Three Tuns is conveniently situated opposite the tube station. It has a nice old-fashioned feel to it. Unusually you go down a couple of steps to the main bar area at the rear. But there is seating at the ground floor near the door and also in a courtyard to the side. Ales were fairly mainstream - Doom Bar, London pride & Old Speckled Hen. But the Westons Country Perry was doing a good trade. Pity the ale range isn't more adventurous.
29 Jun 2015 20:53
Was in here Friday evening after the Middlesex v Somerset cricket game. It's the best pub in Uxbridge in my opinion. Located just off the High Street down a side street, it is fairly small inside and seating can be difficult to find. Luckily there is a small room at the rear that often has a spare table. Sky News was showing on the TVs and the pub was fairly popular with the post-cricket crowd. Discounts on real ale are offered for CAMRA card holders. Ales were Cotleigh Tawny Owl & Commando Hoofing, Brains The Rev James, Binghams Twyford Tipple & Berkshire Bee, Twickenham Summer Sun & Fullers London Pride. The cider was Westons Family Reserve.
29 Jun 2015 20:50
Walked in and out of the Shrewsbury and the Griffin as the music was just too loud. After trying the new Charlton House (not listed on here), we moved on to the Courthouse. It's seems to be undergoing somewhat of a makeover, returning it more to the original Banks's version of the Courthouse. Whilst it was quiet when we entered, it soon filled up. 12 ales and 4 ciders or perries were on - Black Country Pig on the Wall, BFG & Fireside, Bru Dry Irish Stout, Keltec Lance, Batemans Yella Belly, RCH Firebox, Oates Cara Gold & APA, Downton Get Carta, Church End Fallen Angel, Brains The Rev James, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, Skorpion Black Cider, Lilleys Red Rabbit & Barbourne Painted Lady Perry. Still a solid 8/10. The atmosphere lacks here. But the ale and cider range is easily the best in Dudley.
22 Jun 2015 20:19
Still the second best ale range in Dudley in the usual 'spoons characterless interior. Ales this time were Greene King Abbot, Enville Ale & Ginger, Wadworth Golden Perch, Morland Old Speckled Hen & Sadlers Old Major. The cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon and they also had Westons Country Perry. Service was better than last time.
22 Jun 2015 20:15
The Highbury is tucked away in a residential area with a chip shop opposite. It was fairly quiet on my early Saturday evening visit with only a handful of other customers. The ale range was limited to Sharps Doom Bar, St Austell Tribute and possibly Moorhouses Summer Yarn. Although the latter's clip was half turned round. So I'm not sure it was still on and I didn't partake. Nothing too special about this pub.
22 Jun 2015 20:12
Modern and fairly small Wetherspoons, probably a shop conversion. I was surprised at how limited the ale selection was - Backyard Blonde, Batemans Fort, Lymestone Whimsical Waterstone, Sharps Doom Bar & Greene King IPA & Abbot. There were seemingly more "Coming Soon" signs on that actual beers. Ciders were Westons Marcle Hill & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Usual 'spoons daytime clientele and efficient service. There are better pubs in Moseley though.
22 Jun 2015 20:08
Goose At The Fighting Cocks, Moseley
The Fighting Cocks occupies an imposing building on the main road through Moseley. The inside was nice enough, but didn't quite match the interior. The ale selection was better than average, but couldn't quite match the Prince of Wales. On was Purity Ubu, Robinsons Trooper, Sharps Doom Bar & Shepherd Neame No. 18 Yard Red Sails. Cider was Orchard Pig Explorer. Service was slow, with lots of staff milling around and not doing too much. Customers were younger than average. The pub had more of a trendy feel to it than others in Moseley. Food seemed popular. Good pub. But a little disappointing after the Prince of Wales.
22 Jun 2015 20:00
This was my favourite of 7 new pubs in Birmingham on Saturday. It's a fairly old fashioned boozer that is much bigger than it initially seems. The front bar is reasonably impressive and at the rear are a couple more rooms and an outdoor courtyard. The tiling in the corridor is impressive. So was the ale range - 8 in all, plus 2 real ciders. The selection was Sharps Doom Bar, Holdens Bitter, Oakham Bishop's Farewell & Preacher, Purity Mad Goose, Titanic Plum Porter & Timothy Taylor Landlord & Boltmaker, along with Westons Old Rosie & Orchard Pig Explorer.
22 Jun 2015 19:51
The Fiddle and Bone, Birmingham
No rating and no reviews for this pub? Well I'll kick things off. Visiting early Saturday afternoon, I found myself the only person on the ground floor. This is a large pub for which I believe there is a basement at canal level, in which I suspect there were a few more customers. But there is plenty of seating here. I'd imagine it gets packed in the evenings for live music. The ale selection was reasonably decent - Doom Bar, Ubu, Mad Goose, Old Peculier & Deuchars. The gents toilets were in total darkness. Hopefully my aim was good!
22 Jun 2015 18:53
Managed to get into the Drop Forge this time round. It's a rather unique pub interior. I wasn't overawed by the ale selection though. All were from the Marstons group - Oxford Gold, Hobgoblin & Help For Heroes. I plumped for a bottle of Finnbarra Irish cider. I savoured every £4.95 mouthful of it! The place seems focused on food. Not as good as I'd hoped.
22 Jun 2015 18:49
This pub is now re-open again. I hadn't managed a visit previously. So I have nothing to compare it to. 4 ales were on - Bath Gem, St Austell Tribute, Marstons Pedigree New World & Purity Pure Gold. The décor is rather strange. It is dominated by plastic chairs that look like they'd be more suited to a nursery. At least the pub's back open.
22 Jun 2015 18:45
A shame this pub is closing. It is a little out of the way, but had started doing a good range of ales and a couple of ciders since it changed hands. I'd visited a couple of times. The owners seemed to be friendly enough. I believe they were commuting in from Manchester to run the pub. Hope they find another more suitable premises soon.
16 Jun 2015 21:02
Only 6 ales were available in the front bar. I'd forgotten that there were maybe other ales in different bars. But the selection was still good - Black Iris Stab In The Dark, Blue Monkey Guerrilla, XT1, Newark NPA & Sharps Doom Bar. Cider was Farmer Jims Copper Top and I believe they also had Westons Cider Twist Raspberry on. This was our last pub of the day and our comprehension of the real world was by this time somewhat lacking. Shortly after ordering, we realised we only had 25 minutes until our train and apparently it was a 30 minute walk to the station. Step forward yet another friendly Derby local, who organised us a cab for 7 people. I have to say that the vast majority of people we met in the city were very friendly, something that it always obvious throughout much of the country. Need to come back here one day to see if I can locate the other bars.
14 Jun 2015 10:53
A lovely old pub and whilst there was a reasonable number of ales, they weren't overly-inspiring when compared with what else Derby has to offer - ales were Brains The Rev James, St Austell Proper Job, Greene King Abbot, Sharps Doom Bar, Bass, Purity Ubu, Robinsons Trooper, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Sharps Atlantic. No real cider was available. Thatchers Heritage had run out and not been replaced. With time ticking on, we spent very little time in here, as we could still fit in one more pub before our train home!
14 Jun 2015 10:47
The Silk Mill Ale & Cider House was another Derby pub that exceeded our expectations. It appeared fairly small. But we didn't get much further than the bar itself. The ale selection was Stancill Porter, Salopian Darwin's Origin, Drop & Shropshire Gold, Bass, Salamander Super Salamander & Dancing Duck Ay Up. In addition, there were 3 real ciders - Orchard Pig Explorer & Navel Gazer & Lilleys Lemon and Lime. The latter was very refreshing indeed. Don't remember too much about this pub, as it was the 10th on our crawl and time was ticking on. But I wouldn't mind paying it another visit one day, as first impressions were good.
14 Jun 2015 10:43
Forgot to add that Arbor Triple Hop & Shiny Pail were also added to the already impressive range during our visit.
14 Jun 2015 10:39
The Furnace was another friendly Derby pub with a good selection of ales. It's located in more of a residential area of the city, next to the river. The beer selection was Fallen Grapevine, Tiny Rebel One Inch Punch & Dirty Stop Out, Shiny New World, Dealer Button & Affinity. Cider was Sheppys Farmhouse Sweet and the perry was from Broadoak.
14 Jun 2015 10:38
Forget the previous ale range. That was actually the selection in Ye Olde Dolphin Inn! Here there was actually Sharps Atlantic, Brains The Rev James, Exmoor Gold, Bass and the Westons Country Perry.
14 Jun 2015 10:36
Not the best of pubs we tried in Derby. But the city does have a really good selection of pubs. So this is by no means a criticism. Ales were Brains The Rev James, St Austell Proper Job, Greene King Abbot, Sharps Doom Bar, Bass, Purity Ubu, Robinsons Trooper, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Sharps Atlantic. Westons Country Perry was also on. This pub is worth combining with the Little Chester Ale House.
14 Jun 2015 10:33
Little Chester Ale House, Derby
Small micropub unsurprisingly in the Little Chester area of the city. It's not too far a walk from the centre. Ales were all from Wentwell - D5, Farm Hand's Bitter, Derby Pale Ale & Jeremiah Mild. Ciders were Sheppys Farmhouse Sweet & Farmer Fear Farm Cider. It's very cosy in here and was standing room only by the time we left. There is a toilet at the rear and another outdoor one. Nice pub.
14 Jun 2015 10:26
Similar to the nearby Exeter Arms, the Tap is now a little upmarket. It is the brewery tap for the Derby Brewery. Ales on from them were Little Belter, Navigation, Dashingly Dark, Business As Usual, On Tap & Hop Til You Drop. Guests were Titanic Lifeboat, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Goffs Camelot & Navigation Mayflower. One of only 2 pubs we visited in Derby without a real cider. Sat in a covered courtyard at the side. But you will get traffic noise from the main road here. Expensive, but decent pub.
14 Jun 2015 10:20
Agree with comments that this is a slightly more upmarket pub than many others in Derby. It features Dancing Duck ales - Ay Up, Dark Drake & Abduction, in addition to Marstons Pedigree & Saltaire South Island Ale. Cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Scrumpy. The interior felt dark and there is a focus on eating. We chose to sit in a pleasant outdoor area. Service was efficient, with plenty of staff on hand.
14 Jun 2015 10:16
The Marstons sign on the outside didn't fill us with optimism. But once inside, you realise that this is far more than just a basic Marstons pub. Pedigree was the only Marstons beer. Others were an excellent range of guests - Hartshorns Ignite & Shakademus, Whim Hartington IPA, Burton Bridge Top Dog Stout, Ossett Citra & Fernandes Challenger. Cider was Westons Single Orchard. Service was with a smile and the locals were friendly too. Plenty to like about this pub. If only all Marstons pubs were like this.
14 Jun 2015 10:13
Not as good an ale range as the Brunswick or the Alexandra. But this was still a nice pub in a location next to the river Derwent and a bus garage. It was reasonably quiet. Locals were friendly. Some were partaking in meals. Ales were Enville Ginger, Derby The Smithy, Whim Arbor Light, Oakham Bishop's Farewell & Bass. Cider was Black Dragon. Worth a swift detour, if you can find it in what is a confusing network of roads and paths through parkland with the river to traverse somewhere in between!
14 Jun 2015 10:10
Another excellent pub within easy walking distance of the station. The pub has a selection of Castle Rock ales - Harvest Pale, Preservation, Skylarks Reserve & Little Bitch. The latter was 10% and very tasty indeed. There are also guests - Ossett Mill End Mild, Charnwood Blossom, Oakham Scarlet Macaw, Ramsbury Silver Pig Stout & Amber Dambuster, in addition to 2 real ciders - Old Rosie & Happy Daze. The interior is full of railway memorabilia, of which the still functioning digital clock is the centrepiece. Locals seemed a friendly bunch and there was a good mix of people. Those in our party who tried the Scotch Eggs were happy. A haggis one served by a Scottish lady was sampled. Well worth combining with the Brunswick just around the corner. Both pubs offer a CAMRA discount and I believe both accept the Wetherspoons vouchers.
14 Jun 2015 10:05
The Brunswick is a very convenient pub for the station and has an excellent range of ales and ciders. There were 16 ales and 13 ciders - Leatherbritches Not Festivale, Everards Original, Beacon & Tiger, Brunswick White Feather, Triple Hop, Rocket, The Usual, Railway Porter & Black Sabbath, Batemans XXXB & Gold, Black Country Pig on the Wall, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Great Heck Patrick and one other I don't recall. The ciders and perries were Thistly Cross Jaggy Thistle, Westons Country Perry, Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig, Gwynt y Ddraig Haymaker, Scrumpy Wasp Amnesia, Abrahalls Medium Still Cider, Cock Eyed Mad Jack & Copper Beech, Aspalls Cyderkyn, Barbourne Painted Lady & Hopped Cider & Millwhites Rum Cask. The ciders and perries are printed on a list. So I assume they rarely change. The pub itself has a number of different rooms. My only slight grumble would be with the bar staff. They weren't the most responsive and didn't seem to be enjoying their jobs. Other than that, there was little to choose between this and the Alexandra just around the corner. They were both excellent pubs.
14 Jun 2015 09:59
The Betjeman Arms, St Pancras International Station
First visit in a few years to the Betjeman Arms yesterday. It was much as I remembered it, with a light and airy interior. Only 2 ales were on - Youngs Ordinary and Stodfold Gold. Sambrooks Junction was added later. Aspalls is the keg cider option. The place opens up early for breakfast. So it is useful if you're waiting for a train. But otherwise, I doubt this would be a destination of choice.
14 Jun 2015 09:44
The Bermuda Triangle, Parkstone
I'd made the Bricklayers Arms my last pub of the day last night, until I'd realised that the pub opposite was the Bermuda Triangle - one I'd seen listed in the top 100 UK pubs on here previously. So it was rude not to have a swift one. The interior is a little unusual. There is one main drinking area around the bar, along with a small side room and another room at the rear, packed with tables and probably very cosy when/if the pub is rammed with people. The pub certainly possesses plenty of character. 4 ales were on - Goddards Fuddle Dee Dum, Sixpenny 6d Best & Dark Star Hophead & American Pale Ale. On enquiry, I found there was also a real cider from Westons, fetched from the cellar. I believe this was Founders Reserve. Certainly more of a pub than the Bricklayers opposite and certainly a decent pub. But I could probably name at least 100 better, in my opinion. But of course, it really depends what you are looking for in a pub. 7/10 from me.
8 Jun 2015 20:50
I wasn't planning to come here. But after finding the Oakdale closed down last night, I moved onto the Bricklayers. This seems a lovely little village area and you can tell this used to be a fairly traditional pub. But the interior looks to have been modernised and brightened up. It's not all bad, but not entirely my cup of tea either. Some kid of ambient music was playing, which didn't seemed to fit in with the clientele's age group. 4 ales were on - Ringwood Best & Forty Niner, Hopback Summer Lightning and just as I was about to go an entire without seeing it in a pub - Sharps Doom Bar! I thought I ought to succumb to having a half of Forty Niner, as its a fairly local brew and had been on in most pubs. It was better than I had anticipated.
8 Jun 2015 20:43
This pub is currently closed with To Let signs. The main road bypasses the pub and entry is via the housing estate. The garden is certainly large. Not sure if it will re-open though.
8 Jun 2015 20:33
Had an encounter with that pesky pillar last night. Took a while to get noticed. But locals at that end of the bar were kind enough to point out my presence to the barman. The ale selection was not too inspiring - Greene King IPA & Magna Carta & Morland Old Golden Hen. The interior is L-shaped reflecting its corner location. It's a large, airy pub. But it lacked any kind of atmosphere. Possible the worst of the day's 11 pubs.
8 Jun 2015 20:31
The Branksome Railway, Branksome
Brought my 2 year old in here after 8pm last night! But don't worry, he won't become a regular! Like his father, he leads a bit of a nomadic lifestyle. This is as typical a railway pub as you will find - a great place to sink one or two before your train and a good excuse to miss a few too. 4 ales were on - Timothy Taylor Landlord, Hopback Summer Lightning, Acorn Gorlovka & Yeovil Posh IPA. They are advertised on a blackboard outside the front door. I particularly appreciated the stout. It was the only truly dark ale I had found during my days's travels. There seemed to be some kind of astroturf on the ceiling of the gents which I found a little odd!
8 Jun 2015 20:20
Nice, small pub in this commercial suburb of Bournemouth. But this is a Marstons pub. So the range is limited to their own beers and breweries they have swallowed up. The selection was Ringwood Best, Forty Niner & Boon Doggle, Banks's Bitter & Marstons Old Empire. There is a nice atmosphere in here, with no music, TVs, fruit machines or any other distractions - just simple conversation.
8 Jun 2015 20:14
Goat and Tricycle, Bournemouth
Has a lovely tiled exterior and a fairly spacious interior in different rooms. The ale selection was mainly from Wadworths, with a few guests. But none of them were dark ales - stouts, porters or milds. The selection was Wadworth Swordfish, 6X, Horizon, Henry's IPA & Bishop's Tipple, The Beer Studo Citra Chinook, Batemans XXXB, Lacons Falcon Ale, Hydes Nelson & Portobello VPA. Cider was Rosie's Pig. The barmaid seemed rushed off her feet. But she was serving everybody in order, which is always a plus for me. Nice pub. But a dark ale would be appreciated.
8 Jun 2015 19:58
The Cricketers Arms, Springbourne
The Cricketers is certainly a proper pub. There is a small main bar and two adjoining rooms. We sat in the boxing room, which with its high ceiling and skylights was quite impressive. The gents is also worth seeing! Nice pub set in a residential area. 3 ales were on - Fullers London Pride, Moorhouses Summer Yarn & Porter Street Oval 6. There was also Old Rosie cider. Worth seeking out. Whilst I preferred Chaplins in Boscombe, this felt more of a pub, rather than a bar.
8 Jun 2015 19:53
The Brunswick Hotel, Bournemouth
Greene King corner pub in the middle of a residential area (Charminster) - the kind of pub that the big Pubcos have been eager to sell on. So it was nice to see this one still alive and kicking. It's a large place with 2 large rooms and a covered courtyard for smokers and summer drinking at the side. This comes complete with a TV screen for live sports. Ales were Timothy Taylor Landlord, West Berkshire Dr Hexter's Healer, Morland Old Golden Hen & Old Hoppy Hen & Greene King IPA & Abbot - a slightly more adventurous range than most Greene King pubs, without being too overwhelming. Service was friendly.
8 Jun 2015 19:50
The Shoulder of Mutton, Bournemouth
This pub can be reached along a slip road from a busy dual carriageway. It has recently started to open all day on Sundays. There appeared to be a few characters sat outside the front of the pub, with loud music being played. The interior had two rooms and felt far more cosy. A garden around the side was reasonably pleasant and had some swings covered in bird poo and a slide. 2 ales are served - Ringwood Forty Niner & Flack Manor Hedge Hop.
8 Jun 2015 19:46
This is now a small shopping development, with a Tesco and a Costa Coffee.
8 Jun 2015 19:43
Agree with the previous review about the use of plastic glasses. We visited at lunchtime and plastic was being used. I note there is live music here every night of the week. So maybe it's easier to only dispense drinks in plastic. I will also mark the pub down for this. But it was probably my favourite pub of the day. There is a ground floor bar, a cellar bar and a garden at the rear with some really intriguing features. 5 ales were on. 2 were on gravity - Sunny Republic Red Bus & Twisted Bitter Pirate and the other 3 were on handpull - Palmers Spring Hop, Cerne Abbas Ale & Flack Manor Romsey Gold. Ciders were Dorset Sunshine and Maverick from Orchard Pig. Think I may be back here when I visit for the football next year. 7/10. Would be an 8 had it not been for the plastic.
8 Jun 2015 19:41
The Sir Percy Florence Shelley, Boscombe
Wetherspoons with a decent enough range of ales, plus several ciders. Ales were Adnams Broadside, Moorhouses Farm House, Greene King Abbot, Banks & Taylor Dragon Slayer, Hook Norton San Diego Pale Ale, Flack Manor Ballast, Ringwood Forty Niner & Ruddles Best. Ciders were Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, Westons Wyld Wood, Marcle Hill & Henry Weston Vintage, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Sandford Orchards Devon Scrumpy. Predictably, there was the usual confusion as to whether CAMRA discount vouchers should be applied for cider. I've now added a favourites to the Wetherspoons FAQs section of their website to my mobile phone for the inevitable discussion next time I'm in a Wetherspoons (probably this weekend)! Otherwise, it's a fairly standard 'spoons which narrows to the back, where there is a dining area and an outdoor courtyard at the rear.
8 Jun 2015 19:33
Went in here before cricket at the Oval on Friday. It wasn't quite what I was expecting. 3 ales were on - Citra, JHB & Bishop's Farewell. Their Oaple cider produced in collaboration with Hogans was on one pump. But there turned out to be very little of it in a bag in the fridge. It was very cloudy and I was warned of this. But it still tasted fine. I guess some people are put off by the cloudiness. The bar itself is L-shaped with the one side taken up by a dining area, where tables are made up and unavailable for drinkers. This leaves very little drinking space. Nevertheless I did still manage to find a table and the pub is far enough from the Oval to ensure it doesn't get too busy. Not overly impressed and I noticed that the pub nextdoor had more ales on and from more than just the one brewery.
8 Jun 2015 19:22
Dropped in here yesterday after the Dispensary's ale range disappointed. Seven Brothers Stout, Porter Street Oval 6, Dunscar Bridge Dunscar Gold, Oceanic Steam White Star, Tetleys Bitter & Timothy Taylor Landlord was the selection. Excellent as usual. Old Rosie was advertised. But I could not see the box that has been sat on the side of the bar on my last few visits. So perhaps they had run out. But real cider is becoming more of a feature her.
25 May 2015 19:52
Hadn't been in the Vernon for a few months. So I decided to return yesterday. It's the same dependable range of ales in a pub with a touch of character. Whilst you'll get a far better selection of ales in the Ship & Mitre just down the road, the Vernon is a pub where you're more likely to find a table. Ales on yesterday were Boggart Rum Porter, Cheshire Brew Brothers Cheshire Gold, Liverpool Craft Fox Cub, Blakemere Summer Breeze & Deep Dark Secret & Brains The Rev James. Cider is still Black Dragon. Still one of my 5 favourite pubs in Liverpool.
25 May 2015 19:47
We passed Doctor Duncans yesterday and decided to peer through the window to see what was on. Dark Side of the Moon from Purple Moose tempted us in. Also on were Salopian Shropshire Gold, Marstons Pedigree, Jennings Cumberland Ale & Black Sheep Best Bitter. Its' the same old Doctor Duncans. But the ale range is improving.
25 May 2015 19:44
The Bulls Head, Ashford in the Water
After visiting the Cock & Pullet in Sheldon (not listed on here) with its multitude of clocks, we moved onto the Bulls Head, our final pub of the night. This is a 2-room Robinsons establishment, where staff and customers were friendly enough. Ales were Robinsons Trooper, Dizzy Blonde & Wizard & Hartleys Cumbrian XB.
25 May 2015 19:32
The Lathkil Hotel, Over Haddon
This was pub of the day for us in the Dales. We arrived at around sunset on Saturday. Darkness was falling. But the views were still superb. We sat on the outdoor terrace and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the countryside and all its sounds (mostly sheep!). The ale range was the most varied we found on this crawl too - Wincle Lord Lucan, Peak Ales Summer Sovereign, Whim Hartington Bitter, Derventio Equinocks & Storm Desert Storm. The only downside was that there was no real cider - Stowford Press was the keg option. Good pub in a superb location.
25 May 2015 19:30
Locals pub that we found quite welcoming. We stopped for a meal. I had the barman's buttered chicken red curry, which is thoroughly recommended. Ales were Caledonian First Dawn, Thwaites Magic Sponge & Theakston Black Bull Bitter. Very nice 2 room pub just opposite the church.
25 May 2015 19:24
Charles Cotton Hotel, Hartington
This was the worst and also the most expensive pub we tried during our day in the Peak District. Ales were Wychwood Hobgoblin, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Wincle Charlie Cotton & Derby Business As Usual. I opted for half a Hobgoblin and the better half had a spirit - £6.30 = London prices. Seeing the place was fairly quiet with a whole empty dining area, we enquired about having a meal, only to be told that they were fully booked. The barman informed us that it was about to become very busy soon. We left 20 minutes later to find the restaurant still empty. Poor customer service and far too pricey.
25 May 2015 19:19
Unpretentious village local that feels a million miles away from civilisation. It's located in a picturesque Peak District village. We sat outside on a pleasant lawn, watching a couple of hot air balloons pass directly over us. Robinsons Trooper & Hartleys Cumbrian XB were the ales. This was the only pub of 10 we tried that stocked a real cider - Old Rosie, keeping me happy. Worth a visit here.
25 May 2015 18:50
The Coach and Horses Inn, Fenny Bentley
We didn't enjoy this quite as much as the Bentley Brook Inn. But they're actually both very close to one another and both are popular with walkers. The Coach & Horses was the more intimate of the two. But I thought that the warm welcome wasn't quite there. Ales were Marstons Pedigree, Blue Monkey Right Turn Clyde & Whim Hartington Bitter. The pub is not too far from Dovedale.
25 May 2015 18:44
The Bentley Brook Inn, Fenny Bentley
Large hotel-like pub that was hosting a wedding reception when we were here on Saturday. This was another Marstons establishment with Pedigree, Pedigree New World, Banks's Cereal Thriller & Leatherbritches Porter. I opted for the porter, which was good. There is a nice outdoor patio at the back, with a garden sloping off to some more tables. There is also a small childrens' play area. Reasonable pub.
25 May 2015 18:41
Thought this was a fairly decent pub. Whilst it's tied to Marstons, it does have a guest ale. Ales were Marstons Belma SIngle Hop & Pedigree, Jennings Bitter, Ringwood Forty Niner, Banks's Sunbeam & Raw Galaxy Pale. The pub is fairly small. But it does have 3 rooms - a cosy front bar, a middle room with a piano and a rear room. The owners seemed friendly. The only pub we tried in Ashbourne, before moving onto the Red Lion at Kniverton (not listed on the site).
25 May 2015 18:37
This pub is now a collection of shops around a courtyard. The building looks as if it was an old coaching inn. The sign still hangs over the street. But otherwise, you could only guess that a pub had been here.
25 May 2015 18:31
Tried the County Hall Arms near Westminster Bridge (not listed on here). But gave up after 5 minutes waiting, when the useless bar staff decided to serve the women who had just walked in instead. We headed to All Bar One instead, where at least service was better. There are no decent ales on here. The keg selection was Peroni, Aspalls, Guinness, Amstel, Grolsch Blond, Estrella Damm, Pilsner Urquell, Meantime Pilsner & Sierra Nevada. Once you've been in one All Bar One, you've probably been in them all. But they serve a purpose.
18 May 2015 20:03
The Hole In The Wall, Waterloo
Returned to the Hole in the Wall after a few years' absence yesterday. It's still as dingy as ever, but still has a range of ales - Greene King Abbot & IPA, Youngs Bitter & Special, Oxfordshire Triple B, Hogsback Tea, Nethergate Growler Bitter & Sharps Doom Bar. Although I'm not sure all were available. Rosies Pig was the cider. The first time I've sat in the front bar. This is decorated with many rugby shirts. Had a quick snack too, that did the trick. Very handy for Waterloo. But it's worth the extra effort to go to the Kings Arms.
18 May 2015 19:58
My penultimate stop of the night (the last - the London Fields Brewery Tap Room in Cambridge Heath is not listed on here). The Leyton Technical looks as if it was an old social club. Now part of the Antic pub chain, this pub had a lovely relaxed feel, apart from the two bouncers stationed outside. Maybe they get a little trouble from time to time. The interior has several different rooms and does have a worn feel. But I settled in to a cosy armchair and enjoyed an ale and a cider. Service was good. There were plenty of staff. Ales were Volden Vim, Signature Brew Red Wedge & Session, Adnams Broadside, Trumans Budburst, Crate Porter & London Fields Broadway Blond. I had the last of the cider - Westons Cider Twist Raspberry. This pub is not too far away from the Leyton Orient Supporters Club and only a short bus ride from the King William IV. So I imagine I'll be back here in the not too distant future.
18 May 2015 19:10
There's some pretty good pubs in Walthamstow these days. This is definitely one of them and it was my favourite pub of the day. It's on the corner of a busy traffic junction. But the customer flow inside was equally busy, with a mixture of diners and drinkers. It's fairly spacious and had an outdoor area. Families are welcome. The ale selection was good - Sharps Doom Bar, Timothy Taylor Landlord, East London Cowcatcher, Black Edge Port Stout, Phoenix Arizona & Saltaire Elderflower Blonde. A couple of other ales had just gone off. I believe one was a Salopian. There were also 2 ciders from Thistly Cross - Whisky Cask & Elderflower. They didn't seem to be to everybody's liking. But I'm always partial to a Thistly Cross Cider. I had one of each and a stout as well. There is a good bottled selection too. CAMRA discounts are offered on ales, but strangely not on ciders. This was apparently because CAMRA is all about real ale. I did protest that they represent real cider too. But it fell on deaf ears! It's not too far to walk from here to the Olde Rose & Crown, which also looked like it was doing a roaring trade as I passed by it on the bus. Now you can do a really decent crawl in E17.
18 May 2015 19:05
I remember walking past this pub a few years ago to visit the Flower Pot. I didn't go in at the time. Maybe I should have, as I now appear to have missed the boat. The pub is currently closed. I'm not sure if it's just for a refurbishment, or whether it's closed for good. But the inside did look like a building site.
18 May 2015 18:56
I'm not sure I've ever been to this area of London before, apart from possibly speeding by on the North Circular. The George is an imposing looking pub, next to an Odeon cinema. It was very busy early on Saturday evening, with crowds of people enjoying the late sunshine. Indoors were mainly people watching the late Premier League kick-off on the TVs. The ale selection was not the best - Old Golden Hen, Old Speckled Hen, London Pride, Doom Bar & Abbot. I opted for a soft drink after having sat in the sun at Upton Park for a few hours and feeling parched. Seems like a nice enough pub. Pity the ales weren't more adventurous.
18 May 2015 18:51
This was our 6th pub of the day following a visit to the Clapton Hart, just the other side of a busy roundabout. Ironically, the Clapton Hart was the best pub of the 6 and is not listed on here. I'll request it to be added. The Crooked Billet no longer looks recognisable from the photo above. It has a modern, stylish interior. The only thing it lacked was customers and atmosphere on a Saturday lunchtime. The 4 real ales were all from local breweries - Redemption Trinity, Moncada Notting Hill Amber, Trumans Swift & Signature Brew Bitter Session. We opted for bottles of the Orbit Seven, which was very expensive. Not as good or as popular as the Clapton Hart. But more convenient for the station.
18 May 2015 18:45
This was our fourth pub of the morning on Saturday and our third Wetherspoons. It's a typical branch and located on Romford's main shopping street, a stones throw from the station. There are tables and chairs out the front from which you can watch the shoppers go by. There were no real ciders on offer here. But the ale selection was good enough - Ruddles Best, Arundel Black Stallion, Brains SA, Everards Tiger, Sixpoint Make It Rain, Lancaster Red, Greene King Abbot & Adnams Broadside. The Black Stallion was perfectly palateable.
18 May 2015 18:30
Was one of the 4 people queuing up to get in the Golden Lion on Saturday morning at 11am! This is an old pub that does feel fairly ancient. It's amazing it still stands in the centre of Romford. The interior is rather dark. But there are plenty of different drinking areas and lots of seating. The ale selection is large. But they are all fairly common national ales, with little originality - Greene King Abbot, Theakston Old Peculier, Courage Directors, Brains The Rev James, Sharps Doom Bar, Ruddles County, Wells Bombardier & Fullers London Pride. They also had Westons Old Rosie, or so it seemed. This ran out before a glass full could be poured - amazing that this should happen 2 minutes after opening. There was no offer to check if it could be replaced. I resorted to Ruddles County and wish I hadn't. Nice pub, but poor quality ales.
18 May 2015 18:26
The Colley Rowe was our second pub of the morning on Saturday and the second Wetherspoons. This one felt a little more cosy than the Eva Hart, if Wetherspoons can indeed be cosy. It was busier too, with a lively set of locals near the bar already well on their way! Ales were Fullers London Pride, Sharps Doom Bar, Ruddles Best, Arkells Kingsdown Special Ale, Weltons Broadwood & Banks's Feral Hop Hog. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Westons Country Perry was also available. I opted for the Perry, only to be told that CAMRA vouchers cannot be accepted for ciders and perries. This was clarified to mean that they could only be accepted for "guest ciders and perries or guest ales". Well if Westons Country Perry is not a "guest", I don't know what is. Yet another fail from Wetherspoons. Acceptance of CAMRA vouchers seems to be very hit and miss.
18 May 2015 18:21
The Eva Hart was our first pub of the day for breakfast and a pint on Saturday. It's a large corner pub which feels very spacious inside. I gather Eva Hart was one of the survivors from the Titanic. Breakfast was fine and the ale selection was good - Nethergate Growler, Greene King Abbot & Abbot Reserve, Weltons Topper Mild, Trumans Runner & Budburst, Sixpoint Make It Rain, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Adnams Broadside, Sharps Doom Bar & Ruddles Best. Ciders were Old Rosie & Black Dragon. Service was fine too. No sign of any fights at 9am!
18 May 2015 18:14
Ember Inns establishment with an exterior that is currently under renovation. Located off the main drag in a residential area. Popular with groups and families, it had a reasonable selection of 5 ales - Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Ilkley Mary Jane, M & B Brew XI, St Austell Proper Job & Brakspear Bitter. A bit on the pricey side.
11 May 2015 17:25
This pub is now called the Sun at the Station and was far better than I expected. The drinking environment is nice enough and popular with a fairly young crowd. Ales were Purity Mad Goose, Sharps Doom Bar & Enville Ale. They also appear to have St Austell Tribute on normally. But this was off on our visit.
11 May 2015 17:22
Typical large Wetherspoons with typical customer base. Rather appropriately in the Pear Tree, I opted for the Pear Shaped perry from Sandford Orchards. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Woodfordes Norfolk Champion, Greene King George & Flagon & Abbot, Ruddles Best & Titanic Iceberg. Ciders were Westons Wyld Wood, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Thatchers Cheddar Valley. Probably the best selection of drinks in Kings Heath and for the best prices.
11 May 2015 17:19
This Marstons pub is just a couple of doors up from the Cricket & Sports Club. It is fairly large and has a nice patio area at the front of the pub, with a car park behind. Banks's Bitter was the only real ale on offer. Not the best pub in KIng's Heath.
11 May 2015 17:13
Kings Heath Cricket and Sports Club, Kings Heath
Club with 2 sections on the busy Alcester Road. One side has a sports bar, complete with big screens and a pool table, whilst the other is more of a lounge and is also where the Sunday carvery is served. Ales were Abbeydale Chaucer, Wye Valley Butty Bach & HPA & Fernandes Challenger. The cider was Millwhites Rum Cask. Friendly staff. CAMRA members can be signed in.
11 May 2015 17:10
After the Two Clomes in Quintrell Downs (not listed on the site), the Ring O' Bells was my final pub of the weekend and this was an excellent place to finish. St Columb Major is a small, atmospheric town with narrow streets. This pub appears to be the oldest in the town and has 3 rooms - a front bar, a tiny central bar and a dining area at the rear. You feel as if you are drinking in another century. The landlord was friendly and interested to hear about where else I'd been! The ale selection won't win any awards. Doom Bar is the solitary ale. Apparently when 4 or 5 others were stocked, everybody's preference was to revert to the Doom Bar. Now it has become a national brand, the landlord was happy to have been only their 25th customer. I suspect most of the original 24 pubs have long since gone. The gents toilets are also a throwback. They are outdoors and a bit dingy. But that all adds to the experience. Worth a visit.
5 May 2015 22:35
Lanherne Pub and Restaurant, Newquay
I wasn't expecting much from this place on the outskirts of Newquay and near the zoo and leisure centre. It was last in the Good Beer Guide in 2003. My initial thoughts were that it looked like a council estate pub. It's a large place and was very quiet on a Bank Holiday Monday evening. But there was a good selection of 3 ales and they weren't the usual Cornish standards I'd been finding (almost) everywhere else. The 3 were Tintagel Cornwall's Pride & Harbour Special & Keltek Even Keel. I tried the Harbour Special, which was probably the best ale I tried all weekend. The landlord seemed a bit of a character, with a dry sense of humour. But I really liked this pub and would recommend a visit if in Newquay.
5 May 2015 22:29
Whilst we didn't see much of Newquay, I did pop in the local Wetherspoons. It's a large place. But as with many, it seems to suffer with failure to keep tables cleared. Nearly every table had glasses and left over food on them. They lost business from a large group of 10 as they couldn't stand the smell of some soiled nappies in the one corner. That probably says a lot about the clientele too. The ale selection was reasonable - Exmoor Fox & Hound Dog, Sixpoint Make It Rain, Cornish Crown St Michael's, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Keltek KIng & Harbour India Pale Ale. The cider was Black Dragon. Has a nice patio at the front overlooking the busy road.
5 May 2015 22:24
The Albion is located directly opposite the other village pub in Crantock. They share a car park. It has 2 rooms and a small outdoor yard. Doom Bar & Tribute were the only ales. But the atmosphere was quite cosy.
5 May 2015 22:20
The St Pirans Inn, Holywell Bay
Seaside pub overlooking the dunes of Holywell Bay. The interior felt more like a restaurant. We chose to sit in the outdoor courtyard, which bizarrely had some astroturf laid. Plenty of walkers and surfers were coming and going. The ale range was a little disappointing - Atlantic & Tribute.
5 May 2015 22:17
The Smugglers Den Inn, Newquay
This pub was probably the best of those we tried in Cornwall yesterday. It's tucked away down narrow lanes. But amazingly, we arrived to find the tail end of a beer festival with all pints being sold at £2. The ale selection remaining was Adnams Lighthouse, Exeter Lighterman, Gales Seafarers, Hanlons Firefly Bitter, Skinners Ginger Tosser & Porthleven, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Wadworth Horizon, Wickwar Bob, Harveys Sussex Best, Teignworthy Reel Ale, Cheddar Gorge Best, Quercus Devon Amber, Wells Bombardier Golden English, Moor So'Hop, Lacons Falcon Ale, Quantock Wills Neck, Dartmoor Legend, Arbor Blue Sky Drinking, Moles Elmo's Fire, Bath Barnsey, Wells DNA, Oakham Bishops Farewell, Marstons Pedigree, Green Jack Trawlerboys Best, Summerskills Bolt Head, Exe Valley Devon Glory, Beerd Silvertip, Mordue Radgie Gadgie, Harviestoun Schiehallion, Forge Dreckly, Springhead The Leveller, Sadlers Hop Bomb, Shepherd Neame Bishops Finger, Everards Original & Brancombe Valley Summa That. The only cider remaining was Heron Valley Devon Cider. Amazing to find such a great range of ales in such a rural pub. The pub itself seemed quite cosy, with a dark interior. There was plenty of outdoor seating, with a nice garden. A singer was performing live in the beer tent. Not sure what this place is like when there's no festival on. But I quite enjoyed my visit.
5 May 2015 22:15
The Pheasant is situated in a small inland village and is the only pub there. It was fairly quiet on a late Bank Holiday lunchtime. Most people were leaving. Others were just finishing their lunch. It is a large pub with 2 rooms and some outdoor seating too. Ales were Betty Stogs, Tribute & Doom Bar. Nice location. But little else to recommend for.
5 May 2015 22:06
The Watering Hole, Perranporth
This pub has quite a unique location on Perranporth beach. I believe it claims to be the only pub on a beach in Britain. But I would think the Smugglers in Sunderland could potentially challenge this claim to fame. The Watering Hole was very busy on Bank Holiday Monday lunchtime with most of the indoor tables taken and plenty of people outdoors admiring the windswept beach under the ominous-looking clouds. Beers were all local and nothing unusual - Betty Stogs, Prober Job, Tribute & Doom Bar. But it's the location that makes this pub special.
5 May 2015 22:04
Pleasant country pub not too far from Perranporth. We were the first customers in on Monday morning. But a few others had joined us by midday. Service was friendly. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Otter Bitter, Fullers London Pride & Cornish Crown SPA. There are 2 rooms. The main bar has plenty of board games in one corner.
5 May 2015 21:59
The Lamb was our final stop of the night (the Red Lion in Shobrooke and the Rose & Crown in Sandford are not listed on here). The Lamb was a bit more upmarket than the Rose & Crown. Whilst the Rose & Crown was cheaper and felt more like a real pub with its local crowd, the Lamb had a different feel with meals and candlelit tables to create an atmosphere. The ale range was ok - Dartmoor Legend, Otter Bitter & Ale & Exeter 'Fraid Not. Parking can be difficult.
5 May 2015 21:54
After a quick visit to the Rose & Crown in Calverleigh (not listed on here), I moved onto the Cadeleigh Arms. I was the only customer in this village pub. But the landlady was friendly and we soon established that she had run a few pubs in my local area. Exeter Avocet Ale, Otter Bright & St Austell Tribute were the 3 ales on offer.
5 May 2015 21:51
This was the best pub out of 21 we tried in Devon and Cornwall over the bank holiday weekend. It's a micropub, with a local clientele. Beware the early closing hours on Sunday (7pm). I arrived just in time for last orders. This is a small, one-room establishment in a former shop. It was presumably one of the country's first micropubs. Ales and ciders are served by gravity from the back of the bar. There are normally 4 of each. On Sunday, the selection was Yeovil Stout Hearted, Hunters Half Bore, Otter Bright & Vale VPA. Ciders were Cock Eyed Devon Jasper & Bush Pig & Natch Cider. I would have tried all 3 ciders if it hadn't have been last orders. Smashing pub.
5 May 2015 21:46
After a visit to the Ring of Bells in Cheriton Fitzpaine (not listed on here), we moved on to Tiverton. The local Wetherspoons was our first stop. This one seems a little rough around the edges. Many of the locals were having rounds of shots. Although I don't mind participating in that myself occasionally. Ales were Hunters Royal Hunt & Crispy Pig, Exmoor Hound Dog, Shepherd Neame Bishop's Finger, Ruddles Best, Marstons Help For Heroes, Greene King Abbot Ale & Quantock Will's Neck. Cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Westons Wyld Wood. The chief feature is the well near the entrance (indoors). Outside, there is a terrace overlooking the river. I've been in worse Wetherspoons.
5 May 2015 21:41
The Butterleigh Inn, Cullompton
After a fleeting visit to the Pony & Trap in Cullompton, I moved onto a much more rural pub in the Butterleigh Inn. Another quaint English pub that had a seemingly popular Sunday carvery located in a dining area. The main bar is small. But there is a covered outdoor drinking area and a garden for nicer days. Ales were Dartmoor Jail Ale & IPA, Cotleigh Tawny Owl & Plain Ales Innocence. Cider was Winkleigh Sam's Medium & Sandford Orchards Devon Scrumpy. Friendly staff and customers. Well worth a visit.
5 May 2015 21:36
This pub is not a million miles away from the M5. But it feels like a world away. Service was from the young bar staff was friendly and there was a good selection of local ales, plus a local cider - Hanlons Brewers Blond, Exeter County Best, Otter Bitter & Sandford Orchards Old Kirton. A few were indulging in Sunday lunches during our visit. The interior is fairly small. But there is also a beer garden to the side.
5 May 2015 21:32
The Bartons is always worth a visit when in Birmingham. The interior is fabulous and the Oakham beers are generally in good condition. A beer festival was in full swing during our Saturday evening visit. Oakham beers on were Inferno, JHB, Citra, Bishops Farewell, Aston Villain, Hawse Buckler & Oaple cider. Guests were Grainstore Ten Fifty & Rutland Panther, Springhead Roaring Meg, Black Country Pig on the Wall & Fireside, Cottage Oarsome & Seven Bro7hers IPA. Cromwells Oliver's Downfall cider & Cavalier Perry were also on. Didn't have time for any food on Saturday. But the Thai meals are generally good too.
5 May 2015 21:29
No entry for away football fans. Must indicate that the home fans like to cause a bit of trouble, as you don't have this kind of discrimination everywhere. 0/10.
5 May 2015 21:24
The Post Office Vaults, Birmingham
Still the best pub in Birmingham, in my opinion. The fact it's reasonably small and a bit dingy would be the only drawbacks. Service is always friendly (apologies I managed to break a glass on the way out!). Customers are always willing to chat too. Ales on Saturday lunchtime were Salopian Oracle, Hobsons Champion Mild, Siren Liquid Mistress, Windswept Blonde, Brass Castle Eclipse, Hop Stuff Pale Ale & Plain Incognito. Ciders and perries were Hogans Poachers Perry, Pickers Passion, Hazy Daisy & Panking Pole, West Milton Traditional, Dudda's Tun Cheery Old Dudda, Ciderniks Dabhand, Moseley Cider Circle Dry, Virtual Orchards Hard Core, CJ's Cider Wench, Raglan Cider Mill Dry, Marchers Sweet Fanny Adams & Bartestree Breakwell Seedling. Another excellent selection.
5 May 2015 21:22
Pure Bar and Kitchen, Birmingham
This was our first visit to this very expensive Birmingham city centre bar. The surroundings are modern, with an open kitchen at one side. Seating is available both above ground and down below in a basement. £28 for a round of 6 pints seemed somewhat steep for Birmingham. Pure Gold, Ubu & Mad Goose were available from Purity, along with Roosters YPA & Kirkstall Black Band Porter and a decent range of keg and bottled beers. Not really our sort of pub. Plenty of places within easy walking distance with a better ale selection.
5 May 2015 21:13
Return visit to this hostelry. It's a 10 minute walk from Moor St station. We arrived at opening time (11am on a Saturday). The welcome was friendly and the barman was extremely knowledgeable about his beer selection, which was Fownes Frost Hammer, Castle Rock Black Gold & Harvest Pale, Brass Castle Cliffhanger, Froth Blowers Wellingtonian, Mallinsons Stadium Pale & Hook Norton First Light. Ciders were both from Hogans - Panking Pole & Hazy Daisy. This is a great, traditional boozer and well worth a visit. Hope it doesn't get spoilt when HS2 arrives.
5 May 2015 21:09
Downgrading my ranking of this Wetherspoons as they have now stopped allowing CAMRA vouchers for real cider. This appears to be against the general policy of the company. It was busy as usual last night with the usual mix of 'spoons customers. The ale choice was nothing special - Adnams Broadside, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Wells Bombardier Glorious English, Exmoor Gold & Twickenham Spring Ale. Ciders were Sandford Orchards Devon Scrumpy & Orchard Pig Maverick. Still the only decent ale outfit in Wembley. But it's a shame the customer service has deteriorated in here.
29 Apr 2015 18:19
This was my last of 20 new pubs over the weekend and by this stage I was flagging. The Castle is a roadside pub to the south of Congleton and was extremely quiet during my visit. Wells Bombardier & Timothy Taylor Landlord appeared to be the only 2 ales, with a Greene King IPA clip half turned in both bars. Real cider is no longer served. Seemed nice enough inside. But it's difficult to know how it will continue to survive it trade is always this quiet.
27 Apr 2015 21:31
Very good pub next to the station. It has lots of separate drinking areas, making for an intimate experience. The barmaid offered a sample before buying. 4 regular ales were supplemented by 4 guests plus a cider. Ales last night were Joules Pale Ale & Blonde, Greene King Abbot, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Bass, Wincle Sir Philip & Wilson Potter Second Skin-Ful. Cider was Old Rosie. There is also a large garden next to the car park. Marginally my favourite of the 7 pubs I tried in Congleton yesterday.
27 Apr 2015 21:28
Locals pub on the edge of Congleton and situated next to an aqueduct. Only 2 ales were on - Wells Bombardier and the slightly unusual Front Row Touch, a pale ale. Service was with a smile. A bit out of the way to recommend.
27 Apr 2015 21:25
The Young Pretender, Congleton
Fairly trendy bar in the town centre that seemed to have some kind of ale tasting session on for my visit yesterday evening. All of the beers on the bar were from Thornbridge - Ruin, Wye, Lord Marples, Jaipur & Wild Side. So I'd imagine these were the ales being tasted. Cider was Sandford Orchards Devon Scrumpy and the bottled beer range looked quite impressive. There was a nice atmosphere in here and this certainly seems a place where people will gather for various events. There appeared to be a small outdoor area at the rear. With a Titanic pub and a Joules pub nearby (neither of which I tried on this visit), Congleton is not a bad place for a drink.
27 Apr 2015 21:23
I was hoping I might catch the Congleton Leisure Centre open, as they apparently serve a few decent ales. But sadly it is no longer open at weekends. But the brewery tap for Beartown is not to far away. Only Beartown beers are stocked on the handpulls - Black Bear, Bearly Literate, Full Bodied Ruby Bear, Bear Ass, Bearskinful & Kodiak Gold was the choice. No real cider is served. There are 3 small rooms, making this a real traditional boozer. Music is played. But conversation seems to be the order of the day. Well worth a visit if in town.
27 Apr 2015 21:19
The Lord Mountbatten, Congleton
A real locals pub. The only drawback is that every other word seems to be a swear word. Everyone seems to know each other and trading insults seems to be the name of the game. Some were clearly a little inebriated. Nevertheless there is a very good selection of ales - Reedly Hallows New Laund Dark & Nook of Pendle, Blackwater End of Days & Bank Top Gold Digger. There is a small area with a TV where the locals congregate and just beyond that is a small room with a pool table and another room beyond, which I did not venture into. I quite like this pub. But don't go if easily offended. Even the dogs were having a full blown argument!
27 Apr 2015 21:15
Another rural Cheshire pub with a focus on dining. Yet somehow this pub felt less pretentious than the Egerton Arms at Chelford or the Dog Inn at Peover Heath. The welcome seemed much more genuine. Ales were Flipside English Crown, Theakston Black Bull Bitter, Merlins Morgana & Courage Directors. Plenty of bar staff made service quick.
27 Apr 2015 21:11
Another rural Cheshire pub where you can feel quite uncomfortable as a drinker. It is primarily geared towards diners. Again the car park was packed, with people queuing for spaces. Most drinkers had retreated outdoors as all tables were taken inside. Ales were Timothy Taylor Boltmaker, Dunham Massey Big Tree, Weetwood Bitter & Cheshire Cat & Cheshire Brew Brothers Chester Gold. I note this was the local CAMRA branch's pub of the season, despite not having an appearance in the Good Beer Guide since 2011. Maybe they visited on a nice quiet night. I could imagine it can be fairly cosy in the winter. But it's not quite so relaxing on a nice spring weekend.
27 Apr 2015 21:08
Country pub that is more of a restaurant that serves ale than a pub that serves food. But that seems fairly typical of this area. The car park was heaving and the pub was very busy too. Popular with families, most people were eating and there were no tables available for those dropping in. Sitting or standing at the bar appeared to be the only option for drinkers. Nevertheless, service was prompt and the ale range was decent - Happy Valley Station Road, Weetwood Bitter, Brightside Underworld Porter, Cheshire Brewhouse A Little Lupy & Salopian Conundrum. Probably best visiting on a quiet weekday.
27 Apr 2015 21:03
This country pub seems to be undergoing a pretty serious refurbishment at present. Will try to visit another time. For now there is no beerintheevening.
27 Apr 2015 21:00
Wetherspoons branch in the centre of town. It was an old bank and you can still see the vault. The ale selection was disappointing for a 'spoons - Kelham Island Pale Rider, Slaters Western American Pale Ale, Green King George & The Flagon & Abbot & Ruddles Best & Beartown St George's Bear. Cider was Black Dragon. Seemed to doing a good Sunday morning trade during my visit. The noisy coffee machine needs fixing!
27 Apr 2015 20:58
Charles Wells pub on the outskirts of Cambridge. There's not too much to recommend about this pub. There are many better pubs in this fine city. Bar staff seemed a bit aloof. Ales were Wells Eagle IPA & Bombardier Burning Gold, McEwans IPA, Courage Directors & Black Sheep Best Bitter. There's a small outdoor area with seating and a table football game - strange to see it outdoors! Not worth the jaunt here.
27 Apr 2015 20:55
I believe this pub only opens in the evening at weekends. I arrived around 8pm to find it already very busy with standing room only. It is small. So I'd like to bet it gets rammed when live bands are playing. The interior is dark and filled with pictures of pigs and pig-related ephemera. The clientele was mixed - students mixed with some serious drinkers. Ales were Moonshine Cambridge Pale Ale & Night Watch Porter, Crouch Vale Brewer's Gold, Dark Star American Pale Ale & Adnams Lighthouse. This one is not too far from the station. So it's handy if you have time before a train.
27 Apr 2015 20:52
The Devonshire Arms, Cambridge
The Devonshire Arms was my favourite of 20 new pubs sampled this weekend. It's a Milton pub tucked off the multicultural Mill Road (check out Bacchanalia - a small off licence with real ales on tap itself). Inside there is a fairly small bar at the front with a slightly larger room at the back. Both staff and customers are friendly. Milton ales were Cyclops, Pegasus, Dionysus, Medusa & Minerva. Guests were Milestone X & Milk Street The Usual, whilst ciders were Watergill Orchards Strawberry Cider & Cromwell's Oliver's Choice. I went for the Watergill Orchards as I'd never had it before. Although the other cider is one of my current favourites. Certainly one of the best pubs in Cambridge. Although I still rate the Cambridge Blue as the best.
27 Apr 2015 20:47
Another nice backstreet boozer in Cambridge. This one is famous for its pig in the back garden. I went out to see it. But I'm not sure it's still there. Whilst there's still an enclosure, the only animal in evidence was a friendly cat. The interior has a number of different drinking areas. But they were fairly dark. There is a prominent pool table. Ales were Buntingford Twitchell & Hurricane, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Oakham JHB & Purity Mad Goose. Cider was Old Rosie.
27 Apr 2015 20:41
Corner pub in an area of terraced housing. This seems like a community local. It hosts many events. A book club was about to start during my visit. There is a main bar and another couple of nicely decorated rooms, with an outdoor area at the rear. Food is rather strange, with delicacies such as kangaroo. They have a reasonable selection of ales too. Although there was nothing too unusual - Jennings Sneck Lifter, Flack Manor Hedge Hop, Mordue Northumbrian Blonde, Oakham Citra, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Youngs Special, St Austell Tribute & Caledonian Deuchars IPA. Good pub that's worthy of a visit.
27 Apr 2015 20:38
Milton Brewery pub with a decent range of Milton ales, guests and a few ciders. It's a 2 room pub with a small garden and car/cycle park at the rear. It does feel a bit 'spit and sawdust' and service didn't seem the most attentive. The clientele are mixed. Milton ales were Nero, Pegasus, Sparta, Justinian & Marcus Et Aurelius. Guests were Spitting Feathers Special Ale, Lincoln Green Spring Green & Buffy's Norfolk Terriers. Ciders were Crones Cider, Dudda's Tun Cheery Old Dudda, Pickled Pig New Season Porker & Farmer Jim's Copper Top. I quite liked this pub. But I think Milton's other Cambridge (not sure if they're the only two) was better.
27 Apr 2015 20:33
Well located Greene King pub. It was busy on our sunny Saturday afternoon visit. The garden opposite is on the banks of the River Cam and you can watch boats and wildlife (swans, ducks and cows!) pass by. Watch out for the plethora of cyclists as you cross the road. The pub itself is fairly small. But there is another outdoor seating area to the rear. Service was with a smile, which is always a bonus. Ales were Greene King IPA & Abbot, Morland Old Golden Hen, Roosters YPA & Chesterton Best Bitter. Nice pub in a village-like setting.
27 Apr 2015 20:28
The Rose & Crown may now be gone. But we returned here later in the evening for a nice curry. The Indian restaurant is called Tamarind and I can recommend the Tamarind Duck.
27 Apr 2015 20:21
Greene King establishment just out of the main village centre. The interior feels quite modern and there is a fenced garden with a children's play area. Ales were Greene King IPA & Morland Old Golden Hen. Nothing particularly special about this pub.
27 Apr 2015 20:20
Good pub on the village's main street. It has a couple of bars and a huge garden at the rear. The landlord and customers all seemed friendly and the ale range was decent - Greene King IPA, Oakham JHB, Broughton Dark Dunter, Woodfordes Wherry & Adnams Bitter & Broadside. Cider was Old Rosie. Probably the best pub in the village.
27 Apr 2015 20:18
The Black Bull is located in a village, to the east of Cambridge. It advertises early opening and sure enough it was open for our 11am arrival on Saturday. They appeared to be planning for a party in one room. The main bar was comfortable, with tables and sofas. There is a small patio to the front. Ales were Red & Black East Anglian Ale, Woodfordes Nelson's & Wherry & Buntingford Twitchell.
27 Apr 2015 20:13
Had another visit to this Nicholsons pub opposite Blackfriars station. The ale selection was Wychwood Hobgoblin, Nicholsons Pale Ale, Acorn Santa Maria, By The Horns Stiff Upper Lip, Harviestoun Tasman Bullet & Broken DIal, Wells Bombardier Burning Gold & Sambrooks Speakeasy. It was fairly busy inside early on Sunday evening. So we sat outside, as it was fairly pleasant out of the wind. Still a fine pub. But it's a shame they don't serve a real cider.
21 Apr 2015 17:55
Have not been here for almost 5 years and on that occasion I wasn't served. This time was a far better experience and I'll be updating my score from a previous 3/10. In fact, this pub is more like a 8/10. I'm sure the range has improved since my last visit too. 9 ales and a cider were on this time - Brains The Rev James & Trickster, Springhead The Leveller, Dark Star The Original, Hop Stuff Amarillo Mild, London Beer Factory Chelsea Blonde, Windsor & Eton Guardsman, Belleville Abbeydale White & Cronx Entire Porter, with the cider being Olivers Shezam. So they must have listened to the last review, as they had 3 dark beers on!The pub is still in a lovely location. It has a fairly unspoiled interior with 2 rooms at the front and a larger, more modern room at the rear. Service was pleasant and it wasn't overly busy on our Sunday afternoon visit. I'd imagine it's packed on an evening rush hour with commuters heading back to Waterloo from the City. Now a very good pub that could well be in my favourite 10 London pubs. I need to get here more often.
21 Apr 2015 17:50
After a second visit to the Smuggler's Cove in the Albert Dock (not listed on here), we made a return visit to the Baltic. It's possibly been 2 years since we last visited. That was certainly my last review. It's still nice to pay a visit to this pub occasionally. I believe the Wapping brewery was planned to move out at one stage. But it's still alive and kicking. Changes have still occurred though. You now enter from the side street and there is an area of outdoor seating, where people were enjoying spring sunshine yesterday. The main bar area still has a fair amount of seating and there is still the back room too. Only 2 Wapping ales were on - Spring & Summer Ale. But Brimstage Trapper's Hat was on when we arrived and shortly after our arrival, Salopian Aphelion was pulled through. All ales sampled were in good condition. Cider was their own Wapping Malvern Magic and Westons Cider Twist with Raspberry. I'm not sure the Scouse is still served. But they have plenty of pies available at a reasonable price. We quite enjoyed the balti chicken ones. Service was swift and friendly. The upstairs toilets were clean. A pub we should now try to get to more often. But still a trek if you're in the city centre. If you're in the Albert Dock though, you should make the Baltic Fleet your top priority.
19 Apr 2015 10:47
Liverpool One Bridewell, Liverpool
Miraculously this pub was actually open yesterday lunchtime. But service was very slow. It took just over 10 minutes to get served, when it wasn't busy. They need more than one bar staff serving. The ale selection was Titanic Plum Porter, Liverpool Organic Pale Ale, JW Lees Marco Pierre White The Governor & Mad Hatter Hope Street Hop. I opted for a bottle from Mad Hatter, which was good. Real cider is no longer stocked. Still a decent place to visit for its novelty value. But if you do find it open, be prepared for a long wait!
19 Apr 2015 10:38
I'm always on the lookout for new pubs in Liverpool I haven't yet done. So I thought I'd give this place a try yesterday. It's on a corner of Williamson Square and has more seating outside overlooking the square than inside. Service was efficient. It was busy, with seating at a premium. No cask ales are available, just keg options - Tetleys Dark Mild & Extra Cold, Guinness, Carling, John Smiths Extra Cold, Strongbow, Carlsberg, San Miguel & Coors. I think I'm scraping the barrel with my tour of Liverpool pubs now. But there may still be scope to go a little lower!
19 Apr 2015 10:34
If I've been here before, it's been over 20 years and my memory is a bit hazy! But I thought I'd give it a visit yesterday. I thought I remembered a bar that was above street level. But this one is actually slightly below street level. The pub now serves a real ale, which was Liverpool Organic 24 Carat Gold yesterday. It seemed popular with groups, with hen and stag parties and groups of football fans all enjoying themselves yesterday morning. It's central location and branding will always mean it's popular. But there is plenty of seating. Service was friendly. Not the best place if you enjoy your ale. The Abbey opposite seemed to have a much better selection.
19 Apr 2015 10:31
Still a fairly nice pub in the village of Longford at the end of Heathrow's northern runway. The pub seems to get busier each time I go. The barn bar now has a large area of outdoor seating in front of it, whilst the main part of the pub still possesses all of the character. 4 ales are served. These were Fullers London Pride, Sharps Doom Bar, Rebellion Zebedee and Dartmoor Jail Ale on Thursday evening. Popular with locals and visitors alike, the White Horse is worth a visit if you're in the Heathrow area.
19 Apr 2015 10:16
We made the trip out to the Mumbles to try Wales CAMRA's pub of the year. It's a good pub. But I'm not convinced that it's the best pub in Wales - I could name at least 10 that I think are better. Even locally, the Railway Inn at Upper Killay takes some beating. Nevertheless, it has a good range of ales - Pilot Wrecker, Gold & Black Storm, Tiny Rebel Beat Box, Sharps Doom Bar & Rudgate Ostara. There are no real ciders. But they do have a good selection of Welsh and Somerset ciders in bottles. Has a nice location on the seafront. We continued by having a stroll in the sun to the Mumbles Rugby Club (not listed on here). Two poor Tomos Watkins ales later and we'd wished we'd stayed in the Pilot!
12 Apr 2015 15:00
Came here a few years back. I see nobody has done a review yet. Still has an interesting range of ales. But unlike my last visit, there were no dark beers on this time. The selection was Celt Experience Native Storm & Le Match 615, Mantle Moho, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Marstons EPA & Brains Bitter. Not as good a visit as last time. It's still really difficult to find a decent real ale pub in Swansea.
12 Apr 2015 14:53
Paid this backstreet pub near the waterfront a return visit. The pub itself was still as good as we remember it. Sadly, the ale was not. Gower Rumour, Red Squirrel Mister Squirrel & Theakson Best & Old Peculier was the choice. My colleagues opted for the Rumour. But it was well past its best and shouldn't really have been served. Our suspicions were confirmed when it was replaced by Otley Coolships Pale during our short visit. Marking it down for poor beer quality.
12 Apr 2015 14:46
Looks a nice place from the outside. Inside, it has a long bar with plenty of room. Although it's fairly dark. We came in at opening time yesterday - 11am. A couple of others followed us in shortly after. I'd imagine it gets fairly busy in the evenings. 2 ales and a cider were on - Courage Directors, Sharps Doom Bar & Orchard Pig Explorer. The only pub I found with a real cider. But there are many better ale choices around.
12 Apr 2015 14:43
2 nice-looking pubs in the village of Marsh Gibbon. But neither were open during the Easter weekend. I'm amazed that these pubs have not closed completely. Will hopefully visit again some time in the future. But this was the 4th pub in a row I'd found closed and it was time to give up and head home. 0/10.
8 Apr 2015 20:48
The Greyhound Inn, Marsh Gibbon
The Greyhound looked quite an interesting pub. But as with everywhere in the area, this place was closed on Easter Monday. 0/10 for now, until a repeat visit is possible.
8 Apr 2015 20:47
This is now an Italian restaurant called Canaletto. Ale is still served. But the place was closed on Bank Holiday Monday. So it's a 0/10 from me.
8 Apr 2015 20:46
Closed on Bank Holiday Monday. No beer in the evening possible.
8 Apr 2015 20:44
This ended up being our final pub of our Bank Holiday Monday crawl as everywhere else we tried after this happened to be shut! But we had checked in advance that the pub opened at 6pm. This happened to be our favourite pub of the day. The staff and regulars were very friendly and they were happy for our young one to come in. The George & Dragon has a good selection of ales - Leighton Buzzard Restoration Ale, Vale Best Bitter, Malt Golden Ale, Hook Norton Hooky & Animal Brewing Co (a craft section of XT) Big Bang. Thatchers Cheddar Valley was the cider. The locals seemed a bit surprised by its deep orange colour. So I wandered if it was a new addition or if few people ever drink it. It tasted fine. The pub itself has a public bar area to the left on entry and a dining room on the right. There is also an outdoor drinking area to the side, overlooking the village green. Quainton is a very nice village with a sail-less windmill rising over the settlement. Although I believe the sails have only been taken off temporarily for repair. Well worth seeking out.
8 Apr 2015 20:42
I was amazed to find this pub was closing at 5pm on a Bank Holiday Monday. We followed another family in and whilst they were served, we were told that they were closed. I guess you have to be in the know. The barman/landlord said he was locking up. But after visiting the Lion and returning past the Bell, there were still people drinking outside the front. Very strange opening times and discrimination against non-locals means I have to give this a 0/10, as a beerintheevening is not possible unless you are 'in the know'.
8 Apr 2015 20:27
The Bell, Kitchen and Bar, Waddesdon
Apologies. Ignore my previous review - this was the pub in Waddesdon that was open. It is now called the Long Dog and has a funky interior (good luck in finding the toilets) and serves tapas. The staff are very friendly. It has an interesting selection of real ales too - Leighton Buzzard Borrowers Bitter & Restoration Ale & Rebellion Zebedee. A 6/10 and I'll put my original review against the correct establishment!
8 Apr 2015 20:26
The Bell, Kitchen and Bar, Waddesdon
I was amazed to find this pub was closing at 5pm on a Bank Holiday Monday. We followed another family in and whilst they were served, we were told that they were closed. I guess you have to be in the know. The barman/landlord said he was locking up. But after visiting the Lion and returning past the Bell, there were still people drinking outside the front. Very strange opening times and discrimination against non-locals means I have to give this a 0/10, as a beerintheevening is not possible unless you are 'in the know'.
8 Apr 2015 20:22
This is most likely Aylesbury's best pub. The Aylesbury Brewing Company is situated just behind the pub and there were plenty of Vale ales too. The selection was Vale Best, Red Kite, Wychert, Philosophy & Black Duck & Aylesbury Brewhouse Company Ceci n'est pas Lager, Binary & The Fall of Icarus. My only grumble would be that this was the 3rd of the 3 Aylesbury pubs in the current Good Beer Guide I had visited and this was the 3rd pub that was supposed to stock real cider. Sadly none of them had any. In fairness, this may have been due to a beer festival that had ended the day before. But it was disappointing. The barmaid was friendly and I was surprised that they had only just opened up their doors at 4pm on Easter Monday. The interior has a nice atmosphere with music played at a decent level. Plenty of old pumpclips can be found on the walls. A good pub, but could do with some guest ales and a cider or two.
8 Apr 2015 20:17
The Queen's Head is located on Temple Square, which is another little oasis away from the shopping areas of Aylesbury. You can reach it by passing through the alleyway next to the King's Head. I understand they are owned by the same people. The Queen's Head is much quieter and far more intimate. But Doom Bar was the only real ale available. Still a nice, relaxing visit.
8 Apr 2015 20:10
Didn't bring my child here, as I'd left him at a local soft play area. I think he would have liked it though. This is a historic pub just off the Market Square in Aylesbury. It is the home of Chiltern Ales. Beers were Chiltern Ale, John Hampden's, Chiltern Black & Beechwood Best. The guest was Mr Swift from West Berkshire. No real cider was served. Although there were a couple of bottled options. The Chiltern Black was excellent. Staff are very professional. The interior feels old and the outdoor courtyard seemed fairly relaxing. Toilets in the courtyard require a code to get in.
8 Apr 2015 20:08
Not the finest Wetherspoons. But I thought I'd give it a go as it's in the current Good Beer Guide. There's another one just round the corner, which I didn't go in. Ales were Everards/Townshends JC IPA, Greene King IPA & Abbot, Marstons/Tyler Brown Barley Brown's ESA, Tring Death or Glory, Sharps Doom Bar & Vale Fusion. No real cider is served. Car parking is available next to the pub. But you do have to pay.
8 Apr 2015 20:04
Yes, no sign of this pub's existence now. But there's a few ugly modern office-type buildings.
8 Apr 2015 20:01
Fairly large pub with an equally large garden on the outskirts of Aylesbury. The garden was very popular on a sunny Bank Holiday Monday. It has a few unusual features, such as a large gorilla. Foreign bar staff seemed a bit confused when I asked for cider. No matter how much prompting, they would not offer either of the 2 real ciders in boxes at the rear of the bar. Only keg or bottled options were promoted. I had to physically touch the boxes for them to realise I wasn't interested in fizzy options. The 2 Westons ciders were Old Rose & Mulled Cider. This happened to be the best cider selection in Aylesbury. It's a shame the bar staff didn't know that! Ales were Rebellion Mutiny, Loddon Hoppit & Sharps Doom Bar.
8 Apr 2015 20:00
Fullers pub just outside Aylesbury. It seems to be owned by some Thai people and Thai food is served. It smelt delicious. Ales were Pride, HSB & ESB. There are 3 tables outside in the car park. The place felt a bit more like a restaurant than a pub. But if you're looking for a meal, I would give it a try.
8 Apr 2015 19:55
Country freehouse not too far from Aylesbury. The exterior is very pleasing on the eye and the interior feels like a country farmhouse. There is a nice garden at the rear. Ales were Goffs Jouster & XT 4 Mellow Amber. Staff were friendly.
8 Apr 2015 19:52
The Inn on the Green, Acocks Green
I've been to the Westley and the Spread Eagle. But the Inn on the Green has to be the best pub in Acocks Green. The locals do look at you a bit strangely when you walk in and the bar staff seemed a little experienced. But the ale range is good - cask, keg and bottles. Cask ones were Anarchy Citra Star, Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild, Colchester Metropolis & Grain Blackwood. There was a cider pumpclip for Barbourne Crimson King. But that was off. The Blackwood was nice though. A good stop off for me on the way to the 20th Egham Beer Festival.
8 Apr 2015 19:48
The Mill is still an excellent place to have a drink in Chester and is not too far from the station. Ales on Saturday evening were Coachhouse Mill Premium, Weetwood Best, Titanic Iceberg, Elland Edenish & 1872 Porter, Deeply Vale DV8 & Deeply Red, Phoenix White Monk & Thornbridge Jaipur. The cider was Millwhites Rum Cask. I opted for the DV8 and the 1872 Porter. The latter is a lovely beer, if not a little strong.
8 Apr 2015 19:43
After a few pubs in Liverpool and Birkenhead, I moved onto this new pub (for me) in Chester. As previous reviewers have said, this is a Joules pub. Their ales were Waterloo, Pale Ale, Slumbering Monk & Blonde. The guest ale was Leatherbritches Hairy Helmet and the cider was Westons Rosie's Pig. I've only been to a couple of Joules pubs before. But they do feel fairly similar and it's not a bad recipe. Worth a stop. But I think there are better pubs in this part of town.
8 Apr 2015 19:39
Had almost 30 minutes to spare in Crewe. So I thought I'd give this place a go. It's opposite the British Lion which does not open until later in the day. The Brunswick is a Greene King pub. Ales were Greene King IPA, Morland Old Hoppy Hen & Belhaven Grand Slam. I tried the latter. But I'm not a great fan of golden ales. To my untrained taste buds, it was reasonable. The pub itself is nice enough. It certainly didn't seem rough. Although on a Saturday lunchtime, it wasn't too busy. I must admit that I prefer the Corner Bar, which is actually nearer the station.
8 Apr 2015 19:32
The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak
I'll echo the previous comment. This is once again my favourite pub in London again, especially since the Harp has been taken over by Fullers and the cider range has been reduced. The Southampton Arms was still as busy as ever on our Good Friday afternoon visit. But there was just enough room to find ourselves a seat. 10 ales and 8 ciders or perries are still served. Friday's selection was Hopcraft A Good Rogering, Magic Rock Villainous, Ringmaster & A Head In a Hat Tiffer, Dark Star Revelation, Mallinsons Beezelbub's Tears & Cascade, Rother Valley Blues, Gipsy Hill Southpaw & Triple fff Pressed Rat & Warthog. Ciders were Bridge Farm Dry, Crones, Tricky Sweet, Millwhites Rioja Cask, Parsons Choice Organic, Wilkins Farmhouse, Orchard Pig Scrumpy & Somerset Scrumpy Medium. The beers turn over quickly too. By the time we left (although we did have a reasonable session), Summer Wine Zenith & Clouded Minds Hazel Nutter were both on. Always worth the trip here. Almost a 10/10. Would award a 9.5 if I could.
8 Apr 2015 19:28
Since I last visited almost 5 years ago, the George & Dragon has become a brewpub and home to the Dragonfly brewery. We were more impressed with this place than the Aeronaut down the road. The bar has been moved to a room at the back, where the brewery is housed. The front room is still a dull place, but far quieter than the bar itself. Ales were Dragonfly Early Doors & 2 O'clock Ordinary. Ciders were Millwhites Strawberry Cider & Hedge Layer. In addition, there is a good craft beer selection on keg. A small outdoor area to the side appeared to be popular. A good addition to Acton.
8 Apr 2015 19:17
The Aeronaut is a reasonably new brew pub with Laines ales brewed on the premises. There was a limited selection on our visit - The Stinger, Best, IPA & ESB. Westons Wyld Wood was the real cider. The attached circus room is a fairly unique attraction. We could see in. But there was no event during our Good Friday afternoon visit. In fact, the pub was fairly quiet overall.
8 Apr 2015 18:37
Still our favourite pub in the local area. The Easter beer festival has just finished. We visited early on and the range at that time was Rebellion IPA, Mallinsons Cascade, Burning Sky Devil's Rest, Haresfoot Wild Boy Ale, Parker Dark Spartan Stout, Mighty Oak Saxon Strong, Firebird Boxing Hare, Hart No. 9, Tweed Pale Ale, Shed Warwick Bear, Church End Blue Norther, Ossett Tedney Gold, Hop Stuff Amarillo Mild, Weal Weal in Motion, Anvil Brewsmith, Watts Light Bulb, Jaw Drop & Bru Ban. Ciders and perries were Oakham Orchard Reserve, Hurst View Jibber Jabber, Broadoak Perry & Farmer Jim's Copper Top. The garden is still a very pleasant place to while a few hours if there's nice weather during the festivals.
8 Apr 2015 18:32
Came here for a bite to eat last night. The pub is set on multiple levels and its large garden has nice views down to Corfe Castle. Ales were Jurassic Vanilla & Bourbon Portland Porter, Otter Bitter, Ringwood Best & Thwaites Wainwright. Ciders were Purbeck Cider Company Dorset Dabinett & Joe's Dry, Lulworth Skipper Medium & Dry & Westons Old Rosie, Country Perry & Cider Twist Raspberry. Food was also quite nice. I much prefer the Square & Compass, nearer the coast. But this pub is well worth a try too.
30 Mar 2015 17:12
The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers
Since my last visit in 2008, I've proclaimed the Square & Compass as my favourite pub in Britain. That was until I visited the nearby Castle Inn in West Lulworth this weekend. Nevertheless, the Square & Compass is still a superb pub and still warrants a score of 10/10. It has a fantastic location overlooking the rolling hills of the south coast and the English Channel. Parking can be difficult (there is a pay and display just round the corner) and finding a spot to park your backside can also be difficult once inside. There are 2 main rooms connected by a corridor. The main bar had some live music on Sunday afternoon. A small crowd had gathered and seemed to be enjoying the music. We eventually managed to secure one of the 3 tables in the smaller rooms. At the end of the corridor is the Fossil Museum. The corridor itself also houses the bar, whilst there is further seating at the front and in the pub garden at the side, where your fellow drinkers will most likely be chickens. The clientele seem a mixed sort - there are some regulars who come for a quiet drink, others that come here reasonably regularly from a bit further afield and those like me who have travelled a long distance but who are aware of how good the pub is. There's a fair few bohemian types too. Ales on this visit were Palmers Copper Ale, Wessex Moonlite, Yeovil Lynx Wildcat & Hopback Winter Lightning. Ciders & perries were Cider By Rosie, Hecks Port Wind of Glastonbury & Blakeney Red Perry. Westons Old Rosie, Country Perry & Cider Twist Raspberry, West Orchard Farm Dry & Charlie's Sat Down Be Cider, Eve's Idea & Kiss Me Kate (produced on the premises). This pub is still well worth the effort to get to.
30 Mar 2015 17:06
The Duke of Cornwall, Weymouth
The Duke of Cornwall was another Weymouth pub that exceeded my expectations. This pub seemed to have a slightly more edgy feel than the Red Lion or the Globe. But it's another small pub which had dance music playing and boxing on the TV. The clientele was mixed. Ales were Cotleigh Nutcracker Mild, Town Mill Granny's Teeth & Dartmoor Jail Ale. Ciders were Shepton Mallet Cider Mill Somerset Tree Shaker & Addlestones. Worth a visit.
30 Mar 2015 16:56
Weymouth has its fair share of decent boozers and this is certainly one of them. It seemingly has its fair share of regular along with a handful of visitors too. The bar staff were very friendly. Some of the customers were a little eccentric. I'm guessing I also saw the guy in the hat, complete with a red blazer and what I believe was a truncheon underneath. This guy wasn't singing, but was taking a key interest in the Lily Allen tracks on the jukebox. He looked a little like Sir Bruce Forsyth! Ales were Flack Manor Flack's Double Drop, Sharps Doom Bar, Butcombe Bitter, Dartmoor Jail Ale & Clearwater Devon Darter. The cider was Thatchers Heritage. The main bar is small and there appeared to be another room with a pool table. There is an interesting selection of scooter pictures and a Weymouth FC shirt at the one end. Nice pub with plenty of character and characters!
30 Mar 2015 16:51
The Red Lion is tucked away in the square opposite Brewer's Quay and a short walk from the harbour. This is a fairly small pub that is clearly quite popular. There were no tables available on my Saturday evening visit. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Dorset Brewing Company Jurassic & Red Lion Bitter, Otter Lifeboat Ale & St Austell Tribute. Note there is a guest real cider at the rear of the bar, which was Old Rosie on this occasion. Note the excellent selection of rums among the spirits. Friendly place.
30 Mar 2015 16:46
We were also staying in the nearby holiday camp in Preston. So we came in here on Saturday evening for a meal and a swift half. This is a large pub catering for both diners and drinkers. The front bar had international football on the TVs. The rear room is a large dining area. We had a fairly enjoyable meal. The ale range is a little limited - Sharps Atlantic & Doom Bar, Ringwood Best & Timothy Taylor Landlord. There are no real ciders. But they did have Stowford Press & Thatchers Gold on keg. Nice enough pub, but a bit dull (in terms of lighting) inside.
30 Mar 2015 16:41
One of the main reasons for visiting Dorset this weekend was to pay a visit to the Castle Inn, as it is the current CAMRA National Cider pub of the year. I was also planning to visit what was my favourite pub in Britain - the Square & Compass in Worth Matravers. In the Castle Inn, I think I have found a new favourite pub in Britain. It has a lovely rural location, not far from the tourist hotspots of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. The exterior is appealing and the roof is thatched. Inside, there are 2 main bars with a corridor connecting the two rooms at the rear. Ales on my Friday visit were Plain Ales Hairy Hooker, Piddle Cocky & Goddards Storm. We returned on Sunday afternoon to find the Goddards ale still on. But the others were Yeovil Ruby, Otter Amber, Piddle Piddle, Flack Manor Union Flack & Palmers Best Bitter. But of course, the real highlight here are the ciders. The pub advertises a permanent cider festival with at least 40. There is a cider menu with 61 different choices. Although not all of these are available, whilst others not on the menu were available. All of the producers were fairly local, with ciders from Dorset, Somerset, Devon, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Herefordshire & Wales. Producers available were Dorset Nectar, Twinways/Rogers, Talbot Harris, Purbeck Cider Company, West Milton, Cranborne Chase, Lulworth Skipper, Twisted, Cider By Rosie, Marshwood Vale, Orchard Pig, Nempnett, Burrow Hill, Fosseway, Sheppy's, Harry's, Lawrence's, Hecks, Worley's, Bridge Far, Wessex, Handmade, 146, New Forest, Sandford Orchards, Lyme Bay, Countryman, Ventons, Westons, Oliver's, Gwynt y Ddraig & Hallets. Of the 61 on the menu, 5 are on keg. There are only 3 perries amongst them. All are stacked in boxes behind the bar and seemingly only one or two of the bar staff know where to find each one. Whilst I didn't meet the South African barman, there was one lady in particular who was clearly quite knowledgeable about cider. The pub seems to be most popular during the daytime, with visitors to Lulworth Cove popping in for a meal and a couple of beers/ciders. It is much quieter in the evening and advertises a 10pm closing time. Now my new favourite pub in Britain and only the 4th pub I have awarded a 10/10.
30 Mar 2015 16:29
The Quay was our first pub for a long weekend in Dorset. It was reasonably busy on Friday evening. There are 2 rooms and a pleasant garden at the rear. The front looks out over the river and the town's bridge. There is a pay and display car park there too. Service was friendly. Ales were Ringwood Best, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Isle of Purbeck Studland Bay Wrecked. There were also 2 ciders from the Purbeck Cider Company - Dorset Dabinett & Joe's Dry. We enjoyed a nice meal whereby you cook your own steak, prawns or chicken on hot stones.
30 Mar 2015 16:13
Large Young's hotel on a major junction of the A40. I've passed this pub many a time, but never been in. Only Youngs Bitter & Special were being served. Although they did have a box of Old Rosie cider behind the bar, which I availed myself of. The place is fairly characterless. But at least it actually had a real cider.
23 Mar 2015 20:40
The Express Tavern, Kew Bridge
The Express Tavern has re-branded itself as the Express Ale & Cider House and follows the same formula as the Sussex Arms in Twickenham and the Antelope in Surbiton. This is the smallest of the 3. But it does have quite a nice, large garden. The ale selection was Three Castles Knights Porter, Haresfoot Sundial, Lock Keeper's, Conquerors & Wild Boy, Sambrooks Session & Scrumdown, Brecon Three Beacons, Upham 1st Drop & Bass. Ciders were Sandford Orchards Strawberry Lane, Broome Farm Foxwhelp, Wilce's Dry, Abrahalls Lily The Pink & Barbourne King Crimson. Whilst we were there Broome Farm Dry and Windsor & Eton Zinzan's Drop replaced 2 of the others. So the range rotates frequently. Sunday lunches were being served and were reasonably good. This pub is every bit as good as the Sussex Arms and the Antelope and also shares their buy 9 pints and get the 10th free offer. Excellent addition to this area.
23 Mar 2015 20:36
Just like Snarling Mallard, I was pleasantly surprised at the Grove. I've done most pubs in Ealing. But I've never set foot in this one before. Around half of the pub is reserved for drinkers and the other half is reserved for diners, with an open kitchen at the one end. The ale selection was good - London Fields Hackney Hopster, Greene King IPA, Sambrooks Wandle, Vale Gravitas, Sharps Doom Bar & Hogs Back Surrey Nirvana. No real cider is served. But they did have Hogs Back Hazy Hog on keg - the first time I've seen that other than in a bottle. Seems like it's possible a rugby pub. But the place is clearly proud of its food and is in the Michelin guide. It also deserves its place in the Good Beer Guide.
23 Mar 2015 20:29
In here yesterday (Sunday) evening. It was very quiet and getting served was easy this time. As usual, there was an excellent selection of ales - Brimstage Sandpiper, Facers Hoppy Dobby, Heavy Industry Electric Mountain, Tickety Brew Ginger & Stout, Grey Hawk Nirvana Pale, Salamander Golden Salamander, Frodsham Iron Man, Marble Lagonda, Shiny Tomahawk, Cheshire Brew Bros. Roodee Dark & Cross Bay Winter Moon Porter. Ciders were Rosies Triple D & Wicked Wasp. They also had Gwynt y Ddraig Two Trees Perry. Still a really good pub. Should be on every ale fans itinerary when in Liverpool.
16 Mar 2015 20:15
The Jacaranda is back up and running. It was quiet yesterday afternoon. But the last time I was here (about 20 years ago), it only tended to get busy in the evening, when it turns into a nightclub-type venue. 2 ales from the Marstons group are sold - Jennings Cumberland Ale & Brakspear Bitter.
16 Mar 2015 19:06
The Grapes has increased its real ale range within the last year. I've also seen a real cider stocked sometimes. Yesterday, they had Brimstage Oyster Catcher, Oceanic Steam Pier 59, Peerless Full Whack, Liverpool Craft Damson & Oatmeal Stout, Melwood Liberty, Tetleys Gold & Waen 54-46. Service is generally friendly and Thai food is still advertised. I've never seen anybody order it though. Much improved.
16 Mar 2015 19:04
The Fly in the Loaf, Liverpool
I like the Fly In the Loaf as a pub. But I generally find that they lack any dark beers. There are no real ciders either. It's still an Okells pub and they had their Bitter, IPA & MPA on yesterday. For once, we stopped for a drink instead of passing it by. The Vibrant Forest Radicale Oat & Coffee Stout was lovely. They also had Robinsons Trooper & Dizzy Blonde & The Brewhouse American Hop. Always a bit of a trek to the toilets, up the stairs and along a corridor. But this pub still merits a 7/10.
16 Mar 2015 19:00
The Flute and Firkin, Liverpool
The Flute is still persevering with real ale and there was a reasonable selection yesterday - Peerless Cracking Up & Knee-Buckler IPA, Roosters Buckeye & Greene King IPA. It's still a huge pub, that feels dark inside and perhaps similar to an Irish bar. Worth stopping by to see what is on.
16 Mar 2015 18:57
The Hope and Anchor, Liverpool
This place has had a bit of a makeover. We resorted to here after our we found the Pen Factory and the Clove Hitch both closed. They now serve a couple of real ales - Box Steam Tunnel Vison & Conwy Honey Fayre. There is also a selection of craft beers on keg. So the beer selection is much improved. The place was far quieter than my previous visit. But this was a Sunday lunchtime visit. Still very much a student pub.
16 Mar 2015 18:46
The Crown On The Bridge, Caversham
Final pub of the night and this one exceeded my expectations. Whilst there are only 3 ales on, they are ones that you don't find regularly elsewhere - Loddon Hoppit, Upham Punter & West Berkshire Good Old Boy. The latter was being changed during my visit. So I opted for the Punter, which was very nice. The barman was certainly friendly and very knowledgeable about the ales. Samples were offered. The bar is L-shaped and there is a pool table and a TV showing live sports at one end. Worth crossing the bridge for.
7 Mar 2015 22:08
We thought we might eat in the Griffin. But we took a look at the number of cars in the car park and guessed it might be full. Sure enough it was. This is a Chef & Brewer establishment and the focus is on meals. Although there were plenty of people just in for the drink. Ales were Brains SA & The Rev James, Hook Norton Lion & Old Hooky & Courage Best & Directors. Having seen the size of the portions, we were glad we didn't eat here. We sat near the kitchen and couldn't smell any of the food coming out. This generally means only one thing - everything is cooked with a ping! The pub has a terrace area at the rear and beyond that is the Thames, with plenty of boats to watch.
7 Mar 2015 22:05
This is almost certainly Caversham's best pub and was my favourite of 11 Berkshire pubs we tried today. The Fox & Hounds reminds me of the Nags Head in Reading. Although it is smaller. 8 ales and 3 ciders were on - Ramsbury Same Again & Flint Knapper, RCH PG Steam, West Berkshire March Hare, Arbor Triple Hop, MB Bomb & Smokescreen & Slaters Haka were the ales. The ciders were Cornish Orchards Farmhouse Cider, Westons Country Perry & Millwhites Rum Cask. Has a mainly local crowd. The interior is nice and there is an outdoor area with seating at the rear. Could have been an 8 with more knowledgeable bar staff.
7 Mar 2015 22:01
Open plan Wetherspoons in the centre of Caversham. It was fairly busy. But staff were handling the volumes with ease. Ales were Loddon Reading Best & Cadogan Gold, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Three Castles Lightening & Adnams Nils Oscar. Ciders were Westons Wyld Wood & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Parking can be difficult around here. But there is a pay and display car park outside the rear exit that is free after 3pm. A better than average 'spoons.
7 Mar 2015 21:56
The Prince of Wales, Caversham
Pub situated just up the hill on the outskirts of Caversham. It has a slightly rough around the edges feel. The inside is well decorated. But the rear garden could certainly do with a bit of love! There are a couple of patio areas at the front and rear too. Ales were Ringwood Boon Doggle & Forty Niner & Brakspear Bitter. Ok, but there are better choices in Caversham.
7 Mar 2015 21:53
2 bar local in a suburb of Reading. This pub is in the current Good Beer Guide, which is possibly a little surprising. Courage Best & Youngs Bitter are the only 2 ales on offer and I don't believe the selection ever changes. The one room is a saloon and the other a public bar. There are tables at the front of the pub and a small courtyard at the rear. The staff and customers are definitely friendly.
7 Mar 2015 21:50
The Bull is situated in a very picturesque village and has a lovely location next to the village church. Unfortunately, the whole village appears to be one huge traffic jam with traffic heading from all directions to the bridge over the river. We eventually managed to get parked up and found a nice old building that was packed inside and out. This felt the most touristy of all the pubs we tried in Berkshire today. I gather George Clooney has frequented here? Maybe that was the reason it was so busy. But there was a fair smattering of locals here too. Food appeared to be popular. This is a Fullers pub. So London Pride & Chiswick Bitter were on, alongside Gales HSB & Spring Sprinter and a guest - Everards Blue Boar. I had the Blue Boar, which was a honey and mead ale. It was different, but not exactly my cup of tea. Nice enough pub. But a bit too popular to enjoy and the traffic is a definite drawback.
7 Mar 2015 21:46
Country pub situated next to a ford that had been blocked off for our visit today. The food smelt very tempting on entry. But we managed to resist. Brakspear Bitter & Marstons Sweet Chariot were the 2 ales. I tried the latter and it was ok. There is a small patio area to the side, which we took advantage of. To be honest, I'd completely forgotten that I'd been here previously (in summer 2011). This time I did have family in tow and the place was busier!
7 Mar 2015 21:41
This is more of a pub than the St George & Dragon up the road. It's an old Brakspear house and is situated in the centre of the village. Brakspear Bitter & Special were both on, alongside Ringwood Boon Doggle. The landlady was friendly and chatty and the pub has a small, but pleasant garden at the rear. Note the Wargrave & District Snooker Club opposite also serves real ales. It has a sign outside saying it is open on Saturday's. But this is incorrect - we returned later in the evening (after 7pm) to find it still closed.
7 Mar 2015 21:34
The St George and Dragon, Wargrave
The St George & Dragon has a good location overlooking a curve in the River Thames. The patio and the riverbank areas both have tables to sit back, relax and take in the views, watch the boats and spot the birdlife. The interior is more restaurant than pub. Doom Bar & Pride are the only ales. There was a strong smell of fish during our late morning visit. Good location. But the pub could be better.
7 Mar 2015 21:30
This pub/hotel has a really nice location in a small hamlet near the River Thames. The main bar area has many stuffed animals and birds. The barman was friendly and helpful. 3 ales were on - Brakspear Bitter & Ringwood Forty Niner & Boon Doggle. At the rear, there is a dining area and beyond that a large pub garden with dozens of tables and an adjacent field for overflow car parking and another area with plenty of chickens, cockerels and geese. Very nice pub.
7 Mar 2015 21:26
An excellent micropub that opened in November last year. This pub has 4 ales and a good range of ciders. As with most micropubs, this looked like an old shop. The downstairs area has several tables squeezed in and there were 3 more upstairs. Toilets were also upstairs. Space in general is tight. The owners were very amenable and locals also seemed friendly. Prices are good. The ale selection was Beowulf Heroes & Finns Hall Porter & Lion Heart IPA & Dark Ruby. Tasters are offered and there are also small samples on shelves next to the bar. Ciders and perries were Gwatkin Stoke Red & Squeal Pig Perry, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Lilleys Strawberry Cider, Lemon & Ginger Cider & Merry Monkey, West Country Somerset Snuffler, Chant Badger's Spit & Original Cider Co. Moonshine. We hadn't planned this place on our short Tamworth pub crawl and weren't even aware of it until we passed by. So this was a great discovery and I recommend any visitor of Tamworth a visit. Beware the opening times - they don't open until 4pm on some days.
5 Mar 2015 21:03
Large and fairly open-plan pub with a choice of 3 ales - Bass, Holdens Mild and a Tomos Watkins beer. The barmaid took an eternity to serve us, despite there being hardly anybody in. We were on the verge of leaving when she finally turned to serve us. Seemed a reasonable pub, apart from that.
5 Mar 2015 20:56
This is more of a posh restaurant these days. I believe it used to be a Marstons pub. Only keg options now - Stella, Bass, Becks Vier, Peroni, Guinness & Thatchers Gold. A bit too upmarket for our liking.
5 Mar 2015 19:50
Marstons pub in this residential area on the outskirts of Tamworth. It had a reasonable selection of ales from the Marstons range - Marstons Pedigree & Help For Heroes, Wychwood Toothless Hooker & Ringwood Forty Niner. Cider was Addlestones. This is a comfortable pub, set next to the canal. So it's probably very pleasant in the summer. Quiet on a weekday afternoon though.
5 Mar 2015 19:47
First time back at the Wenlock for quite a while on Sunday. I'm sure I've posted a review since the refurbishment. But the interior is certainly much improved. There are 10 constantly changing ales. On Sunday these were Dark Star Hophead & American Pale Ale, Southwark 5 Hop & Gold, Black Jack Archer, Five Points Derailed Porter & Five Points Pale, Hobsons Champion Mild, Siren Sound Wave & Independence APA. There are also 6 ciders - Abrahalls Medium Dry, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Farmhouse Scrumpy & Dog Dancer, Olivers Perry & Barbourne Sweet Kernel. Still a really good pub, worth visiting.
3 Mar 2015 20:32
Ember Inns pub that focuses heavily on dining. 4 standard ales were on - Brakspear Bitter, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Adnams Broadside & Sharps Doom Bar. The interior is nice enough, albeit fairly anodyne. Preferred the Beehive across the road.
3 Mar 2015 20:25
This pub is a stone-throw away from the Stag & Hounds. But as previous reviews have said, this is more of a drinkers pub than the Stag & Hounds. Nevertheless, there is a dining section and there were just as many people eating here as in the other pub. Loads of handpulls at the bar, but many of the ales were doubled up. The selection was Adnams Bitter & Ghost Ship, Tetleys Cask, Butcombe Brunel Atlantic IPA & Sharps Doom Bar. There is an area reserved for games, with a pool table and I believe a dart board. There was also a large screen for TV viewing in this area. A strange feature was a petting garden for kids at the rear.
3 Mar 2015 19:54
The Picture Palace, Ponders End
This pub seems a fair walk from the nearest station (we walked from Southbury). But it's a nice example of a Wetherspoons branch and there's no prizes for guessing it's a converted cinema. The ale selection was reasonable - Adnams Broadside, Fullers London Pride, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Batemans XXXB, Cronx Kotchin Blonde, Brains SA, Caledonian Harpoon & Mordue Radgie Gadgie. The ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. We took advantage of the early opening times and indulged in a full English breakfast. A few others were doing the same. Nice to see the toilets on the same floor. My favourite new pub of the day.
3 Mar 2015 18:27
The Burnaby Arms was the last of our Bedfordshire pubs yesterday. After the poor welcome at the Flower Pot, we were much more warmly welcomed here. It is a corner pub in the back streets of Bedford. It seems very much of a community pub and has plenty of events. They were readying themselves for a 'Dinosaur Disco' whilst we were there. Plenty of bar staff made service quick. The bar itself is L-shaped reflecting its corner location. Ales were Eagle, London Gold, Directors & Sweet Chariot. The most expensive round of the day. But still a fairly decent pub. Parking is difficult.
22 Feb 2015 09:36
Probably the worst of 10 pubs I tried yesterday in Bedfordshire. My visit was soured by the attitude of the barperson. She didn't take too kindly to me suggesting that I had been waiting a while to be served and that she was serving groups of people who had walked through the door long after me and became quite condescending when challenged. The ale selection was also poor - just London Pride & Doom Bar. My Pride was ok and the pub was admittedly fairly busy on a Saturday evening. The interior was nice enough and a band was due to play later in the evening. There is a pool table at the rear and a small outdoor drinking area to the side of the pub. But frankly, 5 minutes is too long to wait for a drink in a pub such as this. They really need more serving staff and ones that are more competent. Why go here when one of Britain's best pubs (the Wellington) is just around the corner?
22 Feb 2015 09:30
This pub is currently closed for refurbishment. Will try and visit it later in my life. But for now, you cannot get a beer in the evening,
22 Feb 2015 09:26
The Anchor has a lovely location, next to the village church and overlooking the River Great Ouse and a fabulous stone bridge. The river was very high yesterday and a few concerned local residents were watching it closely from the pub. Otherwise the pub was fairly quiet. Ales were Youngs Bitter, Wells Eagle IPA & Batemans Hooker. The surroundings are pleasant and I'd imagine they do a good business in food here. Although nobody was eating late afternoon on Saturday. Worth a visit.
22 Feb 2015 09:24
Charles Wells pub on an A road in the village of Moggerhanger. Ales were all from the Wells and Youngs range - Bombardier, Bombardier Reserve Colonel's Choice, Eagle IPA & Youngs Bitter. The place looked as if it was more of a diners/families pub and felt a bit pretentious. It was very quiet on my Saturday afternoon visit. Nice décor though.
22 Feb 2015 09:17
This pub is now closed. The building still has the vacant sign outside, indicating its past usage. But presumably the village could no longer support 2 pubs. The Horseshoes remains open.
22 Feb 2015 09:14
This was just about the best pub of the 10 I tried in Bedfordshire yesterday. The pub is smaller than it looks from the outside. It has a single room with seating either side of the bar. Conversation is the key source of entertainment. There are 4 varied ales. Yesterday they were Oakham Dolphin Dance, Nethergate Wild Fox, Springhead Outlawed and Batemans XB. In addition, there were also 3 ciders - Westons Old Rosie & Rosies Pig & Thatchers Heritage. There is a patio at the rear, that doubles as a smoking area. A large car park is further back. Locals seemed fairly friendly and were willing to engage a stranger in conversation. Good pub.
22 Feb 2015 09:13
Greene King pub with 2 rooms. The main bar has a large-open fire, which was roaring away on my visit yesterday afternoon, giving the pub a cosy feel. The ale range is from the Greene King range - IPA, Abbott, Cornish Coast (a collaborative effort), Morland Old Speckled Hen & Belhaven Grand Slam. There is a small car park at the side.
22 Feb 2015 09:06
This pub has now become 2 or 3 sub-divided residential properties.
22 Feb 2015 09:02
Excellent little back-street boozer. Had a limited selection of ales - Greene King IPA, Adnams Bitter & Sharps Doom Bar. But this is a cosy, single-bar locals pub that was quite welcoming. No food is served, apart from homemade rolls, which were just the ticket for us. Horse racing was on the TV. There is a garden with a childrens' play area at the rear. The toilets are also outside. Custom was fairly quiet. Unfortunately this is the kind of pub Britain is losing. If you live locally, please give it your support.
22 Feb 2015 08:57
Stratton House Hotel, Biggleswade
The Stratton House Hotel is a reasonably large family/dining pub. It was fairly busy yesterday lunchtime with both diners and drinkers. Service was quick. But this was also the most expensive pub we tried in Biggleswade. Ales were Wadworth Swordfish, Potton Pablo's Princess and the house beer St Austell Landlord's Choice. As its name suggests, this pub also offers accommodation. There is a car park at the rear. When full, there is an adjacent public car park that can also be used. The bar area had a strong smell of fish, which was a bit offputting.
22 Feb 2015 08:51
This is probably Biggleswade's best pub. It has a good location on the High Street and as such attracts plenty of passing trade. Unlike the Pembroke Arms, it was fairly busy yesterday lunchtime. The beer selection is good. I too observed the number of locals sat at the bar, making service difficult. But at least there are a couple of blackboards available to peruse to make selection easier. Ales on were Wells Eagle IPA, Buntingford Crystal, Brains SA, Star Lilith & Galaxy & Oldershaw Revolution. There were also 2 ciders - Duntons Medium & Farmer Jim's Farmyard Fruits. The pub itself is a small one-room affair. But it feels quite cosy. No food is served.
22 Feb 2015 08:45
This was our first pub of the day in Biggleswade yesterday. It is now called the Pembroke Arms. Clearly it has had a makeover since its closure and it is now quite bright and airy. Although any character it may have had appears to have been lost. The barmaid was friendly and gave us paper and pencils for our young charge who was accompanying me on this occasion. Whilst this is a Marstons house, they also had Pablo's Princess on from the Potton brewery. The 2 Marstons ales were Pedigree and EPA. I went for the Potton beer, which was ok. Although I'm not a great fan of pale ales.
22 Feb 2015 08:29
The Finborough Wine Cafe, West Brompton
I must have passed this pub a few times whilst driving along this road. But I'd never noticed it before. Although it apparently used to be a wine bar. Now as the Finborough Arms, it is a theatre pub which had a performance on whilst I was there. The small bar has limited seating. But it was quiet whilst I was there. 4 ales were on - Surrey Hills Shere Drop, Collusion & Greensand IPA & Purity Ubu. They also had Olivers Perry & Shezam. Nice pub that could have been an 8/10 if the prices had been reasonable. £8.40 for a pint seemed very steep. When queried, it came down to £4.40 with a 40p CAMRA discount. £4.80 for a pint certainly seems steep even for this part of London. So unless you're a rich banker, you'd be struggling to have a session in here. Therefore a solid 7/10.
15 Feb 2015 10:34
Was slightly surprised by the prices in this pub. It's tucked away between the King's Road and the Fulham Road in an extremely respectable area. Yet it was my cheapest beer of the night. I only had a half. But I got change from £2. It's a small, corner pub that was fairly popular. Standing room was all that was remaining. Many were sat at tables under patio heaters at the front. The rugby and football had been shown earlier. 3 ales were on - Westerham British Bulldog, Sharps Doom Bar & Twickenham Naked Ladies. Plenty of tourist-types in here, to supplement the locals in the know. Certainly a place worth knowing about.
15 Feb 2015 10:25
Decided to return to this part of London to do the 3 pubs that I failed to visit on Wednesday, due to not feeling too well. The Lighthouse was the first of the 3. It is a good 15 minutes walk from Clapham Junction through a housing estate. This pub attracts a much more middle class clientele and the prices reflect it - £5 for a small bottle of cider. There is artwork on the walls. Food is served and tables were reserved for diners. Although none were evident. There is a big screen, with rugby seemingly popular. 6 Nations matches were advertised prominently. At the rear is a small patio area. 3 ales were on - By The Horns Diamond Geezer & Stiff Upper Lip & Sambrooks Wandle. Reasonable pub, but the most accessible. Prices deter a return visit.
15 Feb 2015 10:20
Tried to make a return visit to this pub on Saturday lunchtime, after reading that they have expanded their real ale range. Sadly, It appears it is now completely closed at weekends. Adverts for the Wales v England rugby match indicated that it had been open on Friday evening. Whether it opens later on a Sunday, I can't say. But just before 1pm, there was no sign of it opening.
9 Feb 2015 22:28
Paid a return visit to Stamps Too on Saturday. In my opinion, it's no longer Waterloo's best pub. The Queen's Picture House now has the best range of ales and actually stocks real cider. Stamps did have 5 ales - Liverpool Organic & Bier Head, Brimstage Sandpiper & Parker Centurion Pale Ale & Dark Spartan Stout. This place does feel more like a proper pub than the Queen's Picture House and it's certainly more down-at-heel.
9 Feb 2015 21:29
The Queens Picture House, Liverpool
After trying the Brooke Hotel and Barbacoa (neither listed on here), I moved onto this Wetherspoons branch in Waterloo. I assume it is fairly new, as I have been to Waterloo before and missed it. It feels quite modern and was certainly busy. Ales were Lytham IPA, Adnams Rogue Brutal IPA, Daleside Monkey Wrench, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sharps Doom Bar, Acorn Bullseye & Coach House Old Porter. Ciders were Orchard Pig Maverick Ginger & Chilli and Westons Old Rosie. Service was good, if not the most knowledgeable. A good branch of 'spoons.
9 Feb 2015 21:23
After a visit to the Smugglers Cove in the Albert Dock (not listed on here), I made the train journey north to Merseyside's first micropub. This is only the second micropub I have been to and it's much larger than Anchored in Worthing. There are plenty of tables and seating that are well spaced and there is also a bar where 5 ales and 2 ciders are dispensed. Ales were Brimstage Trappers Hat & Scarecrow, Marble Antipodean & Pint & Oakham Bishop's Farewell. The ciders were Sandford Orchards Devon Scrumpy & Abrahalls Still Dry. This was my favourite pub of the day. The interior, with its green walls feels fairly warm. As usual with micropubs, this is a converted shop in a small parade of shops on a side street. It's one of those places that unless you live locally, you would never pass. So it will rely on its reputation. My favourite pub of the day and easily Crosby's best pub.
9 Feb 2015 21:16
The Blue Bar and Grill, Liverpool
Expensive bar in a prominent position in the Albert Dock. There are no real ales here. The keg options were Amstel, Strongbow, Fosters, John Smiths Extra Cold, Guinness & Heineken. It's very expensive and a bit of a tourist trap. Can cater for large groups and clearly does a good business in its food too. Not worth a return visit.
9 Feb 2015 20:32
Was in here on Saturday morning. The ale range was much improved this time, with more than just the Greene King beers. Although the quality was lacking. 6 ales were on - Robinsons Trooper & Dizzy Blonde, Liverpool Organic Liverpool Stout & Bier Head & Greene King IPA & Trial Brew 06 Chilli Ale. I went for the stout. Maybe it was because it was the first one out. But it wasn't the best. The place is popular with tourists and the inevitable stag and hen parties. There are plenty of different drinking areas, on multiple levels. Many enjoy nice views of the docks. Outdoor tables are popular in the summer.
9 Feb 2015 20:29
Fullers pub about midway between Borough and Elephant & Castle tube stations. CAMRA seem to rate this pub fairly highly. It's in the current Good Beer Guide and I noticed that they host branch meetings here. It has a nice enough interior with plenty to keep you occupied, including TVs and board games. Lighting is just about right and service was good. Ales are limited to Fullers - Pride, HSB, ESB & Chiswick. But a reasonable pub as Fullers pubs go.
1 Feb 2015 19:41
Made the fairly long walk from London Bridge to this small, but cosy pub in Bermondsey. It only has a few tables, but has a fairly bohemian feel. Food was still being served (it must have been around 9pm). Ales were Five Points Railway Porter, Southwark Bermondsey Best, Hackney H and Adnams Lighthouse. Service was good. I wasn't aware (until I read the previous review) that this was a sister pub to the Queen's Head. Unlike the Queen's Head, this one does not currently stock a real cider. Although there are cider pumpclips that suggest it may have done in the past. So it's inferior in my opinion. Nevertheless, still a nice little pub.
1 Feb 2015 19:38
Finally got the chance to visit the Sheaf last night after awarding it a 0/10 on my last try in December 2012. The good news is that it was open last night. So I can now upgrade my score. It was however packed and too busy for a comfortable drink. Acorn Barnsley Bitter, Nethergate Growler Bitter, Flipside Golden Sovereign, Calvors Smooth Operator, Redcar Autumn Ale, Fullers London Pride & Olivers Island, Ramsgate Gadds Number 5, Youngs Bitter & Milestone Optimism were the ales. When I enquired if they had any real ciders, the barmaid looked at me as if I'd just landed from the planet Zog. I opted for the Gadds Number 5 when only Aspalls and Strongbow were offered. TVs show live sport. Boxing was showing. There are 2 dart boards in one corner, which were actively being used. This is clearly more of a late night venue and was far too busy for my liking. I'll upgrade my score to 5/10. But there are many more better options in this area to make this a regular haunt.
1 Feb 2015 19:32
This is a pub that I've had in mind to visit for a good while. So I finally arrived at Nunhead station last night and made the 20 minute uphill walk to the Ivy House through residential areas bereft of pubs (apart from one other). To be honest, I'm not sure I could have told you were Nunhead was until yesterday. The front bar is a lovely affair, if somewhat small. I'd like to have visited the larger room at the rear. But this was reserved for a private party. It made beer selection difficult, as most of the handpulls seemed to be in the other room, until I spotted a blackboard with the selection. Ales on offer were Hobsons Best, Gipsy Hill Southpaw & Beatnik, Cottage Golden Arrow, Brockley Pale Ale, Truman's Runner & Cascadian Black (not sure which brewery, but possibly Saltaire). No real cider is served. Service took a fair while. I'm not sure the pub lived up to its expectations and I left a little disappointed.
1 Feb 2015 19:23
The Cherry Trees, South Norwood
We thought we'd stop here for a swift one to let the football crowds die down at the station. But no away fans are allowed. So 0/10 for the discrimination. A shame, when fans had been drinking together here before the game.
1 Feb 2015 19:13
This is a large pub for drinkers and diners alike, adjacent to Hither Green station. The pub section was very busy yesterday evening with many watching live football. There was no room to sit and very little standing space either. Even getting to the bar was a challenge. The dining area was much quieter. Although it appears this is reserved for diners only. Plenty of staff to serve when you can finally manage an opening to the bar. Handpulls are spread all along the length of the bar, making choices difficult once you've finally found the opening. But I did manage to establish that yesterday's selection was Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, Purity Mad Goose, Jennings Cockle Warmer, Wychwood Piledriver, Dark Star Winter Meltdown, Timothy Taylor Landlord, St Austell Tribute & Castle Rock Harvest Pale. Cider was Thatchers Heritage. I'm not sure if I'll ever have cause to visit Hither Green again. But if I do, I'll pay this pub another visit.
1 Feb 2015 19:11
The Ravensbourne Arms, Lewisham
This could possibly be Lewisham's best pub. But it may be the best of a bad bunch. Service was prompt and the selection was reasonable - Sambrooks Pumphouse Pale Ale & Junction, Adnams Old Ale, Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Gipsy Hill Dissident. The cider was Westons Old Rosie. Football was on the TV and the place was reasonably busy for a Saturday afternoon. Would probably visit again if in the area.
1 Feb 2015 19:05
To the best of my knowledge, New Cross is a bit of a real ale desert. This was my first visit to this area to a pub. I was very impressed with the Royal Albert. They clearly take good care of their ales and were busy pulling through new ones to ensure all the handpulls were occupied. The selection was Dark Star Hophead, Adnams Lighthouse, Sharps Doom Bar, Franklins Mama Knows Best & Brockley Red Ale. The cider was Lilleys Sunset Cider. This seems to be a fairly trendy pub, but was to my liking. There is even a bar billiards table in one corner. Football was showing on the TV. After the Hare & Billet in Blackheath, this was my second favourite pub of the day.
1 Feb 2015 19:01
The Hare and Billet, Blackheath
I have to agree with the last couple of posters. This is most likely the best pub in Blackheath and it was my favourite of 10 I visited in South-East London yesterday. The interior has lots of white tiling. Food is reasonably expensive. But if the beers are anything to go by, it's probably worth it. Yesterday's range was Wild Beer Co Bibble, Brockley Porter, Hare Ale Best Bitter, Truman's Runner, Portobello APA, East London Jamboree, Greene King IPA & King's Evoluton Black Symphony. The cider was Biddenden's Bushells, something I've rarely seen outside Kent. The toilets are a bit of a trek. But this is a really good pub and has a fairly prominent location overlooking the heath. Seems to be popular with families, as I'd previously noted in my review of the Princess of Wales.
1 Feb 2015 18:55
The Royal Standard, Blackheath
Second pub of the day and we were waiting outside for this pub to open at 11am. This is a landmark pub in a strategic position in this area of Blackheath. There were a few ales, but no dark ones and no real ciders either. The selection was Fullers London Pride, Hackney H, Cottage Resolution, Brains The Rev James & Brockley Pale Ale. This is a large pub, with plenty of TV screens. Music is played through extremely crackly speakers. The many pump clips attest to the fact that they may have a better selection of ales at other times and possibly a real cider too.
1 Feb 2015 18:48
The Surrey Docks, Surrey Quays
I'm not sure this is an area of London I've ever been to until yesterday. The Surrey Docks is a Wetherspoons a short stroll from Surrey Quays Overground station. It's a fairly standard 'spoons and as we often do, we took advantage of its early opening time. This branch was fairly busy with a mix of locals. A large group of cyclists were also trickling in. Service was fine. Ales were Ruddles Best, Sharps Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot, Alberto Pacheco Birra Armada, By The Horns Bison, Hop Stuff Renegade IPA & Truman's Original Porter. The cider was Westons Wyld Wood.
1 Feb 2015 18:43
The Clarence was my final pub of 10 on Saturday. It's a modern place and probably the nearest pub to the Ritz. Yet another Nicholsons - this one had Nicholsons Pale Ale, Hopback Winter Lightning, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, Truman's Runner, Black Sheep Best Bitter & Windsor & Eton Knight of the Garter. It was fairly busy and no tables were available. The interior seemed clean, but fairly anodyne. Although my memory was somewhat slurred by this point. An expensive part of London to drink. But at least pubs still exist in this part of the West End.
26 Jan 2015 22:01
Dropped in here on Saturday afternoon. I'd last tried to visit a couple of years ago, when I was turned away, as I had the nipper in tow. This time I was alone and a little worse for wears after visiting 8 other pubs, including getting through the complete cider range at the Harp in Covent Garden, plus some of their ales. I'd read that the pub was due to close at 4:30 on a Saturday. But there were still plenty of customers at 4pm. Although food was no longer being served. Ales were Youngs Bitter, Blonde, Special, London Gold & Winter Warmer, Courage Directors, Wells Bombardier & Sambrooks Junction. Nice enough pub and the best of the 2 I tried in Mayfair.
26 Jan 2015 21:58
Halfway II Heaven, Charing Cross
Not normally my kind of bar. Before meeting up with friends in the Harp, this was the nearest pub to the Harp that I hadn't been to and that offered real ale. It's a fairly small gay bar. Although there's a downstairs area where I'm informed a cabaret takes place every Sunday. Upstairs was a mixture of single blokes, groups of blokes and confused looking tourists. Pictures on the walls give the game away. But you wouldn't realise the nature of this pub from the outside. So it's not surprising that unsuspecting tourists visiting Trafalgar Square drop in here and then look somewhat confused! Tribute & Doom Bar are the two ales.
26 Jan 2015 21:52
The Nell Gwynne, Covent Garden
This pub is not particularly easy to find. It's up a narrow alleyway just off the Strand. But I believe the entrance is currently obscured by scaffolding. I've wandered in here and walked back out again, disappointed by the range of ales. But on Saturday, I was determined to stay for a drink. Tea & Hophead were the 2 ales. I opted for a bottle of the Old Engine Oil from Harviestoun. The landlord seems quite a cheery chap, if not a bit loud. There was an interesting range of customers ranging from football fans to theatre goers and romantic couples. The interior is dark, as there's not much light from the alleyway. But this adds to the ambience. The trip to the toilets is certainly not for the faint of heart - a very interesting experience. Whilst the ale range may not be the best, this ended up being my favourite new pub of the day and is well worth searching out.
26 Jan 2015 21:47
I'm not sure if I've been to this pub or not before. It was my third Nicholsons pub in a row and I'd already seen most of the ales on offer by the time I arrived here on Saturday lunchtime. The previous two in the Liverpool Street area were busy. I was the first into this one. Although a few others arrived not long after. Ales were Truman's Runner, Sonnet 43 American Pale Ale, Wadworth Chill & Chocolate, Nicholsons Pale Ale, St Austell Tribute & Sharps Doom Bar. I went for the Runner, which was good. The Old Bell lacked atmosphere. But I guess it's much busier during the week. One of a number of half-decent pubs along Fleet Street.
26 Jan 2015 21:41
The Lord Aberconway, Liverpool Street
The Lord Aberconway was the best of the 3 pubs I tried in the Liverpool Street area on Saturday lunchtime. This pub is another Nicholsons pub tucked away on Old Broad Street (the bus station side of the train station). Whilst the police were lined up in riot vans monitoring football fans in the Railway Tavern across the road, the Lord Aberconway was somewhat more peaceful. It's a nice L-shaped pub with a balcony for diners. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Sonnet 43 American Pale Ale, Woodfordes Pure Gold, Firebrand Big Hop, Fullers London Pride & Nicholsons Pale Ale. I opted for Aspalls. This pub had more character than Dirty Dicks and Woodins Shades.
26 Jan 2015 21:36
Woodins Shades, Liverpool Street
A Nicholsons pub, like many in the centre of London these days. Their website stated that this pub opened at 10am. The CAMRA website stated that it opened at 11am. At 11:25 on Saturday, it was still closed. I decided to visit Dirty Dicks instead. After workmen outside there had managed to drill through an electricity cable and leave it in darkness, I manage to escape and retreat to Woodins Shades, which was now open and reasonably busy. Many people had moved there from Dirty Dicks, when they could no longer see what they were drinking. Ales were Brains The Rev James, Fullers London Pride, Truman's Runner, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Wadworth Chilli & Chocolate, Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted & Nicholsons Pale Ale. I went for the Chilli & Chocolate and it was vile - well past its best. The food looked better than the beer. But that was never going to be hard.
26 Jan 2015 21:31
I was last here in the late 1990s. Whilst I wasn't planning to come here on Saturday, I thought I'd use the opportunity to pay it a visit whilst the Woodin's Shades was still closed. Passed some rather confused looking workmen on the way in (more about them later). This is a Youngs pub. Ales were Youngs Bitter & Junction & Wandle from Sambrooks. I opted for a bottle of cider. At £5.50, I wish I hadn't! The main bar is a rather dark affair with a few little corners with seating. But the large space in the middle is presumably used for upright drinking for the city crowd. Decided to use the facilities at the rear of the pub and then the lights went out! Struggled for a few minutes to find my way back down the stairs and into the bar in the pitch black. The bar itself was now even darker than before, but not as dark as the gents. Outside were some rather red-faced workmen, with a few gathered policemen and spectators. Apparently a mini explosion had occurred. With no emergency lighting in the toilet, no wonder this pub has its name!
26 Jan 2015 21:26
The Exmouth Arms, Exmouth Market
It's been many years since I last visited here. So I tried it again on Saturday morning. Its website states that it is open from 11am. But alas at just after 11, there was no sign of it opening any time soon. 0/10 for this visit.
26 Jan 2015 21:19
Wilmington Arms, Exmouth Market
Greene King pub just outside Exmouth Market. It opens early in the morning, mainly for breakfasts. There is an open kitchen at the back. But I was here early for a drink. It's a large place and offers a selection of cask, keg and bottled beers. Cask ales were Greene King IPA and their house beer Stag & Griffin Ale, Vale Fusion, Adnams Ghost Ship & Old Dairy Blue Top. The customer after me requested the Fusion and this was off. So I'm not sure how many they actually had available. Better than your average Greene King pub.
26 Jan 2015 21:16
Williams Wine and Ale House, Hoxton
First of two new pubs last night, the Williams Ale & Cider House is within easy reach from Liverpool Street station. Although it's hidden away up a narrow side street. This at least meant that it wasn't overcrowded. The pub had an impressive array of beers listed on a blackboard. But many of these are keg options. Ales were Sambrooks Pumphouse Pale, Greene King IPA, Redemption Fellowship Porter, St Austell Proper Job, Southwark London Pale Ale, Hackney Pale, Portobello APA & Spitalfields Brew. The only real cider was Old Rosie. Nice enough drinking environment. Didn't try the toilets. But a fellow drinker did and his comments are similar to the previous reviewer. A good option if in this part of the city and I believe this pub may be open on a Saturday. We continued on to the Hare in Bethnal Green. But no review for that one as it is not listed on here.
14 Jan 2015 20:56
Still our usual drinking hole in Liverpool, we headed here after the match yesterday after having a few pre-match drinks in the much-improved James Monro (not listed on this site). The Dispensary is still one of my favourite Liverpool pubs. The beers are turned over regularly and are greatly appreciated by the regular customers. Yesterday's selection was Titanic First Class & Plum Porter, Thornbridge Jaipur, Ossett Yorkshire Blonde, Rat White Rat & Black Rat, Oakham JHB & George Wright Mark's Mild. Sadly there is no real cider anymore, as the Addlestones pump has been removed. Aspalls is the cider option. The drinking environment is pleasing. There's generally some kind of sport on the TV, but conversation is still king. Dave runs a tight ship here. He stands no messing and has strict house rules. We've seen people incur his wrath. But he has always been fine with us and generally stops for a chat. Is it Liverpool's best pub? I'm still undecided. I like the larger selection of the Ship & Mitre and the quirkiness of the Cracke. The Vernon is also a favourite of mine, with the Rum Porter & Black Dragon always on. But the Dispensary always has some very well-kept beers and the consensus amongst my fellow drinkers is that this is Liverpool's best. So we'll continue to frequent.
11 Jan 2015 14:37
Liverpool One Bridewell, Liverpool
Another failed attempt to visit the Bridewell yesterday. Closed this time due to electricity problems. Score stays as 0/10, as you'll rarely find this place open.
11 Jan 2015 14:23
The Old Post Office, Liverpool
Average Liverpool city centre pub, tucked away up a back street, but very close to Liverpool One shopping centre. Has two unused handpulls. But the drinks selection was Tetleys Smooth Flow & Dark Mild, Guinness, John Smiths Extra Smooth, Worthingtons Creamflow, Carling, Fosters, Stella, Coors Light & Strongbow. A few were in to watch the football. There is a separate room at the rear for diners. Nothing special.
11 Jan 2015 14:21
My final pub of the weekend. This pub has also been recently refurbished. It has a mixture of drinkers and diners. We sampled the Sunday roast. It was ok, but has apparently gone downhill of late. Live football was on the TV and there is a pool table. The light and airy conservatory is a nice addition Ales were Okells MPA, Bitter & Old Nick. Located in a housing area on the edge of a business park.
5 Jan 2015 21:55
I wasn't planning to visit this pub. But it ended up being my 16th and final port of call on Saturday night, when I was flagging. Popular with a wide range of age groups, there was a pianist entertaining the crowd. A chain pub that reminds me of the Fly In the Loaf in Liverpool. The owners are the same I believe. This pub has been recently modernised and is at the centre of much of Douglas's nightlife. Okells MPA, Bitter & IPA were the ales. I believe they offer a discount for CAMRA members. But I was 'aled out' at this stage of the evening and opted for a ginger beer! I did quite like this pub.
5 Jan 2015 21:52
Situated immediately nextdoor to the Old Market Inn, this is another traditional boozer. It has two larger rooms than its neighbour and stocks some more unusual ales from the island. Okells Bitter is in just about every pub. But this pub also had Bushy's Ruby Mild & Castletown Bitter & Hooded Ram Ram's Best Bitter. There were a few characters in here. Much of the action centred around the pool table. Others were more interested in some kind of quiz machine, whilst one old boy contented himself by putting some kind of dross on the jukebox and swaying to whatever noise was emanating from it. The other room seemed quieter and there were nautical pictures on the wall. I preferred the Old Market. But this is not a bad pub.
5 Jan 2015 21:48
Tiny two room pub that oozes character. The bars are equally small. Conversation is king and seemingly led by the jovial young barman. The rooms only have a partial wall. So you can even chat with people in the other room. Has some great old copper or brass-topped tables (I'm not too well up on my metals!). You can even lock your mates in the gents, as it has a bolt on the outside. Mind your head too! Bushy's Manx Bitter & Old Bushy Tail were the ales. Great pub, if you like yours traditional.
5 Jan 2015 21:44
Was seemingly the only pub on South Quay. With all the action on the north side of the quay, this pub has closed and is now a residence. The sign is still on the side of the building and it still sports its old frosted windows displaying the pub's name.
5 Jan 2015 21:39
My favourite pub in Douglas. Not owned by Heron & Brearley, this is a grungy locals pub with several small rooms and plenty of character. It probably won't win awards for cleanliness and some may be put off by a slightly raucous atmosphere, which spills out into the alleyway outside. But located in an area where there are several nightclubs, this is seemingly the best real ale pub in Douglas. Beers were Busheys Ruby Mild, Manx Bitter, Old Bushy Tail, Humbug A Winter Warmer & Castletown Bitter, Rudgate Viking Bitter & Green Jack Lurcher Stout. Cider was Old Rosie. You'll probably either love this pub or hate it.
5 Jan 2015 21:37
Can't find any sign of a pub on this street. There is a derelict plot in the centre. My guess would be that it was located there.
5 Jan 2015 21:33
Pub number 12 for me in Douglas and Onchan and this one was a clear step above all of the previous 11. I was relieved to finally find a real cider - Orchard Pig Navel Gazer. Ales were Okells Bitter & IPA & Moorhouses Pride of Pendle. The pub is situated on the hill, near the Parliament building. I guess this is a financial area as the pub closed on a Sunday and only opens on a Saturday evening at the weekend. Nevertheless, it was one of the busier pubs and had a nice, friendly atmosphere and a comfortable drinking environment. A pool table has been a recent addition at one end. My second favourite pub of the weekend.
5 Jan 2015 21:31
Still closed. You can still see where the old pub sign hung here. It's now a café called 77 or something similar.
5 Jan 2015 21:27
Centrally located bar, on the corner where the main shopping street meets the Promenade. This is a fairly down-at-hell town centre bar that attracts its fair share of youngsters. Okells Bitter & Ossett Nervous Turkey were the 2 ales. I plumped for the Carling Cider. My expectations of this drink (I'd never had it before) were rock bottom and it did actually exceed these expectations. I've had far worse fizzy ciders. This pub lacked atmosphere. But its location will ensure its popularity.
5 Jan 2015 21:25
Named after Sir Norman Wisdom, whose life-size statue is outside, this is a hotel bar in an upmarket hotel. The drinks prices reflect its status. Has the feel of a lounge bar. But there were plenty in, including a few families. Barmen/waiters are smartly dressed. Okells Bitter & Moorhouses Black Cat were the 2 ales. I zoomed in on the Black Cat after seeing Okells beers far too often. Nice enough place. But I wouldn't fancy a session here.
5 Jan 2015 21:22
Has a nice location on the Promenade. Would most likely be nice during the summer. We settled on this place to eat and the food was fine, but average pub grub. I was getting a bit fed up with finding only Okells beers - just MPA and Bitter in this one. So I was forced to hit the bottles. Similar to the Terminus, it would do so much better with a more varied ale selection.
5 Jan 2015 21:19
This pub has a nice location next to the tram terminus. Although they don't appear to operate during the winter. The inside was well kept. It was quite busy early on Saturday evening. Many people were eating. We had to settle for a table at the rear of the bar. Okells MPA, Bitter & St Nick were the ales. Could have done with a better ale selection. But otherwise, a nice pub.
5 Jan 2015 21:16
Another Douglas pub at the top of the hill. This one was not on my list of pubs to sample. But we were passing. So we gave it a go. Batemans Rosey Nosey & Okells Bitter were the ales. The Batemans ale was reasonable. There is a main bar and I believe there was a second room for dining. The bar was very dark inside. Ok, but nothing special.
5 Jan 2015 21:10
My 5th pub of the day and at this stage, it was the best one of the 5. There are a couple of main rooms, plus an imposing pool room, all served by a central corridor. Many pumpclips on the walls in the one room attest to the range that can be stocked. But apparently the guests had sold out over Christmas. So only 4 Okells beers were available - MPA, Bitter, St Nicks & IPA. Ciders were Aspalls & Green Goblin. Had a bit more character than most Douglas pubs and clearly has a strong local following.
5 Jan 2015 21:07
Another large pub in the residential area of Willaston. This had a couple of rooms. But it lacked atmosphere, with only 1 or 2 other customers present. For a Saturday afternoon, this was disappointing. Okells Bitter & MPA was the rather uninspiring ale range. Not sure how this pub survives. It must be busier in the evening.
5 Jan 2015 21:01
Of 17 pubs I tried on the island this weekend, this was possibly the worst. The large bar lacks character. A pool table dominates one end and there are TVs all round. Items on the wall point to the landlord being a West Bromwich Albion fan. The shirt he was wearing confirmed it. Okells Bitter & St Nick were the only 2 ales. I actually quite enjoyed the St Nick and had it a couple more times on my travels. There is a lounge that I didn't try. Most people were in the bar. I say this was the worst pub. But at another time of day and possibly with a better selection of ales, this place may be much better.
5 Jan 2015 20:57
Landmark pub on a corner of the TT course. There is a grandstand outside, pointing to its popularity whilst the races are on. This is mainly a dining pub. All tables were made out for food. But it was much busier than my two previous pubs. Waitresses were having a few problems with the soft-scoop ice cream, that was too cold and hard to scoop! Ales were Bushy's Humburg A Winter Warmer & Hooded Ram Amber Ram. I tried the Humbug, which was quite good. You need a car (or motorbike) or a taxi to get here. No public transport stops nearby.
5 Jan 2015 20:50
Pleasant roadside pub in the hamlet of Baldrine on the road north out of Onchan. There are 2 rooms - one is a bar and the other a restaurant. The barman kept referring to me as 'sir', which was slightly offputting. Okells Bitter & Sharps Doom Bar were the two real ales. Had a very cosy feel though. I was the first visitor of the day and the only one until a family arrived to eat. Apparently it has a good reputation for food.
5 Jan 2015 20:38
First stop of the day in the Isle of Man. I was here first thing. A couple of others followed in shortly after. Ales were Okells MPA & Pale & Woodfordes Tinsel Toes. I tried the latter and it was probably the worst beer I had all day. I'd imagine it's been on since well before Christmas. The atmosphere was cosy enough. A couple of TVs were showing the news and then a football preview programme. Located right in the middle of Onchan.
5 Jan 2015 20:34
After trying the Star of the West (in the old town and not listed in here), my final port of call before yesterday's football match was the Boot Room, the current name for this establishment. It's a typical boozer near an English football ground. Probably empty during the rest of the week, it's all about volume on a matchday. No cask ales - keg beverages were Carling, Fosters, Guinness, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruit, John Smiths Extra Smooth & Worthingtons Creamflow. Served its purpose for one swift half before kick off.
2 Jan 2015 19:00
Large, but fairly quiet Wetherspoons with a limited selection of real ales and no real cider. The ale selection was Rudolph Beer (no brewery listed and staff didn't know), Lymestone Pudding Stone, Adnams Xporter, Cotleigh Red Nose Reinbeer & Greene King Abbot. At £1.85 a pint, the Xporter was good value, especially with a CAMRA discount. Not sure what this building was in its previous incarnation. But it seemed fairly grand, with an upper level balcony. The bar was in the centre. Not the best 'spoons I've ever been to though.
2 Jan 2015 18:55
Marstons pub on a street corner. There is a Wetherspoons at the other end of this short street with another pub in between. With so few pubs open in this area of Hull, I decided to try all three. The 3 ales on in this pub were Jennings Red Breast, Ringwood Boondoggle & Wychwood Bah Humbug. Only the small front bar appears to be in operation at present. There is still a TV up the corner, which had football on.
2 Jan 2015 18:51
Ye Olde Corn Exchange has re-opened and has returned to its original name. We were drawn in by its claims to have up to 10 real ales. We found 6 - 4 from Great Yorkshire (Yorkshire Blackout, Yorkshire Classic, Santa's Tipple & Yorkshire Pale) and Wickwar Christmas Cracker & Clarks Westgate Gold. You couldn't argue at the price. £2 per pint was only 10p more for our round than in the Old Blue Bell, just up the street. Music was a bit too loud for my liking and the interior could not match the Blue Bell. The ales didn't taste the best. But mine may have been because it was the first one out. Still worthy of a shout though.
2 Jan 2015 18:46
First pub we managed to find open in a very deserted Hull city centre yesterday. This was a very pleasant Sam Smiths pub with one large room with the large bar counter and a couple of smaller rooms the other side of the bar. The clientele was all elderly men, each sat on their own in the main bar, with no conversation except amongst our group. The only woman was the barmaid, until a couple came in and went into one of the smaller rooms. Nevertheless, I do like this kind of pub. It is a typical town/city centre interior with some nice features and friendly service. Usual cheap Sam Smiths prices too and OBB on handpull.
2 Jan 2015 18:41
Haven't been here for several years. So I made a return visit on Saturday. The pub is a nice, roadside pub in a small village. It was reasonably busy with a mixture of drinkers and diners. There are a number of rooms to choose from to sit. Enville ales on were Ginger, Gothic Ale & Simpkiss Bitter. Guests were St George Dream Weaver, Salopian Firkin Freezin' & Exmoor Gold. The cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon.
30 Dec 2014 21:52
The Prince of Wales, Wimbledon
Second Taylor Walker pub I tried in South West London yesterday. This one is right opposite Wimbledon station. It is therefore likely to be busy and you'll pay through the nose for your beer. Plenty of seating and plenty of TVs to watch the match. Plenty were doing just that, including me, for a change. 4 ales were on - Bombardier, Tea, Wainwright & Doom Bar. £20 was not enough for a round of drinks for 5 people, even though the pub offers a 10% discount for CAMRA members. £5 for a bottle anyone? Nice enough, but not at those prices.
29 Dec 2014 23:14
First of two Taylor Walker pubs I tried in South West London yesterday. This was the better of the two. It's a fine building both inside and out, possibly the best kept traditional interior south of the river. It consists of a central bar serving several different drinking areas, with plenty of glasswork. It's popular with football fans with plenty of TVs available to watch the match. There's even a sports room. 4 ales were on - Red Squirrel Winter's Tail, Fullers London Pride, Hard & Hansons Rocking Rudolph & Westerham 1730. I tried the Winter's Tail, which wasn't the best. Still a good little pub to visit.
29 Dec 2014 23:09
Another pub along Rice Lane that is now closed. We continued on to the Shamrock Bar (not listed on here) and the Prince Arthur (reviewed last December).
29 Dec 2014 23:06
The Prince of Wales, Liverpool
This pub is currently closed and boarded up. We did try the nearby Bakery and Prince Leopold. The latter is just about the only pub on Rice Lane with a real ale (Cumberland Ale).
29 Dec 2014 23:03
The Standing Order, Southampton
This isn't a Wetherspoons I'd been to before, until yesterday. It was very busy with shoppers and pre-football match business. It was taking a while to get served. This was more of a traditional Wetherspoons than the Giddy Bridge (Southampton's other Wetherspoons). It is fairly dark inside. Although there is an outdoor smoking area at the side. Ales were Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Fullers London Pride, Flack Manor Black Jack & Flack's Double Drop, Wickwar Christmas Cracker, Adnams Yuletide, Titanic Festive Thirty-Five, Arundel Old Scrooge, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Caledonian Minagof Three Quarter IPA. The cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Pretty average 'spoons.
21 Dec 2014 14:50
Have been meaning to try this pub for a while. So I took the opportunity whilst visiting nearby Victoria Park. It's a trendy, warehouse-style bar with its own beers, guests and pizzas. Cask ales from Crate were Porter, Rye, Best & Golden. Guests were Tempest Brave New World & Summer Wine Mosaic Pale. The real cider was Carey Organic Dry. Also tried a Rum & Raisin Brown beer from Crate. We tried the pizzas, which were tasty enough. This is a hip place with loud music played by a DJ. But it has a nice location next to the canal. Although the area on the other side of the building is less than inspiring.
14 Dec 2014 21:47
The Wheatsheaf, Virginia Water
Chef & Brewer pub with 3 ales - WIndsor & Eton Guardsman & Knight of the Garter & Hogsback HBB. Spent several hours here at our work Christmas do. The meal we had was fine. The waiters/waitresses seemed to be very inexperienced. Managed to work my way along the bar and through the fridges quite nicely, whilst helping to clear the place. There are several different seating areas and there is accommodation attached. Not brilliant, but served a purpose.
13 Dec 2014 22:20
Large, multi-roomed Fullers pub in West Ealing. There is a large semi-circular bar in the centre, with groups hogging the bar area near the handpulls! It seemed that a few office Christmas parties were in progress. London Pride, Wild River & Bengal Lancer were the ales. Had some nice interior features. But I'm not sure I'd be rushing back. Central London prices.
7 Dec 2014 22:23
Another excellent pub in Oldham town centre. Normally this would have been my favourite pub of the day. But for once, the Wetherspoons surpassed it. This is a split-level pub, with the bar on a slightly raised area. Had a good selection of ales and a real cider too. Ales were Rat Cheating Rat, Holts Bitter, Abbeydale JW Morton's Typopotamus Moisturising Mud Pack, Burton Bridge Porter & Phoenix Hopsack. The cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Scrumpy. Just time for a half of the Porter and a half of the cider before getting the bus to the football. A fine end to the day's drinking.
7 Dec 2014 22:20
Located on Oldham's High Street, this happens to be one of the best Wetherspoons I have been in and was my favourite pub of the day. I'll take the manageress's throwaway comment to her bar staff to serve the 'whingers', presumably including me, as a comment from somebody who was having a bad day. The place was heaving. I would guess most of the clientele were Christmas shoppers. So there was a 10 minute wait to get served. But my high rating was more to do with the ale and cider selection. Ales were Moorhouses Black Cat & Blond Witch, Elland 1872 Porter, Three B's Bee Blonde, Hawkshead Lakeland Gold, Jennings The World's Biggest Liar, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Mulled Cider & Thistly Cask Whisky Cask. The Whisky Cask is one of my favourite ciders and I adore the 1872 Porter. So I was in drinking heaven! Still managed to find a seat. Toilets were rather appropriately up some steps and there was further seating on the upper level too. I may have been very lucky on my visit to this pub. But I'm glad I stopped by.
7 Dec 2014 22:17
Disappointing Marstons pub set between the bus station and the police station. Marstons Pedigree & Ringwood Best. I resorted to Strongbow Dark Fruits, which was on keg! It feels a little dark inside. But it is reasonably decorated. Football reporting was on the TV. Seemed to lack atmosphere.
7 Dec 2014 22:11
Impressive music venue with a good selection of real ales and a cider too. It's a fairly intimate venue for bands. But it's big enough as a pub. Horse racing was on the TV. The barman seemed friendly enough and took the trouble of finding out who produced the cider for me. Ales were Wells Bombardier, Timothy Taylor Boltmaker, Brains Merlin's Oak, Theakston Best Bitter & Theakston Christmas Ale. The cider was a new one for me - Bere Cider Company Goldrush. Well worth a visit when in Oldham.
7 Dec 2014 22:08
Not to be confused with the Bank Top Brewery Tap in Bolton, this is a JW Lees establishment hidden behind the huge Mecca Bingo building. Contrary to the previous review and the title, the pub is no longer closed. Although trade was not exactly roaring. The barman was busy on a laptop, whilst apart from one other guy, the only other customers were a group of young Doncaster Rovers football fans, in town for their FA Cup match at Oldham. JW Lees Bitter & their seasonal Plum Pudding were on. I quite enjoyed my half of the latter. The pub has the appearance of a council estate pub, with a large open-plan room and a stage for music/karaoke etc. Not a particularly salubrious establishment. But at least the beer was good..
7 Dec 2014 22:05
On a main road out of Oldham, this is a reasonably large JW Lees pub aimed at diners and families. It's not really a drinkers' pub. A carvery seems to be popular. JW Lees Bitter is the only real ale. Not really much to stop for here.
7 Dec 2014 21:59
Didn't particularly find this pub that inspiring. It did have 3 ales - Hornbeam Victorious & Champagne Ale & Cross Bay Sunset Blonde. But it appears to focus mainly on food. There were just one other group in and they were dining. It has a separate dining area. Other people were coming in to book their Christmas meals. Very depressing music being played. But handy for Guide Bridge station.
7 Dec 2014 21:57
The Beehive has replaced the King's Head (opposite) in the Good Beer Guide. So I thought I'd give it a try whilst in the area on Saturday. Was there for opening. But somehow, two others had beaten me too it. There must be a rear entrance that they had opened first. Locals pub with friendly service. It's far more cosy than the King's Head, as it is much smaller. They only have one ale, which is a changing guest - Bradfield Farmer's Steel Cow. Live music was advertised roughly every fortnight. There is also a cheap food menu. Not a bad little pub.
7 Dec 2014 21:52
After a visit to the Master Mariner, a new Wetherspoons on Marine Promenade, we headed up the hill to try the Sandridge. Another friendly locals pub with one real ale - Youngs London Gold. Once we decided what variety of crisps we wanted, we then had a choice between round ones and square ones! Friendly service. Surprised nobody has reviewed this one before.
4 Dec 2014 22:45
Having visited the Commercial across the road almost 3 years ago, we returned to try the Perch Rock. This was a very friendly and traditional pub with 2 ales. It's normally Otter Bitter & Wells Bombardier. But on this occasion, the Bombardier had been replaced by Bombardier Burning Gold. There's 3 pubs here within spitting distance of one another. This is most likely the best of the 3.
4 Dec 2014 22:42
My 11th and final pub of the day. Unfortunately I arrived at closing time on a Sunday evening. But nevertheless, I did manage to fit a couple of ciders in. This was my 2nd favourite pub of the day. Triple fff Jabberwocky, M Malt Harvest Ale & Harbour H Session IPA were the ales. Sandford Orchards Bumbleberry & Pear Shaped, Kentish Pip Cider & Blaengawney Hallets Oak Aged Cider were all on. I sampled the latter two, which were very pleasant indeed. They had run out of Orchard Pig Juggler (a mulled cider). Otherwise I would have had one for the road. This pub is well worth a detour to seek out.
1 Dec 2014 22:18
After a visit to the rather good Railway Tavern Ale House in Stoke Newington/Dalston, I walked on to the Hops & Glory (current name of this place). It has a vaguely bohemian feel and is clearly aimed at the more discerning drinker. Has a cosy interior. Only 2 ales were on - Downlands Conker Champion & Two Cocks 1643 Cavalier Golden Ale. But there was also a good selection of craft beers on keg. I opted for Hogans cider. Nice place, if not a little too quiet.
1 Dec 2014 22:12
Large bar near Crouch Hill station and popular with a younger crowd. It was very busy on my Sunday evening visit. The 3 ales were Wadworth Swordfish, Sharps Special & Greene King IPA. I opted for a keg cider I hadn't seen before - Cote Breton Brut Cidre, which was reasonable. A bit too busy for my liking.
1 Dec 2014 22:08
The Charlotte Despard, Archway
Slightly disappointing pub on the Archway Road. No ales were on when I arrived yesterday evening. Although they had put Hammerton N7 and East London Cowcatcher on by the time I left. I opted for the Addlestones cider, which others were also drinking. The interior felt a bit too modern for my liking.
1 Dec 2014 22:03
London Brewing Company pub with a decent ale selection - Vista, Black Dog Porter, Skyline & Beer Street were their ales, whilst they also had Severn Farmhouse Cider on. A very good bottle selection. Service was slow and the one barman didn't seemed too interested in serving people. Despite this, it was busy with more of a middle-upper class clientele than their other pub in North Finchley. This is a much smaller establishment than the Bohemia in North Finchley. Although there was an upper floor that I did not try. Toilets weren't the best.
1 Dec 2014 21:59
Ye Olde Cherry Tree, Southgate
Feels more like a village pub, both inside and out, than a pub in London. It was fairly busy on our Sunday afternoon visit, with diners outnumbering drinkers. Seemed to be popular with families too. The 4 ales were Fullers London Pride, Brakspear Bitter, Adnams Broadside & Purity Ubu.
1 Dec 2014 21:54
Second Wetherspoons of the day and this one is most likely a shop conversion, with a large single room. The Tally Ho in North Finchley did at least have a little character with different rooms. Ales were Ruddles Best, Jennings The World's Biggest Liar, Cotswold Spring OSM, Adnams Ghost Ship, Itchen Valley QED & Hampshire Rose & Greene King Abbot. Cider was Westons Wyld Wood & Cider Twist Mulled Cider.
1 Dec 2014 21:44
The Elephant Inn, North Finchley
Fullers pub that as the previous reviewer says has a cosy interior. London Pride, ESB & Fire Cracker were the 3 ales. Toilets were clean. Handy for the bus, but a little on the expensive side.
1 Dec 2014 21:35
This was my favourite pub of the day and not what I had expected to find in North Finchley. It is owned by the London Brewing Company and they had 4 of their beers on - Vista, Pumpkin, High Rise & Beer Street. They also had a guest - Windsor & Eton Brew 882 Seattle Porter. There were also 4 ciders - Abrahalls Thundering Molly & Lily The Pink & Barbourne Crimson King & Golden Drop. The Odell Cutthroat Porter with chilli peppers in the pump looked very interesting. But sadly it had just gone off. The bottled beer selection was impressive. The pub itself is a fairly cavernous affair, in a warehouse style. Food served from the open kitchen at the rear appears to be popular. Very good pub.
1 Dec 2014 21:33
A fairly bog standard Wetherspoons in the centre of North Finchley, not too far from the bus station. It has a central bar with rooms either side. We sat in a lower room which leads to the outdoor drinking area. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Adnams Yuletide, Cotleigh Red Nose Reinbeer, Greene King IPA & Abbot, Marstons Old Empire & Orkney Clootie Dumpling. No real cider was apparent. Service was fine.
1 Dec 2014 21:28
Skylark (T1L), Heathrow Airport
Rather dead airport Wetherspoons. Only 1 ale was actually on, despite all the pumps being clipped. The solitary beer was one of their collaborations - Adnams/Sixpoint Brooklyn Bitter. There was a reasonable cider selection in bottles. The only other customers on our visit were airport workers. But then, Terminal 1 is now on its last legs. Food was very expensive and the menu was limited.
29 Nov 2014 14:30
Thought I'd pay the Belvedere another visit yesterday, after a brief crawl involving the new Brewdog establishment, the Grapes, the Blackburne and the Dispensary. The Belvedere is still a cracking little backstreet pub with an interesting clientele and a reasonable choice of ales. Liverpool Organic Cascade & Josephine Butler Elderflower Ale, Phoenix Snowbound & Coastal Angelina were the beers. Westons Old Rosie is the only real cider choice (on tap). Had heard rumours that the Belvedere stocked a changing real cider. But despite several visits, I've yet to see one yet.
23 Nov 2014 14:39
Fitzgeralds Sunderland, Sunderland
With time running out, we made a swift return visit to Fitzgeralds. This is definitely one of Sunderland's better pubs. Whilst I quite enjoyed the Dun Cow, this pub was a little more relaxed and did have a better choice of ales - Mallard Drake, Timothy Taylor Boltmaker, Woodfordes Wherry, Jarrow Rivet Catcher, Cullercoats Polly Donkin, Durham White Velvet, Fyne Jarl & Dark Star Original. The Polly Donkin was an oatmeal stout and very nice. Unlike the Lambton Worm, just down the road, staff here were replenishing the ales and new ones appeared during our short visit. This is a nice environment to drink in too and not too far from the railway station for our journey home. Still no real cider though.
10 Nov 2014 21:19
One of the worst Wetherspoons I've ever visited. This place was packed to the rafters on Sunday evening. Many people had presumably been to the match, whilst others were watching another match on the TV. There were plenty of bar staff. But they all seemed to be walking backwards and forwards and not doing an awful lot. Seemingly some of the keg options were only available at one end of the bar, despite several taps and presumably none of the staff knew how to put new beers on, as there were only 3 ales - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Banks's Black Diamond. They did however have Black Dragon cider on. Poor choice for a Wetherspoons and far too packed to be comfortable.
10 Nov 2014 21:15
Was very impressed by this pub. We had walked here from the Butcher's Arms at the other end of the High Street (not listed on here, but home to the Bull Lane Brewery) and we found the Dun Cow to be a better and much busier pub. It has a wonderful interior and has recently been taken over by the Head of Steam chain. Ales were Camerons Strongarm, Sonnet 43 India Pale Ale & Steam Beer, Tyne Bank Single Blonde & Hand Drawn Monkey What Would Jephers Do. Cider was Sandford Orchards Devon Mist. Music was a bit too loud for my liking. But then, this place is next to several other town centre locations where loud music seems to be the norm. Was impressed by this pub. Well worth a visit.
10 Nov 2014 21:11
Have walked past this pub before, without really noticing it. It's a short 5-6 minute walk from Seaburn metro station. It's a fairly comfortable corner pub that was popular with football fans yesterday lunchtime. There were 4 ales - Belhaven 80 Shilling, Thwaites Wainwright, Greene King IPA & Maxim Ruby Max, in addition to Old Rosie cider. The gents toilets smelt nice and the barmaid was from Essex!
10 Nov 2014 21:06
Retreated to the Lord Clifden after finding the Drop Forge closed yesterday. It wasn't quite as good as I remembered it. I recalled having a real cider here on my last visit and a brief look down at my last review shows that my memory is not failing me just yet. When asked it they served real cider, I got a little bit of a confused look and the full list of fizzy keg and bottle options was reeled off. I opted for an ale instead. All 4 ales were similar in style - Summerskills Westward Ho!, Wye Valley HPA, Urban Ales Vicious Ale & Malmesbury Burnivale Hop. I still like the pub itself. But the ale and cider range appears to have gone downhill.
3 Nov 2014 17:54
Not a place for a beer in the evening I'm afraid. I've no idea of the opening hours of this pub. Google said it opened until 11pm on a Sunday, Whatpub said 7pm and their own Facebook site said 6pm. Their full website indicated that certain events take place until 4pm. But there were no specific times mentioned. We arrived shortly before 6pm and all was closed up. Particularly frustrating when you make a special journey here. 0/10 for now. Will try to visit again one day.
3 Nov 2014 17:51
Everards pub with 3 of their ales (Original, Tiger & Sunchaser), along with Oakham Citra. Titanic Stout is on keg. It is a corner pub with a bohemian feel, similar to the Spotted Dog in Digbeth. It has a cosy interior and an interesting mix of clientele. Service was ok, without being over-friendly. No real ciders. But they do have Westons in bottles.
3 Nov 2014 17:48
This pub is now closed. There was just a notice on the door from Enterprise about who to contact if you were interested in running the pub.
3 Nov 2014 17:45
First visit to this Wetherspoons in a large shopping centre. Yesterday was the last day of their beer festival. It was also my first visit to this particular festival and this pub. Ales were Sixpoint Brooklyn Bitter, Sadlers Red IPA, Hop Bomb & Jack's Pale Ale, Batemans Colonel's Whiskers, Roosters Yankee, Adnams Broadside, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best. Ciders were Sheppys Farmhouse & Woodsprite. The place itself has the typical Wetherspoons furnishings. Although it feels much more light and airy than most, as it has lots of windows. Not a bad branch of this chain at all.
3 Nov 2014 17:43
I didn't get food poisoning and survived my visit to the Hightown. In fact, the food smelt very good. Sadly we only had time for a very swift half between trains. There were 6 ales on, all of them fairly mainstream - Unicorn, Bombardier, Spitfire, London Pride, Directors & Old Speckled Hen. The pub itself is large and has some nice, traditional corners to retreat to. Regardless of its food hygiene rating, this pub is still just about worthy of a visit.
3 Nov 2014 17:36
Certainly quite impressive for a Greene King pub. It had a good range of 11 ales on, plus Old Rosie cider. The pub is a large affair. If it has had a refurb, it has at least done it tastefully. Ales were well kept and service is good. Although we didn't find out about the 10p per pint CAMRA discount until the 3rd round. Ales were Bowland Oak, George Wright Blue Moon & Pipe Dream, Ruddles Best, Peerless Dark Arts & Triple Blond, Sunny Republic Shark Head, Ossett Silver King, Thornbridge Sequoia, Red Willow Headless & Greene King IPA. Nice place, but a bit out of the way to make a regular haunt.
3 Nov 2014 17:32
Poor example of a pub/restaurant. We only wanted drinks. But they refused to serve us, as we were a large group. 0/10 as no beer was being served, unless you were prepared to wait 2 hours for a table and to have a meal. For a much better experience in Lille, try La Capsule. We stumbled across a 'Meet The Brewers' event there and it happened to be the Thornbridge brewers. About a dozen ales on offer there from all around Europe and a pleasant crowd to boot. Avoid Les Trois Brasseurs unless you want to eat.
25 Oct 2014 22:13
Still one of my favourite Liverpool pubs. It was reasonably busy early on a Saturday evening. The ale range didn't appear to be as good as normal - Thwaites Original, Hart of Preston Lord of the Glen, Heavy Industry 77, JW Lees The Governor & Robinsons Trooper. The real cider was Rosie's Crack en Juice. I'd never seen this one before. Perhaps it has been specially made for the Cracke. Tucked out of the way and off the beaten track.
19 Oct 2014 21:15
Has recently re-opened. We thought we would try it out after visiting the nearby Baltic Social. Obviously no longer in the hands of Cains, it's still a nice, traditional boozer. But sadly it now lacks atmosphere, with only one other customer present on a Saturday lunchtime. 3 ales were on - Liverpool Organic William Roscoe & Cambrinus Craft Endurance & Marstons EPA. I tried the Endurance and it was in a pretty poor state. We we're offered some free Scouse though. Can recommend the Baltic Social though. Also tried the nearby Mad Hatter Brew Tap. But it appears that no longer opens until 3pm on a weekend.
19 Oct 2014 21:05
After a brief visit to the Holborn Whippet, I continued to my second Craft pub of the day. This branch appeared to be focussing on Kelham Island ales with Pale Rider, Riders on the Storm, Kelham Best, Pride of Sheffield, Radar Men from the Moon & Rye Plains Drifter all on. There was also Dark Star Darkness & Green Hopped IPA, Kent Clerkenwell Pale & Zingiber, Rother Valley Ebulem Raspberry Porter & Tyne Bank Barrel of Monkeys. The real cider was Millwhites Hedgelayer. This was my second visit here. We managed to get a table near the door. But the ground floor bar can get fairly congested and it's difficult to see what beers are on. The basement is generally much quieter and is seemingly favoured by diners. But I do find it a bit dull and dingy down there for a lengthy session. Probably the best of the Craft pubs. Although I've yet to do the Brixton and Brighton ones yet.
12 Oct 2014 15:36
The Craft Beer Co, City of London
First visit here for more than a year. It was much quieter than on previous visits. Whilst all the seats were taken, there was plenty of room at the bar. Not all handpulls were in use. But they do now stock 2 real ciders. Many of the beers were from Tyne Bank and they also had 3 green hop beers. The selection was Kent Craft Pale Ale & Elderflower Saison, Gadds Green Hop Ale, Northern Monk Kiwi Saison, Triple fff Smells Like Team Spirit, Dark Star Green Hopped IPA & American Pale Ale, Tyne Bank Single Blonde, Dark Brown Ale, Frank & Bird Motueka Blonde & Dark Exposure & Moncada Notting Hill Ruby Rye. The two Millwhites ciders were Original Scrumpy and Apples & Pears. I prefer this one to the Islington branch. Although the Covent Garden one is probably now my favourite and far more convenient.
12 Oct 2014 15:31
Made my first visit to this pub yesterday. Open on Saturday, it was reasonably busy. It's a fairly small pub with garish wallpaper and an outdoor drinking area. There are 4 handpulls and 3 ales were on yesterday - London Fields Love Not War, Ringwood Best & Greene King IPA. Not too far from here to the Craft.
12 Oct 2014 15:22
Wasn't planning to go to this pub yesterday. But I popped in to see what was on after visiting the Harp. It's a Nicholsons pubs with a lovely interior. It's location will always mean it proves a hit with tourists. But the ale range is a bit more 'average' than I remember it from previous visits. That said, there is still plenty to choose from - Stewart Dakota, Oakham Inferno, Truman's Runner, Nicholsons Pale Ale, Sharps Doom Bar, Adnams Broadside & Thwaites Wainwright. Cider was Westons Old Roise. I stopped for a quick half. But in hindsight, I should have chosen the Wellington opposite (another Nicholsons, but with a more adventurous range).
12 Oct 2014 12:18
Modern chain bar on the High Street in Staines. It's a large place. But didn't seem too popular on a Thursday evening. This doesn't surprise me considering there is very little open on the High Street after 6pm and the much cheaper Wetherspoons is a few doors down. McMullens Cask Ale was the solitary real ale, alongside a selection of cask and bottled beers. There were more women in this bar than the 3 previous pubs I had visited. The others were male-dominated and were more traditional boozers. Doubt I'd return here with the Wetherspoons so close.
8 Oct 2014 20:27
Had been warned off this pub. But thought I'd give it a try, whilst undergoing a mini crawl of Staines. The sign of handpulls looked promising. But no real ales were available. The keg range was Fosters, Guinness, Kronenbourg, Strongbow, John Smiths Extra Cold, Stella & Wadworth Bitter. The interior was nicer than I expected. Clientele was a mix of local blue and white collar workers. Better than I expected.
8 Oct 2014 20:24
Now simply called the Star. The interior has been modernised and appears to have lost any character it once had. 4 handpulls are available. But only 2 ales were on - Hogsback Tea & Fullers London Pride. Felt a bit more edgy than the Old Red Lion. But this pub is the nearest to Staines station. Not sure I'd go back.
8 Oct 2014 20:22
First of four swift pub visits last night. The Old Red Lion was probably the pick of a distinctly average bunch. Mainly locals inside. 3 mainstream ales were being dispensed - Courage Best, Sharps Doom Bar & Fullers London Pride. It was quite busy. So I retreated to a side room, where tables were laid out for diners. Took a brief look at the menu. But it had far too many spelling mistakes to take it seriously! Quiet location. But not too far from the station.
8 Oct 2014 20:19
The George and Dragon, Yiewsley
Another year on from my last visit. Another away game in Manchester missed. Another game to view on BT Sports. Another defeat for my team! Headed in here just before midday and it was already busy. There are plenty of TVs to watch live sport. The only 2 ales I could see this time were Greene King IPA & Timothy Taylor Landlord. Alas, there is no longer any real cider. The best I could get was Hogsback Hazy Hog in a bottle. Although at £4.20 a bottle, I restricted my consumption to 2. Plenty of shouting again. Although this time I was surrounded by the old boys - a strange mixture of locals. Downgrading my rating to a 5, due to the lack of a real cider. But I'll be back next time I miss a match.
5 Oct 2014 18:34
The Empress of Blandings, Copythorne
Visited here for dinner this evening after a day out at Peppa Pig World! It's probably the nearest real ale pub you'll find to this theme park. A large Hall & Woodhouse pub that is certainly popular with diners and families, it had 3 of their ales - Badger First Call, Brewer's Bee & Tangle Foot. The food was ok. Although it's the standard Hall & Woodhouse menu. Service was fine. Many tables were reserved. Doubt I'd come here again. But its certainly handy if your little one(s) is/are into pigs!
4 Oct 2014 21:09
Wetherspoons T4L, Heathrow Airport
This place is actually called the Windsor Castle. It's in a none too obvious position on the mezzanine level between the arrivals and departures floors. But it's certainly a better bet than the Bridge Bar airside. Sharps Doom Bar, Fullers London Pride & Exmoor Gold were the beers on Wednesday morning. The usual Wetherspoons breakfasts are also available.
4 Oct 2014 21:04
The Everyman Bistro, Liverpool
First visit back to the Everyman since its re-opening. The Bistro is downstairs. Don't confuse it with the ground floor bar. There seems to be more of an emphasis on food now than before. There are only 4 handpulls now. 3 were in operation on my visit and the ales were Liverpool Organic Kitty Wilkinson Chocolate & Vanilla Stout & Everyman's Ale & Potbelly Pigs Do Fly. There is no longer any real cider. Didn't quite have the feel of the old Everyman. So it'll probably be a few more years before I'm back.
30 Sep 2014 19:04
The Augustus John, University of Liverpool
Return visit on Saturday and it was fairly lively with the University terms about to start. The cider range has improved too, with a few more different options this time. Ales were Timothy Taylor Boltmaker, Wickwar Cotswold Way, Hales Black Heart & Beartown Ellava Bear. Ciders and perries were Lilleys Crazy Goat & Bee Sting Perry, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, Twisted Cider Wild Orchard, Hairy Ferret Blackcurrant, Joe's Cider Sweet Traditional Still Dorset Cider, Orchard Pig Explorer & Philosopher & Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Pyder. 3 of these were new for me. So contrary to my previous review, I do need to come here more often. Why has nobody else reviewed this pub for over 5 years?
30 Sep 2014 18:57
This place is gradually improving. It still feels a bit dingy inside. But it was very busy yesterday afternoon, with a band playing in one alcove. The beer range is improving too. Cottage Autumn Gold, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Liverpool Craft Hop Beast, York Guzzler, Sadlers Kimber Drop & Cross Bay Halo were all on. Upgrading my rating from a 4 to a 6. Worth another visit soon.
22 Sep 2014 21:57
I used to like the Lion. But it has gone down in my estimation of late. I paid it a visit a few months back and like the previous reviewer was ignored for almost 10 minutes, as others got served straight away. I eventually gave up and head to the Vernon. In fairness, it was busy. But the lack of awareness of people standing at the bar waiting was shocking. The one barman appeared to be gazing into thin air, daydreaming. It was difficult to attract anybody's attention as the football was on and it was fairly noisy. I've been looking forward to going back again since. We did return yesterday and got served straight away. So hopefully the service issues are a one off. It would be a shame if this pub was going downhill, as it's one of Liverpool's architectural gems. Ales yesterday were George Wright The Lion Returns, Youngs Bitter, Lees MPA, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, Sharps Doom Bar, Purple Moose Snowdonia Ale, Allgates All Black & Adnams Bitter. The 2 ciders were Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig. Reducing my rating from 8/10 to 5/10 due to the service issues.
22 Sep 2014 21:55
The Pig and Whistle, Liverpool
Back here for the first time in 5 years. The barmaid was very knowledgeable about her beers and we tried a new local brewery's beer in a bottle. Landlord and Cumberland Ale were the two ales. It was very quiet on our Sunday afternoon visit. Upgrading my rating slightly.
22 Sep 2014 21:48
Paid this place a visit for the first time yesterday. It has a nice location in the docks. It's more of a restaurant than a pub. There are no real ales. But there is a good selection of bottles and craft beers. Keg options were Becks Vier, Stella Artois, Stowford Press, Bristol Beer Factory Cruiser, Estrella Dam & Bath Ales Dark Side Stout. Ok, but far too far off the beaten track to be a regular haunt.
22 Sep 2014 21:44
More of a proper pub than the Welkin. Used to do a few Bowland beers. But now there is a completely different selection - Caledonian Autumn Red & Deuchars IPA, Wychwood Bountiful, Brains Across The Pond, Thwaites Wainwright & Bass. Still a great little pub, packed with character. Sat in the front bar for the first time yesterday, as it was very quiet.
22 Sep 2014 21:42
First of 7 pubs in Liverpool yesterday. It was busy on a Sunday lunchtime. This isn't the best Wetherspoons in Liverpool. But it's popular as it's very close to the main shopping centre and in the Cavern Quarter. Ales were Greene King Abbot & Abbot Reserve, Ruddles Best, Oakham JHB, Cotswold Spring OSM, Sharps Doom Bar, Thwaites Wainwright & Everards Terrapin. None of the 4 we tried were any good. No real ciders are stocked.
22 Sep 2014 21:39
Spent most of yesterday at the nearby Post Office Vaults. But I did pay the Wellington a visit later in the day. It was busy as usual. The new upstairs bar was quieter and more relaxing. They do have some different beers and ciders up here to what is listed downstairs. So it's worth checking out. Yesterday's selection over the two bars was Wye Valley HPA, Black Country BFG, Pig On The Wall & Fireside, Titanic Plum Porter & Mild, Oakham Citra & Deep Thought, Purity Mad Goose, Burton Bridge Porter, White Rose Pints In White Satin, Ramsgate Gadds Number 5, Riverhead Deer Hill Porter, Toll End Coal 'Ole, Cottage Big Ben, Springhead Outlawed, Kelham Island Old Blue Eyes & Rat Ration. Ciders and perries were Gwatkin Squeal Pig Perry, Orchard Pig Maverick Ginger & Chilli, Twisted Misty Cider & Hogans Panking Pole & Hazy Daisy. Still an easy 9/10.
14 Sep 2014 17:59
This pub has recently re-opened as the Coach House and was my favourite pub in Abergele. Although there's not really much to choose from. Live music was being performed on my Saturday night visit. A rock band was playing and the place was reasonably busy with a good mix of customers. A group of people were still finishing off a meal. A bit loud for me. But they did have a good selection of 4 local ales - Facers This Splendid Ale, Landslide & Abbey Red & Great Orme Celtica.
25 Aug 2014 08:52
Not quite my sort of pub. But certainly very entertaining on a Saturday evening. JW Lees Bitter was the only real ale. Other options were fizzy lagers and ciders and bottled lagers and alcopops. The place was packed with 50 somethings jigging to Dizzee Rascal and other modern dance tunes. A good time seemed to be had by all. But the pub/hotel seemed more akin to a nightclub than its name might suggest. I settled for a can of Kopparberg! There is a formal dining area at the front, which was at odds to the disco at the rear. The dining room was empty.
25 Aug 2014 08:49
After the Valentine at Llanddulas, I moved onto the Bull Hotel in Abergele. This is a JW Lees House, offering their Bitter & Manchester Pale Ale. The quietest of the 3 Abergele pubs I tried, it was far more relaxing than the Bee Hotel and the Coach House. However, the Coach House trumped it for ales.
25 Aug 2014 08:45
The Red Lion Hotel, Old Colwyn
The Red Lion appears to be the only pub in Old Colwyn listed on here. However, it was my 4th pub in this small town, after the Plough, the Cuckoo and the Sun Inn. The Red Lion is however the best of the 4. Whilst it was very quiet, it was my favourite pub of the day. They have a good selection of ales and a couple of ciders. Morland Old Golden Hen, Ringwood Boondoggle, Hydes Friendship Ruby Ale, Bridestones Brautsteiner, Adnams Broadside, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Marstons Burton Bitter & Holdens Black Country Mild were the ales. Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Farmhouse Scrumpy were the ciders. Old Colwyn is well worth a short pub crawl. There are ales in all the 4 pubs I tried and the pubs are only a short walk apart.
25 Aug 2014 08:42
I quite like Brunning & Price pubs. This one has a location well above the Irish Sea in a well-heeled residential area. It was fairly busy on a Saturday lunchtime with most tables set out for diners. A small area close to the bar is for drinkers. Service was good. They also had a decent range of ales to match the Wetherspoons down in the town - Goddards Scrumdiggity, Timothy Taylor Boltmaker, Brunning & Price Original, Purple Moose Snowdonia Ale, Great Orme Great Welsh & Weetwood Mad Hatter. The real cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Scrumpy. Whilst the pub is mostly for diners (the food tends to be good in this chain, from my previous experiences), it's still a good option for ale drinkers.
25 Aug 2014 08:36
A Wetherspoons with a bit more character than most. This one is in an old cinema. Seating is on multiple levels. Service took quite a while, with most people placing food and coffee orders. However, there was a reasonable choice of ales - Purple Moose Dark Side of the Moose & Glaslyn Ale, Ruddles Best, Loddon Bamboozle, Wadworth Kalamazoo Amber Ale, Greene King Abbot, Fullers London Pride & Caledonian Brown's Barley Black IPA. Ciders were Mr Whiteheads Beetroot & Thistly Cross. Probably the best choice in the centre of Colwyn Bay.
25 Aug 2014 08:29
Still a classic Leicester pub. Although there are quite a few that I can now see are better. It was very quiet again on this, my second visit. Ales were Bradfield Farmers Blonde, Hoskins Brothers Hob Bitter & IPA & Newby Wyke HMS Resolution. Cider was still Broadoak Kingston Black.
17 Aug 2014 16:33
The Shakespeare's Head, Leicester
This pub is currently closed. Situated not too far from the excellent Criterion, the local CAMRA magazine hints that there may be good news ahead for the pub. Hopefully it will have re-opened in time for my next visit to Leicester.
17 Aug 2014 16:31
After a brief stop in the awful Synergy bar (formerly a real ale pub called the Longstop), we moved onto the Globe. This is another Everard's pub in a popular central location. Beacon, Sunchaser, Tiger & Original were the ales. Guests were Titanic Capt Smiths & Banks & Taylor Golden Fox. They also had Westons Family Reserve as a real cider. A second real cider was off. We sat in the cramped, but cosy front bar. There were a few other rooms to choose from. CAMRA members get 30p off per pint. There are many better pubs in Leicester. But this is still a good pub.
17 Aug 2014 16:28
After an extremely long walk from the football ground to the Bridle Lane Tavern, I strolled back to the edge of the city centre to this very good pub. I do believe it is the local CAMRA pub of the year and it is also the brewery tap for the Dem Bones brewery. None of their beers were on this time. But they did have Brightside Amarillo, Billericay Blonde, Animal Orange & Elderflower Wheat Beer, Dorset Brewing Co. Durdle Door, Okells Autumn Dawn & Milk Street Prohibition Pale Ale on. Cider was Ankerville Vimto Cider from Scotland. I'm not sure if this qualifies as a real cider. But it was very pleasant and you'd never guess it was 7.4%! Another excellent Leicester pub.
17 Aug 2014 16:23
I see nobody has reviewed this pub since my last visit and my opinion, the place has improved. It's extremely handy for the football and rugby grounds. Luckily most people were flooding out when we arrived. So we managed to fit in a quick pint before the match. Last time I only visited the smaller room. This time, I visited the larger bar and the courtyard to the rear where 3 ciders were being sold. The ciders were Farmer Fear Dry & Blackcurrant & Mr Whitehead's Boxing Dog. This also appears to be a brewery tap for the Steamin' Billy brewery. They had Tipsy Fisherman, Sky Diver & Bitter, in addition to some guest beers - Mr Grundy Olive Branch, Bohemian Orange Barley, Blackhole Red Dwarf & Welbeck 5 Tun. I'm definitely upgrading my score and we'll hopefully be back next year.
17 Aug 2014 16:14
Everards pub not far from the University. It seemed to be a locals pub with 2 small bars. Everards beers plus 1 guest (Great Yorkshire Lavender Blonde) and Old Rosie Cider were on. The Everards beers were Tiger, Original, Sunchaser, Beacon and the new Checker Cab. Pleasant enough little place.
17 Aug 2014 16:09
The Criterion looks a bit rough from the outside. But once inside, it's a great little backstreet boozer with an excellent selection of real ales and ciders. Yesterday's ale selection was Wentworth Speckled Wood Best Bitter & Challenge, Abbeydale Dr Morton's Implant Jammer & Cabby Chino Porter, Kelham Island King of the Rocket Men, Oakham Black Baron (8.8%!), Green Devil IPA & Citra, The Pig Pub Weiner Bitter, Gado's Festivale & Ramsbury Reach For the Sky. Ciders were Charnwood Pure, Newton Court Blackcurrant & Westcroft Janet's Jungle Juice. Two of these were new ones for me. If we had any criticism, it was with the quality of some of the beers. We found out that the landlord had been away on holiday and the beers had been put on in the wrong order. Nevertheless an excellent pub and my new favourite in Leicester. Worthy of a 9/10 for me and I don't normally award 9 or 10's!
17 Aug 2014 16:06
This place is now called the King's Head. It's a Black Country Ales pub with a good range of ales - Black Country Fireside Bitter, BFG & Pig on the Wall, Sadlers Grorty's Delight, Cotleigh Golden Seahawk, Banks & Taylor Fruit Bat & Goffs Summer Knight. There were also 3 real ciders - Sandford Orchards Devon Red & Fanny's Bramble & Cornish Orchards Farmhouse. The pub itself is fairly small and is on two different levels. It's narrow. So once the tables are taken, people seem to spill out into the courtyard that backs onto New Walk. Busy on a match day. The barman or landlord seemed very put off that we ordered 10 halves. We often like to try as many different kinds of ale as possible, as we're not in the business of drinking pint after pint simply to get drunk. So maybe the owners of the King's Arms prefer the heavy lager drinkers instead. Nevertheless, a good pub worthy of a visit if in Leicester.
17 Aug 2014 15:59
Second visit to the Pub yesterday and I didn't quite enjoy it as much as the first, primarily because they don't appear to have real cider anymore. There was still a good selection of 10 ales - Millstone Stout, Harbour H Amber Ale, White Park Stumped, Sadlers Spider Princess, Traquair House Stuart Ale, Lymestone Seven Stone Weakling, Burton Bridge Golden Delicious, Brighton Bier South Coast IPA. Dorking DB Number One & Rudgate Brew No. 8 Cherry Pale. The Pub was also much busier than on my previous visit and it doesn't make for a particularly enjoyable atmosphere. I preferred the King's Head across the street and we found other better pubs this time around too. Reducing my rating as this one appears to have taken its eye off the ball.
17 Aug 2014 15:53
I've passed this pub a number of times, but never before been in. From the outside, it looks like a family pub. In reality, it's a sports bar. Two ales from Windsor & Eton - Windsor Knot & Eton Boatman. Christmas songs were playing on the sound system. Most customers were enjoying the sunshine on the decking out the front. Handily located for the local colleges. Much prefer the Happy Man or the United Services Club and I moved onto the latter for their beer festival.
13 Aug 2014 20:42
Had 30 minutes to spare in Ealing before my train last week. So I thought I'd pop in. Ales weren't the most adventurous this time - Sharps Doom Bar, Sambrooks Wandle & Junction, Acorn Transatlantic IPA, Adnams Broadside & Explorer & Greene King Abbot. Ciders were Mr Whiteheads Beetroot Cider Hecks. There was also Thatchers Perry. When asked for a half of Perry, I ended up with a pint of Thatchers Gold! Ok for a swift pit stop.
13 Aug 2014 20:38
This place is now called the Liquor Station. It's a large place with a fairly extravagant décor. The barman was Polish and the two other customers were also Polish. Not quite sure how it survives. Bombardier and Doom Bar were the ales. Just a couple of doors up, you'll find the Wetherspoons - a similar size with many more customers, more ales and cheaper prices. Keep on walking.
13 Aug 2014 20:34
The only one of 10 Carmarthenshire pubs I tried yesterday that actually has a listing on the site and ironically this was the worst. By the way, it has re-opened as the Coopers Arms since the previous review. After 3 other pubs in Newcastle Emlyn (the Bunch of Grapes, the Pelican Inn and the Ivy Bush), I arrived here to initially find it closed and a sign showing that opening would not be until 3:30pm. The Pelican and the Ivy Bush were the 2 best pubs in Newcastle Emlyn. But whilst waiting for the Coopers Arms, I made an excellent decision to use up some time at the Tafarn John y Gwas in Drefach Felindre (5 ciders) and the National Wool Museum (when in Wales!). I returned to the Coopers Arms to find a pub that is still more of a restaurant than a pub. There is a bar area. But it has a strange mismatch of furniture and doesn't feel particularly inviting. I was the only customer, which is not surprising considering the unreliable opening times. The main business still appears to be a dining area. They do however have a real ale - Mantle Cwrw Teifi, which I'd had earlier. So I opted for a soft drink. Moved on from here to the Lamb of Rhos, Tafarn y Talardd & Belle in Llanllwni and the Black Ox in Abergwili. None of these are listed on here.
3 Aug 2014 11:59
This was the first of 11 pubs I would try in South West Wales yesterday. This was one of only 2 actually on this site and the only 1 I sampled in Pembrokeshire. In fact, the pub is only just inside Pembrokeshire. The other side of the adjacent bridge is Carmarthenshire. This small village is quite picturesque and the pub and its adjacent microbrewery are clearly an integral part. The 2014 Good Beer Guide and CAMRA websites show that this pub opens at 11am. It finally opened its doors at 11:30 and a sign in the window confirmed that it does not open until 11:30. I just wish pubs would put their opening times onto their websites. As such, I was forced to wait outside for 35 minutes. That would have been fine, as it is a nice peaceful location, if I hadn't have been bursting for a pee! Inside is fairly nice too. Had to wait a few minutes before anybody came to serve me. 3 ales were on - Mantle Cwrw Teifi, Milestone Crusader & Brains The Rev James. None from the pub's very own Cych Valley brewery unfortunately. Although this was the only one of my 11 pubs where I found more than 2 real ales. I was the only customer on this Saturday morning. But I was joined by the small pub dog. He/she promptly decided to throw up on the bench beside me and then proceeded to consume the output, despite my protests. Needless to say, this did put me off my Cwrw Teifi! So I elected to move on swiftly to the Three Horseshoes in Cenarth, which I preferred.
3 Aug 2014 11:47
Metro Bar and Grill, Birmingham
Was in Birmingham on Friday evening. So I decided to give this place another go. It appears they may now have started to open on Saturdays too. It doesn't look very big from the outside. But it is very spacious inside with a modern bar giving way to a dining area at the rear. Clientele were very much Birmingham city business types. Staff were efficient. The ale choice was disappointing - Sharps Doom Bar & Greene King IPA. The keg cider choice was slightly more unusual - Aspalls Harry Sparrow. Disappointing as a whole and not particularly cheap.
3 Aug 2014 11:35
Metropolitan Bar, Baker Street
Still one of the best Wetherspoons I know. It's a large branch right next to Baker Street tube station. Plenty of seating and generally busy. Ales yesterday were Holts Humdinger, Butcombe Yeti, Wadworth 6X, Titanic Iceberg, Sharps Doom Bar, Adnams Broadside, Marstons Pedigree & Greene King IPA & Abbot. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie, Mr Whiteheads Beetroot Cider, Sheppy's Farmhouse Cider, Sandford Orchards Rhubarbed, Waddlegoose Lane Spadger & DJ's Tempted? Summer Sweet Cider. Agree with the previous toilets comment. They were pleasant!
27 Jul 2014 20:20
After the Moon Under Water, Lord Moon of the Mall, Wetherspoons Victoria Station and the Wishing Well, we arrived still looking for the 1 cider in the 'spoons cider festival I hadn't yet tried. Despite a good selection in here, I was still lacking. The Tyburn is a busy pub at the end of Oxford Street. So it attracts a good mix of customers. Ales were Burton Bridge Battle Brew, Sharps Doom Bar, Thornbridge Jaipur, Portobello VPA & Market Porter & Greene King IPA & Abbot. Ciders were Shepton Mallet Somerset Tree Shaker, Gwynt y Ddraig Welsh Gold, Waddlesgoose Lane Woodsprite & Spadger, Bottle Kicking Cider Company Cross Farm Perry, Cornish Orchards Farmhouse Cider, Thatchers Perry, Hogans Panking Pole, Sandfords Orchards Pear Shaped, Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Pyder & DJ's Tempted? Summer Sweet Cider. Worth dropping in for one.
27 Jul 2014 20:16
The Montagu Pyke, Charing Cross Road
It's been a while since I've been to this 'spoons. But on Saturday, I stayed a while, as I managed to find 3 of the 12 ciders I hadn't previous tried in their cider festival. The place is a very busy establishment with entrances at both ends. The Charing Cross Road end is the lower level and has the main bar. The other end has an "International Beers Bar". The ale range was Adnams Fat Sprat, Enraptured & Explorer, Brewsters Hop A Doodle Doo & Fullers London Pride. Ciders were Westons Cider Twist Raspbery, Mr Whiteheads Boxing Dog, Green Valley Doctor's Orders, Sheppys Farmhouse Cider, Hogans Panking Pole, Waddlegoose Lane Spadger, DJ's Tempted? Summer Sweet Cider & Healey's Cloudy Cornish Scrumpy. Not a bad place. Although the interior is bland and uninspiring.
27 Jul 2014 20:09
The Knights Templar, Chancery Lane
I quite like this pub. But I rarely find it open on Saturday's. There always seems to be a wedding on. So not really a public house. Amending my ratings accordingly.
27 Jul 2014 20:03
After the Hamilton Hall, the Masque Haunt and the Shakespeare's Head, we arrived at the Penderel's Oak, a fairly large Wetherspoons on High Holborn. It has a slightly unusual shape. This was my second or third visit here. But probably my first visit during the summer, as it was the first time I've noticed there is a garden. Has a reasonable range of ales - Titanic Iceberg, Sharps Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot & IPA, Fullers London Pride & Conwy Rampart. Ciders were Mr Whiteheads Boxing Dog, Sheppy's Farmhouse Cider, Bottle Kicking Cider Company Cross Farm Perry & Green Valley Doctor's Orders.
27 Jul 2014 20:01
Haven't been to this Wetherspoons for a while. There's generally a good selection of ales here on the circular bar. But they're not always in the best condition. This is a marvellous building though. I believe it was previously a bank. Ales were Milestone New World Bitter, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Butcombe Yeti, Portobello Market Porter, Batemans XXXB, White Horse Village Idiot, Hanlons Stormstay Premium Ale, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Tring Tea Kettle Stout, Weltons Marathon Stout, Greene King IPA, Sharps Doom Bar & Adnams Broadside. Cider was Waddlegoose Lane Woodsprite, Bottle Kicking Cider Company Cross Farm Perry & Westons Rosie's Pig & Marcle Hill. One of the better branches of Wetherspoons.
27 Jul 2014 19:20
Our second 'Spoons of the day. This one wasn't quite as good. Bar staff didn't seem to give two hoots. The ale and cider selection was not the best either - Portobello Market Porter, Adnams Enraptured, Fullers London Pride, Red Squirrel Redwood American IPA & Greene King Abbot & IPA. Ciders were Cornish Orchards Farmhouse Cider & Sandford Orchards Rhubarbed. The place was fairly quiet.
27 Jul 2014 19:16
The Liberty Bounds, Tower Hill
This was the first of 16 Wetherspoons we visited yesterday in search of the 12 ciders I hadn't previously tried that were in their cider festival. The Liberty Bounds was the only one I hadn't previously been to. It's a fairly dark place in parts, spread over 2 floors. Bar staff were fairly jolly and I managed to try 4 of the ciders here before moving onto pub number 2. The ale range was Brains SA Gold, Wychwood Piledriver, Green Jack Gone Fishing ESB, Fullers London Pride, Greene King Abbot Ale & IPA, Sharps Doom Bar & Adnams Broadside. Ciders were Mr Whiteheads Beetroot Cider, Shepton Mallet Somerset Tree Shaker, Sandford Orchards Rhubarbed, Rich's Farmhouse Cider & Waddlegoose Lane Woodsprite. Handy for the Tower of London.
27 Jul 2014 19:12
The Princess of Prussia, Tower Hill
Popped in here for a nightcap on Wednesday evening, after a meal at the Indian restaurant next door. This is a Shepherd Neame pub. 2 ales were on - Spitfire & Whitstable Bay Pale Ale. Cider is Thatchers Gold. There was only one customer inside the pub, despite plenty of space. But there were a few others in the walled garden at the back, where we decided to retreat to. There are plenty of better pubs in the area. But this served its purpose.
25 Jul 2014 20:13
The Chamberlain Hotel, Aldgate
This a fairly nice hotel with a pub selling Fullers ales. On this occasion, it was Two Halves, Seafarers, London Pride, ESB & Summer Ale. Aspalls is the cider. Has a few tables and plenty of standing space for when they are all occupied. Plenty of staff to provide a quick service and not the most expensive City pub I have been in.
25 Jul 2014 20:09
The Peirson was our second pub of the day in Jersey yesterday, following the St Helier Yacht Club. Only 2 ales were on in the Peirson, as opposed to 3 plus a cider at the Yacht Club. Bass & Liberation Ale were on. But the Peirson does enjoy a nice location on a square that has a very continental feel. The small interior is also quite cosy. For a better selection of ales, we continued on to the Forum, another 7-8 minutes walk up the road.
21 Jul 2014 20:36
Final Guernsey pub of 6 for us on Saturday evening. The real ale was Faversham Steam Whitstable Bay Pale Ale. This is a proper locals pub about 10 minutes walk uphill from the centre of town. Seemed friendly enough and as you can see from the above picture, the bus stops directly outside.
21 Jul 2014 20:32
After a swift half and a meal at Les Douvres Hotel in St Martin's (a private hotel and the only place we found on the island with more than 1 real ale on this visit), we went back to St Peter Port and out to the Dog House. My review from 5 years ago, on our last visit is just below. It was closed then to a private party. On Saturday, it was open. We arrived to find a young guy vomiting at the front. This seems to be a genuine party place. A band was just finishing its set. A spirit with a mixer and a bottle set us back £9. Guernsey is expensive. This place is ridiculous. There is no entry fee, as you'll pay for the entertainment with your drinks. Central London nightclub prices. Liberation Ale was the real ale.
21 Jul 2014 20:29
The Mermaid Tavern, Herm Island
Probably my favourite pub in our weekend on the Channel Islands. Herm is located 20 minutes from Guernsey on the Trident Ferry. Unfortunately for us, it was low tide and we were dropped off at the end of the island, from where it is a 10 minute walk to the harbour and a couple of minutes further to the Mermaid. Outdoor seating was most popular on our visit. You sit in a central courtyard, with the pub itself, a restaurant and a small shop on 3 of the 4 sides. The other side leads to the 'road' (narrow track, as Herm has no cars) and the outdoor toilets. Liberation Herm Island Gold was the only real ale. But they also had 2 real ciders from Gwynt y Ddraig - Haymaker & Happy Daze. Just time to down a couple before the boat journey back to St Peter Port.
21 Jul 2014 20:21
This place looked more like a retirement home than a pub. But you'll get a friendly welcome. The largest room is a restaurant. But the other is a public bar and had quite a few young locals in watching the Open golf. Doom Bar was the real ale. Not too far from Guernsey Candles in the centre of the island, it's a 5-10 minute stroll from the nearest bus stop.
21 Jul 2014 20:16
The Houmet Tavern has a fine location overlooking the coast and a cove. The interior seemed more like a restaurant than a pub. But I believe there is a public bar too. We arrived just as they were about to stop serving food at 2pm and they were keen to tell us we were too late. But luckily we just wanted a drink. Guernsey is pricy. But this was above average. Greene King IPA was the real ale. The bus stops right outside. So that is quite handy.
21 Jul 2014 20:11
One of the more traditional pubs we found on the island on Saturday. This feels very much like a locals place, with few tourists. There is a traditional bar at the front, with a separate area for families and diners at the rear, leading to a garden. Vegetables were for sale on the bar billiards table, with some pretty large cucumbers. Randalls Patois is the real ale. Mine was the first off and wasn't the best. Not too far to walk from the Halfway point on the coast road.
21 Jul 2014 20:04
Came here for a leaving do yesterday evening. The pub has a wonderful location for a warm summer's evening and the outdoor patio overlooking the river was popular. Inside there are a number of different rooms - some of which are best suited for upright drinking, whilst others have cosy seating areas better suited for winter. Being a Fullers pub, there's only really ales from their range - ESB, London Pride, Seafarers & Two Halves. Still one of the better pubs in Staines.
18 Jul 2014 20:55
Ember Inns pub that was not too inspiring. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Fullers London Pride, Windsor & Eton Knight of the Garter, Greene King XX Mild & Everards Tiger were the ales. The Mild was good. The pub has a large interior and a paved area outside. It was quite busy on our Thursday evening visit.
18 Jul 2014 20:49
I last reported on this pub to say it was closed, back in 2008. Finally I got the chance to venture inside yesterday and it was the last of 14 pubs in York for me, before heading back to the station. It's location is slightly off the beaten track and it was very quiet late on a Saturday afternoon. Timothy Taylor Landlord, a beer from The Hop Studio (I can't remember which as by now I was well and truly hammered), Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, Wold Top Bitter & Raw Dark Peak Stout were all on. Didn't notice any other features. But at least I can say I have now been inside! Will have to return in a more sober state.
13 Jul 2014 14:40
Well, I'd previously been to the Rook & Gaskill just opposite here. But I'd never ventured into the Waggon & Horses previously. Both are very good pubs. The Waggon & Horses was a little quiet though. But the ale selection was good - Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Roosters The Italian Job, Batemans XXXB & Black & White, Wold Top Hello Velo & Salem Bridge Salem Porter. Ciders were Westons Rosie's Pig & Wyld Wood & The Bootle Kicking Cider Co. Rambler. I must remember to come out here to visit these pubs again next time I'm in York. Sadly I had no time to do the Rook & Gaskill this year.
13 Jul 2014 14:36
Another quiet pub, somewhat off the beaten tourist path. There were more locals here though and they seemed friendly enough and interested in my pub crawl of York! Leeds Pale Ale, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Ossett Yorkshire Blonde & Roosters Yankee were the ales. Cider was Old Rosie.
13 Jul 2014 14:31
It's not far from the Golden Slipper to the Royal Oak. In fact, they're right nextdoor to one another!. The Royal Oak is a multi-roomed pub and worth a visit. It was fairly quiet yesterday afternoon. But there was still a decent enough range of ales - Theakston Old Peculier, Greene King Abbot, Partners Triple Hop & Shoddy Porter & Salamander Block Tackle. Cider was Old Rosie. We had to re-located from the rear bar to one of the front ones, as it was too hot.
13 Jul 2014 14:27
Another York pub in another historic building. This pub felt a bit more cultured. I settled down into a comfy leather armchair. Ales were Black Sheep Velo, Wells Bombardier, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, Leeds Yorkshire Gold & Timothy Taylor Golden Best. Cider was Addlestones.
13 Jul 2014 14:24
Small and historic pub on one of York's main shopping thoroughfares. From what I could see, there was just one small bar. Ales were Theakston Black Bull Bitter, Adnams Ghost Ship, Jennings Sneck Lifter, Roosters Yankee & Yorkshire Heart Blackheart Stout. Cider was Westons Old Rosie. Another quality York pub which oozes character.
13 Jul 2014 14:22
Large multi-roomed Nicholsons pub in the centre of York, with a number of different bars. Different ales are on in some of the bars. The beer selection was Leeds Pale, Thwaites 13 Guns, Woodfordes Norfolk Hawker, Nicholsons Pale Ale, John Smiths Cask, Fullers London Pride, Marstons Pedigree, Kirkstall Three Swords, Broughton Brewers Gold, Sambrooks Lavender Hill & Artisan Amarillo. No real ciders, as far as I could see. But I did try a Weston's Mortimer's Orchard cider from the keg - one I hadn't seen before. Busy. But there was plenty of seating.
13 Jul 2014 14:18
Contemporary bar in a historic building. Has the same owners as the York Tap and therefore has an excellent selection of beers and ciders. The downstairs bar was busy. But there is more seating upstairs. Toilets are on the top floor and have a vaguely Scandinavian feel. Cask ales were Bad Seed Espresso Stout, Buxton Moor Top, Hardknott Continuum, Red Willow Feckless Best Bitter. There were also several interesting keg options, a good range of bottled beers and Thornborough Dry Cider. Well worth a visit.
13 Jul 2014 14:11
Another good York pub. This one appeared a bit more upmarket than most others. But nevertheless, it was comfortable and had a good range of ales - Saltaire Raspberry Blonde & South Island Pale, York Centurion's Ghost Ale, Timothy Taylor Boltmaker & Black Sheep Best Bitter. Copper Dragon Golden Pippin ran out as we arrived.
13 Jul 2014 14:06
A York Brewery pub with a range of their own beers, plus guests. The pub is one big room with a conservatory at the rear. York Ales were Yorkshire Terrier, Guzzler, Velo City Off The Wall & Centurion Ghost Ale. Guests were Tring Wild Boar, Downton Route 66 & Amber Ales Delicious Chocolate Orange, which was just as the name suggested!
13 Jul 2014 14:03
Not a pub we were planning to visit. But we thought we would give it a go as we were passing and it had been recommended to us by the landlord of the Minster Inn. It lies just inside one of the city gates. There is a small front bar and another couple of tiny rooms. But the highlight appears to be the popular garden at the rear, which acts as a suntrap and has views of York Minster. Everybody was sitting outside and there is an outdoor bar and barbecue. The ale range was fairly good - York Guzzler, Phoenix Black Bee, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Saltaire Raspberry Blonde & Old Mill Blonde Bombshell. Cider was Rosie's Pig.
13 Jul 2014 13:59
Pleasant backstreet Marstons pub the other side of York Minster from the centre. You'll get a friendly welcome and the small front bar has plenty of character. There appeared to be other rooms to the side and rear. But we didn't explore these. Only one other customer during our visit. The ale selection was Marstons Burton Bitter & Roll of Honour, Banks's Sunbeam & Jennings Sneck Lifter.
13 Jul 2014 13:53
This could well be the best pub in York. Whilst I did like the Rook & Gaskill the last time I visited, the Maltings is another consistently good York pub. We wondered in as a bouncer was opening up. It felt strange to see a bouncer here. But within minutes, the place was heaving. So I could see why. The Maltings appears to have been extended since my last review in 2009 and since the photo above. There is now an extra room to the left as you enter and doors open onto an additional outdoor space. The ale and cider selection is still excellent - Roosters Stars & Stripes, York Guzzler, Black Sheep Velo, First Chop SYL, Tearoom Maillot Blanc, Wentworth Short & Stout & Kent Beyond the Pale. Ciders were Naish, Lilleys Darksider, Biddendens Dry & The Bottle Kicking Cider Company Scarmbler. Still a great York pub and very convenient for the station.
13 Jul 2014 13:49
First visit to the York Tap yesterday, on arrival by train. Located in an old tearoom near the main exit, the pub is a nice little place in a busy station. The races were on yesterday. So it was interesting to watch the hordes of racegoers arriving by train. The Tap has a great selection of ales - Orkney Best & Island Hopping, Sonnet 43 Steam Beer, Bourbon Milk Stout, India Pale Ale, Junction Pale Ale, Brown Ale, Blonde Beer & Childhood Faith Strawberries & Cream, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Arbor M Bomb, Blue Sky Drinking, Tapped Brewing Co Rodeo, Ale & Bullet, Atom Pale Ale & Phoenix White Monk. Ciders were Thistly Cross Jaggy Thistle & Westons Rosies Pig. There aren't too many pubs open before 11am. This was one. So it was a handy first stop on our tour of York pubs.
13 Jul 2014 13:41
The Queens Head was a nice little find just off Piccadilly Circus. It's a fairly small, narrow bar with just enough seating. World Cup football was being shown. I didn't notice the downstairs bar. Ales were Dark Star Summer Solstice, Fullers London Pride, Sambrooks Wandle, Robinsons Trooper & Moncada Notting Hill Summer. There are no real ciders. But they do have Aspalls and Sandford Orchards Devon Red from the keg. One of the best pubs in this area.
6 Jul 2014 17:15
Finally got around to buying a drink in this pub after finding it closed a couple of years back. Credit to the landlady, she did apologise when I sent her an email about the incorrect published opening times on my previous aborted visit. She even offered to shout me a pint, on my return. I wasn't sure she'd recall that though. So I paid the usual amount. The Three Greyhounds is yet another Nicholsons pub in the West End. It's a fairly small place with a singe ground floor bar and downstairs toilets. A good place for people watching and it's quite an airy space in the summer. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Leeds Midnight Bell, Fullers London Pride & Nicholsons Pale Ale. Ciders were Thatchers Heritage and Westons Old Rosie. Seems to attract its fair share of drunks and is therefore typical of the pubs in this area. But probably also one of the best in the area.
6 Jul 2014 17:03
After a couple of pints in the Harp, we moved on to the Chandos. It's my first visit here for a while and my first visit to the upstairs bar, where the full Samuel Smiths selection is on offer. Old Brewery Bitter was available over both handpulls. The pub has plenty of character and if you like Sam Smiths offerings, it's definitely worth a visit when in the Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square or Covent Garden area.
6 Jul 2014 16:57
I remember coming here previously when it was an O'Neills. Now it belongs to Nicholson, it has a better range of ales. Yesterday, they had Fullers London Pride, Woodfordes Norfolk Hawker, Artisan Amarillo, Hogsback England's Glory, Thwaites 13 Guns & Nicholsons Pale Ale. Unusually for a Nicholson, they also had Thatchers Heritage cider on handpull. There is a reasonable size downstairs bar, with a dining room upstairs. The toilets are another storey up. Its amazing how many pubs Nicholsons have taken over in central London. But I still quite like their brand.
6 Jul 2014 16:51
The previous review pretty much sums this pub up. Flowers Original & Greene King IPA are the only 2 ales. It's a nice enough, if not small corner pub in Covent Garden. The interior is pleasant. But there are far better choices available in the area.
6 Jul 2014 16:45
Paid a return visit to the Holborn Whippet yesterday. I'm still not too taken with the interior. But this pub has a good location on Sicilian Avenue, not far from Holborn tube or the British Museum. Cask ales on yesterday were Redemption Rock The Kazbek, Marble Manchester Bitter, Siren Under Current, Oakham JHB & Scarlet Macaw & Instant Karma Brambling Porter. There is also a good keg section, including Aspalls Harry Sparrow cider. Not a bad pub. But it's only a short 5-10 minute walk to the new Craft establishment on High Holborn with its 14 cask ales, 1 real cider and many more keg and bottle options. It's fairly new and not listed on here just yet.
6 Jul 2014 16:41
First visit to this pub on Saturday evening. It has a range of 9 ales plus a cider. Although all the beers were pale ales or bitters - Moorhouses White Witch, White Rose Hopping Mad, Bob's White Lion, Wye Valley HPA, Bathams Bitter, Dark Star American Pale Ale, Church End Enigmatic Variations, Thornbridge AM-PM & Ossett Silver King. The cider was Thatchers Heritage. The pub itself is located in a back street. It was busy with people watching the World Cup football on the TV. There is a central bar, which you can walk right round. But it creates separate drinking areas. Undoubtedly a good pub. But I do prefer the Waggon & Horses just down the road.
30 Jun 2014 21:28
Another nicely located pub in the Dee Valley, not too far from the Horseshoe Pass and Llangollen. The landlord seems a bit of an eccentric, but is certainly very cheerful. I don't think its ever taken so long to be served, as he went through the full repertoire! The bar area is tiny, with just enough room for 3 tables and a couple of bar stools. There is a separate dining area and a garden to the rear. Ales were Conwy Welsh Pride & Infusion. A little pricey. But clearly a well-run hostelry that is definitely worth a visit.
30 Jun 2014 21:01
This pub is closed and seemingly for good, despite its nice location on the A5 not far out of Llangollen.
30 Jun 2014 20:56
This pub certainly wins the award for the best view of the day. It has a picture postcard setting overlooking the River Dee and the narrow stone bridge over the river. Surrounded by green hills, it's a wonderful setting. The only let down is that it is a chain pub, run by JW Lees. Three of their ales were on - Bitter, John Willie's & Golden Peddler were on. Sitting on the terrace outside was certainly very pleasant.
30 Jun 2014 20:54
Claims to be the oldest pub in Wales and it certainly looks like it. It feels like an old manor house, with the old beams and seemingly old furniture. An open fire was blazing, despite it being a warm summer's day in Wales. The pub felt strangely empty, with only a few locals crowded around the bar. Two Great Orme beers were on - Ynys Mon & Orme. The landlord recommended Ynys Mon, which was my favourite beer of the day. Not sure the modern music quite went with the surroundings. But this was an intriguing pub, that is well worth a visit.
30 Jun 2014 20:50
The Rose and Crown, Grainrhydd
We struggled to find this pub at first. But it's actually located in the centre of this village. Three ales were on - Holts Two Hoots, Black Sheep Best Bitter & Conwy Infusion. The landlord was fairly friendly. But I'm not so sure about some of the other younger customers.
30 Jun 2014 20:45
Probably our favourite pub of the day in North East Wales. The Raven is set in a picturesque Welsh village opposite the pretty village church. There are plenty of tables outside the front of the pub to enjoy the scene. Ales were Purple Moose Glaslyn Ale, Big Hand ABE and the local Volunteer Ale. Ciders were Rosies Triple D & Gwynt y Ddraig Dog Dancer. Service wasn't the friendliest I've ever seen and it would help if they updated the blackboard with the latest offerings. Clientele was a mixture of locals and walkers. From here, we continued to the Three Pigeons at Graigfechan with its marvellous views and to another community pub - the Glan Llyn at Clawddnewydd. Neither are listed on here.
30 Jun 2014 19:42
Nice, little pub hidden away off the main road in the village itself and located near to the Loggerheads Country Park. There are no signs on the main road. So I assume the pub relies on its reputation to get by. It has been in the Good Beer Guide for 20 years and had a good ale selection for a small village local. Spitting Feathers Solstice, George Wright Pipe Dream, Bowman Yumi, Phoenix Midsummer Madness & Salopian Oracle were all on. There are 2 cosy rooms and a couple of outdoor tables. The gents is also outside and has a wonderful array of old pumpclips on the ceiling. The landlady and the locals were friendly. Beware the opening hours. It did not open until 2pm on a Sunday. We continued on from here to the We Three Loggerheads, just down the A road, the Sun Inn in Eryrys and the Rose & Crown in Graianrhyd. But none are listed on here.
30 Jun 2014 19:26
You feel like you've reached the end of the world, when you reach Arrochar. We arrived along the roller coaster like road from Helensburgh and Rhu after passing the nuclear submarine base and its accompanying protest camp. The Village Inn is a lovely building with multiple rooms. We ideally wanted to eat. But they had no tables available until 9pm on this Sunday evening. Houston Blonde Bombshell, Isle of Arran Red Squirrel and Caledonian Deuchars IPA were the ales. Well worth a visit. The views over the loch are stunning. The midges are less so!
18 Jun 2014 21:28
Was not too impressed by the Ardencaple Hotel, on the banks of the Firth of Clyde. The guest ale - London Pride was off. There are a few different rooms. But the interior was well past its best. For a more authentic experience, try the Rhu Inn (not listed on here). Whilst the rear bar at the Rhu Inn was noisy, the front bar offers a lovely drinking environment.
18 Jun 2014 21:24
After visiting the Coach House Inn in nearby Cardross, we moved on to the Commodore Hotel in the rather run-down resort of Helensburgh. The Commodore sits underneath a Travelodge and is part of the Village Inns chain of pubs. They were very busy with diners and I'd describe this as a typical family pub. There are 2 large rooms. One had a drinking area and a dining area. The other appeared to be more akin to a sports bar. The dining side was packed and the sports bar side was empty! Like the previous reviewer, we got soaked getting in and out of this place. The 3 ales were Woodfordes Norfolk Hawker, Hopback Summer Lightning & Caledonian Deuchars IPA. The place was a bit too mainstream for my liking.
18 Jun 2014 21:21
Situated just the other side of the bridge from the Balloch House and next to the railway station that pulls in plenty of Glaswegians on sunny weekends. The pub's décor was a bit too modern for my liking. But it was fairly lively and did have 3 ales on - Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Loch Lomond Southern Summit & Harviestoun Schiehallion.
18 Jun 2014 21:16
The Balloch House has a lovely location overlooking the river that leads into Loch Lomond. It was very busy on Sunday afternoon, with many enjoying the sunshine on the outdoor patio. Food is clearly the mainstay of this chain pub (Village Inns). But they did have Loch Lomond 60 Shillings and Harviestoun Natural Blonde on. Nice for the location alone.
18 Jun 2014 21:13
Claims to be the oldest pub in Scotland. It looks a nice little place from the outside and is located on the village green. Inside is a bit more plain. Broughton Merlin's Ale & An Teallach Beinn Bearg were the 2 ales. Friendly staff and customers. You can also try the Winnock Hotel (not listed on here), which is also on the green and dispenses real ale.
18 Jun 2014 21:10
Day 2 of our Scottish pub crawl and we arrived into the heart of the Loch Lomond National Park at Aberfoyle. The pub was clearly catering to the tourist trade and had a focus on food. But they also have a good range of ales - Atlas Latitude Pilsner, Harviestoun Schiehallion & Bitter and Twisted, Orkney Dark Island and An Teallach Bealach Na Ba (Pass of the Cattle). They also had Thistly Cross Cider on handpump. Friendly barstaff and a good all-round pub.
18 Jun 2014 21:07
Busy Wetherspoons that was gearing up to show the England v Italy World Cup match late on Saturday evening. Whilst some were there to watch the football, others were there on their usual Saturday evening out and dressed up to the nines. I settled in to watch the football with a Westons Old Rosie - the only real cider I had found in 11 Aberdeenshire and Moray pubs. Ales were Naylors Citradelic, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Adnams The Publican & Wheat Street, Celt Experience Bleddyn 1075 & Greene King Abbot. Bar staff were efficient and professional. The interior was your typical Wetherspoons with a long, thin room.
18 Jun 2014 21:00
Now called the Drouthy Cobbler, this is an extremely busy bar in an alleyway off the High Street. I chose to sit on one of the outdoor tables in the alley. The two ales were Greene King Abbot & Inveralmond Lia Fail. The last time I had Lia Fail, I really enjoyed it. But this one did not live up to my expectation. Still worth a visit, if you find yourself in Elgin though.
18 Jun 2014 20:54
Lovely building. But this pub is now closed and boarded up. Instead I tried the Sunninghill Hotel, which is not listed on here and was reasonably good.
18 Jun 2014 20:51
There was only one real ale being served in Fochabers on my visit. Windswept American Pale Ale was on in here. I sat in the small public bar. There is also a separate dining room. There can be a few characters here. I also tried the Red Lion Tavern in this small town. But they no longer serve real ale and are not listed on here.
18 Jun 2014 20:49
Seems to be another pub focusing on food. Drinks are extremely expensive. Martini and lemonade and an Appletiser (nearest I can get to cider when driving) - £7 anybody? A lovely little pub. But needs to pay more attention to prices and drinkers. 2 ales were on - Cairngorm Trade Winds & Speyside Bow Fiddle.
18 Jun 2014 20:45
We quite liked this pub, set on the Whisky Trail and with a clear focus on whisky. However, they do have 2 ales too - Spey Valley David's Not So Bitter & Cairngorm Buzz. We ate here. Food was fine, If you don't mind a long wait. Has a nice setting alongside the Speyside Way. Most of the tables are reserved for diners.
18 Jun 2014 20:42
Beware the opening hours for this village pub. On a Saturday, they don't open until 4pm. So we had a little wait. The interior décor is fairly minimalist and modern. Staff were friendly. Windswept Blonde was the only real ale.
18 Jun 2014 20:38
The Boat Inn was the first of 21 Scottish pubs on our itinerary last weekend. It has a really nice setting next to the River Dee, with tree-lined banks and canoeists braving the water. The interior has been modernised. The front room is now a restaurant and was very busy on our Saturday lunchtime visit. At the rear was the public bar, which we did not try. 3 ales were on - Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Cairngorm Stag & Broughton Summer Ale. Not a bad selection and one of only 2 pubs in Aberdeenshire and Moray with more than 2 ales on. We moved on from here to the Aberdeen Arms in Tarland and the Forbes Arms Hotel in Alford. Neither are listed on here. But for character, the Aberdeen Arms was my favourite pub of the day.
18 Jun 2014 20:34
The Coach and Horses, Newgate Street
Nice, little pub in this Hertfordshire village. We paid it a visit after a trip to the nearby Paradise Wildlife Park. The main bar is traditional and there is a separate dining area. At the rear, there is a patio and a large beer garden with play equipment for children. 3 ales were on - Greene King IPA, Adnams Bitter & Prescott Hill Climb. Aspalls was the only cider of note. Could have done with more than 1 member of bar staff.
8 Jun 2014 20:19
After a very nice Italian meal at La Terrazza on Park Street (formerly the Cross Guns and still displaying many original features), we finished our Mid Wales crawl with a visit to the Railway Tavern. This is a very friendly single bar pub. We sat next to the bar and soon found ourselves staring into the abyss, as the cellar door was opened for fresh supplies of bottled cider and ice! The entrance to the cellar is right by the bar. The place was fairly busy and real ale is clearly the beverage of choice. Woods Pot o' Gold, Hancocks HB and an ale called Chinook were on. Locals thought the latter was brewed by Cottage. But I'm not convinced. Friendly place. Liked the sign on the condom machine in the outdoor gents - "Out of order. Baby on the way!".
25 May 2014 22:20
Another Marstons pub. This one was very quiet, compared with other town centre pubs. In fact, we were the only ones in. It's a fairly large place with 2 or 3 decent sized rooms. Marstons Pedigree New World. I opted for a Woodpecker from draught. But that was off! Lacks atmosphere and decent beers.
25 May 2014 22:11
Easily the best pub in Newtown and our favourite of 10 Mid Wales pubs we sampled yesterday. This is Monty's flagship pub and had several of their ales on - Sunshine, Masquerade, Old Jailhouse, Mischief, Magnitude & MPA. In addition, there were 2 guest ales - Hobsons Champion Mild & Brains The Rev James. 7 real ciders completed the options - Broadoak Kingston Black, Rich's Legbender, Hogans Pickers Passion, Sandford Orchards Devon Mist, Blaengawney Halletts Blindfold, Mr Whiteheads Newtons Discovery & Gwatkin Silly Ewe. Dunkertons Organic was an extra cider on keg. There are 2 reasonably small rooms. The barmaid was friendly. Seemingly popular with locals as well as visitors. It's certainly one to try if you're ever in these parts.
25 May 2014 22:08
Looks a nice building from the outside. The interior is quite small. Owned by Marstons, the ale range is limited. Oxford Gold was the only cask beer on during our visit. The Championship play off final was being shown on the TV. Just a small handful of locals. Nothing really to recommend it for.
25 May 2014 22:04
Struggled to find this bar in the mid Wales driving rain yesterday. It's a basement bar in the Regent Centre, just opposite the Elephant & Castle. Rock/metal was playing from the jukebox. There is also a pool table at one end. I would imagine this place is popular later in the evening, with a nightclub-like crowd. However, it does serve a couple of ales - 6X and The Rev James on our visit and the barmaid was friendly. Not really my type of pub.
25 May 2014 22:00
The Elephant and Castle, Newtown
Large town centre pub that feels similar to a Wetherspoons. Interestingly a 'spoons has just opened up a few doors down and will no doubt provide stiff competition for this establishment, which sits on the banks of the river. A wedding reception was going on during our Saturday afternoon visit. 3 ales were on - Montys Sunshine, Wye Valley Butty Bach & Brains The Rev James. Average pub with something missing. Seems to get rather busy though.
25 May 2014 21:56
First of 7 pubs we tried in Newtown. This was the only one on the North side of the River Severn. Truly a locals pub, there were only 2 or 3 other customers. 1 ale was on - Monty's MPA. There was also a real cider - Blaengawney Halletts. CAMRA discounts are offered on both the ale and cider and for halves as well as pints. Seemed reasonably friendly.
25 May 2014 21:51
Another locals pub, with a good mixture of young and old customers. It is quite a large pub with multiple drinking areas. 3 ales on - a beer named after the pub, but really Doom Bar, as well as Tetleys and Butty Bach. They also had a local real cider - Berriew Welsh Medium Cider. The nicest of the village pubs we tried before heading to Newtown.
25 May 2014 21:42
This pub took a bit of finding. It is next to the local museum. Very much a locals pub, it has a fairly old-fashioned looking restaurant area and a traditional bar with pool table, jukebox and 2 TV screens. 2 ales were on - Stonehouse Sunlander & Wye Valley Butty Bach.
25 May 2014 21:34
The Lion Hotel and Restaurant, Berriew
Quiet village pub. We were the only ones in yesterday lunchtime. We sat in the small bar area. But there is also a lounge area where meals are served. As the name suggests, there is accommodation. 3 ales are served - Aberriw Cwrw (Ringwood Best), Banks's Bitter & Jennings Cumberland Ale. Nice enough pub. But could do with more customers.
25 May 2014 21:31
The Commodore Hotel, Llanyravon
This hotel is now disused and the large property is up for sale. The Crow's Nest is within spitting distance, if you're desperate.
19 May 2014 20:18
Our final pub of the day and probably the first where we got a few "you're not from around here" looks when walking in. Mrs S went for her usual Martini here and they insisted that the standard measure was only 25ml. I suppose this depends on the pub. But from experience, it should be 50ml. Still, I wasn't about to argue too much, as the prices around here are still fairly cheap. Vale of Glamorgan Dakota Red & Cotleigh Honey Buzzard were the ales. The interior looked quite nice.
19 May 2014 20:17
After a meal at the very nice Queen Inn, just below the Bush, we headed up the hill to this rather cosy establishment. Be careful, there is only space for around 4 cars and then there's nowhere to turn your car around if the car park is full. But you can park just down the hill, a short walk away. The location is impressive, overlooking Cwmbran. There is a patio at the front for outdoor drinking. Inside there are 2 rooms. Both have lots of character. There is a smaller bar as you enter and a larger room above, with a darts board and jukebox. With candles on all tables, it can feel quite romantic. Pizzas are the food of choice. 2 ales were on - Rhymney Export & Wickwar Gold. Thee were also 3 ciders - Blaengawney Hallets Blindfold & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Happy Daze. We'll worth a visit and my favourite pub of the day.
19 May 2014 20:09
The Open Hearth Inn, Griffithstown
The Open Hearth was our 7th pub of the day in the valleys. None of the previous 6 are listed on the site (Pontlottyn, Abertillery; Tilers Arms, Bourneville; Hobby Horse, Brynmawr; Kings Arms, Ebbw Vale; Pottery, Blaenavon & Bridgend Inn, Pontynewynydd). The Open Hearth has a nice location at the end of a cul-de-sac alongside the canal. With it being a nice day yesterday, we chose to sit outside watching the goings on along the canal. 4 ales were dispensed - Dartmoor Jail Ale, Youngs Special, Wye Valley HPA & Greene King Gold Beach. Unlike the previous pubs, what lets this pub down was the service. The barmaid acted as if she was doing you a favour when serving - no please's or thank you's. As usual, I returned our glasses to the bar. No word of appreciation from her at all. Such a shame that a pub with so much potential disregards customer service. But I suppose the location will always draw in the punters, without it having to try. For a much better experience, head up Wern Road and a couple of minutes walk away is the Sebastopol Social Club. Service was spot on and I happened to hit upon a beer festival!
19 May 2014 19:52
Royal Standard Hotel, Beverley
I'm not sure I'd class this as a hotel. But it's a lovely little traditional town boozer. The front bar is very atmospheric and can get quite cosy. I didn't visit the lounge, but that is at the rear of the pub. Tetleys & Doom Bar were the only ales. But the pub itself is the reason to visit. It is situated right next to the North Bar (an entrance to the town). Note there appears to be many East Yorkshire pubs missing from BITE. I continued onto 6 pubs from here - The Molescroft Inn, Beverley, The Barrel Inn, Walkington, The Tiger Inn, North Newbald (pub of the day), the White Hart, North Cave, the Crown & Anchor, Newport and the Cross Keys, Gilberdyke. None are listed on the site.
14 May 2014 20:16
The Hope and Anchor, Blacktoft
Third of our East Yorkshire pubs, this one is next to an RSPB reserve. It has a lovely view over the river and felt like we were in the middle of nowhere. I've never seen the kind of railway level crossing we had to negotiate on the way here from Howden. Press the button to get the operator out of his shed and he will come and manually open the gates! The Hope & Anchor seemed to be popular for its food. But the ale selection wasn't too bad and staff will offer you a sample before you buy. On during our visit was Derventio Centurion, Marstons Pedigree, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Jennings Dark Mild & Copper Dragon Spring Gold. Worth a visit.
14 May 2014 20:11
This was the second pub on our East Yorkshire crawl last weekend, after the King's Head at Barmby on the Marsh. Situated right next to Howden station, the pub had friendly bar staff and a reasonable selection of ales - Bird Brain Orange Fronted Barnet, Pennine Natural Gold, Tetleys Bitter & Timothy Taylor Landlord.
14 May 2014 20:03
This place is now a Brewdog establishment. Whilst there are no real ales, there are many keg choices, ranging through the different strengths up to 15.2%. There is also a good selection of bottles, including ciders from the Cotswold Cider Company. The interior is modern, with plenty of drinking space. Food is also served. Was busy early on Saturday evening.
14 May 2014 19:52
The Barley Mow was our final pub of the day. We had tried to visit earlier. But they don't open until 5pm on Mondays. It's another nice country pub in a pretty village. Not too large, but big enough for both drinkers and diners to co-exist. We did a bit of both. The website states that it was recently taken over. We certainly found the staff to be friendly. Food was good. Although the ale choice could have been better - just Hancocks HB & Sharps Doom Bar. The cider of choice was Stowford Press.
7 May 2014 20:51
Fairly characterless Brains local in a residential area at the edge of Bridgend. Seems very much like a community pub. It is fairly large, but quiet on my Bank Holiday visit. I'd imagine it gets busy when the rugby or football is on. Brains Bitter & The Rev. James were the 2 ales. Preferred the recently re-opened and refurbished Haywain (not listed on here) just down the road. But that too lacked customers and atmosphere.
7 May 2014 20:47
Another large, but friendly Brains pub just oustide of Bridgend. There is a large L-shaped main room. Local drinkers were at one end, with diners at the other. Ales were all Brains - SA, Milkwood, Bitter & The Rev. James. Both locals and the staff were friendly. Pity there were no guest beers though.
7 May 2014 20:44
I quite liked the small village pub. There are 2 or 3 separate areas - a dining area at the one end and drinking areas around the bar and at the other end. The landlord was very friendly and gave the option of trying the ales before choosing. The ale selection was Celt Experience Castell Coch, Hancocks HB, Wye Valley Dorothy Goodbody's Golden Ale & Sharps Doom Bar. It's no surprise that the pub was the Vale of Glamorgan & Bridgend CAMRA pub of the year 2014. The only thing lacking was a real cider. Although they do have some Gwynt y Ddraig offerings in bottles.
7 May 2014 20:41
This is more of a hotel and restaurant than a pub. But it did have an expensive bar for drinking and a large outdoor courtyard towards the rear. It seems to cater for weddings and large functions. 4 ales were available - Brains SA, Oxfordshire Pride of Oxford, Hancocks HB & Sharps Doom Bar. So nothing too adventurous. Probably the poorest of the 3 Cowbridge drinking holes we tried.
7 May 2014 20:36
Vale of Glamorgan Inn, Cowbridge
The nicest of the 3 Cowbridge pubs we tried. The Vale of Glamorgan is more of a locals pub, with a single bar and a pleasant courtyard complete with small pond for outdoor drinking. The ale range was good - Hancocks HB, Wye Valley Butty Bach & HPA, Nelsons Powder Monkey, Sharps Doom Bar & Adnams Broadside. They also had a cider - Old Rosie. Good pub.
7 May 2014 20:33
Brains pub in the centre of the pretty town of Cowbridge. This pub feels a little upmarket. The interior is dark and there appears to be a focus on food. There are a few different seating areas, with some more suited for drinking than others. There is also a large walled patio at the rear with plenty of seating. 4 Brains ales were on - Bitter, SA, SA Gold & The Rev. James.
7 May 2014 20:29
The Hare & Hounds was the first of our 10 pub crawl in the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend. It ended up being our favourite one. Aberthin is a small village, with two pubs opposite one another in the centre. The Farmers Arms was opposite and is not listed on here. We preferred the Hare & Hounds. Both pubs served food and we had a lunch in the Farmers Arms. But to be honest, food in the Hare & Hounds smelt better. The interior was quite cosy and there is a small garden area at the front and side overlooking the road and a stream. Ales were Wye Valley HPA & Butty Bach, Bass & Hancocks HB. There were also 2 ciders - Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Scrumpy & Orchard Pig Philospher, as well as a perry - Gwynt y Ddraig Two Trees. Nice village and this pub is worth the effort of getting off the beaten track.
7 May 2014 20:23
Paid a return visit to the Vine, as I'd seen it had re-opened. I was quite impressed. It actually had a better ale choice than the Cross on this occasion, albeit not quite as good as the Constitutional Club - Kinver Crystal & May Bug, St Austell Tribute, Enville White & Ginger & Hopback Summer Lightning. I had a half of the Ginger, which was fine. I was anticipating the pub to be more of a restaurant. But only drinkers were pleasant. The interior with its bare boards looks more traditional than I remember it. There is a separate restaurant area and still a large outdoor drinking area overlooking the canal and locks. With the Cross struggling to provide any ale (my first 3 choices listed on the board were all unavailable), the Vine is a good option.
7 May 2014 20:17
Have been saving this pub for a rainy day, as it's on the way from the station to the Dispensary. It wasn't raining on Saturday and I soon knew why I had walked on by this pub many times before. There was a couple of handpulls, but no ale. The keg choice was Coors Light, John Smiths Extra Cold, Carling, Tetleys Smooth Flow, San Miguel, Guinness, Manns Chestnut, Fosters & Strongbow. Typical Liverpool boozer. Noticed an oriental guy sat opposite us. Didn't give him a second glance. He seemed to be quite happy. After about 10 minutes, he offered us some DVDs and then promptly walked out. Such is Liverpool pub life.
7 May 2014 20:10
Doesn't get any better. Drinkers were packed in upstairs this time, with diners downstairs. Doom Bar was the only ale. Drinks were pricy. Convenient for the station and as a meeting place. But has very little else going for it. Wouldn't have bothered, if I wasn't meeting people.
7 May 2014 20:06
The Bricklayers Arms, Kingston Upon Thames
Not the best pub you'll visit in Kingston - far more towards the other end of the spectrum. Plenty of characters in here. Some of the women have to be seen to be believed. You wouldn't argue with the one that ended up in a heated argument over the jukebox. Plenty of schoolkids on my Friday evening visit. Packed with locals too. It's a Greene King pub and the IPA was the only ale on. Not worth venturing to, unless you're studying sociology.
7 May 2014 20:03
My last pub of the day. I have to say that this is probably the best Greene King pub I have ever visited. It was very quiet on Saturday evening, with one guy and his partner playing 60s music in the front bar and a few other people around the corner. The ale selection was good - Greene King IPA, XX Mild & St Edmund's Ale, Yeovil Ruby, Flowerpots Perridge Pale, Itchen Valley The Royal Green Jackets, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Milk Street Funky Monkey. They also had a cider and a perry from JJ's - Sui Cider & Perry-Letic. At 7.5% each, they contrived to finish me off! An 8/10 for me and my pub of the day. Had it have been a bit busier, it might have warranted a 9. Will be back at some point, especially as I enjoyed the nearby South Western Arms on my previous visit.
28 Apr 2014 19:45
Another pub that is very difficult to get to/from. The front bar has a vaguely Bohemian feel with odd furniture, plants and ornaments. The rear room was preparing for a live music event, for a charge. Ales were varied - Triple fff Goldffinger & Alton's Pride, Longdog Kismet & Upham Punter. At first glance, the only cider appeared to be Addlestones. But Mr Whiteheads Novo Pyrus & Heart of Hampshire caught my eye in boxes on the rear bar, as I was staggering to the toilet. A very nice pub. I left most of my friends in here to try one more pub in the area and returned to encounter a rather mad, but friendly Bruce Forsyth lookalike outside the pub - rather surreal.
28 Apr 2014 19:38
Whilst better than the Hungry Horse I went to last week in Doncaster, this was a pretty poor example of a pub. In fact it is more a family restaurant that happens to sell alcohol. With all tables empty and reserved notices slapped on them, we just chose one of the 'reserved' ones to have our drinks. It only took 5 minutes for the waitress to try to move us on. Not particularly welcoming, unless you've got your charges in tow (assuming you have them) and you'll have to put up with Greene King IPA, Abbot or Old Speckled Hen.
28 Apr 2014 19:30
Not sure about this pub. One of our party commented that you could see a fight starting there later in the night. I could see his point. Most of the clientele were fairly young. Beers were Old Hooky, Old Peculier, Bombardier & London Pride. We sat outside in a reasonably large paved area at the back. Right next to the university.
28 Apr 2014 19:24
This pub is well of the beaten track, albeit not far from the university. We also discovered that it's a fair walk from the football ground! Whilst the beer selection was poor and it was pricey, we enjoyed a liquid refreshment in the small outdoor and covered area at the rear, after the long walk. The beers were Gales HSB, Fullers London Pride, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Ringwood Best. Fizzy cider was Aspalls and Stowford Press. The interior seemed quite cosy though.
28 Apr 2014 19:18
One of the best pubs in Southampton, we paid it another visit on Saturday afternoon. It was much busier than our previous Monday evening visit. But as the previous reviewer says, the bar staff are efficient and you will get served in good time, despite the patrons spilling out into the street. The ale selection was Fullers ESB, Hopback Summer Lightning & Crop Circle, Flowerpots Goodens Gold, Oaklead May Bee Mild, Butcome Gold & Rare Breed, Dark Star Partridge & Red Cat Bitter. Worth a visit.
28 Apr 2014 19:13
Arrived here Saturday lunchtime. Note the pub does not open until midday, despite 11:30 being shown on some websites. It's a Wadworths pub with a fairly decent list of guest ales too. Wadworth ales were 6X, Bishops Tipple, Swordfish, St George & The Dragon & Henry's IPA. Guests were Greene King Yardbird, St Austell Spring Brew & Proper Job & Long Man Blonde & Copper Hop. The bar is L-shaped with seating all around. It's difficult to get to the football ground from here for a 12:45 kick off, as we found out. The Humble Plumb was better than expected and better than our first pub - The Hop Inn (not listed on the site).
28 Apr 2014 19:06
We tried to visit this bar earlier in the day and assumed it was closed for the whole Easter Sunday. However on the way back out of the centre, we passed by again to find it open. Apparently it doesn't open until 3pm every Sunday. We were the first people in. This has to be the best pub in Doncaster, in terms of its drinks range. Ales were Waen TWA Traditional Welsh Ale & Blackberry Stout, Dukeries Hoods Hideaway, Thwaites Original & Wainwright. Same Day Wrights Bitter, Kelham Island Gentleman Death, Nottingham Rock Bitter & Brass Castle Bad Kitty. The cider is Westons Old Rose, whilst they also have Country Perry from Westons. In addition, there is a good bottled beer selection and a selection of fruit wines. The main room downstairs is a bit like an Aladdin's cave, with all sorts of paraphernalia from floor to ceiling. There is another bar upstairs, with an outdoor patio at this level. The gents toilets were full of flies. Definitely well worth a visit. We moved on from here to Balby to try 2 further pubs not listed on here, but neither worthy of any particular mention. Next time I'm back in Doncaster, I'll make sure I head straight to the Cask Corner.
23 Apr 2014 20:04
Another Irish pub at the end of the High Street and adjacent to the Frenchgate shopping centre. We preferred this one to the Masons Arms. There is a small drinking area at the front and a long narrow bar up some steps with a kitchen to the rear. It was much quieter than the Masons Arms. Ales are from local microbreweries. On our visit, they had Doncaster Cheswold Bitter and Glentworth Siesta, as well as Black Sheep Best Bitter. A narrow passageway to the side of the steps provides disabled access as well as a route to the rear of the pub when the bar area is crowded. The barmaid was friendly enough. Worth a visit.
23 Apr 2014 19:56
Irish-run pub just off the Market Square in Doncaster. It has quite a traditional feel. Hurling is shown live on the TV. The front bar is narrow, but atmospheric and there are a few characters. Ales were Tetleys Cask, Theakston Old Peculier, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Sharps Doom Bar.
23 Apr 2014 19:48
Centrally located Wetherspoons, on the Market Square. It's quite a large affair and was reasonably busy on Easter Sunday afternoon. It also retains a little character, unlike most Wetherspoons. Not a bad selection of ales either - Wychwood Hobgoblin, Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot, Acorn Blonde, Ossett By George & Silver King, Sharps Doom Bar & Elland 1872 Porter. Cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. The Racing Channel was being shown on the TV screens and the atmosphere was a bit raucous.
23 Apr 2014 19:44
Nice pub just outside the town centre. A touch quiet for a Sunday afternoon. But then, it was Easter Sunday. So the town was fairly dead. Ales on were Brains The Rev James, Ossett By George, Black Sheep Best Bitter & Springhead Outlawed. Cider was Westons Old Rosie. The pub is one large room, with sufficient seating. Lacked a bit of atmosphere though.
23 Apr 2014 19:27
The Cumberland was our third pub of the day after the Plough at Arksey and the Three Horse Shoes at Bentley (neither listed on here). It's a large family pub, now branded as a Hungry Horse and part of the Greene King stable. In fact it did feel a bit like a stable or a farmyard. It was very busy with Liverpool supporters, diners and many kids, some of whom were engaging in an Easter egg hunt. We decided to sit on a porch at the front, as all tables inside were either taken or filthy. Greene King IPA & Old Speckled Hen were the beers. The worst of 6 Doncaster pubs we tried.
23 Apr 2014 18:56
This was the penultimate pub of our 14 pub West Yorkshire crawl on Saturday. It was the second Ossett pub we visited and our favourite of the lot. Ossett beers were Yorkshire Blonde, Excelsior, Silver King, Big Red & Treacle Stout. Guests were Fullers London Pride & Riverhead Lavender Blonde. This was also the only one of the pubs where I found a real cider - Hogans Panking Pole. Nicely laid out with plenty of nooks and crannies. Not too far from the station either. Note our final pub of the night - the Navigation Tavern is just up the road and right next to the station. Not a bad pub in its own right and on the real ale trail, it offers bed and breakfast which we took advantage of.
22 Apr 2014 21:44
Another popular pub on Saturday evening in Mirfield. Once you can get round the people hogging the bar, you should fine a few ales - Wells Bombardier, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, Thwaites Wainwright & Blakemere Nectar on our visit. There are plenty of TV screens. Seemed popular with the younger drinking crowd.
22 Apr 2014 21:38
This pub is/was located in a residential area of Mirfield. It is now closed and derelict.
22 Apr 2014 21:34
This pub was certainly quite busy on Saturday evening, with a wide range of age groups. A singer was on at one end of the pub, with football highlights and a pool table at the other end. The bar staff were all young. Ales were Bradfield Farmers Blonde, Ossett Yorkshire Blonde & Jennings Cumberland Ale - all pale ales. More variety would be nicer.
22 Apr 2014 21:33
This is now a pub, rather than a club. It still has the one single room, but does feel more like a pub than a club. The interior is quite cosy and quirky and the landlord was welcoming. Ales were Thwaites Bruges Up, Roosters Special, Copper Dragon Best Bitter, Jennings Red Rascal & JW Lees Hoptimist. A bit out of the way. But worth the visit. Whilst the Bruges Up was fine, I did hear comments in later pubs saying that the beer was poor quality here. I would recommend them to give it another try.
22 Apr 2014 21:29
Ossett seemed to have done a nice job with their pubs in this area. This was the first of 2 we sampled on Saturday. They seem to be very similar to the Black Country Ales Inns in the West Midlands. The interior here has been done out nice and it was clearly very popular. Whilst most of the ales were Ossett, there were also some guests. The range was Ossett Big Red, Silver King, Black Bull Bitter, Yorkshire Blonde & Pale Gold, Fullers London Pride, Fernandes Malt Shovel Mild, Riverhead Andromeda & Ilkley Pale. Well worth a visit. We also tried Shears (just up the hill from here) and the New Inn (a bit further away, but also in Liversedge). Neither are listed on here.
22 Apr 2014 21:21
The Old Hall is a fabulous Grade I listed building and is also a Sam Smiths pub. It's cheap and some of the rather suspect clientele reflects that. Old Brewery Bitter is available on handpull. This is a lovely old building. Could do with more staff though. The barmaid appeared to be struggling to keep up with the glass washing!
22 Apr 2014 21:15
The Taproom was the better of the 2 pubs we tried in Batley. It had a good ale range and some characters in the bar. Beers on were Geeves Fully Laden IPA & Smokey Joe Stout, Daleside Blonde, Caledonian Port of Leith, Ossett Yorkshire Blonde & Theakston Old Peculier. If you're a CAMRA member, you can get a discount. But make sure you ask for it. There is also a lounge, which we did not try.
22 Apr 2014 21:10
The Cellar Bar is located up a hill on a nice cobbled street in Batley. Next to the station, it is at the one end of a real ale trail along the railway. As its name suggests, it is located below ground level. It was fairly busy on our Saturday visit. Clientele were of varying ages. Ales were Cottage Mittelfruh & Duchess, Wychwood Piledriver, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin & Thwaites Wainwright.
22 Apr 2014 21:06
Nice enough pub, not far from the station, with a main bar and a games room with pool table. Ales were Camerons Strongarm, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Sharps Doom Bar, Leeds Pale & Black Sheep Best Bitter. Why has nobody reviewed this pub for 11 years? At least this pub is listed on the site. Our next stop - the British Oak at Tingley is not listed on here.
22 Apr 2014 20:57
The Boat Inn, Allerton Bywater
The Boat was the first of our 14 West Yorkshire pubs. It used to brew its own beer. But now they're not quite so adventurous - Wychwood Hobgoblin, Ossett Silver King, Jennings Bitter & Banks's Mild. There are 3 or 4 separate drinking areas. The raised area appears to be mainly for diners. There are tables and benches outside overlooking the canal. Nothing particularly special.
22 Apr 2014 20:46
With a poor ale range in Gallaghers, we decided to give the River View a shot. Both pubs overlook the Mersey and the ferry terminal. Hence the name of this one. There are handpulls here, but no real ales were on during our visit. Keg options were Fosters, Carling, Strongbow, Becks Vier, Stella Artois, Theakston Mild, John Smiths Extra & Guinness. The interior is modern and uninspiring.
22 Apr 2014 20:40
Gallaghers appears to be going downhill of late. Maybe it is resting on its laurels. On our Wednesday evening visit, the ale range was limited - Hawkshead Pale Ale, Liverpool Organic Iron Men & 24 Carat Gold & Ossett White Rabbit. Real cider is no longer stocked, not even in bottles. All the beers were pale. Again, no sign of a dark beer, even in bottles. The drinking environment is still fine. But there are now better pubs on the Wirral.
22 Apr 2014 20:36
Rather large Wetherspoons in the Liscard area of Wallasey. The colours inside are a bit bright - lots of red. The ale range was not too bad - Ruddles Best, Wychwood Piledriver, Greene King Abbot, Fullers London Pride, Sharps Doom Bar, Phoenix March Hare & Thwaites Wainwright. No real ciders were on sale. Better than expected. But still below average for a 'spoons.
22 Apr 2014 20:27
Our final stop of the day in North Yorkshire and also the place where we were due to stay the night. The Wellington is a large pub, with a main bar, another separate drinking area and a dining room. It also has about a dozen ensuite rooms and offers bed and breakfast. They had a number of guests from a car rally yesterday. We checked in earlier in the evening, when the pub was packed (including the garden). When we returned after 11pm, the bar area was still busy with locals. 4 ales were on - Black Sheep Best Bitter, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin & Tetleys Bitter. Rooms were fine and the breakfast was also nice. The pub knows how to cater for all sorts. But purely for a beer in the evening, we did find better places.
13 Apr 2014 19:26
The Old Spring Well, Harrogate
Large, new-build Marstons pub (that replaced the Travellers Rest) with an equally large car park. This is one of those family dining establishments that also serves real ale. The pub was nearly empty when we arrived shortly before closing. Only one other group of people remained. Ales are all from the Marstons range - Pedigree, EPA, Boondoggle & Hobgoblin.
13 Apr 2014 19:19
The Swan on the Stray was our 8th pub of the day and had the best ale selection. The exterior of the building is nice and it's located in a nice area. Sadly though, the modern interior pushes my score down. I'm more of a traditionalist. Bar staff are knowledgeable. Food is served and the place can get fairly busy. Ales on late yesterday evening were Roosters Last Stand, Okells MPA, Ilkley Mary Jane, Daleside Blonde, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Revolutions Senses Working Overtime, Anarchy Sublime Chaos Breakfast Stout & Black Sheep Best Bitter. Cider was Hecks Medium. I tried the 7% stout and it was very drinkable. If for some reason you cannot find anything that takes your fancy amongst the real ales, there are also a few different keg and bottled options. Well worth a visit, if in Harrogate.
13 Apr 2014 19:14
The Empress is an impressive building in a very nice area. It has one reasonably large room to drink in. The ale range was ok, without being anything special - Wells Bombardier, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Tetleys Bitter & Daleside Blonde. As 'strangers', we did get a few strange looks. But that can happen anywhere.
13 Apr 2014 19:07
Situated in the Bilton area of Harrogate, the Gardeners Arms has a wonderful interior. As you approach through a residential area, the housing suddenly disappears and the pub emerges. There are 3 or 4 small rooms where conversation dominates. It's a Sam Smiths pub. So it's also very easy on the pocket. Old Brewery Bitter is on handpull. We chose one of the two front rooms, one with a serving hatch to the bar. There was a nice, open fire. If this had a better range of beers, it would be one of the best pubs in the country. As it stands, you'd soon get fed up with the same drinks range. But I thoroughly advocate a visit, if only to see the unspoiled interior.
13 Apr 2014 19:04
The Joiners Arms is a village local, with a bar on the left, a lounge and dining area to the right as you enter and an intimate vaulted room behind the bar. The 2 ales are Rudgate Viking & Tetleys Bitter. The Viking was quite pleasant. Another pub where food is clearly popular.
13 Apr 2014 18:58
The Old Station Inn, Birstwith
This pub may be called the Station Hotel. But the station and railway is long gone. Although the old bridge outside does show that it did once exist. The pub has modern decor and an emphasis on food. Tables are mainly for diners. But there are a few for drinkers in the area around the bar. The ale selection is good - Tetleys Bitter, Black Sheep Golden Sheep, Great Newsome Fothingham Best & Copper Dragon Black Gold. Kids are welcome. Not really my kind of pub - a bit too modern.
13 Apr 2014 18:55
The address allocated to the pub makes it sound like it is in a suburb of Harrogate. But it's actually in the middle of nowhere, where sheep outnumber people by about 100 to 1 and pheasants very much have the upper hand too! We were the only customers here on Saturday evening, after a brief diversion off our Yorkshire crawl to pay a visit to Sunderland. Only 1 ale was on - Golden Sheep. The keg cider was Thatchers Gold. It was getting a bit chilly outside. So the wood burner was welcome. There is a full-size snooker table in one corner of the pub and as we left, a couple of people entered and made a beeline for the table. I often wonder how pubs like this survive. With no customers at 7:30pm on a Saturday evening, it must be a struggle. But good luck to the owners.
13 Apr 2014 18:49
Whilst not quite as good as the Craven Arms just up the road, the New Inn is still a decent pub in its own right. It has an idyllic location and a reasonable selection of ales, plus a real cider. There's also an impressive bottled beer selection (mostly Belgian). Ales on were Black Sheep Best Bitter, Goose Eye Chinook Blonde, Idle Brewery Idle Dog & Tetleys Cask. The cider was Old Rosie. The pub offers accommodation. Unfortunately it was full last night and we had to stay elsewhere. Unbelievably, a bus stops outside too! £1 for a pack of crisps seemed a bit steep though.
13 Apr 2014 18:42
This was our first stop on a 10 pub crawl of North Yorkshire. It feels like a remote outpost, being situated in the Yorkshire Dales overlooking moorland. Amazingly, they had 8 ales and 3 ciders - Dark Horse Hetton Pale & Chuck Barn Bitter, Thwaites Original, Theakston Old Peculier, Wharfedale Blonde, Moorhouses Blond Witch & Black Witch & Saltaire Raspberry Blonde plus Ty Gwyn, Welsh Scrumpy (possibly Gwynt y Ddraig) & Cornish Orchards Pear Cider. The building itself has a number of different rooms to drink in. It's a cosy haven for walkers, cyclists and climbers. Food is obviously important. The only drawback here is the price. With its location and good drinks selection, this pub just about made our pub of the day. It was all downhill from here!
13 Apr 2014 18:35
As nobody has posted a review since my last one over a year ago, I thought I better had. Still as good as ever. There's a mini (mini for the White Horse is around 50-60 ales) beer festival over the Easter weekend. But there's regularly a good choice of ales. Last night was Rebellion IPA, Mallinsons Stadium Bitter, Green Duck Duck A L'Orange, Pennine Hair of the Dog, Waen Gravity One, Rebel Penrhyn Pale Ale, Boggart Pale Ale & Hop Studio Dark Rose. Ciders were Gwatking Scrumpy, Mays Mediu & Rogers Furze Cutters Distraction. The draught Belgian beer was Paulaner Hefe Weissbier. Very quiet on a Monday night, as usual. But I find the quieter, the better.
8 Apr 2014 21:48
Liverpool One Bridewell, Liverpool
With just enough time before my train home, I made a beeline from the distinctly average Crosby Hotel (in Crosby, but not listed on here) to the Bridewell. I hadn't been for a while and thought I'd give it another try. Walked here only to find they had closed the pub for the day, due to a wedding for one of its staff members! I'll have to change my score to a 0/10, as no beer was available on this particular evening. I headed to Dawsons (another not yet listed on here) and regretted it.
8 Apr 2014 21:44
Stamps is situated in a prominent position in Crosby and was fairly busy on my Sunday afternoon visit. It was several times better than the Crosby Village Social Club where I had just come from. But I was expecting more after trying Stamps Too a few years back. The beers were Everards Tiger, First Chop Hop, Oakham Inferno & Stamps Flying Cloud. There are no real ciders. A little disappointing.
8 Apr 2014 21:38
Small, but pleasant backstreet pub in Crosby. There are a number of separate drinking areas - a tiny area near the front door, another front bar and two rooms at the rear served from a hatch. Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Flying Scotsman, Theakston Best, Youngs Bitter & Holts Two Hoots were the beers. Probably my favourite of the 4 establishments in Crosby I tried on Sunday.
8 Apr 2014 21:34
This was our final pub of the day and our third Marstons pub in a row. It's a bit of a spit and sawdust kind of place and seemed popular with a small bunch of locals, who were enjoying eating chillis. Banks's Mild & Marstons Burton Bitter were the only ales. There was a real cider (Thatchers Traditional). But it was off.
8 Apr 2014 21:29
Our 12th pub of the day in Worcestershire and the Gardeners Arms was easily our favourite. It was very busy, with standing room only on the Saturday evening. There is a small bar to the left, decorated with all manner of strange things and an even smaller chintzy room to the right for diners. Even the toilets can be recommended! I wouldn't normally recommend a Marstons pub. But this one hit the spot. Banks's Bitter & Mild, Brakspear Bitter & Jennings Cumberland Ale were the ales. Thatchers Cheddar Valley was the cider. The inexperienced barman did get our order wrong. Customers were friendly. The garden (set on a hill) looked intriguing. Apparently there is a small room, where you need to book months in advance for a private dining experience halfway up the garden. Well worth seeking out.
8 Apr 2014 21:26
It seems most pubs in Droitwich are now Marstons. This is no exception. The range was Marstons EPA, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Ringwood Boondoggle. Cider was Thatchers Heritage. The interior has lots of small drinking areas. Food seemed popular. Although the regular chef was off sick! Should have tried this pub when I visited the Hop Pole opposite a couple of years back. But unfortunately I had a train to catch. You can get the 10% CAMRA discount on the real cider too.
8 Apr 2014 21:22
I was expecting more from this town pub, especially since it is in the current Good Beer Guide. Whilst it did have 3 ales - Worcestershire Gold & Attwood's Pale Ale & Holdens Gone With The Wind, the drinks range was very limited. Maybe it has just been taken over. When asked what ciders were available, I was offered a can of Strongbow and for some reason, Carling was being served from cans with a top-up from the pump - rather strange. Not sure how good the ales were, as unfortunately I was driving for this crawl, with Mrs S on the booze.
8 Apr 2014 21:17
A busy pub with a reasonably small bar area and another small dining area. For some reason, the garden was also busy with families and a couple of small horses grazing. I thought I'd had one too many, when I first spotted the nags. The ale range was a bit disappointing - Bathams Bitter, Banks's Bitter, St Austell Tribute & Wye Valley HPA. No real cider. But they do have Robinsons Flagon. Nice location. But was somehow missing something.
8 Apr 2014 21:13
The Oak is a foodies pub, with very little space for drinkers. The vast majority of tables are made up for diners. Wychwood Hobgoblin & Piledriver and Wye Valley HPA were the 3 ales on. I quite liked the vaulted ceiling made out of wine bottles. But this feels more like a restaurant that serves ales, rather than a pub that sells food.
8 Apr 2014 21:08
We initially thought that some new build housing had replaced this pub. But we persevered and found it. Initially, it looked like a bit of a dive. It does seem stuck in a 1970s timewharp. I'd like to bet that you'd find that same customers if you could go back in time 40 years, albeit a bit younger. But the punters and the landlord were all very friendly and eager to indulge in conversation. Doom Bar was the only ale. There aren't too many pubs like this around. Visit it whilst you can.
8 Apr 2014 21:04
The Old Chestnut Tree Inn, Lower Moor
This pub looked quite promising from the outside. It has the local village post office attached and a kitchen for pub grub. But it was very quiet inside, with just 3 locals and the barman. Only three ales were on - Banks's Bitter & Sunbeam and Malvern Hills Black Pear. There were no real ciders. Slightly disappointing.
8 Apr 2014 21:00
Surprisingly, this is a Wetherspoons with a bit of character. The bar staff claimed that it was the oldest pub in Evesham and if true, they seem to have succeeded in not wrecking it completely. Partitions create separate drinking areas, making a nice change. The barman who served us was fairly knowledgeable about his ales and ciders too. This is not always the case in 'spoons. During Saturday's visit, they had Caledonian African Pale Ale, Vale Red Kite, Titanic Iron Curtain, Prescot Spring Season's Best, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Fullers London Pride. There are no ciders immediately apparent. But if you ask, they probably had a few out the back. In this case, they had Westons Old Rosie & Cider Twist Winter Spice & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. There don't seem to be many decent pubs left in Evesham and the town itself (with all it's charity shops) appears to be in decline. But the Old Swanne seems fairly reliable.
8 Apr 2014 20:56
Ye Olde Red Horse is a busy and fairly traditional town centre pub in Evesham. Its two rooms were packed whilst the Grand National was being shown on Saturday. Ales were Wells Bombardier, M & B Brew XI and Peerless Pale. Ciders were Addlestones and Thatchers Cheddar Valley. We sat in the bar on the right-hand side, as you enter. I've just read the previous review and it's possible there was another ale or even more than one in the other room. Toilets are outside, next to some fish in a pond. They share the space with smokers.
8 Apr 2014 20:50
One of the best pubs we sampled in Worcestershire on Saturday. Although many of the others were fairly average. Situated in the heart of Asparagus-growing country, the pub certainly has an asparagus theme. The ale selection was reasonable - Flowers IPA, Sharps Doom Bar & Uley Pig's Ear, whilst I was also happy with the cider selection - Westons Old Rosie & Hairy Ferret Traditional. Food seemed to be popular, with most diners sat at a raised area to the right of the bar. There is still plenty of space for drinkers.
8 Apr 2014 20:44
The Anchor was the nicer of the two Fladbury pubs. It still retains much of its rural charm. However, it did only have 2 ales - Wye Valley Bitter & Sharps Doom Bar. Real cider is not available. We sat in the smaller room to the left as you enter, where an open fire was lit. The room extended from the bar and to the right-hand side is larger. Wasn't over-impressed with the baps.
8 Apr 2014 20:34
One of two pubs in this small, but nice village in the Vale of Evesham. Unfortunately, the Chequers has been modernised and now lacks any character. Ales on were Sharps Doom Bar, Timothy Taylor Golden Best & Wye Valley HPA. There were no real ciders. The best offering was Stowford Press.
8 Apr 2014 20:31
The Waggon and Horses, Surbiton
Final pub for my Sunday Surbiton trip, the Waggon & Horses is a disappointing Young's house. Youngs Bitter & Special & St Austell Tribute was the ale selection. The interior was ok. But with an uninspiring drinks range, this is worth giving a miss.
2 Apr 2014 20:02
The Antelope was my main reason for visting Surbiton and it didn't let me down. The new owners used to run the Sussex Arms - one of my 3 favourite London pubs. Now I may have to re-think my ratings, as this is certainly a 9/10 pub. It's fairly similar to the Sussex Arms in layout, but slightly bigger and having a much larger area around the corner of the bar. The ale and cider range was excellent - Twickenham Naked Ladies & Redhead, Gadds India Pale, Brewmeister Black Hawk, West Berkshire Gammerstang, Kings Heritage Spring Fever, Marble Spring, Skinners Betty Stogs, Liverpool Organic Kitty Wilkinson Chocolate & Vanilla Stout & Titanic Cherry Dark. Ciders and perries were Capsy Wennet Perry, Raglan Stoke Red, Gwatkin Silly Ewe, Sandford Orchards Cider Ginger & Lilleys Strawberry Cider. There's a fine range of bottled beers and ciders too. You shouldn't miss this pub if you're ever in Surbiton.
2 Apr 2014 19:53
Quite liked this quirky pub. In fact, it was my second favourite pub of the day. The interior is quite light and there is a bit of clutter, that at least makes it fell homely! Ales on were Hopback Summer Lightning, Robinsons Trooper, Oakham Bishop's Farewell & Surrey Hills Ranmore Ale. Aspall is the cider. The cheese selection served from its own counter is impressive and certainly looks enticing.
2 Apr 2014 19:45
Fullers pub on the eastern side of the train tracks up a hill. Seemed a nice enough place. Football was showing on the TV. There is a bar at the front and a dining area to the rear. Ales were all from the Fullers range - Pride, Seafarers & HSB. So a little limited on that front. Not really worth crossing the tracks for. There are better pubs on the other side of the railway.
2 Apr 2014 19:41
Yes. This is an Ember Inns pub. So there's probably a focus on food later in the day. But there's a decent range of ales and at least it opened as published at 11:30, unlike the Lucky Rover down the road. Beers on were Rudgate Brew No. 8, Acorn Dead Good, Stonehenge Sign of Spring, Sambrooks Junction, Fullers London Pride & Greene King IPA.
2 Apr 2014 19:38
Beware a lot of websites that say this pub is open from 11am. Was here until past midday on Sunday and it still was not open. 0/10 for a pub that doesn't open to its published times.
2 Apr 2014 19:33
The Cap In Hand is another Wetherspoons pub situated on a busy junction of the A3. It was reasonably busy on Sunday morning, with both drinkers and diners. I managed to do a bit of drinking and dining. Most diners head for the light and airy conservatory at the front, where you can have a lovely time watching the traffic! But there are other more secluded areas of the pub. The ale range was Everards Sir Ruan & Regimental IPA, Tillingbourne Falls Gold, Adnams Yeastie Boys, Marstons Zeunarts IPA, Ruddles Best, Sharps Doom Bar, Fullers London Pride, Brains White Out & Caledonian African Pale Ale. The 2 Westons ciders were Old Rosie & Marcle Hill. Ok, but preferred the Coronation Hall.
2 Apr 2014 19:25
First stop on Sunday morning. This is certainly an impressive building, with plenty of interesting artifacts to check out. With the start of the Wetherspoons international beer festival, there was a reasonable selection of beers - Acorn Black Oak, Shepherd Neame IPA, Daleside Sea Fever, Everards Regimental IPA, Batemans Springtime Oatmeal Biscuit Beer & Hooker, Caledonian African Pale Ale, Beartown Bearskinful, Adnams Broadside, Sharps Doo Bar & Greene King Abbot & IPA. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon.
2 Apr 2014 19:15
Climbed up the hill from the Quayside, from where I'd visited the Broad Chare (not listed on here, but fairly good) to the New Bridge. Was quite impressed with this pub. Has a small, but quality range of ales plus Old Rosie cider. Beers on were Thornbridge Jaipur & Kipling, the excellent Elland 1872 Porter and Anarchy Blonde Star. Quite liked the interior too and the barman was friendly and knowledgeable. Plenty of football fans in on Tuesday evening, despite it being 20 minutes walk to the ground. Note the Kings Manor round the corner is now closed and turned into some kind of property rental place. Would return to this place. But there's always loads of decent pubs to visit in Newcastle.
27 Mar 2014 20:06
Had never been to this before until yesterday. You barely notice it if you walk by and if you do happen to notice it, you'd think it was quite small. However, this is a large and busy Liverpool pub. Meals seemed to be fairly popular. Only keg beers are available - Fosters, Theakston Smooth Dark, John Smiths Extra Smooth & Extra Cold, Guinness, Strongbow, Kronenbourg & Amstel. Better than I expected. But nothing special.
23 Mar 2014 12:40
Lively pub between Lime Street and Central stations. Have passed it many times. But yesterday, I finally ventured in. It's a large room with bare boards and a few TVs. All tables were occupied on our Saturday lunchtime visit. There was a handpull, but no ale was on. All beers and ciders are keg - Stella, Magners Golden Draught, Carling, John Smiths Extra Smooth, Boddingtons Extra Cold, Tetleys Dark Mild, Carlsberg, Guinness, Strongbow & Becks Vier. An Aussie White with hot water, suger and lemon is £1.80! Should have tried one really.
16 Mar 2014 09:49
Fairly friendly pub midway between Finsbury Park and Archway tube stations. It looks fairly small. But there are 3 rooms. Ales weren't overly adventurous - Oxford Gold, Betty Stogs, Forty Niner, Cornish Coaster & Tribute. Only 20 minutes walk to the Emirates Stadium. So convenient on a matchday.
12 Mar 2014 18:22
Returned for another Thai meal. Didn't quite enjoy it as much this time. But it's still very local to us and convenient. The bar area was much busier this time around. Doom Bar & Pride were the 2 ales on, with a third handpull vacant.
9 Mar 2014 11:52
Visited the Red Lion for their rugby-themed beer and cider festival yesterday evening. It wasn't as busy as we anticipated and we soon found a table in the bar. Children are allowed until 7pm and there were plenty of dogs. The pool table and darts board were getting good use. There is a stage in the lounge, where we have previously seen the local amateur dramatics society performing. Toilets in both the bar and lounge were fine and I've certainly been in smaller ones! The festival ales and ciders were being served inside and also from an outbuilding. The range was Sunny Republic Bay Amber, Beach Blonde & Cherry Chocolate Porter, Belhaven 80/- & Grand Slam, Portobello Best Bitter, Twickenham Black Eel, Grandstand Honey Dark, Neck Sack & Gothick Dark, Trumans Blindside, Runner, Swift & Emperor, Binghams Bricks and Mortar & Brickworks Bitter, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Greene King Double Hop Monster, Cotleigh Harrier & Tawny, Greytrees JPR Pale Ale, Marstons Pedigree & Sweet Chariot, Sambrooks Pumphouse Pale Ale, The Celtic Experience Scrumpox, Hogsback Snout, Kite Thunderbird & Try Time, Dark Star Winter Meltdown, Vale Gravitas & Morland Original & Old Golden Hen. Cider and perries were Millwhites Barrel No. 7, Starwberry Cider, WInter Spice & Apples and Pears, CJ's Cider Wench, Green Valley Devon Farm Dry & Swallowfield Cider & Perry. This pub is always worth a visit.
9 Mar 2014 11:49
Dissenting Academy, Newington Green
We quite enjoyed our visit to the Dissenting Academy (formerly the Clarendon and before that the Nobody Inn), the pub overlooks Newington Green. It is very much a youngsters pub, with young staff and a young clientele. The front area appears to be more for dining. It opens up to a large seating area at the rear, featuring a large suspended cow and other oddities. We got quite comfortable on the sofas, until we realised we had a beer festival to go to! The 4 ales were all from London breweries - Crate Best Bitter, London Fields Hackney Hopster, Hackney American Pale Ale & Laine Laines Best Bitter. There was no real cider.
9 Mar 2014 11:36
The Snooty Fox is a fairly upmarket pub, verging on the gastropub market, with its open kitchen that specialises in chicken. The decor is trendy. There is an old jukebox and a DJ area. Ales were Revolutions Kurt & Courtney IPA, Otter Ale, Redemption Trinity & Hook Norton Lion. Ciders were Dorothy's Orchard Dry & Cider By Rosie. This is a typical pub for this area. There are so many just like it. But at least it did a couple of different ciders. So I will give it a 6/10.
9 Mar 2014 11:05
The Lord Moon Of The Mall, Whitehall
This was my first port of call yesterday, as I arrived a bit too early for the Harp's 10am opening time. This time it had a cider - Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. I hadn't bothered visiting for a while, as they didn't use to stock a real cider. The ale selction is good - yesterday it was Ramsbury Deer Hunter, Greene King IPA & Abbot, Fullers London Pride, Beartown Bearskinful, Blindmans Eclipse Porter, Sharps Doom Bar, Caledonian The Bruery Oatmeat Stout, Adnams Make It Rain, Milestone Little John & Salopian Shropshire Gold. This is one of the nicest Wetherspoons interiors and due to its location, is invariably popular with the tourists, who even stand outside to take photographs of it.
9 Mar 2014 10:54
Arrived here shortly after 10am yesterday. There were already 3 people here. But at least, I could choose where to sit. The bar staff here are friendly and knowledgeable. They will always help you to choose an ale or cider that suits your taste. There are 10 ales and several ciders, that are hidden away in the fridges. There is a blackboard detailing the available ciders, but theychange frequently and you may find that some have run out without the blackboard being updated. Yesterday's selection was Sambrooks Wandle, Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, Dark Star Hophead & American Pale Ale, Crouch Vale Brewers Gold, Summer Wine Barista Espresso Stout, Clarkshaws Gorgon's Alive, Burning Sky Aurora, Red Squirrel Red Dawn Mild & Late Knights Crack of Dawn. Ciders and perries were Springherne Medium Dry, Sam's Sweet Devon Cider, Millwhites Rioja Cask, Mixed Scrumpy & Rum Cask, Caspy Wennet Perry, Grren Valley Medium Dry & Double Vision Fine Vient Perry. I sampled all of the ciders and perries, with the exception of the Millwhites ones and all were in a really good condition. This has often been my criticism of the Harp on previous visits. But yesterday, I couldn't fault any of them, or the beers that I tried. This was my 3rd favourite pub in London. But after yesterday's visit, I think I can promote it to my favourite. It's almost a 10/10. I would award 9.5 if I could. The only thing that lets it down is its size. It gets packed during peak hours. But conversely, its size is also one of its charms. I must get here more often.
9 Mar 2014 10:45
I've often visited the other pub in this street - The Globe. But I finally got around to trying out Coopers on Saturday. Music was booming out on approach. I'm not sure whether it was karaoke or just a disco, as I'd already had enough. But the locals seemed to be enjoying it. The pub is small, with 2 rooms. I managed to prop myself up on the barstool at the serving hatch to the back bar and seem to recall being mildly amused by 2 of the biggest bottles of Yates's Aussie White Wine you're ever likely to see! One guy wanted to charge me for sitting on his stool. There are no real ales. The fizzy options are Carlsberg, Tuborg, Tetleys Extra Cold & Mild, Guinness, San Miguel & Strongbow. Not the worst pub I've ever been in. But I much prefer the Globe, a few doors up.
5 Mar 2014 20:28
After a swift half in the Ship & Mitre, I continued along Dale Street to the Vernon. This is still a reliable two room pub, with as people have said, a sloping floor. The front bar is generally busy, especially when there is a football match showing on the big screen. There are also TVs in the room at the rear. But you can generally find a table here. Beers on during my Saturday evening visit were Coastal Del's Delight, Lancaster Lemon Grass, Hart Experiment Ale, Brains The Rev James & Boggart Rum Porter. The cider is Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. I regularly pop in here for a half of Rum Porter and/or Black Dragon. My only criticism is that they will serve people out of turn at the bar.
5 Mar 2014 20:22
As a previous reviewer says, this pub is now called the White Star. It's upstairs in Lime Street station and I finally decided to pay it a visit on Saturday. Keg options were Guinness, Stella, John Smiths Extra Cold, Strongbow, Guinness, Amstel, Fosters & Kronebourg. You can expect to pay almost £4 per pint for the pleasure of receiving your drink dispensed in a plastic glass. Not sure why they resort to this. Surprisingly popular. But I won't be returning. There are much better options within a few minutes walk of the station, even if you are unable to venture further afield.
5 Mar 2014 20:14
The Railway was my last of 7 ports of call yesterday. The 6th pub (the Crown & Anchor in Brixton) is not listed on here and was ironically my favourite pub of the day! The Railway has a dark front bar and a smaller rear bar that I didn't get chance to take a close look in. All ales are from London brewers - Truman's Swift & Emperor, East London Foundation Bitter & Sambrooks Powerhouse Porter. There is also a range of bottled beers and ciders. There are some strange characters in here and the bar staff I encountered were sullen. Handy for the station, if there isn't a practically useless railway replacement bus service operating. Take the point that this is a pub that serves the local community well though and this is one of the nicer parts of Streatham.
23 Feb 2014 10:57
The Canton Arms, South Lambeth
This pub must now be rivalling the Priory Arms as the best pub in South Lambeth. Typical of many of the pubs I visited in this part of London, it has an intentionally worn interior and seems to appeal to the local trendsetters. The bar stocks a good range of ales. There is plenty of seating at the front for drinkers and a dining area at the rear. The dining area looked empty, with most people at the dark front bar to watch the rugby. I preferred the rough and ready interior to the modern feel in the Priory Arms. But I'm not sure the beers were better - Skinners Betty Stogs, Sambrooks Powerhouse Porter, Hogsback Snout & Timothy Taylor Golden Best. Once again, the staff seemed to lack basic customer service skills. Nevertheless, a fairly good pub.
23 Feb 2014 10:49
Having been to Powder Keg Diplomacy earlier in the day, I returned to Battersea to try the Fox & Hounds. This has the appearance of a spit and sawdust local. But make no mistake, this is now very much one of those new breed of pubs with a bohemian feel and appealing to well-heeled 20/30-somethings. If you're not in their clique, you don't feel that welcome. Nevertheless, 4 ales were on - Dark Star Hophead & American Pale Ale, Sambrooks Junction & St Austell Tribute. Has a certain appeal. But I preferred the Powder Keg.
23 Feb 2014 10:43
The Queens Arms, South Kensington
I quite liked this pub, located in a mews, slightly off the beaten track, but actually fairly close to Exhibition Road. There seems to be few decent pubs in this area. So this is probably the best option if you find yourself visiting the Natural History Museum or the Royal Albert Hall. But you would never imagine there would be a pub located here, unless somebody had told you about it. I loved the doors on the corner, pushing them gingerly in case they were one of those sets of doors that have now been locked shut to make room for extra seating (that you seem to find everywhere these days). They are quite unique. The interior seemed quite nice. But you quickly realise that the focus is on diners. There were no tables available initially and you can feel quite uncomfortable standing at the bar, which is quite a cramped space. The drinks range is good. Ales on were Fullers London Pride, Sharps Doom Bar, Red Squirrel Scottish Ale, Roosters 41 Degrees South, Great Yorkshire Top of the Hops, Sambrooks Junction, Moorhouses White Witch & Stewart Zymic. Initially I did not spot the real cider. Westons Old Rosie was hidden away at the end of the bar, behind the glass washer and racks of glasses. So I plumped for one of the 4 keg ciders - Thatchers Old Rascal. That's the first time I've seen this on keg. Hogans & Aspalls (Original & Perronelle Blush) are also available. The staff and patrons do seem to look down on you a little, if you're not dining. But otherwise, this was quite a pleasant find.
23 Feb 2014 10:38
The Red Lion was my second stop of the day after first visiting the Powder Keg Diplomacy in Battersea (not listed on here). The Good Beer Guide and other websites state that the pub opens at 11:30 on a Saturday. So I took a little walk around the area before returning at around 11:30. The barmaid had seen me on the cameras and opened up. But apparently the normal opening time is now midday on a Saturday (closed on a Sunday). I was the only customer during my short visit. This is a Fullers pub with 6 ales from their range - Fullers London Pride, Chiswick, Bengal Lance & Front Row & Gales Seafarers & HSB. Although there may have been another couple around the other side of the bar. I plumped for the Aspalls cider. The real value of this pub is the interior. The walls are lined with crystal clear glass and this is a fine example of the old Victorian gin palace. The single room itself is small and curves around the central bar. I can imagine the place gets very busy with local office workers on weekday lunchtimes. A trip to the toilets is an interesting experience. Watch your head and your step if you negotiate the staircase down to them.
23 Feb 2014 10:27
Large, imposing pub that has been opened up to one large bar. Busy on a Wednesday evening. Some people were dining. Others were watching the football. 3 mainstream ales were on - Bombardier, Doom Bar & Spitfire. Not as bad as I was expecting.
13 Feb 2014 21:02
More a restaurant than a pub and that's what I was here for. Although Doom Bar & Broadside were on and seemingly the odd person does pop in just for a drink. Aspalls is the cider. I recommend the ribs. Very quiet on a Monday evening.
13 Feb 2014 20:57
The Old Ale Emporium, Harringay
In reference to the previous review, I used to like the Oakdale. But the Old Ale Emporium is another story. How on earth did this place get into last year's Good Beer Guide. 2 ales were on - Wychwood Hobgoblin & Caledonia Bitter Winter. The pub is small and has a fairly nice interior. But its size means that standing is generally the only option. Lots of so-called football fans shouting at TV screens didn't particularly help. If you want to shout, go to the game! Very disappointing. Much preferred the Salisbury.
13 Feb 2014 20:52
Finally got around to visiting the Salisbury on Sunday. It's an architecturally impressive, both inside and out. The interior consists of multiple rooms and quite large. Ales on were Gales Seafarers, Fullers London Pride, Butcombe Rare Breed, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Brains White Out & Sharps Special. Harviestoun Old Engine Oil was amongst the keg offerings and was very nice. Getting here can be fun, as the traffic along Green Lanes is horrendous. One of the few premises that is not a kebab shop.
13 Feb 2014 20:49
The pubs along the High Road have never particularly appealed to me over the years. But on Sunday, I finally entered this one. It seems to be owned by Irish and Jamaican people. The interior is a single bar that is looking a little shabby. But it does have character. Fairly busy after the football match, the pub only has keg beers and ciders - Stella, Strongbow, Carlsberg, Fosters, Kronenbourg, Guinness, Guinness Extra Cold and Tetleys Extra Cold. Not as bad as I expected.
13 Feb 2014 20:45
Nice little backstreet pub, not a million miles away from Dalston. The pubs around here seem to be much improved. 3 ales were on - Trumans Runner, Crouch Vale Brewers Gold & Greene King IPA. Cider was Addlestones. There are a couple of rooms and the pub does seem to focus on food. Service was quick and friendly. There is a small outdoor drinking area at the front of the pub. But it was a bit too cold for that on Sunday.
13 Feb 2014 20:39
Came here on Sunday morning after an earlier visit to the Parcel Yard (Fullers pub) in Kings Cross station. This is one of the poorer branches of Wetherspoons. 7 real ales were on - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Loddon Hullabaloo, East London Pale Ale, Vale Red Kite, Banks's Californian Session IPA & Adnams Stone Double IPA. No real ciders are served here and unlike most Wetherspoons, they won't accept the CAMRA vouchers for 2 half pints. Full of the usual Wetherspoons characters.
13 Feb 2014 20:32
I thought I'd done most pubs and bars in Richmond, until a colleague arranged a leaving do in here yesterday. A group of bouncers on the door gave an indication of what kind of place this is. Took nearly 15 minutes to get served, with 2 bartenders preparing cocktails and another 2 more intent on washing glasses and stocking the shelves. I never quite understand the need for this, when I can clearly see plenty of glasses available on the shelves, the pub is not that busy and there are people waiting to be served. This is just likely to drive customers away. Indeed, if I wasn't here for a specific purpose, I would have walked out. The place is a large barn-like place with little atmosphere. No cask ales here of course. But the keg options were Guinness, Becks Vier, San Miguel, Peroni, Aspalls, Estrella Dam, Magners Golden Draught & Staropramen. Not much change from a £10 note for 2 pints. Only 2 silver coins were returned. This is Richmond, darling!
8 Feb 2014 11:46
Youngs pub that appears to have gone a bit upmarket and appears to be more for diners than for drinkers. No tables were available in the main part of the bar and a smaller area near the entrance. Yet there were around a dozen empty tables reserved for diners to the one side of the bar. Not really conducive to a lengthy stay, as you can't get comfortable propping up the bar. Youngs Bitter, Special & London Warmer were on, alongside Caledonian Deuchars IPA. Was amused to see the Eastern European barmaid's expression when she was asked for a Black & Tan! The car park is impossibly small, considering everybody seems to park there for the nearby hospital. There are many better pubs in Kingston.
8 Feb 2014 11:40
Busy pub in the main shopping area of Liverpool. Not quite as nice an interior as the neighbouring Commercial, but not far off. The clientele were fairly senior, as were the bar staff. Beers were all keg options - Carling, Stella, Tetleys Smoothflow & Mild, Guinness, Carlsberg & Somersby cider. Could do with some cask ales.
3 Feb 2014 20:41
The Rai D'Or was my last stop in Salisbury and is a Thai restaurant that serves real ales. There is a bar area, with stools and a couple of tables, whilst the rest of the pub is very nicely decorated and set out for diners. The 2 ales were not at all mainstream - Downton Cerberus & Moles VFM and this is clearly a CAMRA favourite. So ale drinkers are obviously encouraged. Much busier than many of the other local pubs, despite the slightly inflated prices.
31 Jan 2014 22:33
I wasn't expecting much from this corner pub, which is a former Ushers house. But the ale selection was good - Flack Manor Flack's Double & Black Jack & Milk Street The Usual. Too bad I was driving. As with the Wig & Quill, just up the road, there was only one other customer plus the landlord in. Nice pub though.
31 Jan 2014 22:30
Very quiet, but reasonably large Wadworth pub. There was only 1 other customer on my Thursday evening visit. It does feel a little away for the Salisbury 'action'. But I would guess it is busier at weekends. Beers on were St George & The Dragon, 6X & Henry's IPA. Ciders were from Westons - Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig. The landlord was friendly.
31 Jan 2014 22:28
This Wetherspoons is situated slap bang in the middle of Salisbury city centre. As such, it has its fair share of rowdy youths exhibiting very strange behaviour. This is probably the reason the pub had a couple of bouncers in action on a Thursday night. A good range of ales was on - Ilkley Fireside Porter, Sixpenny Kings Head Inspireation, Tring Colley's Dog, Loddon Hullabaloo, Belhaven St Andrew's Ale, Marstons Sweet Chariot, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best. After much prompting of the inexperienced barman, I also finally discovered that they had a real cider - Sandford Orchards Devon Scrumpy. The definition of real cider seemed lost on the staff. Has a nice situation, right next to the fast-flowing River Avon. But it was a bit too noisy for my liking.
31 Jan 2014 22:24
This pub doesn't look much from the outside. But the small interior is well worth a visit. It has the feel of an Irish bar (not sure if it is). 3 ales were on - Sharps Doom Bar & Hopback Summer Lightning & GFB. Cider was Addlestones. Worth a stop on any Salisbury crawl.
31 Jan 2014 22:17
The Duke of York is a backstreet pub, not too far from the centre of Salisbury with a decent real ale selection. Buntingford Twitchell & Partridge, Oxfordshire Marshmellow & Detox & Ringwood Forty Niner. The Good Beer Guide promises real cider. But both of the ciders on the bar were unavailable. So, this would seem to be a seasonal offering only.
31 Jan 2014 22:14
A pub with a little character on the edge of Salisbury city centre. Locals were congregated around the bar, with a cosy small room to the one side, near the gents. Beers were Irving Weel Malc & Downton Quadhop & Dark Delight. Northumberland Snow Star was being pulled through. Sadly I was driving and couldn't take advantage of the ales. Nevertheless, a nice little pub, worth the walk to.
31 Jan 2014 22:11
No sign of any beer brewed on the premises just yet. In fact, this was one of my least favourite pubs of my visit to Salisbury and its surrounding villages. The ales choice was Exmoor Dark, Timothy Taylor Landlord and St Austell Tribute, whilst there were no real ciders. The atmosphere seemed fairly sterile. Could be better. Although they did seem to have a good range of bottled beers.
31 Jan 2014 22:07
The Victoria and Albert, Netherhampton
Another wonderful country pub in rural Wiltshire. Although this one is quite convenient if you're in Salisbury. Unlike my previous 2 pubs, the Victoria & Albert was busy. There was a mixture of diners and drinkers, plus a fair few characters. A roaring fire was a welcome site, on a chilly evening. Ales were Plain Ales Hairy Hooker, Church End Goat's Milk & Moles Gold. Cider was Moles Black Rat. The barmaid was friendly.
31 Jan 2014 22:03
The Horseshoe inn, Ebbesbourne Wake
Probably the favourite of 11 pubs I visited in Wiltshire yesterday. The landlady and barmaid were very welcoming. There are 2 rooms, with the main bar packed with farming instruments. Ales were Otter Bitter, Bowman Swift One, Palmers Copper & Cheddar Potholer. Ciders were Wessex Medium & Dry. Both ladies in charge were friendly and talkative. Apparently they have a loyal clientele, who come here for the food. Beware the fairly limited opening hours though and make sure you're wearing a coat when visiting the gents (it's outside).
31 Jan 2014 22:00
Nice little country pub, well off the beaten track. I was the only customer early on my Thursday evening visit. This is a pub that is much more popular in the summer, especially with walkers and cyclists. The landlady and her dog were very friendy and talkative (well the landlady at least)! 2 ales were on - Plain Ales Innocence & Sixpenny Alvediston Ale. Wessex Medium Cider was also on handpull. Worth seeking out.
31 Jan 2014 21:55
Thwaites establishment tucked away not too far from Moreton. The place is large and fairly comfortable. Food looked and smelt good. Beers on were Thwaites Original, Old Dan & Wainwright & Belhaven Robert Burns Brown Ale. Bar staff all seemed to be new and a little confused. Not a bad option though.
29 Jan 2014 21:50
Distinctly poor Wetherspoons. Usual bland interior. The ale range was more limited to most Wetherspoons - Thwaites Lancaster Bomber, Jennings Sneck Lifter, Greene King Abbot, Conwy Rampart & Wells Bombardier. No real ciders were served. Service was friendly though, despite them being short-staffed for the number of people in.
29 Jan 2014 21:48
This pub was better than I had expected. It is situated fairly close to the sea, but doesn't quite have a sea view (as the address may suggest). There are 2 rooms. The main bar has lots of things to view on the walls, shelves and ceiling. Wainwright & Bombardier were the 2 ales available.
29 Jan 2014 21:45
We rounded off our trip to Stevenage with a few pints in the Our Mutual Friend. As detailed below, a beer festival was on spring. Many of the beers were from Oakham and Ossett and some had run out. Available ales were Oakham Bishops Farewell & Black Hole Porter, Ossett Big Red, Excelsior, Galaxy & Treacle Stout, Thornbridge Wild Swan, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Everards Tiger & Dark Start Hophead & Art of Darkness. In addition - there were 16 ciders or perries - Westons Rosies Pig, Raspberry Twist & Country Perry, Farmer Jims Medium Cider & Farmyard Fruits, Dudda's Tun Pear O'Duddas, CJ's Wench, Gillow Knicker Dropper, Glebe Farm Side-R Elderflower, Millwhites Mixed Scrumpy & Rum Matured, Oakham Oaple, Aspalls Cyderkin, Double Vision Strawberrry Cider, Dreymans Chilli Squirrel and one other. Being so close to the football ground, drinks were being dispensed in plastic glasses. There are 2 rooms - the one to the left when you enter is the cosier of the two. Doesn't look much from the outside, but this is without a doubt Stevenage's best pub.
26 Jan 2014 18:51
Made the trip out to the Chells area of Stevenage and wished we hadn't bothered. Youngs Winter Warmer was the only ale option. Although the barman was apologetic. The pub is set on a housing estate and has a single, circular room around the bar. Seems popular with sports fans. We didn't stay long and headed on to the Rose & Crown in Aston (not listed in here), which is a McMullens pub with a welcoming, olde worlde atmosphere.
26 Jan 2014 18:29
Greene King pub located in the old town area of Stevenage. There are 2 rooms and both are fairly cosy. There is also a courtyard at the rear, near to where the toilets are located. 4 ales were on. I won't repeat them, as they were already listed by the tenants in the previous review. We tried the Mild, which was fine. Although the Abbot was also in good condition. Nice pub, but could do with a more varied ale selection.
26 Jan 2014 18:25
Took the none too regular bus from Stevenage to old Knebworth and managed to find the Lytton Arms, despite the eastern European bus driver not having a clue what we were talking about. Situated opposite the Knebworth Estate, the pub is set in a nice and quiet rural area. Most customers seemed to be local, with a few couples arriving to dine. 10 ales, 3 ciders and a perry were on offer - Adnams Bitter, Sharps Doom Bar, Dark Star Hophead & A Pale Ale, Mighty Oak Oscar Wilde, Maldon Gold & English Oak, Tring Side Pocket For A Toad & Death or Glory & Westons Old Rosie, 1st Quality, Rosies Pig & Country Perry. With the bus times, we had little choice but to spend almost 2 hours in here. But it was time well spent, with this drinks range. Not sure whether it was us, but the bar staff seemed a bit sullen. They could seemingly only raise a smile for the locals sat at the bar. Other than that though, we all enjoyed our visit to this country pub and were glad we'd made the trip from Stevenage.
26 Jan 2014 18:20
Stevenage appears to be a difficult town to walk around, unless you know where you are going. As a new town, it appears to be designed more for the motorist than the pedestrian - with dual carriageways, no pavements, bridges, underpasses etc etc. So after doing a full tour of the local Tesco supermarket, we finally found the old town where a semblance of normality is restored. The Standing Order is a Wetherspoons at the top end of the High Street. As with most 'spoons, it's a large open-plan affair. Although the rear area, where the bar is situated, has plenty of natural light. A good beer range was on - Greene King IPA & Abbot, Adnams Broadside & Stone Double IPA, White Park That One & Cranfield Bitter, Upham Punter, Belhaven St Andrews & Phoenix Double Gold. Cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. It was a swift visit here, and the large breakfast I ordered arrived quickly. Not a bad choice if you're in the old town part of Stevenage.
26 Jan 2014 18:14
We finished off our short crawl of historic City pubs at Ye Olde Mitre. The beer range was Gales Seafarers, Fullers London Pride & Bengal Lancer, Fyne Avalanche, Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Adnams Broadside. I was also surprised to see that there is now a real cider (I hadn't been here since 2009). On this occasion, it was Gwynt y Ddraig Celtic Warrior. There are 3 rooms - front, back and upstairs. All are cosy. We managed to get upstairs on this visit. There is also the opportunity for outside drinking, undercover. I've always liked this pub and would visit it much more often. But I'm rarely in London on a weekday. The addition of cider gave me a tough decision, whether to upgrade my rating from 8/10 to 9/10. But the gents toilets do let the place down a little. They're not the best you'll ever relieve yourself in!
26 Jan 2014 18:04
The Seven Stars, Chancery Lane
I'd forgotten how small this pub was, until my return visit on Friday evening. On entry the pub cat was sat on the bar with some biscuits and water. After the cat had departed, you could have been forgiven for thinking that the biscuits were some kind of bar snack! The pub basically has 3 drinking sections - the main bar area, which is rather narrow and 2 seating areas either side, where you can dine. The one to the left hand side is slightly more modern, whereas the one to the right is far more traditional. Toilets are up a narrow and steep staircase. There are just 2 cubicles and when you go upstairs, you feel as if you are truly in somebody's house. Food being prepared in the kitchen smelt very tempting. Ales on were Adnams Bitter & Broadside, Sambrooks Wandle & Sharps Cornish Coaster. Cider is Aspalls. Well worth a visit and tucked just enough out of the way to ensure it doesn't get too overcrowded.
26 Jan 2014 17:55
Reputedly the first Irish pub in London, the pub is long and narrow, making it very difficult to pass people. This was my second visit here and we chose to go upstairs, which was slightly quieter. But there were still no seats. There was another serving area on the first floor, but this wasn't manned. Presumably this is used for private parties. I hadn't recalled any real ales here on my previous visit. But sure enough, there were 3 this time - Marstons Pedigree, Ruddles County & Sharps Doom Bar. Another Fleet Street pub with a nice interior.
26 Jan 2014 17:48
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street
It's been many years since my last visit here. Whilst I knew there were several rooms, I'd forgotten that there were also multiple bars. But we finally got served in the front bar. Old Brewery Bitter was available on handpull. As with the previous reviews, the pint was served with a sparkler and a rather large head. The various rooms are full of character and all were packed. A pub that oozes character. But not necessarily one for the discerning drinker.
26 Jan 2014 17:42
The Blackfriar is one of my favourite London pubs, due to the wonderful interior and Nicholsons pubs are generally a good bet for a half decent pint. It was very busy on our Friday evening visit, with probably more people outside than inside. But we still managed to get a table after a few minutes. Ales on were Moorhouses White Witch, Orkney Dark Island, Hopback Winter Lightning, Dorset Brewing Co Frosted Jack, Vale Lightning, Nicholsons Pale Ale, Fullers London Pride & Sharps Doom Bar. There are no real ciders.
26 Jan 2014 17:29
I was slightly intrigued by this pub, as it had an entry in the last Good Cider Guide. But it just displayed how hopelessly out of date that book is! No sign of any real cider here. Banks's Bitter was the only ale too. Seemed to have a fairly local following though. We continued on from here to the Whiteheath Tavern, up the road. At least the New Inn had an ale and some customers. Nice purple walls in the Whiteheath Tavern though!
23 Jan 2014 20:19
Britannia Tavern, Rowley Regis
Typical town centre Wetherspoons. Busy, despite it only being a Monday afternoon. A good selection of ales were on - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Sadlers Jack's Pale Ale & Thin Ice, Wadworth Field 41, Saltaire Blonde, Purity Saddle Black, Adnams Stone Double IPA & Phoenix Double Gold. On first sight, there was no real cider. But the bar staff were good enough to fetch me an Old Rosie from a side room. Not the worst 'spoons I've ever been in.
23 Jan 2014 20:16
It's a shame that this pub does not open on a Monday. 0/10 due no beer served on a Monday.
23 Jan 2014 20:12
This pub was the best of 6 we tried in the Blackheath area on Monday. The ale selection is very good. 8 were on - Bathams Bitter, Holdens Special, Golden Glow & Into The Dragon, Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild, Abbeydale Absolution, Enville Ginger & Thornbridge Jaiupur. Sadly, there were no real ciders. The place has a nice feel to it, with plenty of antiques and knick knacks around. The only annoying feature was the smell. I'm not sure what it was, but it certainly wasn't pleasant. Nevertheless, I would visit this pub again.
23 Jan 2014 20:11
The Bell and Bear Inn, Rowley Regis
The Bell & Bear was better than the Lighthouse down the hill. Like the Lighthouse, there was only one other customer, other than the bar staff. The pub is set below the road and you feel like you're in a village pub in a quiet village, until you take in the urban/industrial landscape from the window at the rear. The pub is quaint inside and out and was serving 3 ales - Timothy Taylor Landlord, Enville Ale & Adnams Broadside. More importantly for me, they also had Thatchers Heritage cider. We didn't try the food, apart from a bag of Pork Crunch and some spicy pretzels. Worth a visit.
23 Jan 2014 20:03
Thought this pub lacked a bit of atmosphere. But our visit was on a Monday afternoon. Being a Brains house, they had SA Gold on. We opted for the only other ale - Enville Ale, which was nothing special. It has a light and airy interior. Not quite sure why the pub is Lighthouse, because Blackheath doesn't seem to posess any. But I'm sure there must be a reason.
23 Jan 2014 19:59
Surprisingly until yesterday, this was one of the few Liverpool city centre watering holes I hadn't had a drink in. I had previously walked in and walked straight back out again, due to the lack of real ales. But yesterday, I was feeling a little more adventuous. True to form, there were no real ales on offer here yesterday. The keg range was Carlsberg, Heineken, Chestnut Mild, Guinness, John Smiths Extra Smooth & Extra Cold, Fosters, Murphys Stout, Strongbow & Kronenbourg. Some kind of disco was ongoing in the main bar, with middle aged people strutting their stuff! We chose to sit in a quieter room at the side. The interior and exterior architecture is splendid and almost as good as the Philharmonic. It is just the drinks range and the clientele that let the pub down. With its location and its stunning interior, this could be a fabulous pub. It's a shame it does not reach its potential. Nevertheless, it is still worth paying this pub a visit if passing.
12 Jan 2014 12:33
I think the previous review pretty much sums up this place quite well. The one handpull had Higsons Bitter on it. But when we requested a pint, they had none. So that left just the keg options - Tetleys Smoothflow & Dark Mild, Carling, Strongbow, Carlsberg, Guinness & San Miguel. Football was being shown on the TV screens. The nearby Beehive is preferable.
12 Jan 2014 12:26
The Roscoe Head is still a great, little pub. For the first time, we managed to get into the small front bar yesterday. There are no tables - just a couple of stools. The real cider trial I mentioned in my last review didn't last too long. Apparently it wasn't selling. So the ales are the only decent option. Yesterday they had Exmoor Gold, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Timothy Taylor Landlord, JW Lees Manchester Pale Ale, Tetleys Bitter & Jennings Bitter. It was a shame they had no dark beers. Still a nice pub. But the nearby Dispensary is still a better option.
12 Jan 2014 12:16
This pub is now called O'Brien's. Although, the windows are still etched with the previous name. I didn't notice any blinds and the pub was nowhere near as bad as I expected. There are no real ales, just a selection of keg beverages - Fosters, Heineken, John Smiths Original & Extra Cold, Guinness Original & Extra Cold, Strongbow Original & Pear, Kronebourg and a Chestnut Ale. Service was friendly. The gents toilet is one of the narrowest I have ever seen.
12 Jan 2014 12:09
The Wheatsheaf, Stoke on Trent
Not sure why we re-visited this Wetherspoons. We should probably have headed to the Glebe instead. Nevertheless we did and the beer range wasn't brilliant - Greene King Abbot, Bass, Theakston Old Peculier, Tring Colley's Dog, Mordue Workie Ticket, Milestone Little John & Slaters Haka. The lack of a dark beer or any ciders was disappointing. Discounts are offered for CAMRA members. But these are poorly advertised.
2 Jan 2014 21:02
The White Star, Stoke-on-Trent
Made a return visit to the White Star yesterday evening. It seemed quieter than normal. But there was still a good range of ales - Titanic White Star, Capt Smiths, Plum Porter, Iceberg & Steerage, Everards Tiger, Ossett Big Red, Elgoods Snickalmas & Feel Good Festive & Thwaites Yule Love It. No plastic glasses or bouncer this time around. But the White Star was lacking atmosphere. But, we did manage to avail ourselves of an offer for 8 bottles of Chocolate & Vanilla Stout for £9!
2 Jan 2014 20:59
The Congress is certainly one of the better pubs in Stoke-on-Trent. Behind the bar, they have the runners up certificate awarded to them for the CAMRA Potteries pub of the year. I visited the winner back in August and the Congress isn't far behind. On our New Year's Day visit, they had 7 ales on and 2 ciders. The ale selection was Townhouse Gladstone's Strong Ale, Barney's Christmas Stout, Meridian Mild & Kristal Weisse, Wadworth 6X, Three Tuns Castle Porter & Great Gable Pastures Anew. The ciders fetched from the cellar were Mr Whitehead Newtons Discovery & Westons Old Rosie. We particularly enjoyed the 8.5% porter. Both staff and customers were friendly and ordered us a taxi to the football stadium. A big screen was showing live football. Drinks were well priced and the toilets are some of the biggest I have seen.
2 Jan 2014 20:53
Made a repeat visit to this branch of Yates's on Sunday evening after reading in the local CAMRA magazine that the ale range had been improved in here. Granted, the beers are better than your average Yates's - Liverpool Craft Icon & Hop Beast & Greene King IPA. But it doesn't quite feel like a pub. It was packed with people watching the live football match between Chelsea and Liverpool. I should have known to have stayed in Dr Duncans where it was much quieter, or in the Ship & Mitre or the Vernon where the beer range was far superior.
31 Dec 2013 20:42
I headed to the Cross Keys after waiting nearly 10 minutes at the bar of the Lion and being completely ignored. I wouldn't have bothered if I had known it was run by the same people as the Lion! Indeed, my mood didn't improve much when I found the Cross Keys closed. I assumed it was closed for good, as there were for sale signs on the outside. But the previous reviews on here have made me doubt this. Maybe it was just closed for the weekend. But with most of my visits being on weekends, it might as well be closed for good anyway. 0/10.
31 Dec 2013 20:35
I've been meaning to pay this historic Liverpool pub a visit for some time and I finally got around to visiting on Sunday lunchtime. There are no cask ales here - just a selection of keg offerings - Guinness, Carling, John Smiths, Tetleys Smooth Flow & Dark Mild, Strongbow Original & Pear Cider & Fosters. But the real reason to come here is the interior. The tilework is stunning and all of the different drinking areas have been kept in their original form. Reminds me very much of the Stork on the Wirral and very much worth a visit to admire this fine example of a pub. The barmaid was very sullen and there are no other pubs around here (most of them are called 'Prince' something for some reason) worth visiting. There may have been arsonist attacks and cannabis factories found here. But don't let any of this put you off visiting the Prince Arthur.
31 Dec 2013 20:29
The Crown is still the best option for drinking in Liverpool, within the immediate vicinity of Lime Street station. It has an early opening time and you can leave the pub with just 5 minutes to spare and still make your train easily. The interior is still fairly splendid and the place is always busy. I arrived off a busy train on Sunday morning and seemingly there were dozens of others from my train who had had the same idea, as the two serving bar staff were quickly overwhelmed and reinforcements had to be summoned to help with the rush. Ales on offer were Adnams Explorer, Greene King IPA, Thwaites Nutty Black & Top of the Hops Golden Ale. Cider is Westons Old Rosie. Always worth a brief stop.
31 Dec 2013 20:21
The Red Lion was our final call of the day. It's a traditional, but small establishment. We chose to sit in the public bar at the front. 4 ales were on - Penpont Creation, Morton Monkey Hornby, Bathams Best Bitter & Moorhouses Lap Prancer. There were no real ciders. Although they may serve Thatchers ciders in the summer months. Nice pub, but not quite as good as the Black Eagle or the Lord Clifden.
31 Dec 2013 20:14
An old Banks's/Marstons pub in a side street not far from the centre of Harborne. There appeared to be a private party for students in one part of the pub. But the front bar, despite being a little dark, was fairly cosy and welcoming. As the previous reviewer states, the beer range is now fairly good - Thornbridge Jaywick & Brock, Otley 09 Blonde & Wye Valley Dorothy Goodbody's Golden Ale. Far better than I was anticipating.
31 Dec 2013 20:09
So called because it is situated on a prominent junction in the centre of Harborne, the Junction has a modern feel and is clearly popular with diners who were sampling an array of food from the open kitchen at the rear. Ales on offer were Sharps Doom Bar, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Purity Saddle Black & Purity, Roosters 41 Degrees South & Wye Valley Butty Bach. Addlestones was the only decent cider available. The crowd in here was fairly young. In fact, the average age was probably less than half that of our previous hostelry - the Harborne Club. Although the Club was far more friendly. Service in the Junction was also poor. There was a long wait and the barmaid that served us was far from friendly. There are better pubs in Harborne.
31 Dec 2013 20:06
The White Horse was our favourite Birmingham pub on our Saturday visit. Similar to the Wellington in the city centre, it has a computer screen displaying the ale range - Greene King St Edmunds & Abbot, Sadlers Cheeky Elf, Winter Spice & Hop Bomb, Wye Valley Xmas Cracker, Ostlers Mr Hoppy, Byatts XXXmas & Morland Old Golden Hen. There were also 2 ciders - Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Cider & Thistly Cross Ginger and a perry - Two Trees - also from Gwynt y Ddraig. The pub was fairly traditional with a small snug and a larger bar area, as well as an outdoor area at the rear. It was very busy on Saturday evening and live football was being shown on the TVs. Well worth the short detour off the High Street.
31 Dec 2013 19:53
After finding the bar at the Midlands Arts Centre closed, we moved onto Harborne. The Plough was our first of 5 ports of call in this Birmingham suburb. It is more of a gastropub than anything. Although they do have an interesting array of ales. Cask ales on were Purity Pure Gold, Saddle Black & Mad Goose, Wye Valley Butty Bach & Warwickshire Lady Godiva. We also sampled the special burger, which was quite nice, albeit pricey. A popular place.
31 Dec 2013 19:47
Chef & Brewer restaurant/pub on one of the main roads out of Birmingham. Whilst primarily aimed at diners, the Backyard Blonde & The Hoard & Sharps Doom Bar. The building is quite large. One area was taken up by a private party and the main part is set out for diners. However, there are a couple of tables near the bar for drinkers. There are many better options in Birmingham for a pint.
31 Dec 2013 19:41
The City Tavern is an archetypal Birmingham city centre pub, with a fairly impressive interior. Sadly, it was fairly quiet on our Saturday afternoon visit. The only real ale was Marstons EPA. Although Pedigree was coming soon. I decided not to wait! The Polish (or at least I believe he was) barman seemed fairly jolly and the owners also seemed friendly enough. Horse racing was being shown on the TV. I liked the pub, but the beer range could have been better. Nevertheless, I would imagine that this could be a reasonable retreat from the Broad Street madness on a Friday or Saturday night.
31 Dec 2013 18:31
After finding this pub closed one evening this year, I returned on Saturday lunchtime, having heard it had re-opened. The Woodman has had a sympathetic makeover, with all of the original features, including the excellent tiling, retained. There are 3 rooms - one large bar at the front, one tiny side room and another small room at the rear, with hatch access to the bar. The location of the pub still seems a bit odd. It is one of very few old buildings standing in this fairly modern area of Birmingham. I read that the planned new HS2 railway station will be nearby. So assuming the pub survives, it could be in the ideal location in the future. For now, it still seems to be a bit out on a limb and a bit too far from the main shopping area to draw the crowds. Although the new Science Museum is opposite with an IMAX cinema. Ales on were Castle Rock Harvest Pale & Black Gold, Ringwood Boon Doggle, Salopian Let It Snow, Beowulf Chasewater & Oakham Slippery Goose. There were a few spare handpulls, if the range needs to be extended. Whilst there were no real ciders on, I did spot a couple of Hogans ciders waiting at the side of the bar. I quite liked this pub. So I hope to be back some time soon.
31 Dec 2013 18:27
The Sack of Potatoes, Gosta Green
This pub is located in the heart of Aston University. It was fairly busy with Aston Villa football fans on our Saturday lunchtime visit, as it is not too far from their ground. 3 ales were on - Lymestone Ein Stein, Byatts Phoenix Gold & Wye Valley HPA. 2 other beers were being prepared in the cellar. Sadly, there was no real cider. Cosy enough little pub, with what looked like a band of loyal regulars.
31 Dec 2013 18:17
I preferred the Farmers Arms to the Cheshire Cheese just up the road. It's a similar kind of pub to the Cheshire Cheese, if not slightly more traditional. We stood in the front bar. There was also a small side room and a larger room at the rear. Ales here are a bit more mainstream. But they did at least have a dark ale on. The selection was Greene King IPA, Wells A Good Stuffing, Adnams Bitter, Tetleys Mild & Jennings Cumberland Ale. Service was friendly and the place was fairly busy on our Boxing Day lunchtime visit.
27 Dec 2013 22:26
Cosy pub with a number of separate rooms and a friendly, community feel. 5 real ales were on - Peerless Pale, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Liverpool Organic Iron Men, Jennings Cumberland Ale & Wells Bombardier. Football was being shown on a TV in the main bar area.
27 Dec 2013 22:20
The Vivian Arms was our final pub of the day and was another Brains pub, located on a crossroads in the centre of Sketty. It was busy with people eating their Sunday lunches. Beers on were Brains Bitter, SA, The Rev James & Rye Catcher & Butcombe Bitter. Certainly another locals place.
24 Dec 2013 17:23
The Black Boy is a large, foody-type Brains pub located in the centre of Killay. 3 Brains Cask ales were on - Bitter, SA & The Rev James. Staff were friendly. There are plenty of TVs, presumably for sport and most people there were eating. A comfortable enough pub. But it felt a bit too much like a chain pub. The Village Inn, a short distance away is more of a proper pub. But it is not listed on here. Head a bit further afield and the Railway Inn is even better.
24 Dec 2013 17:16
Great little pub in a wooded dip, just outside Killay itself. It's situated next to a now non-existent station and apparently used to be the station house. The old railway line is now some kind of walkway and is popular with walkers and cyclists. The pub itself is a cracking find. It has a number of small, but cosy rooms and stocks several ales from the Swansea brewery. Some are dispensed by handpull. Others come direct from the cellar. Beers on during our Sunday visit were Swansea Barland Strong Ale, Three Cliffs Gold, The Original Wood, Bishopswood Bitter, Deep Slade Dark & LMS, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Wells & Youngs A Good Stuffing & St Austell Proper Job. They also had Gwynt y Ddraig Two Trees Perry on. We sat in the front bar, which is lined with plenty of interesting pcictures and jokes. We were the only people until around 20-30 muddy cyclists arrived. Probably the nicest pub we have found in the Swansea area.
24 Dec 2013 17:12
Had heard that Ma Egertons had received a makeover and had changed hands. So I managed to stop by for a swift half last night, before catching a train. As described below, there are 3 handpulls. Yesterday they had Hardy & Hansons Rocking Rudolph & Theakstons Best & Lightfoot. I had the Rocking Rudolph, which was in reasonable condition. There are better pubs not too far away. But Ma Egertons has improved and it's good to see that they have real ales.
15 Dec 2013 15:47
Still the pub that our group tends to visit the most when in Liverpool. The ales tend to be consistently well kept and turn over quite rapidly. The pub still has a nice interior and Dave is a reasonably friendly bloke, if you stay on the right side of him. Yesterday's selection was George Wright Mark's Mild, Titanic Plum Porter & First Class, Saltaire Hopfen IPA, Fernandes Rum For Cover, Cascade Torrent & Swift One & Salopian Shropshire Gold. Addlestones is still the cider. The Rum For Cover at 6.5% was very tasty. I do like the Ship & Mitre and the Cracke. But the Dispensary is still in the running for the best pub in Liverpool City Centre.
15 Dec 2013 15:40
Typical Liverpool city centre bar for the late night crowd on a Friday or Saturday night. I prefered the Queen Square branch of this chain. There are 3 handpulls. One had a Greene King IPA pumpclip, but was obscured by some kind of drinks promotion for bottles or spirits or the like. A few people were eating and there was a Santa's grotto you could visit if you wanted to forego £2. The toilets were somewhat updated and not particularly clean. Serves a purpose for a certain niche sector. But not my kind of establishment.
15 Dec 2013 15:34
Sam Smiths that was much quieter than the Roebuck up the hill. The pub is reasonably large, with plenty of seating. All beers are keg - Extra Stout, Cider Reserve, Double Four Lager, Taddy Lager, Old Brewery Bitter, Alpine Lager & Pure Brewed Organic Lager. A bit off the beaten track. But it has a nice setting just above the river.
15 Dec 2013 15:28
After a swift visit to the Sussex Arms in Twickenham, I came here for a party. It was my first visit to the upstairs bar, where the staff were happy to bring up the real ales from the main bar. Only 7 were on this time - Fullers London Pride, Binghams Coffee Stout, Twickenham 1730 Special Pale, Portobello Pale, Brains The Rev James & Adnams Broadside & Ghost Ship. Sadly, there is still no real cider. Aspalls is the only draught choice. Staff were friendly. The pub itself was quiet on our mid-afternoon arrival, but much busier by evening.
15 Dec 2013 15:24
It's been a couple of years since I was last in the Wenlock and a lot of things have changed. Luckily, the pub is still open. The beer selection is just as good, if not better than previously and the cider selection is now much improved. Yesterday, they had Clarence & Fredericks Best Bitter, Oat Milk Stout & American Pale Ale, Crouch Vale X, Mighty Oak Maldon Gold & Oscar Wilde, Pitfield Norman's Mild & Okells Olaf. Ciders and perries were Green Valley Sweet, Sam's Devon Cider Dry, Hunt's Medium Dry & Sweet, Yarde Medium, Westons Country Perry & Lawrence's Medium Dry. There was also a mulled cider being prepared. The one thing I'm undecided about is the interior. It's now much cleaner and doesn't smell. But gone are the local characters and the rough and ready feel of a local London boozer. The pub feels less homely and the decor is bland. Nevertheless, I was impressed by the drinks range and the gents toilets were much improved. No longer a place I'd want to spend too long in. But certainly worth staying for a few halves/pints.
9 Dec 2013 22:33
Hadn't heard about this pub until yesterday. It's a typical example of the new breed of craft beer pubs. You enter to find a row of handpulls with no clips. I initially assumed that there were no beers on. But a large blackboard indicated a good selection of both keg and cask ales. The cask selection was Ilkley Dinner Ale, Caveman Neanderthal, Hobsons Town Crier, Black Iris Citra & Round Tower Lupuline Black. A half decent pub in an area that now has plenty of real ale establishments.
9 Dec 2013 22:25
Was reasonably impressed with this pub. It's near enough to the Emirates Stadium to be handy on a matchday, whilst being far enough away to ensure it is not packed. There is plenty of seating around the circular bar. Although we had to move around the bar to get served, as there was nobody serving in the one section. 4 ales were on - Bath Ales Barnesy, London Fields Hackney Hopster, Windsor & Eton Mandarin & Clarkshaws Phoenix Rising. The cider was Thatchers Heritage.
9 Dec 2013 22:18
The Duchess of Kent, Barnsbury
Seemed to be more of a gastropub than a proper alehouse. But this pub is close to Highbury & Islington station and handy for the Emirates Stadium. It was busy yesterday lunchtime with matchgoers. 3 ales were on - London Gold, Cornish Coaster & Ghost Ship. I wouldn't rule this pub out whenever I'm here for the football.
9 Dec 2013 22:12
The Swan With Two Nicks, Little Bollington
This pub wasn't quite as good as I was expecting. It was our only pub we had chance to visit last night on the way to Manchester. The location is convenient for the M6 and M56. Yet it is located in a rural setting in what looked like a very nice area, despite it being dark! The pub itself is quite big. There is a dining area as you enter from the car park and a bar area to the front of the pub. Service was friendly. Beers on were Coach House Swan With Two Nicks, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Wychwood The Dog's Bollo*ks & Dunham Massey Dark Mild & Little Bollington. We were hoping for more Dunham Massey beers and the mild seemed to be getting past its best.
5 Dec 2013 20:23
Bier was disappointing again on our Saturday visit. I had read that it had changed hands. But if it has, it's probably for the worse. Only 2 ales were on - Deuchars & The Dog's Bollo*ks. It was busy. But then most pubs and bars in this area are packed on a Saturday night. There are plenty of better pubs nearby.
3 Dec 2013 21:43
Another pub I hadn't been to for a couple of years. I can't remember having visited here on an evening before. I think all of my previous visits have been at lunchtime. Whilst it was no busier, it did seem noisier than normal. Sometimes I find the music ok in here. But the selection from the jukebox was more annoying this time. So we supped up quickly and moved on. Service was good and the cider (Rosies Triple D) was fine. The ale selection was Cottage Full Steam Ahead, Phoenix Hopsack, Elland Who Da Ell, Hydes Original & Bridgnorth Kings Escape. Based on this visit, it will be another couple of years before I return. When I do, I must remember to come back on a lunchtime.
3 Dec 2013 21:40
Went back to the Grapes after a couple of years without a visit on Saturday. There is still a good beer range - Purple Moose Snowdonia, Thwaites Wainwright, Liverpool Craft American Red, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Tetleys Gold. I still find it disappointing that they don't stock a real cider and there were no dark beers either. Opening hours still seem very unpredictable. Despite supposedly having had a refurb, the interior still seems very worn. It was fairly busy on our Saturday evening visit. But I'm still not fully convinced by the Grapes.
3 Dec 2013 21:30
Passed this pub on the way to the Camp & Furnace on Saturday. I'm sad to say that the Nook is now closed and boarded up.
3 Dec 2013 21:20
Nice little pub in a good location at the corner of the Green. Inside, there are number of little corners and there is more seating than there initially appears on entering. Being a Fullers pub, the beer range is a little limited. 4 ales were on - ESB, Pride, Black Cab & Chiswick. The Black Cab wasn't quite as good as I remembered it when I last tried it 2 years ago. But it was good enough for a few pints. As part of a group, we ate here as well. The menu is limited and the food is nothing special. I think this pub has more potential. But it doesn't need to try any harder, as its location will always help it to draw a large enough crowd.
29 Nov 2013 21:40
The Botanist On The Green, Kew
Went in here for a couple of swift ones yesterday. It is a fairly upmarket eatery/microbrewery, but friendly nonetheless. 6 of the ales brewed on the premises were available - OK Bitter, Maximus, Pumpkin, Q Gold, Night Porter & Three Nine One. I tried the pumpkin beer and the porter and both were reasonable. There are also a number of keg options and a good choice of foreign beers in bottles. More a bar than a pub. But probably the best establishment around the green.
29 Nov 2013 21:36
I like to try a new bar/pub whenever I visit Liverpool. I thought I was scraping the barrel with this one. But I was more impressed with this place than I thought I'd be. It's a typical city centre pub catering for the lager-swilling crowd who might want a bite to eat and to watch a little bit of sport on the TV. It's a large cavernous affair on multi levels. I did manage to find a table and nabbed the last bottle of Thatcher's Katy, which undoubtedly swayed my views. Still not a place I'd head back to in a hurry - Liverpool has too many decent pubs. But there's many worse places in the city than this.
26 Nov 2013 22:05
Blackburne Arms Hotel, Liverpool
Returned here after a gap of more than 5 years on Saturday, after hearing that the pub has changed hands. Sure enough, there were 3 ales on that were more adventurous than previous selections. The Beartown Ginger Bear I tried was good. I don't recall the other two beers. It seems a bit dull inside. But it is certainly an improvement from my last visit.
26 Nov 2013 22:01
Glad to see the Caledonia manage to stave away the threat of closure. Made a return visit here on Saturday. To be honest, the jury is still out on this pub for me. Only 2 ales were on when we arrived. Although a 3rd was added shortly after. In addition, they had Rosies Triple D Cider. Will get here again, if still open in the next couple of years. But I'm still to be convinced that it's worth the effort getting here.
26 Nov 2013 21:57
Surprised the Ship & Mitre has dropped out of the current Good Beer Guide. For me, it's still an essential visit on any Liverpool pub tour. Whilst other pubs have better quality beer, this pub still has the best range of ales in Liverpool city centre and is generally one of the most popular, which speaks for itself. Was in here again on Saturday enjoying a pint of Saxon Greensleeves cider, which was attracting a fair amount of attention, due to its colour. I also sampled the mild and the porter, which were both good.
26 Nov 2013 21:53
Probably the best of the 3 Sydenham pubs I sampled late last night. This one is not far from Sydenham station. It felt dark and moody inside. But I'm sure the natural light helps matters during the day. The clientele were fairly young. Ales on were Fullers London Pride, St Austell Tribute & Arundel Sussex Gold. I opted for the Addlestones cider. I can recommend the Chinese takeaway across the road. This meal consumed on the 75 bus to Lewisham was the perfect antidote to 12 South East London pubs. Although the speed bumps around here did turn it into a challenge!
10 Nov 2013 14:25
I'd read that this pub was closed and was about to be replaced with a supermarket. But remarkably, there was no Sainsburys - just a large pub. I believe this used to be a Wetherspoons. But luckily somebody else has taken it over and kept it as a pub. The interior is just what you'd expect, now that I've told you it was a 'spoons. But the atmosphere feels worse, because it was pretty much empty. The crooner at the far end belting out Bryan Adams "classics" probably helped matters slightly. The sole lady dancing to this in the middle of the pub made me chuckle. The many handpulls are still there. But only Old Speckled Hen and Courage Best were on. Nevertheless, the pub was cleaner than your average Wetherspoon and at least it's still open as a pub.
10 Nov 2013 14:20
The Dulwich Woodhouse, Sydenham
It feels like you're in the countryside when you step off the bus here. The pub also feels like a village local with groups of elderly men and their dogs chatting away, with diners enjoying a post-meal drink or two. The guy behind the bar was also very friendly. Being a Youngs pub, it only stocked their ales - Bitter, Special, London Gold & Winter Warmer. At least this was a larger selection than my previous 2 Youngs pubs earlier in the day. Nice pub. But not the easiest to get to.
10 Nov 2013 14:15
The Alleyns Head, West Dulwich
As part of the Ember Inns chain, this place is more of a restaurant serving real ales, than a real ale pub serving food. It had a few more features than other Ember Inns pubs I have been in. But it was still nothing special. The ale range was good - Okells Olaf, Sambrooks Junction, Sharps Doom Bar, Loch Ness Wilder Ness, Great Western Edwin's Ruby Porter & Youngs Bitter. But unless you're eating, you can feel uncomfortable drinking here. All tables are set out for diners and I was asked if I was eating with them by a couple of members of staff. I get irritated by the presumptioness of this. If I want food, I would surely ask for it. I must be getting grumpy as I age!
10 Nov 2013 14:03
Another South East London that failed to hit the spot. It's a Youngs house. So that's probably why. Only Ordinary and Special were available. The pub is smaller inside than you would first believe and the interior is quite cosy. Football was being shown on two TVs at either end of the bar, making it the centre of attention, whether you like it or not. Unlike the previous reviewer who had also visited the Railway Bell on the same day, I would have to say that I much preferred the Railway Bell.
10 Nov 2013 13:57
Tried this pub yesterday after a visit to nearby Selhurst Park. It was probably the worst pub of the day for me. I've just reviewed the Grape & Grain in Crystal Palace and said it was too light and airy. Well the Portmanor is just too dark and depressing. The interior is characterless and feels more like a nightclub than a pub. I believe it is popular for live music fans. So this may be why. But the ale selection - Courage Best only was also poor. Disappointing.
10 Nov 2013 13:52
The Grape and Grain, Crystal Palace
I've been looking forward to visiting this pub for a while. But it somehow missed the mark for me. The pros - an excellent range of beer yesterday - Plain Ales Indulgence & In The Sun, Hogsback Tea, Goddards Duck's Folly, Clarence & Fredericks Golden Ale, Green Flash Green Bullet, Milestone Shine On, Clarkshaws Gorgon's Alive, Theakston Best, Ascot on the Rails & By The Horns Lambeth Walk. The cider and perry selection was also good - Westons Old Rosie, Wyld Wood & Country Perry, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Abrahalls Medium Still Cider & Thundering Molly. The CAMRA discount is welcome (50p off per pint) and service was knowledgeable and friendly. What I felt this pub lacked was atmosphere. The interior felt fairly soulless with a hotchpotch selection of sofas and other seating that felt a little cluttered. It was also a bit too bright and airy for my liking. It just didn't feel like a traditional British pub. Nevertheless, the beer selection was worth the effort of coming here and I will definitely be paying a return visit one day.
10 Nov 2013 13:48
This is an Antic House and is fairly large. As other have said, it's conveniently situated just across the traffic lights from the Grape & Grain. Inside is a moody, gothic affair. Popular with families and diners, plus also plenty of drinkers. There are table football games if you are that way inclined. The beer selection was good - Great Heck Treasure IPA, Harbour IPA, Five Points Railway Porter, Green Flash Green Bullet, Tempest Ball Park, Adnams Bitter, Sharps Cornish Coaster & Darstar Hophead. Cider was Westons Old Rosie. Service was slow, with bar staff more interested in chatting with friends. But a good pub with a good range of ales.
10 Nov 2013 13:33
The Railway Bell, Crystal Palace
This is a great little pub. We too visited, as we'd seen the entry in the 2013 Good Beer Guide. You wouldn't know the pub was here, if you hadn't heard about it. Indeed, the lady behind the bar was surprised to see us shortly after opening at midday yesterday. She inquired as to how we knew about the place. The pub is a proper old fashioned backstreet boozer predominantly used by locals. Very comfortable with everything I'd look for in a pub. The only exception being the ales (a fairly major point)! I've never been a fan of Youngs beers and only the Ordinary and Special were on. Neverthless, I'd encourage a visit here if you can. The service was friendly. The atmosphere, despite being quiet, was spot on and the corned beef and ham rolls served with a locally made chutney (from the tomato plant in the garden) went down a treat. Sorry we only left the cheese ones for any later visitors!
10 Nov 2013 13:18
This 'spoons was a disappointment after the Moon & Stars in Penge. It was much busier and had its fair share of characters. But the beer selection was nowhere near as good - Clarence & Fredericks Smoked Red, Pretty Things Jack D'Or, Darkstar American Pale Ale, Sharps Doom Bar, Amendment Bitter Red, Hepworth Prospect, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best. Cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. This is a good area for pubs. There are better ones around. But this is worth a try if you are trying others around here.
10 Nov 2013 13:10
This was our first pub of the day in the sprawling suburbia of South East London. Arriving a little hungover after another good night at the Egham Beer Festival, I was impressed with the range of ales on offer. 14 were available in all, plus 2 ciders and at £1.49 a pint, I could have probably stayed all day! Beers on were Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Thornbridge Jaipur, Fullers ESB, Bohemian Hazelnut Brownie, Maxim Ruby Max, Woodfordes Bure Gold, Titanic Cappuccino, Brewsters Aromatic Porter, Thwaites Half Nelson, Cotleigh Lemon Ale, Mordue Oatmeal Stout, St Peters Extra & Late Knights Hop o'the Morning. Ciders were Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Sandford Orchards Shaky Bridge. The hazelnut beer was excellent and at 6.9% was the perfect cure for a hangover. Judging by the previous reviews on here, I reckon we struck lucky. I suspect most of these beers were left over from Wetherspoons festival and the reduced price and excellent range represented a concerted effort to get rid of old stock. Neverthless, you can only say it as you see it and on the basis of my visit, I would have to say that I have never found a better Wetherspoons than this one and it was favourite pub of the day.
10 Nov 2013 13:03
Still the only pub in Wembley worth drinking in. It's always been busy whenever I have been. Doesn't have a brilliant ale selection, compared with other Wetherspoons. Staff are rarely in a hurry to serve anybody and the clientele leaves a lot to be desired. Beers last night were Greene King Abbot & Abbot's Confession, Ruddles Best, Adnams Topaz Gold & Ninkasi Cream Ale. The 2 Westons ciders were Old Rosie and Marcle Hill.
7 Nov 2013 20:46
This is one Wetherspoons I hadn't visited until yesterday. It's possibly the biggest one I have seen and was suitably packed with standing room only. The ale range looked particularly huge. But try asking for one on offer and you'll probably find it unavailable. Those on offer were Brewing Crew Ballast Point, Liberation EPA, Thwaites Half Nelson, Okells Jiarg, Tring Waimea, JW Lees Cora, Harpoon IPA, Everards Pumpkin Ake, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Jennings The World's Biggest Liar & Purity Mad Goose. Two Westons ciders were on - one was Marcle Hill and I believe the other was Old Rosie. A bit too busy for my liking.
27 Oct 2013 18:10
The Post Office Vaults, Birmingham
Got here just before the pub opened at 11am yesterday (Saturday). The side door was closed but unlatched. So we tried our luck and the friendly barmaid let us in. There is a further entrance on New Street itself. We've been in here on an early Saturday evening before now and found the place heaving. So it was nice to have the place to ourselves for all of 5 minutes. By the time we left, it was still fairly comfortable. But when crowded, being underground, it does feel a little claustrophobic. All 8 ales were on yesterday - Salopian Oracle, Hobsons Champion Mild, Riverhead Vlaamse Wheat, Late Knights Hop o'The Morning, Beowulf Beorma, Brew Company Autumnus, Elland Styrian Pale Ale & Naked Brewer Oracle. I though the idea of third pint glasses in front of each handpull was good. You could see what you were about to order. There are also 13 ciders/perries, fetched from the adjacent cool storage area - Hogans Vintage Perry, Picker's Passion, Hazy Daisy & Panking Pole, Wilce's Cider, Ross-on-Wye Oak, Green Valley Devon Farm, Ciderfect Brown Snout, Solway Perry & Kingston Black, Newtons Yarlington Mill & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Farmhouse Scrumpy. In addition as others have mentioned, there is a fine bottled selection. For me, this is currently Birmingham's best boozer. Although the cider range certainly helps sway my opinion.
27 Oct 2013 17:54
Wasn't overly impressed with this pub. Locals were congregated around the bar and some of the language was choice. The beer range was fairly ordinary with many similar beers - Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Fullers London Pride, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Brakspear Bitter & Greene King IPA. There was also a beer presumably to celebrate the life of a local - Morgan's Chedhams Boys Beer. I chose this one and it was fairly good. Toilets for both ladies and gents are outdoor at the rear. You'll smell the gents long before you see it. Has the potential to be a good pub. But doesn't quite achieve it.
23 Oct 2013 21:56
It was a toss up between the Bear in Stratford and the Boars Head for our pub of the day. The Boars Head is more of a pub and had a better atmosphere. But I think the Bear is slightly better for its better ale range. I was hoping to try a local Church Farm beer here. But there were none on. The choice was still good - Timothy Taylor Landlord, Church End Hop Gun, Ringwood Best Bitter, Sharps Doom Bar & Banks's Howling Wolf. The pub itself has two rooms. A large room at the front and a smaller bar at the rear. It offers takeaway food, including donner kebabs! The village itself is also nice and has a very impressive church overlooking the pub.
23 Oct 2013 21:52
If I was looking for a hotel in Stratford, I think I'd look to stay here. The hotel is part of a chain. The bar was very much a locals' haunt. Other than the New Bull's Head, it was the only one we found that wasn't overrun with tourists. Live football was being shown. This was also the only pub where we found the Sunday match being shown. The bar was so popular that patrons were spilling over to the hotel lobby. The beer range was also good - North Cotswold The Bear, Castle Rock Harvest Pale & Most Haunted Pumpkin Porter, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Sadlers Cerberus, Westgate Gangly Ghoul & Wye Valley Butty Bach. I enjoyed the Pumpkin Porter I had and am not surprised this is CAMRA's Warwickshire pub of the year. It was our favourite of the day too. A real cider would have been nice though.
23 Oct 2013 21:46
The Pen and Parchment, Stratford Upon Avon
The Pen & Parchment has a nice location next to the river and the canal in Stratford. Unfortunately our visit coincided with a heavy rain shower. So the pub didn't appear quite as nice as in the photo above! But it was a welcome respite from the rain. Being a Greene King pub, the selection was limited to IPA, Abbot and another called Poet's Ink. The only free tables were reserved for non-existent diners. We were too wet to worry about that and duly occupied one. Diners around us were complaining about their food. Being a tourist town, Greene King can probably get away with this. The worst of the 6 Stratford pubs we sampled.
23 Oct 2013 21:39
The Golden Bee, Stratford Upon Avon
The Golden Bee is probably best described as having a typical Stratford exterior and a typical Wetherspoons interior. It stretches back quite a way, with an outdoor drinking/smoking area overlooking a car park at the rear. With the latest Spoons festival having just started, the beer range was good - Titanic Cappuccino, Bohemian Hazelnut Brownie, Fat Heads Sunshine Daydream, Ninkasi Cream Ale, Ruddles Best, Everards Pumpkin Ale, Wadworth WTF & Greene King The Abbot's Confession. There was also a real perry - Sandford Orchards Pear Shaped. Our second favourite Stratford pub.
23 Oct 2013 21:32
The Garrick Inn, Stratford Upon Avon
The Garrick is the oldest pub in Stratford and is a typical old Stratford buildings and slap bang in the centre of town. There is a small bar area at the front, with a corridor to the side of the serving area leading to a larger room and a continuation of the corridor, which both serve as dining areas. It was busy on our Sunday afternoon visit. Beers were from the Greene King range - IPA, Old Speckled Hen & Abbot. There was also one called Garricks Shakesbeer. I'm like to bet it was another option from the Greene King stable. Nice to visit, but not the best place for drinkers.
23 Oct 2013 21:28
The Old Thatch Tavern, Stratford Upon Avon
This is a very cosy, low beamed Fullers pub just opposite the American Fountain in Stratford. It is bound to appeal to the tourists. The pub is only small inside and nearly all tables were taken by diners. Two ales from the Fullers range were on - Pride & Seafarers. You may have to wait to be served, as meals are taken out and plates cleared away. If you're happy with that, give this place a try.
23 Oct 2013 21:23
The New Bulls Head, Stratford Upon Avon
Modern looking pub that is far less touristy than most others in Stratford. The beer range was good - Hook Norton Lion, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Robinsons Dizzy Blonde, Jennings Sneck Lifter & Banks's Black Diamond. I opted for the latter, which was more of a black IPA and a little too hoppy for my liking. Located in a quiet back street, a few minutes walk from the centre. It's also handy for parking on a Sunday. The cake was still on the bar - hopefully not the same one!
23 Oct 2013 21:17
This place is more of a restaurant than a pub. Every table was taken or reserved for diners, leaving only a couple of stools at the bar for drinkers. The bar staff are trained to ask if you are dining there, when they take your drinks order. Of course, you can't blame pubs for taking this direction. But I do find it annoying. The pub itself is in a nice Avonside village and the denizens are from the middle-upper classes. 4 ales were on - Purity Ubu & Pure Gold, Hobsons Best & Adnams Lighthouse. It's still a nice place and I would imagine that the atmosphere would feel far more like a pub on a weekday.
23 Oct 2013 21:07
The Golden Cross was the first of our Stratford and surrounding area pubs on Sunday. We opted to try the Sunday lunch here too and it was above average. We ate in the bar area, where there were a few spare tables. There is a separate dining area, that I think was fully booked. Service was good and the beer choice was reasonable too - Purity Mad Goose & Wells Eagle, Bombardier & Golden Cauldron. The cider was Thatchers Heritage. One of the better pubs of 10 we tried on the day. 9 more reviews to follow!
23 Oct 2013 20:50
We tend to pop in here on a regular basis just before rushing to catch a train from Lime Street station. It's very convenient in that respect. The only problem is that many other people have the same idea. It's full of transient travellers and doesn't need to focus on its beers. Most keg options were off on our early Saturday evening visit. The 2 that were available were Conwy Clogwyn Gold & Liverpool Organic Royal George. The range used to be much better than this and they no longer stock a real cider either. Many of the keg options were also off. Now very disappointing. I last rated this a 7/10. Now it's more of a 5.
23 Oct 2013 20:45
Had a disappointing visit here on Saturday. The decor is still amazing and I would advise anybody to pay the pub a visit. It will always survive by virtue of its architecture as visitors to the city should and will flock here. But it's not really for regular drinkers. The ale range is no longer as good as it once was, the quality has also gone downhill and the service is also far worse than it used to be. We waited 10 minutes to get served on Saturday while the young barmaid served everybody out of turn. When we finally got our Kelburn Dark Moor, it was in a poor condition. But we were in too much of a rush to wait another 10 minutes to return our drinks. Other beers on were Liverpool Organic 24 Carat Gold, Ilkley The Norseman, Sharps Doom Bar, Woodfordes Wherry & Daleside Old Leg Over. If you're here to see the pub itself, I definitely recommend a visit. If you're here for the ales, there's plenty of decent pubs/bars within a few minutes walk - try the Caledonia, Clove Hitch, Belvedere, Cracke, Pilgrim, Fly in the Loaf, Grapes, Dispensary or Roscoe Head for starters.
23 Oct 2013 20:42
The White House, Stockley Park
The nearest Wetherspoons to my home. But now I know why I've never been here before. The ale choice is fairly bog standard - Fullers London Pride, Youngs Special, Greene King IPA & Adnams Broadside. Although I'm not sure that all of these were on. Pumpclips were on display. But that often means nothing in a Wetherspoons. I opted for the Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon cider, which had a pumpclip displayed. But alas it was not available. Despite them knowing they weren't stocking any real cider, they did not turn the clip around. I think this must be something Wetherspoons staff are trained to do, as I've seen it many times before. The place was busy on our Sunday afternoon visit. But most people were here for the food. The location overlooking a lake is quite pleasant, despite it being on a trading estate. But this is a fairly poor example of the chain.
6 Oct 2013 18:25
The Toby Carvery has not changed too much since my last visit here several years back. Although it does seem much busier. 2 ales were on last night - Fullers London Pride & Greene King IPA. The food is good value, but drinks are pricey. The wait to get served can be almost 10 minutes. Far more of a restaurant than a pub, but if you live locally, it's just about your only option for a pint.
6 Oct 2013 18:19
Ha ha. The Red Cow is no more. Thank goodness this lair of criminality and deceitfulness ceases to exist. Gone are the drunks, down and outs and troublemakers. The High Street can return to some semblance of normality now. I hate pubs closing down. But this wasn't a pub. It was a dive bar of the highest magnitude. Good riddance to the Red Cow. May you and all of your previous occupants burn in hell.
5 Oct 2013 16:42
The George and Dragon, Yiewsley
True to my word, it has only been 2 years since my last visit. The George & Dragon has gone up in my esteem after today's visit. Service is still not the quickest, with a fair few staff seemingly milling around doing not an awful lot. However the 3-4 minutes I was left standing at the bar allowed me to spot a box of real cider lurking in the corner and marked "house cider". Of course I had to plump for this and I'm fairly sure it was Westons Wyld Wood. 2 ales were also on - Timothy Taylor Landlord and Ossett Yorkshire Blonde - no Greene King keg ales in sight. Although I'm sure this is still a Greene King pub and there were some keg options. The atmosphere was as boisterous as ever, with plenty of shouting, swearing and irrational behaviour. But the pub has multiple screens showing BT Sports football, which the reason I was there after missing my first away match for some time. Not really a substitute for being in Manchester, but the George & Dragon served its purpose well and the real cider was an unexpected bonus.
5 Oct 2013 16:39
The Five Bells, West Chiltington
Finally we found a pub that was open to round off our Sunday evening visit to West Sussex. Although it took an eternity to be served. One guy seemed to be ordering for a few thousand and the lager being ordered by the next customer seemed to be suffering from an excessive amount of gas. 10 minutes later and the landlord finally got around to serving me. Having all of this time had allowed me to spot the Biddendens Cider in a (probably fake) wooden keg in one corner of the bar. Unfortunately, this bearded fella informed me that it was past its best. The fallback was Three B's Stoker's Slake, which was a very nice substitute. Other beers on were WJ King Kings Old Ale, Plain Ales Intrigue, Harveys Sussex Best Bitter & Hogsback HBB. This single room pub is still worth a visit and has a very nice location, if you can put up with the lack of serving staff.
5 Oct 2013 16:32
Yet another closed pub. This one at least had a sign indicating it was closed for a refurbishment. So I'll give it the benefit of the doubt and review next time I'm in the area - could be another 10 years or so though!
5 Oct 2013 16:27
This was the third closed pub of the day for us. It doesn't look like it has closed for good. But very strange to see it closed on a Sunday evening. Although maybe its location on a caravan site has something to do with this. 0/10 for no beer in the evening.
5 Oct 2013 16:25
Locals pub with a bit of a quirky feel. There are 2 bars - the larger one had a musician playing on our Sunday evening visit. The smaller one to the left was much more cosy with only one other customer. You can still get access to the end of the bar here and there is plenty of bric-a-brac to admire. Being a Fullers pub, the beer range was limited to just London Pride & Gales HSB. Nice pub though.
5 Oct 2013 16:23
Nice pub on the edge of Yapton. I only visited the small public bar. But there is a nice little patio outside and I believe there were larger rooms to the rear. It was reasonably busy for a Sunday evening. Although a pub quiz was about to start. The beer range is good - Kennet & Avon Pillbox, Wessex Wyndham Pride, Dark Star Hophead & Theakston Old Peculier & Grouse Beater. Cider was Old Rosie. Worth a visit.
5 Oct 2013 16:19
Another closure. But unfortunately unlike the Holly Tree at Walberton, this one seems to be lost for good. There is a line of hoaring alongside the pub with new housing developments nearby. I suspect the bulldozers will move in soon.
5 Oct 2013 16:14
Our good luck ran out when we arrived at the Holly Tree at Walberton. After finding 7 pubs in a row open, we finally found one that had closed. The good news is that the pub is currently being refurbished. The fact that the signage is still there points to an iminent re-opening, rather than a conversion to a private property. So we'll give this another try next time we're back in this neck of the woods.
5 Oct 2013 16:12
We visited Arundel and tried 3 pubs several years back. Whilst passing through this time, we thought we'd give the Red Lion a try, as it has appeared in the latest Good Beer Guide. The pub is in a central location, just down the hill from the castle and the cathedral. The interior is modern - not really to my liking. The beers were Arundel Sussex Gold, Springfield Roaring Meg, Dark Star American Pale Ale & Sharps Doom Bar. Cider was Old Rosie. Not the best pub we have tried in Arundel. But there are a few here to go for. From what I recall last time, we preferred the White Hart.
5 Oct 2013 16:09
This was our favourite pub of the day. Located in the small village of Byworth, this village pub had a pleasant little bar and a small dining area to the rear. The garden at the rear is very nice. It is terraced, with tables at the top and a large lawn at the bottom. From the top of the terrace, there are lovely views over the Sussex Downs. Beers on were Cottage Winston Churchill Ale, Andwell Gold Muddler, Flowerpots Best Bitter & Fullers London Pride. Cider was Old Rosie. Recommended if you ever visit Petworth or the surrounding area.
5 Oct 2013 16:03
The better of the two pubs we tried in Petworth, this one had a few more locals. The entrance is up a couple of steps directly from the road - no pavements here. There are fake casks behind the bar. But the beer is dispensed from handpulls. The selection for my visit was Dark Star American Pale Ale & Partridge & Langham Best Bitter. The real cider was Addlestones. Roast potatoes and parsnips were available on plates at the bar, presumably left over from Sunday lunch. But there were too many people hogging the bar for me to avail myself of one.
5 Oct 2013 15:59
After a walk around Petworth Park, we wandered back to the village to try the Star and the Angel. The Star is a Fullers pub right in the central market square. The beers on were Pride & Seafarers. Nice enough little pub. But probably more suited to the tourists. Now I don't need a bowl for my bag of crisps, thank you!
5 Oct 2013 15:54
After a visit to the very quiet but pleasant Sun Inn at Plaistow (not listed on here), we moved onto this pub. Despite being a Hall & Woodhouse pub, it was one of our favourites of the day. Set in a nice country area, the pub seems to do most things well. There is a small bar for the locals, a restaurant for the tourists and nice outdoor drinking areas at the front and rear. The garden at the rear was especially nice and adjacent to it, there was even a place to park your horse! Beers on were Kings & Barnes Sussex Draught Bitter & Badger Bitter & Fursty Ferret. The cider was Westons Old Rosie. Toilets are outside and very traditional! A rustic place that was only beaten by one other pub on the day.
5 Oct 2013 15:48
The Sir Roger Titchbourne, Alfold Bars
Roadside pub that lacks character. The bar staff are certainly friendly and knowledgeable. The beer range is also good - Youngs Bitter, Weltons Persian Princess & Hoptical Illusion, Dark Star American IPA & Tring Rocket Man were the selection last Sunday lunchtime. There is a fairly open plan bar and a separate restaurant area. It's a shame that so many pubs have to rely on food these days to make ends meet.
5 Oct 2013 15:41
The Mad Bishop and Bear, Paddington
Visited this station pub after an absence of 4 years late on Tuesday evening. I regularly travel through Paddington, but rarely get round to visiting. It was very much as I remember it. The Fullers range is supplemented by a guest or two. The selection during our visit was Fullers Disocvery, Red Fox, London Pride, ESB & Chiswick, Hektors Pure & Hydes Original. Lacks atmosphere. But it is a quiet retreat from the main station concourse.
27 Sep 2013 20:25
Saw this pub was in the latest Good Beer Guide and decided to try it out on Tuesday. It has a nice location at the end of an alley and looks more like a village pub from the outside, rather than a city pub which is a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of the Earl's Court Road. Inside, the pub is unmistakably London. It was fairly busy. I was looking forward to sampling the porter from Westerham that was supposed to be in. But in the event, they only had Westerham Audit Ale & Adnams Broadside. The Audit Ale was in good condition. Worth a try.
27 Sep 2013 20:13
Last pub of the day and easily the best of 7 East London pubs visited yesterday. I've been wanting to give this a try since hearing they had won the local CAMRA cider pub of the year and it did not disappoint. The interior is dark (at night) and small with an inverted L-shaped bar. 16 handpulls dispense 8 ales and 8 ciders. There are also a number of craft beer options in bottles and on keg, including a rather nice 11% barley wine. Whilst we didn't venture outside, there was also a beer garden. The gents were a little strange, especially the sink which appears to be the urinal at first glance! The bar staff are knowledgeable and the clientele is a young, studenty type crowd, similar to what you would find in the Jolly Butchers in Stoke Newington. Being the brewery tap for the Howling Hops brewery, they had 4 of their beers on - SImcoe, Amarillo, Mozaic & Single Stout. Guests were Clarence & Fredericks IPA & Best Bitter, Brodies London Fields Pale Ale & Five Points Pale. Only 7 of the 8 cider handpulls were on. The selection was still good - West Milton, Millwhites Rum Cask, Blackberry Blush & Rioja Cask, London Cider Co. Traditional, Rogers Sweet & Kingcombe Valley Cider. Located a stone's throw away from Hackney Central station, this place is well worth a visit.
22 Sep 2013 19:11
Pretty awful bar not too far from the Gants Hill tube station. I`m sure I remember people raving about this pub. But it`s gone downhill, presumably since it re-opened. The bar is fairly small and has multiple TVs showing sport. A pool table takes up a fair amount of room. 2 real ales from Mighty Oak were on - the Maldon Gold was undrinkable and the Burntwood Bitter was not much better. Not sure if the guy standing next to our table was a bouncer or not. He certainly looked like was and appeared to be enjoying his lager. This God-forsaken place is not exactly easy to get to either, especially when the Central line is not running.
22 Sep 2013 18:59
I quite liked this pub. It`s a traditional freehouse outside of Ilford town centre. A friendly welcome is offered. Although some of the locals seemed a little strange. There are a couple of rooms and pub grub is served. Beers on were Holts Two Hoots, Greene King Abbot, Youngs Bitter & Wychwood Hobgoblin. One of the better pubs we tried in the East End yesterday.
22 Sep 2013 18:53
Still closed. The white busts on the outside of the building are still there though.
22 Sep 2013 18:49
Busy Wetherspoons next to Barking station. The usual `spoons format applies here - cheap beer, cheep food and a bland, open-plan interior. Ales on were Summerskills Bravo Zulu, Old Bear Great Bear, Jennings Crag Rat, Harviestoun Schiehallion, Sixpoint Bengali Tiger, Hawkshead Cumbrian 5 Hop, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best. Ciders were Westons Wyld Wood & Old Rosie.
22 Sep 2013 18:48
Second visit to a pub called the Spotted Dog within a week, following the one in Digbeth, Birmingham last weekend. I think I prefer the Digbeth one. The Spotted Dog in Barking was an unscheduled stop for us. There were 2 real ales on - Davy's Old Wallop & Shepherd Neame Kent's Best. The Old Wallop was in a poor condition. However, the Davy's Port was nice, albeit pricey. No sign of this pub closing, as mentioned in the previous review. But it certainly seems to suffer tough competition from the much busier adjacent Wetherspoons.
22 Sep 2013 18:44
The Thomas Willingale, Chingford
The Station House is similar to most other pubs I have tried in Chingford, in that it lacks character. It has a good location, directly opposite the station and the ale selection is ok - Tiny Rebel Billabong, Banks`s Mild & Marstons Pedigree were on yesterday. There was also a real cider - Westons Family Reserve. I was the only customer yesterday lunchtime. The staff outnumbered me somewhat. There are numerous promotions for cheap drinks and adverts for live football on the walls. A Premier League match was about to be shown. CAMRA members can get discounts off certain ales. Still to find a decent pub in Chingford.
22 Sep 2013 18:36
Chain pub (Smith & Jones, I think they were called) that seems to be trying to replicate the Wetherspoons experience with extended opening hours, cheap food, an open-play layout in former retail premises and real ales. The interior itself seemed slightly nicer than a Wetherspoons. But the ale selection was limited to Courage Best, Wells Bombardier & Morland Original. The clientele seemed to be mostly elderly folks enjoying breakfast yesterday morning. Although I suspect a younger crowd moves in later.
22 Sep 2013 18:29
Was here again last night, for the first time in 18 months. Still a reasonably nice pub. But the prices are just too high. Half a cider and a Pepsi = £4.85! The ale selection has also deteriorated since my last visit. 3 beers were on - Greene King IPA, Fullers London Pride & Wadworth 6X. Convenient for my work and undoubtedly popular with tourists staying overnight in the Heathrow Airport area, it can probably afford to charge the exorbitant prices.
19 Sep 2013 19:10
Wasn't expecting to find this pub open, given the previous review. But this corner pub is now alive and kicking. Although the area it is in still feels a little run-down. Inside, some of the customers appear a little eccentric. There is a small room as you enter and a larger room where most customers were seated. There is also an outdoor area, which I did not venture to. There's plenty of bric-a-brac to admire too. 3 ales were on - Holdens Black Country Mild, Dark Star Hophead & Salopian Darwin's Origin. Worth a look, especially considering it is not far from the excellent Anchor.
17 Sep 2013 21:08
Childwall Abbey Hotel, Liverpool
With a couple of hours to kill on Saturday, I headed to Childwall in the Liverpool suburbs. The Childwall Abbey Hotel is situated just opposite the abbey itself and is an old pub with plenty of character and a large drinking area populated with some interesting locals. Horse racing was on the TV. It is a Marstons pub and had 3 of their beers on - Pedigree, Cumberland Ale & Hobgoblin. From here, I headed to the nearby Wetherspoons - the Childwall Fiveways. Whilst the Fiveways had a better selection of ales, the Childwall Abbey is more of a proper pub. It's a shame you cannot combine the ales from the Fiveways with the atmosphere from the Abbey.
17 Sep 2013 20:57
This pub has existed since the early 14th cetury. It is full of character and charm. There are two rooms and it seems that the focus is on food. The large selection on the blackboard looked tempting. But unfortunately this was our last pub of the day and we'd already eaten. Nevertheless, the pub does not neglect drinkers and there were 3 ales on - Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, Shepherd Neame Master Brew & Growler Bitter. The pub was busy and people had spilled out into the car park. It's in quite a secluded location, next to the village church, but is well worth seeking out if you're a fan of traditional unspoilt pubs.
8 Sep 2013 18:51
This looked like a good pub. But it was hard to get a real feel for the place, as there was a gig on. I was supposed to pay a £5 entrance fee. But I explained that I was only here for a half. This was only the second pub of the day in East Sussex where I had found real cider. This time it was Black Rat. Ales on were Cobbold Tolly English Ale, 1648 Triple Champion & Dark Star Hophead. The band seemed to be very good and the pub was packed with people there to see them. A bar billiards table in one alcove pointed to the fact that quieter pastimes are carried out here. I'll give it the benefit of the doubt with a 6/10.
8 Sep 2013 18:47
The Three Cups Inn, Heathfield
Locals pub with an eclectic mix of people. We opted to have a meal here and there was plenty of it. The ale selection was a bit limited - Harveys Sussex Best Bitter & Sharps Doom Bar. The barmaid was cheerful. Clean toilets too.
8 Sep 2013 18:41
This pub is now closed. Looks a nice place. But there were signs around stating that it was now under Greene King's ownership. I'm not a great fan of Greene King. But hopefully it will re-open soon. We continued onto Bexhill-on-Sea in search of alternative refreshments in the Albatross Club (not listed on here).
8 Sep 2013 18:36
Lovely looking country pub situated not too far from the busy A27. We arrived about 6pm to find the pub closed for the evening for a private function. I'm all for pubs hiring out a room for a function, but the whole pub? Very disappointing to travel down from London and find we couldn't get a beer here on a Saturday evening. We saw two other couples suffering the same frustration. I'm sure the party they had booked more than covered the revenue they lost from regular and passing custom. But all I can award this pub is a 0/10. Will try again one day, to see if this house will be open to the public.
8 Sep 2013 18:34
This pub, set in a residential area was the local CAMRA pub of the year for 2011. It is clearly a locals pub and the customers were all male. Some were gathered in the small bar area, whilst others were playing pool. In addition, there is a tiny side room next to the pool table and another larger room beyond the bar. A large garden contained Benson, the pub alsatian. We sat with Benson and bowed to his urges for a game of catch! There is also a covered patio in the garden with tables too. Beers on were all Harveys - Sussex Best Bitter, Sussex Dark Mild & South Down Harvest. Slightly disappointing that there were no guests though.
8 Sep 2013 18:30
After paying the nearby Foresters a visit, we pulled up outside the Kings Head, the brewery tap for the 1648 brewery. I'm surprised to see that the pub hasn't been in the Good Beer Guide since 2009. So I suspect there was a falling out with CAMRA? Nevertheless, this is a good pub with a large room around the bar and a side function room. There is also a patio at the rear for smokers. 3 of the brewery's ales were on - Bee Head, Signature & Laughing Frog. Also available was Harveys Sussex Best Bitter. You can also buy bottles to take out. Recommended.
8 Sep 2013 18:25
The Foresters Arms, East Hoathly
Didn't look to impressive from the outside. But inside is fairly immaculate and had a group of regulars and a welcoming landlord. Beers were all from Harveys - Sussex Best Bitter, Armada & Pale Ale. We chose to sit on a bench outside the front of the pub where dozens of bees were enjoying the lavender. It's only a short walk from here to the Kings Head. So it is nice to combine the two.
8 Sep 2013 18:21
The Anchor was our favourite pub of the day. It is situated just across from a cricket pitch, where a match was being played. Nextdoor, there was a flower show in the village hall. The pub itself was quieter than I had expected. It has a garden, with a bouncy castle installed. Beers on were Cronx Standard Bitter, Titanic Anchor & Harveys Sussex Best Bitter. The real cider was Battle Cider, which is fetched from the cellar, assuming the bar staff know it is there. Luckily the landlord was around to prompt! Most of the pubs we sampled in West Sussex were good. As one of only two that sold real cider, this one edged the others.
8 Sep 2013 18:16
I may be wrong, but the Cock looks as if it used to be on the main road. If I'm right, the A road thankfully now bypasses the pub and the pub lies effectively up a dead-end lane, with a row of trees protecting it from the traffic. The pub itself is fairly old and has plenty of character. It seems to be popular with diners. We chose one of the tables at the front of the pub for a quiet drink. There is also a small garden to the side. The bar itself is fairly small. But I think there were other rooms. Service was friendly and beers on were Beachy Head South Downs Ale, Downland Day Tripper & Harveys Sussex Best Bitter. Was hoping they would have a real cider on. But the best on offer was the fizzy Stowford Press from Westons. Very nice pub.
8 Sep 2013 18:12
Nice village pub with a fairly large front bar and another room with a skittle alley to the side. The pub itself was quiet, whilst there appeared to be a function on in the side room. The bar is light and airy and the barman/landlord was friendly. Beers on were all from Harveys - Sussex Best Bitter, Sussex Wild Hop, Sussex Dark Mild & Olympia.
8 Sep 2013 18:04
Y Mochyn Du was the last of 15 pubs for me in Cardiff yesterday and I've still saved plenty more for next year, assuming we return! This was also one of the best pubs - in fact probably only second best to the City Arms. It's situated in a very nice area next to Sophia Gardens. The interior is fairly spacious, whilst there is also a garden and a couple of tables at the front of the pub. Food looked good and seems popular. The beer choice was Vale of Glamorgan Cwrw & Cwrw Haf, Wye Valley HPA, Hydes Quays Gold & Brecon Orange Beacons. Cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze. One of a number of pubs in this area near to the cricket ground. But this one is the best and recommended.
1 Sep 2013 19:11
Marstons pub in a pleasant suburban area of Cardiff. The interior was light and airy and there is a pleasant patio at the front for outdoor drinking. The selection was Pedigree, EPA & Hobgoblin. DIdn't stay long. There are better pubs around here. But you might as well give this one a try if you're in the area.
1 Sep 2013 19:07
The Beverley is currently surrounded by scaffolding. It's in a fairly nice residential area of Cardiff and there are enough other pubs in this area to enable a semi-decent crawl. The barmaid looked as if she was new to the job. But she was learning the ropes quickly and offered a friendly welcome. The interior was fairly large and live football was being shown on the TVs. The ale selection was Wold Top Golden Summer, Brains Rev James & Bath's Summer's Hare.
1 Sep 2013 19:05
Busy Brains pub on the corner of an equally busy set of traffic lights. The interior is L-shaped and was showing the evening football match on the TV. Most customers had been to the Cardiff City game. Beers on were Bitter, SA & Rev James. Probably more of a community local on non-match days.
1 Sep 2013 19:01
Stopped here after the football match at Cardiff yesterday. As the nearest real ale pub we could find to the stadium, it was very busy. It's a Brains pub with a friendly atmosphere. Beer was in plastic glasses. The choice was British Summer, Rev James, SA Gold & Bitter. We all had the British Summer, which was like vinegar. Only 1 out of 4 of us managed to finish. Would have returned the beers. But we had already queued for 10 minutes once and didn't fancy doing it again. Hopefully a one off. But we made a swift exit.
1 Sep 2013 18:58
Fairly modern city centre pub in the main shopping area. The interior feels like a more modern and brighter Wetherspoons. But I'm not sure if it is part of a chain. Reminded me of the Eli Jenkins in a similar part of Swansea. We got served quite quickly, despite the bar being busy. Beers on were Vog Summer Daze, Brains SA, Rhymney Hobby Horse, Kite Summer Breeze, Felinfoel Double Dragon & Otley O3 Boss. A good selection and another good pub.
1 Sep 2013 18:52
Another good city centre pub in Cardiff and this one is not a Brains pub. The interior is a bit dark, but still fairly atmospheric. The ale range was reasonably good - Hancocks HB, Otley O4 Colombo, Wye Valley HPA, Theakston Grouse Beater & Black Sheep Best Bitter. Cider was Thatchers Heritage. More knowledgeable bar staff were to be found here too. I was quite impressed with the professionalism of the staff in the city. Close to the castle, if you're doing the tourist sites.
1 Sep 2013 18:49
Another city centre Brains pub and this was probably the best. It is fairly small inside, but very cosy. The bar staff were helpful and knowledgeable. Brains beers on were SA, Dark, Bitter, Dark & Calypso. The latter was good. One of the best pubs in the centre.
1 Sep 2013 18:45
The Old Arcade is another city centre Brains pub that has quite a nice, traditional interior with a couple of bars and at least 2 rooms. Being in the middle of the shopping area, it was very busy during the daytime yesterday (Saturday). Ales on were Boilermaker, SA, SA Gold, Bitter, Rev James & Dark. We tried the Boilermaker from the new Brains craft brewery. This was fine.
1 Sep 2013 18:41
Copa was slightly more civilised than I had expected, having read the previous reviews. There are still 3 handpulls, of which only 1 had a beer - Greene King IPA Gold. Seeing we were a little disappointed, the barmaid reliably informed us that they were about to put a second ale on - Greene King IPA! We decided to stick with the Gold. The interior is nothing special and feels more a bar than a pub. The atmosphere was fine on a Saturday lunchtime.
1 Sep 2013 18:37
Disappointing bar and brewpub opposite the Millenium Stadium. I've been meaning to try the Reading branch, but have never got round to it. Beer is brewed in the premises and dispensed in plastic glasses. I couldn't quite understand this policy, just because there was a football match on, especially when you consider the football stadium is a fair distance away. No other city centre pubs were dispensing drinks in plastic. Beers on were Pale Ale, Mango, Pilsner, Blackfast Lager & Mark's Haverfordwest Pale. The only cider option was bottled Rekorderlig. The interior is modern, warehouse-style. There is also a clear focus on food and most of the customers seemed to be their for the food.
1 Sep 2013 18:34
Probably the best pub in Cardiff city centre, this pub is excellent for real ale drinkers. The pumpclips adorning the walls give an indication of the range of beers they have stocked. Beers on yesterday were BrainsBitter & SA, Conwy Welsh Pride, Vog Summer Daze, Cottage Normans Conquest MM, RCH Pitchfork, White Horse Jack's Better, Irving Invincible & Butcombe Gold. Cider and perries were Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze & Two Trees Perry & Mr Whiteheads Newton's Discovery. The interior is fairly no-nonsense, traditional. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. I quite liked this pub and will probably visit again next time we're back in Cardiff.
1 Sep 2013 18:25
Large Wetherspoons pub split over a couple of floors and just opposite the Millenium Stadium. It was fairly busy on our Saturday morning visit. The interior is typical Spoons open plan. Beers on were Brecon Orange Beacons, Celt Bleddyn 1075, Wharfebank Wispa IPA, Mordue Belma Red, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best. Cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Ancient Warrior, Celtic Warrior & Haymaker & Westons Cider Twist Perry, along with their Country Perry. Surprised by the amount of ciders. As the previous review suggests, this must be a permanent feature. But no complaints from me.
1 Sep 2013 18:07
Our second pub of the day was the Cottage. Another Brains affair. But this was a much more traditional pub than the Yard, just down the road. In fact, I believe it's one of the oldest pubs in Cardiff. The barman was fairly friendly and the Brains selection was slightly more extensive than down the road - SA, SA Gold, Bitter, Rev James & Dark. The interior is mainly standing room. So I imagine the pub gets packed at peak times.
1 Sep 2013 18:00
Brains bar/restaurant that is very handy for Cardiff Central station and opens reasonably early in the morning. The interior is long and fairly narrow, with 2 bars - 1 at the front and 1 further back beyond the open kitchen. The fixtures and fittings are modern. Look up in the gents toilets and you see hundreds of ladies' bottoms! After being hypnotised by this sight, you'll then struggle to find the exit door. The 3 beers on were Bitter, SA & Dark. The latter was very drinkable. Whilst it was very quiet on our visit yesterday morning, this one is worth a try.
1 Sep 2013 17:51
The Jolly Potters is a cracking little boozer with a traditional interior. There is a small bar at the front, complete with a TV, a corridor with a serving hatch, a small games room to one side and another larger room at the rear. Service was very friendly. Beers were Timothy Taylor Landlord, Wells Bombardier & Bass. Pubs like this are hard to find these days. This is one we should continue to cherish, whilst it remains open.
26 Aug 2013 22:02
The Greyhound Inn, Newcastle Under Lyme
The Greyhound is a Titanic pub in the Hartshill area of Stoke-on-Trent. It has two bars inside and a reasonably large area at the front for outdoor drinking. The ale selection is from Titanic, but also has a few guest ales and ciders. Beers on yesterday were Oakham Endless Summer, Everards Tiger, York Ashes Finest, Titanic Iceberg, Capt Smiths, Steerage, White Star & Plum Porter & Hydes Finest. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Thatchers Cheddar Valley. They also had Westons Country Perry. Probably my second favourite pub of the day in the Potteries. Well worth a visit.
26 Aug 2013 21:59
The Holy Inadequate was the best pub of 11 we tried in North Staffordshire yesterday. This was partly due to the beer festival taking place and the excellent range of ales. But then I expect they have a fair few on at the bar at any given time anyway. The interior appeared like a warren at first. There are a number of different drinking areas inside, plus an enclosed courtyard and another more exposed area at the edge of the car park on the outside. Festival beers were being served from a small outhouse. Beers on at the bar and for the festival were Joules Pale Ale, Mallinsons Centennial BX, 4T's Master & Side, Sadlers Suncatcher, Blueball Kitty von Maibock & Ch St Porter, Coastal Fools IPA, Beowulf Dragon Smoke Stout, Buxton Black Rocks & Jaw Gate, Three Tuns Steam Punk, Tiny Rebel Urban IPA & Full Nelson, Blue Monkey Infinity+1, Hop Studio Obsidian, Dark Star Festival & Hophead, Marble Summer, Phoenix White Tornado, Abbeydale Dr Morton's Pocket Anchovies, Off Beat Rasp'Wheat, Newby Wyke Black Squall & Slipway, Red Willow Seamless & Magic Rock Curious. Ciders were Sandford Orchards Strawberry Lane, Westons Special Reserve & Rosies Triple D. Great little pub that I hope to return to some day.
26 Aug 2013 21:54
The Post Office Vaults, Burslem
The Post Office Vaults is possibly the best pub in Burslem. Whilst the Bulls Head gets many of the plaudits, I wasn't overly impressed on a previous visit. This pub is very small. It has a single small bar with multiple TV screens. One above the bar was showing the Ashes cricket, whilst the other two were showing Premier League football. The beer selection was small, but sufficient - Oakham Inferno, Greene King Abbot & Wye Valley Butty Back. Cider was Oakham Oaple. The barmaid was friendly. Burslem makes a good place for a bit of a crawl and the Post Office Vaults should be included in any such activity.
26 Aug 2013 21:43
Having previously been to the Bulls Head and the Duke William in Burslem, I returned to try the Leopard, the Post Office Vaults, the Vine and Ye Olde Smithy. I didn't think the Leopard was open at first, as it is surrounded by scaffolding. But it was open and had a grand total of 2 other customers. Notably Ye Olde Smithy also only had 2 customers, whilst the Vine had around 60-70. That must be saying something. I can't do reviews of the other 2 on here, as they're not on the site. But back to the Leopard - the interior is pretty dark. Although it does possess atmosphere and is supposedly haunted, if you believe in that sort of thing. The old guy at the bar was discussing where all the customers might be. They concluded that they may all be on holiday. However, I knew that they were all down the road in the Vine and also the Red Lion. It was a shame that it was so empty as the pub has much to offer. Beers on were Camerons Strongarm, Coach House Innkeepers & Toffee, Theakston Old Peculier, Weetwood Eastgate Ale & Bass. The cider was Old Rosie. Tried the Toffee which was ok, but nothing to write home about.
26 Aug 2013 21:38
The White Swan stands in a God-forsaken area of the Potteries. The one end of the street has a long row of boarded up houses. The pub itself stands alone in a kind of wasteland. It didn't look open at first. But a fairly new sign on the outside persuaded me to persevere and give it a try. The interior is really traditional, if a little dark. Unfortunately music was being played at an unacceptable volume and all cask ales have been removed. Keg options were Guinness, Strongbow, M & B Mild, Worthingtons Creamflow, Carling, Magners Golden, Boddingtons, Carlsberg & Stella Artois. A great little pub, with seemingly friendly locals and a pleasant landlord. Just a shame they have done away with the ales.
26 Aug 2013 21:31
The Blue Bell was our third pub of the day in North Staffordshire after the Foxhound in Biddulph Moor and the Royal Oak at Harriseahead. Neither of those are listed on here. The Blue Bell has a nice location next to a double lock on the canal. It seemed a fairly friendly place and had a good range of ales - Church End Vicar's Ruin, Beowulf Gold Work, Burton Bridge Bitter, Woodlands Best Bitter, Elgoods Prawn Free & Rudgate Ruby Mild. There were also 2 real ciders - Thatchers Traditional & Heritage, plus a perry - Westons Country Perry. It's not particularly easy to find, which is probably a good thing. But it is well worth seeking out.
26 Aug 2013 21:25
Tried the New Penny Farthing more out of curiosity than anything, on route from Doctor Duncans to the Dispensary. It was surprisingly busy. There is a large downstairs drinking area, another upstairs area that didn't appear to be open and an unappealing outdoor area. The pub had some interesting characters, some of whom were clearly under the influence of something. The price structure seemed a little strange. Not wishing to stay long, I asked for a half. I was then told that a half pint was only 15p less than a pint. So I went for a pint at £2.30, meaning a half pint would have been £2.15. That would be steep even by London standards! The keg selection was Worthingtons Creamflow, Guinness, John Smiths Extra Cold, Coors Light, Tetley Extra Cold, Carling, Carlsberg, Somersby Cider, M & B Mild & San Miguel. At least my curiosity is now satisfied!
26 Aug 2013 21:18
Went here for the first time in a while on Saturday to see how the pub had changed after the demise of Cains. In truth, it was a little disappointing. The interior is still pretty much the same. But whilst the beer selection has moved on from just Cains - Tetleys, Black Sheep, Cumberland Ale & Pedigree, it's still a pretty average selection and the wait to get served was almost 10 minutes. The one girl was on her own behind the bar. So a few more staff wouldn't go amiss.
26 Aug 2013 21:12
The Varsity Bar, University Of Surrey
The Varsity Bar is now closed. Although a replacement called Bench has opened in a Sports Centre within the campus and not too far away. Bench was my last port of call on Monday evening and was quite busy with people who had been working out and fancied a pint or two. There's a reasonable array of pumpclips behind the bar, indicating a focus on real ale. On my visit, they had Surrey Hills Shere Drop, WJ King Kings Gold, Cottage Morgan Plus & Hogsback Tea. You won't visit this university bar in passing. But it's worth a detour if you happen to be in Guildford. A bit of a palaver to get in though - the receptionist has to open a barrier for you and it's on the first floor along a corridor.
22 Aug 2013 19:52
The Row Barge is located on a housing estate, on the cathedral side of the river. I found it quite friendly with a very good barman who was happy to offer tasters. Not sure if it's a rockers pub or not. But the music choice would indicate it was. A side room has a pool table. A good range of ales was stocked - Ascot Alligator Ale & Posh Pooch, Hogsback Tea & Surrey Hills Shere Drop & Ranmore Ale. Worth seeking out.
22 Aug 2013 19:47
The Kings Head is located outside the centre of Guildford. But it is a nice local pub which is much bigger than it first seems with several separate drinking areas. Live football was showing on my Monday evening visit. I'm not sure whether it's a Fullers pub or not, as they had London Pride, Chiswick & ESB. But they also had Hogsback Tea & Tillingbourne Hop Troll. Nice to see a couple of local guest ales. Nice and cosy pub.
22 Aug 2013 19:43
And still boarded up. You can still see the sign for the frame and the kebab shop nextdoor is still open!
22 Aug 2013 19:36
Whilst still on the High Street, this large Fullers pub is just the other side of a river and a busy road. Tables on the bank overlooking the river looked appealing. There is plenty of seating downstairs, plus more on an upper level. Dining seemed popular. Beers on were all from the Fullers stable - Fullers London Pride, Summer Ale, Sticky Wicket & ESB & Gales Seafarers Ale. Not a bad pub. But nothing particularly special about it either.
22 Aug 2013 19:31
Small pub opposite the castle. The exterior still looks like a typical pub. But the interior feels more like a lounge bar, with sofas, various artifacts to admire and a small outdoor courtyard. I was the only customer in on my Monday evening visit. Although Monday is often very quiet for pubs. An eclectic music selection was playing. I walked in to some sort of German war song! Tribute & Hobgoblin were the ales and to my delight, they stocked a real cider - Addlestones. In fact, it was the only one of 8 Guildford establishments to stock one. So a 6/10 for me. But not quite as good as the Royal Oak.
22 Aug 2013 19:27
Lovely old pub on the High Street that currently belongs to Nicholsons. It was fairly quiet on my Monday evening visit. But they still had a few ales on - Marstons Single Hop Endeavour, Cottage SS Britain, St Austell Tribute, Greene King Abbot & Sharps Doom Bar. The interior does not quite live up to the promise of the exterior. The ground floor bar has high tables and is suited to more upright drinking. The upstairs bar is reached by a spiral staircase and appears to be used more by diners. I didn't get the chance to go up. But there were a couple of groups up there. Nice building. But would have expected more from a Nicholsons pub, as they generally offer a better range of ales.
22 Aug 2013 19:22
I thought this Fullers pub in Guildford was the best of the day in Guildford and the surrounding area. The pub is on the hill overlooking a graveyard and the city centre. At the entrance on the other side of the pub is a nice, secluded outdoor drinking area that is probably suited to smokers too. Beers on were Fullers London Pride & Summer Ale, Gales HSB & Ossett Silver King. It was nice to see a guest beer. In fact, the pub is hosting a beer and cider festival this bank holiday weekend. The barmaid was friendly. Whilst I will only award this place a 6 out of 10, it was the best of a fairly average bunch of pubs I tried.
22 Aug 2013 19:17
After the expensive upper class pubs in the Surrey Hills, it was a relief to get down into Guidlford to the Robin Hood. It is a friendly, down-to-earth, locals pub on the edge of town. 4 ales were on - Adnams Lighthouse, Surrey Hills Shere Drop, St Austell Tribute & Triple fff Alton's Pride. Conversation rules inside, or at least it did on a Monday evening. Although live football is advertised throughout the pub. There's also an outside drinking area at the front. Not the best pub in Guildford, but worthy of any crawl.
22 Aug 2013 19:13
The William Bray , Shere Guildford Surrey
Another expensive Surrey pub that seems ideal for the local yuppies. The interior is quite impressive with an imposing mirror behind the bar. There is a separate dining room and an outside drinking area. Beers on were Wychwood Hobgoblin, Brakspear Bitter & Surrey Hills Shere Drop. Nice pub in an equally nice Surrey Hills village. But I don't think I could afford to drink here regularly.
22 Aug 2013 18:44
The Compasses is a short stroll across its car park from the Gomshall Mill. They had 3 Surrey Ales beers on - Greensand IPA, Shere Drop & Ranmore Ale. Seemed to be more of a locals pub than the Gomshall Mill, with the latter probably focusing more on food. What struck me most about this pub was the prices. I don't think I paid any more in any of the other pubs during my Monday evening visit to Surrey. The pub has a lovely location next to the stream/river and has a beer garden alongside it. The interior is nothing particularly special.
22 Aug 2013 18:38
Blubeckers at Gomshall Mill, Gomshall
Nice enough little pub in a picturesque location with a stream running between the pub and the car park. Wasn't quite sure about the bar staff. They gave the impression of being condescending. They do have a few real ales - Tillingbourne Falls Gold, Brunning & Price Original Bitter, Cottage Golden Arrow & Hepworth Sussex. The pub was also only 2 of 11 in the area that had a real cider - Westons Old Rosie. Worth a try.
22 Aug 2013 18:33
First visit here when I've been sober enough to remember it! This is another pub that is close to Norwich's football ground and it is also very convenient for the station. As the brewery tap for the Chalk Hill Brewery, they had the Best, Gold, Dreadnought, Flintknappers & Old Tackle. Live football was being shown on the TVs. A noisy place that presumably is popular for food on non-matchdays.
18 Aug 2013 17:05
Found this Fat Cat pub disappointing compared with the the original. Could only see 4 real ales and no real cider. The ales on were Fat Cat Wild Cat, Honey Ale & Bitter & Adnams Ghost Ship. This pub gets busy when there is a football match on, as it is only a 10-15 minute walk from the ground. Although we did get a table outside.
18 Aug 2013 17:00
It's been 3 years since my last visit here and I broke my promise that I'd come back here next time I was in Norwich. I have been back to Norwich twice without paying a visit. Nevertheless, I returned yesterday to find little has changed. This is still a 10/10 pub for me, 1 of only 3 I currently have with top marks. I think you could quite easily argue that this is the best pub in the country. It is certainly the best pub I have been to in the East. Yesterday was a fleeting visit for me.... just enough time to note down the beers and ciders for this review! The choice was Phoenix Arizona & Wobbly Bob, Elgoods Black Dog, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Adnams Bitter & Broadside, Dark Star Hophead, Hylder Blonde & American Pale Ale, Fakir Easy Old Fakir, Green Jack Summer Dream, Peach Wheat & Jack Mahseer, Oakham Inferno & Green Devil, Crouch Vale Yakima Gold, XT1, Fat Cat Hell Cat, Marmalade, Wild Cat & Bitter, Greene King Abbot, Kelham Island Pale Rider, Opa Hay Ale De Cologne, Fullers ESB, St Peters IPA & Cream Stout, Fox IPA, RCH Old Slug Porter & Burton Bridge Damson Porter. The cider and perry choice was Gwynt y Ddraig Haymaker, Autumn Magic & Black Dragon, Orchard Pig Naval Gazer & Explorer, Hecks Dunkerton's Late & Blakeney Red Perry, Millwhites Whisky Cask, Blackberry Blush & Strawberry Cider, Broadoak Moonshine & Perry, Westons Old Rosie & Traditional Scrumpy, Oakham Oaple & Farmer Jims Dry, Medium, Sweet & Mixed Fruits. Another fabulous selection, with some handpulls at the bar, some ales dispensed by gravity from the back. Ciders are also collected from the cellar. This pub is better than most beer festivals. Note to myself - get back here more regularly and stay longer next time!
18 Aug 2013 16:23
The Duke of Connaught, Norwich
The building here is no longer a pub. There are some flats here now and what appears to be a housing association office. The good thing is that the Fat Cat is only a few minutes walk away.
18 Aug 2013 16:10
Thought I'd give this pub, which is situated on one of the main roads running west out of Norwich, a chance as I'd seen it was in the last Good Cider Guide. But alas the guide is now several years out of date and this was probably the most disappointing pub we visited in Norwich yesterday. On arrival, it looked closed. Although we could see a couple inside. There was a for sale sign on the outside and the door was closed. However seeing the other customers, we tried the door and found it opened. Real cider is no longer stocked. Although they did have a real ale - Crouch Vale Brewers Gold. The inside was rather dark. We chose the outdoor courtyard at the rear where we were pestered by wasps, whilst supping our halves. Can't see this pub staying open for much longer. Although it has plenty of potential.
18 Aug 2013 16:07
The Eaton Cottage is an attractive looking pub from the outside and is surrounded by foliage and vines (as I remember)! It is located in the suburb of Eaton. As in most places we visited, the locals were friendly and eager to offer advice. Beers on were Wolf Golden Jackal, Fullers London Pride, Tipples Moonrocket, Thwaites Wainwright & Green Jack Gone Fishing. The cider was Westons Old Rosie. There are 2 small rooms. Both have TVs which offer differing sports options. A nice little local pub, but a bit of a trek away from the city centre and other decent Norwich watering holes.
18 Aug 2013 16:00
The Beehive is a good 25-30 minute walk west of the city centre. It is located in a residential area and has a friendly clientele, as well as friendly staff. There are 2 main bars with a smaller drinking area in between. 7 real ales were on - Winters On The Beer City, Brandon Norfolk Poacher, Downton Honey Blonde, Green Jack Golden Best & Orange Wheat Beer, Fullers London Pride & Oakham Scarlet Macaw. The cider was Broadoak Draught which is fetched from the cellar and was very refreshing after the long walk.
18 Aug 2013 15:56
This is a cosy pub with several different small seating areas, including an outdoor patio at the front. It's slap bang in the centre of the shopping area and near to the castle. There's a good range of ales - Woodfordes City & Wherry, Murderers Ale, Brass Castle Tail Gunner, Fakir Easy Old Fakir, Elgoods Prawn Free, Sharps Doom Bar, St Peters Ale & Winters Geniuss Stout were all on yesterday. Live football was advertised, but there was nothing on during our visit. Music was being played at a volume that still allowed conversation. The pub has plenty of memorabilia relating to famous murders. Information pamphlets state that there was a murder on the premises, giving the pub its name.
18 Aug 2013 15:52
The Hamilton Hall, Liverpool Street
The Hamilton Hall is a convenient branch of Wetherspoons at Liverpool St station. I arrived here yesterday morning in search of a breakfast and a swift half. I found both. Service was quick and friendly. It has a fairly grand interior with a balcony and an ornate ceiling. Although as the previous reviewer states, there is scaffolding at one end. But you can still sit under the scaffold, where there is plenty of seating. There is also seating in the upstairs balcony area, which was closed off yesterday morning with it being relatively quiet. Beers on were Warwickshire Churchyard Bob, Acorn Madness, Grainstore Gold, Kelham Island Pale Rider, Phoenix Navy, Moorhouses Blond Witch, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Adnams Broadside. The cider was Westons Wyld Wood. One of the few pubs around here to open at weekends and you can get an early morning drink (and breakfast) here too.
18 Aug 2013 15:42
Returned to this pub yesterday evening, after finding it closed during the afternoon. As with many local pubs, I had expected it would be closed. But thought I'd try just in case. So it was my last port of call in Suffolk and also turned out to be the best. It most likely remains the hub of the local community as it is half post office and half pub. As you walk in the door, turn left to buy your stamps or turn right to buy your ale. The landlord is clearly very enthusiastic about real ale and stocks many local beers from microreweries. There are many pumpclips around the walls. Only 2 ales were on during my visit - Green Jack Summer Dream & Mauldons Christie's Golden Ale. I'm not a great fan of golden beers. But the Summer Dream was good. Good to see this sort of pub still alive and kicking and apparently they have just won a local CAMRA award.
11 Aug 2013 10:27
Last of the 3 Stradbroke pubs I visited, the White Hart was extremely quiet. There were only 2 other customers. The bar area was quite cosy, but lacked atmosphere. The car park is at the rear. But you hesitate before parking here, as it feels more like a field! Adnams Bitter & Greene King IPA were the beers. Little to choose between this one and the Queens Head.
11 Aug 2013 10:18
Probably the nicest pub in Stradbroke. Unlike the other two, it has a light and airy feel and offers the warmest welcome. There was one other customer sat at the bar, whilst the rowdy group plus dog I had just encountered at the Queens Head had beaten me here and seemingly multiplied with a second dog. The volume had multiplied too! The landlady and an assistant were awaiting diners to cook for. But alas there were none. I did read that the food is good here though. As I was driving, I opted for a rather expensive (£2) local apple juice. The beer selection, as with other Stradbroke pubs was uninspiring - Adnams Bitter, Wells Bombardier & Greene King Abbot.
11 Aug 2013 10:15
The Queens Head Inn, Stradbrooke
Agree with the previous comment. The pub now looks nicer from the outside. Inside is still a little dark. There were 2 men and a dog, alongside the landlord inside. A pre-season football match was being shown on the TV in the bar area, whilst there is a separate room with a pool table. The outdoor patio looked quite attractive and there is also a small garden, where there was a rowdy group of drinkers with an equally noisy dog. Adnams Bitter & Woodfordes Wherry were the only 2 ales on offer.
11 Aug 2013 10:11
The Queens Head is located in the lovely village of Eye. I arrived shortly after it had re-opened for the evening yesterday at 5pm. There is a large public car park to the rear. Staff seemed to be friendly. No music or TV. But I don't mind this, as long as there is a friendly atmosphere. Ales are dispensed from casks behind the bar. Only 2 of the casks were ready, with Adnams Bitter & Woodfordes Wherry both on. As with all pubs around here, the only draught cider was Aspalls. But I did notice that they also had a keg version of their Peronnelle Blush. The pub also seems to have an emphasis on food, with tapas a speciality. One of the better pubs I tried yesterday and in a lovely location.
11 Aug 2013 10:07
Nice looking pub in a pretty Suffolk village, complete with duck pond. The barman wasn't too welcoming. It took a while to get his attention as he was reading a newspaper in the back bar, whilst locals were giving some very strange looks, as I clearly wasn't from these parts and may have been looking to cause some trouble! Nevertheless, the pub seemingly offers a number of events to attract patrons. A notice in the gents advertised a sausage and cider festival last weekend and a beer festival for the next bank holiday. There is no music or TVs. But atmosphere was lacking a little. Beers on were Growler Gladness & Adnams Bitter. Try the Bell Inn at Rickinghall, which is not too far away but not listed on here, for a better atmosphere and a nicer atmosphere.
11 Aug 2013 10:00
Many pubs in this area still close in the afternoon, even on summer weekends. The Vine is one of those that is open all day at weekends. With a group of cyclists drinking outside, a few drinkers inside and a couple of diners, the landlord seemed to be a bit stretched in trying to cook food, serve food and dispense drinks. Whilst service for me was quick, others were having to wait a while as he was in the kitchen. This is a decent pub with plenty more potential. It has a large car park with a similarly large garden, good for families. The interior is also fairly nice. Beers on were Adnams Bitter & Ghost Ship & Woodfordes Wherry & Once Bittern.
11 Aug 2013 09:52
This was one of my favourite pubs in Suffolk yesterday. Located in the same village as the Old Chimney brewery and stocks 2 of their ales. Yesterday they had Military Mild & Goldcrest. The mild didn't seem to be 100%. There was also Fullers London Pride, Adnams Bitter & Greene King IPA. It's a pub that serves the need of local drinkers as well as diners. Staff seemed to be friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed, with no TV or games machines. But there was music playing at an acceptable level. Nice country pub.
11 Aug 2013 09:47
Very nicely decorated country pub with plenty of knick knacks on the walls and behind the bar. As with many of the local Suffolk pubs I visited yesterday, it was very quiet, with only 2 customers and the owner's family. 4 real ales were on - Wychwood Hobgoblin, Adnams Broadside, Greene King IPA & Woodfordes Wherry. There is a bowling green alongside the pub to one side. The only thing that spoilt the pub was the number of flies. It's obviously a problem in this part of the country, as I saw them in other pubs too. But this was the worst.
11 Aug 2013 09:42
This pub is located in a very nice Suffolk village complete with a windmill and a village pond. It was very quiet on my Saturday lunchtime visit, with two other customers when I arrived and only one by the time I left. The bar area is fairly traditional. There are two TVs. The Ashes was being shown on a big screen with a league football match on a smaller screen alongside it. Beers on were Greene King Abbot & IPA, Mauldons Golden Adder & Dun Cow Landlord's Choice.
11 Aug 2013 09:33
A gem of a village pub. The landlord offers a friendly welcome. There was only one other customer on my Sunday evening visit yesterday. Although I believe it had only just re-opened at 7pm. The landlord is a very amicable guy and takes an interest in his customers. Apparently the local CAMRA made a faux-pas in omitting this pub from the last Good Beer Guide. I think you'll find it in the new one! The three Hook Norton beers - Hooky, Lion & Haymaker are dispensed by gravity from casks behind the bar. They are supplemented by a lovely local cider - Little Orchard Hand Crafted Still Cider. The pub itself is very cosy. Half of it is filled with an array of armchairs and plenty of knick knacks. It feels like somebody's front room, as the previous reviewer notes. Well worth searching out.
5 Aug 2013 19:39
Meant to come here a few weeks ago, but ran out of time. Finally got here yesterday to find a very quiet pub with only 4 other young customers. There were 2 Hook Norton beers - Lion & Hooky. The former wasn't in the best of conditions. Had to wait a while to get served. The barmaid was alternating between the bar and the microwave in the kitchen. A nice enough pub. But lacks atmosphere.
5 Aug 2013 19:34
Last stop on our Shropshire crawl, the Bucks Head is a Marstons pub in a nice building in the pretty market town of Church Streeton. The inside is a fair size with a few separate drinking areas and a separate restaurant that was quite busy. Drinkers were also in abundance on our Saturday evening arrival. Staff were friendly. Beers were Jennings Cocker Hoop, Marstons Pedigree & Ashes Ale & Banks's Bitter. Cider was Thatchers Heritage. Not a bad Marstons pub as Marstons pubs go.
5 Aug 2013 19:29
The Red Castle Inn, Harmer Hill
Not sure if this pub is still for sale. But it was open on Saturday and was also fairly busy with a predominantly crowd. Hobsons Best & Champion Mild, Hardy & Hansons LBW & Sharps Doom Bar were the beers. The interior is fairly basic, but fit for purpose. A family had arrived to dine just before we left. Couldn't see anybody else sampling food. The landlord seemed friendly. Worth a try if you're passing nearby.
5 Aug 2013 19:26
Situated just outside of Wem in the small hamlet of Tilley, the Raven is a foodie pub that is seemingly very popular and also has a good selection of ales and ciders. The barman was rushed off his feet as all tables were taken, mostly with diners and an outdoor area to the rear also full. Some punters were being turned down when arriving on spec for a table. Beers on were Hobsons Bitter, Three Tuns Rantipole, Coach House Ostlers SPA & Offa's Dyke Grim Reaper. The 2 Hogans ciders were Hazy Daisy & Picker's Passion. Wouldn't have minded trying the food. But this is a nice country pub that must have a good reputation locally.
5 Aug 2013 19:22
The worst of 10 pubs we tried in Shropshire on Saturday. That's not to say that this is a particularly bad pub. In fact, it's very handy for the station in Wem and the staff were friendly. The only beer on was Youngs Bitter. The other handpulls looked a little forlorn. The bar is reasonably large and there is a covered outdoor area for drinking. Ok, but nothing spectacular.
5 Aug 2013 19:18
Old Town Hall Vaults, Whitchurch
Joules pub tucked away up a back street. It is fairly cosy inside and offers friendly service. Beers on were Joules Blonde, Slumbering Monk, Calcutta 1757 & Pale Ale. They also had a guest beer, which was Woodlands Midnight Stout. Another decent pub in this small market town. You could probably have a decent night out here in the town centre establishments. If you can, try to get out to the Cricket Club too. They have a good selection of beers and ciders and like us, you may even catch a game.
5 Aug 2013 19:14
The Anchor was our second stop in Whitchurch. Not quite as good as the nearby Black Bear, which was our favourite pub of the day (but not listed on here), this pub has been been spoilt by a refurbishment. Whilst it is light and airy inside, it feels more like a restaurant or a cafe bar than a pub. They had a good selection of beers - Woodlands Red Squirrel, Titanic Plum Porter & Anchor Bitter, Brains SA Gold, Sharps Doom Bar & Shepherd Neame Spitfire. Cider was Westons Cider Twist Raspberry. For a slightly better selection of beers and ciders (they had an 11% local one) and a better pub, do yourself a favour and try the Black Bear as well as the Anchor.
5 Aug 2013 19:09
Second stop on our Shropshire crawl. The White Lion is another fairly traditional rural pub, not too far from the market town of Whitchurch. We arrived to find a couple of horses tethered in the car park. The local stud farm owner was here, along with a couple of cyclists who had stopped for lunch. The German landlady apparently does some fine burgers. We had to resort to sandwiches, as the last of the burgers had been eaten. The landlord was amicable and willing to chat, as were a couple of locals sat at the bar. Beers on were Thwaites Original, Slaters Top Totty & Timothy Taylor Landlord. The real cider from Westons had proved too much of a hit. So Stowford Press was the best option remaining. Nice little pub. Very charming and you can make your atmosphere with a little effort.
5 Aug 2013 19:04
This is one of those gems you find occasionally in rural England. We arrived to find the landlady chatting to a couple of locals in the car park, with absolutely no intention to open imminently. I would say that the pub is run more as a hobby and for the community, rather than a business these days. It has a couple of traditional rooms. No music here. Conversation rules. 2 ales were on - Sharps Doom Bar & Salopian Shropshire Gold. Real cider is no longer served. But they do have Stowford Export on keg. The locals seemed friendly. There aren't many examples like this left in England. Catch it while you can.
5 Aug 2013 18:58
You wouldn't think such a beautiful and secluded location existed within the M25, but the mile long approach from Bricket Wood to this pub along a country lane is lovely. Sadly, the positives end there. Whilst I did manage to get a grunt from the sullen landlord, he clearly lacks communication skills. Hopefully his regulars get a better service. The beer was in poor condition - I chose the Ridgeway Bitter from Tring. Maybe the other beer on - Side Pocket For a Toad was in better condition. The pub also smells of dogs. There were a few canines around on my Monday afternoon visit. But the smell was overpowering. Such a shame. Much more could be made of this glorious location.
2 Aug 2013 20:24
Youngs local in Bricket Wood. Youngs Bitter & Hummingbird, along with Wells Bombardier were on. The after-work crowd seemed friendly enough. Plenty of football memorabilia on the walls from multiple teams suggest this is a popular spot for watching football on the TV.
2 Aug 2013 20:20
The Regency, Weston Super Mare
Reasonable freehouse just far enough off the beaten track to discourage the riff raff. The ale selection was a fairly standard national selection - Wells Bombardier, Youngs London Gold, Courage Best, Butcombe Bitter & Bass. The interior is a bit dark, but has some interesting features and there is a small outside area at the rear that feels a little claustrophobic, surrounded by large townhouses, but offers a slightly brighter environment.
2 Aug 2013 20:15
The Cabot Hotel, Weston Super Mare
This Wetherspoons is slightly different from many others. It feels fairly small at first. But then when you realise it has 4 floors and plenty of different spaces, it suddenly seems like a maze and makes a refreshing change from most branches of the chain. Beers on were Caledonian Summer Pale Ale, Great Western Hambrook Pale Ale, Lancaster Red, Adnams Broadside, Ruddles Best & Greene King Abbot. On the last day of their cider festival, they had Sandford Orchards Shaky Bridge & Bramble Saison, Gwynt y Ddraig Welsh Gold Perry, Westons Rosies Pig, Cornish Orchards Pear Cider & Farmhouse Cider, Mr Whiteheads Strawberry Cider & Field Farm Perry & Orchard Pig Philospher. Not far from Weston's newly developed pier, this is one of the better Wetherspoons I have been to and certainly better than the other one in town - The Dragon Inn.
2 Aug 2013 20:12
I've been to a fair few clubs around the UK. But this one is the best I can remember. It has a lovely location alongside Watchet harbour and welcomes all. Inside is a quirky affair, including a Doctor Who tardis. A live band was preparing to start on our Saturday evening visit and the locals were starting to pack in. The 3 real ales were Exmoor Ale & Gold & Dartmoor Best. Cider was Rich's Traditional Farmhouse. A friendly and welcoming establishment.
2 Aug 2013 20:04
Watchet is another lovely village in North Somerset. Slightly larger than some of the others we visited, it does seem to have a few decent drinking establishments. Despite winning the local CAMRA award, we found this to be the worst of 3 we visited last Saturday evening. All tables were taken with diners, leaving only the stools around the cramped bar area as options. All of these were taken too. With waitresses rushing buy with food and plates, it makes the whole experience uncomfortable and you can feel rushed. Granted this was on probably one of the busiest evenings of the year, with a festival being held in the village. But we found Pebbles Bar and the Esplanade Club far more amenable. Beers on were Summerskills Westward Ho! Butcombe Bitter, Quantock White Hind & Ringwood Best. Cider was Thatchers Traditional. Incidentally Pebbles Bar (not listed on here) is not too far away and has been converted into a cider bar with 15 ciders and a musical theme (they hold live music sessions). We met the owner and his parents and wish them all the best with their new venture.
2 Aug 2013 19:54
This pub re-opened a week ago. I think the previous refurbishment probably spoiled this country pub. Now the pub seems to focus on food. With it being only the second day of its new existence, there were plenty of staff all eager to impress. Only 2 tables didn't have a reserved sign on them. Beers on were Notley Arms Pleasant Pheasant, St Austell Tribute & Exmoor Ale. Ok pub. But more of a restaurant than anything now.
2 Aug 2013 19:45
The White Horse Inn, Stogumber
This was the best pub from our weekend visit to North Somerset. This is a delightful small village with an equally delightful pub. The interior was that of a typical country pub, with the slightly unusual feature of a thatched bar. The clientele all seemed to know one another. So presumably they were all locals. Beers on were Yeovil Summerset, St Austell Proper Job, Quantock Ale & Otter Bitter. There's a good selection of local keg ciders. I think it was the first time I've tried Copper Press cider. Lovely little pub. 7/10 from me. Could be improved with a real cider. But if the locals don't drink it, I suppose they've got no need to stock it.
2 Aug 2013 19:40
This pub has a great location high on the cliffs overlooking the Bristol Channel. But sadly it has seen better days. 2 ales were on - Exmoor Gold & Wadworth Red, White & Blue. We sat in an area near the entrance door that looks more like a store room than a bar. I believe the main bar did have better views. Amusing to see the childrens' climbing fram out of bounds as it has nearly gone off the cliff!
2 Aug 2013 19:36
This is a really nice little pub in a small village location. Whilst Alcombe appears to have been largely swallowed up by Minehead, the streets around here retain old world charm. The pub itself is also fairly quaint. It has 2 bars, which were both fairly quiet on my Saturday afternoon visit. Only 2 other customers were present. 3 ales were on - Caledonian Golden XPA, Courage Best & Wells Bombardier. I was impressed with the pub stocking Thatchers Cheddar Valley from a polypin. Although it wasn't the finest I've ever had, as it had presumably been sat out on the bar during the hot weather and was going past its best. The owner seemed to be a friendly chap, who was keen to engage in conversation. Best of the pubs we sampled in the Minehead area. But we were to try better ones later in the day.
2 Aug 2013 19:32
The Queens Head Hotel, Minehead
Locals pub just off Minehead's main street. It's a fairly large pub with a raised seating area for diners, of which there were none on our Saturday lunchtime visit. CAMRA members get a discount off all of the real ales, except for the Queens Head Ale, which I had. Also on were Exmoor Ale, Sharps Doom Bar, Skinners Betty Stogs & Otter Ale. Didn't find the pub particularly welcoming. Followed my visit here to the Kildare Lodge Hotel (not listed on here) which dispenses 4 real ales in a beautiful building on the edge of town. But it does have the feel of an old peoples' home.
2 Aug 2013 19:25
Still closed at present. I read somewhere that the new owners are looking at a September re-opening. We parked up outside here last weekend and it seems to need a lot of work done to it, especially the outside. Nice location overlooking the Bristol Channel and next to the lifeboat station though.
2 Aug 2013 19:11
The George and Dragon, Shutford
After 3 aborted attempts to find a pub that was still operating in this part of the country, we tried the George & Dragon and found it open (or only just). The landlord had already cashed up for the night, with only one other customer present and seemed very surprised to see a stranger turn up. He reassured me that the pub had been very busy during the day with various sports teams and visits from morris dancers. The beer range was good - Robinsons Trooper, Hook Norton Haymaker, Brakspear Oxford Gold & Hardy & Hansons LBW. Cider was Addlestones which went down very well. The pub was closed up for the night after I left. After finding many of the pubs around here closed for good, I sincerely hope this one can remain open, as it is clearly a nice village local.
21 Jul 2013 12:41
The Chandlers Arms completed our hat-trick of North Oxfordshire village pubs that had closed, following attempts to enter the Bishop Blaize Inn at Burdrop and the Stag's Head at Swalcliffe. Again, no sign of any life at this one. Seems to be closed for good.
21 Jul 2013 12:36
Looks like a very nice village pub, with a thatched roof. But can confirm that it was closed on our Saturday night visit yesterday. The sign is still there. But it seems to be out of business.
21 Jul 2013 12:33
The Bishop Blaize Inn, Burdrop
Still closed. The road outside could do with its potholes being repaired too!
21 Jul 2013 12:30
The Pear Tree Inn, Hook Norton
The Pear Tree was somwhat more bustling yesterday than the photo above would have you believe. But it was the annual Hook Norton Beer Festival, which was taking place at the brewery just up the hill. Many people seemed to be flitting their way between the festival and the pub and were quite merry. At the pub, people had spilled out to the front, where there was a food stall and into the car park and the garden at the back. Drinks were being dispensed in plastic glasses, possibly because the pub had run out of real glasses. The pub serves as the brewery tap for Hook Norton. So it was unsurprising to see only their beers on - Hooky, Old Hooky, Lion & Haymaker. I would imagine that on a quiet evening or in fact any time, other than the day of the beer festival, this pub would make a lovely retreat from the rest of the world. But yesterday seemed a bit too chaotic for my liking. Probably worth a try though to sample Hook Norton's ales at their finest.
21 Jul 2013 12:20
Chequers was my favourite pub out of 8 I tried in North Oxfordshire yesterday. It has deservedly won the local CAMRA pub of the year competition. I wouldn't normally be so enthusiastic about a Fullers pub. But this was has a nice market town location and a warm and unspoilt interior, with much charm. Beers on yesterday were all from the Fullers range - Sticky Wicket, Wild River, London Pride, London Porter, ESB & Gales HSB. Whilst I was a little disappointed to see a lack of guest beers (I believe they normally stock 1 or 2), I was happy to see the London Porter available on cask for once. It's generally only a keg or bottle offering. The bar staff were very knowledgeable and friendly. It was quite busy and most of the customers were of the younger variety. It is nice to see them continuing to enjoy a great example of a British pub, as opposed to a soulless bar. Chequers is very much recommeded by me.
21 Jul 2013 12:12
This bar is now called Bitter & Twisted and was the most lively of the 4 Chipping Norton pubs we tried last night. It seems popular with a young crowd, especially on the outside patio which overlooks the market place. Most of the youngsters appeared to be using this as a stopping off point before getting into taxis for a night out in Banbury. Inside, many of the tables are reserved for diners. There are some high tables with stools one side of the bar for drinking. Bitter & Twisted seemed to have plenty of staff, most of them young too. The ale choice Purity Ubu & Wadworth 6X. Whilst there was no real cider choice, Sandford Orchards Devon Mist was available from keg and was a slightly unusual offering. Despite having a modern wine/cocktail bar feel, I quite liked this place.
21 Jul 2013 12:02
The Red Lion seems to be more of a locals pub that the others in Chipping Norton. There were only a few customers on our Saturday evening visit and it was the least lively of the 4 Chippie pubs we sampled - not necessarily a bad thing. The small bar was fairly cosy. There is also a small outside drinking area at the rear. The 2 ales were both from Hook Norton - Hooky & Lion. Cider was Westons Old Rosie. The Fox Hotel (not listed on here) just down the road was a bit more lively and had a very similar range (swap Lion for Old Hooky) including the same cider.
21 Jul 2013 11:55
We noted that this pub was a finalist in the North Oxfordshire CAMRA pub of the year contest, despite not being in their Good Beer Guide since 2008. So the new owners must have gained recognition. The pub has a nice setting in this small village and the owner seemed friendly. Although the bar and waiting staff seemed very inexperienced. Sharps Doom Bar & Wye Valley HPA were the 2 ales on offer. The cider was Westons Old Rosie. Whilst the interior was nice, we chose to sit outside. There are a couple of tables at the front of the pub and a few more in a re-designed garden area to the side of the pub. The car park can be found further down the lane and a narrow path overhung with bushes and trees leads down to it. We also sampled the food. Whilst it was ok, I would not rave over it. The kitchen and all of the staff were clearly becoming very busy as tables filled and people were turned away. A nice enough village pub, that is worth a swift visit if in the area.
21 Jul 2013 11:50
The Swan, Ascott under Wychwood
The Swan re-opened earlier this month. The new owners seemed welcoming and there seems to be a focus on food. Whilst the inside of the pub was empty, there were a few groups enjoying the outside patio at the rear. Beers on were Faversham Steam Whitstable Bay Pale Ale & Hook Norton Lion & Hooky. Cider was Westons Stowford Press. Good to see a pub re-open after a fairly long closure. But we did visit better pubs on the day.
21 Jul 2013 11:42
The Hargreaves Arms, Accrington
This is the 10th pub I have visited now in Accrington and it was the best I have seen so far. Although my visits have been spread over a number of years. As the previous reviewer says, it has a modern decor and appears to be aimed towards couples who are after romance than your typical drinking crowd. They had a good range of ales - Pennine Sunshine Pale from the Rossendale Brewery, George Wright Longboat, Cumberland Corby Ale, Bank Top Pavilion Pale & Everards Tiger. Cider was Westons Old Rosie. The barmaid was friendly. Strange looking interior, but worth a try when in Accrington. It is now called Grants.
18 Jul 2013 21:22
I read that this pub was up for sale. So I was surprised to see it open. It is a traditional town pub with some nice tiling. There was 3 or 4 handpulls, but only 1 ale - Clarks Classic Blonde. The pub was very quiet. We were the only customers inside and there were a handful sat outside on a warm evening. Grants just over the road is a better option. But the Swan does have potential that is currently not being realised.
18 Jul 2013 21:18
Agree with both of the previous reviewers. There are a few ales on here. But they are all beers that are found nationwide - Sharps Doom Bar, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Holts Bitter, Jennings Bitter, Tetleys Cask & John Smiths Cask. This seems to be a community local in the centre of Accrington and is probably the closest Accrington gets to a nightlife. Most other pubs nearby appeared to have closed down. It still deserves some merit for at least stocking real ales.
18 Jul 2013 21:13
Best pub of 7 we tried in Haslingden and Accrington yesterday. The Griffin has a great location looking over a valley. The interior is fairly basic. Service is friendly and knowledgeable. As the previous reviewer says, the pub is still the hop of the Rossendale Brewery and their range of Pennine beers. They had Hameldon Bitter, Floral Dance, Sunshine Pale, Rossendale Ale, Pitch Porter, Halo Pale Bitter & Glen Top Bitter. Cider was Weston's Rosie's Pig. Customers seemed to be all locals. I like this kind of pub. The porter and the cider I tried were both fine.
18 Jul 2013 21:07
The Foresters Arms, Haslingden
Probably the worst of 7 new pubs we tried yesterday in Haslingden and Accrington. There is one handpull, but it was unused. Keg options consisted of Kronenbourg, John Smiths Extra Cold, Strongbow, Stella Artois, Fosters & Guinness. It is located in a side street that leads into a housing estate in the centre of Haslingden. The pub was quite busy and had a fairly traditional interior. But there's very little else I can find to recommend it for.
18 Jul 2013 21:04
The Crown in now called the Green Squirrel and is a Moorhouses pub. As well as the house beer, Nut Grabber, they also had Pride of Pendle & Blond Witch. The barman was friendly. Classical music was playing and the interior design was fairly modern. Ok pub.
18 Jul 2013 21:00
Marstons pub on the outskirts of Haslingden. 2 Jennings ales were on - Cumberland Ale & Cocker Blonde. We elected for soft drinks, following a long journey here in the heat. Seemed a friendly enough place and it was fairly comfortable. We arrived to see the barmaid chase a customer out of the door!
18 Jul 2013 20:57
After finishing our Chester crawl in a modern looking bar called Kash near the station (not listed on here), I made one last stop at the Elihu Yale in Wrexham on my train journey home. It's a Wetherspoons with a good beer range and like most 'spoons it is large with plenty of seating. It was also very busy on my Saturday evening visit. Beers on were Hook Norton Old Hooky, Batemans XXXB, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Peerless Red, Warwickshire Churchyard Bob, Weetwood Ambush & Caledonian Deuchars IPA. Westons ciders were Wyld Wood & Old Rosie. A better than average Wetherspoons that must be so good that it merits two listings on this site!
14 Jul 2013 21:46
It's still a close call between the Mill and the Brewery Tap for Chester's best pub in my opinion. The Brewery Tap wins it purely on atmosphere, as the Mill feels exactly like a hotel bar, which of course it is! Nevertheless it still has a great range - Old Maria Black Maria, Weetwood Best, Thornbridge Jaipur, Phoenix Corn Mill, Salopian Oracle, Coach House Mill Premium & Gunpowder Strong Mild & McMullen AK. Ciders were both excellent - Abrahalls Thundering Molly & Thistly Cross Ginger. Still a worthy stop on any Chester crawl.
14 Jul 2013 21:40
Was expecting more from this pub. But was a little disappointed. As others say, it seems to be geared towards food. It is still a reasonably good pub, but nothing to write home about. Beers on were Adnams Broadside, Cheshire Brewhouse Cheshire Gap, Pied Bull Sensi-Bull, Bull's Hit & Red Bull & Titanic Pier 54. A 6/10 from me.
14 Jul 2013 21:36
I still rate the Brewery Tap as the best pub in Chester. Although whilst the building itself is just as good as ever and the beer range is good, the quality was lacking on our last visit. It is also a victim of its own success, being very busy on our Saturdat afternoon visit. Beers on were Titanic Plum Porter, Spitting Feathers Basket Case & Dark Velvet Mild, Milestone Shine On, Island Nipper Bitter, Vale of Glamorgan Rorkes Drift & Black Country Ales Fireside. The cider or pyder was Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Pyder. Down from 8/10 to 7/10 based on this visit.
14 Jul 2013 21:32
The Carlton Tavern, Handbridge
Broke away from the group I was with to sample this Hydes pub in a residential suburb of Chester across the bridge from the city centre. Beers on were Hydes Original, Golden Ochre & Terre Rouge. The latter 2 beers have been re-branded as the Beer Studio range in an effort to make Hydes ales more fashionable. They were no more appetising. The pub itself was very quiet. It has a large circular bar with 2 rooms either side of it. Not really worth the detour from the city centre.
14 Jul 2013 21:23
Reasonably good pub right next to the bridge in Chester. It had a good range of ales on our Saturday afternoon visit - Okells MPA & Bitter, Grafton Mumsie, Brains Touch, Paws, Engage & Phoenix Hopsack. Cider was Thatchers Cheddar Valley. My main criticism was the lack of seating in the bar area. There may have been more in a room to the rear.
14 Jul 2013 21:19
Were refused entry to here a couple of weeks ago. The lady that came out to us said they were closed for the afternoon (a Saturday), despite the pub being full of customers. There was a group of 6 of us (all males) and a sign on the outside proclaimed "no stag parties" on a lengthy list of do's and don't's. I suspect she assumed we were a stag party. Will reduce my previous rating of 6/10 to 3/10. Funny roles or not, a pub that doesn't allow people to go in on a Saturday afternoon in a city centre doesn't deserve to survive in today's economic climate.
14 Jul 2013 21:16
Not a bad pub with Stonehouse beers in Chester city centre. The exterior is attractive, whilst the interor is simple. Beers on were Sunlander, Station Bitter, Cambrian Gold & Off The Rails. The fizzy "pear cider" on offer was from Briska. The beers were nothing special. Toilets were very dark.
14 Jul 2013 21:09
This now appears to be called the Cellar. It's a single bar pub with 4 real ales and a few continental style beers on tap and in bottles. Ales on handpull were Hobsons Best & Town Crier & Red Willow Peerless & Endless. Ok, but nothing particularly special. There are better pubs in Chester.
14 Jul 2013 21:04
Reasonably large Robinsons pub not far from the Bridge End Inn. Trooper & Unicorn were the only 2 ales on. Sport was showing on the TV in the one bar, whilst a family were tucking into a meal in the other bar. Fairly ordinary.
14 Jul 2013 21:01
Stopped off here a couple of weeks ago to check out last year's national pub of the year. This is a pleasant little village local a few minutes walk from the railway station and home to the McGivern Brewery. Whilst a good pub, I think there are better pubs around the country. The bar staff were friendly and eager to impart their excellent knowledge of beer. Locals also seemed to be well up on their ales. Beers on were Salopian Darwin's Origin, Hobsons Mild, McGivern Bridge Bitter, Bridge Pale & Pyramid Porter, Tatton Blonde & Montys Moonrise. Ciders were Abrahalls Thundering Molly & Rosies Triple D. A good pub and certainly worth a visit if you're in this neck of the woods.
14 Jul 2013 20:58
The Waggon and Horses, Halesowen
Finally got around to visiting this pub a couple of weeks ago, seizing the opportunity whilst attending a birthday party at the Townsend Social Club opposite. It appears to be in the process of a renovation. But nevertheless, this is a great little pub with a mixture of locals and real ale enthusiasts. 14 ales are on, plus real ciders. On my Friday evening visit, they had Adnams Broadside, Nottingham DPA, Brew Co Treacle Stout & El Dorado, Bank Top Dark Mild, White Rose Summer Hoppiness, Byatts Big Cat & Coventry Bitter, Angel Eyes Eros, Bathams Bitter, Oakham Inferno, Abbeydale Moonshine, Hobsons Up 'n' Down & Art Brew Anarchist Bitter. Ciders were Moles Black Rat & Westons 1st Quality. The bar staff were very knowledgeable about their range. Hope to visit again.
14 Jul 2013 20:51
The Six Bells has been refurbished since my last visit several years back. There are 2 handpulls, but no real ales were on. Instead, they had a selection of lagers, Guinness, Strongbow & John Smiths on keg. The locals always seem to prefer sitting out the front admiring the traffic. But there were a few inside watching live sport on the TVs. There were plenty of staff. I'd love to say there were plenty of better pubs in West Drayton. But sadly there aren't.
25 Jun 2013 20:40
Paid the Five Bells a brief visit this afternoon. There were several customers and nearly as many dogs, plus a cat to boot. Tribute was the real ale. I opted for a cider, but should have tried the ale as it took nearly 10 minutes to sort the gas out. Definitely a locals place. Serves a purpose. But nothing more.
25 Jun 2013 20:37
In addition to the previous reviewer's comments, I can confirm that they also open all day on a Sunday. We visited just before 4pm today after a visit to the nearby Gibberd Garden beer festival, which was very good by the way. The Queens Head is a very nice village pub. There is a large lounge bar at the front and a smaller room to the side. Beyond this is a large outdoor drinking area. The beer range is more than adequate - Crouch Vale Essex Boys & Brewers Gold, Adnams Bitter & Broadside & Colchester Metropolis & Braggot. It couldn't beat the beer festival. But it was a nice stop off.
16 Jun 2013 18:19
Nice old pub just the other side of the motorway from the Madejski Stadium and probably the nearest pub to the ground. It has a number of small rooms and fairly friendly staff. Beers on were Fullers London Pride, Loddon Hoppit, Wadworth 6X & Timothy Taylor Best Bitter & Landlord. Cider is Westons Stowford Press. We sampled the food, which was above average. There is a couple of large outdoor seating areas towards the rear near the car park, whilst locals use the front entrance as their smoking area. Also at the rear, are a few large dogs, kept in enclosures, but seemingly well kept. Not a bad pub, that could be used as an alternative to Reading pubs on matchdays (both football and rugby).
15 Jun 2013 12:04
Nice pub in a suburb of Nottingham. It has a well preserved and spacious interior with multiple rooms. A quiz was taking place on our Sunday evening visit and appeared very popular. The only problem with quizzes is that they detract from the usual pub atmosphere and everyone remains deathly quiet in between questions. It no longer feels like a pub. The beer range was fairly average - Adnams Broadside, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Timothy Taylor Golden Best & Sharps Doom Bar. Nevertheless, an attractive pub that is worth a visit.
15 Jun 2013 11:59
The Horse and Groom, New Basford
This was my pub of the day in Nottinghamshire. Again, the exterior gave no indication as to the quality of the interior. This is a typical town drinkers boozer with friendly staff, plenty of real ales and lots of seating on which to enjoy them. Beers on during my visit were Burton Bridge Bridge Bitter, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Rudgate Jorvik Blonde & Battle Axe, Thwaites Nutty Black, Nottingham Legend & Supreme Bitter & Leeds Best. Cider was Westons Old Rosie. I thoroughly recommend this pub, which is sat in the shadow of the old Shipstone Brewery.
15 Jun 2013 11:56
This pub looked like a bit of a dump from the outside and I was wondering whether it was still the brewery tap for the Alcazar Brewery. Sure enough it us. The entrance has some nice tiling and inside, there is a traditional townhouse interior. There were 5 Alcazar beers being dispensed - Alcazar Ale, New Dawn, Vixen's Vice, Fox Tale Ale & Windjammer IPA. I plumped for the Fox Tale, which wasn't in the best of condition. Looking around, as the previous reviewer states, there weren't many people drinking the real ales. So turnover of stock could be a concern. There was a pool table in one corner and TVs were showing the Canadian F1 Grand Prix. Nearly all tables were taken on my early Sunday evening visit. So this is clearly a popular local pub where the interior belies the exterior. Worth a visit, despite the questionable beer quality.
15 Jun 2013 11:51
Visited here as well as the local Wetherspoons. It's a large pub with a small room used for dining at the front and a spacious main bar area at the rear, complete with big screens and a few of the more 'characterful' locals. Beers on were Blue Monkey Infinity, Marstons Pedigree, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Sharps Doom Bar, Caledonian Mild Mayhem & Banks's Mild. Ok, but nothing special.
15 Jun 2013 11:38
I'd always wondered what the town of Hucknall was like. Now I know it's nothing to write home about. This branch of Wetherspoons had an average spoons interior, combined with the usual shortage of staff, but a reasonable selection of beers. I imagine the Pilgrim Oak is a shop conversion. It is a long, narrow pub with a raised area at the front and a few booths also near the front. Bar staff served out of turn and it took an eternity to get served as training was also taking place. But they were at least friendly. Ales on were Wychwood Hobgoblin, JW Leeds Drayman's Promise, Ruddles Best, Great Western Meerkat Mild, Greene King Abbot, Derventio Cleopatra & Lincoln Green (a new local brewery) Marion. There were also 2 ciders - Westons Cider Twist Raspberry & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Probably the best choice in the area.
15 Jun 2013 11:35
A reasonable sized pub set in a picturesque Nottinghamshire village. There are multiple rooms instead and a large garden at the rear. We sat in a conservatory, also to the rear where the toilets are located and there is a games machine. There was a good selection of ales - Butcombe Gold, Pentrich Revolution Best Bitter (possibly brewed in Cumbria), Caledonian All American Ale, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Horse & Groom Bitter (clearly a house beer, but not sure who the brewer was), Castle Rock Harvest Pale & Adnams Broadside. Agree with the comments about the barmaid made below. Not sure if it was the same one. But she was certaintly quite surly. Nevertheless, a good pub.
15 Jun 2013 11:29
Chef and Brewer pub/restaurant just opposite Newstead Abbey. The barmaid was more interested in prioritising regulars and then moved onto washing glasses, whilst ignoring my arrival. 5 standard real ales were on - Wainwright, Broadside, Directors, Bombardier & Landlord. The fizzy cider was Aspalls. This is more of a restaurant than a pub. Not really worth a visit. But the building is quite grand.
15 Jun 2013 11:20
The Black Swan is more of a traditional pub than the nearby Forest Lodge Hotel and is a fairly small affair in the town centre. The barmaid was friendly. Children are welcome. There is a small outdoor patio for drinking overlooking the street. Beers on were Vale Black Swan & Wychwood Hobgoblin. They also had Westons Old Rosie cider, which was well received by me. We continued onto the White Horse at Barnby Moor (further north and not listed on here), which wasn't quite as good as the 2 Edwinstowe establishments.
15 Jun 2013 11:15
The Forest Lodge Hotel, Edwinstowe
The Forest Lodge Hotel is just that. It is more of a hotel than a pub. We stopped here for a Sunday lunch and a swift half after a visit to nearby Sherwood Forest. Two beers from the nearby Welbeck Abbey brewery were on - English Pale Ale & Elis Swwet Dark Mild. I sampled the mild which was fine. Also on were Morland Original & Wells Bombardier. There is a large dining hall with attached drinking area to the left as you enter from the car park, whilst to the right is the quiet public bar. The young staff were fairly friendly. Sunday lunch was nothing to shout about.
15 Jun 2013 11:11
My second visit to the Swan last night and it wasn't quite as good as the first. There's still no real cider and this time the beer selection was not quite as good. The location is still excellent (unsurprisingly) and the interior is fine. I still think it's the best pub in Hammermsith. But it didn't quite hit the spot this time. Beers on were Ilkley Wit Marie, Peerless All American, Great Heck Treasure IPA, Castle Rock Sheriff's Tipple, Robinsons Optimus, Windsor & Eton Knight of the Garter, St Austell Nicholson's Pale Ale, Stroud Organic Ale, Fullers London Pride & Sharps Doom Bar. The best cider was Aspalls.
6 Jun 2013 20:14
This place shouldn't really be listed on here. There is no beer here. But if there was a cocktailintheevening website, it could be listed. As a bar, it's ok. Cocktails are all that is served and they're quite pricey. Although the Monday to Thursday happy hour buy one get one free offer makes it slightly better value. Not my normal kind of establishment. But I think I've already covered all of the decent pubs in this area and I was working nearby. Reasonably busy for a Wednesday evening, it's a dark and narrow single room with the bar at the rear. There are mirrors along the wall to make it bigger. As the previous reviewer suggest, the crowd is fairly young.
6 Jun 2013 20:03
I think the Royal Exchange is probably the worst of the 4 remaining pubs in Kinver. Banks's Bitter & Mild were the only 2 ales on offer. The barmaid and customers were friendly. But there were only about half a dozen of them on a Saturday night, which would suggest that it could be the next pub to bite the dust in the village. I'd rather they all stay open though.
3 Jun 2013 21:10
The White Harte has always had the best location in Kinver. But the beer range is pretty poor. Banks's Bitter & Navigation Golden were the 2 ales on during my Saturday visit. It was not quite as popular as it used to be, with many people just down the High Street at the Plough & Harrow (a Bathams house).
3 Jun 2013 21:06
When I used to live in the village many years ago, the Cross was one of the worst pubs of the 9 you could quite happily crawl between (from the Elm Tree to the Vine). If I'd have known that 20 years later that there would only be 4 pubs remaining, I would have probably put money on the Cross being one of those which would have been lost. But it still stands and under the stewardship of Black Country Ales has become the standout pub in the village. Only the Constitutional Club can match it for ale range and quality. Beers on were Fun Fair Brandy Snap, Hop Studio XP, Sadlers Worcestrer Sorcerer, Plain Ales In the Sun & Black Country BFG & Fireside. Ciders were Thatchers Cheddar Valley & Sandford Orchards Fanny Bramble. It's only a small pub with an L-shaped bar. A singer was performing on my Saturday night visit.
3 Jun 2013 21:04
Tried the Vine after my first visit to Kinver Constitutional Club. Sadly, the Vine is now closed and there are to let signs on the exterior. Nevertheless, I can thoroughly recommend the Constitutional Club. It has a great selection of ales, a real cider and friendly staff and customers. The only problem is that you'll have to either join the club or be a CAMRA member to gain entry.
3 Jun 2013 20:58
The Jolly Crispin, Upper Gornal
Returned here on Saturday and Sunday afternoon for the pub's cider festival. Last time I was here, they had no ciders at all. On the Saturday, they only had one available with no staff to man the tent at the rear. By Sunday, the tent was open. But only about a dozen of the 20 ciders were available following heavy sessions the previous 2 evenings. Nevertheless, the range available was fairly good. The pub now has its own microbrewery (Fownes) and regularly has 2 or 3 of their beers on which are competitively priced. During my 2 visits, beers on were Fownes Crispin's Ommer, Challenger, Best of British Hops & Summer Bitter, Oakham Bishop's Farewell & Athena, Titanic Nautical Mild, Blue Bee Nectar Pale, Arkwrights Original, Navigation Classic IPA, Scarborough American Pale Ale, Phoenix White Monk, Shugborough Jolly Crispin Funday Bitter, Green Jack Rising Sun & WJ King Sussex Downs Ale. Ciders and perries included Broadoak KB, Perry & Moonshine, Westcroft Janet's Jungle Juice, Abrahalls Medium Still & Thundering Molly, Chant Singing Cider, Westons Wyld Wood, Old Rosie, The Governor & Country Perry, Burrow Hill Medium, Watkins Oak, Moorlands Farm Cyder, Hecks Port Wine of Glastonbury, Sandford Orchards Devon Red & Snails Bank Tumbledown Medium & Dry. A charity fun day was held on the Sunday and was reasonably well attended. Service seems to be better than it once was. But I was still served out of turn on at least one occasion. A marked improvement on this visit.
3 Jun 2013 20:47
Another Fullers pub in the backstreets of Windsor with friendly staff. A good range of Fullers beers was on last night - London Pride, ESB, Discovery & Spring Sprinter. It's a good 10-15 minute walk from Windsor & Eton Central station.
31 May 2013 20:50
Fantastic little pub at the end of the main street in Windsor and adjacent to the Long Walk. Tourists to the town must love this pub. It's an archetypal English pub with 2 small rooms and loads of character. It was very busy late yesterday evening with a mixture of locals and tourists. It does serve real ale (Doom Bar, Tribute & London Pride). But the main reason to visit is to savour the atmosphere. Probably a 9/10 for the pub but only 4 or 5 for the beers. So 7/10 for me.
31 May 2013 20:44
Was in here yesterday. It's a Fullers street corner local. London Pride & Spring Sprinter were the 2 real ales. The one room is L-shaped and was reasonably busy on my early evening visit. It's a fair walk from the town centre down here and not really worth the effort.
31 May 2013 20:39
Globe Freehouse, Heathrow Airport
Typical airport bar located in the arrivals area within Terminal 3. Greene King IPA is the only real ale. The prices are fairly steep. Serves a purpose if flying. But no other reason to recommend it.
28 May 2013 21:17
The Courtyard is the last pub/bar we visited yesterday I am able to review, as neither the Grey Horse or the Monument in nearby Penshaw are listed on here. The Courtyard has a fine selection of ales, plus a real cider and a perry. It is part of an Arts Centre and is therefore an extremely unusual place to find a real ale emporium. Its location means that it has little or no atmosphere. But if you're only interested in the beers, it's the place to come in Washington. Beers on were Timothy Taylor Landlord, Northumberland Strawberry Blonde, Leamside Five Quarters & Alexandrina, Big Lamp Premium, Cullercoats Rocket Brigade IPA & Lovely Nelly & Houston Sweet Stout. The cider was Westons Traditional Scrumpy and the Westons Country Perry was also on. Unusual place. Probably the best we found for ales over the weekend. But I prefer a traditional pub.
27 May 2013 12:27
After trying the Steps in the nice area of Washington Old Village, we arrived at the Sandpiper which was disappointing. It has the look and feel of a 1970s estate pub, with a characterless interior, devoid of any atmosphere. I'm not sure if it is owned by Greene King. But the beers were Greene King IPA & Old Speckled Hen plus Sandpiper Best Bitter. Nothing to recommend here.
27 May 2013 12:21
Sir William De Wessyngton, Washington
After a very disappointing visit to the Three Horseshoes (next to the Nissan car plant and not listed on here), the Sir William de Wessyngton was a welcome retreat. It's a typical branch of Wetherspoons in the Concord area of Washington. Beers were Mordue A'L Cherry Pet, Sonnet 43 Brown Ale, Black Paw Bishop's Best & Paw's Gold, Houston APA, Roosters Maypole, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best. Unusual for a Wetherspoons, they had 2 perries on - Westons Country Perry and the lesser spotted Gwynt y Ddraig Welsh Gold. Didn't look too welcoming from the outside. But the welcome was warmer within.
27 May 2013 12:19
The Potters Wheel is currently up for sale. Whether the current owners/pubco are trying to run it down, I'm not sure. But there were no ales on at all and the pub was fairly quiet. The exterior is nice. But could do with a bit of love and attention. Inside it is dark and there is nothing particularly to recommend it. This was our 3rd stop of the day. After the excellent Fox & Hounds at Coalburns (our best pub out of 21 North East pubs tried this weekend) and the Rising Sun at Crawcrook, the Potters Wheel was a bit of a let down. For real ales, try the Marquis of Granby about a mile down the road. I mention all of these other pubs, as none are listed on this site and it seems it is increasingly difficult to get new pubs listed on here.
27 May 2013 12:12
Another friendly pub in Morpeth after my visit to the Joiners Arms. Elsewhere, the town appeared to have a few more trendier spots that were attracting a louder and more aggressive crowd. Like the Joiners Arms, this is a small, single room pub with a friendly atmosphere. The clientele was slightly older than the Joiners. Beers on were Hadrian & Border Tyneside Blonde, Sharps Doom Bar, Batemans XB, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Everards Tiger, Greene King Abbot & Timothy Taylor Landlord. Cider was Westons Old Rosie. The fruit wine selection looked interesting too.
27 May 2013 12:07
This is a classic town pub not far from the pedestrian footbridge over the river. It's a single room house with some rather interesting stuffed birds in glass cases above the bar. Staff were all male and all but one of the customers were also male. This is a distinctly male-dominated space. But being a male, that didn't concern me too much! Mordue A'L Cherry Pet, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Black Sheep Best Bitter & Golden Sheep & Jennings Cumberland Ale were all on. The real cider was Westons Bounds Scrumpy. Worth a visit.
27 May 2013 12:02
The Ridley Arms is a lovely building from the outside. It has less character inside. But it still has a good range of ales and fairly friendly staff. Ales on during our Saturday evening visit were Ossett Pale Gold, Big Lamp Bitter, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Anarchy Blonde Star, Out There Space Is The Place & Cumberland Corby Blonde. I think this used to be a Fitzgeralds pub. But I'm not sure whether or not it still is.
27 May 2013 11:59
Another busy and welcoming Northumberland pub with a nice garden at the rear. There are multiple rooms and some are more focused towards dining. 3 ales were on - Black Sheep Best Bitter, Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Big Lamp Bitter. The latter was not in the best of condition.
27 May 2013 11:55
I'm not sure I'd like to visit this pub too often, given how narrow the bridge across the river is. There's barely room to fit a car on. Nevertheless this is a friendly local in a pretty location overlooking the river. Beers on were Wylam Admiral Lord Collingwood Ale & Gold Tankard, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Tetleys Cask & Mobberley Barn Buster. The latter was advertised as £2 per pint. But £1.43 for a half wasn't quite as good value. The pub was fairly quiet on an early Saturday evening, unlike our next stop - the nearby Black Bull in Wylam, which was packed. The Black Bull is not listed on here.
27 May 2013 11:52
The Feathers Inn, Hedley on the Hill
I think this was my favourite pub out of 10 we tried in Northumberland on Saturday. It was the only pub all weekend where we found more than 2 real ciders - Sandford Orchards Devon Red, Westons 1st Quality and Thistly Cross Original. There were also 3 ales - Cumberland Corby Blonde, Cullercoats Jack The Devil & Hadrian & Border Tyneside Blonde. The pub is primarily set out for diners, with practically all tables reserved. This was the only drawback I could find in an otherwise pleasant pub in a typical Northumberland village.
27 May 2013 11:47
The Allenheads Inn, Allenheads
First stop on our Northumberland crawl was this village pub set in a valley and surrounded by beautiful countryside. The pub is popular with cyclists who I believe were doing the coast to coast ride. The village also has a small museum and a cafe with "off license". The "off license" part was the sale of a local bottled beer. Beers in the pub were Black Sheep Best Bitter, Cumberland Corby Blonde & Saddle Sore Blonde Ale. Well worth a visit, just for the scenery on the way there. We continued through equally impressive scenery to the Traveller Rest in Slaley and the Manor House Inn at Carterway Heads. Neither are listed on here.
27 May 2013 11:28
Last of 15 new pubs I sampled on Sunday and whilst this wasn't the best pub I tried during the day, it's a close call between the Robin Hood and the Little Windsor for best pub in Sutton. I guess it depends whether you prefer Youngs or Fullers. 3 ales were on - Special, Bitter & Waggledance. I plumped for a bottle of Double Chocolate Stout to round off my day and very nice it was too. It was fairly quiet. But then it was closing time on a Sunday evening.
21 May 2013 20:29
Large and fairly rowdy pub in the centre of Sutton. Not much to recommend it for, from my perspective. Ales were fairly bog standard - Bombardier, Doom Bar & Old Speckled Hen. There's plenty of space here, with a nice row of tables down one side of the bar. But struggling to find any more positives.
21 May 2013 20:26
I don't think I'd ever been to Sutton town centre before Sunday evening and this pub wouldn't tempt me back! It's a large Fullers pub on a prominent corner which has next to no customers on my visit, when all other Sutton pubs were busy. Beers on were Fullers London Pride, ESB & Chiswick & Clarence & Frederick's Golden Ale. At least they had a guest and the interior had a few interesting knick knacks to keep the mind occupied. But it could just do with some more customers. Maybe it's busier on other nights.
21 May 2013 20:21
Another Youngs pub just around the corner from my previous pub (the Lord Nelson). This one had a quiz night in full progress on my Sunday evening visit. I should have sat in the other bar. It's more upmarket than the Lord Nelson. But any updates to the pub don't seem to have spoiled it too much. Shame about the beer selection though - just Special and Ordinary again.
21 May 2013 20:15
Youngs pub with a lovely tiled frontage and what seemed like a loyal, local clientele. This was my third Youngs pub of the day and far better than the first 2 which had both been subjected to makeovers. This was an unspoiled boozer in the backstreets of Sutton and all the better for it. The Special and the Ordinary were the only ales, whilst the parrot in the corner had plenty to say for itself!
21 May 2013 20:13
The Windsor Castle, Carshalton
After breaking my 15 pub crawl to go and watch a football match at Stamford Bridge, I returned to Carshalton via the Elm Park in Brixton (not listed on here) and my first point of call was the Windsor Castle. It's a Shepherd Neame pub, but creditably it has some guest beers. The welcome couldn't have been more friendly. The young girl behind the bar gets top marks for friendliness. Locals also seemed to be a fairly good bunch. Shepherd Neame beers were Master Brew, Kent's Best & Bishops FInger. Guests were Hopback Citra, Long Man Best Bitter & Portobello Star. A beer festival was advertised for next weekend. Another decent pub in Carshalton.
21 May 2013 20:09
After visiting the Hope (just down the road), I was always going to be a little disappointed with the Racehorse. But it's a fairly decent pub in its own right. At least it's a free house and it was offering 4 ales - Sharps Doom Bar, Old Mill Blonde Bombshell, Greene King IPA & Brains The Rev James. Sunday lunch was being served and a handful of locals were present. There are 2 good sized rooms with plenty of seating. So this may be a good choice if you find the Hope too busy.
21 May 2013 20:02
Finally got around to visiting the Hope for the first time on Sunday and I was impressed. Some of the nonsense I'd read on here did concern me slightly. But any concerns were soon dispelled. This was the best of 15 pubs I tried in Brixton, Carshalton, Wallington and Sutton on Sunday. It's got plenty of atmosphere, serves both the local community and visitors like myself, has friendly staff, is very cosy and most importantly stocks a good range of ales and ciders (plus a perry). The pumpclips scattered all around testify to this last facet. Beers on during my visit were Binghams Doodle Stout, Brodies Kiwi, Crouch Vale Amarillo, Kent KGB, Saltaire Cream Stout, Downton New Forest Ale & Windsor & Eton Knight of the Garter. The 2 ciders were Gwatkin Stoke Red & Broadoak Moonshine. Perry was Bee Sting. There's also a good range of different keg beers and a decent bottled selection. To receive the CAMRA Greater London pub of the year award, it must be doing something right. I can thoroughly endorse this place and whilst I don't rate it as the best pub in London (I can think of 2 or 3 better), it is certainly up there and I will definitely be back at some point. Keep up the excellent work.
21 May 2013 19:59
The Railway Tavern, Carshalton
One of those pubs where everything stops when you walk in (or stumble in - mind the high step at the front). Six handpulls are in existence and all feature London Pride. Nevertheless this is a nice locals pub with plenty of railway photos and memorabilia on the walls, plus a few pictures from the 1966 World Cup in one corner. I always hope that pubs like this continue to survive. They're always good for local communities and are far better than some of the soleless establishments we see too often these days. Probably wouldn't return due to the limited ale range. But good luck to it.
21 May 2013 19:51
Finally, we found a pub with character on our 15 pub crawl of the area on Sunday. The Sun has a very modern feel. But somehow you feel quite at home here. It's a kind of cafe bar atmosphere, but with real ales. Beers on were Lymestone Flag Stone, Sharps Doom Bar, Okells Jiarg, Red Willow Seamless & Stonehenge Dynamite. Cider was Addlestones. Service was good. There's clearly an emphasis on food here. Second best pub sampled on the day. Would come back if and when I'm in Carshalton again.
21 May 2013 19:46
This place has a great location opposite the ponds in Carshalton. Sunday was my first ever visit to Carshalton and I was left impressed. Sadly the pub does not live up to expectations. It's another Youngs hostelry that appears to have had the dreaded facelift. The building has lots of different rooms and looks as if it used to have possess character. Now it has been spoilt by too many modern touches. This was another pub advertising a beer festival throughout May. York Yorkshire Terrier was their one guest beer for the week. Youngs Bitter, Special & Waggledance completed the "festival". Inspiring! Could be so much better.
21 May 2013 19:43
Looks like this another Youngs hostelry that has had its character removed by a makeover. It seems as if it is trying to go upmarket and cater more for food and families. Youngs Bitter, Special & Waggledance were on, alongside Wells Bombardier and Hogsback Tea. With the Tea being the only guest, it's difficult how to class this as a beer festival. But it was being billed as such. The old bar area has been left moreorless intact and has some nice features. The rest of the bar is light and airy. But you just know that it used to have more character.
21 May 2013 19:38
Fairly bog standard Wetherspoons opposite Wallington station. Visited here on Sunday morning when it was fairly busy. Beers on were Great Western Meerkat Mild, Adnams Broadside, Hogsback Tea, Sambrooks Junction, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best. Couldn't see any real ciders. Service was ok. There are better 'spoons than this one.
21 May 2013 19:33
Have been in here a few times when passing. It's not ahuge Wetherspoons and never really seems to have an exciting ale range. Saturday's selection was St Peter's Golden Ale, Greene King Abbot, Caledonian Mild Mayhem, Rudgate Ruby Mild, Fullers London Pride, Adnams Broadside & Wychwood Hobgoblin. The cider was Westons Marcle Hill and the perry was also from Westons.
21 May 2013 19:15
It's been a good few years since I last visited the North Star. It doesn't look too big a pub from the outside. But it does stretch back a fair way, allowing for plenty of tables and seating. There is also an outdoor patio to the side. Sharps Doom Bar, Greenman Broughton, Windsor & Eton Knight of the Garter, Brakspear Oxford Gold & Triple fff Moondance were the ales on offer. Given its location near the station on the Broadway, it'll will always be popular. Average pub without anything in particular to recommend it for.
21 May 2013 19:09
The Boaters Inn, Kingston Upon Thames
Visited here after the Kingston Beer Festival on Saturday. The beer festival had a poor selection remaining after what must have been a busy Friday. With 6 ales on, the Boaters offered a suitable alternative. Sambrooks Junction, Tring Tea Kettle Stout, Dark Star Sunburst, Twickenham Smiler's Ale, Adnams May Day & The Boaters Inn Particular were the ales on offer. My only complaint would be that my half of stout was not poured fresh. It was retrieved from the drip tray. Nice location by the river.
21 May 2013 19:00
Managed to get into this Wetherspoons after a match at White Hart Lane last night. Apparently away fans are allowed in for youth games! It was fairly quiet, with a handful of seemingly Polish locals. Beers on were Adnams Ghost Ship & IPA, Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot, Tetleys Gold Cask & Daleside Premium Gold. The 2 Westons ciders were Old Rosie and Marcle Hill. A few TVs were showing the Championship play-off semi-final. There's nothing particularly special about this 'spoons. But it's probably the only place roundabouts worth drinking in (assuming you're allowed entry).
14 May 2013 15:49
The Pilgrim was fairly busy on my Sunday evening visit. There was a good selection of ales - Purple Moose Dark Side of The Moose, Three B's Fetter's Choice, Phoenix Wobbly Bob & Hopsack. The real cider was Rosies Black Bart. It's generally quite noisy in here. But the choice of music was good and diverse. Increasing my rating from 6 to 7. Making a note to come here more often.
14 May 2013 15:45
Second visit to the Cracke within the space of a few weeks on Sunday. I don't remember my previous visit and thought I'd better return! A good range of beers as usual - Conwy Honey Fayre, George Wright Citra, Spitting Feathers Black Velvet, Lancaster Amber, Cottage 748 & Thwaites Original, plus a real cider - Black Rat. A good old traditional pub with food music, friendly staff and a backstreet location that means it relies purely on its excellent reputation.
14 May 2013 15:42
First time in here for a few years on Saturday. Little has changed. The pub looks quite large from the outside. But inside it is actually quite small, with a narrow drinking area. As with my previous visit, most of the regulars are a mature lot. The beer range looked good - Bass, Purple Moose Glaslyn Ale, Burscough Mere Gold & Flat Rib Mild & George Wright Citra. I'm not sure how quickly the beers rotate. A quick glance around revealed most people on lagers. Our milds were off. Credit to the barmaid who did offer to exchange them. But there wasn't anything else we fancied.
14 May 2013 15:37
Irish pub in the financial area of Liverpool. Many pubs are closed around here at weekends. Whilst this one was open, there was only one person (playing a fruit machine) present when we arrived on Saturday afternoon. The guy at the fruit machine turned out to be the barman. No cask ales here. Just the usual keg suspects - Guinness, Guinness Extra Cold, Carling, Carling Extra Cold, Strongbow, Fosters, Caffreys, Becks Vier, Coors Light & John Smiths Extra Smooth. One other person arrived during our visit - she was a second menber of the bar team! Could do with a few more people. But maybe it is much busier in the evening.
14 May 2013 15:32
The Royal Standard, Wooburn Common
I'd forgotten how good this pub was. Last night was my 3rd to this rural pub and I was there for the culmination of a bank holiday beer festival. It's a roadside pub with one large room with a couple of partitions. There is an outdoor undercover smoking area and tables at the front on the roadside. Service is good and food is normally served. The beer list was (take a deep breath) Outstanding Selling Out, Woodfordes Wherry, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Hopback Summer Lightning, St Austell Tribute, Binghams Twyford Tipple, Orkney Dragonhead & Red MacGregor, Vale Checkmate, XT13, Acorn Blonde, Bristol Beer Factory Acer, Coastal Hop Monster, Crouch Vale Yakima Gold, Darkstar Carafa Jade, Inveralmond Independence, Leeds Vienna, Nottingham EPA, Oakham Inferno & Citra, Pictish Calypso & El Diablo, Purple Moose Snowdonia Ale, Rebellion Googly & Skinners Ginger Tosser. Not to be outdone, there were also 10 ciders and perries - Westons Cider Twist Raspberry, Cider Twist Winter Spice, Old Rosie, First Quality & Country Perry, Radnage 2012 Vintage Dry, Cornish Orchards Farmhouse Draught, Millwhites Blackberry Blush & Whiskey Cask & Thatchers Cheddar Valley. I won't leave it as long before my next visit.
7 May 2013 20:49
It was a long walk to this pub from my previous hostelry. It's located opposite the new Millenium Point building in a pedestrianised and barren area. It's certainly not a part of Birmingham I had been to previously. I was surprised to see the pub still standing. Standing it is, but open it is not. It' is seemingly closed for good. An anti-climax to my Sunday evening tour of Birmingham.
7 May 2013 20:41
Thank goodness for the haven of a classic city boozer after noisy expericences in the city centre. The Queen's Arms is a corner pub situated just outside the centre. The staff and the clientele were friendly and not the impersonal types I found in previous locations. Beers on were Falstaff A Fistful of Hops, Holdens Golden Glow & Wye Valley HPA. A real cider was also on - Thatchers Cheddar Valley. Well worth a visit.
7 May 2013 20:37
Sat outside this place and consumed a bottle of some kind of fizzy cider I'd never seen before. I'd have been better off going for either the Purity Ubu or Pure Gold. This bar is situated on the side of a godforsaken shopping arcade, the kind that most town centres bulldozed many years ago. The adjacent Wetherspoons is the only good reason to come here. The Yardbird itself appears to be a haven for live music. It was very busy both inside and out. Outdoor drinking consisted of both young and old, including the odd tramp. Another late night Birmingham nightspot which you should avoid if you're looking for a relaxing pint. But it could be just for you if you're about to head off to a club.
7 May 2013 20:31
My first visit to the Mailbox and Pennyblacks. I believe this is the only bar in the complex that serves real ale. It's a modern place with a rowdy atmosphere and handpulls situated at the back of the bar, making choice difficult. From what I could see, beers on were Goffs Launcelot & White Knight, Wickwar Rite Flanker & Cotswold Way and something called Classic Bitter. Service was prompt. Most of the customers were groups of young males, possibly on stag nights. This doesn't make for a particularly relaxing environment. Probably wouldn't return, especially when there are better establishments just along the canal (try the excellent Canalside Café).
7 May 2013 20:26
Not quite sure to make of this pub. But overall my impression was positive. It took a while to be served as people were served out of turn and some of the bar staff seemed to be spending most of their time dispensing cocktails. (as also seen by the previous reviewer). Nevertheless, the beer choice was good and pumpclips suggest they often have a good choice. There are 3 rooms circling a central bar. It was very busy on my Sunday evening visit and there were no tables available. Beers on were Thornbridge Hopton, Hardknott Lux Borealis & Titanic Chocolate & Vanilla Stout. I think I will give this pub another go when in this area of Birmingham next.
7 May 2013 20:21
The Shakespeare Inn, Birmingham
Being so close to New Street station, this pub will invariably attract its fare mix of people who often won't stay long. Unfortunately some of the bar staff encourage the transience by offering poor service. On arrival, I was expecting the female member of staff to approach me to dispense a beer. Instead, she continued talking to a couple of others further up the bar and completely blanked me. Eventually after a few minutes waiting with nobody else at the bar, another member of staff appeared from collecting glasses and offered service. This practice will never encourage repeat visitors. The pub itself is fairly nice. It's a Nicholsons, but not as good as the other Nicholsons on Summer Row (also the Shakespeare). About half of the pumpclips were turned around with only Roosters Astro, Stroud Organic Ale & Purity Ubu on offer. Surprisingly for a Nicholsons, they also stocked a real cider - Westons Old Rosie. One plus point to help recover an otherwise disappointing experience.
7 May 2013 20:16
It's been a while since I was last in the Baltic and it seems to have fallen out of favour with my drinking crowd. SInce my last visit, the bar has been moved. I'm sure there's a good reason for this. But I didn't really see any benefit for drinkers. In fact, I think I preferred the old layout. The pub certainly seemed quieter than on previous visits. So maybe it has lost trade. 4 Wapping beers were on - Wapping, Stevedore, Summer Ale & Smoked Porter. Cider was Westons Cider Twist Raspberry. The Baltic Fleet is a fair walk from the city centre and I'm not sure it now warrants the jaunt. Still handy if you're visiting the Albert Dock or the Echo Arena though.
28 Apr 2013 11:54
The Globe has had a bit of a refurb, as McRoyal states. But the old character is still there. It's the same clientele and the beer range is still not as good as many Liverpool pubs. But it's still worthy of a quick stopover if you're out shopping or have spare time before catching a train. Beers on yesterday lunchtime were Liverpool Organic William Roscoe, Robinsons DIzzy Blonde & Unicorn, Sharps Doom Bar & Black Sheep Best Bitter. Busy and lively as always.
28 Apr 2013 11:42
Large pub adjacent to South Kenton tube station in a predominantly residential area. The pub is a little dark inside and all the customers were men, who were either crowded around the bar or around 3 or 4 tables. Whilst the one bar area was full, a larger adjoining room was unoccupied. A couple of TVs were on. 3 ales were on - Courage Best, Banks's Mild & Hook Norton Old Hooky. The latter was quite nice and was £3.30 a pint. Service was good.
24 Apr 2013 19:56
Went in here this afternoon for a Sunday lunch and a half, whilst visiting Windsor. Adnams Lighthouse and Windsor & Eton Conqueror were the 2 ales on. The cider was Aspalls. Food was fairly average. The tourists must love this place. It's seemingly a very old pub overlooking the Castle and a group of wealthy Americans had apparently hired out the pub for the evening for a private party. Not too bad a pub. But I prefer the Carpenters Arms round the corner.
21 Apr 2013 18:12
This pub was our last stop in Sunderland yesterday and was marginally the best pub we tried. As the previous reviewer states, the pub has been restored to its original glory and is very impressive. It may be small - a bar and a smaller games room to the side, but is has 12 handpulls dispensing 3 Jarrow beers and also 3 ciders and/or perries. On yesterday were Jarrow Rivet Catcher, Red Ellen & McConnels Stout, Mauldons Suffolk Pride & Cuckoo, Castle Rock Elsie Mo, Milestone Colonial Stout, Acorn Bullseye & Consett Cast Iron. Ciders were Rogers Furze Cutters, Glasto Soap Dodger & Bourbons Hillbilly Pop. The latter had just run out as I arrived. But the friendly and proffessional bar staff offered to change put another one on as soon as the post-football match demand had died down a little. Thistly Cross Snakebite came on and was very nice. Not too far from the town centre and apparently the local CAMRA pub of the year. Well worth a visit to admire the interior and sample the ales and ciders. Will be back.
21 Apr 2013 10:50
Fitzgeralds Sunderland, Sunderland
Nice pub with a good ale range. But slightly too busy for my liking. We sat inside, where I believe there were 2 reasonably sized rooms. There is also an outdoor patio at the rear, that does not excatly have great views (a dual carriageway), but does catch the sun. Beers on were Sonnet 43 India Pale Ale, Cheddar Totty Pot Porter, Timothy Taylor Ram Tam & Boltmaker, Durham White Velvet, Moncada Notting Hill Ruby Rye, Big Lamp Prince Bishop Ale, Fyne Jarl, Roosters Buckeye & Lond Man Blonde. No sign of any real cider. A good pub. But we felt that we found 2 in Sunderland that were better yesterday - The Ivy House and the Isis.
21 Apr 2013 10:44
Large family type pub not too far from the University metro station. The place is popular with those with kids and several families on the way to the match had chosen this as a pre-match drinking/dining stop. Sport was being shown on the TVs. The ale range was fairly bog standard - Sharps Doom Bar, Courage Best, Theakston Best, Black Sheep Best, Brains The Rev James & Wells Bombardier. Not really my type of pub. But could suit some.
21 Apr 2013 10:39
We were pleasantly surprised by how good this backstreet boozer, not far from the Park Street Interchange, actually was. Plenty of people seemed to know about it and it seems popular with football fans on route to the match. All seemed fairly friendly. Beers on were Arbor Triple Hop Series, Mordue IPA, Sonnet 43 Bourbon Milk Stout, Marble Chocolate Marble & Blueball Spank. Thistly Cross Original was the cider. Unable to choose between the cider, the milk stout and the Marble beer, I tried to order 2 halves. Surprisingly they don't serve halves! I've never come across this in a pub before. The barman informed me that they did serve thirds and two thirds glasses. Problem solves. 3 thirds then please! These were served on a paddle, which seemed to intrigue some of the locals. There is a pizza oven located to the side of the bar too, in case you get peckish. The pizzas looked good. Well worth the effort to wander out of the town centre to. I have a feeling we will be back.
21 Apr 2013 10:36
The William Jamieson, Sunderland
Fairly average Wetherspoons in the Sunderland town centre that is large and was busy on our Saturday afternoon visit. Most of the beers on offer were in the festival for foreign beers. The selection was Pacific Pearl Black IPA, Beer Studio Burnt Sienna, Deschutes Twilight Pale Ale, Lancaster 1842 Pilsner, Pivovar Kocovnik Vivat Bohemia, Lodewijk Swinkles Fly By Night, Lymestone Pounamu, Skinners Sennen & Ruddles Best. Ciders were Thatchers Cheddar Valley & Old Rosie. I tried the Cheddar Valley, which was in a poor condition. Bar staff seemed a little flustered and were not partiuclarly helpful. Close to the station and handy in that regard. But otherwise, no need to venture here.
21 Apr 2013 10:31
Got off the metro here yesterday to give this pub a try. East Boldon is classed as a village and the sight of horses trotting up the roads made it feel like a village. But it's still part of the urbanised area between Newcastle and Sunderland. The pub itself was nice enough and is bigger than I initially anticipated. with drinking areas on both sides of the main bar. It seemed a bit dull inside and lacked a bit of atmosphere with very few customers. The bar staff were friendly. Food seemed to be the focus. Although there were 4 ales on - Thwaites Lancaster Bomber, Maxim Double Maxim, Jennings Cumberland Ale & Wychwood Hobgoblin. It's a good 15 minute walk slightly uphill from the metro station. It probably doesn't warrant the effort to try again in the future.
21 Apr 2013 10:26
The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak
Returned here last night after an absence of around a year. I still rate the Southampton Arms as the best pub in London. I'd tried a pub I hadn't been to beforehand - Tapping the Admiral (not listed on the site). This pub was nearby and was being presented with the North London CAMRA pub of the year award last night. But frankly, I'm not sure how it could possibly be rated better than the Southampton Arms. Maybe the same pub is not allowed to have the award two years running? In any case, I wish I'd have spent all the time available to me in the Southampton Arms instead. The beer and cider range is still second to none, with 8 ales and 8 ciders or perries regularly available. Snacks are tasty but expensive. The bar area often feels cramped, as the pub is so popular. But last night, it was a little less packed and therefore more relaxing. The small yard at the rear is also a pleasant place to sit in the summer and you may want to brave it in the winter too, if the bar is packed. All in all a great boozer. I just wish it wasn't tucked away in a fairly inaccessible part of Northwest London. But then if it wasn't, the place would be even more crowded.
17 Apr 2013 21:00
Strange little place that seemed to attract a fairly trendy crowd. The cocktails are expensive. The beers and cider were too. Ales on were Adnams Ghost Ship, Jennings Cumberland Ale & Wychwood Hobgoblin. Doom Bar was listed on the blackboard. But I believe it was off. Cider was Westons Traditional Scrumpy. Worth a try if you fancy something a little different.
14 Apr 2013 11:37
Not much has changed here since my last visit. It's still a dreary interior with what looks like a local and loyal crowd. Hobgoblin & Cumberland Ale were the 2 ale options. Most people were on the keg beers. I'd left the Vernon and missed out on the Ship & Mitre to give this another chance. But next time I'll continue along Dale Street.
14 Apr 2013 11:33
The Rose and Crown, Stoke Newington
The Rose & Crown was another pub (similar to the Jolly Butchers) that seemes to attract a young and fairly trendy crowd. Although it has the feel of a more down to earth boozer. Beers on were Caledonian Golden XPA & Deuchars IPA, St Austell Tribute & Trumans Runner. Food seems to be popular.
9 Apr 2013 20:20
The Rochester Castle, Stoke Newington
Not the best branch of Wetherspoons you'll ever find. It did have a few ales on and the conservatory at the rear was a fairly pleasant setting to relax for a while. There is also an area outside at the rear. Beers on were Ruddles Best, Belhaven Black, Good George Pacific Pearl, Kelham Island Pale Rider & Brewsters Belly Dancer. Ciders were Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Westons Wyld Wood.
9 Apr 2013 20:17
Jolly Butchers, Stoke Newington
Returned to the Jolly Butchers on Sunday afternoon. It was much busier than on my previous visit. It seemed all of the youth of Stoke Newington had confirmed here for Sunday lunch and a few drinks. The drinks selection seemed better than last time - Buxton SPA & Rednik Stout, Crack of Dawn Late Knights, Ascot Multi Hop & On The Rails, Windsor & Eton Windsor Knot & Anarchy Smoke Bomb. Perries and ciders were Sandford Orchards Pear Shaped & Cider Ginger & Orchard Pig Explorer. Tried a few new ciders I hadn't had previously from the bottle range. The keg beer and cider selection is interesting too. This included Brodies Rum Mocha & Orchard Pig Reveller. Beer quality varied from poor to excellent. Still a good pub. But a bit too popular for my liking!
9 Apr 2013 20:14
The Maid of Muswell, Muswell Hill
Gastropub-type place with 3 ales on. These were Ilkley Wit Marie, Redemption Urban Dusk & Fullers London Pride on our visit. The food looked expensive. But this is a fairly well-heeled area and you could most likely afford it if you lived here. Ok, without being anything special.
9 Apr 2013 20:05
The Phoenix is now the Alexandra Palace Bar & Kitchen. They do have a couple of ales on - Deuchars & Directors. But you'd probably only want to come here if you were here for an event at the palace. Good views of London and a nice setting in the Palm Court.
9 Apr 2013 20:02
The Alfred Herring, Palmers Green
Unlike the Gilpins Bell in Edmonton, this branch of Wetherspoons was open to all on a matchday. It had a reasonable selection of ales - Titanic Molly Brown Ale, Belhaven Black Scottish Stout, Pivovar Kocovnik Vivat Bohemia, Greene King Abbot Ale, Ruddles Best, Wadworth 6X, Everards Multi Tasker & Caledonian Brewer's Passion. Cider was Westons Wyld Wood. The place is big enough with a separate dining area and booths in the main bar. Clientele were the usual Wetherspoons sort.
9 Apr 2013 19:58
Tried visiting this pub on Sunday morning. Apparently it doesn't open until 10am on a Tottenham matchday. Signs up outside stated that only people in possession of a home match ticket could enter. They obviously expect trouble on matchdays. I hadn't realised Tottenham fans were that bad. 0/10 for a pub you cannot visit.
9 Apr 2013 19:54
Returned to the Angel for its beer festival yesterday. On my previous visit, I hadn't accounted for the fact that there are 3 separate rooms. There is a second bar at the front and a function room at the rear where the festival beers were all on stillage. I appeared to be the only person there for the festival. Although at least one other person was drinking the festival ales. Beers on were Fullers London Pride, HSB, Chiswick & Brit Hop, 8 Sails Old Colony, Adnams Gunhill, Buffys Mucky Duck, Castle Rock Elsie Mo, Darkstar American Pale Ale, Marstons Dirty Tackle, Sharps Doom Bar, Skinners Betty Stogs, St Peters Suffolk Gold & Exmoor Gold. A pub that making a genuine effort, but has a way to go.
6 Apr 2013 10:05
Chequered Skipper, Peterborough
The Chequered Skipper was my final pub of the night yesterday. For the 3rd time in the evening, the bar staff seemed very nervous when I entered. Maybe I look like a burglar. But I was only after a drink! Nevertheless, there were 3 ales on - Newby Wyke HMS Warrior, Adnams Ghost Ship & Brewsters Hophead. The pub is set in a beautiful village and for that reason alone the pub is worth a visit. Although plan to visit during the daytime, unlike me.
3 Apr 2013 21:30
Locals pub located in the centre of Oundle. This is not normally my kind of establishment. Customers were fairly young and were all very merry. This may have had something to do with the pink concoction that was being prepared in pitchers to celebrate one man's birthday. Music was being played very loud and apparently the ladies toilets were blocked! Nevertheless, everybody seemed very friendly and I actually found myself enjoying my short time here despite only sticking to a coke as I was driving. Beers were from the Marstons range - Pedigree & Wychwood Hobgoblin & Dirty Tackle.
3 Apr 2013 21:27
The Ship is a pleasant old coaching inn located in the nice old town of Oundle. There is a lounge at the front and a TV/games room at the rear, with a decked patio also with a TV. Accommodation is offered. On my Tuesday night visit, the TV room was packed with youngsters watching Champions League football. I opted for the quieter and cosier front bar. Beers on were Nene Valley Lizzie's Ruby Bitter & DXB Special Bitter, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Sharps Doom Bar & Brewsters Hophead. The DXB was being dispensed on gravity. Worth a vist if you're ever in Oundle.
3 Apr 2013 21:24
The White Swan seems more like a posh restaurant than a pub. It was empty when I arrived, apart from the 4 staff. Another couple did come in later. The posh toiletries were a good indication of the social group they are looking to attract. Nevertheless, 2 ales were on - Wherry & London Pride. A 3rd handpull was occupied by Leffe Blonde! For a much better and far more down-to-earth experience, head to the nearby Shuckburgh Arms in Southwick. It was the best pub of 8 I tried in Northamptonshire last night, but is sadly not listed on the site.
3 Apr 2013 21:20
After finding the nearby Shoulder of Mutton in Weldon closed (possibly for good), I headed for the Queens Head. I struggled to find the bar at first. There is a large dining area to the right as you enter from the car park. The bar is to the left. The young barmaid clearly thought I was casing the joint and asked if I needed any help. I probably do. But at this point, I was only after a swift half. The landlord soon made an appearance and seemed quite friendly and offered a much warmer welcome. He assumed I was there for the dominoes. But I assured him I was just passing! I believe the pub has been awarded local CAMRA pub of the year and the range was fairly good - Tring Side Pocket For A Toad, Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Digfield March Hare & Barnwell Bitter & Oakham JHB. Sadly, despite the Good Beer Guide indicating otherwise, no real cider is served. Not a bad pub. But if this is the best pub in the local area, it doesn't say too much for the others.
3 Apr 2013 21:15
Friendly country pub with good views from the rear. The pub only stocks beers from the Marstons range now. No sign of anything from the Great Oakley Brewery. 3 ales were on - Cumberland Ale, Pedigree & Hobgoblin. Nice stone interior and unlike the nearby Bluebell, they could actually dispense alcohol (the Bluebell is awaiting for its license to be renewed).
3 Apr 2013 21:08
The Williams IV is an attractive pub from the outside and has plenty of character inside too. There is a busy front bar which opens out into another decent size room at the rear. The clientele is a good mix, with locals and real ale drinkers, both young and old coinciding. With a festival advertised, I was a little disappointed that there weren't more Brodies beers on offer. But they did have Jamaican Stout, Doppel Dunkel Weizen, Citra, London Lager, Simcoe Pale, London Pale Ale, Peanut Butter Mild, Old Street Pale, Dalston Black IPA, Kiwi, Romanov Empress Stout & Bethnal Green Bitter. So not a bad selection really. The ones I tried were all good. They also have a real cider, which was Magic Bus Farmhouse Styled Cider. If I had one criticism, it would be the service. Whilst it was fairly swift, the female staff member that served me was rather surly and seemed to find it hard to communicate. Please and thank yous always go a long way. Glasses were also building up on tables with nobody seeming to have the inclination to tidy them up. But all in all, my visit here rounded my day off nicely and I somehow staggered home after finishing on the 12% stout!
3 Apr 2013 21:04
Monday was my second visit to the Drum. I believe it's one of the older Wetherspoons and the interior and exterior actually have a bit of character about them. Inside, walls and pillars create separate drinking areas to make for a more relaxing environment in which to imbibe for a while. I struggle with the soulless interiors of most branches of 'spoons. It was reasonably busy with a local crowd and had a decent range of beers - Jennings Lakeland Stunner, Ringwood Boondoggle, Sambrooks Wandle, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Weltons Perstar Princess Coffee Porter & Golden Chilli, Growler Hound Dog & London Fields Love Not War. Westons ciders on offer were Marcle Hill & Wyld Wood. An above average Wetherspoons.
3 Apr 2013 20:55
I'm still to be won over by the Old Fountain. I had planned to give it another try to sample its Easter beer festival. It was almost deathly quiet on my Easter Monday visit with only 4 or 5 other customers. Most of the festival beers were still available on stillage at the end of the bar. Sadly, there was no real cider. Cask beers on were Kent Session Pale Ale, Raw Zenith & Majic Mild, Brighton Bier Maple Porter & Red Rye, Thornbridge McConnel's Vanilla Stout, Arbor Down Deeper Goo Goo G'Soop, Marble Ginger 6 & Earl Grey, Oakham Tranquility Dream Catcher & Atilla & London Fields Shoreditch IPA. They also have an interesting selection of keg beers, including a rather strange tasting gooseberry beer. Service was swift and friendly. But I still find that the pub lacks atmosphere. A real cider would also be a valuable addition.
3 Apr 2013 20:49
Decided to give this pub a try when in the area on Easter Monday lunchtime. It's a small place with an upper floor that was possibly reserved for diners. Drinks are expensive. But the 3 real ales are supplemented by a good range of keg beers, bottles and a real cider. The 3 cask ales were Redemption Trinity & Rock The Kasbek and Saltaire South Island Pale. Keg options were Camden Ink Stout, Redlight Waltz, Redchurch Bethnal Pale, Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted, Williams Double Joker IPA, Kernel Ahtanium IPA, Camden Pale Ale, Maisel's Weisse, Stiegl Coldbrau & Old Red Cow Lager. The cider was Devon Red from Sandford Orchards. A good option if you like the modern range of craft beers. I would probably pay this place another visit if passing.
3 Apr 2013 20:40
Had 30 minutes in between trains at Wigan on Saturday evening. So I managed to fit in halves at the Boulevard and the Anvil. The Boulevard was much busier than on previous visits and the music was loud. Whilst it may be to some people's liking, it was a bit too loud for me. Nevertheless they did have 4 ales and 2 ciders on - Mordue Radgie Gadgie, Bath Gem, Phoenix Navvy & Moorhouses Rock Rabbit (brewed for the pub). The Gwynt y Ddraig ciders were Farmhouse Scrumpy & Haymaker. I still like the Boulevard. But I found the Anvil far more civil on this occasion.
1 Apr 2013 09:07
More of a restaurant/wine bar than a pub. Although they did stock 3 real ales - Courage Best & Directors & Theakston Black Bull Bitter. The decor is modern and there are plenty of staff who all seemed friendly.
1 Apr 2013 08:57
Was very disappointed with this pub. It is in the 2013 Good Beer Guide. But as the previous reviewer says, I'm not sure how. Maybe it has changed hands. The Beer Guide also states that it opens at 9am. But you won't find it open until midday, I'm afraid. The interior is fairly traditional. Beers were uninspiring - Marstons Pedigree, Wadworth St George & The Dragon & Greene King IPA. Football was being shown on the TV and there were plenty of tables available to sit and watch, if you wanted. Disappointing though.
1 Apr 2013 08:55
The Old Contemptibles, Birmingham
This is a very handy pub for Snow Hill station. It's just a shame that it doesn't open until midday on a Saturday. It's a Nicholson's establishment and as usual I was fairly happy with their choice of ales. In fact, it was the best of 7 new pubs I tried in Birmingham on the day. Beers on were St Austell Nicholson's Pale Ale, Purity Ubu, Sharps Doom Bar, Long Man Old Man, Adnams Kristal White, Moor Raw & Castle Rock Sheriff's Tipple. I quite enjoyed my half of Old Man. Inside, there is a high ceiling and the decor is impressive. Service was fine.
1 Apr 2013 08:51
The Old Joint Stock, Birmingham
Was glad to find this Fullers pub opened on my Saturday morning visit. It's a grand building both inside and out, typical of many Fuller's Ale & Pie Houses. There were plenty of people serving and enough customers to create a decent atmosphere too. As you would expect, most of the beers came from the Fullers range - London Pride, Bengal Lancer, Discovery, Chiswick, ESB & Spring Sprinter. I tried the guest beer from Warwickshire - Golden Bear, which was ok. I noted a sign that stated no football colours are allowed -beware. A nice pub but there are many better in the area.
1 Apr 2013 08:43
Metro Bar and Grill, Birmingham
Never got chance to try this bar. It remained closed throughout my visit to Birmingham on Saturday. All other pubs and bars were open locally. So a poor show for this one and a 0/10 for me, until I get another chance to re-consider.
1 Apr 2013 08:36
Popped in here shortly after opening at 11am on Saturday. I was the only customer in until a couple arrived as I was departing. 2 ales were on - Doom Bar & Butty Bach. Cider was Aspalls on keg. Edmund's is more of a bar than a pub and lacked atmosphere. Music was being played, but at a very low volume reminiscent of a library. I don't mind music if there is no conversation to be had. But this was too quiet.
1 Apr 2013 08:29
Made a return visit to the Wellington on Saturday morning, as most other pubs in the vicinity were still closed. For ale range, the Wellington is not matched in Birmingham and the good news is that the pub is expanding upstairs to create more drinking space. Beers on during my visit were Wye Valley HPA, Black Country Pig on the Wall & BFG, Oakham Citra, Random Rabbit & Scarlet Macaw, Purity Mad Goose, Elgoods Cambridge Bitter, Exmoor Antler, Crouch Vale Snow Drop, Worthington White Shield, Titanic Chocolate & Vanilla Stout, Malvern Hills Feel Good & Cotleigh Barn Owl. The 3 ciders and perries are still dispensed from the rear of the bar. They had Meare Farmhouse, Hogans Vintage Perry & Rogers Sweet. Service was friendly. At the times I visit, the clientele is generally a mix of real ale drinkers and football fans from all manner of teams. I hadn't realised Stourbridge Town were playing St Albans on Saturday. But fans from both teams were present!
1 Apr 2013 08:22
Reasonably busy branch of Wetherspoon's tucked away in a fairly dismal shopping centre at Paradise Circus. Birmingham branches of the chain appeared to have a festival featuring hoppy beers. Those on were Beer Geek The Noble Geek, Beowulf Folded Cross & Horseman, Sadlers Hop Bomb plus Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best. Ciders from Westons were Old Rosie & Cider Twist Raspberry. It's a fairly characterless establishment. But service was quick and friendly.
1 Apr 2013 08:04
The Land of Liberty, Peace and Plenty, Heronsgate
Has a festival on this weekend. This means that the normal selection of 6 ales on the bar is increased to 10. On today were Tring Liberty Ale & Gerry B Winter, Redemption Rock The Kasbek, Moorhouses Black Cat, Oakleaf Heart of
Gold, Hardknott Azimuth IPA, Vale Brill Amber, NZ Rakau Verulam, Darkstar Porter & Saltaire South Island Pale. Ciders and perries were Westons Country Perry, Gwynt y Ddraig Two Trees Perry & Happy Daze & Millwhites Scrumpy & Hedge-Layer. The clientele were mainly locals. But this is a handy pub to stop for a swift half of something unusual if you are driving around the M25 past junction 17. Or even better, get somebody to drive you there and sample them all.
29 Mar 2013 20:13
Was here today for the first of its 3 annual festivals hosted in a tent in the garden. Beers on were Portobello Pilsner & Portobello Pale, Jubilee Tower Rear Chain, Toolmakers Ripsaw, Stonehouse Sunlander, Red Straughton Bitter & Georgie's Pebble, Six Bells Aries, Deeply Vale DV8 Stout Wi' Clout, Derwent Bunny Hops, 4T's Return of the Citra, Tom Smith Ales Jamaican Tom, Ashley Down Traditional Pale, Rebellion IPA, Ordnance City Detonator Pale Ale, Hop Kettle Cascade, Acorn Smaragd IPA, Holdens Churchill's Pluck, Elland Sing Sing, Out There Laika, York Dino-Sore Arse & Bowness Bay Swan Blonde, plus 2 Belgian beers - Fruli Strawberry and Castle Brewery Van Honsebrouck Kasteel Rouge. There were also 5 ciders - Hecks Medium Sweet Farmhouse, Green Valley Strawberry Cider & RTT Special, Broadoak Moonshine & Worley's Reserve. This is still a great country pub and still deserves a 10/10 from me. It's just a shame it's a cold weekend for a beer festival.
29 Mar 2013 20:05
Was back in the Font yesterday afternoon for a swift half. They still have 3 handpulls, 2 for ales and 1 for a cider. They had Purple Moose Ysgawen, Liverpool Organic Iron Men & Rosie's Wicked Wasp. Always noisy and bustling and very much still a student hangout.
17 Mar 2013 11:35
The Town Hall Tavern, Chertsey
Tried Thyme in the Tavern for the first time last night. It has a modern feel inside and they clearly concentrate on food as well as ales. 4 ales were on - Courage Best, Theakston Best, Windsor & Eton Guardsman & Binghams Twyford Tipple. Surrey Garden Cider is served in bottles. Surprised this was made North Surrey CAMRA pub of the year. But probably still one of the better bets in Chertsey.
13 Mar 2013 19:23
Two weeks on from my last visit, I had read that the pub had now opened. So I tried again to find it open on a Sunday evening, unlike many pubs in Birmingham city centre. The pub did not disappoint with 9 ales, a cider and a perry. Whilst it was quiet, there were still several people including people who are clearly intent on making this their local. The landlord was friendly and knowledgeable. He clearly knew his beers and breweries. Ales on were Black Country BFG, Pig on the Wall & Fireside, Great Heck Golden Mane & Porter, Muirhouse Shopping For Hops & Magnum Mild, Frys Golden Armour & Morton Scrummage. The cider and perry were both from Gwynt y Ddraig - Dog Dancer & Two Trees. I overheard the landlord say that the cider and perry pumps would soon be used for 2 more ales with the cider and perry still retrieved from the cellar. This is a welcome addition to Birmingham's growing list of decent pubs. Whilst not in the best of areas, it's not too far from New Street station and its commitment to featuring guest beers from smaller breweries will ensure I pay a return visit next time I have any length of time to spend in Birmingham.
4 Mar 2013 18:56
I hadn't been to the Lion for a while. So I strayed here for a swift one between Rigbys and the Ship & Mitre on Saturday. The pub was busy with people watching the football. But service was quick and the beers and the pub itself were just as good as ever. Available on Saturday was Pennine Real Blonde, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Wharfebank Celtic Red, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, Rat Cheating Rat, Ossett Silver King, George Wright Lion Returns & Beartown Bearly Literate. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Traditional Scrumpy. Always worth the detour off Dale Street.
4 Mar 2013 18:45
The Flute and Firkin, Liverpool
Paid the Flute a swift visit following a similarly swift visit to the nearby Clove Hitch (which is improving but not listed on here). The Flute has recently improved its ale range and was offering Wells Bombardier, Liverpool One Liverpool Light, Cottage Norman's Conquest MM & Greene King IPA. CAMRA discounts are apparently offered. But you have to request one! Still more of a sports bar than anything else. But at least they are making an effort to appeal to different crowds.
4 Mar 2013 18:40
The Augustus John, University of Liverpool
The Augustus John is currently cider pub of the year for Merseyside. I thought I'd pay it a return visit on Saturday and sure enough they had a selection of 8 ciders or perries that are rarely seen in the area - Mr Whiteheads Blackberry Cider, Cirrus Minor, Boxing Dog, Heart of Hampshire & Midnight Special, Thatchers Traditional & Cheddar Valley & Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze. Beers were Daleside Old Leg Over, Partners 6 Nations, Tower Bitter & Tetleys Cask. Still a worthwhile pub to visit. But still no atmosphere and too far from anywhere else decent to make it a regular port of call.
4 Mar 2013 18:37
The Beehive is typical of many Liverpool City Centre boozers. It's got a nice, traditional interior with some impressive tilework and is frequented by an ageing crowd. Beers are all keg - Guinness, Strongbow, San Miguel, Carlsberg, Carling & Tetleys Bitter & Dark Mild. It's worth trying if you've never been before. But with so many better pubs in Liverpool, it's unlikely you'll return.
4 Mar 2013 18:32
Finally made my first visit to the Sussex Arms last night, when they were being presented with the Cider Pub of the Year award. They have a fine selection of ales, ciders and perries. During my visit last night, they had Weltons Triple Crown, Moor Revival Pale Ale, Twickenham Sundancer, Marble Ginger, Boggart Rum Porter, Andwell Crouch Hold Engage, Derventio Et Tu Brutus, Wharfebank VPA, Tiny Rebel Cwtch, Irving Frigate & Stonehenge Great Bustard. For ciders, they had Gwatkin Golden Valley, Upper House Farm Dry, Abrahalls AD Dry, Dewchurch Traditional Still Cider & Millwhites Rum Cask. Perries were Lilleys Bee Sting & Hartlands Farmhouse. The pub itself is fairly pleasant with no distractions from TVs or fruit/games machines. Music is played. But conversation is very much the order of the day. Has a mix of loyal locals and occasional visitors like myself and welcomes families and dogs. We sampled one of the pies too which was reasonably good value and quite filling. It's rare that I award a 9/10 for a pub. But this one certainly qualifies and has become one of my favourite pubs in London after only one visit.
1 Mar 2013 19:15
Welcoming pub in a really pretty village in the Welland Valley. Locals and staff were friendly. The small room is split into two with locals playing dominos in the small bar area, whilst a small lounge was made out for diners who seemed to be in short supply. Beers were Morland Old Speckled Hen, Oakham JHB & Langton Woodsman. Recommended.
25 Feb 2013 21:21
This pub is currently closed. It has a nice village location and judging by the previous review it had plenty of potential. Another sad loss.
25 Feb 2013 21:18
Nice enough pub in a Welland Valley village. The car park was full, apparently with cars left behind from inebriated customers the night before. So they must be doing something right! The ale selection was fairly ordinary - Marstons Pedigree, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Bass. Locas were discussing politics in the bar, whilst others were enjoying Sunday lunch in the restaurant. The food smelt good. The pub is part of the Welland Valley festival in June.
25 Feb 2013 21:16
The Griffin Hotel, Attleborough
Only 2 beers were on in this old coaching house in the centre of Attleborough. Both were from the nearby Wolf brewery - Woild Mild & Battle of Britain. The mild was reasonably good. Live rugby was being shown with occasional music from the jukebox at a high volume. Rooms are available if you wish to stay the night. We also tried to visit the nearby Bear, but that had been closed by the receivers on Valentines Day! However, the nearby London Tavern is definitely worthy of a visit. It's not listed on here, but was far more popular with a wide range of age groups represented and 5 real ales available, including a fine vanilla porter from Box Steam.
25 Feb 2013 21:12
Far nicer pub than the Kings Head on the main road. Whilst much quieter, the atmosphere seemed more relaxed and the locals present were mulling over the fortunes of their local football team (Norwich). Beers were Greene King XX Mild, Ruddles Best & Humpty Dumpty Swallowtail. I gave the mild a try, as I'd never had it before. For a 3% beer, it was surprisingly tasty. Nice pub tucked away from the passing traffic on the main road and worth seeking out.
25 Feb 2013 21:08
Country pub on a B road not too far from Norwich. It's one of those pubs where everything stops as you walk in. All the locals were crowded around the bar and stools and all peered round to see who was entering. It's always a little annoying when you can't even reach the bar beacuse nobody has left a gap for anybody to get served. Woodfordes Wherry & Courage Chip & Chase were the beers. The latter wasn't the best beer I'd ever tasted. Some of the food looked appealing. But there was nobody sampling it and the locals seemed to think everything on the menu contained horsemeat!
25 Feb 2013 21:05
Fairly upmarket pub that has a heavy focus on food, whilst also catering for drinkers. Whilst we did not sample the Victorian Dining Room, we did have a meal in the bar which was fairly nice. There are plenty of staff. It was amazing how they all manaaged to fit behind the bar. Beers on were all from Norfolk or Suffolk - Adnams Bitter & Sole Star & Woodfordes Nelson's, Wherry & Once Bittern. I believe the cider was Aspalls. Nice enough pub where families are welcome.
25 Feb 2013 21:00
The Royal Oak was the best of 9 pubs I sampled in Norfolk on Saturday. It has a good range of beers, along with a real cider and a perry. Beers on were Sharps Doom Bar, Ossian Independence, St Peters Organic Best Bitter, Wolf Straw Dog, Cottage Champflower Ale, Woodfordes Wherry, Abbeydale Daily Bread & Rudgate On Target. The cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Scrumpy and the perry was from Broadoak. Inside, it is cosy and there are a few separate drinking areas and a dining room. The landlord was welcoming. We sampled the chip shop next door. They had some very tasty food. Although the portions were a little miserly. The Royal Oak is definitely worth the journey out of Norwich for. We continued on to the Globe in Shotesham (not listed on here), which did not quite have the same appeal.
25 Feb 2013 20:56
The Wheel of Fortune, Alpington
Friendly country pub in a Norfolk village. It was quiet on our Saturday lunchtime visit and we were the only customers. There are 2 rooms. A roaring fire was keeping the one room warm.There is also a large selection of books, which are presumably available to swap or to purchase for charity. Beers on were Adnams Broadside, Bitter & Explorer & Woodfordes Once Bittern. Nice little village pub and unlike the nearby Gull at Framingham Pigot, it seems to be determined to continue its focus on beer rather than food.
25 Feb 2013 20:50
Busy pub next to North Ealing tube. This is a John Barras pub and appeared to family friendly and had a cheap food menu. It's a large open-plan pub with plenty of tables. Many were taken on our Friday evening visit. There is a pool table at one end of the bar with TVs also scattered around. Beers were Ghost Ship, Doom Bar & London Pride.
25 Feb 2013 20:43
Both the Haven Arms are fairly unspoiled pubs not too far from Ealing Broadway. Last time I visited the Wheatsheaf, I should have tried the Haven Arms but instead walked on by. On Friday, I returned to give it a go. The bar staff were friendly and they had 3 ales on offer - Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Over The Bar & Wells Bombardier. The interior is fairly cosy and nicely decorated. Reasonably good.
25 Feb 2013 20:34
This pub is currently closed and is in the process of being refurbished. It appears that Black Country Ales are adding it to their collection of pubs and a quick peep through the windows revealed a long row of handpulls. One to try in the future. But no rating for now.
17 Feb 2013 22:19
Nice enough pub near to Chinatown and the gay quarter of Birmingham City Centre. It's also right by the Hippodrome. 4 ales were on - Malvern Hills Black Pear, Slaters Premium Bitter, Greene King Old Speckled Hen & St Austell Tribute. It seems that Westons Old Rosie is normally available. But it was off tonight. The pub has two high ceilinged rooms. The one was busier than the other. But it still seemed fairly quiet on my visit this evening. Worth a try. There's always the Wetherspoons nextdoor if you can't find anything you fancy.
17 Feb 2013 22:09
This Holts pub was fairly busy on our late Saturday afternoon visit. This was surprising given its slightly out of the way location. Similar to the Golden Lion down the road, the interior is traditional and has multiple drinking areas. There were no cask ales on for our visit, despite pumpclips showing. They did however have a range of Holts beers in bottles. As with the other 2 pubs we sampled in Blackley, I probably wouldn't head back.
17 Feb 2013 22:05
Reasonably pleasant Holt's establishment with multiple drinking areas. The usual Holts keg suspects were on, with Holts Bitter being the only cask beer. Clientele were mostly of the senior variety on our Saturday afternoon visit, in case you're concerned about the previous review. I can't say I'd make the journey out to Blackley again though.
17 Feb 2013 22:00
A community local on the eastern reaches of Blackley. Buses from Manchester stop outside. JW Lees Bitter was the only cask option. There's a few interesting pictures of old Manchester footballers on the walls and some even more interesting characters drinking there. It's not the sort of place I expected to see somebody wearing a onesy. But there you go. A band seemed to be setting up in a separate room. The main bar was relatively quiet.
17 Feb 2013 21:57
Just had time for a swift half in this pub before treking out to the northern reaches of Greater Manchester. It's a Marstons pub which had only 2 ales on, despite 4 handpulls. Pedigree & Sweet Chariot were the beers. Music was being played too loudly for my liking. The barmaid was friendly. Many were gathering in a games area to one side of the pub. But we chose the more traditional seating area around the bar. Ok, but nothing special.
17 Feb 2013 21:50
Returned to this bar on Saturday afternoon and unlike in November 2011, we actually got served this time. In fact, it was the best of 7 pubs we tried on the day. The two real ales were Roosters Yankee and Red Willow Wreckless. There is also an interesting array of keg options. I sampled the Mikkeller Stour which was very nice, albeit expensive. The bar was busy. Some were eating food. But as previous reviewers pointed out, the clientele is young. Certainly worth popping in to see what beers they have on.
17 Feb 2013 21:47
Typical city centre local that was fairly busy on our Saturday afternoon visit. Most people seem to know one another. There are a few different drinking areas. We chose to sit in a corner that was clearly popular with horse racing fans, who had their newspapers out and were following the racing on the TV. Beers on were Bass & Greene King IPA. Has a nice traditional interior. But it's not a pub I'd particularly want to return to.
17 Feb 2013 21:42
This is one of those Manchester bars I have been meaning to get around too for a while. Yesterday, we had around 20 minutes before heading to the football ground and paid the Knott Bar a brief visit. It's a modern-looking bar which was busy, but had plenty of staff to cope with the custom. Quite a few people were eating and the kitchen can be seen from the end of the bar. But we were here for the beer. Old pumpclips on the walls indicate the extensive range they have stocked. Yesterday they had Pictish Cluster, Hardknott Cool Fusion, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Black Jack Stout, Tomos Watkin OSB, Buxton Kinder Downfall & Derby Hop Til' You Drop. There is also a good selection of more unusal keg and bottled options. No real cider was on offer. But they do normally have Addlestones on a handpull. Seemingly the best place for a beer in the Deansgate area.
11 Feb 2013 20:10
The Ox bills itself as a gastropub. But it still offers a decent ale range and the bar staff were friendly. Beers on were slightly better than the White Lion nearby, although similar - Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, Taylor Landlord, Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Black Sheep Best. Westons Old Rosie cider was also available. The interior has been kept fairly traditional, despite the emphasis on food.
11 Feb 2013 20:05
The White Lion Hotel, Castlefield
A traditional pub that was fairly busy on our Sunday afternoon visit. Football was being shown on the TVs. Service was hard to come by, despite the fact there were 3 bar staff all looking bored. Whilst they noticed the regular walk in behind us, they failed to acknowledge us for a good few minutes, despite still not having anybody else to serve. The ales were all fairly average - Flowers Original, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin & Taylor Landlord. The Flowers was past its best. Promised much, but offered little.
11 Feb 2013 20:02
Small bar not too far from Deansgate station with knowledgeable bar staff and 3 real ales. 2 Welsh beers from Facers - This Splendid Ale & Winter Porter were on alongside Pictish Brewer's Gold. There was no real cider. Although there is a decent selection of bottled ciders in the fridges. Worth combining with the nearby Knott Bar.
11 Feb 2013 19:57
Family pub serving both meals and drinks in a residential area of Birmingham. 3 real ales were on - M & B Brew XI, Ringwood Reinbeer & Marstons Pedigree. There was a wide mix of customers. Service was quick. Looks as if it offers a good range of cheap food with plenty of offers. Not too much to recommend it for other than that though.
3 Feb 2013 21:54
Hadn't been to Rigbys for a while. With the Ship & Mitre, Vernon and the Lion nearby, it rarely gets a look in. Nevertheless, I ventured there yesterday. The place was just as busy as ever on a matchday and the interior is still the same Rigbys. Beers were also good - Nutbrook Responsibly, Clearwater Devon Dympsy, Okells IPA & Bitter, Jennings Dark Mild, Lancaster Blonde & Bays IPA. Although sadly they no longer serve a real cider, having scrapped the Thatchers Cheddar Valley due to lack of sales.
3 Feb 2013 14:11
It's probably been nearly 20 years since I visited here last. I must admit that I wasn't even aware that it opened during the day. In fact it was very busy. There were some people there for the drinks and the music. But I suspect that most people were there just as 'tourists'. In fact many walk in, take a couple of pictures and leave just as quickly. The Cavern now has 2 real ales. Black Sheep Best Bitter appears to be a regular, with Cains FA also on yesterday. Worth a visit if you have never been before, just for the curiosity factor. I also tried the Cavern Pub, which also had Black Sheep & Cains Triple Hop. They are both owned by the same group. But the Cavern Pub is not listed on here. Neither is the nearby large Irish pub - Flanagans Apple, where you can also get a real ale -yesterday it was Jennings Cumberland Ale, plus Westons Old Rosie cider. Most patrons were there for the rugby. I probably won't return to any of these 3 in the near future. For a less pretentious pint, you're still better off heading to the nearby Welkin.
3 Feb 2013 14:03
This is still our most common port of call this side of the Mersey. We visited here on Wednesday evening. It was quiet, as it often is on a weekday evening. Brimstage Trappers Hat was on, as usual. There were also 2 guest beers - Salopian Oracle & Peerless Pale. The cider was Newtons Yarlington Mill. Not too far from the Birkenhead tunnel. So it doesn't take long to get into the centre of Liverpool from here.
1 Feb 2013 21:03
Paid this pub a visit on Wednesday evening. It was surprisingly busy, with a mixture of people. Although most appeared to be locals. One real ale was on - Peerless Red Rocks, which was cold and fairly cloudy. Nothing really to recommend about this pub. Just a basic no-frills local.
1 Feb 2013 20:29
Came here last night when the Cider Tap had decided to stop serving at 10:30pm. I found that very strange to comprehend on a Saturday evening when the bar itself was still busy. Nevertheless, I retreated to the Bree Louise. It was the first time I had been here for a number of months. Many of my friends question the beer quality here. But I still find the cider is generally well kept. You can get the odd one that is well past its best. But generally they are ok. Last night, the ale selection was Scottish and Welsh dominated. I guess they had recently held a festival. Beere were Highland Scapa Special, Brains RO Dark, SA & SA Gold, Rudgate Ruby Mild, Marlow Sticky Wicket, Titanic Stout, Scottish Borders Game Bird, Dark Horse & Holy Cow, Windsor & Eton Guardsman, Canberra & Conqueror & Sambrooks Powerhouse Porter, Junction & Pale Ale. Ciders and perries were Westons Old Rosie, Millwhites Apples & Pears, Hedgelayer, Dabinett, Oak Aged Scrumpy, Fattys Farmhouse Scrumpy, Richs Legbender, Burrow Hill Half & Half, Farmhouse Dry & Bridge House Medium. The jury's still out for the beer quality and the pub itself. I don't find the mainly Eastern European bar staff that friendly either. But it's always a good choice if you want to sample a different pint.
27 Jan 2013 17:39
The Crown & Kettle was empty the last time I visited in February 2011. This time on a Saturday evening, it was packed. Many people were there to watch the late kick off at Old Trafford. The front bar was extremely busy. Although the rooms at the rear had slightly more room and the yard was available for hardy souls. Beers on were Deeply Vale DV8, Rat Rattus Rattus, Fernandes Night Jar, Green Jack Golden Best & Ossett Silver King. Cider was Snails Bank Tumbledown Medium. When combined with Bar Fringe, the Smithfield, the Angel and the Marble Arch, you have a really good crawl to look forward to.
27 Jan 2013 17:19
Took a bus here from Bolton town centre yesterday to find a very friendly pub serving 8 Bank Top beers, a guest and a real cider. The Bank Top beers were Flat Cap, Dark Mild, Grappler, Barley To Beer, Blonde, Port O'Call, Pavilion Pale Ale & Old Slapper. The guest was a local beer from a new brewery in Horwich (American Pale Ale from Black Edge). The cider was Gwynt y Dragon Black Dragon. If you're going to the football, a football bus leaves from the nearby Blackburn Road. This pub is definitely worth the effort getting there.
27 Jan 2013 17:14
Rockers pub not too far from Bolton station, but far enough in the snow. It's a Marstons pub which had only one other customer when we visited yesterday lunchtime. Beers on were Wychwood Hobgoblin, Marstons Old Empire & Jennings Cockle Warmer. Cider was Thatchers Heritage. I see the similarity with the Witchwood in Ashton, having visited there recently. For me, the Witchwood was better.
27 Jan 2013 17:05
Paid this 'spoons a quick visit yesterday whilst changing trains at Stafford. It should only be about a 5-6 minute walk from the station. But in the snow and ice, it took a little longer. That left us with just 10 minutes for a swift half. We then proceeded to wait 10 minutes to be served with the one barmaid taking food orders and making coffees and teas, whilst serving people out of order. Finally a manager came out and served us,leaving us to down the halves as we walked straight for the exit. Beers on were Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Marstons Pedigree, Slaters Arctic & Top Totty, Tring Brookman's & Belhaven St Andrews Ale. There were no real ciders or perries. The building itself is an old cinema and the interior is as large and impressive as you'd expect. Shame Wetherspoons just can't seem to get service levels up to a decent enough standard.
27 Jan 2013 16:59
The Soldiers Return, West Ruislip
John Barras pub that was busy on our weekday evening visit. They serve good value food with plenty of offers. £9 for 2 main courses was not a bad deal. Although the food was roughly what you would expect for that price. The only real ale was Courage Best. The bar staff and locals were friendly.
24 Jan 2013 21:19
Wetherspoons branch in the middle of Southampton with a reasonable selection of beers, but the normally bland interior. Not a million miles away from Central station or St Mary's football ground either. Beers on last night were Shepherd Neame Bishops Finger, Batemans XXXB, Salisbury Somer, Greene King Ruddles Best & Abbot, Caledonian Auld Lang Syne & Ringwood Forty Niner. Cider was Old Rosie. There aren't many decent pubs in the centre of Southampton. For that reason, this place is worth a visit. But if you're prepared to venture a little further afield, you could give it a miss.
22 Jan 2013 22:51
Backstreet pub that is fairly handy for the football ground. Although most customers didn't seem to be there for the football. Quick service and meals were being served. The naan and curry looked good value - £1.99 I believe. Beers on were Stonehenge Pigswill, Keystone Bedrock Bitter, Saxon Archer & White Horse Bitter & Dragon Hill. A dark beer wouldn't have gone a miss. The cider was Orchard Pig Explorer and the perry was Gwynt y Ddraig Two Trees. Another recommended establishment to sample in Southampton.
22 Jan 2013 22:48
Another busy pub with a decent selection of ales and spirits. It seemed to be doing a roaring trade in food, with all tables taken. There are many intriguing burgers on the menu with strange combinations. They were certainly large but a little pricey. Popular with Saints fans on a matchday. Beers on were Hopback New Year's Ale, Oakleaf Nuptu'Ale & Hole Hearted, Flack Manor Black Jack, Rolling Rock Stone, Suthwick Old Dick & Irving Wee Malc's. Surprised this hasn't been in the Good Beer Guide since 2006. Can easily be combined with a visit to the Guide Dog and I'm giving it the same score.
22 Jan 2013 22:45
A busy pub with 1 real ale on - Doom Bar. It was in a poor condition and we had to return it. The mojito beer in a bottle wasn't too bad though. There's a couple of TVs to keep the punters entertained. It seems to have a decent band of regulars and is popular on matchdays. Shame about the beer quality though.
22 Jan 2013 22:40
The Shooting Star, Southampton
Were the only people in here yesterday evening, when other local pubs were busy. The barman looked bored. It's a modern style bar with a good selection of spirits and cocktails with interesting names. It looks like 2 ales are normally on. But last night, there was only Dorset Brewing Company Jurassic. Westons Country Perry & Traditional Scrumpy was also on. Lacks atmosphere. But could be worth a try if busy.
22 Jan 2013 22:38
Small single-room backstreet pub that seems popular with Southampton fans on matchdays. The beer selection is good and reasonably priced. Yesterday's selection was Fullers ESB, Flowerpots Goodens Gold & Perridge Pale, Dark Star American Pale Ale & Hophead Galaxy, Flack Manor Black Jack, Salisbury English Ale & Alfred's Saxon Bronze. They have a large selection of rolls for £1 each and an interesting selection of books on one wall. I've often seen the high rating on this site and looked forward to visiting. It's certainly worthy of a visit. But we did prefer the South Western.
22 Jan 2013 22:35
It was very quiet in here during our Monday afternoon visit. Note the pub does not open until 4pm on weekdays. The fire was welcoming and there is plenty of bric-a-brac to admire. Not too sure about the music though. It was very loud and a bit too trendy for such an establishment. Beers were much more mainstream when compared to the nearby South Western - Landlord, Summer Lightning, Wainwright, Doom Bar, Swift One & HSB. Worth a try.
22 Jan 2013 22:31
Best of 9 pubs we sampled in Southampton yesterday. It's well located next to St Denys station. But I believe trains only stop here once an hour. The interior seems more reminiscent of a wild western saloon. Two dogs were busily chasing one another around the room and wrestling with one another. If there had been a cockfight in the middle of the bar, I doubt anybody would have raised an eyelid. The beer selection is good. Yesterday, it was Cottage Golden Arrow, Hobdens Wessex Weasel, Sunny Republic Beach Blonde, Island Wight Gold, Itchen Valley Russian Winter, Triple fff Moondance, Ringwood Old Thumper & Downton Quadhop. The cider was Old Rosie. Definitely recommended. Whilst here, you might as well try the Dolphin across the railway footbridge. We did!
22 Jan 2013 22:28
Friendly Greene King pub in the university district of Portswood. The locals were all keen to engage in conversation. The pub was modernised a couple of years ago to effectively merge the 2 rooms into 1. Whether it has lost any character, I'm not sure. But the locals assured us it hadn't. Beers on were Greene King IPA, IPA Reserve, Abbot & Old Speckled Hen & Elgoods EP.
22 Jan 2013 22:21
Old Moseley Arms, Balsall Heath
Stopped in here for a swift half yesterday. It's a classic backroom boozer with 2 small rooms and a central bar connecting the 2. No sign of a dog. But it does have a menu featuring plenty of Tandoori food which is served daily except for Wednesday (the chef's day off). A group of lads appeared to be enjoying what they'd ordered. Beer wise, there were 4 ales on - Wye Valley Bitter & Butty Bach, Exmoor Gold & Enville Ale. My Butty Bach was fine. A little out of the way and difficult to fit into any crawl of Birmingham. But still worth the effort.
14 Jan 2013 21:02
After the Dispensary and the Ship & Mitre, I staggered into the Vernon on Saturday evening. The Ship still has a better range of beers. But you can always rely on the Vernon to have a decent selection itself and unlike the Ship & Mitre, you can generally find a seat. Beers on were Boggart Rum Porter, Peerless Triple Blond & Whiteout, Liverpool Organic Johnny Handsome, Sandstone Onyx & Brains The Rev James. Cider as always was Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Consistently good and worth its place in any Liverpool crawl.
14 Jan 2013 20:57
I hadn't been to this pub since my student days in Liverpool, when I recall it was a Firkin establishment. It is somewhat grander than I remember it and appears to have gone more upmarket. Greene King IPA & Black Sheep Best were the 2 ales on offer. We always used to start a crawl of the Smithdown Road pubs from here. But I don't remember many more of them after drinking the cider that was on offer. Sadly the cider is no more. Nice enough pub. But a bit too upmarket for my liking these days.
14 Jan 2013 20:52
I have to say that I looked at the picture on here and wondered what I would be letting myself in for. You get the same feeling when you see it in the flesh. The tall walls are actually a faux frontage, presumably an attempt to make the building more impressive! However, we were pleasantly surprised by the interior. It is a 2 room pub with a fair bit of character. Once we eventually located the barmaid in the gents, we had 3 ales to choose from - Tetleys Bitter, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Adnams Old Ale. The Christmas ale wasn't quite ready - maybe it will be ready for next season! The barmaid was friendly and put football on the TV for us to watch. If you can find this pub, I recommend it. It's one of a dieing breed.
14 Jan 2013 20:49
The Rose of Mossley, Mossley Hill
Couldn't really find too much to recommend about this pub. It only had the bog standard range of keg products. The one cask ale - Tetleys was off. It's a large pub with plenty of seating not too far from Mossley Hill station. If you're after decent beers (and cider) and don't mind drinking in a more modern-looking bar, try Pi, just the other side of the station. It had 4 ales, 1 cider, an impressive bottle selection and Pieminster pies.
14 Jan 2013 20:44
Cheltenham Motor Club, Cheltenham
Great little club tucked away up a parallel street to the London Road. It used to be a pub called the Crown. You can reach it using a little passage from the main road. Whilst there were only a handful of customers and they were all very friendly and ready to welcome a stranger and to engage in conversation. The landlord too was very friendly and clearly proud of his beer range. Indeed, the club is currently down to the last 4 of the CAMRA national club of the year awards. Beers on were Stroud Resolution, Darkstar Pale Ale & Hophead & Salopian Oracle. Kinver Edge & Marble Lagonda were ready to be put on. Cider is Thatchers Heritage. Well worth seeking out. But I believe you'll only get in if you're a CAMRA member. Thanks also to the gentleman who gave me a lift to the football ground! It saved me a 20-30 minute walk and meant I made the kick off for once!
8 Jan 2013 21:50
The Jolly Brewmaster, Cheltenham
Great little pub with a fine and constantly changing range of ales and ciders with knowledgeable and friendly bar staff. Had plenty of customers on my visit yesterday evening, with some awaiting a quiz. Beers on were Salopian Vertigo, Severn Vale Dursley Steam Bitter, Woodfordes Wherry, Butcombe Old Vic & Beer Factory Acer. Exmoor Gold & Butcombe Best were pulled through whilst I was there. The cider and perry range was just as good - Moles Black Rat Cider & Perry, Addlestones & Gwynt y Ddraig Dog Dancer, Black Dragon & Fiery Fox. The best pub I have found in Cheltenham so far. Well worth a visit.
8 Jan 2013 21:41
Backstreet pub in what I believe is called the Montpellier area of the town. The main bar area is fairly traditional. To one end of the pub is a reasonably sized dining room, whilst the end facing the street has a rather well appointed lounge equipped with all manner of smart furniture and antiques. The beer range was good - St Austell Proper Job, Sharps Doom Bar & Cornish Coaster, Hobsons Twisted Spire, Oxfordshire Pride of Oxford, Plain Incognito, Malvern Hills Feel Good & Severn Valley Steam Bitter. There were no real ciders on offer. Very smart pub. But worth a visit.
8 Jan 2013 21:34
I thought I'd give this estate pub a go whilst in Cheltenham yesterday. So it was my first port of call. I was pleasantly surprised. I believe it is a Greene King pub now. But amongst the 4 ales on offer were 2 I didn't recognise - alongside Greene King IPA & Old Speckled Hen were Greene King's Yardbird & Elgoods EP. Even better for me was the presence of 2 real ciders and a perry - Gwatkin Yarlington Mill, Gwynt y Ddraig Fiery Fox & Mr Whiteheads Pear Cider. I'm not sure whether there had been a cider festival or promotion on. But the perry was greatfully received. Service was good and I thought this pub was well worth the detour from the station.
8 Jan 2013 21:30
Lloyds No.1 Bar in a rather depressing town centre. My visit was an improptu afternoon one after missing a train. Some of the characters seemed a little odd. But Wetherspoons do tend to attract all kinds. The bar staff were all very cheerful. Beers on were Three Castles Starry Eyed, Hook Norton Old Hooky, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best & Brains SA Gold. Ciders were Old Rosie, Wyld Wood & Marcle Hill from Westons and Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. It's only about a 5-10 minute walk from the station and probably worth the effort and to bypass the 2 pubs outside the station. Although in fairness, I didn't try either of these. So I may be doing them an injustice.
8 Jan 2013 21:21
After the Sun Inn at Swalwell (not listed on here), I sampled the Black Bull at Blaydon. It's a 2 room pub. But only 1 room was in use on my visit. The other is possibly used for dining. Three fairly run of the mill ales were being served - Landlord, Black Sheep & Deuchars. But this is a friendly little pub and located not too far from the Blaydon bus interchange, where you can catch quick bus services into Newcastle.
5 Jan 2013 21:12
Nice wedge-shaped pub located to the north of Gateshead town centre. It's part of the Head of Steam group and has a good selection of ales and ciders. On my early Wednesday evening visit, they had Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted, Sharps Doom Bar, Sonnet 43 Blonde, Titanic Plum Porter & Cappuccino, Tiny Rebel Billabong & Riverhead Leggers Light. Ciders and perries were Westons Cider Twist Mulled Cider, Old Rosie, Wyld Wood, Traditional Scrumpy, Bounds Brand, 1st Quality & Country Perry, Old Monty Traditional & Rich's Farmhouse. The interior is very nice and service is good and knowledgeable. Seemingly the best pub in Gateshead.
5 Jan 2013 21:07
Community local on the edge of Gateshead town centre. Timothy Taylor Landlord, York Guzzler & Wychwood Bah Humbug were the 3 ales on offer. There is a pool table, darts board and TV on one side of the bar.
5 Jan 2013 21:02
Was disappointed to find this pub closed on my Wednesday visit. A notice said it had been closed for health and safety issues. Not sure when I'll be able to pay a return visit.
5 Jan 2013 20:58
The Lambton Arms was my 3rd pub of the day in Tyne & Wear on Wednesday after 2 pubs in Birtley. Neither are listed on here. But the Barley Mow with its 13 beers is recommended. Eighton Banks is a reasonably remote part of the area and is situated in the hills. I have to say that I wasn't expecting to see horses wandering past the front door of a Tyne & Wear pub. But at the same time, there is a bus service that runs through the village every half an hour. This pub had no other customers on my visit. There was only the landlord and landlady. It's a reasonably large pub, with plenty of tables available for eating. Old Speckled Hen was the only ale on offer. Woodpecker is the cider. The Ship (again not listed on here) was a much better pub with more ales and it actually had several customers! Nice part of the area though.
5 Jan 2013 20:56
The Piccadilly Tavern, Manchester
Rather unexceptional pub just down the road from Piccadilly station. As the previous reviewer states, it's similar to a Wetherspoons, in that it has an open-plan soulless interior. Although in my opinion, it was inferior to a Spoons. 3 ales were on - Robinsons Unicorn, Navigation Pale & Ringwood Blizzard. Handy for a drink prior to your train. But there are better options if you have time on your hands.
31 Dec 2012 21:16
Was slightly disappointed by this pub, which is not too far from Oxford Road station. Despite having around 9-10 handpulls, only 3 were on - Conwy Clogwyn Gold & Honey Fayre & Outstanding Betty's Best, the house beer. It was reasonably busy on our Sunday evening visit, with plenty of people watching the live football. However, the barman warned us that they would be closing soon. I've witnessed this in a few Manchester pubs and am a little surprised. This may still be worth a shot if you're in the area. But it wasn't as good as I'd hoped.
31 Dec 2012 21:11
Modern bar popular with young people and students and very conveniently located next to Oxford Road station. It was the best of 3 places we visited in Manchester last night. 4 ales are now on. Yesterday, they were Magic Rock Dark Arts, Thornbridge Warp, Buxton Wild Boar & Oakham Multi Head. There were also 2 ciders and a perry - Thistly Cross Original & Rum Cask & Hecks Perry. The bottled selection was also impressive. This bar is definitely worth a try. It's not a traditional pub. But it does sell some interesting wares.
31 Dec 2012 21:04
This pub is set in a northern suburb of Southport with a very nice villagey feel. The pub is situated on the fork of a junction and is reasonably big. On Boxing Day evening, it was busy with punters watching Liverpool play live on the TV. Service was prompt. But the beer selection wasn't brilliant - Tetleys Bitter & Mild & Marstons EPA. Lovely location and interior though.
28 Dec 2012 22:46
The Berkeley Arms Hotel, Southport
Indeed, there is no sign whatsoever of this pub/hotel. There are some new flats in the area where my GPRS said it was supposed to be. So assume that is where it was.
28 Dec 2012 22:43
I found it rather strange to find this Oakwell Brewery pub in a backstreet area of Southport called Little London. However, it seemed friendly enough and at £2 a pint, was very good value for money. 3 ales were on - Barnsley Bitter, Senior & Dark Mild. Didn't seem like the best of areas. But worth a visit if you're ever around here. I also tried the nearby Richmond (not listed on here) which is a rather soulless Holts pub near a retail park.
28 Dec 2012 22:42
Tried this place out on Boxing Day evening. The clientele seemed a bit cliquey. But service was friendly enough. It's a fairly large soulless bar with a games room and pool table at the front and a dining room at the rear. Wells Bombardier was the only real ale on offer, as the Moorhouses Best had just gone off. Incidentally, if you're looking to try the Ainsdale Conservative Club, don't bother. It has closed and is now a trendy wine bar/bistro!
28 Dec 2012 22:39
This is a handly little place to know about in Southport. Whilst it is primarily an off licence, you can drink any of the bottles on the premises in a narrow cafe-style room, for a 50p supplement. They also have a Southport beer on tap - Ruck & Maul on my visit plus 2 ciders from Gwynt y Ddraig - Farmhouse Scrumpy & Haymaker. Definitely worth a visit.
28 Dec 2012 22:35
Pleasant pub on a street between Lord Street and the Promenade. There were only 3 other customers in on my Boxing Day lunchtime visit. But the 2 staff members were busy chatting away in the kitchen. Maybe that's why there were few customers. 3 ales were on - Banks's Original & Theakston Best & XB. Lacked atmosphere due to the paucity of customers.
28 Dec 2012 22:33
Claims to be the smallest pub in Britain. But inside, the single room hostelry does have several tables and a nice view over the Southport waterfront. It is certainly quite cosy. Only one real ale was on - London Pride. The Spitfire was off. Cider is Thatchers Gold. Good to say you've visited the smallest pub. But nothing really to write home about.
28 Dec 2012 22:30
John Barras pub next to Birkdale station. It seems to be primarily set up for dining during the day, with most tables set up with placemats. However, they did have 3 ales on - Adnams Christmas Cheer Beer, Robinsons Dizzy Blonde & Thwaites Wainwright. I chose the Adnams, which wasn't bad. After trying this pub, I discovered that the nearby Up Steps pub was closed (possibly for good) before heading further up Weld Road to the Fishermen's Rest that was on a par with the Park Hotel, if not slightly better. Although it is not listed on here.
28 Dec 2012 22:27
Friendly backstreet local tucked away behind the Sainsburys supermarket. The landlady had a bar full of glasses left over from Christmas Day to clear up. But she was very friendly and welcoming. The pub is a small cosy affair with a TV that looks as if it is the centre of attention when the horse racing is on. Only one beer was on - Robinsons Build A Rocket. Possibly the best of 11 pubs I tried in Southport on the day.
28 Dec 2012 22:23
Called in here first on Boxing Day morning, as it opens at 9am! The place seemed more like an old peoples' home than a hotel bar, with quite a few seniors enjoying breakfast. Beers were all from the Marstons range - Banks's Bitter, Marstons Pedigree & Wychwood Hobgoblin. Service was friendly. Not the best of places. But it served a purpose early in the morning.
28 Dec 2012 22:18
As previous reviewers have stated, this is now the Red Lion and a fairly good pub. The interior is large, dark and moody. A band was preparing whilst we were there last night. The clientele are young and fairly hip. 10 ales were being served - Summer Wine Brewery Rouge, Sweet Milk Stout, Espresso Stout, Hardknott Cool Fusion & Quality, Redwood American IPA, Roosters YPA, Kirkstall Pale Ale, Redemption Trinity & Windsor & Eton Canberra. There are also some interesting keg options and an excellent bottle selection. Sadly, there were no real ciders. Although again there are some bottle option. On the negative side, we did find the beer quality to be lacking a little. It is probably worth another try some time soon. By the way, watch out for the toilets. You seem to end up in the ladies before you know it. I did despite both of my colleagues warning me they had both ended up in ladies cubicles! The gents does not have any signage!
23 Dec 2012 14:02
I would rate this as a slightly above average Spoons. It's a typical large open-plan layout with a few booths. The clientele is also similar to that all over the land. Father Christmas even made an appearance. Although his beard was a little matted and could have done with a good spruce up! The beer range was what I appreciated the most - East London Brewery Foundation Bitter & Night Watchman, Orkney Clootie Dumpling, Banks & Taylor Santa's Slayer, Courage Directors, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Adnams Shingle Bells, Fullers London Pride & Stonehenge Rudolph. Ciders were Sandford Orchards Strawberry Lane & Mr Whiteheads Festival Special Perry. Worth a visit in tandem with the Red Lion, just a few minutes walk down the High Road.
23 Dec 2012 13:51
Sadly, I never got to visit this pub when it was Mason & Taylor. I did sample it yesterday as a BrewDog establishment. I think Shoreditch is an up and coming area. But the pub does seem to be strangely situated, just along the road from a Beach Blanket Babylon. I can only assume it gets busier in the evenings. But on a Saturday lunchtime, I was the first customer in. Beers are all dispensed from kegs - BrewDog Raspberry Revolver, Punk IPA, Zeitgeist, 5am Saint, Alice Porter, Nuns With Guns, Jackhammer, Dogfight, Hardcore IPA, Coffee & Chocolate Stout, Paradox & 77 Lager. They also had a Mikkeller beer, a Norwegian beer, Dalston Black IPA, Kernel IPA and a real cider - Sandford Orchards Devon Red. Fairly soulless place and the beers are very expensive. But worth a try for some rather unusual and strong beers.
23 Dec 2012 13:45
The Brew Wharf is a bit of a yuppies hang out and is more of a restaurant than a bar. It's not very well suited for a drink. Tables between the entrance and the bar were all 'reserved', despite an absence of customers. I opted to sit in an open seating area reminiscent of a Wagamamas but without the people. Two beers made on the premises were on - Wai-iti XPA & Black Cat Rye PA. There is also a good selection of Meantime beers on keg. You can see the cellar where the beers are brewed, opposite the large open kitchen. Seems to have ideas well above its station. That's a shame, as the brewpub principal is worthwhile.
23 Dec 2012 13:35
Advertises 10 cask ales. But was sadly closed on a Saturday lunchtime. This seems a shame when all of the other local pubs were doing a roaring trade. Not surprised that it's quieter than the others with its uncertain opening hours. Will get to try it one day. But 0/10 for now for a closed pub, I'm afraid.
23 Dec 2012 13:30
Was expecting something similar to the nearby George when I tried this back alley pub yesterday morning. The stained glass windows are suitably impressive. But the rest of the interior has a worn feel about it. It seems more of a working class pub than the George and does dispense 6 real ales. Although they (the ales!) are all fairly average - St Austell Tribute & Proper Job, Sharps Doom Bar, Harveys Sussex Best, Wells Bombardier & Taylor Landlord.
23 Dec 2012 13:25
The last and probably the nicest of 3 Hammersmith riverside pubs we sampled on Friday evening. There's lots of wood, as with the Old Ship and the Rutland. But this one had a little more character than the other two. It also had a better selection of ales - Cottage Triumph Stag, Binghams Brickworks Bitter & Nelson Blue Anchor.
23 Dec 2012 13:21
Fairly large corner pub by the river. The main bar is found at the front of the pub. But further eating and drinking areas continue around the U-shaped bar. At the rear was a large party of elderly people having a Christmas meal and seemingly having a good time. Marstons EPA & Sharps Doom Bar were the 2 ales on. Westons Traditional Scrumpy was the cider.
23 Dec 2012 13:16
Came here for our office Christmas party on Friday evening. It's the first time I've been in here for a long time. The ground floor is fairly spacious and similar to most other pubs along the riverside, it is dominated by wood. There is also a large kitchen you can view. We had the upstairs room with a balcony looking out over the river. I believe Youngs Bitter & Special were on in the main bar, plus the 2 other beers we also had upstairs a Youngs Christmas beer and East London Nightwatchman. Meantime beers are available in bottles. The main pub was very quiet by the time we left at shortly after 5pm. I couldn't quite understand why they had failed to keep the upstairs bar manned and had closed it for the evening when there were around 30 people there. Eventually, we decided to take our custom elsewhere as a result.
23 Dec 2012 13:11
The Crown Colham Green, Hillingdon
Very quiet Fullers pub located just up the road from Hillingdon Hospital. On my Thursday evening visit, there was only 1 other customer present. In fact, they were about to shut up shop for the evening. They must be doing something wrong when the nearby Hut was busy. Beers on were Fullers London Pride & ESB and Butcombe Christmas Steps. I tried the latter, which wasn't the best. The interior is fairly nice. But it could do with more customers.
23 Dec 2012 12:56
Had a fairly pleasant Thai meal in here during the week. The pub has won a cellar award. But disappointingly, only 2 ales were on - Hobgoblin & Tribute. The pub has a games room with a pool table as you enter from the car park. Beyond this is the central bar area and at the far side is a small seating area for the Thai meals. We sat next to an interesting old map of pubs and breweries in the local Uxbridge area, which illustrates just how many pubs have closed in recent times. A fairly decent pub that I am more likely to return to for the food than the beer.
23 Dec 2012 12:52
I think this pub may have changed hands again earlier this year. It's now run by the same people as the nearby Royal Standard of England. But it is still fairly quiet and failed to hit the mark. Sunday lunch was fairly average and drinks were expensive. Two real ales are served - Chiltern Ale from the Chiltern brewery and Penn Village Ale, which I believe is made for them by Rebellion. The highlight was Bridge Farm Traditional Farmhouse cider from the fridge. Lovely location overlooking the village pond. But fails to make the most of it.
17 Dec 2012 13:49
The Wheatsheaf, Stoke on Trent
Pretty poor example of a town centre Wetherspoons that luckily we did not stay in for long. 5 ales were on - Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Bass, Titanic Captain Smiths & Stonehenge Rudolph. No real ciders were served. I think there were more beers "coming soon" than actually on and as usual they were a better selection than those that were on. The interior is the usual bland open plan. Bar staff didn't seem overly interested in customer service. There are far better Wetherspoons than this one and many better pubs in Stoke too.
17 Dec 2012 13:44
The White Star, Stoke-on-Trent
I still rate this pub as the best in this part of Stoke. It always has a good range of Titanic beers, plus Everards and a few guests. Beers on during our Saturday visit were White Star, Wreckage, Black Ice, Iceberg & Steerage from Titanic, Wharfebank Treacle Toffee Stout, Everards Tiger & Banks & Taylor Dragon Slayer & Aragon. There are no real ciders. But Westons Stowford Press is available. Always busy on a matchday with a bouncer to prevent away fans getting in (unsuccessful this time). Plastic glasses are the only downside.
17 Dec 2012 13:40
Joules pub handy for the station and reasonably busy on a matchday. The three ales don't appear to change - Blonde, Pale Ale & Slumbering Monk. There were also 3 ciders - Westons Old Rosie & Cider Twist Mulled Cider & Ben Crossmans Farmhouse Sweet. Service was fine. Decent enough pub. But I do prefer the nearby White Star.
17 Dec 2012 13:35
The Belvedere is a tiny backstreet pub that is very difficult to find, but awards those who make the effort. There are 2 rooms. One is spread around the bar itself, whilst a second is an overspill seating area. 4 ales are generally on. Yesterday there were 2 beers from Liverpool Organic, Brimstage Trappers Hat and one other. Cider is Westons Traditional Scrumpy. A great little local boozer.
10 Dec 2012 21:42
The Fly in the Loaf, Liverpool
I'm still not the biggest fan of the Fly in the Loaf. But there's enough other really good pubs around that it inevitably ends up in the middle of a pub crawl of this part of Liverpool. Yesterday, it was our third port of call after the Dispensary and the Roscoe Head. Beers on were Arighi Bianchi 150, Liverpool Organic Kitty Wilkinson Chocolate & Vanilla Stout, Lancaster Blonde & 1842 Pilsner, Cotswold Spring Stunner & Okells Bitter.
10 Dec 2012 21:04
The Dispensary is now our regular port of call in Liverpool. It's a fairly old-fashioned interior and the beer range is not only good, they turn over quickly too. George Wright Mark's Mild is always on and there are generally one or two beers from Titanic. Yesterday, they had White Star & First Class. In addition, there was Oakham Citra, Hawkshead NZ Pale Ale, a stout from Fernandes and one other beer. Addlestones is the cider. The landlord is certainly not to be crossed. But he's quite alright when you get to know him
10 Dec 2012 20:56
The Spread Eagle, Acocks Green
This Wetherspoons was the second pub I sampled in Acocks Green last night. The nearby Westley Hotel also houses a nice and busy pub with 3 ales on. Whilst there were a couple more beers on in the Spread Eagle, they were all pretty bog standard - Batemans Rosey Nosey & XXXB, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best & Adnams Broadside. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie &Wyld Wood. As if often the case, the beers 'coming soon' seemed more interesting than the beers being served. Nevertheless, the pub has slightly more character than most 'spoons. It has 2 separate rooms and the barman was fairly pleasant. Fairly average overall.
3 Dec 2012 20:53
Visited this place for Sunday lunch yesterday. 2 of the 3 handpulls were clipped, with Woods Shropshire Lass & Timothy Taylor Landlord on. The cider of choice is Stowford Press. Lunch was fairly good and prices are now £10 for 1 course, £14 for 2 or £18 for 3. So inflation has certainly set in since the last review in February. Agree that it is more of a restaurant than a drinkers pub now. But nevertheless, there were al few locals in the smaller room by the time we were leaving.
3 Dec 2012 20:48
Oddfellows Arms, Ashton under Lyne
Having paid a visit to the very quiet Junction Inn in Hazelhurst, I rounded my night off at the Oddfellows Arms in Ashton-under-Lyne. I'd tried to visit the pub earlier in the day. But it doesn't now open until 3pm on a Saturday. It's a 3-roomed Robinsons house that was dispensing Unicorn, Dizzy Blonde & 1892 on my evening visit. There are 3 connecting rooms. One is a games room housing a pool table. The central room contained the bar and a few locals discussing their health problems, whilst the far room was the biggest of them all and had a disco playing. I found it quite amusing seeing the one solitary old fellow sipping his double whisky whilst having to endure Gangnam Style! This seems a very cosy local, with friendly staff and customers alike.
3 Dec 2012 20:44
The Dog And Pheasant, Waterloo
The Dog & Pheasant is a rather cosy Marstons pub on one of the roads out of Ashton-under-Lyne. The beer range was fairly good - Marstons Pedigree, EPA & Burton Bitter, Banks's Bitter & Sunbeam & Wychwood The Dog's Bollocks. The interior is split up into 3 or 4 individual areas and the pub seems very popular with diners. The home-cooked pub food smelt very nice and it's good to see a pub cooking its own fresh meals, rather than relying on microwaved rubbish. Would have been my favourite pub of the day, if it hadn't have been for the slightly restrictive Marstons beer range.
3 Dec 2012 20:38
After a brief visit to the Railway in Openshaw (not listed in here, but reasonably good), I pulled into the Kings Head at Droylsden. It's a large pub with 3 rooms sited around a large central bar. It's a Holts pub with friendly customers. 3 ales were on - Bitter, IPA & Maple Moon. I had the latter, which was ok, without being too spectacular. The pub car park is adjacent to Droylsden's football ground.
3 Dec 2012 20:32
Tried this pub after a visit to Manchester City's ground on Saturday. It was probably the worst of 10 I tried on the day. It was fairly crowded with a mixture of City and United fans, with the latter there to view their team playing on the TV. Only one real ale was on - Batemans Three Sheets. The locals didn't seem particularly friendly. For a better experience, I recommend the Grove on Ashton New Road (not listed on here) where you'll get a pint in friendlier surroundings.
3 Dec 2012 20:24
The Witchwood, Ashton Under Lyne
This place is quite difficult to find. It's tucked away right at the western end of Old Street in an area that looks as if it has been completely knocked down and rebuilt, leaving just the pub as it was. But it's still a fairly run down area. It's billed as a real ale pub and it did not disappoint. Beers on were Holts Bitter, Jennings Sneck Lifter, Wychwood Hobgoblin & the Dogs Bollocks & Moorhouses Blond Witch. In addition they had a scrumpy cider that was listed as New Forest Snakecatcher Scrumpy, but tasted more like Westons Old Rosie to me. Has a strange mix of characters inside. But overall I was relatively impressed with this pub. Marginally my pub of the day in Greater Manchester.
3 Dec 2012 20:16
The Caledonia Hotel, Ashton Under Lyne
Found this place to be a bit strange. It's a town centre pub in the middle of a pedestrianised area. Whilst there is a car park at the rear, you'll be lucky to get a spot in it, as it is very small. Inside, every table was taken by diners. Most were significantly older than me. So it's possible they offer lunchtime OAP specials. Not really a drinkers pub at such times, as the only place you can prop yourself is at the bar. As a Robinsons pub, it had two of their ales on - Unicorn and Tom & Berry. The latter was predicitably fruity, but quite pleasant. Old Tom was being sold in bottles.
3 Dec 2012 20:10
The Ash Tree, Ashton Under Lyne
Busy Wetherspoons set back from the main road past Ashton station. It is set over two floors with the bar on the upper floor. Beers available were Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Skinners Jungle Knocker, Arundel Old Scrooge, Adnams Yuletide, Mordue Tinsel Town & Hydes Racey Rudolph. The Westons ciders were Old Rosie & Wyld Wood plus their Country Perry. Service was quick. For beer range, this is probably the best Ashton-under-Lyne has to offer.
3 Dec 2012 20:06
Ember Inns establishment with a clear focus on dining, but also serving 5 real ales. As with all other Ember Inns pubs I have visited, the interior is characterless. If its a real pub you're after, the Coach & Horses opposite is for you. However, the choice of beers here was good - Sambrooks Winter Ale, Itchen Valley Junga, Thwaites Wainwright, Liverpool Organic 24 Carat Gold & Greene King IPA were all available last night. Although the 2 I sampled were both served far too cold. Nevertheless, it's worth a try.
29 Nov 2012 22:07
A classic old British pub with a tardis-like interior featuring 3 small rooms and plenty of character. If it's choice of ales you're after, you're in the wrong place. Landlord is dispensed from the only handpull. But in fairness, there is no room at the bar for any more handpulls. If it's character and atmosphere you're looking for, look no further.
29 Nov 2012 22:04
Fairly modern pub that is made to look much older. The long and narrow interior was popular with both drinkers and diners on our Wednesday evening visit. 4 ales were on - Thwiates Nero, Original & Lancaster Bomber plus Ringwood Forty Niner. The 7.4% Nero was causing a bit of concern with the bar staff who were only prepared to dispense it in halves! It was however quite pleasant. Not bad for a Thwaites tied house.
29 Nov 2012 21:59
One of 2 Marstons tucked away at the end of a lane and overlooking the Mersey in Eastham. Whilst we didn't try the Eastham Ferry Hotel, it seemed a little more upmarket than the Tap, making the latter preferable to us. As the picture shows, it's a bikers pub and has plenty of pictures and leaflets to reflect this including the bikers bible! 2 beers from the Marstons range - Banks's Bitter & Wychwood Hobgoblin were accompanied by a guest beer - Ghost Ship from Adnams. Friendly enough service. Probably a very nice pub to sink a few on a warm summer's day.
29 Nov 2012 21:55
Central Commercial Hotel, Liverpool
Was pleasantly surprised by this pub when I paid it a visit for the first time yesterday. It doesn't look too promising from the outside. However the inside is still very ornate with beautiful glasswork and an impressive ceiling. I was also surprised to see 4 real ales too - Copper Dragon Victorian Porter, Moorhouses Glasshouse Bitter & Thwaites Wainwright & Lancaster Bomber. On the negative side, the toilets were particularly smelly and the bar staff were miserable. Nevertheless I may just give this pub another try the next time I pass.
25 Nov 2012 18:23
On my last visit, I rated this as my favourite pub in Reading. This time, I preferred the Ale House and discovered the Retreat. So it's down to third on my list! Nevertheless, the Nag's Head is still a good pub. There is a fine selection of beers, ciders and perries. On our visit, there was Ramsbury Silver Pigs Stout, Red Squirrel Redwood American IPA, Darkstar Winter Meltdown, Growler Dapper Dog, Hopback Red Ember, Oakleaf TSB, Crouch Vale Bravo, Butts Traditional, Buxton Target, Redemption Trinity & Triple fff Pressed Rat and Warthog. For the apple and pear lover, there was Upton Medium Cider, Roger's Furze Cutters Distraction, Broadoak Bristol Port, Westons Old Rosie, Gwynt y Ddraig Ancient Warrior, Farmhouse Pyder, Happy Daze & Black Dragon, Bee Sting Perry, Gwatkin Golden Valley Scrumpy. Rich's Scrumpy, Tutts Clump Royal Berkshire & Moles Black Rat. As stated, the range is second to none. But we all agreed that this is to the detriment of the quality. Another drawback of the pub is the noise levels. The constant hubbub of chatter was similar to a Wetherspoons. But that can be the price you pay for a successful boozer. This pub would make for a great watering hole in most towns and cities across the country and it's still one of Reading's best - but not quite the best.
19 Nov 2012 22:23
The Alehouse is a great little pub on Reading's main street. I'm always amazed by how untouched it is considering its location. The main bar area is small, cramped and atmospheric with bare boards. Beyond this, there are 3 small and secluded rooms. It's always busy and rightfully so. The beer and cider range is excellent and I presume turns over quickly, as the quality is good. The bar staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Beers on during our visit were Cottage Sunbeam Tiger, Art Brew Hip Hop Dr Rudi's Super Alpha, Two Cocks Puritan Stout, West Berkshire Dr Hexter's Wedding Ale & Aylesbury Duck Ale. Ciders were Springfield Red Dragon, Polgoon Cider, Tutts Clump Traditional Farmhouse Cider & Perry & Barbourne Dovedale Perry. They were also serving a mead from Dorset, either cold or mulled. A must visit when in Reading.
19 Nov 2012 22:12
I thought I'd been to the best pubs in Reading, having previously visited the Hobgoblin (now the Ale House) and the Nags Head. But I think this pub just about trumps them both. Behind the small front bar, there is a slightly larger second room which leads through to the toilets. I was surprised to find a bicycle in the gents! Located up a side street, it looks attractive on the outside, whilst the interior is traditional. The local CAMRA magazine is campaigning to save the pub and the landlord confirmed the landlord confirmed they were planning to move out in January. Ales on offer were Sharps Cornish Coaster, Loddon Ferryman's Gold, Youngs Special, Otter Bitter, Binghams Vanilla Stout & Longdog Brindle Bitter. Ciders and perries were Westons Old Rosie, Mr Whiteheads Hampshire Perry & Cirrus Minor & Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze. I really hope this pub is still here the next time I come to Reading. It's an unusual 9/10 from me.
19 Nov 2012 22:02
Corner pub on one of Reading's main roads out of the centre. It's fairly modern-looking inside and has a good selection of ales and ciders. On our weekend visit, they had Fullers London Pride, Sharps Doom Bar, Stonehenge Danish Dynamite, Hopback Entire Stout & Loddon Ferryman's Gold. Ciders were both from Tutts Clump - Royal Berkshire & Traditional Farmhouse. Lacks a little character. But well worth combining with the Retreat around the corner.
19 Nov 2012 21:19
The Fishermans Cottage, Reading
Entering this pub, one could have mistaken it for a brothel, with the strangely positioned curtain at the entrance. However, it is a small canalside pub with a tiny lounge area as you enter and a larger conservatory to the side of the bar. It's a Fullers pub that was serving ESB, HSB & Pride on our Saturday lunchtime visit. Live football was being shown on the inobtrusive TV. Didn't see any sign of Thai food, as mentioned previously. Maybe they have now stopped this.
19 Nov 2012 21:12
Small canalside pub with 2 other customers on our Saturday lunchtime visit. The beer selection was varied - Loddon Hullabaloo, Ascot Red IPA & Plain Incognito. Ciders on were Mr Whiteheads Strawberry, Tutts Clump Dry Cider, Perry, Royal County & Rum Cask. They seemed to be undertaking some refurbishment to the one side of the bar. So we had to use the ladies facilities! As previously stated, the landlord is friendly. Nice location and recommended.
19 Nov 2012 20:07
Backstreet Wadworth pub with another landlady who seemed surprise to see us before 12pm. She also seemed a bit disappointed that we had other pubs to get to and were only having halves! It's a 2 room pub with a little character. Although we found the pub empty and left it empty. So it could have done with a bit more atmosphere. Beers on were Bishop's Tipple, 6X & Henry's IPA. Cider was Westons Traditional Scrumpy. Reasonably priced and worth a try.
19 Nov 2012 20:03
Impressive building with a large multi-room bar. The staff seemed surprised to see us at shortly after 11am in the morning, but were open for business, despite still mopping the floors. The place soon started to fill up. TVs were a bit of a distraction, but otherwise this was a pleasant, if a little dark, drinking environment with sofas providing a touch of comfort. 3 ales were on - Andwell Sovereign, White Horse Wayland Smithy and Butcombe Bitter. Not a bad start to our day in Reading.
19 Nov 2012 19:58
Typical town centre Wetherspoons. It's long and narrow with a dining area at the rear and toilets up a flight of stairs. The clientele are the standard Spoons set. Today was my second visit where I've stopped for a drink. It was the last day of their festival. Beers on were Windsor & Eton Kohinoor, Oakleaf Liberty Boat, Mordue Lubelski, Cotleigh Kookaburra, Okells Premium Steam Beer, Biero del Bogo Tutto fa Broco & Fullers London Pride. Ciders were Sandford Orchards Strawberry Lane, Mr Whiteheads Festival Perry, Gwynt y Ddraig Dog Dancer & Westons Cider Twist Mulled Cider. Although I've often found no evidence of real ciders when trying to visit on non-festival times. Despite being a Wetherspoons, it's still probably the best option for real ales in Uxbridge.
11 Nov 2012 21:40
Nice pub right nextdoor to Lime Street station and always a good option if you're waiting for a train or also if you fancy a drink any time after 10am and don't fancy a Wetherspoons. It's generally busy due to its location. But there are generally 2 or 3 ales - Marstons EPA, Sunny Republic Red Huna & Adnams Topaz Gold were on during our early Saturday evening visit. Westons Old Rosie was also available. The interior is also fairly impressive. Make sure you take a look at the ceilings.
11 Nov 2012 21:28
Leyton Orient Supporter's Club, Leyton
Paid my second visit here on Thursday night for the Piglet Beer Festival. Beers are served from handpulls on the bar and 3 casks at the end, with real ciders and perries fetched from the cellar. For beer festivals they have a line of casks on stillage to the right hand side. It was very busy for a further Thursday evening and good value at £2.90 per pint. Well worth a try whether you're here for the football or just a drink.
11 Nov 2012 21:23
I'm surprised by this pub's low rating. It's a Shepherd Neame pub and I did get a few strange looks from the locals when entering. But I thought it was a fine example of a community local, thriving with a loyal clientele. Maybe my memories are tainted by the fact that this was my 12th and final pub of the day. But my Bishop's Finger (the other ale was Master Brew) was fine and whilst I normally hate having live music forced upon me in a pub, the female performer was quite good. Although again, this may have been the beer and cider talking. For a classic example of a community local, look no further than this pub in Mitcham. For a better ale range, try the White Lion of Mortimer. Even better - try both.
4 Nov 2012 21:14
I was expecting more of this pub, after seeing it is in the current Good Beer Guide. It's a small and friendly locals pub with an L-shaped bar. It's set in a nice location, overlooking a common. However the beer selection was poor with only Youngs Bitter & Sharps Doom Bar available. Nice pub. But whilst the Doom Bar was ok, I would prefer a better selection.
4 Nov 2012 21:09
The White Lion of Mortimer, Mitcham
Wetherspoons in Mitcham that initially looks quite small. Although there is a larger drinking area to the right hand side, where I took up residence whilst viewing a comical game of darts that nearly ended prematurely when the partially sited competitor lost his dart after it conveniently lodged itself in the carpet some distance from the board. At least it provided some entertainment. Beers on were Bath Hefeweizen Hare, Moorhouses Ruby Witch, Butcombe Adam Henson's Rare Breed, JW Lees Moonraker, Svyturys Baltijos Red Ale, Tree Thirsty Bear, Cambridge Heather Ale, Wadworth Blunder Buss & Theakston Double Cross IPA. The real cider was Sandford Orchards Strawberry Lane. All in all a good ale selection and probably the best choice in Mitcham.
4 Nov 2012 21:07
Basic Youngs pub with a kind of faded charm. It has a central horseshoe bar and plenty of seating. Youngs Ordinary & Special was the only choice. There was a pervading smell of sewerage throughout the establishment. Not one of Youngs finest houses. But it at least appears to have escaped their makeovers.
4 Nov 2012 21:02
Not a bad little Wetherspoons. Waited quite a while to get served. One guy was doing his best, whilst his colleagues had all done disappearing acts. However within around 5 minutes, a few other staff had arrived to lend a hand and service when it was arrived was knowledgeable and courteous. Beers on were Greene King IPA & Abbot, Hook Norton Cotswold Lion, Banks's Howling Wolf, Woodfordes Norfolk Hawker, Mordue Lubelski, Maxim Double Maxim & Brouwerij 't IJ Ijbok. Ciders and perries were Mr Whiteheads Festival Perry, Westons Country Perry, Marcle Hill & Cider Twist Mulled Cider & Sandford Orchards Strawberry Lane.
4 Nov 2012 20:59
The Raynes Park Tavern, Raynes Park
Large rowdy open-plan establishment right next to Raynes Park station. There's a large central horseshoe bar and plenty of TV screens all around showing football, horse racing and other sports. The place was very busy and reasonably good value for money. 2 ales were on - Pride & Adnams. There were also a couple of Westons ciders - Bounds Scrumpy & Cider Twist Raspberry. I arrived with fairly low expectations and these were exceeded. Although the Wetherspoons just up the road was better. Worth combining the two though.
4 Nov 2012 20:44
The Hare and Hounds, East Sheen
I was pleasantly surprised by this Youngs establishment. The beer range was good. Although, I believe this was the leftover selection from a beer festival. Beers on were Youngs Bitter & Special, Wells Bombardier, Bath Forest Hare & East London Foundation Bitter. Addlestones was the cider. The interior was dark but quite atmospheric. There is a small snug on the left on entering, a central bar area with seating and a couple of separate rooms to the right which were quite comfortable. There is a garden too. Although it was a bit too chilly to sample this. Service was fine. A generous 7/10 from me.
4 Nov 2012 20:40
Foodie-type pub in the backstreets of Barnes. All tables were laid out for food, which makes drinking uncomfortable unless you sit at the bar or by the window. Only one other table was occupied on my visit. Service was friendly. Beers on were Mad Goose & Wandle. The cider was Stowford Press. The interior is fairly nice. But it would be far more welcoming if at least some of the tables were set aside for drinkers.
4 Nov 2012 20:36
Came here after being disappointed by the Bricklayers Arms nearby, where the cider from the festival had run out the previous night, the plastic glasses were annoying (especially the small shards of plastic floating in the beer) and the crowds were excessive. Whilst the Rocket was still crowded, I could at least get a seat. Beers on were Banks's Howling Wolf, Coach House Gunpowder Mild, Sharps Doom Bar, Hook Norton Cotswold Lion, Greene King Abbot Ale & Ruddles Best. Ciders were Thatchers Traditional, Sandford Orchards Strawberry Lane & Westons Old Rosie & Marcle Hill. This place is tucked away from the main road. So it doesn't get quite as crowded as other places and is a good choice prior to a football match at Craven Cottage. It also has a great view of the river, which I could appreciate far more than on my previous evening visit. Do watch out for some of the bar staff short changing you though.
4 Nov 2012 20:32
Was in here for the first time yesterday lunchtime, shortly after opening. Negotiating the 4 lane road outside is not much fun. But the pub itself seems to have survived all developments and still retains a fair amount of character. 2 Sambrooks beers were on - Wandle & Pumphouse Pale Ale. Although the latter was not quite ready. Westons Stowford Press was the cider. Being the first customer, the barmaid switched the music on for me and also changed TV chanels. Not a bad choice for Wandsworth. But there is still better.
4 Nov 2012 20:21
The Surprise at Chelsea, Chelsea
The Surprise is that a pub can still survive in a backstreet Chelsea location like this. Since its original incarnation, it has adapted more to suit the local denizens and is more of a gastropub or a restaurant that serves ales. Nevertheless, I didn't feel too uncomfortable on my Saturday morning visit. Ales on were Sharps Own & HMS Surprise, Youngs Gold & Windsor and Eton Knight of the Garter. I seem to recall that the cider was Aspalls. Service was fine.
4 Nov 2012 20:17
Was in here again on Tuesday night. The festival was on. So they had 3 guest ales to supplement the Ruddles Best & Fullers London Pride. The guests were Banks's Howling Wolf, St Peter's Grapefruit Beer & Steen Brugge. Ciders and perries on were Thatchers Traditional, Sandford Orchards Strawberry Lane, Westons Twist Mulled Cider & Mr Whiteheads Festival Perry. Finally left after sampling all of them! It was very busy for a Tuesday evening, with nearly if not all tables taken, in what is quite a big pub. Probably the best choice in this area.
4 Nov 2012 20:14
As the previous reviewer states, this pub is now an Irish pub called Tommy Flynn's. On a Tuesday night, the 4 or 5 customers and the barman were all Irish. I wasn't made to feel unwelcome. But the beer choice was poor. There are handpulls, but all are unclipped. Guinness was my choice and it was ok. Not a pub I'd go back to. But a typical Irish establishment.
4 Nov 2012 20:09
Came in here on Sunday evening for the culmination of their cider festival. It was quiet, with only about 7 or so other customers. In my opinion, this is the time it is at its best. You can savour the pub for what it is - a classic backstreet boozer where conversation rules. One guy at the bar who represented the pubsgalore website was having a heated debate with the landlady. But otherwise, all was calm and all 12 handpulls were clipped, including 1 with a cider. Beers on were Franklins Citra IPA, Sussex Best, English Garden & Pudding Stout, RCH East Street, Scottish Borders Broughton, Potton Shannon IPA, Village Bike , Potton Gold & Penny Bitter, Moorhouses Black Cat & Milk Street Beer. There were 7 ciders - Countryman Cider, Watkins Oak Cask, Newton Court Cider, Olivers Cider, Troggi Dry, Greyfield Pick Me Up & Westons 1st Quality. There were also 3 perries - Butford Organic, Brook Farm & Troggi. I'll be back this Saturday and am hoping that there a few ciders left. The pub goes up in my estimation again to 9/10.
30 Oct 2012 21:01
In here for the first time in a while at the weekend. It wasn't quite as busy as usual, despite it being a matchday. However the usual problems with slow service remain. There always seem to be plenty of staff. But instead of serving customers, they are stocking fridges and shelves or putting glasses onto shelves. The beer and cider range was good as usual - Wellcross Tower Hill, Quantock Ginger Cockney, Wilson Potter, Newmans Noble Swan, Brew Company Hop Ripper, Elland Fireball, Downton Pumpkin Ale, Moorhouses Ruby Witch, Leadmill Rapture, Williams Brothers Black, Arbor Oyster Stout & Plain Ales Incognito with also Spendrups Pear Cider, Addlestones & Westons Old Rosie. Still a nice pub with a decent beer range. But no longer my favourite pub in Liverpool. Try the Dispensary or the Roscoe Head if you want to get acknowledged within 10 minutes of entering.
30 Oct 2012 20:49
This bar is back open. Arrived on a Sunday lunchtime to find 2 or 3 bouncers on the door - never a good sign. There were plenty of people behind the bar. So service was prompt. To my surprise, there were 3 real ales - Black Sheep Best, Shepherd Neame Spitfire & Liverpool One Liverpool Light. We plumped for the latter and it was in a good condition. The bar itself is fairly featureless and spread over two floors. The crowd were fairly young and most seemed to be there to watch the football on one of the many screens. Better than what I had expected. It is now one of the 125 pubs on the Liverpool Real Ale Pubs Map. Hence why I decided to give it a try. I may give it another try if passing. But it's not a destination pub in my opinion.
30 Oct 2012 20:19
Returned here for the beer festival on Sunday. It was fairly busy at around midday. But considering the festival was on, the beer range was poor - Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Moorhouses Ruby Witch, Three Thirsty Beaver & Palm Steen Brugge. Ciders were Westons Marcle Hill, Gwynt y Ddraig Dog Dancer & Sandford Orchards Strawberry & Lime Cider. Service was ok, but not too friendly. Not one of the better Wetherspoons.
30 Oct 2012 20:11
Yet another Fullers pub rounded off my West London day out yesterday. The Beehive appeared to be a rough and ready place on a main road through Bedfont. But the customers and landlord/barman all appeared to be reasonably friendly. With kick boxing on the big screen, Soft Cell and Sabrina playing over the speakers and a purely male clientele, you could have been forgiven for thinking the place was geared towards a local gay community. But I'm 100% sure it's not! Thai food is served and it's currently in the 2013 Good Beer Guide. Recommended for all persuasions, this appears to be a good local pub. Beers on were Chiswick, ESB & Pride.
22 Oct 2012 21:47
Fullers establishment in the centre of Whitton. It was fairly busy on my Sunday evening visit. Spanish football was being shown on a big screen in the corner and regulars were preparing for a quiz. A famous ex footballer also appeared to be preparing for the quiz with one group. The beer range was fairly good, despite being all from the Fullers range - London Pride, Chiswick, ESB, Seafarers & HSB. Worth a try if you're ever in Whitton.
22 Oct 2012 21:41
Fullers pub located in the backstreets of Isleworth next to a river. On my visit yesterday evening, the front bar seemed very dark and was reasonably quiet despite loud music emanating from a rear room that you could hear outside. There are 4 handpulls that were all clipped with Fullers or Gales beers. But only the London Pride was available. As the previous reviewer states, there is also Aspalls cider. Atmospheric pub. But poor ale range.
22 Oct 2012 21:38
The Duchess of Cambridge, Stamford Brook
Good choice for a pre-match drink if you're attending a football game at Loftus Road. Not as busy as my first visit just over a year ago. But still enough of an atmosphere. Bar staff are friendly and discounts are offered to those going to the football or to CAMRA members. The majority of the beers are dispensed by gravity. But there are 4/5 on handpull. In addition, there are 9 ciders/perries. The beer selection yesterday was Weltons Sun Stroke, Hepworth Pullman, Acorn Old Moor Porter, Windsor & Eton Canberra & Guardsman, Rudgate Viking, Ascot Oktoberfest, Cotleigh Harrier & Twickenham Autumn Blaze. Ciders were Fosseway Somerset Glory Dry & Somerset Glory Medium, Rathays Old Goat, Millwhites Scrumpy, Dabinett, Rum Cask & Hedgelayer, Parsons Choice Dry & Westons Wyld Wood. As mentioned previously, it's run by the same people as the Bree Louise. I find the Duchess of Cambridge a much nicer pub to have a drink in. Although the location is not as convenient.
22 Oct 2012 21:34
The Express Tavern, Kew Bridge
I've crossed Kew Bridge many a time and always wondered what this pub is like. It's not quite what I expected. The interior is very comfortable and similar to somebody's front room. There is a small bar to the right hand side and a larger lounge to the left, which leads to a pleasant garden. There were 3 ales on yesterday - Wooden Hand Cornish Buccaneer, Bass & Youngs Bitter. The Cornish Buccaneer was in a poor condition. Nice enough pub. Shame about the beer quality. I'd still give it another chance.
22 Oct 2012 21:26
Pleasant backstreet Fullers house, that clearly has an orientation towards meals. Beers on were London Pride, Bengal Lancer, Red Fox & Seafarers. Aspalls was the cider. There are still plenty of TVs dotted around, along with a pinball machine and plenty of pub games in one corner.
22 Oct 2012 21:18
Have been wanting to try this pub for quite a while now and finally got around to paying it a visit yesterday morning. It's a good traditional boozer with a Fullers tie. Whilst I only visited the front bar, I could see there were further rooms at the rear with separate entrances. Beers on were Fullers Red Fox, London Pride, Seafarers & ESB, Moles Best, whilst Westons Old Rosie cider was also on. There were plenty of staff on, which seemed good at first until one barmaid tried to charge me a second time for a couple of drinks I'd already paid for! Still a pub I'd recommend.
22 Oct 2012 21:12
Disappointed to find this pub closed yesterday morning, despite its website claiming it opened at 10am. The 2013 Good Beer Guide also displays incorrect information. 0/10 for a pub that does not serve beer at advertised opening times.
22 Oct 2012 21:09
Marginally the best of the 4 Amblecote pubs we tried yesterday. There is a good selection of ales - Salopian Oracle, Bradfield Farmers Blonde, Holdens Golden Glow, Enville Ginger Beer, Bathams Bitter, Six Bells Supper & Blackwater Hair of the Dog. Thatchers Heirtage Cider was on an 8th handpull. It's a reasonably dark but fairly pleasant interior and it stretches back a little further than you initially suspect, with further small rooms being used by diners to the rear. Nice pub. If I had one criticism, it would be the lack of a dark beer. None were to be found at all over the 20 or so handpulls in Amblecote yesterday, which was a little disappointing. Neverthless, I would recommend a visit to this pub and to incorporate into a small crawl of the area.
14 Oct 2012 12:10
The Starving Rascal, Stourbridge
Prominent corner pub that seemed fairly popular on our early Saturday evening visit. There are 3 small rooms - a bar at the front, a lounge at the room and a games room off to the left as you enter. The bar was populated with locals sitting at the bar and watching a TV. The lounge had more seating and families were gathered. The barman clearly had a good knowledge of his beer range - Enville White & Enville Ale, Bewdley Worcestershire Way, Timothy Taylor Havercake Ale & Holdens Golden Glow. Cider is Westons Stowford Press. They also have a good selection of whiskies with tasting guides on the bar and strangely enough on the ceiling of the rear room. Well worth a visit.
14 Oct 2012 12:03
I used to live in this area and to be honest hadn't even noticed the Swan before. It's a cosy place inside with a lounge to the left and a bar to the right on entry. We chose the lounge where there was one other couple on an early Saturday evening. It was the quietest of the 4 Amblecote pubs we sampled and probably the worst of them. 3 ales were on - Pardoes Entire, Plain Ales Respect & North Yorkshire Mayhem. I plumped for the former and it wasn't in the best of condition. Nice enough pub. But they need to work on the beer quality and on getting a few more customers in.
14 Oct 2012 11:58
Rather strange little pub specialising is live music and seemingly having a Mexican theme. There are 3 or 4 separate rooms, with plenty of seating. But everybody seemed to want to congregate around the bar on our visit late yesterday afternoon. Some of their language was a little choice. 4 ales were being served - Jennings Cumberland Ale, Kelham Island Wild Rider, Holdens Dark Prince & Bankss Howlin' Wolf. They also serve a keg version of Thatchers Cheddar Valley. But this was off yesterday. I would say this quirky pub is worth a visit.
14 Oct 2012 11:52
The Old Pear Tree is a Marstons pub that gets very popular on Wigan matchdays. It is not too far from the town centre, bus station and railway stations. From my somewhat addled memory, there were 3 ales on and all were from the Marstons range. The swift half I had was perfectly acceptable. The pub interior seemed fairly welcoming. But I think there are better choices in the vicinity.
8 Oct 2012 19:34
Appley Bridge is only a short bus journey away from Wigan across the M6. The Wheatsheaf appears to be a locals pub. Although it was completely empty on our Saturday lunchtime visit. The barmaid was very friendly. Whilst the ale range was fairly bog standard - Tetleys Bitter, Robinsons Unicorn & Thwaites Wainwright, plus also a cider - Westons Traditional Scrumpy, this is the kind of pub that you wouldn't mind having as your local.
8 Oct 2012 19:28
Crooke Hall Inn, Standish Lower Ground
Crooke is a tiny village on the western edge of Wigan. Take the bus to Standish Lower Ground and take a quick turning on the left and you feel like you're in the countryside, with a nice canal and marina with plenty of moored barges and old village cottages. The Crooke Hall Inn is a relatively unspoiled village local that we were glad to have sought out. There are 2 or 3 separate rooms and food appeared to be fairly popular. The bar staff were friendly and happy to make conversation. Beers on were York Yorkshire Terrier, Allgates Napoleon's Retreat & All Black & Boggarts Rum Porter. Well worth the trip out of Wigan for.
8 Oct 2012 19:25
Without a doubt one of the best Wigan pubs, if not the best, I returned to the Anvil for the first time in a couple of years on Saturday, shortly after opening. The beer range is still very good - Hydes Original, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, Allgates Deux Citra & All Black, Riverhead Buttlerley Bitter & Black Hole Cosmic. They now also have a real cider - Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. The place is still a popular meeting place for locals, shoppers and discerning drinkers. Of course, you could qualify to be all three. Unlike the Moon Under Water where we had just come from, it is more of a traditional pub. And unlike the Tudor House where we were to move on to, it has a good lively atmosphere. Will almost certainly return here next time I'm in Wigan.
8 Oct 2012 18:40
Pretty standard town centre Wetherspoons which was very busy on a Saturday morning, with a mixed crowd of football fans and shoppers. Being one of very few establishments open before 11am, nearly every table was occupied. Plastic glasses were being used. Although I'm not sure why when all other pubs we visited later were using glass. Beers on were Moorhouses Ruby Witch, Hook Norton Double Stout, Courage Directors, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Thwaites Wainwright, George Wright Hallertau & Beartown Ginger Bear. There were also two real ciders from Westons - Old Rosie and Traditional Scrumpy. Nothing to write home about as a pub. But Wetherspoons always have their advantages in their opening hours, price and drinks range.
8 Oct 2012 18:35
Thought I'd give this place a go yesterday. There was no sign of any Cains as a previous review had seen. Instead there were only keg options - Carling, Guinness, Heineken, Peroni, Caffreys, Grolsch, Coors Light, Blue Moon & Magners Golden Draught. The bar had a very studenty feel about it and many were present watching the live football on multiple screens. Didn't stay here too long. If you like modern bars, it may be up your street. But I prefer traditional pubs with decent ales and ciders. Not quite for me.
30 Sep 2012 13:11
I have to say that this pub has gradually been going up in my estimation. I've been here a few times in the past year and the beer range has been getting better. On a visit yesterday, I now also discover they are offering a real cider and a real perry for a trial period. Beers on yesterday were Ascot On The Rails, Tetley Bitter, Jennings Bitter, Brodies Citra, Maypole Little Weed & Blakemere Deep Dark Secret. The cider was from Ampleforth Abbey and the perry was Two Trees from Gwynt y Ddraig. The interior is still just as quaint as ever and you've generally got a very good chance of getting a table. Service is good and I would say that it is fully deserving of the Liverpool pub of the year award. I will continue popping in here as often as possible, especially if they perservere with the cider. With the Dispensary just around the corner and Ye Cracke and the Philharmonic also not too far away, we find ourselves increasingly in this area, instead of the Dale Street pubs.
30 Sep 2012 13:07
Another large roadside establishment in Bradford with 3 large bars (there may have been more, but I didn't have a scout around). Only the front bar was being used by about 4 or 5 people on our Tuesday evening visit. Beers on were Geeves No. 1, Kelham Island Pride of Sheffield & Saltaire Cascade Pale Ale. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & North Yorkshire Scatterbrain Clear Devon Scrumpy. There's a few contradictions in the latter. But it was very nice. A nice pub that simply lacked a bit of atmosphere on our visit.
28 Sep 2012 19:54
No sign of violence (as per previous review) on our Tuesday evening visit, despite the fact that Bradford were playing at home that night. Service was friendly. The pub was preparing to show live football with a large screen and another TV. There is a reasonable selection of ales - Wharfebank Tether Blonde, Salopian Lemon Dream, Ossett Route 66 & Tetley's Bitter & Mild. Westons Old Rosie was on too. Not as good as the Fighting Cock and more of a bar than a pub. But I do recommend this one. It's well worth a visit.
28 Sep 2012 19:51
The best of 4 pubs we tried in Bradford midweek. I would say this place is worthy of its place in the top 20 on the site. The location is a little run down. But at least parking outside was easy. There are 10 ales on offer, plus 3 ciders - Growler Lemon Head, Derventio Boars Head, Theakston old Peculier, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Best Bitter & Dark Mild, Pictish Doctor Rudi, Wylam Chinook, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, Glentworth Henpecked & Greene King Abbot Ale. The ciders were Westons Old Rosie, Hogans Panking Pole and another from the London Cider Co. The pub has plenty of character and is divided into 3 distinct drinking areas. Although we did wonder as to how authentic the traditional look actually was. Is it made to look this way? There are plenty of old beer and cider bottles to admire on shelves high up near the ceiling. If I had only one criticism, it was that the service and the interaction with the locals seemed a bit 'cold'. Otherwise, this is a top pub and one I'm sure I will return to next time I am in Bradford.
28 Sep 2012 19:47
This pub is also still closed. The building is in alternative use.
28 Sep 2012 19:40
The building still exists. But the pub has long since closed.
28 Sep 2012 19:39
Roadside pub on the western edge of Bradford. There are a couple of large bars with high ceilings and a slightly worn feel. The handpulls at the bar are currently unused. Keg choices were Carling, John Smiths, Tetley, Trophy, Guinness, Strongbow, Carlsberg & Stella. Service was friendly. My drinking partner rated the Tetley as better than expected. But otherwise, a little disappointing.
28 Sep 2012 19:38
I always find Wetherspoons on a Saturday night mildly amusing. There are the old guys that are still there from during the day, amongst pre-clubbing youngsters swigging shots and quaffinf cocktails whilst other parties arrive in skimpy outfits and fancy dress. Last night was no exception at the Back of Beyond. This busy spoons was my stopping off place whilst changing trains at Reading (despite it being half a mile from the station)! A good range of beers was on offer - Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Loddon Russet, Hook Norton Double Stout, Courage Directors, Fullers London Pride, Batemans XXXB & Woods Wonderful. Cider was Mr Whiteheads Cirrus Minor. A fairly good Wetherspoons.
23 Sep 2012 15:11
Chef and Brewer pub/restaurant with a nice view over the bay. It's only a short bus ride out of Swansea. The beer range was reasonably good for a Chef and Brewer - Marstons Pedigree, Thwaites Wainwright, Felinfoel Best Bitter & Otter Bitter. There was a rather amusing moment when the Otter pumpclip fell off and smashed on the tile floor. The beer had also gone at the same time! Maybe some kind of omen. Westons Old Rosie was also available from the box. As you would expect, most people were eating. Many tables were reserved for later on in the evening. At least they posted the times they were reserved from on each table. Probably not worth the journey out of Swansea for, but you might as well give it a go, if passing towards the Mumbles.
23 Sep 2012 15:00
Managed to catch a local circular bus up the hill to this fairly pleasant corner pub in a residential area. It has 2 rooms and a small patio at the rear of the one. Food seemed very cheap. But we didn't see anybody partaking. The beer choice was Courage Best or Caledonian Autumn Red. It seemed strange that so many Swansea pubs were dispensing Scottish beers yesterday. Located not far from the university. But there was no obvious student custom yesterday. Felt more of a proper pub than either the Westbourne or the Wig at the bottom of the hill.
23 Sep 2012 14:55
Pretty average pub to the west of Swansea city centre. 3 ales were on - Landlord, Abbot & Doom Bar. The barmaid was very friendly but was new to the job and seemed a little overawed by it all! Live football was being shown on multiple TVs, plus a big screen in the corner. The interior is fairly characterless with a pool table at the rear.
23 Sep 2012 14:50
I echo the previous review. We were a little disappointed by this pub. Beers were fairly bog standard - Abbot, Pride & Gem. The interior was bright and airy. It was busy and many were enjoying food. Ok, but not worth a special journey out of the city centre.
23 Sep 2012 14:36
Probably the best new pub we tried in Swansea yesterday. It's located on a corner and is much bigger inside than it appears from outside. The area near the door appears fairly modern. But as you move nearer the bar area and beyond, it becomes far more traditional. Beers is served from the handpull and also from gravity. Beers on yesterday were Archers Harvest Ale, Caledonian 80' & Flying Scotsman & Greene King Abbot & Old Speckled Hen. A real cider was also available - Gwynt y Ddraig Haymaker. Judging by the array of pumpclips around the bar, I can only think that the beer range is generally better than what was available yesterday. So I'm inclined to score this a 7/10.
23 Sep 2012 14:33
We arrived here after leaving behind a wake at the Knockaloe Bar in Bromborough, for which we were inappropriately dressed. The John Masefield is a typical Wetherspoons in a fairly inauspicious area. Beers on were George Wright Cluster 41, Blindmans Icarus, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best. Ciders were Westons Cider Twist Raspberry & Marcle Hill, whilst they also had Gwynt y Ddraig Two Trees Perry. Service was friendly enough. For a slightly more peaceful experience, I recommend trying the Refreshment Rooms in nearby Rock Ferry. On the day, it turned out to be even better than Gallaghers where the beer range was extremely limited.
18 Sep 2012 21:07
Having failed to locate a bus stop in North Ealing to reach this pub, I was really happy to finally get here after enduring the Hanger Lane Gyratory as a pedestrian and after already having visited 14 other pubs. I've lost track as to how many Fullers pubs I visited that day. But this was yet another one. It also offers accommodation. The long bar acts as a barrier to provide 2 separate drinking areas. But the pub had a little more character than I initially expected. Spanish football was being shown on one TV in the corner. Pride, ESB & Red Fox were the beers.
18 Sep 2012 21:00
I didn't find anything particularly special about this pub located in a quiet residential area of North Ealing. As previously stated, Pride & Tribute are the 2 ales served. I opted for the latter and it wasn't in the best of conditions. The interior is fairly modern looking and it was reasonably busy on my Sunday evening visit. Not really worth making the journey out here for.
18 Sep 2012 20:55
The Wheatsheaf is yet another west London Fullers pub that I encountered on my Sunday crawl, shortly after visits to the Ealing Lawn Tennis Club (not for playing, for imbibing) and the West London Trade Unions Club (not for protesting, unless that was my liver). Neither of the clubs are listed on here. But the latter is worth a try if you are in the Acton area. The Wheatsheaf itself is a pleasant enough backstreet local. Sadly as with many Fullers establishments, they only stocked their own real ales - Discovery, Wild River, Pride & ESB. Service was certainly not with a smile!
18 Sep 2012 20:51
Pleasant backstreet pub not too far from the Broadway in Ealing, but far enough away to keep the riff raff away. It was reasonably quiet on my Saturday afternoon visit with bar staff practically falling over themselves. Taylor Landlord, Sharps Doom Bar & Black Sheep Best Bitter were the 3 ales on offer and I quickly spotted Westons Old Rosie Cider in a box at the back of the bar. It may be quite strong at 7.3%, but paying �2.70 for a half makes for quite a sobering experience. I had to enquire whether or not I was paying for a half or a pint. Nice enough pub. But you can get the same drinks in even better pubs and in better locations for far less money.
18 Sep 2012 20:46
I quite liked the Red Lion. Whilst one of many Fullers pubs I visited on Sunday afternoon/evening, this one was an unspoiled local with a guest beer. As well as the usual Fullers suspects - Chiswick, Pride, ESB & Wild River, they also had York Guzzler. Inside is a fairly small affair. But there was still sufficient seating for a weary drinker. Service was friendly. Although the landlord did appear a little surly. Neverthless, this was the best pub I tried of 15 on the day.
18 Sep 2012 20:42
Reasonably pleasant Fullers pub tucked away in a quiet village-like location not a million miles away from South Ealing tube. The interior has been modernised a little , but retains a traditional atmosphere. It also appeared to have a nice garden at the rear. Beers on were all from the Fullers range - Pride, ESB, Wild River, Red Fox & Seafarers. Aspalls was the cider.
18 Sep 2012 20:37
Irish-owned establishment that is not too large inside, but was fairly busy with what seemed to be a hardy group of regulars, many of whom were watching live football on TV screens at either end of the bar. As the previous reviewer stated, all stools at the bar were taken and it was difficult to find a place to get served. Top marks for the landlord who saw that I was waiting whilst the barmaid dispensed a large quantity of lager. He came around the bar himself to serve me and also topped up my half of Sharps Special without prompting. Other ales on were Fullers London Pride, St Austell Tribute & Greene King Old Speckled Hen & Ruddles Best. I felt the place had a slightly worn feel to it. But worth a try if you're in the area.
18 Sep 2012 20:33
Fullers establishment just down the road from Northfields tube station. It was very busy on my Sunday afternoon visit and many people seemed to be enjoying or had already enjoyed lunch. Service was friendly. Beers on were Pride, Wild River & Chiswick. I was also pleasantly surprised to find Westons Wyld Wood on handpump. The interior was light and airy. Not a bad pub at all.
18 Sep 2012 20:28
Fullers pub on the High Road that is fairly dark inside. Football was being shown on the TV. Only the breweries own beers were on offer - Pride, Red Fox, ESB & Chiswick. Service was friendly and professional. I was even asked if I wanted to sample my beer of choice before buying, and that was without even asking. I was quite impressed. Not bad for a Fullers pub.
18 Sep 2012 20:24
The Defector's Weld, Shepherds Bush
Well located bar on the corner of Shepherd's Bush Green with a modern interior. There are 5 handpulls for cask ales, with a good range of more unusual cask offerings and what looked like an excellent bottle selection. Ales on were Itchen Valley Godfathers, Trumans Runner, Redemption Pale Ale & Adnams Bitter. A Purity pumpclip was turned round, whilst Hogans cider is also served. I did find that the music was turned up far too loud to enable relaxing here for too long. I'd imagine this place becomes quite lively in the evening with a young crowd. There was a DJ box, which would indicate late nights and even noisier activities.
18 Sep 2012 20:21
The Crown and Sceptre, Kensington
Not really what I would class as a traditional local boozer. I'm not quite sure what the Crown & Sceptre is trying to be. Although it was reasonably busy on my Sunday lunchtime visit. So it must be doing something alright. Food was being served from the open kitchen at the back, with roast joints on display and a chicken on a spit. Classical music was playing, which created a strange atmosphere. 2 Scottish beers from Caledonian were on - Flying Scotsman & Deuchars IPA. Not quite sure what to make of it all. But I can't say I'd hurry back.
18 Sep 2012 20:16
This pub has now been demolished and is currently a building site. Another loss.
18 Sep 2012 20:12
The Warwick Castle, Maida Vale
Nice little pub in a backstreet, not too far from Little Venice. They clearly specialise in Sharps beers, with both Doom Bar and their Red Ale on, plus Sharps Orchard Cornish Cider. I don't think I'd tried the latter before. Greene King St Edmund's Ale & Sambrooks Wandle were also in. The interior is cosy and whilst not as grand as the nearby Warrington Hotel, it was a fairly pleasant place to rest for a while. I did find it a little expensive though.
18 Sep 2012 20:11
The Warrington Hotel, Maida Vale
This is a beautiful pub inside, with an ornate bar. It was starting to fill up gradually on my Sunday lunchtime visit and a few people were ordering food. The beer quality was fairly poor, with the range being Adnams Broadside & Explorer, Youngs Kew Gold & Wells Bombardier. I thought the service and prices were fine. Nice pub. Shame about the beer.
18 Sep 2012 20:07
Still very much closed. Although the building still stands.
13 Sep 2012 21:32
I'm not sure this pub is still a Youngs pub. There was only one real ale - Otter Amber on the one handpull. I doubt very much that Youngs would allow this. So it's probably a free house now. Although I would describe it as more of a gastropub. It was much busier than the Earl of Spencer nextdoor and despite the late hour, it seemed there were still many customers who had recently enjoyed a meal. The interior is laid out around a central bar, with a kitchen to one side. I'm not sure it's a good place to enjoy a beerintheevening, unless you're having a mealandbeerwithaspecialfriendintheevening. It certainly seems a place where couples were enjoying dates.
13 Sep 2012 21:31
The Earl of Spencer, Southfields
Youngs pub that has been modernised a little, but not spoilt beyond recognition. It is fairly light and airy inside. Initially I only noticed Youngs Bitter & Special. I failed to spot the Liberation Ale, which I have noticed in a few Youngs pubs at the moment. Service was friendly. But the pub was fairly quiet in general. Didn't try any of the food. The Gardeners nextdoor seemed to be a better choice, if food is what you are looking for.
13 Sep 2012 21:26
I wasn't expecting too much from the Hope. But it provided the break I needed from the multitude of Youngs pubs in this area of London. It's a large wedge-shaped pub surrounded by Wandsworth Common and ideally located for the station of the same name, where there are regular trains to/from Victoria and Clapham Junction. It was busy on my Monday evening visit, with a quiz night in progress. The clientele seemed fairly upper class. Those not testing their general knowledge had occupied outdoor seating around the exterior of the pub. But what surprised me most was the beer range - Sunny Republic Beach Blonde, Purity Pure Gold, Ilkley Mary Jane & Downton Chocolate Orange Delight. There was also a real cider - Addlestones. I'm happy that I can still discover pubs in London that exceed my expectations.
13 Sep 2012 21:22
One of the better pubs I sampled in Southwest London on Monday night. This one had a little character and also had enough customers to create a reasonable atmosphere. In addition to Youngs Ordinary & Special & Wells Bombardier, they also had 2 guests - Sambrooks Wandle & Adnams Sole Star. As the previous reviewer states, they also have Meantime keg options. The beer garden is tree-lined and runs up the side of a narrow street. There were a fair few people out there enjoying a reasonably mild early Autumn evening. Worth a visit.
13 Sep 2012 21:16
Large Youngs pub in an unassuming residential location in Balham. You probably wouldn't find it in passing. I was surprised at just how big it was inside. But I believe there were only 2 other customers. Seating is fairly comfortable. Service was pleasant. Ales on were Youngs Special & Ordinary, with Addlestones cider also available. Not too bad. But lacked a little atmosphere.
13 Sep 2012 21:11
Two-roomed Youngs establishment next to a Sainsburys supermarket. I chose to sit in the lounge/restaurant. A couple of young bar staff were tucking into dinner, within which one had found a piece of plastic! The barman at work was struggling with a card payment. Only 2 Youngs beers were on - Special & Ordinary. On my way out, I passed through the bar. Unlike the modern lounge, which had obviously undergone the tasteless Youngs refurbishment, the bar looked as if it still retained a fair amount of character. My experience was fairly disappointing. But in hindsight, I should have tried the bar instead.
13 Sep 2012 21:08
I quite liked this pub. Whilst it's not far from the Streatham High Road, it feels a world away. Only 2 beers were on - the pubs own Earl Ferrers Bitter from the Ascot brewery & Sambrooks Wandle. Both Addlestones and Westons Old Rosie ciders were available. There were more handpulls and I'd hazard a guess that they normally have more than just the 2 beers on at any one time. The clientele appeared to be a band of regulars plus couples out for an evening meal and a quiet drink. Service was fine. No sign of any children on my visit. My second favourite pub of 10 I tried on Monday evening.
13 Sep 2012 21:03
This pub is located on a very busy road (Streatham High Road). The interior is fairly long, narrow and dark. It has a kind of Irish feel. 2 Greene King beers were available on handpull - Old Specked Hen & IPA. A third - Ruddles County appeared to be dispensed by gravity. The Old Speckled Hen was not in the best of conditions. It was one of those pubs where there were more people sat outside the front on the pavement than were inside. Not one to recommend.
13 Sep 2012 20:59
Nice little corner pub on a small square in Brixton's residential streets. It's a Youngs pub. So the Bitter, Special & London Gold were the only 3 ales. Although they also stocked Addlestones cider. The interior was very nicely done and the pub cat was quite friendly. Didn't follow the signs to the 'secret garden'. But it sounded intriguing. A very quiet stop in a fairly hectic area.
13 Sep 2012 20:55
Fairly pretentious corner pub in the back streets of Clapham. It's reasonably large, but was very quiet on my Monday afternoon visit. Food is clearly one of its main raison d'etres these days. Although there does appear to be a theatre either behind or above the pub. Service didn't appear particularly friendly. The price was mumbled at me and there were no please or thank you's. Old Speckled Hen & Old Hooky were the beers. The best of the ciders was Stowford Press. Probably fairly popular with the trendy Clapham upper-middle classes. But I didn't find anything to warrant me going back for.
13 Sep 2012 20:51
As previous reviewers have said, this pub is now more of a gastropub and has changed its name to the Fitzrovia Belle. 3 ales were on - Greene King IPA, Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Sharps Doom Bar. A couple of TVs were showing live tennis and live rugby union. But I didn't find this a particularly inspiring place to while away time. There are far better places not too far away.
9 Sep 2012 16:30
The Euston Tap is a worthy alternative to the Bree Louise if passing through Euston Station. In fact, I think yesterday was the first time I have seen more people at the Tap than at the Bree Louise. Real ales on were Fyne Jarl & Avalanche, Bristol Acer, Dorset Piddle Silent Slasher, Magic Rock Dark Arts, Sunny Republic Huna Red & Buxton Axe Edge & Black Rocks. There are of course over a dozen other specialist craft beers and an excellent bottled beer selection in fridges either side of the bar. The toilet situation is still not ideal. But the Euston Tap seems to have grown in popularity. Preferring cider, I do like the Cider Tap across the road where there are 5 or 6 real ciders served from the box, along with about 10 others served from taps and another good bottle selection. The toilets here are even worse and it's a pain, not to mention slightly dangerous, attempting to meet up with beer lovers who are drinking across the road. The other drawback of the Cider Tap appears to be the opening times. It finally opened at around 3pm yesterday and it's always a bit of a lottery as to whether it will be open or not. The Euston Tap itself keeps far more regular hours.
9 Sep 2012 16:26
Another typical town centre Wetherspoons, where service takes a while. The beer range was Loddon Bamboozle, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Exmoor Gold, Giraffe White Knight & Jennings Sneck Lifter. Ciders were Westons Wyld Wood & Marcle Hill. I wouldn't call this the worst Wetherspoons. But at the same time, there are far better.
9 Sep 2012 16:18
I believe this pub has changed hands since the last review. It's still nothing special. But it seems to have had a bit of a spruce up. Music can be loud on a Saturday evening. There are no real ales available - just keg Carling, Thatchers Gold, Tetleys Smooth, Strongbow, Carlsberg, Budweiser, Stella, Banks's Mild & Bitter & Mansfield Smooth. Sadly the Thatchers Heritage cider barrels behind the bar are just for show nowadays. Although I do remember a time when it was sold here. All handpumps have also been removed (as I remember).
9 Sep 2012 16:14
I've been meaning to visit this pub for a while and finally got the opportunity last weekend. It's a proper old fashioned boozer with some nice features and at least 3 small rooms. We stayed in the front bar and chatted briefly with the locals whilst supping a keg Theakston Mild. As with the last review 3 years ago, the beer selection still remains Theakston Mild or Fosters, with both Banks's pumps redundant. Worth a visit to see how Black Country pubs used to be. But you wouldn't come here to be wowed by the beer range!
9 Sep 2012 16:11
This pub appears to have very limited opening hours. It still wasn't open at 7:15 on a Saturday afternoon. Somebody opened the door to let a friend/relative in and I grabbed the opportunity to find out when it would open. Some time between 8pm and 9pm was the answer. Not wishing to hang around for anything up to 2 hours, I moved on and can only score the pub a zero, due to no beer available.
9 Sep 2012 16:07
The Springhead Tavern, Darlaston
I echo the comments of Snarling Mallard below. The welcome was not too friendly and the pub was being used by local families as a creche. Nevertheless, the beer range was good and unlike the Prince of Wales across the road, it was actually open. Beers on were Grafton Silhouette, Blue Monkey Original, Green Duck Duck & Dive, Deveralls Redemption, Black Country BFG & Highland Orkney Best. A festival is being held this weekend.
9 Sep 2012 16:05
This pub was far better than I expected, with 11 beers and a couple of real ciders in the fridge. Last weekend the beer range was Herok & Howells Festival Ale, Greene King Old Golden Hen & IPA Reserve, Theakston Old Peculier, Holdens Black Country Special Bitter, Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild, Slaters Retro Red & Top Totty, Craftons Binary Geek, RCH Santa F� and Beowulf Dragon Smoke Stout. The 2 Westons ciders were Old Rosie & Traditional Scrumpy. This pub seems to serve all manner of people. During the day, it has a fair few local drinkers and people coming for the carvery at the rear. On some evenings, it becomes a live music venue. There is accommodation too. The locals and the staff were all very friendly and service was prompt. A beer festival had been held the weekend before our visit. Well recommended and handy for the Bilston metro stop. I must also recommend the fish and chip shop opposite the metro stop. The chips were the best I've tried in years.
9 Sep 2012 16:01
Small and dark Holdens pub with a clear music theme. Live music is advertised and seems to be a regular occurrence. The ale range is all from Holdens - Golden Glow, Black Country Mild, Black Country Special Bitter & Black Country Bitter, on our visit last Saturday. Very quiet compared with the Wetherspoons across the road. But this is a proper pub. So you can also expect to pay more.
9 Sep 2012 15:51
Typical town centre Wetherspoons that stretches back a fair way from its front entrance. There were plenty of staff and plenty of customers. Beers on during our Saturday visit were Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Harviestoun Schiehallion, Celt Native Storm & Black Hole Orbit. Frustratingly there were nearly as many handpulls that were clipped but "coming soon" than there were beers on. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Ok, but nothing special.
9 Sep 2012 12:38
Traditional locals pub in a backstreet, but not far from the financial district that is Canary Wharf. I tried visiting here when in the area a couple of months ago. But the pub is only open on weekdays. I paid a return visit last night on my way home from the Olympic Park. The pub is fairly small, but has nice wood panelling and a very friendly barmaid. The clientele were a mixture of locals and City types. But all seemed pretty down to earth. Pride, Doom Bar & Landlord were the 3 beers. My London Pride went down quite well.
31 Aug 2012 21:01
Pleasant pub located not far from St John's railway station. We enjoyed a few rays of sun outside the front of the pub, along with many others. Beers on were Harveys Sussex Best, Cotleigh Buzzard & St Austell Proper Job. The Buzzard was quite nice. Clientele were mostly from the young middle classes. A good choice.
28 Aug 2012 20:33
The Pilot Inn, North Greenwich
It seemed quite strange to find this Fullers pub, dating back to 1801, amongst all of this modernity. Inside, it's full of character and it seemed fairly popular. If you enjoy Fullers beers, you'll be ok. They had Pride, Chiswick, ESB, Wild River and Discovery on our Bank Holiday Monday visit. If you prefer a wider selection, you may be disappointed. Nevertheless, this is an unexpected surprise in North Greenwich. Nice outdoor seating. By the way, we moved on to the Old Brewery in Greenwich after this. As Meantime's flagship pub, it's well worth a visit and was our pub of the day. Sadly it's not listed on here. But I'd recommend it.
28 Aug 2012 20:27
The Prince Albert (Rose's), Woolwich
This pub looks very attractive from the outside. But it is either closed for good or had failed to open on a Bank Holiday Monday afternoon. So it's a big fat 0/10 from me, as no beer was being served.
28 Aug 2012 20:23
The Elephant and Castle, Woolwich
Market pub serving pretty poor real ale in deteriorating surroundings. The Courage Best was ok. But the Shepherd Neame Spitfire tasted like vinegar. There are some murals on the walls and a few items of Charlton FC memorabilia. However, look above this and the mould dominates. A pool table dominates one end of the bar, which is actually quite small. Seems to attract some of the more interesting members of society too.
28 Aug 2012 20:21
This is a pub that enjoys a lovely location overlooking the common. A few of the locals were enjoying the bank holiday sunshine outside yesterday. Indoors, there seemed to be a few characters. I particularly enjoying watching the two guys attempting to play pool and continually arguing about the rules. This is a pub that is really rough around the edges. It is in serious need of a refurbishment, which paint chipped off the walls and all the wear and tear of a community local. Nevertheless, it has a kind of faded charm and the locals clearly enjoy a good selection of real ales. On our visit, they had Marstons Five Hop, Skinners Betty Stogs, Batemans Summer Swallow, Everards Sunchaser & Brains Steaming Wagon.
28 Aug 2012 20:17
Very nice pub, just off Eltham's main drag. The interior is well kept. The clientele were of the elderly variety. Classical music was playing to maintain a relaxing experience. There was a good selection of ales too - St Austell Tribute, Youngs Bitter, Courage Best & Directors, Sharps Doom Bar, Brodies London Fields Pale Ale & Batemans Summer Swallow. Addlestones cider was also available. The barmaid was very pleasant. Recommended if ever in the area. By the way, I also recommend the Howerd Club in Rochester Way (not listed on here). The locals were very friendly when you eventually find them!
28 Aug 2012 20:10
Whilst also a Youngs pub, this was a world away from our previous pub, the Catford Ram. The 2 young girls behind the bar were busy doing menial tasks, such as wiping the dust off all of the wine, spirits and whiskey bottles. Meanwhile, the Liberation Ale pumpclip was still showing despite it running out the previous evening. I may be being hyper-critical. But shouldn't the priority be to change the beer, or at least turn the clip round? The remaining beers were Youngs Ordinary, Special & London Gold. The pub has a lovely interior, reminiscent of a hotel. Jazz music was being played fairly loud. We were the first customers of the day. Another couple appeared before we left.
28 Aug 2012 20:03
Dingy Youngs establishment in an old shopping precinct. As the previous reviewer states, there is one window only. This makes the large interior pretty dark. There are TV screens around. Only one other customer was present on our bank holiday morning visit. Youngs Ordinary & Special were the 2 ales on offer. Pretty poor.
28 Aug 2012 19:58
Paid this pub a visit yesterday morning. No sign of any drug dealing and most of the clientele seemed fairly respectable. Beers on were Adnams Topaz Gold, Greene King Abbot Ale & Ruddles Best & Weltons Googly & Bat and Pad. The real cider was Westons Marcle Hill. Service was friendly and the place was clean. The best option I could find in what is a pretty poor part of London.
28 Aug 2012 19:56
Now a block of flats. The pub sign is still there though!
28 Aug 2012 19:51
Pub still closed. The signs are still up. But the building now has scaffolding all around and workmen could be seen in the gutted upper floor on my Bank Holiday visit.
28 Aug 2012 19:50
I wasn't planning to visit this pub. But I was passing and thought I would give it a quick visit. It's a Nicholsons pub with a fairly fine interior and is bigger than it first looks, with a couple of rooms and a nice outdoor courtyard. The beer selection was good - Robinsons Globe Hopping, Adnams Explorer, Sunny Republic Beach Blonde, St Austell Nicholson's Pale Ale, Purity Ubu & Sharps Doom Bar. Although I chose to have an Aspalls cider. Probably worthy of a return visit.
26 Aug 2012 20:58
The Prince of Wales, Birmingham
Pleasant locals pub with a modern interior, an L-shaped bar and a reasonable selection of ales. On my Saturday lunchtime visit, the beers were Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Enville Ale, Purity Mad Goose, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Hook Norton Old Hooky, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Tetley Dark Mild & St Austell Tribute. The Enville Ale was fine. Service was also friendly and efficient. No sign of any live music, whilst I was there.
26 Aug 2012 20:51
This place is still called the White Swan, but is currently closed. It looks like it is undergoing a refurbishment. But unfortunately, it could not offer us shelter from the rain.
26 Aug 2012 20:47
The Figure of Eight, Birmingham
Large Wetherspoons that was ok for a swift visit yesterday lunchtime. No fights and no sticky tables. But service was a little poor with preference given to those who could walk up to the bar and shout out their order first rather than serving people in turn. Beers were Kelham Island Pale Rider, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Sadlers Sundown, Batemans Summer Swallow, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best. Cider was Westons Marcle Hill & Country Perry and Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. A useful pitstop before we headed out back into a heavy rain shower.
26 Aug 2012 20:46
This pub looks closed from the canal side. However, persevere and you'll find an open pub that can be entered from the road. There's a decent number of real ales. But on our visit, they were all fairly standard - Jennings Sneck Lifter & Cocker Hoop, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Greene King IPA, Theakston Old Peculier, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Wells Bombardier. Addlestones is the cider. I don't think this pub makes the most of its location next to the canal and as others have said, the interior is quite worn.
26 Aug 2012 20:43
The Canalside Cafe, Birmingham
First stop on a small tour of Birmingham and probably the best of the 5 I tried. It looks like a small tea room when you approach and it does indeed serve cream teas. It even looks like a tea room inside, with a couple of small rooms nicely decorated with plants and the like. However, this place does 4 real ales and a couple of ciders. Yesterday, it was Sadlers Red Hoose Mild & Mellow Yellow, Pardoes Old Swan Entire & Kelham Island Pale Rider. Ciders were Westons Vintage Organic & Moles Black Rat. Sitting outside in the sunshine watching the barges go through Gas Street Basin is very pleasant. Service was fine. The pub is worthy of an 8/10 in my opinion.
26 Aug 2012 20:39
Average pub on the edge of Chinatown and seconds away from Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. It was reasonably busy on my Wednesday evening visit. There are 2 rooms downstairs and a much quieter room upstairs. Drinkers were spilling out to the alleyway outside. Pride and Bombardier were the 2 ales on offer, with a third handpull unclipped. Didn't find anything particular to recommend this pub. Just an average West End boozer, with prices to match.
24 Aug 2012 19:42
Visited here yesterday after consuming far too much at the Egham Beer Festival nearby. This is a pleasantly located Fullers pub, which had 3 ales on - Gales HSB & Seafarers & Fullers London Pride. Whilst there were 6 handpulls, the 3 beers were doubled up. The interior is nice enough and the welcome was friendly. A beer festival was advertised - next weekend I think.
19 Aug 2012 21:09
Thursday was my second visit to the Rake and I didn't enjoy it quite as much as my first visit 2 years ago. It's still a very crowded establishment on a weekday evening and getting to the bar can be a challenge. They also appear to have stopped stocking a real cider. Nevertheless, there are still 3 ever-changing cask ales. On Thursday's visit, they were Kronx Brewery Entire Porter & Standard Bitter & Redemption Hotspur. They still also have an excellent collection of bottled beers and ciders. Not quite as good as I remember. But still a worthy stop.
18 Aug 2012 10:49
After a brief visit to the Everest Lounge (formerly the Royal Oak) in Wealdstone, we rounded off our Monday evening crawl in this Wetherspoons in Rayners Lane. It was a disappointing end to the evening. Beers were Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Fullers London Pride & Adnams Broadside & Explorer. Apparently there was no real cider, "because the festival had recently ended". The young barmaid seemed to have a lot to say for herself and was clearly overjoyed as she counted down the seconds until she could ring the bell to close for the night. Less than welcoming Spoons.
10 Aug 2012 21:41
I first tried visiting this pub a couple of years back. But it was closed at the time, which was particularly frustrating given I'd got there by public transport. It's nicely located and I was pleased to see it was back open. However, it appears that it has been completely spoilt. I'm not sure whether the owners intend this to be a bar or an Indian restaurant. The 8 handpulls all looked a little under-utilised with a Ruddles Best clip turned round, leaving keg Fosters, John Smiths, Strongbow, Becks Vier & Cobra. We tried the food, which was ok, but nothing special. Seems to have gone downhill badly.
10 Aug 2012 21:37
This is a lovely old pub, that presumably used to be a coaching inn. As with many pubs these days (and not really their fault), the inside was spoilt a little by the harsh lighting from the low energy lightbulbs. Nevertheless, it still oozes character. The beer range didn't quite match - Greene King Abbot, Wadworth Red White and Blue, Adnams Bitter & Youngs Special. Still worth a visit, if you're in this neck of the woods.
10 Aug 2012 21:33
After a swift visit to the Olde Northwood pub in Northwood, with its exotic dancers, we arrived at the Oddfellows Arms where thankfully the entertainment was more centred around traditional pub activites, such as drinking, board games and live music. This is a very decent local, where staff and customers were friendly. It's also nicely decorated. London Pride was the only real ale. I plumped for the Hooch (probably the original alcopop), which apparently has been re-launched. Good pub.
10 Aug 2012 21:31
Probably the worst of the pubs we tried in Harefield. Nevertheless, we found the staff and customers to be friendly. Courage Best was the only real ale. The locals were keenly watching the Olympics cycling on the TV. Not a bad pub, but not quite as good as others in Harefield.
10 Aug 2012 21:26
We thought the Old Orchard was the best of Harefield's pubs. The views from the front of the pub and the car park of the Colne valley were outstanding and I have to say that I really like these Brunning & Price pubs. The interior is similar to others in the chain and is very appealing. Beers on were Fullers London Pride, Brunning & Price Original Bitter, Tring Side Pocket For A Toad, Rebellion Mutiny, Lymestone Ein Stein & Red Squirrel Red Tail. Cider was Westons Wyld Wood. Well worth the detour from the centre of Harefield and our pub of the day.
10 Aug 2012 21:23
The Kings Arms was much busier on our Monday evening visit than the Harefield, down the road. But I actually preferred the Harefield. It's another locals pub that was serving 4 real ales - Greene King IPA, Fullers London Pride, Adnams Broadside & Gadds No. 5. Nice central location in Harefield.
10 Aug 2012 21:18
Locals pub with a fairly relaxed atmosphere. The beer range was a little disappointing - Cottage Rocket Ale, Sharps Doom Bar & Taylor Landlord. But a nice pub nonetheless.
10 Aug 2012 21:16
I can confirm that this pub is still closed. The building is still there and the frame of the sign is also still standing. But sadly it is closed for business.
10 Aug 2012 21:13
First tried visiting this pub a few years back. But they had live music on and were looking to charge me for the privilege of having a pint. I finally made the return visit on Monday this week. I believe it's a Youngs pub. They certainly had their Special, Bitter & London Gold on. But in addition, they also had Liberation Ale, St Austell Tribute & Redemption Fellowship Porter. It was fairly quiet on my visit and exceeded my low expectations.
10 Aug 2012 21:12
Gave this pub another try before heading to the nearby Holborn Whippet (a far nicer pub with a good selection of ales). The beer selection was if anything poorer than my last visit. Being a Friday evening, it was much busier and there was no seating available. Beers on were Theakston Lightfoot, Best Bitter & Crime of Passion, The Ship Tavern 1549, Caledonian Deuchars IPA & St Austell Tribute. It's a lovely location, but still fails to hit the spot for me.
10 Aug 2012 21:06
The Shakespeare's Head, Holborn
Surprisingly, given this Wetherspoons central location, I'd never been in until last Friday. It's hard to spot from the outside with scaffolding currently covering the facade. But it's ideal for Holborn tube station. Inside, it's large and fairly characterless. TVs were showing live Olympics track cycling. Beers were Oakham JHB, Ringwood Forty Niner, Caledonian Merman, Fullers London Pride & ESB, Greene King Abbot, IPA & IPA Gold & Grainstore Triple B. Cider was Westons Marcle Hill. Good selection of beers. But not a particularly relaxing place to try them.
10 Aug 2012 21:01
The Porterhouse, Covent Garden
I hadn't been here for a number of years. But we paid a return visit last Friday night. It's fairly much as I remembered it. Inside is generally busy and it can be difficult to find a table on any of the split-levels. TVs are all around, allowing people to watch the Olympics. There is also an external drinking area at the front, which also tends to be very crowded. Most of the beers are Irish keg beers. But there were also 3 cask ales - Doom Bar, Mad Goose & Wainwright. Possibly ok for a crawl. But there are better places for a session.
10 Aug 2012 20:55
Boadicea, Charing Cross Station
This station bar is now called the Beer House. As you might expect from a station pub, it has now windows. So it's a little dull inside. There are no cask beers, but a good range of keg beers and also a large bottled selection. Certainly a good place to visit whilst waiting for your train. But not a 'destination' venue. We left for the Harp instead.
10 Aug 2012 20:52
Wetherspoons that stretches back a fair way and is a lot bigger than it looks from the outside. Beers on were Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Batemans Summer Swallow, Shepherd Neame Bishop's Finger, Redemption Hotspur & Holts Humdinger. Cider was Westons Vintage Organic. Not the best Wetherspoons I have been in, but certainly not the worst either. Handy for Turnpike Lane tube.
10 Aug 2012 20:47
Large pub with tall ceilings, a long L-shaped bar and plenty of beers to choose from - Red Squirrel London Porter, Ringwood Boondoggle, Wadworth Red White & Brew, Redemption Pale Ale, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Fullers London Pride. Addlestones was the real cider available. The staff were very pleasant.
10 Aug 2012 20:42
The Harringay Arms, Crouch End
A fairly nice and traditional locals pub tucked away just off the main road through Crouch End. The bar area has seating along the wall with no tables, which I found fairly unique. Beers weren't quite as varied as I'd have liked - Otter Bitter, Sharps Cornish Coaster, Adnams Broadside & Brains SA. But still recommended.
10 Aug 2012 20:39
The Railway Tavern, Crouch End
The Railway has a fairly modern style interior. 3 real ales were on - Doom Bar, Landlord & Ubu. Addlestones was the cider. I nearly fainted when I heard the price. I had to ask a second time to make sure I'd heard right. Ok, but there are better pubs in Crouch End.
10 Aug 2012 20:35
The Prince of Wales Ale House, Highgate
Small but perfectly formed traditional pub with a front entrance on the High Street and a rear entrance from a tree-lined square. A very nice place to relax. Beers were Butcombe Bitter, Thwaites Original, Celt Bronze & Wood Farm Victorious on my Thursday evening visit last week.
10 Aug 2012 20:32
This is a very nice unspoilt pub inside, with a nice secluded area outside. It's a Fullers establishment and seems to be geared towards middle-upper class clientele. Fullers London Pride, Discovery & ESB, Butcombe Bitter & Black Sheep Best Bitter was the choice. The prices were excessive.
10 Aug 2012 20:30
Attractive Wetherspoons branch, both inside and out, located on a prominent junction in Highgate. Live Olympics track cycling was being shown on the TV, with most patrons glued to the box. Beers on were Greene King Abbot Ale, Fullers London Pride, Inveralmond Lia Fail, Adnams Ghost Ship, Elgoods Greyhound & Cotswold Spring Stunner. With the culmination of their cider festival, they also had Westons Traditional Scrumpy, Old Rosie & Cider Twist Raspberry & Green Valley The Last Straw. A nice branch of Spoons.
10 Aug 2012 20:27
There was nobody else in this pub when I visited last Thursday afternoon. The barmaid was fairly pleasant. The interior is quite attractive, with an inverted L-shaped bar. 4 ales were on - Redemption Hotspur & Pale Ale, Fullers London Pride & St Austell Tribute. I was also surprised to see 2 ciders from Sandford Orchards - Bumbleberry & Devon Scrumpy. Far better than I expected.
10 Aug 2012 20:21
The Bald Faced Stag, East Finchley
Nice local pub at a busy set of traffic lights in East Finchley. The barmaid was very friendly. Most of the customers appeared to be local and were watching live Olympics coverage on the TV. 2 Trumans beers were on - Swallow & Swift and Basking Shark. There was also Ruddles Best & Windsor & Eton Knights of the Garter.
10 Aug 2012 20:17
Dignity (Taylors of Finchley), Finchley
A fairly pleasant bar that is nicer on the inside than it would appear from outside. It has quite a modern feel and there is a clear emphasis on food, with menus on each table. 3 real ales were on - Sharps Doom Bar, Sunny Republic Beach Blonde & Adnams Explorer. Aspalls was the cider. Not worth making a special trip to Finchley for. But ok if you're in the area.
10 Aug 2012 20:12
The Kings Fee is one of Hereford's best pubs. Most of the others are fairly average or poor. The clientele were the usual Saturday evening Wetherspoon crowd - the old boys who have outstayed their welcome and the Saturday night clubbing crowd getting geared up to move somewhere more glamorous where undoubtedly the prices will be more and the drinks range will be poorer, but where your chance of pulling will be better! Rhymney Export, Everards Koroibos, Woods Shropshire Lass, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best were the beers. Westons Wildwood & Marcle Hill & Ross on Wye Farmhouse Cider were also available. Surprisingly for a Wetherspoons, there were plenty of staff and service was quick. Handy for the station and worth a try.
29 Jul 2012 21:23
The Lichfield Vaults, Hereford
This pub is quite difficult to find. It is beautifully located in a narrow street slap bang in the city centre. On my Saturday evening visit, it was fairly crowded and the 2 bar staff were struggling to cope, especially as all the lagers seemed to be going at once! As such, it took nearly 10 minutes to get served. Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Flying Scotsman, Adnams Broadside, Sharps Doom Bar & Bass were the ales. A busy pub that didn't quite live up to my initial expectations.
29 Jul 2012 21:19
Wye Valley pub with a bar that is fairly modern looking and dominated by old signs advertising just about everything you can think of. There is a nice garden area at the rear. Beers on offer were Wye Valley Bitter, Butty Bach, HPA & Dorothy Goodbody's Golden Ale. Cider was Stowford Press.
29 Jul 2012 21:16
It's a fair walk from Hereford city centre to this pub, as I soon discovered! As previous reviews have said, it's a Greene King pub, with their IPA & Morland Original & Old Golden Hen on offer. The drinking area is an inverrted L-shape with a dining area towards the rear and a garden beyond. It was busy on my Saturday evening visit and it took a while to get served. Not worth the jaunt out of the centre.
29 Jul 2012 21:14
2 bar local, handy for Edgar Street football ground. 1 real ale was on offer - Wye Valley Bitter. Stowford Press was the cider. Fairly basic and nothing particularly special.
29 Jul 2012 21:11
Locals pub that didn't quite live up to my expectations, especially when compared with the Victory just down the road. It's a pleasant enough pub and as previously stated they had moreorless the full range of Wye Valley beers - Bitter, HPA, Dorothy Goodbody's Golden Ale, Butty Bach & Flower Power, plus Thatchers Heritage cider. A guest ale would be a nice addition. A good pub, but only a 6/10 for me.
29 Jul 2012 21:09
Second pub of the day for me in Hereford and it turned out to be the best of what was a poor selection. The Victory has a wonderful mock-up of the ship of the same name, which forms the bar itself. Hereford brewery beers are served - Ju-bull-ation, Best Bitter, HLA, Fresh Local Real Ale & Herefordian Mild were all on. There were also 2 Westons ciders - 1st Quality & Old Rose and their Country Perry. Both the cider and the mild I tried were in good condition. Recommended.
29 Jul 2012 21:06
It's a good 10-15 minutes walk here from the station and not really worth it. Sharps Doom Bar & Wye Valley Bitter were the 2 ales on offer. There were no real ciders, despite its entry in the last Good Cider Guide. There were 2 or 3 customers, whose language wasn't brilliant!
29 Jul 2012 21:03
I had 50 minutes to kill whilst changing trains at Droitwich Spa station yesterday. So I decided to head here. However, by the time it opened at 12pm, I was left with just 20 minutes - 10 minutes for a half and 5-10 minutes walk back to the station. Luckily I wasn't the only person queuing at the door at midday. So we got in slightly early. Wye Valley Butty Bach, HPA & Flower Power, Malvern Hills Black Pear & Enville Ginger Ale were all on offer. I plumped for the latter which was fine. The pub itself is quite pleasant and there is an outdoor area at the rear. Possibly worth a return visit, if I ever find myself changing trains at Drotwich again!
29 Jul 2012 21:00
Pretty poor Wetherspoons outlet near the station in Skegness. Beers on were Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Wickwar Sunny Daze, Coach House Ostlers SPA &Adnams Broadside. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. The latter was coming towards the end of the box and I ended up with almost a pint for the price of a half. Good value! The pub itself smelt bad. This may have been the curries being served. But some of the customers themselves left a lot to be desired. Glasses and plates were building up on tables, while the staff chatted to one another. Not a bad selection of beers. But there are far better Wetherspoons. If you're in the area, I recommend the Countryman at Ingoldmells - a proper pub with it's own microbrewery (Leila's Cottage).
29 Jul 2012 20:56
Best Western Vine Hotel, Seacroft
Lovely old country-style hotel on the edge of Skegness, that has links to Tennyson. There are 2 or 3 rooms, that all have plenty of character. But this is primarily a hotel. Only Batemans XB & XXXB were available. The Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve is located just up the road and is a suitable antedote to the hustle and bustle of Skegness.
29 Jul 2012 20:51
We paid this pub a visit on a weekday evening, primarily for a meal. They have an early bird special until 7pm. We arrived at 6:30 to find a pub that was half full. However, we were told that we couldn't have a table until 7:30. And of course, we would not get the early bird deal! We pointed out that we didn't mind sitting in the bar area. But apparently the real problem was that they didn't have enough staff in the kitchen. Either an interesting money-making idea or a shocking lack of planning on behalf of the management. Take your pick. We chose to eat elsewhere rather than wait 1 hour to be able to order. 2 real ales were on - Batemans XB & Greene King IPA. Westons Traditional Scrumpy was the cider. The bar and conservatory looked quite pleasant and the location is nice. But sadly our experience didn't match the pub's initial promise.
29 Jul 2012 20:47
After a brief stop at the impressive Three Horseshoes in Waddington (not listed on here), we finished our Tuesday evening Lincolnshire crawl at the Pyewipe. The pub is located down a long lane that is a dead end and is next to the canal. Whilst it is an impressive and large building, the 2 Greene King beers were less than inspiring - Old Speckled Hen & Ruddles Best. Nice location. Disappointing beers.
29 Jul 2012 20:39
Nice country pub in a village location. Food seems to be their focus. It took an eternity to get served. But in fairness to the staff, this was because they were sorting out diners orders and bills. Beers were Welbeck Abbey Henrietta & Ernest George, Greene King IPA, Adnams Broadside & Black Sheep Best Bitter. There is a small patio at the front and I believe there was a large garden at the rear. The interior comprises of 2 or 3 small rooms.
29 Jul 2012 20:30
After an aborted visit to the Bell Inn at Coleby (closed on a Monday & Tuesday and very limited opening hours for the rest of the week and not listed on this site), we went instead to the Thorold Arms instead. This is a lovely little pub set in a small village. The exterior is decorated with all sorts of plants and other odds and sods. Inside, there is a public bar and a separate dining room. The range of beers was good - Mallards Specducular, Blue Monkey BG Sips, Potbelly Streaky & Slaters Golden. There was also a real cider - Ross on Wye Medium Dry. Impressive pub.
29 Jul 2012 20:24
The Willoughby Arms Inn, Lincoln
After a swift visit to the disappointing Red Lion at Caythorpe (not listed on here), we pulled up outside the Willoughby Arms. It's a fairly nice roadside pub that was very quiet on our weekday evening visit. There is a bar and a separate room for dining. The dining room appeared to be closed and there were only 3 or 4 locals propping up the bar. Wells Bombardier was the solitary real ale. Another disappointing pub. You could try the Joiner's Inn in Welbourn instead. This was marginally better, but again not listed on this site.
29 Jul 2012 20:16
I was surprised and impressed by this pub, mainly because of the availability of real cider - Biddendens Bushells, Thatchers Cheddar Valley, Gwynt y Ddraig Dog Dancer & Burnards Oakey Dokey. The ale selection was also decent - Navigation Traditional & Pale Ale, Clarks Traditional Bitter & Greene King IPA. The interior has been modernised and has probably lost some of its character. Outside, there is a nice, large garden. Pub of the day for me in Lincolnshire.
29 Jul 2012 20:11
Country pub with an emphasis on food. Cuban cuisine was being served on the evening of our visit. Batemans XB, Greene King IPA, Oldershaw Mowbray Mash & Timothy Taylor Landlord were the real ales available. Staff were friendly. The church with a leaning steeple is just opposite.
29 Jul 2012 20:01
Pleasant country pub that seems to be popular with diners and also has accommodation. The landlady was friendly. But the locals did give us a few strange looks. Beers were Landlord, Deuchars, Cumberland Ale, Broadside & John Smiths. Stowford Press was the cider. Worth a try.
29 Jul 2012 19:57
The Witch and the Wardrobe, Lincoln
Marstons pub on the canal and not far from Lincoln train station. Marstons Pedigree, Brakspear Ninety Nine, Jennings Cocky Blonde, Mansfield Bitter & Wychwood Hobgoblin were all on. I wasn't planning on visiting here. But it served a purpose for a toilet stop and a swift half.
29 Jul 2012 19:52
I'm very surprised by this pub's low rating on here. This was one of the best pubs we tried in Lincoln and was well worth the long walk out of the city centre. There are two rooms - a bar and a slightly more comfortable lounge. I also seem to remember a beer garden (or yard), but my memory is somewhat slurred. Beers available were Fullers London Pride, Castle Rock Preservation Fine Ale & Harvest Pale, Batemans XB & Summer Swallow, Salopian Conundrum & Golden Thread, Pheasantry Best Bitter & Thwaites Fine Rain. Westons Country Perry, Cornish Orchards Pear Cider & Orchard Pig Explorer were also on.
29 Jul 2012 19:48
Large Wetherspoons not too far from Lincoln station. Presumably it used to be a cinema or theatre. The beer selection was good - Ruddles Best, Tom Woods Melton Mild, Bath Gem, Newby Wyke England Expects & Wychwood Hobgoblin. But we all went for ciders, of which there were 8 - Mr Whiteheads Plum Cider, Sandford Orchards Devon Scrumpy, Gwynt y Ddraig Welsh Gold Perry, Thatchers Perry & Cheddar Valley, Cornish Orchards Vintage Cider, Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Scrumpy & Sheppys Raspberry Cider.
29 Jul 2012 19:42
Decent pub close to the station. It's a typical city centre pub and had friendly staff. RCH Pitchfork, Batemans Salem Porter, XXXB & XB, Black Sheep Golden Sheep & Loddon Hullabaloo were the beers. Thatchers Heritage & Westons Celebration were the ciders. Sadly I can't remember much more, as the alcohol was starting to have a significant effect!
29 Jul 2012 19:35
Friendly pub at the bottom of Steep Hill with a central bar and seating arranged in a circle around the bar. In fact, we managed to walk almost the full circle before finding a table of choice! 3 ales were on - Greene King IPA & Old Speckled Hen & Caledonian Flying Scotsman. Westons Old Rosie was the cider.
29 Jul 2012 19:23
A nice enough place near the top of Steep Hill. But as previous reviewers state, it is predominantly for eating and the staff seemed quite put out that we were only there to drink. Black Sheep Best Bitter, Everards Tiger & Whakatu & Batemans XB were the 4 real ales. A little disappointing.
29 Jul 2012 19:19
Busy Marstons pub at the top of Steep Hill. It's got a prominent location, that will always ensure it has trade and the interior is fairly pleasant. It is modern and split level, but not a bad place to have a pint. The only problem is the restrictive ale range - Jennings Sneck Lifter & Cumberland Ale, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Brakspear Bitter.
29 Jul 2012 18:55
The previous reviewer is correct. The pub is now closed. However, I'm not sure it's been closed for that long.
29 Jul 2012 18:51
The Victoria is a great pub in its own right. Whilst we didn't find it quite as good as the Strugglers around the corner, I would recommend combining visits to both. Inside there are two rooms, whilst outside there is a large covered area suitable for summer months. Batemans Summer Swallow & XB, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Caledonian Golden Son, Moorhouses Premier Bitter, Ossett Patriot Pale & Castle Rock Harvest Pale were the beers with Westons Country Perry & Old Rosie also available.
29 Jul 2012 18:50
The Strugglers was just about our pub of the day in Lincoln. It's a fairly small affair inside. But there is more seating in the garden at the rear that is great for a sunny day. The beer range was good for such a small pub - Wadworth 6X, Bays Winning Gold, Goffs 2012, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Bass, Everards Original, Wentworth Rampant Gryphon & Whittlebury London 48 Porter. The landlady was also very friendly. A very atmospheric pub with good quality ales.
29 Jul 2012 18:46
Traditional locals pub at the top of the hill in Lincoln. Beers weren't particularly inspiring in comparison to other Lincoln pubs - Wychwood Ginger Beard, Bass, Timothy Taylor Golden Best, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Ruddles Best & Wells Bombardier - but at least they had a few to choose from.
29 Jul 2012 18:40
Greene King pub on a street corner at the top of the hill. The interior has been modernised and is nothing to write home about. Greene King IPA, IPA Gold & Abbot, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Elgoods Cambridge were the ales to choose from. I wouldn't make the trip up the hill specially for this one. But it may be worth a try if you find yourself up here.
29 Jul 2012 18:37
Batemans pub with guest ales in the backstreets of Lincoln. It's a fairly small pub and was very quiet on our Saturday afternoon visit. They were just concluding a beer festival. Moorhouses White Mist, Batemans XXXB & XB, York Red Hot, Derby Triple Hop & Black Sheep were the ales. Westons Celebration Cider was also on. Nice enough pub that is worth the walk from the centre.
29 Jul 2012 18:33
One of the best pubs of our rather lengthy crawl around Lincoln. It's located on a busy main road on the edge of the main shopping area. It was fairly quiet on our early Saturday afternoon visit. The barmaid was friendly. The interior has few tables and is a little dark. I suspect it gets busy in the evening and standing room is required. There is a pleasant suntrap garden at the rear. Beers on were Oldershaw Mowbray Mash, Idle Black Abbot, Burnside Wild Rhino, Tom Woods Lincoln Gold, Newby Wyke and Stamford Riverside Festival Ale. Westons Perry & Broadoak Moonshine cider were also available. Well worth a visit if in Lincoln.
29 Jul 2012 18:29
Reasonably good Wetherspoons in the centre of Lincoln. Beers on were Thornbridge Jaipur, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Cotleigh Buzzard & Titanic White Star. With the cider festival on, they had Thatchers Perry & Cheddar Valley, Green Valley Last Straw, Mr Whiteheads Plum Cider, Westons Bounds Scrumpy & Green Valley Strawberry Cyder. The place is quite large and was busy on our Saturday lunchtime visit.
29 Jul 2012 18:23
Tried to start a Lincoln crawl here last weekend and found it closed. Apparently it closed for business 2 weeks previously. Has a nice location and is a nice building. So a shame. Hopefully somebody else can take it on.
29 Jul 2012 18:13
Wetherspoons, Edinburgh Airport
After an aborted attempt to watch a friendly football match in Dundee, I rounded up my 24 hours in Scotland at the Sir Walter Scott at Edinburgh Airport. This is a typical airport branch of Wetherspoons. 3 ales were on - Caledonian Sir Walter Scott & Golden Son & Greene King Abbot Ale. Ciders were Green Valley Last Straw, Thatchers Cheddar Valley & Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Scrumpy. Thatchers Perry was also on, as part of their cider festival. Most people were enjoying breakfasts and there were plenty of staff available to take their orders. As you'd expect given its airport location, it's a little more expensive than your local Wetherspoons (80p more per pint than the Arbroath Spoons). But it beats sitting in the departure lounge staring at the departure screens or even worse shopping!
20 Jul 2012 20:39
The Fisherman's Tavern, Broughty Ferry
This was my pub of the day in Scotland. It's located on the banks of the river, next to a lifeboat station and the interior is full of character. Service was friendly. It's a hotel and it also hosts live music sessions. The ale range was good - Greene King Old Speckled Hen, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Broughton Clipper IPA, Houston Peter's Well, Shepherd Neame Spitfire & Inveralmond Ossian. A very nice place to spend time refreshing yourself.
20 Jul 2012 20:31
The Royal Arch Bar, Broughty Ferry
Lively pub in the centre of Broughty Ferry. It's not very big. But the interior is very nice and it clearly has an established group of loyal regulars. 3 beers were on - Mor Ish, Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Stewart Pentland IPA. Live horse racing was showing on 2 TV screens. I believe a third was showing the golf. Worth a visit, if you're ever in this neck of the woods.
20 Jul 2012 20:28
The Stags Head was marginally the best pub of a pretty bad bunch I sampled in Carnoustie. One ale - Mor Ish was on. The barmaid/landlady seemed fairly pleasant and between us, we were the only people there. Music was playing from a TV channel. The pub is fairly large. But I'm not sure how it survives, unless it is much busier in the evenings.
20 Jul 2012 20:26
The Kinloch Arms Hotel, Carnoustie
Reasonably pleasant establishment on Carnoustie's main drag. This is far more of a drinkers pub than the nearby Station Hotel and seemed to attract both young and old. Mor Tea Vicar was the solitary real ale. The bar area is nicely decorated, whilst there is a TV at the corner of the bar itself and a pool table occupies an area near the toilets. The elderly gentleman constantly tapping the table with his ring in time with timeless Michael Jackson classics was mildly irritating. So I supped up and moved on!
20 Jul 2012 20:23
Hotel bar with 2 or 3 separate rooms, not far from the station. The interior reminded me of an old peoples' home and most of the customers were of the senior variety. Nearly all were just finishing their lunches. London Pride was the one real ale on offer. There are better places for a drink in Carnoustie.
20 Jul 2012 20:19
I went straight past this bar, without even noticing it and had to backtrack. Even from the picture above, it looks more like a corner shop than a pub from the outside. Inside was fairly quiet, but fairly pleasant. There are 2 rooms. The one has a couple of TV screens and a very large range of footballing memorabilia. There were only a couple of other customers present. They were in the lounge. Two ales were on - Greene King IPA Gold & Theakstons Crime of Passion. Far better than the exterior would suggest. Recommended.
20 Jul 2012 20:17
After finally finding the entrance (somehow I was trying to enter through the fire escape!), I was greeted with a selection of 4 ales, 2 ciders and a perry. Greene King Abbot Ale & Ruddles Best, Jennings Sneck Lifter, Elgoods Greyhound, Sheppys Raspberry Cider, Mr Whiteheads Sundown & Thatchers Perry were all on. The interior is reasonably large and many people were still enjoying breakfasts or early lunches. Staff were pleasant. It did seem a bit dull inside. But that may have had something to do with the appalling weather.
20 Jul 2012 20:14
Nicely located pub near the harbour in Arbroath. Inside is quite pleasant. One room is set out for diners. The other is a comfortable public bar with a couple of TV screens. It is decorated in a modern style. No real ales are served. Keg drinks were Tennents Extra, Peroni, Belhaven Best, Guinness & Magners Golden Draught. Ok, but nothing special.
20 Jul 2012 20:09
The Duke Of Wellington, Hackney
Was very impressed by this pub on my visit today. It's clearly an old pub that has been renovated, but still maintains some original features. The central bar dominates the front room. I didn't see the rear room. The drinks range was also better than I expected - By The Horns Stiff Upper Lip, Sambrooks Wandle, Ascot Single Hop & East London Night Watchman. The board displaying the beers also had Ascot Anastasia Exile Stout & Ossett Silver King, which were both off. So either the board hadn't been updated for a while, or it indicates that the beers turn over quite quickly. Either way, this was a good selection. There also appeared to be a good bottle selection, as well as 2 real ciders - Westons Old Rosie & Thatchers Heritage. Sunday roasts were being served. The barmaid that served me was helpful and knowledgeable. I must admit that I haven't been to the Dalston/Kingsland area for a while, preferring to avoid it. But this pub is worth the journey alone and the area itself appears to be on the up.
15 Jul 2012 17:36
Fairly busy and characterful town centre pub that has a small drinking area at the front and opens up to a slightly larger space at the rear. Music was playing slightly too loud for my liking and they seemed to be preparing for a live session later in the evening. The beer range was not as good as the Sun, just down the road - Moorhouses Pride of Pendle, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Robinsons Dizzy Blonde, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin & Jennings Cumberland Ale. Nevertheless this represents a better than average range and the John O'Gaunt is worth a try.
15 Jul 2012 17:27
The Sun Hotel and Bar, Lancaster
The best of 4 Lancaster pubs we sampled yesterday evening. The Sun was reasonably busy. It has plenty of character, service is friendly and the ale range is good. 5 Lancaster beers were on - Blonde, Red, Black, Straw & Amber plus White Horse Wayland Smithy, Otter Amber, Gales HSB & Liverpool One Liverpool Dark. The Lancaster Red Rose Original Farmhouse Cider was also on handpull. Pub of the day for me.
15 Jul 2012 17:24
3 ales were on in this corner pub with a large front room - York Guzzler, Consiton Bluebird Bitter & Butcombe Mendip Spring. Westons Old Rosie is also available. Service was efficient and the locals seemed friendly.
15 Jul 2012 17:20
Lovely old pub not too far away from the station. Although it's a fair uphill walk back! Service was friendly and there's a good range of beers - York Guzzler & Red Hot, Cross Bay Nightfall, Banks & Taylor Two Brewers Bitter & Tring Side Pocket For A Toad. A nice pub, but not the best we tried in Lancaster.
15 Jul 2012 17:18
After a trip to the York Hotel and an aborted effort to try the New Inn (no ales), we turned round the corner to arrive at the Smugglers' Den. It's a nice little pub, probably Morecambe's nicest in terms of interior and atmosphere. The owners also seemed quite friendly. Unfortunately, the beer range is not quite as adventurous as the Palatine - Wadworth 6X, Robinsons Unicorn, Lancaster Blonde, St Austell Tribute & Adnams Broadside. Loved the small game of 'Play your Cards Right' you can have in the one corner!
15 Jul 2012 17:15
On approach, this place looks like an amusement arcade. Inside, it's quite large and has an American feel as mentioned by previous reviewers. However the selection and quality of the beers was fairly good - White Horse Village Idiot, Ranch House Bitter & Harviestoun Number of the Beast. Cider was Westons Old Rosie. Worth a try.
15 Jul 2012 17:11
Typical town centre Wetherspoons. It's a little rough around the edges. But as with most 'spoons, there is plenty of space and you're moreorless guaranteed a decent selection of ales and ciders. It was busy on our Saturday lunchtime visit. Ales on were Adnams Broadside, Allendale Curlews Return, Wickwar Sunny Daze, Woodfordes Wherry, Wibblers Apprentice & Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best. With the Wetherspoons cider festival in full swing, they had 8 ciders and perries - Westons Old Rosie, Sundown, Wildwood & Cider Twist Blackcurrant, Green Valley Last Straw, Sandford Orchards Devon Scrumpy & Pear Shaped & Sheppys Farmhouse Draught. The bar staff seemed to be very knowledgeable about the beers and the ciders. Not a bad pub. If you need the toilet, there are a lot of steps!
15 Jul 2012 17:07
This pub was the best of 6/7 Morecambe pubs we sampled yesterday and was a significant improvement on the Joiner's Arms, just down the road. 4 of the Lancaster beers were on - Amber, Straw, Red & Black, alongside a couple from Fullers - Chiswick Bitter & Summer Ale and also Springhead Robin Hood. Westons Traditional Scrumpy was the cider. The interior has a modern feel and the clientele was a mix of locals and visitors. It has a nice location overlooking the Bay too.
15 Jul 2012 17:00
I'm fairly sure I've been to this pub in the distant past, but was tempted back by the number 1 rating on here and decent reviews from friends. It's a small 3 room pub by the canalside and next to a lock. There is a front bar, another one to the side and a rear room. 5 ales were on - XT5 American Amber, Tring Jack o' Legs & Riser Bitter, St Austell Tribute & Goffs Summer Knight. In addition, there were a total of 27 real ciders plus a pyder and 4 perries from producers such as Westons, Addlestones, Millwhites, Crossmans, Olivers, Cassels & Tricky. I managed to work through 7 before leaving. I'll have to return to do more. Considering there were so many, I was supposed that most of the ones I tried were in good condition. The 2 guys that appear to run the place appeared friendly and there seems to be a mixture of people appearing behind the bar. The pub also appears to have a varied customer base with plenty of locals, people returning from playing football and a group of rather muddy cyclists were all witnessed during our visit. A nice pub that I can only recommend.
12 Jul 2012 20:36
After a swift half in the Waltham Forest Corporation Sports & Social Club, I rounded off my East London crawl in the Flower Pot. Live music was on offer yesterday evening. That's not normally my cup of tea. Doom Bar & Bass were the real ales. The pub itself is quite pleasant, with a central bar and drinking are on 3 sides, in addition to an outdoor area to the side of the pub. Friendly service. But a bit too noisy for my liking.
9 Jul 2012 20:37
The Rose and Crown, Walthamstow
After a brief stop at the ever-reliable Pembury Tavern in Hackney, I caught a train to Walthamstow to visit the Olde Rose & Crown. There's always one pub that catches me by surprise on any crawl I do and yesterday this was the one that easily surpassed my expectations. The pub has several CAMRA pub of the year awards for the East London area and I can see why. 6 ales were on - Kent Cobnut, Titanic Plum Porter, Hammerpot Red Hunter & Madgwick Gold, Summer Dream Elderflower Ale & Palmers Tally Ho. There were also 3 ciders - Thatchers Heritage, Millwhites Rum Cask and a new one for me - Pennypot Cider. The bar staff were friendly and professional. The interior is fairly large and it was reasonably busy with an obviously loyal clientele. Very impressed and I'm sure I'll be making a return visit. Easily the best pub in Walthamstow and I can't think of any better in East London, even the aforementioned Pembury.
9 Jul 2012 20:35
The Globe on Morning Lane, Hackney
Arrived here on a Sunday afternoon to find a lively atmosphere. The pub was busy and it appeared to be someone's birthday. Loud music was being played. It's a bit of a locals pub between Hackney and Homerton and was too noisy for my liking. Service was friendly and 2 ales - Doom Bar & Lighthouse were on offer.
9 Jul 2012 20:25
This pub reminded me of the Southampton Arms in Gospel Oak, a little. It feels slightly Bohemian. There are many different events on offer and it seems a true community pub for those in their 20's and 30's. However the beer range was fairly poor, with only Landlord & Doom Bar available. Aspalls was the cider.
9 Jul 2012 20:23
I was a little disappointed by the Eleanor Arms. I've always seen it rated quite highly on here and it regularly has advertisements in the London Drinker. Make no mistakes, this is a nice little pub. But it didn't quite live up to its reputation. Inside is basically 2 rooms with a narrower area to the side of the bar separating the 2 areas. Most people were crowded into the rear area during our visit, where the Wimbledon final was being shown. Beers on were Shepherd Neame Kents Best & Canterbury Jack, plus Batemans Summer Swallow. Thatchers Heritage was the cider.
9 Jul 2012 20:19
After trying a traditional local down the road - the George, we moved on to the Gun. This gastropub is at the opposite end of the spectrum. The front bar is primarily for diners. There is also a rear bar that was packed with tennis fans and a terrace with great views over to the Dome and the new cable car. Prices are astronomical - �7.50 for a bottle of stout and a half of bitter! �25.50 for a steak! Beers on were Caledonian Flying Dutchman, Sambrooks Junction, Adnams Bitter & Otter Amber. We only stayed for one.
9 Jul 2012 19:59
The George is situated just across from the Crossharbour DLR. It is situated on the edge of a residential area that is a far cry from the wealth of Canary Wharf. This makes it a much more down-at-heel place compared with the monied bars in the financial area. There are 3 reasonably-sized rooms that are decorated in a traditional style. Beers were Wychwood Ginger Beard, Fullers London Pride, Youngs Bitter, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Caledonian Deuchars IPA.
9 Jul 2012 19:55
Whilst the Town of Ramsgate is in a nice location next to the river, I did find it a little touristy and also a little pretentious. A carvery was in operation at the far end of the bar. It looked very tempting. Beers on were Sharps Doom Bar, Wye Valley HPA, Youngs Bitter & Fullers London Pride. The foreign barman looked very confused when I asked for Hereford Pale Ale. The pre-amble to the Wimbledon Men's Tennis Final was being shown on one TV, whilst the British Grand Prix was on another. However, with the long narrow bar, very few people are actually able to view either. There was almost as many dogs and children as adults. Nevertheless, the selling point of this pub is its location. And it certainly delivers in that respect.
9 Jul 2012 19:46
Carpenters Arms, Bethnal Green
Nice little single bar corner pub, not too far from Brick Lane. The atmosphere is quite pleasant with no TV, bare boarded floors and plenty of conversation. It seems to attract quite a large cross-share of the local community. Trumans Runner, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Adnams Ghost Ship were the 3 ales on. But as stated previously, there are plenty of bottled ales and ciders. Aspalls is also available on tap.
9 Jul 2012 19:38
I wasn't expecting much from this pub, but ended up being strangely impressed. The interior is fairly typical on many pubs in this area. But was still attractive. It wasn't too busy on our Saturday evening visit. But most people there were clearly regulars. Taylor Landlord, Greene King IPA & Celebration Pale Ale & Sharps Doom Bar were the 4 ales. Addlestones was the cider. I don't think I've ever passed this pub before. But I may well visit again.
1 Jul 2012 12:41
The Green Man, Great Portland Street
I've passed the Green Man many times before on the bus. But yesterday was my first visit inside. 5 beers were on - Wells Bombardier, Morland Old Golden Hen, Thwaites Wainwright, Youngs London Gold & Woodforde Wherry. Cider was Westons Old Rosie. The interior is fairly large and was busy. But it does have some character to it. Tennis was being shown on the TVs. There's a good chance I'll pay a return visit some day.
1 Jul 2012 12:38
The Coach and Horses, Shrewsbury
To follow on from my previous view - the couple of other beers were Stonehouse Sunlander & Phoenix Arizona. So not a bad selection in all.
1 Jul 2012 12:32
Return visit to this hotel bar yesterday, as we had a function in the hotel. Following on from my last review, the bar was down to just 1 ale on this visit - Adnams Jubilee. Not really worth staying here for a session.
1 Jul 2012 12:28
Agree with other reviewers on the character of this pub. It is a large open-plan L-shaped room. But being a Wetherspoons, it does offer a good selection of ales - Fullers London Pride, Greene King IPA & Abbot Ale, Milk Street Beer, Brakspear Ninety Nine & Yeovil BST. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Handily located if you're in this end of the City or are visiting the Tower.
1 Jul 2012 12:25
I quite enjoyed this pub. If you ignore the large bus garage nextdoor, the pub is actually located in a nice little street and probably only just escaped the bulldozers. I'm glad it did. The welcome was friendly and the other customers seemed friendly too. Beers on were Fullers London Pride, Adnams Lighthouse, Youngs Bitter, Banks's Sunbeam & Marstons Single Hop. The pub is trying to buck the trend locally by opening all day on a Saturday.
1 Jul 2012 12:21
Fairly edgy kind of pub located in a nice Art Deco building. Only 2 beers were on - Hackney Best Bitter & Golden Ale. Although there are more handpulls and they may have been winding down for the weekend, with it being late on a Friday evening. Music was on a bit too loud for my liking. Upstairs the pool table was occupied by 2 people. There were several downstairs. But otherwise, there were few customers. Overall, not a bad choice if you happen to be in the area.
1 Jul 2012 12:16
The Crutched Friar, Tower Hill
This is no longer a Nicholsons pub. But it still rated as my favourite pub of my 10 trip Friday evening stroll around the City. Whilst it doesn't quite have the character of many of the other pubs we visited, it does still have a fairly unique layout and has a reasonably wide selection of ales. You approach the pub through what looks like a courtyard. Rooms with seating are on either side of the passage. At the end is the bar, with a drinking area and an outdoor patio around the corner. Beers on were Springhead Drop O' The Black Stuff, Fullers London Pride, Sharps Doom Bar, Bath Summer Hare, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Black Sheep Best Bitter. A nice one to combine with the Ship, just up the street.
1 Jul 2012 12:11
Another City pub with plenty of character. The small single bar is dominated by its tie collection, all for charity. Service was friendly and humorous. The ale selection was decent - Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Hartleys Cumbrian XB, Holts Humdinger & Ship's Ale Moore Beer. There's limited seating, due to the size. The way down to the gents is down a spiral staircase and feels like you are heading to a dungeon. Recommended.
1 Jul 2012 12:06
Very old pub, surrounded by modern buildings. It is very close to Cannon Street station, but tucked away on a side street and therefore not as busy as you'd expect. There did appear to be a fairly loyal clientele crowded around the bar. But otherwise, we found seating easily. The pub is small and full of character, as you would expect from a pub that dates from before the Great Fire of London. The gents are so tiny, that it's difficult to fit any more than one person in at a time. But at least, a visit to the toilet doesn't involve stairs. Beers on were Otter Bitter, St Austell Tribute, Courage Best & Harveys Best. Addlestones was the cider. Reasonably impressive and worth discovering (if you haven't already).
1 Jul 2012 11:58
The Red Herring was probably the busiest pub we visited on our Friday evening session in the City. It's a Fullers pub, not far from the Barbican and the Guildhall. The interior and exterior is characterless. The main bar is large and open-plan with a few TV screens showing live coverage of Wimbledon. Downstairs was a smaller bar with a private party. Discovery, London Pride, Wild River & Seafarers were the beers on. The pub must be doing something right to be so busy. But I couldn't find what it was. Note, as with most pubs around here, it does not open at weekends.
1 Jul 2012 11:52
8 months on, I made a return visit to the Peasant and this time I found it open for custom. As the previous reviewer states, the tiled floor is quite impressive. In fact, it's a very nice drinking environment. Although I could imagine it feeling a little cold in the winter. Service was fine. A large party had formed around the pumpclips, making beer choice difficult. However, beers on were Trumans Runner, Sambrooks Pumphouse Pale Ale & Crouch Vale Brewers Gold. Cider was Orchard Pig. Rating increased to 6/10.
1 Jul 2012 11:47
This is a nice little pub hidden away in the backstreets of Clerkenwell. Despite being early on a Friday evening, when most pubs were busy, we practically had the run of this place. Outside, a few drinkers were enjoying the sunshine. Inside, there were a couple of people playing darts. Cornish Coaster & Wandle were the ales on offer. There's plenty of seating available. But if it's not busy on a Friday evening, I wonder if it ever fills up. Nevertheless, a nice find.
1 Jul 2012 11:42
Fairly average central London boozer with a single bar and a couple of real ales - Adnams Bitter & Sharps Doom Bar. Addlestones was the cider. It was reasonably busy on our late Friday afternoon visit. But we still managed to grab a table. The computerised tills had failed, which seemed to be creating some confusion.
1 Jul 2012 11:38
Pleasant backstreet pub in a suburban area of Leicester. There are 2 bars and customers were packed in to watch the football last night. The beer range is good - Black Country Pig on the Wall, Steamin' Billy Tipsy Fisherman, Belvoir Star & Everards Sunchaser. Broadoak Moonshine was the cider. Whilst they also had Broadoak Perry. Worth a return visit.
25 Jun 2012 21:54
I really do like this sort of pub. It offered a quiet retreat from the city centre pubs showing the England game that were full of 'fans' that seem to enjoy shouting at big screens. The pub was understandably quiet, with only a few older boys present. The landlord seemed a bit sulky. But I couldn't argue with the beer range - Burton Bridge Burton Porter, Belvoir Best, Mighty Oak Oscar Wilde & Hoskins IPA & Hob Bitter. Cider was Broadoak Kingston Black. The interior seemed very worn. But I'm always drawn to this sort of place. The Ale Wagon is a proper boozer and really worth some of your time.
25 Jun 2012 21:50
This is clearly a student pub. It was fairly quiet on our late Sunday afternoon visit. There are no real ales. But the 3 handpulls did have a cider and a perry from Westons - Old Rosie & Country Perry. I couldn't argue with �2 a pint for the latter. The single room itself is large and has a high ceiling and oversized bar. The place has a warehouse feel to it and probably packs a fair amount of students in during term time. Staff were pleasant enough. Whilst this isn't really my sort of pub, the cider and perry were welcome.
25 Jun 2012 21:44
This pub seemed a little off the beaten track. But it's a great little boozer. There are 2 rooms - the main bar with a bar billiards table and a lounge. Both are very worn, with furnishings a little outdated, but all the better for it. The beer range is good too - Cottage Goldrush, Flipside Dark Demonination, Batemans XB & England Expects & Oakham JHB, Bishops Farewell & Scarlet Macaw.
25 Jun 2012 21:40
I'd have to say that the Pub was our favourite pub we tried in Leicester yesterday. As a drinking environment, it does not rate too highly. The interior is a long, narrow space with the long bar towards the rear and a skylight at one end of the bar. There is a small outdoor patio for drinking at the front, overlooking possibly Leicester's finest pedestrianised thoroughfare. The real highlight of this place is the drinks selection. There are 15 handpulls. Not all were occupied on our visit, one beer was repeated and another had a cider. Nevertheless, the beer range was the most impressive we witnessed in Leicester - Salamander Black Eyed Boy Stout, Her Majesty's Pleasure & Let It Reign, Beowulf Finn's Hall Porter, Oakham Inferno, Dorset Brewing Company Yachtsman, Partners Ghost, Frys Ruby Chough, Elland Yorkshire Lager, Orkney Corncrake Ale & Isle of Purbeck Fossil Fuel & Purbeck IPA. The cider was Charnwood Appley Av Another. It was very pleasant. There is also a good range of world keg beers too, if you fancy something of that persuasion. Well worth a visit.
25 Jun 2012 21:37
This place is now called Sloanes. It was very quiet on our Sunday afternoon visit with only one other customer. I'm not 100% sure, but the wife and I guessed it was a gay friendly bar, unless everybody refers to one another as 'duckie' around these parts! There are no real ales on offer any more. The keg selection was Stella, Budweiser, Guiness & Gaymers Cider. Not our kind of bar. Try the Pub, just up the street.
25 Jun 2012 21:30
This place now seems to be a late night nightclub. It is only open from 10pm until the early hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Possibly ok if you're a night owl. But certainly not open on an evening.
25 Jun 2012 21:27
The Slug and Lettuce, Leicester
I was surprised to see a Slug and Lettuce in the Good Beer Guide, but thought I would give this one a go. Three ales were on - Oakham Inferno, Isle of Purbeck Force Four & Partners Blonde. The interior was typical of a Slug & Lettuce and was fairly bland. Large flags of all of the European Championships football nations were displayed at the rear, indicating that the pub caters for sports fans. We were glad to visit before the 'action' commenced. Possibly worth a try if you're in the main shopping area of Leicester. But not one I would actively return to. Nevertheless, it is a better Slug & Lettuce than most.
25 Jun 2012 21:25
I'm not sure if this pub is still open. We'd read that it closed at 6pm on a Sunday. But we visited at around 4pm and found it closed, despite the fact that the area is busy with shoppers. No opening times were advertised and the telephone was not being answered. A pub that doesn't open to serve beer can only warrant a 0/10.
25 Jun 2012 21:19
This Everards pub has a fairly impressive exterior. But the interior is not quite so attractive. It is a single room with a mixture of booths, sofas and tables in an open area near the bar. The ale range was remarkably similar to the previous 2 Everards pubs we had been to and starts to get a little boring after a while - Everards Original, Tiger, Sunchaser, Beacon & Elixir & Ironbridge 48 Special West Coast IPA. The latter was on in all of our first 3 pubs, despite being a guest beer! Cider was Westons Traditional Scrumpy. Their Country Perry was also on. A little disappointed by the drinks range. But worth a try if you haven't been in any other Everards establishments.
25 Jun 2012 21:17
Fairly large, multi-roomed Everards pub on one of the main roads into Leicester city centre. It seemed fairly popular with diners and families and had a number of strange features to view, including a tower of wine bottles and some kind of character from Star Wars or something similar! Beers on were Hydes Fine & Dandy, Ironbridge 48 Special West Coast IPA, Titanic Ale Over, Everards Tiger, Beacon, Original & Sunchaser plus Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon cider. A fairly good pub.
25 Jun 2012 21:12
A lovely little pub in a village-like setting in the Leicester suburbs. The beer range was good and the welcome was friendly. Customers were tucking into Sunday lunches and watching the live Formula One motor sport during our visit. Beers on were Everards Sunchaser, Tiger, Original, Elixir & Beacon, A Bevy of Brewsters Malty Tasker, Titanic Ale Over & Ironbridge 48 Special West Coast IPA. Ciders were Westons Cider Twist Raspberry & Traditional Scrumpy plus Bottle Kicking Company Scrambler - a new one for me. Well worth a trip out of Leicester for.
25 Jun 2012 21:07
This pub is well off the beaten track and the walk here from the town centre was quite a slog. It's a Marstons pub and appeared to be fairly family oriented. Both the bar staff and the customers were friendly and there's a pretty good selection of beers, albeit moreorless all from the Marstons stable - Banks's Mild, Sharps Doom Bar, Wychwood Elderwych, Brakspear Oxford Gold, Marstons EPA & Single Hop, Jennings Steen Bee & Wells Bombardier & Jubilee Ale. My Elderwych was fine. Not bad for a Marstons pub.
25 Jun 2012 21:01
The Woodman was a fair walk from the town centre. But of all the pubs I visited outside the central area, this one was the one that was most worth the walk (or stagger in my case). From my hazy memory, I recall two rooms. I chose the one at the rear, which was very quiet. Green Hill Citrus Snap, White Rose Ice Maiden, Salopian Shropshire Gold, Pictish Summit & Wye Valley Butty Bach were the ales on offer. I chose the bottled Mahorall Farm Cider, which was very pleasant. Although it didn't help my drunken state! The staff were friendly.
25 Jun 2012 20:57
Still a nice old pub that is well suited to vertical drinking, as the 2 rooms are fairly small. The beer range was far from inspiring this time - Wye Valley Butty Bach & HPA, Taylor Landlord & Black Sheep Best were the beers. Stowford Press was the best cider choice. There are better pubs in Shrewsbury. But don't rule this one out.
25 Jun 2012 20:53
This is a nice pub in a very pleasant location in Shrewsbury. There are 3 (possibly 4) small rooms that have plenty of character. Sadly the beer range is only from the Marstons range - Jennings Sneck Lifter, Marstons EPA, Pedigree & Single Hop, Banks's Mild & Ringwood Boondoggle. If you don't mind Marstons, I would recommend it.
25 Jun 2012 20:47
I still maintain my previous views of this pub. The beer and cider selection is good. But the pub itself lacks character inside. It reminds me a little of the Bree Louise in London. Nevertheless, I wouldn't want to drink in Shrewsbury without visiting the Three Fishes. On our late Saturday afternoon visit, the pub was busy. The beer choice was Stonehouse Station Bitter, Thornbridge Jaipur, Sharps Doom Bar, Taylor Landlord, Marble Draft & Three Tuns Stout. Ciders were Addlestones & Westons Traditional Scrumpy & Old Rosie. Westons Country Perry was also on.
25 Jun 2012 20:43
The Coach and Horses, Shrewsbury
The Coach & Horses benefits from being just up the road from the excellent Admiral Benbow. It was much quieter than it's close neighbour, which reflected its inferior ale quality and selection. Nevertheless, it's still worth a try. There are a couple of small drinking areas which are very pleasant and the barmaid was friendly. Beers on were Salopian Oracle & Shropshire Gold, Slaters Top Totty and I believe a couple of others. Thatchers Cheddar Valley was the cider.
25 Jun 2012 20:37
The Admiral Benbow, Shrewsbury
Saturday was my first visit to the Admiral Benbow and I was very impressed. There is a good selection of beers and ciders - Ironbridge Gold, Montys Midnight, Six Bells Bursting Out & Supper, Slaters Top Totty, Wye Valley HPA & Salopian Lemon Dream. Ciders were Rosies Black Start, Wicked Wasp & Triple D & Gwatkin Foxwhelp. Service was very friendly and the bar snacks - pork pies and Scotch eggs went down very well. There is a nice little outdoor patio for summer days too. This pub is hidden away from the main shopping area, but close enough to be a must for any Shrewsbury visitor in search of a real ale or cider.
25 Jun 2012 20:31
Saturday was my second visit to the Salopian. Last time, I thought this was the best pub in Shrewsbury. I was still impressed this time. But we did find one better - the Admiral Benbow. Nevertheless, the Salopian was far less packed on a Saturday afternoon than it gets on a weekend evening, making for a far more pleasant and relaxing drinking experience. Beers on were Salopian Oracle & Lemon Dream, Darkstar Hophead, Stonehouse Station Bitter, Woods Shropshire Lad, Bathams Best, Fyne Rune & Thornbridge Sequoia. Ciders and perries brought from the cellar were Westons Traditional Scrumpy & Country Perry, Renshaws Red Eye & Thatchers Cheddar Valley. We soon moved onto the Renshaws Damson Cider (11%) and the Flying Dog Imperial Porter (9%), which sent us merrily on our way! As others have said, the bottled selection here is impressive. This is still an essential stop on any trip to Shrewsbury and my 8/10 score still stands.
25 Jun 2012 20:24
Small local pub situated not too far from the town centre. It was fairly quiet on our Saturday lunchtime visit. 3 ales were on - Salopian Oracle, Sharps Doom Bar & Three Tuns XXX. We all plumped for the XXX, which was fine. Not bad. But there are far better in Shrewsbury.
25 Jun 2012 20:16
The Bull in the Barne was a fair walk uphill out of the town centre and not necessarily worth the effort. Three Salopian beers were on - Shropshire Gold, Golden Thread & Oracle. The landlord seemed a bit peturbed that we had ordered halves. With a better beer range, we may have ordered pints. Inside, music was being played fairly loud despite the lack of customers. The best thing about the pub was the outdoor patio, where you get some lovely views over the Severn valley.
25 Jun 2012 20:12
Typical Brunning & Price pub. But I have to say that I quite like their brand of pubs. The interiors are always fairly pleasant, they have a good range of beers and the food is good quality. This outlet was no exception. Beers on were Woods Shropshire Lad, Salopian Shropshire Gold, Three Tuns XXX, Purple Moose Dark Side of the Moose & Glaslyn Ale, Shires Dabley Gold, Hobsons Twisted Spire & Brunning & Price Original. Cider is from Aspalls. As we consumed our pints, the pub filled up quite rapidly and mainly with families who were there for the food. Recommended.
25 Jun 2012 20:08
Montgomery's Tower, Shrewsbury
A modern looking Lloyds Number One bar not far from the main shopping area. There are two very large bars. Although be careful - it appears they only serve beers from one room. They had a better range of beers than the nearby Shrewsbury Hotel - Greene King Abbot & Old Speckled Hen, Jennings Sneck Lifter, Salopian Shropshire Gold, Wood Shropshire Lad, RCH East Street and Purity Ubu. There was also one cider - Westons Cider Twist Ginger. It was reasonably busy on our early Saturday lunchtime visit and is worth a punt.
25 Jun 2012 20:04
The Shrewsbury Hotel, Shrewsbury
We started off our crawl of Shrewsbury with 2 Wetherspoons. This one was smaller than the nearby Montgomery's Tower and the range of beers was slightly limited. They also have that slightly annoying system in Wetherspoons where you have to form a queue at one end of the bar. I don't mind this, as long as they clearly state that that is what you need to do, rather than waiting for somebody to come and serve you for some time until the penny drops. Anyway, Spoons are always handy for a morning drink and they still had a fair range on - Wibblers Apprentice, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best & Woods Shropshire Lad. Cider was Westons Marcle Hill. Not really a destination pub. But worth a quick one if you're passing.
25 Jun 2012 19:58
After visiting 2 pubs not listed on here (the Pheasant at Ashford & the Chequers at Petham - I recommend the latter), we rounded off our Kent crawl in this Shepherd Neame establishment. Master Brew & Whitstable Bay were the 2 ales on offer. The 2 rooms with central bar have plenty of things on the walls to keep your mind occupied. The regulars were keeping themselves to themselves, apart from the pub dog who was friendly. There is an undercover smoking area just outside the toilets. Nice pub, if not exceptional.
11 Jun 2012 21:46
The Bowl Inn was pub of the day for us. It's high up in a remote village. But it's a fascinating family-run business where the landlord is very keen on engaging you in conversation. If you don't mind the F word, you'll get along fine! The bar area has lots of old signs and curios dotted around. Outdoors, you'll find the gents, a barbecue run by the landlord's son come rain or shine (for us it was rain), a fine garden with a former cricket pitch behind, an antique store to the side and an owl of all things slap bang in the middle! The landlord was recounting some interesting stories. But he seemed very proud of his pub and so he should. He has just been recognised by the local CAMRA group, who have voted it their pub of the year. Hopdaemon Incubus & Golden Braid & Ripple Steam IPA were the 3 real ales on offer. Biddendens Dry was available in bottles. Well worth a visit.
11 Jun 2012 21:40
I would second the recommendation of this pub. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much of the Hop Pocket and I wasn't even expecting it to be open as it's in a relatively remote location and many other pubs locally had shut for the afternoon. This place was open and became our second favourite pub of the day. 3 ales were on - Shepherd Neame Early Bird, Adnams Bitter & Wells Bombardier. Locally made Kings Wood cider was also on offer. The small bar opens up into a conservatory. It's bright and airy and all of the staff were fairly cheerful. I'd read that they serve Vietnamese fusion food here. Although they don't serve food on a late Sunday afternoon/evening. My only criticism would be that the music was being played a little too loud. But overall a good pub.
11 Jun 2012 21:34
Shepherd Neame pub in yet another nice Kent village. Two beers were there to welcome us from the incessant drizzle that seems to be characterising this English summer - Master Brew & Whitstable Bay. The pub is bigger than it first looks with seating behind the bar in a room with a rooflight. The toilets were particularly nice. I enjoyed the jokes whilst taking care of business. A separate room to the side has a bar billiards table. A nice pub. Although the exterior could do with a bit of a spruce up.
11 Jun 2012 21:26
Wingham is a lovely village on a main A road. The Anchor has re-opened with enthusiastic owners. It is a fairly charming place with several rooms. The main bar at the front has a TV, dartboard, dukebox and a quiz machine. There is a pool table in a room behind the bar. The 2 beers on were Greene King IPA & Sharps Doom Bar.
11 Jun 2012 21:22
The Frog and Orange, Shatterling
Two beers were on in this pleasant roadside hostelry - Ramsgate Gadds No. 5 & Youngs Waggledance. The landlord and customers seemed friendly enough. Not quite sure of the purpose of 3 dartboards at waist height and all lined up on the side wall! Worth stopping by for a quick drink here, if you're passing.
11 Jun 2012 21:18
Worst pub of 10 we visited in Kent yesterday. The pub itself is located in a nice village and has so much potential. Even the landlady is pleasant. The problem appears to be that Punch Taverns don't appear to be supplying it with any beer. 3 handpulls were sat unused, with no deliveries planned until Tuesday. There was no real cider either. In fact, even the Strongbow had run out and they didn't have any bottles! The full range of keg offerings was limited to Fosters, Kronenbourg, Stella, John Smiths & Guinness. It's such a shame when pubs are run down like this by profiteering companies.
11 Jun 2012 21:13
Country pub with limited opening hours. The public bar was fairly busy on our Sunday afternoon visit. It is decorated with plenty of hops, as seems to be fairly popular in many Kent pubs. Regulars were crowded around the bar where kitchen staff were handing out complimentary dishes of roast potatoes and crackling. The garden is very nice with decking immediately outside the door. There are lots of plants to create a nice drinking environment. Bales of hay were strewn around. I assume these were part of the previous weekend's beer festival. Beers on were Brighton Bramling Cross, Fullers London Pride, Wells Bombardier & Skinners Betty Stogs.
11 Jun 2012 21:08
The Horseshoe Inn is just outside the town centre. It has a main bar with a smaller room containing a pool table and access to the garden. The bar is nicely decorated with stained glass. 4 ales were on - Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Cross Bay Sunset, Bowland Sawley Tempted & Prospect Nutty Slack. The only drawback of this pub was the number of kids running around. I seriously though somebody was going to get injured from the darts that were being thrown around! By the way, just down the road the King's Arms has recently re-opened. No real ales are currently being dispensed there. So there is no need to head any further out of town than the Horseshoe for now.
7 Jun 2012 21:42
The first of 3 pubs we sampled in Clitheroe and easily the best. The New Inn is a traditional town pub with 3 rooms. 1 of the 2 rooms at the front is simply decorated and has access to the bar. The other is more cosy, but has no bar access. The rear room is also simply decorated and is the best place to view the beer selection. It's also the room where most of the locals seem to congregate. The landlord seems to take pride in his beers and there are 9 handpulls. On our visit, he had Coach House Farriers Bitter, Gunpowder Mild & Lemon, Prospect Whatever, Moorhouses Pride of Pendle, Blond Witch & Premier Bitter, Bank Top Barley To Beer & Bowland Pheasant Plucker & Farmer Jack. Recommended if you're ever in Clitheroe and fairly near to the castle.
7 Jun 2012 21:37
The Swan With Two Necks, Pendleton
We found the Swan With Two Necks to be a really good pub, but not quite our favourite pub of the day. That honour went to the Victoria in Great Harwood. However, I have scored both 8/10. This pub was runner up in the CAMRA National Pub of the year awards and was rated the best in England. I can certainly see why. It's in an idyllic village location overlooking a narrow stream where they had apparently held a duck racing competition 2 days previous to our visit. The inside is small, with only a handful of tables. However, they were well staffed and offered good service. There seemed to be a clutch of regulars on hand and a sign was indicating how many customers had recently joined CAMRA and were benefitting from 20p discounts on each pint. Mighty Oak Oscar Wilde, Phoenix Wobbly Bob, Goose Eye Chinook Blonde & Copper Dragon Golden Pippin were on. Blue Monkey BG Sips was added to the selection whilst we were eating and 2 real ciders were also available - Westons Traditional Scrumpy & Ribble Valley Gold. On the subject of food, we found the portions to be large. My toasted black pudding was very nice and was followed by a huge cheese and onion pie with separate dishes for dauphinois potatoes and vegetables. Not many meals beat me. But this one did, and it was also good value for money. The pub cat is reputedly the oldest pub cat in the country and it managed to totter out on its 25 year old legs to visit us. Toilets outside at the rear are fine. The pub is a real credit to the landlord and landlady who clearly get heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the bar and the kitchen. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, but I have to say I'm slightly surprised at the 2nd place award it achieved. Nevertheless, well done and keep up the good work!
7 Jun 2012 21:31
We found the Dog to be a nicer pub than the Swan over the road. Music was being played fairly loud. But most of the clientele seemed to be enjoying the '60's selection. There is one main room with a central circular bar. A small room beyond holds a pool table and beyond that is a small walled garden. Bank Top Sweeney's, Brightside Maverick IPA, Bath Spa & Gem, Fallons Liz's Bitter & Moorhouses Black Panther were the beers. A Ribble Valley Gold cider sign could be seen behind the bar. But the barman looked a bit clueless when I enquired about it. Not to worry, I was to find it in my next pub! A fairly good pub.
7 Jun 2012 21:19
One of four pubs in the centre of Whalley, the Swan Hotel has a modern interior and was fairly busy on our Bank Holiday Monday afternoon visit. Many customers were there for the meals. Walls were painted various shades of brown and cream and the whole place is open-plan. Three ales were on - Bowland Hen Harrier & Sawley Tempted & Timothy Taylor Landlord. Friendly service from mostly young staff. But it didn't quite have a real pub atmosphere.
7 Jun 2012 21:15
From our best pub of the day (the Victoria), we had the misfortune of sampling the Lomax Arms. The large number of people choosing to drink outside on the pavement, rather than inside should have warned us what was to come. Inside, music was blasting out of speakers at an unacceptable volume. Three handpulls were sitting looking rather lonely, with no ales available. Some of the clientele were somewhat worse for wear. The whole place was rather tatty. When my wife informed me of the excrement smeared on the walls of the ladies, we decided it was time to depart. I did not a separate pool room near the entrance, but didn't stick around much longer to study the pub any further. 1/10 for being open!
7 Jun 2012 21:10
The Victoria Hotel, Great Harwood
The Victoria was the pub of the day in Lancashire for us. The several roomed interior is in a fantastic condition. I would say the pub has been restored, but if so, very sympathetically. All rooms are tastefully decorated. One room has a pool table, but still has plenty of character. Another features a dart board. A lounge has great views over the pub garden and down into the valley. The bar area itself and the entrance have marvellous green and white tiling. To top it all, the beer selection is also impressive - Cottage Diamond Sovereign & MGB, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Hopstar Dizzy Danny, Pennine Glen Top Bitter, Hawkshead Windermere Pale Ale & Conwy Clogwyn Gold. The locals were fairly friendly too. Whilst sneaking glimpses of the beer range, I nearly managed to wander into the ladies. My wife did inform me that they were worth a view!
7 Jun 2012 21:06
The Royal Hotel, Great Harwood
This was our second pub of our Lancashire crawl following the JW Lees Walton Arms in nearby Altham. I was quite impressed with the Royal. The selection of beers was good - Beartown Jubilee & Best Bitter, Nelson Jammin' Rock & Midshipman Dark Mild, Hopstar Dynamo Dee & Ilkley Best Bitter. Despite not being in the best of areas, I was surprisingly impressed with the pub. It is a little dated inside and could do with a minor refurb. However the owner was very friendly and chatty. The pub cats were equally approachable. At the one end, there is a bar billiards table, table football, a pool table and a jukebox. Good pub, but not the best in Great Harwood.
7 Jun 2012 20:59
I agree with the previous posters. This was the best pub we tried in Yarmouth (well, better than the Wheatsheaf anyway!). As the last of 10 pubs we tried on Sunday, this was the only one to sell real cider - Westons Old Rosie. Sadly for me, the pump is situated behind a pillar and next to the white wine dispenser! So I missed out. The 4 ales on were Yates Holy Joe, Otter Bitter, Wells Bombardier & Sharps Doom Bar. The pub has plenty of character. There are low beamed ceilings and there is a huge fireplace on one side of the bar. It is divided into 3 sections, with one windowless room at the rear, whilst the other 2 both have access to the bar. It is popular with diners and also seemingly with boat owners who have moored their vessels in the nearby harbour. Our second favourite pub of our day trip to the island.
5 Jun 2012 20:39
Pub close to the ferry terminal with a fairly modern-looking interior. There are 2 rooms. The front room is a bar with a pool table, whilst the room at the rear seemed more popular with diners. Although you could probably eat in both. Goddards Fuggle-Dee-Dum, Ringwood Best & Ruddles County were the 3 ales on offer. Not a bad pub. But we preferred the King's Arms.
5 Jun 2012 20:35
The Colwell Bay Inn, Freshwater
After finding the Broadway in Totland Bay closed, we made a brief detour to the Needles and then returned to the Colwell Bay Inn to find this one has been closed, seemingly for good. Large railings block access to the property and a large sold sign was on the front of the building. Another pub I may never get to try.
5 Jun 2012 20:29
The Prince of Wales, Freshwater
Far and away the best pub we visited on the Isle of Wight this weekend. The Prince of Wales is a proper drinkers pub. Most places situated in back streets have to be good to survive these days, without passing trade. This one does not disappoint and has probably earned its reputation amongst islanders. The main bar at the front is fairly small and narrow, with a pool table at one end. Pot plants are placed on each table and there is a wealth of curios above the bar. The rear room has more tables than you may think at first sight. Nobody was drinking in there. So we chose to drink in the main bar, where several locals were congregated. The Prince of Wales seems to be run by a couple, who were in evidence during our visit. They certainly serve a good range of ales - Andwell King John, Arkells 3B, Wadworth Henry's IPA, Yates's Mew's Prince of Ales & Ballards Midhurst Mild were all on during our visit. Sadly they don't serve a real cider. I'm afraid I'm going to pull the ratings down slightly, in awarding of 8/10. But I don't give 8 or 9 ratings lightly! Long may pubs like this one survive.
5 Jun 2012 20:27
This Fullers pub looks quite attractive from the outside. It certainly seemed popular, with the car park completely full. Inside the bar snakes around a central fireplace, making the pub far bigger than it originally seems. However the interior holds less of appeal than the exterior promises. Ales on were Pride, HSB & Seafarers. A little disappointing.
5 Jun 2012 20:20
After a brief stop at the Sun Inn, Hulverstone (not listed on here), we pulled in to the Beach Bar at Freshater Bay. It is part of the Sandpipers Hotel, but doesn't really have much to recommend it. The bar has a modern look with a large area set aside for pool and a big screen showing Sky Sports News dominating the main bar area. The outdoor area including a terrace and a children's sandy play area are badly kept. 2 ales were on - Skinners Keel Over & Greene King Abbot Ale. It seemed fairly popular with locals, but I wouldn't pay a return visit.
5 Jun 2012 20:16
Family-type pub with a large open-plan interior and a garden complete with childrens' play area. 4 beers were on - Youngs Bitter, Sharps Doom Bar, Greene King Abbot Ale & Hopback Summer Lightning. Stowford Press was the cider. The village of Brighstone is fairly nice and this makes for a nice stop on a summer's day.
5 Jun 2012 20:11
This pub is still standing, but is still disused. You can certainly still tell it was a pub. Hopefully it will be again one day.
5 Jun 2012 20:07
We had Sunday lunch at the Sun and quite enjoyed it. The foor portions are large. The pub itself has one large lounge for dining and a smaller bar at the end, where you can also eat, as we did. There is a TV and a darts board. The garden at the side would have been nice to sit in, had the temperature been a little warmer. Itchen Valley Charlie's Bitter was the sole real ale. Stowford Press was the cider. A reasonable pub.
5 Jun 2012 20:05
3 room pub with 3 real ales and as previous reviewers state excellent views down to the Solent. The front bar was quiet but quite atmospheric. There is also a small, windowless room between the bar and lounge with no access to the bar. Ales on were Island Yachtsman's Ale, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Adnams Broadside. The front door is quite amusing. Whether it's the building or the door at an angle, I'm not sure. But it clearly doesn't fit its frame.
5 Jun 2012 19:57
Large pub with 3 rooms. The largest room was a lounge with all tables set for Sunday lunch. There is also a small bar, complete with pool table and a corner room, also for diners, separated from the bar by some swing doors. Two ales are served on gravity - Greene King London Glory & Thwaites Nutty Black on our Sunday lunchtime visit. A much better pub than the current rating of 2.5/10 suggests.
5 Jun 2012 19:52
Visited here for a quick Thai meal and a beer on the way to the Red Lion beer festival. 3 ales were on - Youngs Ordinary, Fullers London Pride & Sharps Doom Bar. It seems to attract a mix of a transitory crowd, as it is near to the station, and a few rowdy locals. The Thai restaurant is set on its own at one end of the pub. It was fairly busy. The food was ok, but nothing particularly special.
2 Jun 2012 10:55
The Castle, Harrow On The Hill
Not quite as impressed with the Castle on my second visit. I still like the interior. But I felt the service left a little to be desired. Please and thank you's don't cost anything. The guy that served us seemed to have left his manners at home. I agree with the previous comment about the smell of the toilets too. The gents wasn't particularly pleasant, despite having all of the windows open. It was still reasonably busy and there even seemed to be people drinking in the pub's garden behind and up a flight of stairs. A quiz was planned for later in the evening. Overall, disappointing this time.
30 May 2012 20:08
Not a bad Fullers pub on a hill leading up to the old Harrow village. In addition to Seafarers, London Pride and ESB, they also had Adnams Southwold Bitter as a guest beer. Cider is Aspalls. The interior is quite large. But it is a little dull, with that brown paint that pubs seemed to prefer these days not helping matters. Overall though, I found it was quite a comfortable pub and an improvement on the Half Moon just down the road.
30 May 2012 20:04
Looks like quite a large pub from the outside. But inside, there are just 3 rooms - 1 main bar and another 2 smaller rooms. There are 5 or 6 handpulls, but only Pride & Landlord was being dispensed. A band was preparing on our visit last night and Thai food is served. The menu looked reasonably tempting. A fairly average pub.
30 May 2012 19:59
Well located to attract tourists from the Albert Dock and fairly busy on a Sunday lunchtime. We opted to sit outside, despite the stiff breeze. 3 ales were on and they were all Greene King - IPA, Old Speckled Hen & Olde Trip. I'm not sure whether or not the pub is Greene King-tied. The cider was Aspalls. Fairly average and not really worth any detour unless you happen to be in the Albert Dock and passing.
14 May 2012 20:11
Clarendon Hotel, Wolverhampton
Reasonably large pub situated bang next to Banks's Brewery. Presumably the 4 beers from the Marstons range didn't have to travel far, Banks's Bitter & Mild, Ringwood Boondoggle & a seasonal beer from Marstons. Inside is a fairly modern affair with little character. As it was a matchday, it was busy. But the team of young girls behind the bar were coping well. Not as nice as the Combermere Arms down the road. But marginally easier to get served and it fulfills its purpose.
7 May 2012 11:59
Combermere Arms, Wolverhampton
Attractive pub located not far away from the Banks's Brewery and also handy for the football ground. 5 real ales were on including Archers ASB & Robinsons Double Hop. The pub gets very crowded on matchdays - so much so that they were queuing out the front door. After finally getting served, by a friendly team of bar staff, we retreated to the garden at the rear to secure a table. It was quite a nice place to be, with the sun making a flirting appearance. Inside there are a number of small rooms and of course the gents toilet with its tree is an attraction. Will try to visit again one day when it's quieter.
7 May 2012 11:57
After a Sunday morning visit to the Stile (not listed on here, but a very characterful Marstons pub in Wolverhampton's backstreets), we headed to the Chindit for opening. We had a longer than expected wait outside as the barman struggled to locate the keys to open up. The Chindit looks none too promising from the outside. But the 2 rooms inside are fairly comfortable, with a pool table dominating the bar. The locals were friendly and we engaged in pleasant conversation with them. 4 beers were on including Hopback Summer Lightning & Brough's Pale Ale. A handy pub to visit if you're ever heading to the football at Molyneux. It's within walking distance, but far enough away to ensure a quiet pint.
7 May 2012 11:52
Quite a few beers were off during our late Saturday evening visit. In fact, there were only 7 on - Frys Bunny Chough & Blonde Chough, Wentworth IPA, Traditional Scottish Highland Fling & Black Country Pig on the Wall, Bradleys Finest & Fireside. There were also 4 ciders - Moles Black Rat, Orchard Pig Philospher, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Tricky Sweet. This is still the best pub in Dudley and is well run. However, I can't help but think that it lacks a little when it comes to atmosphere.
7 May 2012 11:45
This old pub (apparently only recently re-opened) is approached down a badly rutted track across a common. However, it's a very atmospheric place, both inside and out. We walked in to find all tables taken with diners and the bar area also packed. An upstairs dining area was equally crowded. 3 ales were on - Wye Valley Butty Bach, Otter Bright & Hobsons Twisted Spire. There were also 2 ciders - Olivers & Orchard Ram. Miraculously we managed to get a table and enjoyed a nice meal too. The menu is fairly standard. But the food was good quality and well cooked. Whilst a little off the beaten track, this pub is recommended for both beer and food.
7 May 2012 11:41
I take back my last comment - the Live & Let Live at Bringsty Common is listed on the site. I shall review it now!
7 May 2012 11:36
Light and airy pub that was one of the most popular pubs we visited on our 12 pub crawl of Herefordshire (incidentally the last pub we visited - the Live & Let Live at Bringsty Common was equally popular but not listed on the site). Beers were all from Wye Valley - Bitter, HPA & Butty Bach. Robinsons Flagon Cider was also on. Seating is a little limited. But we managed to secure a couple of armchairs in the rear bar. Toilets were somewhat smelly. Not a bad pub. But a few flaws spoiled it.
7 May 2012 11:35
This pub looks quite attractive from the outside. But the interior is fairly bland and it was fairly boisterous on our visit, with most people watching football on the 2 TVs at either end of the pub. The beer range was fairly uninspiring - Marstons Pedigree, Greene King IPA & Sharps Doom Bar. We supped up quickly and headed to the far superior Queen's Arms (not listed on here) across the road, which had a much better selection of ales (4) and also a cider and a perry. After writing this, I've just noticed I've mirrored the previous reviewer's comments. I promise I didn't plagiarise it! We both seemed to have told it the way it is!
7 May 2012 11:31
A nice enough village pub with a reasonable selection of drinks - Marstons EPA, Otter Bright & Bitter & Wychwood Hobgoblin, as well as Robinsons Flagon Cider. The barmaid was wearing a Liverpool scarf around her chest, which was a little off-putting! Around half of the pub appeared to be in to watch the Cup Final on the TV.
7 May 2012 11:25
The Tarrington Arms, Tarrington
Roadside pub that whilst being friendly had a limited beer range, with only 1 real ale on offer. I vaguely recall this may have been Old Speckled Hen. However, they did have a reasonable range of bottled cider from local producer Olivers. Snooker and then football was being shown on the TV. Not a bad pub. But shame they only had 1 beer.
7 May 2012 11:20
This was the best pub of the day in Herefordshire for us. It's a typical rural pub and full of character. It seems the landlord has been here for many years and he allowed us to sample one of the beers, a ruby beer which wasn't quite to my taste. I believe around 4 ales were on in all, plus Hereford cider, as mentioned by the previous reviewer. I can also recommend the rolls which were quite tasty. Locals were sitting around listening to the demise of Hereford United's football team on the radio. But they all seemed reasonably friendly. A really atmospheric old pub that is worth a visit.
7 May 2012 11:18
Golden Cross Inn, Sutton St Nicholas
Locals pub that appears to have been spoilt by modernisations. Although an old well next to the toilet appears to grab everyones attention. Three ales were on - Wye Valley Butty Bach, St George's Ascalon & Sharps Doom Bar. The pub suffers from a real lack of character. Whilst it is fairly bright inside, it is simply unappealing.
7 May 2012 11:01
Was disappointed to find this pub closed shortly before 3pm on a Saturday afternoon. They apparently weren't opening until 6pm. Whilst we planned to return, it was simply too far out of the way to do so. A shame, but a pub that does not serve beer on a Saturday afternoon can only warrant a 0/10 score. One day we will revisit and hopefully find it open!
7 May 2012 10:58
Pleasant hostelry that appears to be food-oriented. 4 ales were on - Wye Valley HPA & Butty Bach, Hobsons Twisted Spire & Otter Hoppy Otter. Cider was Robinsons Flagon Cider. I'd never previously tried this cider before. But it seems very popular in local pubs now and despite being fizzy, is rather refreshing. As we left, a wedding reception was arriving. So we got out just in time. All in all, an above average pub.
7 May 2012 10:55
Was a little disappointed by this pub. It's in a nice rural location and the sight of a couple of people with hiking boots on exiting the pub, would indicate it's in an area popular with ramblers. However, there was very little atmosphere and very few customers. The 2 ales on were Holdens Golden Glow & Otter Bitter. A curious sight was the line of mobile phones on the window ledge behind us. Presumably this was the only place in the pub where there was reception.
7 May 2012 10:52
Three Horseshoes Inn, Bromyard
I thought the Three Horseshoes was a great little pub. It clearly has a reputation for dining and all other customers seemed to be there for the imaginative menu, using locally sourced ingredients. I agree with the previous reviewer - the publican appers to love chatting to customers, something which is often missing from many pubs these days. Only 3 ales were on - Wye Valley Bitter & Butty Bach & Greene King Old Speckled Hen. Olivers Perry was also available on handpull. There was also a good range of ciders and perries from both Henneys & Olivers. The landlord was very knowledgeable about these. Well recommended and of 12 Herefordshire pubs we tried on the day, this was only beaten by one other.
7 May 2012 10:48
It's probably been nearly 30 years since I was last in here. Little has changed in that time. Although it seems much smaller than I remember it. The bar area is split into 2 parts and is very traditional. A smaller side room on the way to the toilets has little character. We used to come here for lunch some weekends. But the pub now seems more beer-oriented. 7 beers were on - Purple Moose Snowdonia Ale & Easte Ale, Theakston Best, Dragon's Brew (a house beer - possibly also from Purple Moose), Timothy Taylor Golden Best, Wye Valley Butty Bach & Caledonian 2.8. Ciders were Westons 1st Quality & Country Perry. Customers congregated around the bar were locals. A good pub that I'll try to visit again before another 30 years is up.
7 May 2012 10:42
We visited here on Tuesday evening, but were left feeling a little underwhelmed. 4 Titanic cask ales were on - Steerage, Anchor, Iceberg & White Star. There were also 4 guests - Everards Tiger, White Horse Bitter & Hi Ho Silver & Nethergate Growler. In addition to the cider on handpull in the bar (Gwatkin Thorn Perry), posters claimed to have 15 more in the cellar - Westons Country Perry, Gwatkin Farmhouse Medium, Ice Age, Golden Valley Dry, Golden Valley Medium Sweet, Kingston Black, Yarlington Mill, Stoke Red, Scrumpy, Norman & Foxwhelp, as well as Mays Perry, Hecks Dry, Sweet & Blakeney Red Perry. However when requested, not all of these were available. They were also in a fairly poor condition. Beer-drinking mates were similarly unimpressed with the beers. Atmosphere was also lacking and it was very quiet during our visit. A nice enough place, with an excellent range of beers and ciders. But we preferred the Duke William, which is also in the square and for Titanic beers, we have always liked the White Star. Hopefully our visit was a one-off experience or maybe our hopes were too high.
3 May 2012 18:18
The King Edward VII, Stratford
Paid a brief visit here last Sunday afternoon. Despite having 4 handpulls, there were no ales on. Nethergate Eddies Best, Taylor Landlord & St Austell Tribute clips were all turned round. The pub itself is quite pleasant. But left feeling disappointed. Despite being in a shopping centre, I enjoyed the Tap East (next to Stratford International) much more.
3 May 2012 18:08
I finally managed to pay a visit to the Rocket yesterday evening. I wasn't overly impressed. The interior is a bit characterless apart from a fairly nice ceiling and a few interesting old pictures of London on the walls. No real ales are on offer. As with many pubs around here, it seems to attract a transitory crowd. During our visit, there were a few London Marathon runners presumably awaiting their train home. There are better pubs in the immediate vicinity.
23 Apr 2012 19:09
The Somerstown Coffee House, Euston
Another pub in the Euston area we tried for the first time on Sunday evening. The Somerstown Coffee House appears to be part of a small chain. It's a gastropub type place that has a pleasant atmosphere. It's also a little bigger than it initially looks. Clientele were mainly young(ish) 30-somethings. Bar staff were friendly and the toilets were in a good condition. Brains Rev James, Courage Best & Directors, Youngs Gold & Adnams Lighthouse were the real ales on offer. Stowford Press was the cider. Better than I had expected.
23 Apr 2012 19:05
I've often found a lot of the pubs around Euston to be real dives. But this one has a more upmarket feel. 3 ales were on - Timothy Taylor Landlord, Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Wadworth St George & The Dragon. There is a 4th handpull, but the Pride was off. Seemed a little unusual, in that the barman was serving direct to tables. The portraits of topless woman around the walls are more in an arty taste than you might imagine, considering the seediness of this particular street. The gents toilets left a little to be desired. But otherwise, not a bad pub.
23 Apr 2012 19:02
I have to say that I was quite impressed with this pub. There are 2 rooms - a bar and a lounge. The bar seemed more traditional with a TV screen showing live football. We opted for the lounge which also has a small raised dining area. 3 ales were on during our early Saturday evening visit - Flack Manor Flack Catcher, Adnams Broadside & Sharps Doom Bar. To my surprise, they also dispense a real cider - Tutts Clump Traditional Farmhouse. We elected to have food and were reasonably impressed with that too. The landlord seems very committed to making this pub a success. So well worth a try if you liver anywhere near.
23 Apr 2012 18:57
The Lord Moon Of The Mall, Whitehall
It was quite busy in here around 10am yesterday, with mainly tourists. In fact, service at the bar was extremely slow with a 10 minute wait. As usual, food orders and serving tea and coffee was slowing down proceedings. Beers on were Tom Woods Bomber County, Milk Street Beer, Wolf Woild Moild, Butcombe Mendip Spring, Rudgate Ruby Mild, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Nethergate Old Growler, Greene King IPA & Abbot, Ringwood Fortyniner, Exe Valley Dobs Best Bitter & Fullers London Pride. Sadly, they appear to have stopped doing real ciders here. Was more disappointed with this, than on my last visit and will downgrade my rating accordingly.
15 Apr 2012 11:38
The Crown and Sceptre, Streatham
Unlike most Wetherspoons, this one actually looks like a pub from the exterior. However, the interior is the same as you'd expect anywhere else. Early on a Saturday morning, it was very quiet with only 5 other customers around during our visit. The beer range was good - Wychwood King Goblin, Saltaire Cream Stout, RCH Buxton Cross Extra, Titanic Ship of Dreams, Burov Imperial Russian Stout, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best & Sambrooks Wandle. Thathchers Traditional was the cider. The young lady behind the bar was also very friendly and professional. I doubt there are many other pubs around here that are as reliable as this one.
15 Apr 2012 11:31
This pub seems to be stuck in a 1970s time wharp. And trust me, that's no good thing, in this case. Some of the customers could be classed as obnoxious, including the one who seemed to find it very amusing to ask everybody coming in for ID. The barmaid was sulky, to say the least. A smile may just have cracked her face. Some of the older customers seemed far more friendly and typical of most Liverpool locals. The interior is very dull. It's one pub that could really do with a revamp. The walls still appear to be stained by cigarette smoke. It was very difficult to even spot the brown coloured arty pieces on one wall, as they blended in so well. The Youngs Bitter pumpclip was covered with a sheet of paper with Black Sheep written on it. Alas it was off! The M & B Mild on keg was pretty poor! We retreated back to the Lion very quickly!
10 Apr 2012 20:02
Paid a return visit here on Sunday after noticing that they had a cider festival on. It wasn't overly busy and we secured a table fairly easily. The clientele were a mixture of young and old, with a large group playing darts. The young guy behing the bar was extremely knowledgeable about his beers and ciders. 10 beers were on, as normal - Oakham Citra, Scarlet Macaw & Green Jack, Salamander Squonk Stout, Nethergate Priory Mild, Tring Bob's Pass, Island Wight Gold, Cotleigh Tawny Bitter, Moorhouses Black Witch & Adnams Southwold Bitter. The cider and perry range wasn't quite as exclusive as that experienced at the beer festival at Egham United Services club on the Thursday. But they did have around 20-30 different varieties from Westons, Broadoak, Cornish Orchards, Millwhites, Gwynt y Ddraig, Orchard Pig, Mr Whiteheads & Thatchers. I suspect many of these will still be on now, as not many people were drinking them. Am upgrading my rating of this pub, as it is a reliable boozer and a must on any crawl of St Albans.
10 Apr 2012 19:55
Food-oriented pub with a large barn-like bar and separate restaurant area. Located on a retail park, it seems to cater for a middle-aged crowd, including families. Beers on were Theakston Old Peculier, Woodfordes Nelson's Revenge, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Courage Directors & Fullers London Pride. Ok, but nothing special.
10 Apr 2012 19:49
Better pub than the Black Horse down the hill. But I still wouldn't recommend this one. At the front there are 2 rooms - a small bar and another room with a couple of tables and a TV. The larger lounge at the rear looked a little more comfortable. The 2 McMullens beers were AK & Country.
10 Apr 2012 19:46
The worst pub of the day we tried in Hertfordshire. The bar area is fairly sparse and the locals were stood blocking access to the lounge whilst watching live football on the big screen and were completely ignorant of people trying to pass through. The lounge is a more pleasant affair until you hear the language. I'm no angel. But there's swearing and there's swearing. This was particularly offensive. The whole pub smelt of dogs. A couple were present. It's a very poor Greene King tied pub - IPA & Ruddles Best were on.
10 Apr 2012 19:44
Currently closed. According to the local CAMRA magazine, planning permission was refused to build housing. But alternative applications are being filed.
10 Apr 2012 19:40
The only pub we found closed on our Easter Sunday afternoon. We returned in the evening to find a friendly welcome in a homely bar. The landlady has apparently run this pub for 50 years. Her husband had been there nearly that long. Regular beers on were Tetleys Bitter, Wadworth 6X & Greene King IPA. The guest was Batemans XXXB. Worth a visit.
10 Apr 2012 19:35
The Crooked Billet, Colney Heath
Fairly busy pub along the main drag of Colney Heath. The bar has separations to create different drinking areas. But it all seems to get a bit crowded, especially when people crowd around the bar itself. There is also a large garden with children's play area to the rear. Beers on were Flagship IPA, Woodfordes Nelson's Revenge, Oakham Inferno & Tring Side Pocket for a Toad. Cider was Westons Stowford Press. The barmaid was friendly.
10 Apr 2012 19:32
Another nice Hertfordshire pub in rural surroundings, that unfortunately lets itself down with its bog standard ale selection. Greene King IPA & Abbot, St Austell Tribute & Sharps Doom Bar was the selection. As stated previously, the landlord seemed quite friendly. A nice pub that could be so much better.
10 Apr 2012 19:26
I was pleasantly surprised by the beer range in here. On our Easter Sunday visit, they had Greene King Old Golden Hen, Abbot, Fullers London Pride & ESB, Brains SA, Cottage Vulcan & Riley Kestrel & XT3 Indian Pale. They also stock a real cider, which was Westons Cider Twist Ginger. Food was ok too. The pub was much busier than we expected. Although the sheer number of children in here, did lend the pub to feeling more akin to a creche. With its huge collection of beer bottles lining the walls, I could imagine that this could be a very pleasant place to while away a few hours on a quiet weekday afternoon or evening. Although on a busy weekend, it may be best avoided.
10 Apr 2012 19:22
For once, I disagree with Snarling Mallard! The welcome we received in here was fine and warm. Both staff and customers appeared down to earth. The lounge is very comfortable and has a few knick-knacks to admire. I seem to recall that the bar was more basic and had a pool table in the corner, with live football being shown on the TV. Greene King IPA, St Austell Tribute & Black Sheep Best was the limited extent of the beer range in this coaching inn. But I'd stick my neck out and rate this as the best of 10 new Hertfordshire pubs we sampled on Sunday, not that it had too much competition.
10 Apr 2012 19:17
The Three Horseshoes, Letchmore Heath
Nice little pub overlooking a green/common in a pleasant village. There are 2 bars and both have character. We were served by a fairly friendly chap. who struck me as a bit odd. But he was very proffessional, nevertheless. It's a Greene King pub. So only their beers were stocked - Old Golden Hen and Kimberley Bitter. Worth a visit. But shame about the beers.
10 Apr 2012 19:13
We visited here on Easter Sunday lunchtime and felt a little uncomfortable to be simply drinking as diners were arriving looking for tables. This is clearly a food-oriented pub, with a Sunday carvery at weekends. As the previous reviewer states, the ale range is fairly limited - Directors, Tribute, Black Sheep & Bombardier. The Eagle was off. But it sounds as if the range does not change too often.
10 Apr 2012 19:09
Batemans pub that looks quite small from the outside, but stretches back and into an outdoor area at the rear, allowing plenty of drinking space. The beer selection is good - Batemans XB, Dark Mild, Salem Porter & XXXB, Titanic Maiden Voyage, Beeston Worth The Wait, Oakham Happy Yeaster, Oldershaw Heavenly Blonde, Hopback Summer Lightning & Castle Rock Harvest Pale. No real cider was on offer during our brief visit. But it appears that Westons Old Rosie is normally on. Will have to return for a longer session here sometime in the future.
8 Apr 2012 11:09
It's a fair walk back uphill from the football ground. But we took the plunge after the match yesterday. The Freemasons is a typical locals pub that was serving 5 real ales - Oakham JHB, Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Greene King Abbot, Woodfordes Wherry & Winters Golden. Not as good as the King's Arms across the road. But you might as well try both pubs if you're here.
8 Apr 2012 11:04
I echo the views of the last reviewer exactly 1 year ago! The Trafford Arms was the best of the 5 pubs we visited in Norwich yesterday. The pub was very busy with home football fans. Service was good. 10 ales were on - Timothy Taylor Dark Mild, Adnams Bitter, American Style IPA & Sole Star, Norfolk Moongazer Golden, Shepherd Neame Bishop's Finger, Castle Rock Sheriff's Tipple, Oakham Black Hole Porter & Woodfordes Wherry. They also dispense a real cider, which yesterday was from Kingfisher Farm. Well worth a visit, on any Norwich crawl.
8 Apr 2012 11:01
Old coaching inn that was fairly busy on our Saturday lunchtime visit. It seemed to be popular with football fans both heading to Carrow Road and also watching the early kick off on the TV. Beers are dispensed by gravity. Yesterday's selection was Woodfordes Wherry, Nelson's Revenge & Mardlers, Adnams Southwold Bitter, Wolf Golden Jackal & Greene King IPA & Abbot. A fairly reasonable place.
8 Apr 2012 10:57
The Champion was the first stop on our swift Norwich trip yesterday. It's a fairly small locals pub on the edge of the shopping area. Boxing pictures line the walls. Our beer of choice - Oldershaw Heavenly Blonde went off as soon as we arrived, leaving Woodfordes Wherry, Hook Norton Old Hooky & Batemans XB. A real cider - Thatchers Heritage was also on. A friendly enough place.
8 Apr 2012 10:54
Not much has changed here since my last review. It's everything you expect from an O'Neills. On a Wednesday evening, we could get a table and service was much more efficient than on my last visit. 3 ales were on - Pride, Doom Bar & Ubu. Aspalls is the cider. Very close to the station, it's often a venue for meeting up with people, before hopefully moving on.
8 Apr 2012 10:34
This is a typical modern-style Youngs gastropub, with a drinking area at the front and an open kitchen and dining area at the rear. Apparently it also has a large garden. Young Ordinary & Porter, Wells Bombardier & Courage Best were the beers. Aspalls was the cider on tap. The clientele seemed a bit more upper class than at the Roebuck nearby. Service was fine.
8 Apr 2012 10:30
I'm happy to say that the Roebuck appears to have improved from my last visit over 3 years ago. The range of beers is now much more extensive and the place was fairly busy on a fairly chilly midweek evening. Ales on were Hammerpot Woodcote Bitter & Bottle Wreck Porter, Surrey Hills Ranmore Ale, By The Horns Bobby on the Wheat & Stiff Upper Lip, Vale Gravitas, Hopback Summer Lightning, Fullers London Pride & Windor & Eton Conqueror Black IPA. I'd venture to say that this is probably the best pub in Richmond.
8 Apr 2012 10:25
Brouge, Bistro and Belgian Beer Cellar, Richmond Upon Thames
This place is now called the Pig's Ears Bar and Cellar. Although it seems to be run by the same owners as previosuly. It's a fairly trendy place that serves a couple of real ales and some trendy lagers and craft beers on keg, plus food. Ales on during my visit were West Berkshire Tilting Charlie & Williams Brothers Cock o' the Walk. The bar staff seemed fairly keen. The place itself seems a bit dark and depressing, as you might expect in a cellar. But this could be a valuable addition to the real ale scene.
8 Apr 2012 10:19
I was the only customer in here late this afternoon. Caledonian Flying Scotsman & Deuchars IPA were the 2 ales on offer. The pub seemed fairly pleasant, despite the lack of atmosphere. A quiz was scheduled for this evening. Service was fine.
2 Apr 2012 20:53
The best of 8 pubs I tried on a Tuesday afternoon/early evening crawl in the Roker area. This pub is fairly small and can get very busy on Sunderland matchdays. I was lucky and took one of the last tables. As its name suggest, it overlooks the harbour, the North Sea and the Wear. Inside is a modern affair and 6 ales were on offer - Old Mill Blonde Bombshell, Exmoor Antler, Belhaven Grand Slam Ale, Houston Killellan Bitter, Shepherd Neame Spitfire & Caledonian Deuchars IPA. The Antler was in good condition. It's a pleasant drinking environment and I suspect I will return here sometime soon. If this place is full, the Wolsey and the Avenue also dispense real ales and are not too far from the football ground. Neither are listed on here. But, equally they are not as good as the Harbour View.
29 Mar 2012 20:24
I'm not sure where the 9.2 rating for this pub comes from. I wasn't particularly impressed. I understand it used to be the local pub for the old Sunderland football ground - Roker Park. Seemingly, it's still very popular with the home fans, as it was getting busy fairly quickly on my Tuesday visit. No real ales are available. The place itself is fairly comfortable. But I wasn't keen to linger.
29 Mar 2012 20:18
Situated in a residential area not too far from Roker Park, this pub has the feel of an estate pub with an open-plan layout. The barman and locals alike seemed reasonably friendly. The one beer that was on - Camerons Hurley's Irish Ale was very nice. Although the barman did say he was in the process of pulling through a second beer, if I wanted to wait. It was Courage Best. So I didn't bother! Probably a good place to watch live sport, as there are a number of TVs.
29 Mar 2012 20:15
After walking along the beach from the Mariners Bar in the Marriott (which I was glad to get out from after finding out the price), I arrived at the Smugglers, which is a great place to drink in when the weather is fine, as it was on Tuesday afternoon. Most people were sat outside on the edge of the road, overlooking the beach, or on the beach itself. The pub itself is in the shadow of a cliff and is fairly basic inside. I could imagine it to be a fairly god-forsaken place on a cold and blustery winter's day. But it was perfect for my visit. 2 ales were on - Wards Best & Cullercoats Lovely Nelly. The third handpull has Westons Bounds Scrumpy cider. Live music is clearly a regular event and there is much music memorabilia on the walls. Well worth a visit on a nice day.
29 Mar 2012 20:11
The Cumberland Arms, West Kensington
I'm surprised nobody has reviewed this place for a couple of years. I was here on a midweek lunchtime and it wasn't overly busy inside. Although there were a few on tables just outside, enjoying the unseasonal weather. Our primary purpose here was business and dining. But we did sample a couple of ales, of which there were 3 - Harveys Sussex Bitter, Otter Bitter & St Austell Tribute. Cider was Aspalls. I must say that the food was good, especially the fresh bread and the sizeable doorstop sandwiches. Seemed to be more of a food-oriented pub, as opposed to a typical boozer. But it may have just been the time of day.
29 Mar 2012 20:01
This was the second Wetherspoons we tried in Swansea and I found this one to be a slight improvement on the Bank Statement. Beers on were Greene King Ruddles Best & Abbot, Brains SA, Bread of Heaven & Rev James, Wharfebank Wispa IPA, O'Hanlons Flagship IPA, Thwaites Logan's Run, Robinsons Enigma, Batemans Smokey Joe. Unusually for a 'spoons, two of the ales were being dispensed by gravity. The cider was Sandford Orchards Fanny's Bramble.
25 Mar 2012 13:44
We retreated here after finding the nearby Singelton Hotel far from welcoming. It's a large and busy pub in the city centre and has the appearance of a chain pub. The beer selection was reasonable - Marstons EPA, Otley Oxymoron, Rhymney Export & Brains Bitter. The Oxymoron was in good condition. Found the clientele to be similar to that of a Wetherspoons - a few old layabouts and shoppers, with most likely a younger crowd appearing in the evenings.
25 Mar 2012 13:41
This corner bar is tucked away in the museum area of the city. It is well worth searching out. Both the staff and the locals were very friendly. With windows all around, it was light and airy. Meals smelt very good and the drinks range wasn't too bad either - Gower Power, Brains Buckleys Best Bitter & Theakston Bitter & Old Peculier. Worth seeking out, especially if you're here for sightseeing, as the Dylan Thomas Museum is nearby.
25 Mar 2012 13:37
The No Sign Bar is literally nextdoor to the Wetherspoons. But it was much quieter. The bar is very long and narrow, making for a slightly strange atmosphere. The area at the front seemed to be popular with diners. Drinkers were in the dingy centre of the pub, whilst the even darker rear was empty. We opted to sit on the suntrap patio towards the rear. Three ales were on - Cottage Whippet Gold Cup, Jennings Lakeland Stunner & Brains Rev James. Service was friendly enough.
25 Mar 2012 13:34
Wetherspoons pub not too far from the station and dispensing drinks in plastic glasses on our visit yesterday. With the festival on, there was a decent enough range of ales - Titanic Nine Tenths Below, Greene King Ruddles Best & Abbot, Otter Pilgrim, Davenports Bee-Zone & Moorhouses APA Special. Ciders were Thatchers Traditional & Westons Cider Twist Ginger & The Governor. One of the plastic glasses I had was suffering from a slight crack and leak which meant I had to down it a little quicker than anticipated. The pub was fairly busy, given it was a matchday. But we still managed to get seats. The toilets are a bit of a hike upstairs. Typical Wetherspoons bland interior.
25 Mar 2012 13:31
We were a bit disappointed by the ale selection on our Wednesday evening visit to the Telegraph. Referring back to my last review in 2010, I can see a few different ales. However, this time most of the ales were fairly ordinary - Wells Bombardier, Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Bass, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Ossett Yorkshire Blonde. Am reducing my rating slightly. Although the number of customers here would suggest that it is still popular locally.
23 Mar 2012 20:29
Single bar locals pub with a fairly bog standard selection of ales - Jennings Lakeland Stunner, Wells Bombardier, Adnams Bitter & Batemans XB. I didn't try any, as I was driving. But others in our party weren't over-impressed with the condition of the beers. We drank up swiftly and headed around the corner to the Telegraph.
23 Mar 2012 20:26
This pub is now called the Harbour. It has been refurbished well and has lost none of its character. It is a traditional 2 bar corner local. The one bar maintains the bell pushes. Apparently table service used to be offered. One real ale was on offer - Brimstage Oyster Catcher Stout. It was very nice indeed. A couple of members of our party warned us off this pub, as it used to have a poor reputation. But it turned out to be the best pub of 5 we tried on the night. Well recommended.
23 Mar 2012 20:23
The Queens Royal, New Brighton
The interior of this sea-facing bar is a little more light and airy than we were expecting. The main bar was fairly busy with early evening drinkers. There is also a larger restaurant area at the back. The local branch of the masons were meeting upstairs. Beers on were Brains SA Gold, Brimstage Trappers Hat, Weetwood Cheshire Cat & Hawkshead Bitter. Not a bad choice in New Brighton.
23 Mar 2012 20:20
The Duke Of Wellington, Portobello Road
Reasonably nice Youngs house in the heart of things on the Portobello Road. Service was average. Whilst the one barmaid was busy, I waited nearly 5 minutes before another barmaid appeared and immediately served a person who had approached the bar at the same time she had appeared. A simple 'who's first' would have sufficed. Watched the landlord throw out the local tramp with some amusement. Beers on were Youngs Bitter, Gold, Special & Porter. The Porter was in good condition. Worth a try if you ever pay Portobello Road market a visit.
23 Mar 2012 20:16
The Golden Bowler, Stubbington
Correction to my last review (getting my pubs mixed up). I meant to say that I found it less pretentious than the Bun Penny. Apologies to the Crofton. That was far from pretentious!
19 Mar 2012 15:41
The Limes at Catisfield, Catisfield
The Limes was our last stop of the day and seemed like a reasonably nice place. It's in a rather odd location. You can see the pub sign quite clearly. But then you have to drive around a corner to find the pub itself, which didn't initially look open. It may all be easier during daylight hours. Once inside, we found it fairly busy. The ale range was good - Ringwood Best, Forty Niner & Old Thumper, Gales HSB, Hopback Summer Lightning, Sharps Own & Doom Bar, plus Mr Whiteheads Heart of Hampshire cider. However, we were a bit taken aback by the landladys response when we only ordered only one drink between the two of us. As it was our 10th pub of the day, my better half was feeling a little waterlogged. But the landlady's only interest was in her lost revenue. This could have been a pub I'd recommend. But in an all too competetive environment, I expect good service these days. Sadly, it seems you won't find it here (possibly unless you're local). I read earlier in the day in the local CAMRA magazine that a demolition order has been placed on the pub. Whilst I hate losing characterful pubs like this, it's often a case of survival of the fittest and I fear that the landlady's attitude way well drag this place down. Or maybe I caught her on an 'off night'?
18 Mar 2012 12:13
Small pub in a pleasant village with a few different small rooms and seemingly with a focus on both ales and food. Flack Manor Flack Catcher, Windsor & Eton Tree Tops, Palmers Best & Flower Tops Bitter was the ale selection. The surroundings are fairly pleasant and it was reasonably busy, albeit on a Saturday night. Staff were friendly.
18 Mar 2012 12:01
I'd have to rate this pub as my second favourite of our day out in Hampshire. Whilst the real ale range wasn't the best - Ringwood Best, Oakleaf Hole Hearted & Wells Bombardier, I thought this place was full of character with a real olde worlde feel. The nearby Wheatsheaf is a better choice for ale range. But the Queens Head edges it on the basis of the surroundings.
18 Mar 2012 11:57
The Golden Bowler, Stubbington
Another friendly pub in this area of Hampshire, that to my surprise was nearly all built-up. The main bar is divided into a number of sections. Whilst there is also a front room with no takers during our visit and a room at the rear for diners, who had spilled out into the main bar area. Clientele seemed to be of the more mature variety. But all seemed friendly and were happy to direct me to the gents when I inadvertently discovered a cleaning cupboard instead! Ales on were Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Everards Elixir, Yeovil Ruby & Bowman Warbler. Westons 1st Quality was the cider. Worth a visit. I found it slightly less pretentious than the Crofton, and therefore more to my liking.
18 Mar 2012 11:55
I'm always a bit wary of estate pubs. But this one is probably the best one I've been in. Or at least, it's the best I remember being in! It seems to have been modernised and changed with the times, unlike many others of its kind and caters for families, diners and also offers a good drinks range. Beers on last night were Adnams Southwold IPA, Okells Red, Batemans Hooker, Sharps Doom Bar, Oakleaf Hole Hearted & Stonehenge Heal Stone. Westons Old Rosie cider was also available. The barmaid was kitted out in a rather fetching St Patrick's Day outfit and couldn't have been more friendly and helpful. This is the sort of pub that I suspect most people would pass by without giving it a second glance (and probably only if they were lost). But I think that if you are passing by, lost or simply in the area, you should make an effort to give it a try.
18 Mar 2012 11:49
The Bun Penny, Lee on the Solent
Busy pub with a reasonable selection of ales in Lee on the Solent. Otter Bitter, Goddards Fuggle Dee Dum, Butcombe Adam Henson's Rare Breed & Flowerpots Goodens Gold were the 4 ales on offer, whilst they also have 2 Westons cider on offer - Traditional Scrumpy & Bounds Scrumpy. Nearly all seating was taken on our arrival and many people were propping up the bar. So we felt a bit like spare parts until some seats became available! I guess this is a measure of its popularity locally.
18 Mar 2012 11:43
We found the Clarence Tavern to be a bit too rowdy for our liking. The Welsh rugby match was being blasted out from the speakers and was being shown on a big screen. Many of the locals seemed to be partaking in Guinness and seemingly attempting to drink 6 pints of it to get a free hat, as it was St Patrick's Day! Nevertheless, this is the brewery tap for the Oakleaf brewery, which we saw on a nearby trading estate. IPA, Some Are Drinking & Hole Hearted were the 3 offerings from the brewery. We drank up swiftly and moved on to the altogether more serene Alverbank Hotel in nearby Alverstoke.
18 Mar 2012 11:37
This was our second pub of the day in Gosport (the nearby Five Alls is not listed on here) and turned out to be the best of the establishments we tried on the day. As Sleepy Meerkat says, it's very dark inside. But this simply adds to the atmosphere. The St Bernard was asleep by the coal fire in the centre of the pub. The landlady greeted us on arrival from her seat by the entrance and all the staff and customers were pleasant. Live rugby was being shown on a big screen on the other side of the coal fire from the bar. Beers on were Palmers 200, Beavertown Neck Oil, Youngs Bitter, Hook Norton Hooky Gold & Oakleaf IPA. Mr Whiteheads Heart of Hampshire & Midnight Special (cider & perry respectively) were also on. Beers coming on soon were displayed on a blackboard. Well worth the effort to find in the backstreets of Gosport.
18 Mar 2012 11:33
I've been past here many times on the bus. But I can't say I ever noticed there was a Wetherspoons here before. Of the 3 I visited last night, I would say it was the worst of the 3. Whilst I know it's Ealing on a Friday night, I'm not sure it required a bouncer on the door. Nevertheless, the ale range was not too bad, as there was a festival on - Hydes Owd Oak Dark, Thwaites Logan's Run, Brains Clock Tower, Titanic Nine Tenths Below, Wharfebank Wispa IPA, Moorhouses APA Special & Batemans Veto Ale. Ciders were Thatchers Traditional, Sandford Orchards Fanny Bramble, Westons Marcle Hill & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. The interior is fairly small for a Wetherspoons. But I did manage to find a table at the rear. Toilets are a fair jaunt upstairs and weren't in the best of states. Service was quick.
17 Mar 2012 11:14
The Red Lion and Pineapple, Acton
The Red Lion & Pineapple had a far nicer atmosphere than the Central Bar in Shepherd's Bush. But unfortunately, service was lacking. What I assume to be the bar manager served somebody and then disappeared off around the pub collecting glasses, when there were still people waiting. The other 2 staff were both busy serving large rounds. In the end, I had to wait a good 5 minutes for him to return, deposit the glasses and the finally offer service. The pub was by no means busy, despite the Wetherspoons festival that was on. Beers were Vasileostrovsky Imperial Russian Stout, Greene King Libertine, Hilden Scullion's Irish Ale, Wadworth Swordfish, Caledonian Coffee Porter, Courage Directors & Thwaites Logan's Run. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Sandford Orchards Fanny Bramble, plus Broadoak Perry. Still a pleasant pub, despite the poor service.
17 Mar 2012 11:08
The Central Bar, Shepherds Bush
Popped in here for the first time last night and found a very busy and fairly rowdy 'spoons. It's accessed from the first floor of a shopping centre at the eastern end of the green. Being a long narrow bar, you can generally get somewhere near a window to watch the goings on around the green and the tube station, if people watching is your thing. With the festival on yesterday, there were plenty of ales - Fullers London Pride, Zululand Zulu Blonde, Wychwood King Goblin, Thwaites Logan's Run, Everards Gallantry, Vasileostrovsky Imperial Russian Stout & Titanic Nine Tenths Below. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Cider Twist Ginger & Mr Whiteheads Boxing Dog. There was also Broadoak Perry. The stout and the Boxing Dog were both in good condition. Service was good and the toilets were fine. A bit too boisterous to my liking. But nevertheless a good pub, at least at festival time.
17 Mar 2012 11:02
This place is now called the Victoria Cross and appears to be part of the same group as the Richmond and the Lord Warden. Whilst the Richmond is passable, I'm afraid the Victoria Cross fell into the same category as the Lord Warden - one that I won't be returning back to soon. Brains SA was the only real ale on and didn't seem in the best condition. Most customers were there to watch the Liverpool match on the TV. We drank up quickly and headed nearby to the far superior Vernon Arms.
12 Mar 2012 20:41
After finally locating the Tavern on the Green in the Liverpool One shopping centre, we retreated to the Welkin in the Cavern Quarter. I hadn't been here for nearly 3 years. But little has changed. It was very busy on our Saturday lunchtime visit, with a mixture of shoppers and people starting their evenings out a little early. Beers on were Peerless Full Whack & Triple Blond, Wolf Whistle, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Yeovil Star Gazer, David Ramsbury Smuttynose Mild, Ramsbury Flint Knapper & George Wright Longboat. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie, Cider Twist & Marcle Hill & Mr Whiteheads Boxing Dog. Was served fairly quickly. Will upgrade my rating slightly.
12 Mar 2012 20:38
Saturday was my first visit to the Coburg and probably my last. The one real ale (Pride) was off and the pub didn't justify the walk from the city centre, especially if you have to pass the Baltic Fleet. There are 2 rooms and both are fairly comfortable. Football was showing on the TV. Service was reasonably pleasant and other customers seemed fairly friendly too. There were a few people in. But it wasn't as popular as the Brewery Tap just up the road. Struggling to find anything in particular to recommend.
12 Mar 2012 20:33
The Cracke is still one of my favourite Liverpool pubs. But sadly I never seem to get here that often. A group of tourists (Spanish I believe) had discovered it on my Saturday lunchtime visit. After taking several photographs of themselves outside, they then repeated the act inside. But at least they appreciated a good pub and purchased a few ales. Cottage Normans Conquest MM, Phoenix Wobbly Bob, Higsons Bitter, DB Mersey Porter & Brass Monkey Northern Monkey were all on. The porter was very nice indeed. Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon was the cider and now appears to have replaced the Biddendens on a permanent basis.
12 Mar 2012 20:29
After a brief stop in a cafe bar over the road (the Clove Hitch - 2 unusual real ales), I paid a return visit to the Philharmonic for the first time in 18 months. The interior is just as grand as ever. The beer range seemed to have improved since my last visit too - Adnams Lighthouse, Summer Wine Barista Espresso Stout, Kelburn Red Smiddy, Brewed Up North Cherry Porter, Thwaites Wainwright, Roosters True Grit, Wickwar Bob & Sharps Doom Bar. No real ciders were available. Still worth a visit on any Liverpool crawl.
12 Mar 2012 20:24
Moon Under Water, Wolverhampton
Well, if nobody else is going to do any reviews of this place, I'll do another! With a 35 minute wait for a train, I was back here on Saturday morning. Not much has changed. Although I suspect some of those waiting at the bar last time may well have been still there waiting. Service is very slow, especially on a Saturday morning when all staff are pre-occupied taking breakfast orders and crowded around the coffee machine. It took so long to get served that I nearly missed my next train. Beers on were Greene King Abbot Ale & Ruddles Best, Springhead The Leveller, Banks's Mild, Nick Stafford's Hambleton Ales Nightmare, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Summerskills Whistle Belly Vengeance, Caledonian 80/' & Batemans Veto Ale. The solitary real cider was Westons Old Rosie. Still a decent stopping point before real pubs open.
12 Mar 2012 20:19
The Old Forge Inn, Whitminster
Extremely quiet roadside pub on the A38. There was only one other customer plus the landlord. The pub appears to have an equestrian theme. For some reason, one of the owners appears to be nicknamed Stumpy. There is also a selection of books available to buy for charity. Ales on were Greene King IPA, St Austell Tribute, Butcombe Bitter & Orkney Dark Island. The latter was fine. I was just a little disappointed at the lack of other customers and atmosphere. As a roadside pub, it ought to be doing a better trade. But maybe Sunday evenings are always quiet here.
7 Mar 2012 17:51
This pub seems to be nice enough from the outside and the inside. The ale and cider range was certainly impressive. But I feel it's trying a bit too hard at being all things to all men. There are many different rooms and it seems that each one is aiming at a different set of clientele - there are a mixture of locals, tourists, campers, diners, youths and ale drinkers. I'd probably class myself in the tourist, diner and ale/cider drinkers categories. But there were plenty of customers. We did eat, but were disappointed with the food. Ales on were Uley Pig's Ear & Bitter, Wadworth 6X & Palmers Dorset Gold. Ciders & perries were Moles Black Rat, Broadoak KB & Perry, Lilleys Sunset & Crazy Goat, Thatchers Heritage, Westons Country Perry & Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze. Certainly impressed with the ciders. But something doesn't quite work here.
7 Mar 2012 17:48
The Lammastide Inn is another rural Gloucestershire pub that is a little off the beaten track. With no cars in the car park and none of the pub lights on outside, we were unsure about whether or not it was open. But inside, a group of locals were busily engaged in drinking games and spending quite a bit of money in the process. Whilst they were concentrating on the shorts, the ales on offer were Butcombe Bitter, Bass & Wye Valley Bitter. The locals seemed friendly enough. But I didn't quite warm to this pub.
7 Mar 2012 17:41
The Salutation is one of those pubs that keeps me eager to tour Britain's pubs. It's an almost unspoilt rural local that stocks a great range of real ale and ciders where locals and visitors alike can engage in friendly conversation in a comfortable environment. This was our favourite pub of 10 Gloucestershire pubs we tried on Sunday. Beers on were St George's Brew D, Salopian Shropshire Gold, Whittingtons Cat Whiskers, Severn Vale Dursley Bitter & Butcombe Bitter. Ciders were Ashton Still & Gwatkin Yarlington Mill, with Bee Sting Perry also on offer. Unsurprisingly, this pub was a CAMRA National Pub of the Year in 2011. What was more surprising was that we saw the outgoing barman in the disappointing Berkeley Arms Hotel shortly afterwards. The Salutation is much more preferable. Definitely recommended.
7 Mar 2012 17:37
The Anchor Inn, Oldbury on Severn
Another reasonable country pub which seemed popular with locals and walkers. There's a prominent power station nearby that I later heard has been decomissioned. Ales on were none too inspiring - Bass, Butcombe Bitter & Otter Bitter. The real cider was Ashton Still. Average pub which was fairly quiet late on a Sunday afternoon.
7 Mar 2012 17:28
Small town pub in Thornbury that appears to stock a good range of real ales judging by the number of clips on the ceiling and also by the selection on during our visit - Youngs London Porter, Great Western Maiden Voyage, Greene King London Glory, Marstons Pedigree & Bass. Cider was Ashton Still. We didn't find the welcome particularly friendly. Having worked in pubs myself, I always appreciated having glasses brought back to the bar and I generally do this, unless I've received bad service. However from a customers point of view, a polite 'thanks' from the bar staff is also appreciated. I didn't receive that here.
7 Mar 2012 17:25
The White Hart, Littleton on Severn
I was quite surprised to see this Youngs pub in rural Gloucestershire. It's a far nicer affair than most of Youngs outlets in London. This pub seems to revolve around food. In addition to full meals, small bar snacks such as plates of pork scratchings are offered. One room was showing the live 6 Nations rugby match. So I presume there is also a small local crowd that uses the pub. Ales on were Bath Gem, Youngs Ordinary & Youngs Special. Cider was Addlestones or Thatchers Heritage. Although apparently they produce their own cider from their orchard at certain times of the year.
7 Mar 2012 17:19
Was suitably impressed with the Fox. It's set well back off the lane and I didn't see any signage. So you'd have to know it was there. It was pretty busy on our Sunday afternoon visit. Some people had clearly been dining. Butcombe Adam Henson's Rare Breed, Bass, Fullers London Pride, Butcombe Bitter, Great Western Hambrook Ale & Sharps Doom Bar were all on. Moles Black Rat cider is dispensed directly from the cask behind the bar.
7 Mar 2012 17:15
The Bowl Inn, Lower Almondsbury
Nice country pub in a pretty village. Ales on were Bath Gem, Warwickshire Duck Soup, Elgoods Copper Feelgood, Skinners Best & Butcombe Bitter. Food seemed to be fairly popular. Don't get caught out by the pay and display car park opposite. You pay at all times, but can get the money refunded at the bar. The car park warden is likely to be sitting in his/her car watching the comings and goings.
7 Mar 2012 17:10
Visited here for the first time in just over a year on Saturday evening and was a little disappointed this time around. Only 4 ales were on and they no longer stock real cider. The barman stated that they hadn't stocked a real cider for 2-3 years. But I know that they had it on during my last visit in January 2011, when they informed me that they regularly stocked a changing cider from a range of 4. Ales were also limited to 4 on our visit. Brodies Citra & Bethnal Green Bitter plus Windsor & Eton Guardsman & Magic Rock Rapture were on. For Brodies beers, I would rather recommend the King William IV. The interior is still a sight to behold with plenty to admire. But my rating is dropping from 8 to 6 as standards and the drinks range have both slipped.
7 Mar 2012 17:06
Saturday evening was my first visit to the Harp for a while. But little has changed. The ale range was excellent as usual and all of the beers were turning over very rapidly. There were also around 9-10 ciders and perries on offer in the fridge. I'd certainly never tried Ciderfest Muggled Up before! All of the beers and ciders I tried were in good condition. The plum porter was a particular favourite. The only downside to this pub is its increased popularity. Getting through the narrow bar itself is a real challenge and even the alleyway at the rear was packed with drinkers. The staff are still superb and the landlady is also very friendly and down to earth. One was serving multiple customers at one time. Still my favourite pub in the centre of London and whilst I'm volunteering to help out tourists in central London during the Olympics, I will not hesitate in recommending they come here. As regards to the pub of the year award, I can see exactly why the Harp won. I think there are a very small number of pubs around the country that can better this. But they are very few and far between. Hope they keep up the good work and maintain current standards.
7 Mar 2012 16:59
Impressive Nicholsons pub in a very convenient location in between both Hammersmith tube stations. The interior is every much as impressive as the exterior and the ale range is just as good. Jennings Cumberland Ale, Thornbridge Jaipur, Roosters True Grit, Top of the Hops Golden Ale, Adnams Bitter, Summer Wine Barista Espresso Stout, Sharps Doom Bar, Hook Norton Hooky Bitter, St Austell Tribute & Fullers London Pride were all on during my early Saturday afternoon visit. Sadly, the only drinkable cider on offer is Aspalls. Service was friendly. Definitely one to recommend in Hammersmith.
7 Mar 2012 16:42
The Plough and Harrow, Hammersmith
A Wetherspoons pub on Hammersmith's main drag. It doesn't look particularly big from the outside. But despite its narrow frontage, it stretches quite a long way back. The interior is a typical Wetherspoons modern look and it was quite busy on my Saturday lunchtime visit. But there is plenty of seating. The range of ales and ciders was impressive - Greene King IPA & Abbot, Adnams Broadside, Explorer & Southwold IPA, Fullers London Pride, Milestone Loxley Ale, Tring Jack O'Legs, Caledonian Over The Bar & Summerskills Whistle Belly Vengeance. Ciders were Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Broadoak Perry & Westons Old Rosie, Marcle Hill & Vintage Organic. Along with the Swan, this pub is worth a visit if you're ever in the centre of Hammersmith.
7 Mar 2012 16:38
The exterior of this pub is quite striking, with its purple tiling. Inside is a much more bland affair. Live football was being shown and most people were clearly there to watch it. A few were somewhat annoying, especially when one decided to fling his stool over spilling my beer in the process! I sometimes wonder why people get so excited watching football in a pub. If they're that excited, they should go to the game itself. But back to the beers. As a Fullers pub, there were only 3 of their ales on - Pride, ESB & Front Row. The pub probably benefits from its location on the main Hammersmith shopping street - King Street. Otherwise, I didn't find anything in particular to recommend it.
7 Mar 2012 16:32
Another backstreet Fullers pub not far off the A4. The front bar is fairly traditional, with wood panelling and frosted glass windows. Rugby flags can currently be seen on the ceiling. As you head towards the rear, the pub opens up into a much larger room. Only 2 Fullers ales were on - Pride & Bengal Lancer. Watching sports is clearly one of the favourite pastimes of patrons here. Many were discussing what the landlord would be showing on the different screens. A pleasant pub, but with a limited ale range.
7 Mar 2012 16:26
Backstreet Fullers pub that is very cosy and nicely decorated inside. There are snob screens at the bar. Be careful with the 3 entrance doors. Only the middle one will actually open. I stood waiting for the pub to open at midday. But then realised I was trying the wrong door! Unusually for a Fullers pub, they had 2 guest beers - Adnams Southwold Bitter & Castle Rock Preservation Ale. The Fullers beers were London Pride & Chiswick. Aspalls was the cider. There were no other customers here on my Saturday lunchtime visit. But I enjoyed my swift visit here.
7 Mar 2012 16:20
The Brook Green Hotel, Hammersmith
Reasonably large single bar pub on the Shepherd's Bush Road. It's a Youngs pub, but is quite elaborately decorated. Seating is sofas and armchairs. The floor was still dirty on my Saturday morning visit, with the previous day's food still sitting where it was dropped. The 2 ales were Youngs Ordinary & Special. Was a convenient enough pub for me to kill 45 minutes, whilst I waited for better ones to open. But it's not one I'd rush back to. Agree with the previous reviewer. If you're in this area, the Swan is a much better bet.
7 Mar 2012 16:15
The White Horse is one of the better pubs in the Heathrow area. Whilst the aircraft noise is unmistakeable, if you can block that out, you feel as if you're a million miles away from an airport in a pleasant English village. The pub itself is fairly quaint and there were 5 ales on during my Tuesday evening visit this week - Caledonian Over The Bar, Sambrooks Wandle, Youngs Bitter, Fullers London Pride & Ringwood Best. Cider was Stowford Press, which at �4.15 a pint was fairly pricey. I'm not sure the ambient music playing in the background was quite right. But this isn't a bad option.
1 Mar 2012 18:55
The Bluebell Inn is another good, but reasonably remote country pub in North Essex. I believe that opening hours are fairly limited and my early Sunday evening visit, was not long before the scheduled last orders. 5 ales were on - Adnams Sole Star, Southwold Bitter & Broadside, Woodfordes Wherry & Nethergate Old Growler. Apsalls was the cider. I plumped for the 2.7% Sole Star, which was reasonable. A small collection of locals and a couple of dogs were the only clientele. Worth a try.
1 Mar 2012 18:50
Very quiet pub in a nice rural area not too far from Saffron Walden. Ales are dispensed directly from the cask and the selection was Woodfordes Wherry, Bartrams Bees Knees, Greene King Abbot Ale & Adnams Broadside on my visit. Cider was Aspalls. Only 3 other customers plus 2 children were present. But a nice pub, nonetheless.
1 Mar 2012 18:46
The Kings Arms, Saffron Walden
The King's Arms looks small from the outside. But inside, there are at least 4 rooms. There is the main bar, a room to the side with a TV showing live football, another with a pool table and a fourth room that was hosting a live rock band during my Sunday afternoon visit. Beers on were Woodfordes Wherry, one called Boundary (possibly from Wadworth), Greene King IPA & Sharps Doom Bar. Aspalls was the cider. The main bar and the music room were both packed. I retreated to the small TV room, which I had to myself. Seemingly there is no interest in the Carling Cup in Saffron Walden!
1 Mar 2012 18:43
The Old English Gentleman (OEG), Saffron Walden
The OEG, as it seems to be know by locals, is a small, friendly pub on a side street just off one of Saffron Walden's main drags. The interior feels a little more like a wine bar than a pub. But it is nevertheless quite comfortable. Adnams Southwold Bitter, Woodfordes Wherry, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Brains Reverend James were the 4 ales on. Aspalls was the cider. Artwork lines the walls. Rugby was being shown on the TV. Worth a try.
1 Mar 2012 18:36
I found the Temeraire to be an above-average branch of Spoons. The cider and perry selection was excellent - Broadoak Perry, Westons Old Rosie, Vintage Organic, Marcle Hill & Raspberry Twist, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Thatchers Heritage. Unfortunately, some of the beers displayed were 'coming soon'. But they did seemingly have Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Batemans Veto Ale, Adnams Southwold IPA & Nick Stafford's Hambletons Ales Nightmare. Staff were fairly friendly and efficient. Live football was being shown on the TV. Worth a visit if in Saffron Walden.
1 Mar 2012 18:33
I found the Railway to be a great pub, a little outside the centre of Saffron Walden and seemingly nowhere near a railway. 6 ales were on - 3 of which were from Mighty Oak - Oscar Wilde, Whuppity Scoorie & Flying Tackle, alongside Brandon Norfolk Poacher, Courage Best & Wells Bombardier. Stowford Press was the cider. The young lady behind the bar was pleasant enough and I enjoyed my swift Oscar Wilde.
1 Mar 2012 18:30
The Bell was my favourite pub of the day on my Essex trip last weekend. On a sunny Sunday lunchtime is was busy both inside and out. The single bar interior is small and cosy and there's a warm welcome from the staff. Other customers seemed friendly too. 4 real ales were available - Woodfordes Wherry, Adnams Bitter, Oakham JHB & Bishop Nick Heresy. 4 rWestons real ciders or perries were also on offer - Old Rosie, Tradtional Scrumpy, Country Perry & Cider Twist Ginger. Sadly I missed the list of these behind the bar and ordered a Stowford Press instead. This is a great traditional country pub and the garden looked as if it could be very tempting on a warm sunny day.
1 Mar 2012 18:26
Free house just outside Saffron Walden with 3 ales on during my visit last Sunday - Wherry, Broadside & Landlord. Addlestones was the cider. Staff were friendly. Most tables were set our for diners. But only one couple was eating. Another fairly average pub. There are better pubs nearby.
1 Mar 2012 18:21
The Axe and Compasses, Arkesden
Two room village pub that seemed popular for diners and walkers. It's a Greene King pub and IPA, Old Speckled Hen, Olde Trip & London Glory were all on. The latter was being dispensed by gravity. There is limited seating. But this isn't a bad pub.
1 Mar 2012 18:17
Had a pint of the Raisin Beer last night. Other beers on were also from Cains - Triple Hop, Bitter, IPA & FA. It was reasonably busy, without being packed. Still don't see much reason to come here apart from to see the one room.
12 Feb 2012 17:51
The Hope and Anchor, Liverpool
Studenty type pub in a building that feels a bit like a warehouse and looks like a Lidl from the outside. At lunchtime yesterday, it was busy with most people there to watch the live football on the multitude of TV screens. Most appeared to be students, with John Moore's University nearby. Tried the rhubarb and custard Brothers cider which was poured from a tap with cordial added. No real ales.
12 Feb 2012 17:47
We nearly walked in the wrong bar when initially arriving here. There is a ground level bar to the left as you approach. After dragging some of our party out, we descended the stairs of the Boulevard to find a large bar with a good selection of ales and also a real cider - Moorhouses Piemaker, Liverpool Organic IPA & Liverpool Craft Viking Bitter plus Gwynt y Ddraig Haymaker. The number of pumpclips behind the bar signifies their dedication to real ale and cider. There are few tables, with upright drinking seemingly the order of the day. The jukebox was playing rock music for a fairly young (probably students) crowd. Didn't try the toilets. One we will return to.
5 Feb 2012 13:50
Marstons pub opposite North Western station, that was packed on our Saturday evening visit. There are multiple rooms, plus a corridor complete with access to the bar. All rooms have a traditional feel. Only 2 ales were available - Banks's Original & Wychwood Hobgoblin. Other more 'interesting' Marstons beers were available including Dirty Tackle & Tizzie Wizzie. But it seemed these had all run out and not been replaced. Could be better with a better range of ales. But handy for the station.
5 Feb 2012 13:45
The Orwell has a nice location next to the canal at Wigan Pier. After yesterday's football game, it was very busy, mostly with away fans. Live football was showing on various screens. We found seating in a section at the rear which also housed a pool table. The 2 ales available were both from the Prospect Brewery - Silver Tally & Gold Rush. Most drinks were being dispensed in plastic glasses. Pies were being sold from a counter to the side of the bar at an extremely good value of �1 each. Even plates and cutlery were provided. Not a bad choice if you ever attend a rugby or football game at the nearby stadium. But otherwise, not worth heading this way out of the town centre.
5 Feb 2012 13:40
The Tudor House was a good discovery in Wigan. From the outside, it looks like a hotel or a B & B. Inside it is dark and was very busy prior to the football match. Beers on were Acorn Bullseye, Moorhouses Pendle Witches Brew, Phoenix Humbug & Wychwood Hobgoblin. There was no real cider. But it looks like they normally stock one and Hecks Kingston Black had just gone off. We also sampled some kind of 80% rum and raisin spirit, that helped us to appreciate the game we were about to watch. The Humbug was good too. Big screens were showing live football. The staff were friendly and numerous.
5 Feb 2012 13:33
Good real ale pub just outside the town centre. We were impressed with the range and quality of the beers on offer - Weetwood Cheshire Cat, Blakemere Freshly Squeezed & Snowy Owl, Prospect Silver Tally, Northern Brown Ale & Tetleys. The interior is cosy. Pictures on the walls show race horsing and rugby. It would appear that a pub syndicate owned a racehorse at one time. The locals were friendly and the toilets were fine, apart from some sort of strange transaction occurring! Would definitely return here next time I'm in Wigan, as it's a viable alternative to the Anvil.
5 Feb 2012 13:19
Small pub with 2 bars. The main bar seemed to have somebody setting up for either live music, a disco or karaoke (probably the latter judging by Carlumston's previous review). The second room had a lovely warm fire and possesses a pool table and TVs showing sport. Witnessing a stool (seating type) was an unusual site in the lavatory! The 2 beers were uninspiring - John Smith's & Holts Bitter. Not a pub I would choose to return to, although well located near plenty of other pubs.
5 Feb 2012 13:11
The Bowling Green Hotel, Wigan
Another very quiet pub in the northern reaches of Wigan. The interior is fairly pleasant with a couple of traditional bars and some nice touches. The barman was fairly friendly and talkative. But we were the only customers there and he was surprised to see anybody on a Saturday afternoon. 2 ales were on - Timothy Taylor Landlord & Everards Triple Tiger. The range of pumpclips on the ceilings suggests that they generally have plenty of guests.
5 Feb 2012 13:07
There's 3 or 4 pubs all fairly close together on Wigan Land and Standishgate. This Thwaites pub was the first one we tried. Thwaites Bitter & Wainwright were the 2 real ales. Service was friendly. The interior is fairly modern and music was playing. There were only a few other locals present. But our visit was shortly after opening. I can't say I'd make a special effort to come back here. But not a bad pub.
5 Feb 2012 13:02
Fairly large Wetherspoons in the North of Wigan. The bar is very long. Be careful to check for beers at either end of the bar, as there were a couple of different ones at one end. Most people were sat to the right as we entered, but seating spreads round to the left of the entrance too. Service was friendly. Beers were Three B's Doff Cocker, Thwaites Wainwright, Greene King Abbot Ale & Ruddles Best, George Wright Longboat, Allgates Harmonie & Hawkshead Lakeland Gold. Ciders were Westons Cider Twist Raspberry & Old Rosie. Not a bad choice in this end of town. The pub also has accommodation.
5 Feb 2012 12:57
Another reasonably busy pub on the Wirral yesterday afternoon/early evening. This pub has a nautical theme, with a number of model ships and other maritime odds and sods. The beer range wasn't too inspiring - Bombardier, Deuchars, Landlord & Abbot. Although they do seem to have Trappers Hat on permanently too. Not a pub I'd rush back to. Although I have to give special mention to the toilets - I thought the gents were in particularly good condition and very clean.
1 Feb 2012 21:06
I'm surprised nobody has reviewed this Wetherspoons for nearly 2 years. It was very popular on our early evening visit yesterday with most tables occupied. The interior was typical 'spoons, but the exterior is particularly attractive. Service was fine and 5 ales were on - Courage Directors, Peerless Hilbre Gold, Thornbridge Jaipur, Greene King Abbot Ale & Batemans Veto Ale. A cider and a perry could also be found in the fridge at the end of the bar - Westons Old Rosie & Broadoak Perry. Would come here again for the cider and perry. But I would combine it with a visit to the White Lion for a proper pub experience.
1 Feb 2012 21:03
The White Lion Inn, West Kirby
Traditional pub with a warm atmosphere and a selection of 4 ales - Courage Directors, Black Sheep Best, Fullers ESB & Moorhouses Black Cat. The landlord and locals appeared fairly friendly. A proper pub. But sadly not as busy as the nearby Wetherspoons.
1 Feb 2012 20:59
Fairly pleasant country pub with a cosy atmosphere (real fire) inside and reasonably busy for a Tuesday afternoon. 7 ales were on - Robinsons, Unicorn, Arkells 3B, Caledonia 80/-, Old Mill Traditional Bitter, Adnams Explorer, Greene King Abbot Ale & Wells Bombardier. Worth a visit.
1 Feb 2012 20:57
As expected, we found this pub closed initially when we arrived shortly after 3pm on our Saturday afternoon visit. On our return in the evening, we found an unspoiled rural gem with 3 very small rooms on 2 levels. The top level at the roadside has a set of steps leading down to the tiny bar, where there is one table, 2 chairs, a few stools along one wall and a small bench on the opposite wall. Having more than 4 or 5 people in this room would make it very crowded. There is also a cosy lounge at the rear, which seemed to be the most popular room. Toilets are accessed from outside, from where you can get good views over to Wimborne and the Minster. As you would expect in such a confined space, conversation reigns and you soon get to meet interesting people. There are 2 changing ales. On our visit, there was Island Wight Gold & Exmoor Gold. The former was changed for Plain Ales Sheep Dip whilst we were there. Cider by Rosie is normally stocked. But only Westons 1st Quality & Country Perry were remaining yesterday. I always really enjoy discovering pubs like this. They are like stepping back in time to a lost heritage. There are few better pubs in the country than this one, when it comes to atmosphere.
29 Jan 2012 11:48
The Black Horse, Sturminster Marshall
Beware this is one of a few pubs locally that close on a Saturday afternoon, despite being on an A road., where there should be regular passing trade. We arrived at a couple of minutes past 3pm to find the doors open. But the girl behind the bar said they were closed. We returned later in the evening to find the place fairly busy with many people eating food and a few drinkers at the bar. The same lady was waiting on tables and working the bar, meaning a long wait for drinks service. Only 1 ale was available - Badger First Gold. A little disappointing in all.
29 Jan 2012 11:36
Pubco owned place not far from Wimborne up a side road. The staff all seemed pretty bored when we arrived, with very little custom. Despite this and the number of unoccupied tables, the front of house man kept telling people they should have made reservations. The local CAMRA magazine had voted this place pub of the season for Autumn. But the range of ales on offer was fairly disappointing - Everards Tiger Triple Gold, Ringwood Best, Sharps Doom Bar & Fullers London Pride. The latter was replaced by Acorn Barnsley Bitter whilst we were there. Aspalls was the cider. Service was fairly professional. The building itself is fairly large and has character. As a freehouse, this could be so much better.
29 Jan 2012 11:31
Very small single room pub on a side street in the centre of Wimborne. There was a fairly unpleasant smell on entering, presumably eminating from the toilets. But the locals and the landlady were all fairly friendly and were happy to engage in conversation. Much of the conversation was surrounding the new Wetherspoons that had opened nearby. Some of the locals were clearly not impressed. But it also appeared that others had switched allegiances and were choosing Wetherspoons cheaper prices and better ale range. On our visit, only Badger First Gold and the seasonal Pickled Partridge were on offer. If price and ale range are what you are after, you may be better off in the Wetherspoons. If it's conversation and a welcoming atmosphere you want, you're better off here. I hope there will always be a market for pubs like this one.
29 Jan 2012 11:25
Not a bad little pub in the centre of Wimborne. The interior is fairly comfortable, with an L-shaped bar and a couple of little nooks and crannies, including a small games room and a secluded table in one corner. The pool table is at the opposite end of the pub. Beers were fairly mainstream - St Austell Tribute, Ringwood Best & Caledonian Flying Scotsman. Service was pleasant.
29 Jan 2012 11:20
Fairly nice Hall & Woodhouse pub situated just to the north of Wimborne. There are 2 rooms - the Village Bar, which had a few young customers and a larger lounge with only one table occupied, until a local sports club (possibly hockey) arrived. Only 2 beers were on - First Gold & Pickled Partridge. The fridges looked a little bare. Could be better if it wasn't a tied house.
29 Jan 2012 11:15
The Crown and Anchor, Wimborne
Still closed. But the building is still vacant at present.
29 Jan 2012 11:11
The Anchor at Shapwick, Shapwick
This pub is set in a lovely small Dorset village. It was a bit too gastropub for our liking, with most tables set out for diners and a small group of drinkers at the bar. Getting served took quite a while, with the focus being on serving diners. Once finally served, the staff did turn out to be quite friendly. Beers available were Dorset Jurassic, Sharps Doom Bar & Ringwood Best. Orchard Pig Medium Cider was also available. I find the toilets to be fairly strange, with one door marked 'lavatory' followed by 4 further doors - 1 marked 'ladies', 1 marked 'ladies/disabled' and 2 unmarked, all served by a communal bathroom. I assumed the unmarked cubicles were the gents, but I'm still not sure! A nice enough pub. But a shame that the focus is on food.
29 Jan 2012 11:09
Pleasant roadside pub in a small village. The clientele were a mixture of locals, ramblers and people there to watch the live football, which being shown inobtrusively on a TV. The beer range was fairly good - Isle of Purbeck Studland Bay Wrecked, Flack Manor Double Drop, Butcombe Bitter & Hopback Summer Lightning. I was also happy to notice a blackboard listing a real cider (Dorset Dabinett - possibly from Marshwood Vale) and a perry (Bee Sting) on the side of the bar. Both are dispensed from the cellar.
29 Jan 2012 11:03
A nicer pub than the nearby Railway Hotel, as there were no distracting TV screens. The interior is rather dark and moody, with a slightly lighter area near the entrance that seemed popular with diners and the bar area at the rear, with locals and their dogs crowded around. This is one of Dorset Piddle brewery's taps and they had several of their beers on - Thunder Box Porter, Happy 12, Silent Slasher & Piddle. In addition there was also Butcombe Gold, Taylor Landlord and a Robinsons beer called Elboy: Build A Rocket Boys, which was seemingly in honour of a band. Thatchers Traditional cider was off. Only one member of staff was in evidence. She seemed to have her hands full serving meals and working behind the bar. But she was fairly cheerful. The locals also seemed a friendly bunch. Although there was little space at the bar to see what was on offer, meaning you had to peer over everybody's shoulders. I would return, if ever in Blandford again.
29 Jan 2012 10:51
Railway Hotel, Blandford Forum
Pleasantly situated pub in a backstreet of Blandford Forum. On our Saturday lunchtime visit, it was busy with football fans watching the Liverpool v Manchester United cup game on the many TVs. Aside from a couple of big screens, there was even a small screen below one of the handpulls or T-bars on the bar itself. A good selection of ales was on - Sixpenny Original, Flack Manor Double Drop, Plain Ales Innocence & Ringwood Best. Stowford Press was the only cider of note. I found the glut of football supporters hogging the bar area a little off-putting and not conducive with my desire for a quiet drink. For me, there's only one place to watch a football match - at the ground itself! We supped up and moved on to the Dolphin.
29 Jan 2012 10:43
The Doric Arch is still a good option at Euston Station. Although I haven't been here for a while since the opening of the Bree Louise, Euston Tap & Cider Tap. However, we chose to visit last night and found that little had changed since our last visit. Fullers beers - Discovery, ESB, Jack Frost, London Pride & Bengal Lancer were supplemented by 2 guests - Kelham Island Pale Rider & Harviestoun Haggis Hunter. The cider was Westons Vintage Organice. It still seems to be popular with football fans on a Saturday night. The service was quick and fine.
22 Jan 2012 13:08
I paid a fleeting visit to this Irish pub yesterday before heading to the Dispensary. It is a typical Irish pub and attracts a fair few Irish customers, many of whom were there to watch Celtic play on the TV. Tried the Guinness. But didn't find anything particularly special about it. Although I'm not a Guinness expert.
22 Jan 2012 12:57
William Jolle, Northwood Hills
Not a bad choice if you ever find yourself in Northwood Hills and it is right next to the tube station. It's a typical Wetherspoons open plan layout and had both plenty of staff and customers on our Thursday evening visit. Beers on were Greene King Ruddles Best & IPA, Courage Directors, Butcome Bitter, Adnams Explorer & Yuletide & Blindmans Mine Beer. Cider was Westons Old Rosie. One of Wetherspoons better offerings.
20 Jan 2012 23:03
Pretty poor pub that used to be a Wetherspoons. The decor has deteriorated since its previous incarnation. But some of the old Wetherspoons fixtures and fittings still exist, including the inevitable photos of the local area. The ale range promised much. But sadly, only Courage Best, Fullers ESB & Hook Norton Hooky Dark were on. Cross Bay Winter Porter and Shepherd Neame Spitfire were both off. I didn't think much of the Hooky Dark. There is a dartboard now at the front and a Thai restaurant area at the rear, to remove any doubts in your mind that this may still be a Wetherspoons.
20 Jan 2012 23:00
Ember Inns pub that was somewhat more popular than we had expected. The car park was completely full and the place was full of both drinkers and diners. Service was very slow, with it taking 12 minutes to be served. Only 2 staff were working behind the bar. The ale choice was surprisingly good - Adnams Southwold Bitter & Gunhill, Greene King IPA, Fullers London Pride & Wooden Hand Pirate's Gold. The latter was in good condition. Would visit again if in the area. Hopefully by then they will have sorted their staffing problem out.
20 Jan 2012 22:56
Upmarket Youngs pub in a side street off High Street Kensington. The interior is larger than it first looks with dining sections stretching back quite a way from the bar. Seating is comfortable and the food looked quite good. There are old black and white pictures of the area on the walls. Beers were Youngs Bitter, Special, Winter Warmer & Wells Bombardier. The cider was Addlestones. The clientele were certainly from the upper classes. But I still quite liked this pub.
20 Jan 2012 22:52
After trying the Butcher's Arms, Wicket Gate & Chester le Street Cricket Club in the centre of town (none of them listed on here), we intended to round off our tour of Durham in the Smiths Arms. Locating it is difficult, especially if you're using a Sat Nav. Look for the signs on the roundabout in Castle Dene. On arrival, we stumbled upon a wake for a local funeral. This always makes for a quite uncomfortable situation. But within a few minutes, we were left alone in the pub with the landlord who was an extremely friendly and chatty guy who had clearly been in the pub trade for many years. Black Sheep Best & Jennings Cumberland Ale were the 2 ales on offer. Although there are apparently 3 or 4 during the busier summer months. The interior is fairly interesting with 3 separate rooms and plenty to admire. Certainly worth the effort trying to locate it and not too far from Chester le Street.
20 Jan 2012 22:48
After a spot of lunch in a much different pub nearby (the Moorings), we landed upon the Plough. The pub has some great views in all directions. Inside is a fairly modest affair with the room circling around the bar. All of the locals were crowded into one corner watching live horse racing with the landlord. Big Lamp Lamplight & Wadworth 6X were the 2 ales on.
20 Jan 2012 22:41
The Beamsh Mary was our favourite pub of our tour of Cumbria and Durham. Despite being quiet (it was Monday lunchtime), the pub had plenty of character as well as good service, friendly locals and a good range of ales. There are 2 rooms - one is a lounge that curves around the rear of the bar, whilst the other is a public bar which has some great curios scattered around. Beers were Consett White Hot, Red Dust & Steel Town, Big Lamp Sunny Daze & Lamplight, Durham Evensong, Northumberland Fog on the Tyne & Hadrian Farne Island. The pub is actually in a village called 'No Place'. Well worth a visit, especially if you ever visit the nearby Beamish Museum.
20 Jan 2012 22:38
The Shepherd and Shepherdess, Beamish
This was the third and last pub we visited in Beamish. The best was the Stables Bar & Restaurant which houses the Stables Brewery and several of its beers, plus the only real ciders we discovered in a total of 20 pubs tried in both Cumbria and Durham. Sadly it is not listed on here. The Shepherd & Shepherdess was a nice enough pub with an L-shaped bar and it seemed to be popular with diners. Black Sheep Best, Wells Bombardier & Copper Dragon Golden Pippin were the 3 real ales on offer.
20 Jan 2012 22:34
Probably the best of the 3 pubs we sampled in the centre of Penrith. This pub had several customers who were clearly regulars. Arriving shortly before last orders, you can often get a frosty welcome in many pubs. But the welcome here was an exception and was very friendly. The beer range was also better than the other 2 Penrith pubs we tried - Tirril Nameless Ale & Brougham Ale, as well as Wychwood Hobgoblin.
20 Jan 2012 22:29
Large Marstons pub next to Penrith station serving food and having rooms available. The ale range was all from the Marstons stable - Jennings Bitter, Cumberland Ale & Sneck Lifter plus Ringwood Best & Old Thumber. Service was quick and friendly and the Sneck Lifter was in reasonable condition. The interior is comfortable and there are high ceilings. Sky TV News was showing on the TV. Being a little busier than the nearby Gloucester Arms, this was a slightly better choice.
20 Jan 2012 22:27
Gloucester Arms Hotel, Penrith
After a brief but pleasant visit to the Cross Keys in nearby Carleton, we headed to the Gloucester Arms in the centre of Penrith. Once again, we walked into an empty pub. The single room has a nice cosy interior with wood panelling. The ale range was a little disappointing - Landlord, Cumberland Ale, Bombardier & Hobgoblin. However, service was fine and this pub certainly has a central location if you're ever in Penrith.
20 Jan 2012 22:23
George and Dragon Inn, Clifton
This pub is on the A6 into Penrith and does both meals and accommodation in addition to 3 real ales. It was extremely quiet on our Sunday evening visit with only 3 other customers chatting to the barmaid in one corner. On a cold winter's evening, the place was warm and cosy. The barmaid was keen to ensure the fire was still giving off heat. Beers on were Hawkshead Bitter, Cross Bay Nightfall & Cumberland Corby Blonde.
20 Jan 2012 22:18
Country pub that seems to be at the heart of the local community. A quiz was about to start on our Sunday evening visit. But there were few participants there by the time we left. Black Sheep Best Bitter was the only real ale. Could be a good pub with a better beer range.
20 Jan 2012 22:15
The White Horse Inn, Kings Meaburn
Remote rural pub that serves a couple of real ales and apparently holds a couple of beer festivals each year. However, it appears the current owner is moving on and they are gradually depleting stock. The local CAMRA branch came around for an inspection on the same night we were there and were disappointed to see that the current landlord was leaving. New owners are expected soon. The pub itself is a small single bar with whitewashed walls and fairly basic seating. The gents toilet is outside. Cross Bay Nightfall & Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted were the 2 ales. Hopefully the new owners will keep the pub just as it is and continue with the festivals and the real ale range.
20 Jan 2012 22:12
The Golden Ball, Appleby-in-Westmorland
After trying the recently re-opened Midland Hotel near the station in Appleby, we headed back to the centre to find probably the best of Appleby's pubs and the best of 10 we tried in Cumbria last weekend. The landlord seemed a bit sulky and there were a handful of locals. However the beer range is good - Cross Bay Sunset & Winter Moon, Single Hop Wa-Iti, Marstons Burton Bitter & Pedigree on our visit. The two small rooms are fairly traditional and I could imagine it could be fairly pleasant spending an evening here. The pub dog, a greyhound, seeemed quite content to sit eating dog biscuits, whilst keeping an eye on the customers. Definitely worth a try if in Appleby.
20 Jan 2012 22:04
Royal Oak Appleby, Appleby-in-Westmorland
Extremely quiet pub on the outskirts of Appleby. There are a couple of rooms. We were the only couple in one, whilst there was a family in the other room. Black Sheep Best & Hawkshead Best were the 2 ales on offer. Nice place, but lacking any kind of atmosphere.
20 Jan 2012 22:00
The Bridge, Birmingham New Street station
Visited this pub last Saturday. It's a typical station bar with no real ales and steep prices. I seem to remember paying over �17 for 4 drinks. That could have been paying the bouncer's wages. Other than that, I don't remember anything of note. Although I was a little under the influence! Will have to stroll in again when sober. Although from what I do recall, I suspect I'll walk straight out.
19 Jan 2012 22:35
Glad to see the idiotic rioters didn't do too much damage to this beautiful old pub. In fact, the bar staff said that the press had overstated the effect of the rioting. Our visit today found the pub as busy as usual, with the Thai restaurant section also fairly busy. Oakham beers were at the forefront - JHB, Bishops Farewell, Citra & Inferno, along with one guest - Fat Cat Honey Ale. There were also two Westons ciders - Old Rosie & Traditional Scrumpy. Still a must visit if ever you visit this area or Villa Park on a matchday.
14 Jan 2012 22:28
Unassuming from the outside, this place is a little gem. There are two bars - a smaller front bar and a much larger and comfortable lounge at the rear, where most of the beers are poured from. Both rooms are fairly modern in style. Although the front room is slightly more traditional. Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Wye Valley HPA, Church End Cracker & Salopian Sleigh Rider were all on today, plus there was also a polycask containing Moles Black Rat cider in the room at the rear. Sky Sports News was showing on the TVs. Whilst the rear room was packed, we were the first to settle in the front room. There were plenty of bar staff, ensuring quick service. I'm sure I will return someday.
14 Jan 2012 22:22
A fine old pub with nice stained glass windows and a wonderful interior with three separate rooms, each with beautiful tiling. 4 ales were on today - Brakspear Bitter, Wasworth 6X, Sharps Doom Bar & Oakham Citra. There are no real cider. Although Stowford Press is an adequate subsititute. I don't remember any music. So the atmosphere was quite soothing. There's also a good range of spirits and a few cocktails advertised. Would give this place another go. But the ale range was fairly bog standard.
14 Jan 2012 22:17
A modern-type pub in a trendy area of Birmingham. Situated, next to the canal, it's large and I expect it gets very busy in the evenings at weekends. On our Saturday lunchtime visit, it was fairly quiet. Beers were mostly from the Marstons range - Pedigree, EPA & Banks's Bitter, plus Timothy Taylor Landlord. There's nothing particularly special about this place to make any sort of detour to the Broad Street area.
14 Jan 2012 22:06
The Crown and Sceptre, Shepherds Bush
A very good backstreet Fullers pub that is fairly tall on the outside. Inside, it has a Thai kitchen in the corner. So I indulged in an impromptu Thai meal, which was served very quickly by friendly staff. I can recommend it. They have several other Fullers pubs they also serve. Bar staff were also friendly. Pride, ESB, Chiswick & Black Cab were the ales being served. Despite being off the beaten track, it was fairly busy. So it clearly has a good reputation for both drinkers and diners. Definitely handy for Loftus Road. It's also not too far from the Duchess of Cambridge.
13 Jan 2012 21:16
Jolly Butchers, Stoke Newington
I'd read about this pub and even recommended it to others to try, on the strength of some of the reviews. But I finally made my first visit this week. The Jolly Butchers is handily located on the High Street in Stoke Newington and is a gastropub with a good selection of cask ales and ciders, as well as a good selection of more unusual keg options such as Brewdog Winter Porter (a bit steep at �4.90 a pint). Ales on were Darkstar American Pale Ale, Redemption Trinity & Fellowship Porter, Ascot Anastasia's Exile Stout, ELB Foundation Bitter & Windsor & Eton Knight of the Garter & Guardsman. There's an obvious focus on local breweries. The real cider was Sandford Orchards Devon Scrumpy, with Broadoak Perry also on handpump. I should also mention that they had a decent bottle range too. The interior is dark and open plan. It was very busy with few if any tables available. Many were eating. I wish I had been here sooner. But I will be back.
13 Jan 2012 21:10
I haven't been here for a few years, but paid a return visit on Wednesday night. The Milton beers are still on - Nero, Tiki, Sparta, Dionysus, Pegasus, Saturnalia & Minotaur on my visit. They were supplemented by 2 guests - Tring Side Pocket For A Toad & Nethergate Red Poll. Cider was Millwhites Mixed Scrumpy. This is still easily the best pub in Hackney and has a prominent position on a busy junction and near two rail stations. The high ceiling creates a sort of echoey schoolroom atmosphere. But the beers make up for it. I particularly enjoyed the Nero. I'll try to make another visit sooner next time. As the previous reviewer states however, the toilets are fairly unpleasant.
13 Jan 2012 21:04
Nice country pub set off the main road in the centre of a pretty village (from what we could see - it was dark!). Reasonably popular with around 20 customers , it also had a good ale range - Sharps Doom Bar, Springo Blue Anchor, Penzance Potion No.9 & Brisons Bitter & St Austell Dartmoor Bitter, plus Addlestones cider. Worth a detour.
13 Jan 2012 20:59
We nearly drove straight past this pub, despite looking for it. The car park is around the back. A pool table takes centre stage inside and was grabbing all the attention on our visit, despite a large screen showing live FA Cup football. Directors, Proper Job, Doom Bar & Tribute were the ales on offer, with Addlestones cider also available. Predominantly a locals pub, but not too bad.
13 Jan 2012 20:56
Roadside pub on an A road. The 3 or 4 customers at the bar were far outweighed by the large family that appeared to have recently taken over the pub and were considering what modifications they would ideally make, whilst the pub dog was eager to play with a tennis ball. Two Penzance beers were on offer - Jolly Farmer & Tater Du. Seems to have a reputation for food. But they weren't serving any on our visit. I wasn't particularly impressed.
13 Jan 2012 20:53
Marazion is a lovely little small town, with narrow winding streets and a fine view across to St Michael's Mount. The Kings Arms is set right in the middle and is also a lovely little single room pub with outdoor gents toilets. Only St Austell Tribute & HSD were on. But I spent a pleasant 40 minutes watching the world go by, before realising our 30 minute parking time had been exceeded. The ales are nothing special. But the pub and town itself are worth a visit.
13 Jan 2012 20:49
The Star was our pub of the day and probably the best of 20 over our weekend in Devon & Cornwall. It's a proper drinkers pub which does not have to rely on food to supplement its income. In fact a sign on entry states that they do not serve food, but they do have some of the finest beers in Cornwall (if not the world). Beers were all from the on-site Penzance brewery with the exception of one guest. Crowlas Bitter. Brisons Bitter, Mello & Potion No.9 were all on offer, with Wentworth Prism Porter also on. Despite not being pulled through, the barman offered to pull my drink straight from the cask. A group of lads were playing some strange variation on pool, whilst it was clear that the pub attracts a loyal customer base. The interior is fairly spartan, but all the better for it. If you're ever in the area, please pay a visit. The only minor drawback is that they do not serve real cider - only minor because the porter was just fine.
13 Jan 2012 20:45
Locals pub set in a very nice Cornish village, not far from Hayle. It was reasonably busy on our Sunday lunchtime visit. Betty Stogs & Old Speckled Hen were the 2 ales on. The bar is L-shaped with a pool table in one corner. Ok, but nothing particularly to recommend it on.
13 Jan 2012 20:39
After starting with 3 St Austell Brewery pub, we were glad to find some different ales on sale in the Watermill - Sharps Doom Bar, Skinners Betty Stogs & Bays Devon Dumpling. The watermill itself can be seen on entering through the rear garden, which I can imagine is lovely in summer. Meals seem to be the focus here, but it also seemed to be popular with a relatively young drinking clientele. A nice place with friendly staff.
13 Jan 2012 20:36
St Austell Brewery pub primarily frequented by locals on the edge of Hayle. They seemed to be doing a roaring trade with their Sunday carvery. Dartmoor Best, HSD, Trelawny, Proper Job & Tribute were all on. Keg cider was Cornish Rattler, Pear Rattler & Berry Rattler. Staff were friendly. But the interior is a little basic. Ok, but nothing particularly special.
13 Jan 2012 20:33
A strange name for a pub. But apparently there is a story behind it - something to do with a well. It's another St Austell pub - Black Prince, HSD & Dartmoor Best were the ales on offer. The interior is pleasant, with old black and white railway pictures in one corner. I didn't find the barman/landlord the most welcoming. But he wasn't unpleasant either. If you use the car park, watch out for the dog mess. Somebody must walk their dogs there, as there is practically a turd for every space!
13 Jan 2012 20:30
Country pub situated in a village with a large viaduct towering above it. Opening times appear limited. But we arrived on a Sunday lunchtime to find it just opening. 4 other elderly customers were present alongside the landlord, who appears to be originally from Coventry and a big Coventry City and Oasis fan, judging by the memorabilia on the walls. The landlady was pottering about upstairs, but it seemed she was about to come through the ceiling, given the noise of footsteps! Being a St Austell pub, Tribute, Trelawny & HSD were all available. Healeys Cornish Rattler was the keg cider. Nice enough place.
13 Jan 2012 20:22
This was another extremely quiet Dartmoor pub on our Saturday evening visit, with just one other customer, the barmaid, landlord and landlady (plus their dog) around. It's a well kept pub, with an obvious elephant theme. It's also a typical country pub. Sharps Doom Bar, Dartmoor Jail Ale & Otter Bright were the beers. Winkleigh Autumn Devon Scrumpy was the cask cider. If it's peace and quiet you're after with your pint, this may just be the place for you. I recommend it either way.
13 Jan 2012 20:18
The Royal Standard Inn, Mary Tavy
Still closed and boarded up. Although apparently there have been interested parties. Try the Mary Tavy Inn just down the road. We stayed there and found the staff and customers to be a friendly bunch.
13 Jan 2012 20:14
We returned to this pub in the evening after finding it closed on our initial Saturday afternoon foray. It was still just as dead when it opened. The Polish barman had as much charisma as a lettuce. It later transpired that he had been grumpy all day after being told off by the landlord for eating a plate of salmon without asking! Otter Ale, Teignworthy Gun Dog & St Austell Tribute were the ales, but there was no real cider. I can't help thinking the lack of customers could be due to the surly service. Although the landlord did seem fairly friendly (to customers). Nice location though.
13 Jan 2012 20:13
The Peter Tavy Inn, Peter Tavy
We really liked this pub, as it fitted what we were looking for at the time - a pub with a decent range of drinks and excellent food. In truth, I don't think I would have felt too comfortable if I was only drinking, as there did not seem much space for drinkers. However, the welcome we received was good and the place must have a good reputation locally, with the car park packed and all tables taken (our pervious pub - the Dartmoor Inn at Merrivale was extremely quiet. The food - curried parsnip soup and duck in a star anise and plum sauce was gorgeous. Beers were Branscombe Vale Draymans Best, Dartmoor Legend & Jail Ale. Cider was Sams Devon Poundhouse cider. The interior is typical country pub, as the previous reviewer states, even down to the smoky atmosphere from the log fire. Recommended.
13 Jan 2012 20:05
The Prince Of Wales, Princetown
Of the 2 pubs in Princetown, this is more of a locals pub than the Plume of Feathers. Dartmoor Jail Ale & Sharps Doom Bar were the 2 ales on offer at the semi-circular bar. Similar to most pubs in the area, it has stone walls. Some of the clientele were singing along to the music whilst we were there, which was mildly amusing. Glasses were building up on some tables, despite there being few customers. Could be better.
13 Jan 2012 19:58
The Plume Of Feathers, Princetown
Fairly large pub in the middle of Princetown that seemed to cater well for walkers, cyclicts and other tourists, who were all there in reasonable numbers chatting about their exploits that day. 4 ales were being served last Saturday - Dartmoor IPA & Jail Ale, St Austell Tribute & Milk Street Funky Monkey. The Funky Monkey was quite up my street. Healeys Cornish Rattler was the keg cider.
13 Jan 2012 19:55
The Church House Inn, Ashburton
We managed to creep into this village pub just as they were about to close for the afternoon. We were followed in by another couple. So hopefully it was worth their while staying open. It's a lovely little pub in what looked like a pleasant little hamlet where very little happens. In fact, it appeared that the highlight of the afternoon was the commotion caused as the local tractor couldn't get past the parked cars. Landlord and landlady were friendly. They had 2 ales on - Dartmoor IPA & Teignworthy Gun Dog. The keg cider was Luscombe Organic. Nice pub.
13 Jan 2012 19:50
The Dartmoor Lodge Hotel, Ashburton
This was the second stop on our Dartmoor crawl and despite having the feeling of a country club, it stocked a good range of ales plus Ashton Still cider. Beers on were Butcombe Bitter & Christmas Steps, Dartmoor Jail Ale, Exeter Falls Over & Avocet Ale. There were only 2 other customers on our visit and more staff who kept appearing from the woodwork when you didn't want them, whilst disappearing when you did. A strange drinking environment with a good choice of ales.
13 Jan 2012 19:44
Pleasant small town pub on the edge of Dartmoor with a couple of ales and a cider. Dartmoor IPA & Bays 2012 plus Ashridge Cider from the fridge were on offer during our visit last weekend. The interior has fairly low beams and continues back a little further than it appears at first glance. The locals seemed fairly keen on watching horse racing. Parking is difficult in the narrow streets of this town. But this is well worth a visit if you ever find yourself here and is also worth the detour off the main road (A30?).
13 Jan 2012 19:36
Visited here yesterday for a swift half. I'd forgotten I'd been here several years back. It's now an Ember Inns pub and was a little bit too crowded and rowdy for my liking. Several of the customers had clearly been there for a while and were the worst for wares. The bar staff were also struggling to cope with glasses mounting up on all tables. 4 ales were on - Wadworth Bishops Tipple, Ichen Valley Treacle Stout, Thornbridge Pica Pica & Fullers London Pride. Enjoyed watching one of the aforementioned customers depart on his foldaway bicycle and zig-zagging the wrong way down the one-way street outside.
7 Jan 2012 09:45
Went into Runcorn town centre for the first time ever yesterday and visited this fairly modern Wetherspoons branch. I believe there were at least 10 handpulls. But only 5 ales were on, with a few 'available soon'. Alongside the Ruddles Best & Abbot staples, there were two beers from Peerless - Triple Blond & Hilbre Gold, plus Thwaites Wainwright. The cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon and there was also a perry - Mr Whiteheads Festival Special. The polished modern floor gives it a smart appearance, but it was actually a little sticky on the feet. There didn't seem too many other decent pubs in Runcorn. So this is probably not a bad option.
5 Jan 2012 22:03
I was last here a few years back and paid a return visit yesterday. 8 ales were on - Weetwood Best, Derwent Golden Oats Bitter & Doctors Dilemma, Liverpool Organic Happy New Year, Black Hole No Escape, Ossett Silver King, Offbeat Out of Step IPA & Burscough Sutler's IPA. The latter was replaced with Merlin's Dragon Slayer whilst we were there. They also have a real cider - Broadoak KB was on. Although I'm sure I remember they had more ciders last time. It was the best I tried in Frodsham last time I was here and on yesterday's experience I'd hazard a guess that it still is.
5 Jan 2012 21:59
This Wetherspoons is easily the best Ickenham has to offer and this week was our third visit here. The interior is typical of Wetherspoons with an open-plan, a few fruit machines and TVs on mute. It was fairly busy. Beers on were Weltons Old Cocky, Wharfbank Slingers Gold, Greene King Ruddles Best & Abbot, Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted, Itchen Valley Pure Gold, Exmoor Beast & Moorhouses Pendle Witches Brew. The cider was Westons Vintage Organic. Worth a visit if you ever find yourself here.
5 Jan 2012 21:54
The Coach and Horses, Ickenham
Had a quick visit here on a week night and found a busy pub with a quiz night taking place plus plenty of diners. Ales on were Youngs Ordinary, Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Sharps Doom Bar & Timothy Taylor Landlord. It's a large pub, but typical of a chain pub and not really my cup of tea. The Old Fox is nearby and more of a typical local. Otherwise you also have the Wetherspoons across the road, where we headed to next.
5 Jan 2012 21:51
After a brief stop in the nearby Victoria, our penultimate pub in Chesterfield was the Peacock. This is another fine Chesterfield pub with friendly locals and staff that were eager to involve us in conversation, something that really is the sign of a good pub. The ale range was fairly limited. But I guess this merely encourages better turnover of the beers and judging by the conversation, they do seem to have plenty of variety. During our visit, they had Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Flying Scotsman, Black Sheep Golden Sheep & Barlow Black. Both of the 2 rooms are fairly small and cosy. Sadly, the last pub we visited (Barrack Hotel at Apperknowle) is not listed on here, but was equally friendly.
5 Jan 2012 21:47
The Rose and Crown, Chesterfield
Another good Chesterfield pub in the Brampton area of the town, dispensing local Brampton Ales plus guests. Brampton beers on were Stout, Best, Golden Bud & Wasp Nest. Guests were Abbeydale Brainstorm, Everards Tiger, North Yorkshire Love Muscle & Robinsons Old Tom. Westons Old Rosie & Bounds Scrumpy were on for lovers of the apple. I went for the Brampton Stout and it was my beer of the day. The bar staff were friendly and knowledgeable and the customers had a similar disposition. It's a definite 8/10 from me. My only criticism was that the main bar/lounge area didn't quite feel as atmospheric as many other pub. A wall separating the bar area from the seating area doesn't help. However the small snug looked very cosy. Definitely worth the trek out of town here.
5 Jan 2012 21:41
Two bar urban local on the outskirts of Chesterfield. The bar had a pool table and TV and seemed quite noisy. We sat in the lounge, which was a little more comfortable. 5 ales were on - Stones Bitter, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Batemans Rosey Nosey, Thornbridge Jaipur & Brampton Golden Bud. I wasn't particularly impressed. But the pub was a slight improvement on the Grouse a little further up Chatsworth Road.
5 Jan 2012 21:35
Chesterfield Arms, Chesterfield
This was our pub of the day on our visit to Chesterfield. It has a fine choice of real ales and ciders. The interior is quite pleasant with wood panelling, wooden floors, hops over the bar and various animal heads mounted on the walls. A log fire wasn't giving off too much heat, whilst a games table was set up near the entrance for the "Ches Vegas Casino". Beers on were Fullers London Pride, Leatherbritches CAD, Bounder & Scoundrel, Everards Tiger, Adnams Old Ale, Dancing Duck 22, Whim Hartington Bitter, Kelham Island Pale Rider, Arbor Bullion & Funfair Christmas Cake Walk. Ciders were Ross-on-Wye Scallywag, Moles Black Rat, Westons 1st Quality & Old Rosie and they also have Mr Whiteheads Newtons Discovery Perry. This is a very good pub and I don't often award 9 or 10 out of 10. But I do score this one 9. We also tried the Industry next door, which was smaller and had a poorer range of bog standard ales.
5 Jan 2012 21:28
The Derby Tup, Whittington Moor
This pub is situated right next to Chesterfield's new football stadium and is situated not too far up the Sheffield Road from our first pub The Red Lion. The Derby Tup had a far better ale selection than the Red Lion, but we did not feel that the welcome was as friendly. Having arrived shortly after kick off on a bank holiday Monday, the pub had emptied and there was only one other customer. Beers on were Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Preservation & Screech Owl, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Caledonian Autumn Red, Abbeydale Chocs Away, Kelham Island Easy Rider, Batemans XB & Rosey Nosey & Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild. Westons Old Rosie was the cider. The interior is traditional and there is much to admire. Definitely worth a return visit if I'm ever in Chesterfield again.
5 Jan 2012 21:18
Was in here around 11am yesterday and the pub was a little busier than I anticipated. But there were still a couple of tables available. For once, not all of the handpulls were clipped and the electronic screen wasn't on, but the barstaff still expected you to order by number which involved counting the handpulls! One cider went just as we arrived and was not replaced, leaving only the Bennetts Hill Blend and Westons Country Perry to choose from. Beers on were Oakham Citra, Black Country BFG, Purity Gold & Mad Goose, Cottage Mini Cooper, Teme Valley T'Other, Everards Tiger, Orkney Skull Splitter, Morgans Black Sabeth, Falstaff George Bailey, Moles Mole Lang Syne, Warwickshire Churchyard Bob, Silhill 3.7% & Wye Valley HPA. I'm not sure if it was still a hangover from New Year's Eve (the pub not me), but I was not quite as impressed as I normally am when visiting here. In fact, the nearby Post Office Vaults proved to be a better choice later in the day. I'm not sure if the pub is affiliated with the Wellington, as it's advertised in the Wellington's toilets. But with 8 ales and 7 ciders, it's as good as if not a better alternative.
2 Jan 2012 10:46
Still a great pub. Has recently had a minor refurbishment. But the character is unchanged. There's generally around 7 ales on, served by gravity. Today the selection was Dunscar Bridge Wicket Keeper, Big River Big Red, Brown Cow Smithson Ale, Oakham JHB, Bird Brain Chocolate Penguin, Plain Ales Sheep Dip & Mighty Oak Two Hoots. There's usually also a couple of real ciders and a perry. Today was Mays Medium Sweet, Carey Organic Medium & Butford Farm Perry. The garden is nice in the summer and hosts beer festivals on bank holiday weekends. The lounge is very cosy in the winter with a log fire generally burning. The locals are a friendly bunch.
31 Dec 2011 19:48
It was very quiet in here last night when I visited. Only 3 ales were on - Cottage Christmas Cracker, Wadworth Henry's IPA & Sharps Abbey Christmas. There was no real cider. The bar itself still is small, but has mirrors to try to make it look bigger. There was nothing that tempted me to linger too long. Loved the guy up the corner's hat with a bird on it.
29 Dec 2011 22:59
The Magpie and Crown, Brentford
Spent a fairly pleasant hour or two in here trying the cider, perry and a couple of beers last night. The selection always appears to be fairly decent for both ales and ciders. Yesterday's offering was Moor Old Freddy Walker, Twickenham Grandstand Bitter, Windsor & Eton Irish Conqueror, Marble Best & Lagonda No. 6 & Downton Baltic Red, plus Ross-on-Wye Farmhouse Perry & Gwatkin Silly Ewe. I'm upgrading my rating to a 9, which is extremely generous for me.
29 Dec 2011 22:56
The Ealing Park Tavern, South Ealing
I seem to remember coming here around 15 years ago. Last night I returned but wasn't overly impressed. There were a fair few drinkers. But you could tell that the focus is still on food. 3 basic ales were on - Batemans Rosey Nosey, Courage Best & Sharps Doom Bar. The drinking environment is quite pleasant, with large windows, wood panelling with paintings and wooden floors. Ok, but nothing special.
29 Dec 2011 22:51
Have been meaning to come here for a while. I finally paid a fleeting visit this Tuesday afternoon. Whilst Deptford is not a particularly inspiring area, I found the Dog and Bell to be a relatively friendly establishment. 5 ales were on - Fullers London Pride & ESB, Tring Shepherd's Delight, Triple fff Alton's Pride & Plain Ales Lords-a-Leapin'. Sadly there are no real ciders. Stowford Press is the alternative. Would visit again if ever in the area.
29 Dec 2011 22:47
The Ship and Whale, Rotherhithe
Shepherd Neame pub not far away from the banks of the Thames. Spitfire & Kent's Best were the only 2 ales on my Tuesday afternoon visit. Prices were quite steep. The interior is large and open planned with candles on each table. The staff were friendly enough, but there were very few customers. Found nothing particularly special about this place, but it was handy for a quick pit stop whilst walking along the river.
29 Dec 2011 22:43
The Travellers Rest was our last pub and our favourite of our day in Cheshire. After so many of the pubs we visited focussing on food, it was a great relief to find only the 3rd pub out of the 10 to focus on beer. This roadside pub is a gem, with a moreorless untouched and a friendly welcome. The opening times are a little restricted. But if you can get to visit, you're sure to be rewarded with engaging conversation with either the owners or other customers. There were no other customers on our visit. But the owner was extremely friendly and chatty. There are 4 rooms. The 2 we saw were both very small. There is no music, TVs or games machines, just a simple and relaxed drinking environment. As John Bonser says, the toilets are outside (both ladies and gents). They're certainly rudimentary, but add to the charm. Two of the three handpulls were clipped on our visit with Tetleys and Weetwood Eastgate Ale. Pubs like this are a rarety these days. Long may they continue, as they offer a valuable insight into how pubs used to be and how I believe they should be. Worth a visit, if you ever find yourself on the A51 or anywhere nearby.
26 Dec 2011 18:02
Following visits to the re-opened Yew Tree at Spurstow and the Nag's Head in Bunbury (neither listed on the site), we arrived at the Dysart Arms to find an extremely busy car park, with a pub that was less than full. This is another Brunning & Price pub that is situated overlooking the beautiful village church. The reason the car park was so full became apparent when the local hoy polloy and their young charges came flooding out of the church after a Christmas service. The pub suddenly became swamped with out of control children, along with a few more well behaved ones. I don't mind the latter, but having kids run amok when there are people eating and drinking is never a good idea. The pheasant I was enjoying suddenly didn't quite taste as good. Beer wise, they had Brunning & Price Original, Weetwood Best, York Guzzler, Youngs Christmas Gold & Batemans Miss Lapland. I can't blame pubcos for diversifying into the food and family market with the government's continued tax on alcohol. In many instances, this is the only way many pubs can survive. But perversely, the government's efforts are making some pubs a little like playgrounds and encouraging children to feel at home in a pub environment. I doubt this was their desired effect when taxing alcohol. Nevertheless, this is a good pub in a lovely village. The emphasis is definitely on food. But you won't feel out of place if you do want to go in just to drink. For a more traditional pub, try the Nag's Head up the road. For a meal, come here.
26 Dec 2011 17:54
This pub has a beautiful location overlooking Cheshire and Wales. But unfortunately its reputation precedes it and the place was immensely popular with diners during our Christmas Eve visit. In fact, the only tables available were outside. So we had a brief visit, braving the cold for a while, whilst admiring the wonderful views. Inside there were plenty of tables, but all were taken with people enjoying food. Three Weetwood beers were on - Best Bitter, Eastgate Ale & Old Dog. Cider was Kingstone Press. The sort of place I wouldn't mind returning to on a quiet midweek evening or daytime, but too crowded to enjoy on our visit.
26 Dec 2011 17:41
The Calveley Arms is more of a restaurant than a pub with all tables set out for dining. We had to wait for one of the waiters to become free before getting served. Two real ales were on - Wells Bombardier & Brains Firking Good. The pub is set in a lovely old building and the interior looked very festive with its Christmas decorations. However, we didn't stay long as we felt we were intruding on other peoples' lunches.
26 Dec 2011 17:36
This pub enjoys a nice rural location on a crossroads in a small village. 3 ales were on - Tetleys, Moorhouses Pride of Pendle & St Austell Tribute. Stowford Press was the cider. The tiled bar area is split into two sections, whilst around the corner, there is a more comfortable lounge with tables for diners. Seemed to be a popular place for locals and horseriders.
26 Dec 2011 14:44
This is a much more traditional pub than the Farndon Arms up the road, with a far more down to earth feel. However similar to the Farndon Arms, it was very quiet with only one other customer on Christmas Eve lunchtime. Three bog standard ales were on - Timothy Taylor Landlord, Courage Best & Everards Tiger. But luckily for me, they did have a real cider on - Westons Old Rosie. This was the only real cider I found in all 10 Cheshire pubs we sampled. From the front door, you can see the old bridge over the River Dee which crosses into Wales. The Nags Head opposite the Farndon Arms was still closed. So the Greyhound appeared to be the best pub in the village.
26 Dec 2011 14:39
Probably the worst pub we tried on our Christmas Eve visit to Cheshire. The Farndon Arms is more of a funky restaurant than a pub, with gaudy furnishings and walls painted brown, purple and cream. They did have 3 ales on - Woodlands Light Oak, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Theakston Old Peculier. There was nobody else in on our lunchtime visit, meaning there was very little atmosphere. The staff did appear fairly friendly. But not a place I would particularly recommend.
26 Dec 2011 14:32
The Grosvenor Arms Aldford, Aldford
I quite like the Brunning & Price chain of pubs. They normally have a few decent ales on and some branches have a cider. On Christmas Eve, the selection was Moorhouses Broomstick Bitter, Titanic Steerage, Brunning & Price Original Bitter, Weetwood Eastgate Ale, Hopping Mad Hopping Mad Hopknotch & Roosters Black Math. The best cider offering was Aspalls. The one downside of these pubs is the focus on food. A couple of friendly locals sat at the bar concentrating on the ales, whilst the rest of the large building was given over to diners, with a slightly ageing clientele. Still a relatively good choice if you're in the area.
26 Dec 2011 14:25
This pub appears to have gone downhill in recent times. If you like your music loud, you'll probably enjoy an evening here. Last time I was here, I visited on a weekend evening when a band was playing. In the meantime, I heard reports of the pub stocking a good range of ales and ciders. However our visit last night revealed that all of the ciders have gone and the ale selection is nothing special. Hobgoblin, Landlord, Bombardier and Dark Island were supposed to be the beers on offer. We plumped for the latter but found a dark red beer - perhaps Red MacGregor - instead. This pub still has a fine view over the Mersey to Liverpool and is worth visiting for that alone. However, I doubt I'll be back in the near future. We supped up quickly and headed to Gallaghers!
22 Dec 2011 17:37
Am happy to reveal that the cider pump was very much in existence on our visit last night. However sadly the lines were being cleaned, meaning the Westons Traditional Scrumpy was off. Ales were Liverpool Organic Cascade, Thwaites Wainwright, Blakemere Bobby Dazzler, Brimstage Rhode Island Red and the house beer (I believe from Phoenix) Cock & Pullet Golden Ale. Not a bad pub and sounds like a big improvement on its days as the Royal. But I left feeling a little disappointed.
22 Dec 2011 17:30
Tried to visit this place several years ago when it was the Dispensary, but couldn't as it was closed (as it always seemed to be). Now it is Gallaghers, I finally took my opportunity to pay it a visit. This is a welcome addition to the Wirral drinking scene and offers a good selection of real ales plus a cider. Yesterday, the range was Phoenix Arizona, Moorhouse Pendle Witches Brew, Hawkshead Brodies Pride & Cumbrian Five Hop & Brimstage Trappers Hat. The real cider was Newtons Yarlington Mill. Tried both the cider and the Brodies Pride. The Cumbrian Five Hop was sampled by others and was extremely hoppy. You can buy a sampler selection of 3 of your chosen ales or ciders also. The interior is quite pleasant. It is long and narrow and has plenty of items on the walls to peruse. The barbers shop is at the rear and seemed to be doing a good business. I will certainly be returning here next time I'm in Birkenhead.
18 Dec 2011 13:59
I remember being reasonably impressed last time I came here. The exterior and interior are both fairly impressive. But it seems the ale range has gone downhill a little since then and it was fairly quiet on our visit. Although the pub hadn't long opened. Northern Soul Rider, Hook Norton Hooky Bitter, Cottage Vixen & Blakemere Bronze were the 4 ales on. The barmaid was having a mobile phone conversation for most of the time we were there and was commenting how she was surprised to see any customers (4 of us at the time), as she didn't normally get any until at least 2pm. In relation to the previous review, I suppose you could describe her as buxom. But strictly from a personal point of view, I would only advise coming here to admire the architecture en route to the better beer and barmaid selection in Gallaghers!
18 Dec 2011 13:46
Was in here yesterday morning, as we waited for Gallaghers to open. It was my second visit and I can't say it has improved greatly. It's a fairly standard Wetherspoons with a range of mainly Christmas Ales - Batemans Rosey Nosey, Mauldons Bah Humbug, Greene King IPA & Abbot, Phoenix Black Bee, Robinsons Mr Scrooge, Caledonian Santa's Little Helper & Peerless In the Balance. Cider was Westons Old Rosie. However, be careful when ordering Old Rosie as you may well end up with Rosey Nosey which was practically undrinkable. We also had the misfortune to try a breakfast. It's fairly difficult to go wrong with a full English breakfast, but this place certainly managed it!
18 Dec 2011 13:41
It's been a number of years since I was last in here. But I popped in for a quick half on Thursday evening this week. Some of my fellow work colleagues were here and they were part of seemingly three or four Christmas parties going on. 2 ales were on. Sadly I was too inebriated to remember what they were. Although I believe one was London Pride. The cider was Aspalls and was �3.90 per pint which I considered fairly reasonable for this area. Although others were complaining about the high prices. The atmosphere was very noisy and it was impossible to engage in a sensible conversation. Getting served was extremely challenging, but not because of the lack of bar staff, rather because of the crowds of people hogging the bar area. Prices are expensive and apparently they stopped serving at 11pm sharp, when the place was still packed out. Luckily I'd left shortly before then. But I suspect by closing dead on 11pm, they are losing out in the financial stakes, especially at this time of year when office parties are the norm. A reasonable enough pub. But there is nothing outstanding about it.
18 Dec 2011 13:36
Unfortunately, we always seem to end up having our work Christmas do in Richmond. Last year this place was called the Bull and we popped in for a while. It was nothing special then. This year it is now imaginatively called One Kew Road and we ended up having lunch here and then spending the rest of the evening here. During the day, it's primarily an eating place. But during the evening, it gets much busier with office workers in suits flooding in. Didn't think much of the attitude of the bar manager. Although some of the other staff were pleasant. 2 ales were on - Ubu & Pride. Aspalls is the cider. Not a place I would return to unless I'm coerced. I wonder what it will be called this time next year.
18 Dec 2011 13:30
The Albert Tavern, South Norwood
Not sure when this place re-opened, but it was certainly open on Tuesday evening. South Norwood appeared to be a slightly edgy area. The pub itself is in a residential area and seemed a relative haven from the rest of South Norwood. Neverthless, it was nothing special with only Greene King beers on and a fairly bland modernised interior. Greene King IPA & Hardy & Hansons Rocking Rudolph were the 2 ales on offer, with a Ruddles best clip turned around and a fourth handpull unused. Doubt I would come back even if I was unlucky enough to be in the area again.
18 Dec 2011 13:21
I for one will be sorry to see the Wenlock go if it is indeed demolished. The pub stood out as an inspiration for others to follow for many years. But I sadly agree that the Wenlock has been going downhill for a few years now, with no investment. A bit more cleanliness wouldn't go amiss. But this is still a good down-to-earth boozer with a decent selection of real ales and a cider. Last night was my first visit for a couple of years. But a lot of the old regulars were still there and I'm glad to report that there were women in there too (in response to the previous comment that there are none). One French lady had clearly over-indulged and was fast asleep on her bar stool. Luckily she had a back rest. Beers on last night were Sadlers Red House, Windsor & Eton Conqueror 1075, Butts Blackguard Porter, Pitfield Ginger Beer, Twickenham Naked Ladies, Mighty Oak Reliant Robin & Darkstar Hophead. As usual, the cider was Thatchers Cheddar Valley. As with the Oakdale, it will be a sad day when this place shuts its doors for good.
11 Dec 2011 16:45
Corner pub with a modern feel and a reasonable selection of ales - Hogsback Tea, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Shepherd Neame Spitfire & Franklins Santa's Nuts. They also have a real cider - Westons Old Rosie. Rugby was showing on the TV and some of the tables next to the TV were reserved apparently for viewers of the X Factor! The Santa's Nuts was decent enough and the Baring proved a good stop en route to the Howl at the Moon (not listed on here, but a nice bar on Hoxton Street also serving 4 ales and a couple of real ciders) and the Wenlock.
11 Dec 2011 16:31
The Argyll Arms, Oxford Circus
It's been a good few years since I was here last. On entering last night, the range of beers looked fairly good. There were 4 or 5 immediately in front of me and I inquired as to whether there were any others. There seemed to be a communication problem with the Polish barman, but I did understand the word 'Tribute'. Instead I opted for the Box Steam Tunnel Vision, which was followed by a mumbled response from the barman. It turned out that the Tunnel Vision had just gone off and I ended up with just short of a pint, that had been sat on the drip tray. In fairness, I was offered the drink for the price of a half. It turned out that all but two of the real ales were off, despite all the pumpclips still showing. SA Gold and Tribute were all they had left. 2 out of the 4 lagers were also off! To top it all, we overheard the bar manager giving a member of his team a ticking off for offering to get some beers on. The response was that when in the cellar, you're not taking any money! This money-grabbing ploy should work for the one-off tourist visitors who will buy a pint regardless, but won't wash with me. It's a shame that a Nicholsons pub is run this way, when they have pubs elsewhere that offer a great range of beers, e.g. The Falcon in Clapham. This is one of the finest pub interiors in London, but is not fulfilling its potential. Its location and beautiful architecture will continue to draw in the crowds, without any effort required by its staff. But it's likely to be a good few years before I'll return to give it another go.
8 Dec 2011 22:25
The best of 3 pubs we tried in the Soho area last night. Nellie Dean's was fairly busy. It is a single bar pub with a few tables and little standing room. 5 real ales were on - Fullers London Pride, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Meantime London Pale Ale, Sambrooks Wandle & Jennings The World Biggest Liar. I sampled the Jennings brew, which was quite enjoyable. Football was showing on the TV and music was being played. Agree with the remarks about the Gents. But it seems many of Soho's pub have similar problems with their toilets due to lack of space. I probably will return here. Although I do prefer the Dog and Duck.
8 Dec 2011 22:13
Pretty bog standard London boozer. It has a little bit of character, but is otherwise unremarkable. The 3 bar staff seemed pretty disinterested in serving and it was difficult to get their attention with people drinking at the bar. I was also short-changed by 3p off the quote price. But it wasn't worth the effort arguing. Fullers London Pride, Sharps Doom Bar & Solebay Brewdolph were the 3 ales on offer. The latter was dull and lifeless. Not particularly impressed.
8 Dec 2011 22:06
The Fly in the Loaf, Liverpool
I was surprised to see that it's been nearly 3 years since I last reviewed this pub. So Sunday may have been my first visit for that samel length of time. I've still to be won over by this pub. Yes, there is a good range of real ales. But these are surpassed in other Liverpool pubs. The lack of a real cider is always a letdown for me. But then these days, I'm just as at home drinking ales. But the atmosphere is for me somewhat lacking and the trek to the toilets is still a little annoying. Beers on yesterday were Liverpool Organic 24 Carat Gold, Dorset Piddle Thunder Box Porter, Maypole Little Weed, Cains Biiter, Lancaster Black, Lancaster Red & Fullers London Pride. Still a 7/10 for me. But I still find it overrated for what it is.
5 Dec 2011 19:59
Yesterday was my first visit to Bier. 5 cask ales were on - Ringwood Boondoggle, Moorhouses Pride of Pendle, Taylor Landlord, Greene King Abbot Ale & Roosters Yankee. Cider was Addlestones. There is a good bottled beer selection. I found the interior a little cold. The tiling may appeal to some. But it did make the place feel a little more like a butchers than a pub. I can now at least say I've tried it. But after a swift half, I returned to the Dispensary.
5 Dec 2011 19:53
Hadn't been in here for nearly 2 years until yesterday. We were the first to arrive on a Sunday lunchtime. I see nothing to change my recent positive review and rating. Service was find and the range of cask ales was good - Allgates Caskablanca, Cotswold Spring Stunner, Salamander Golden Salamander, Titanic Cappuccino, Cains Bitter & George Wright Mark's Mild. The Cappuccino was wonderful. Addlestones is still the only real cider and served flat, unlike the newly-opened and nearby Bier, which adds gas. Still a place to visit on any decent pub crawl of Liverpool.
5 Dec 2011 19:49
Very quiet in here late this afternoon. Only 4 other customers. 3 ales were on - Beer Rocks Ltd Scary, Bowman Swift One & Sharps Doom Bar. The two Millwhites ciders were Winter Spiced & Rum Matured. The barman/landlord was keen to know how I found the Winter Spiced cider. I'm not a great fan of Millwhites cider, as they go. But at least this pub serves a real cider. So all credit for that.
3 Dec 2011 20:46
Robinsons pub with 7 of their beers on - Elbow, Dark Hatters, Old Tom, Hartleys Cumbria Way, Dizzy Blonde, Unicorn & Black Beauty. Cider was Westons Traditional Scrumpy. Old Tom Ginger & Old Tom Chocolate were also available in bottles. The interior is traditional, but a bit too gloomy for my liking. May be back one day.
27 Nov 2011 13:39
Was not particularly impressed with this place. Two handpulls were sitting unclipped at the end of the bar, with no real ale or cider. Whilst the bottle selection was slightly more adventurous, this is more of an club-type place and is fairly dark inside. The opening times reflect this, with it only being open during evenings during the week and from 2pm on a Saturday. Poor.
27 Nov 2011 13:35
The Angel always makes a good stopping off point if you're drinking in this area. Yesterday, it was fairly busy. Beers on were Liverpool Craft Beer ICO, Bob's White Lion, Pictish Delta, Brewdog Trashy Blonde, Hawkshead NZPA, Exeter Darkness, Bollington Bollington Nights & Coastal Erosion. The cider was as usual from Hecks. I believe it was the Farmhouse. Good pub.
27 Nov 2011 13:30
This was our first port of call yesterday, with so many other Northern Quarter pubs and bars still closed. This was one of a very small number that were open late morning. The pub has quite a traditional, cosy interior. Service was also very friendly. However, JW Lees Bitter was the only cask ale choice. So most of us contented ourselves with halves before places with a better selection were to open.
27 Nov 2011 13:23
This bar looks more of a shop or cafe from the outside, but we were glad to find it open yesterday morning, when so many other bars and pubs in the Northern Quarter were still closed. Sadly when we wanted to get served , we were told that they didn't serve alcohol until midday and we'd have to wait 15 minutes. In a thirsty state, we made a swift exit. Marble Draft #6 and Darkstar Hophead were the 2 real ales, with the cider being Stowford Press. 1/10 for the promise of beer. I'll review this rating when I can finally get served here.
27 Nov 2011 13:21
The Fox and Pheasant, West Drayton
It's probably for the best that this pub has now closed and has been boarded up. It looked promising from the outside, but inside was another story.
27 Nov 2011 13:12
The George and Dragon, Yiewsley
After my last visit over 3 years ago, I vowed never to return to what is actually the nearest pub to my house. In need of refreshment, I did venture in here on Friday evening. To my surprise, I was actually served within a few minutes. The place was fairly busy. But it was noisy too, with music being played at an excessive volume. TVs were on and a card school was in full flow. 3 Greene King ales were on - IPA, Old Speckled Hen & Ruddles Best. Probably now the best bar in the West Drayon/Yiewsley area. I will up my rating to 4/10 and it may not be 3 years until my next visit.
27 Nov 2011 13:10
The De Burgh Arms, West Drayton
The De Burgh just keeps going downhill. I'm sure the questionable clientele is mostly to blame. No ales were on at all on our Friday evening visit. Even the Addlestones cider has now been replaced by some fizzy rubbish, which was off! We may have stopped, had the barman been less interested in talking to his mates. He only noticed us after we had had time to reflect on the poor range of drinks and were heading to the door! With the station nextdoor, this place could be so much better.
27 Nov 2011 13:07
I'm still surprised by the lack of reviews this place gets. It was much more busy than my previous visit nearly 2 years ago. So maybe it is becoming more well known. Situated not far from the Euston Tap and the Bree Louise, it's certainly worth a try if you're in the area. The beer range has also improved since my first visit. Purity Ubum Acorn Sorachi Ace IPA, Oakleaf IPA, Itchen Valley Godfathers & Sharps Doom Bar were all on. Alas, the Addlestones and Old Rosie ciders were no longer present. Aspalls is the next best offering.
27 Nov 2011 13:03
Metropolitan Bar, Baker Street
You can always rely on the Metropolitan for a good selection of beers in a very convenient location. I haven't been in here for a few years. But I was glad we stopped by on Thursday evening. Beers on were Courage Best, Adnams Explorer, Greene King IPA & Abbot, Theakston Old Peculier, Box Steam Christmas Box, Hook Norton Twelve Days, Shepherd Neame Bishop's FInger, Wells Bombardier & Loddon Russet. 3 ciders were also available - Westons Marcle Hill & Old Rosie and Mr Whiteheads Strawberry Cider. The drinking environment is pleasant and the high ceilinged interior helps create a feeling of grandeur. Despite being extremely popular, there's generally seating to be had. Service is also good. One of the more reliable Wetherspoons.
27 Nov 2011 12:57
The Perseverance, Lisson Grove
I first tried to visit here a few years ago on a Saturday lunchtime. But for some reason, it was closed. I persevered (no pun intended) and finally found it open on a Thursday evening. It was fairly busy outside with smokers and their drinking companions. Inside was a bit quieter. The interior did feel a bit cold and unwelcoming. Although service was quick and friendly. Judging by the pumpclips, two beers appeared to be on - Doom Bar & Cumberland Ale. Although the latter was actually off. Cider was Stowford Press. It's been on my list of pubs to try for ages. But I doubt I'll be back.
27 Nov 2011 12:51
2 roomed pub, with one room opening up to a conservatory. Some rather well oiled locals were populating one bar, whilst the quieter bar with conservatory had a more serene clientele. Beers were Greene King IPA, Adnams Broadside, Woodfordes Wherry & Lancaster Amber. Food seemed good value. I'm reliably informed that if you try the lady's toilets, the open cistern will give you an unexpected shower. Not the finest pub of our Cambridgeshire trip.
21 Nov 2011 20:46
Our penultimate pub of 10 for the day in Cambridgeshire and this one was the best. There are 2 bars. One is more of a public bar and has a large bottle selection, whilst the more comfortable lounge has the real ale selection on handpulls. Batemans XB, Oakham Bishops Farewell, Stonehenge Pigswill, Tring Blonde, Mighty Oak Oscar Wilde Mild, Humpty Dumpty Nord Atlantic & Theakston Old Peculier were the beers. Westons Country Perry and Pickled Pig New Season Porker were the real perry and cider. Assorted breweriana lines the walls of the lounge and there is a staggering array of pumpclips on the ceiling. Wasn't too taken with the rather rotund fellow sat at the corner of the bar, who was muttering away about us after the barman got our drinks order wrong. My European language skills may not be wonderful. But Rosso generally refers to a red drink and Bianco would generally refer to a white drink (it wasn't me on the Martini!), but this guy was not having any of it. In all fairness, the barman exchanged the drink without any complaint. Other customers seemed fine. A very good pub. But every pub always has one!
21 Nov 2011 20:43
Old thatched country pub with a modernised interior, that has not been completely spoiled. Only a handful of locals were present, including the landlord. Broadside, Wherry & Spitfire were the beers, whilst Aspalls was the cider of choice.
21 Nov 2011 20:33
Another friendly rural locals pub. Whilst it is a Greene King pub, they do appear to have guests from other breweries. I sampled the Elgoods Black Dog, which was fetched from the cellar. Greene King IPA & Abbot were also on. The bar area is very traditional and has a nice tiled floor and a large real fireplace. To the side is a games area with a TV and I believe I saw a pool table. Nice pub, with friendly staff and customers.
21 Nov 2011 20:31
Good rural pub where the emphasis is on food. The larger room is the dining room, whilst a smaller room with a separate entrance is for drinkers only. We chose to eat here. Fish and sausages are a speciality. Whilst the food was good, the beer and cider selection is better. Oldershaw Autumn Gold, Brewsters Hophead, Great Oakley Wagtail & Great Oakley Welland Valley Mild were on, with the locally made Cromwells Olivers Choice being the only real cider. Cromwells is produced locally and is possibly my favourite cider. So I'm happy to recommend this pub!
21 Nov 2011 20:26
Probably the nicest of the pubs we have tried in Huntingdon, the Victoria is located in a quiet residential square that feels more like a village green than a built-up area near a town centre. Tribute, Doom Bar & Pride were the ales on offer. The locals seemed like a friendly bunch. The landlord had a rather fetching Guinness waistcoat. Loud music was being played with live football on silent on the TV. A second bar was showing the football with sound.
21 Nov 2011 20:20
Community pub in a small village not too far from Huntingdon. The pub was busy with some kind of charity event going on. Thai food was being offered to the partakers of the event, who were quite rowdy. We didn't feel quite at home, as we felt like we'd gatecrashed a private party. Beers were Adnams Southwold Bitter, Everards Tiger, McMullens AK & Greene King Abbot. 2 Westons ciders - 1st Quality & Old Rosie were on alongside their Country Perry. Looked as if it could be a nice pub when there is no function on.
21 Nov 2011 20:14
Liverpool One Bridewell, Liverpool
Yesterday was my first visit to the Bridewell and I was reasonably impressed. As previous reviews have noted, it doesn't feel much like a pub, with the cells effectively cutting you off from other people. I was also a little disappointed that there were no Liverpool One beers on. Oakham JHB, Black Sheep Best, Darkstar Hophead & Major Cornpone's Ale Emporium Sir Garfield's Gold were the beers, with Westons Old Rosie also on. Certainly a place I will give another try.
20 Nov 2011 11:55
Was in here again yesterday. Whilst it seemed much quieter than usual, there were still 5 Wapping ales on plus their cider. Service was fine. Beers on were Blonde, Stout, Bitter, Custom House & Summer Ale. Their cider is called Malvern Magic. I was surprised to see it on during the winter. Still a fairly decent boozer.
20 Nov 2011 11:48
Cafe-bar type of establishment with a decent selection of draught beers and plenty of bottled options too. The place seemed to be undergoing some sort of renovation, unless the rather unkempt state is a permanent feature. Service was a little surly. But the stout I tried was one of the best beers I sampled in Copenhagen. Only the Mikkeller bar trumped it. Note the bar does not open on Sundays or Mondays.
17 Nov 2011 19:52
The only pub we could find open on a Sunday evening, of those I wanted to try in Copenhagen. This is a fairly characterful establishment just off the main shopping drag of Stroget. The beers are mainly British - Fullers ESB, Theakston Old Peculier & Double Cross IPA, Worthington E and Thornbridge St Petersburg. Cider was Westons Old Rosie. Recommended if you're missing your English beers or cider.
17 Nov 2011 19:49
One of 12 pubs we sampled in Copenhagen over the past few days, we found the Brewpub one of the least impressive. Focus is on their own beers. They did also have a cider, which was a very sweet strawberry drink. My better half sampled a non-alcoholic lime and mint drink that was pretty awful. Food appears to be the focus here. Although some punters were trying the samplers. A reasonable pub but not the best. I second the previous reviewer's recommendation of Den Tatoverde Enke.
17 Nov 2011 19:44
Fitzgeralds Newcastle, Newcastle
Not a bad little pub on one of Newcastle's main streets. The interior is quite ornate, but also a little worn in places especially the carpet. 4 ales were on - Fyne Avalanche, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Mordue IPA & Jarrow Rivet Catcher. Westons Country Perry was also available. The pub was strangely quiet, given it was a Newcastle match day. Bacchus is just around the corner and was far busier.
6 Nov 2011 12:43
I'm amazed I've never been here before. But I believe last night was my first ever visit. As usual, the West End was very lively and this small pub was no exception. A better than expected range of ales was being dispensed - Keltec King, Sharps Doom Bar, Adnams Ghost Ship, Woodfordes Wherry, Fullers London Pride & Brentwood Spooky Moon. Cider was Aspalls. All drinks were being served in plastic glasses due to a dishwasher fault. I may come back here as the drinks range is a bit better than most over choices in the area.
30 Oct 2011 18:01
Saw this pub listed in the 2012 Good Beer Guide and saw that it was open on a Saturday. So I tore myself away from the excellent selection in the Craft to try it out. 4 ales were on - Keltec Magic, Brains SA, Crouch Vale Brewers Gold & Trumans Runner. Cider was Orchard Pig. The barstaff immediately acknowledged me and asked if they could help. I said I wanted to see what they were serving first. But they soon told me they were closed for a private function. Looked promising and they were also advertising a beer festival for next weekend. I will probably return. But for now I can only rate this a 1/10, as a public house had turned into a private house. 1 point for the promise.
30 Oct 2011 17:55
The Land of Liberty, Peace and Plenty, Heronsgate
I'm surprised I haven't reviewed this pub before. Friday was our third visit and just as good as the previous two. The pub is not far from the M25, but a world away in terms of atmosphere. It is a country location. The drinking area skirts around the L-shaped bar and there is an outdoor smoking/drinking area adjoing the car park. If a mobile phone sounds in the pub, you're liable to a fine! One corner features many beer and pub related books and the walls feature several items of breweriana. This weekend is their designated cider weekend and they had 7 real ciders or perries on - Westons Old Rosie & Country Perry, Millwhites Hedge Layer & Mixed Scrumpy, Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze & Two Trees Perry and Lyme Down Roaring Meg. The ale selction is just as extensive, with Tring Liberty Ale, Red Squirrel Conservation Bitter & Heronsgate Pale Ale, Wentworth South Yorkshire Pale Ale, Acorn Quantum, Buntingford Night Owl, Grain Redwood and Country Life Old Appledore all on during our Friday evening visit. Well worth a detour up the lane from the motorway.
30 Oct 2011 17:48
This pub is much bigger than it first looks. The last time I visited, I stayed on the ground floor. This time I tried the downstairs bar. But there is also an upper bar too. The basement bar does not stock all of the beers and ciders, but does have 3 handpulls. Greene King IPA & Abbot Ale were on alongside a couple of Rebellion beers - Decomposed & Roasted Nuts. Gwynt y Ddraig Two Trees Perry and Westons Marcle Hill were the cider and perry. Not a bad choice for Windsor. Although service did seem a little surly.
28 Oct 2011 20:03
The Duke of Connaught, Windsor
Greene King pub on a corner, which hosts a Thai restaurant. The Windsor & Eton brewery is just along the side road and Guardsmen was on in addition to four Greene King beers - IPA, Abbot, Gangly Ghoul & Olde Trip. Aspalls was the cider. The pub is L-shaped and the Thai food seemed fairly popular. Live music is advertised and seemed to be on weekly. A couple of trick or treaters were given short shrift by the staff as they tried to collect money. Admittedly, the one did seem a touch too old for that sort of thing.
28 Oct 2011 19:55
Gastropub-type place slightly off the beaten track in Putney, but not too far away to combine with the Bricklayers Arms. 4 ales were on - Brakspear Oxford Gold, Sharps Doom Bar, Stonehenge Eye-Opener & Sambrooks Wandle. 3 keg ciders on were Addlestones, Aspalls and Hogans. The interior is dark and moody. After several ciders in the Bricklayers, my memory is fairly hazy. But I seem to remember bare boards with background music playing. It's a mainly young customer base. Many were sat on the front patio when we arrived. But the dropping temperatures seemed to be sending them all inside or elsewhere. I can recommend the beer battered black pudding which can be purchased as a bar snack. It wasn't bad value at �2.50 or you could purchase 3 portions for �10!! Luckily my maths still stacks up when I've had a few.
24 Oct 2011 22:34
Currently closed for refurbishment. A sign on the door stated that it would re-open on Friday, October 28th. I'll try it again in several years time.
24 Oct 2011 22:29
The Burnt Oak, Shenley Brook End
Pretty bog standard Marstons pub on the edge of a housing estate. Brakspear Bitter, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Ringwood Boondoggle were the options. Service was quick and friendly. The interior is fairly modern and seems to be popular with families. Otherwise, there is very little to recommend it for.
24 Oct 2011 22:27
A slightly bigger branch of Wetherspoons than the nearby Moon under Water and holding a larger range of ales, many of which were part of the current festival. Cider was Sandford Orchards Bumbleberry Cider. Food also seemed to be much more popular here too, with tables hard to come by. A more pleasant place to drink than the Moon under Water, with its large windows creating plenty of light.
24 Oct 2011 22:24
The Moon Under Water, Milton Keynes
Popular Wetherspoons branch on the outside of a small shopping mall holding a cinema. The interior has pastel coloured walls and a modern feel. Clientele were a mixture of young and old. Several ales were on including a couple of their US beers from the recent festival. Cider was Thatchers Cheddar Valley. Does what is says on the tin.
24 Oct 2011 22:21
The Victoria Inn, Milton Keynes
This was my pub of the day on my 10 pub Bucks crawl. It's a locals pub, with a friendly clientele and friendly staff. Ales included Concrete Cow Bulldozer, Hopping Mad Hopnotch & Vale Red Kite. I believe there were 2 other beers - 1 was possibly Wychwood Hobgoblin. Cider was Westons Vintage Organic. Music was on a little too loud when we entered. But it was later turned down to a more acceptable level. Live football on the TV was also showing. A couple of England flags and a Wales flag on the ceiling indicated that the pub is popular with sports fans. There is a fish tank in one corner and a large outdoor smoking area to the rear.
24 Oct 2011 22:17
Very popular old pub in a pleasant village location within Milton Keynes. Beers were Nag's Head Cask Ale (brewed by Tetleys for the pub) & Greene King IPA. Both of the 2 rooms were busy. At least one was showing live football on multiple screens and was popular with a young and old crowd. I liked the pub. But the beer range was a bit limiting.
24 Oct 2011 22:10
The Green Man, Newport Pagnell
Still closed. The pub sign is there. But some of the windows are now boarded up.
24 Oct 2011 22:08
This pub looks quite large from the outside with its imposing front beer garden at the front and large car park at the rear. However the inside is much more compact than you'd expect. The beer range - Wells Eagle IPA & Courage Directors was somewhat disappointing. Locals were watching live horse racing. I'm not sure how pubs like this continue to stay in business. It's too far from the town centre to attract passing trade and there is very little to recommend it unless you live just around the corner.
24 Oct 2011 22:07
Marstons pub that enjoys a nice location at the centre of Newport Pagnell nextdoor to a sweet shop and opposite a very tempting chip shop. We entered from the rear and through an old corridor. The first thing that hits you is the smell of dogs. No sign of any canine creatures during our visit. But the smell is all too apparent when you enter. Beers were Batemans Victory Ale, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Marstons Pedigree & Banks's Bitter. Locals were indulging in a meat raffle. Popular pub that seemed to be Newport Pagnell's best option. Nice pub. Shame about the smell.
24 Oct 2011 22:04
Nice country pub with 3 small rooms. It doubles as a locals pub and a restaurant. Whilst it has been modernised a little, it still retains much of its charm. 5 ales were on - Wells Eagle IPA, Courage Directors, Youngs Bitter, Concrete Cow Pail Ale & Concrete Cow Bulldozer. Cider was Thatchers Gold, with Katy & Cox's available in bottles. A good example of how to keep a country pub with the times, whilst maintaining character.
24 Oct 2011 22:00
Fairly characterless roadside pub that has been spoilt with makeovers. The white walls make it bright. But it really is too bland. There is modern artwork on the walls. The food seemed popular. Greene King IPA was the only beer. Too many kids for my liking and a shame that such an old pub is now devoid of any character.
24 Oct 2011 21:57
Country pub not too far from the M1. The focus is very much on food and most other customers were dining. A dresser at one end of the bar holds an impressive collection of blue and white porcelain. There is also a fine beer jug collection hanging from the ceiling. Strange seating, probably old church pews, can be found near the entrance. Adnams, Directors & London Pride were the real ales, with Stowford Press being the only cider. Watch your head when you are at the bar. The beams are extremely low.
24 Oct 2011 21:53
First visit here last night. It's just around the back of the church and not far from the hustle and bustle of the main road through Putney. But it feels a world away. The interior is rather modern and a touch eccentric. It is however fairly comfortable and possesses more character than the standard Wetherspoons interior. Beers were John Mallett Kalamazoo Black Silk Oatmeal Porter, Green King Abbot Ale, Stone San Diego Session IPA, Woodfordes Kett's Rebellion, Fat Heads Yakima Sun & Fullers ESB. Ciders & perries from the fridge were Westons Marcle Hill, Old Rosie & Twist with Zingy Ginger, Mr Whiteheads Cirrus Minor, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Sandford Orchards Bumble Berry Cider. I would rate this as a better Spoons than the Railway.
20 Oct 2011 17:47
Was in here again last night for the start of their cider festival. It was reasonably quiet, with around 20 other customers, which makes a change from a Fulham matchday when it gets packed. 11 ales, 6 ciders and a Perry were on. 10 of the ales were from the Vale Brewery - Something Wicked, Gravitas, Black Beauty, Black Swan, Red Kite, VPA, Wychert, Grumpling Ale, Hadda's Headbanger & Best Bitter. The 11th ale was Downton Chocolate Orange Delight. 12 ciders and 3 perries will be on during the festival. For starters last night, they had 6 on polycasks at the side of the bar - Troggi Perry, Allen Medium, Carey Organic Medium, Gillow Tom Putt, Court Farm Dry & Hecks Brown Apple Cider. Westons 1st Quality was also on at the bar. I did also notice that the T-Bar that used to have the likes of Fosters and other fizzy items has now been replaced with lagers from Meantime & Freedom. Guinness is also still available. No sign of any plastic glasses yesterday and the skittles are back in place! Still a very nice but well hidden backstreet boozer.
20 Oct 2011 17:22
Still a great pub. All ales and ciders were �2.50 a pint last night and apparently this is a permanent offer every Tuesday. A drama society was occupying one room, whilst the 2 main bar areas were also rather busy. The 9 ales on were Darkstar Hophead, American Pale Ale & Partridge Best, Downton Honey Blonde & Elderquad, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Brains Bitter, Weltons Odd Shaped Balls & Oakham White Dwarf. Sharps Own replaced the American Pale Ale during the evening. 6 ciders were on - Millwhites Blackberry Blush, Apples & Pears and Rum Cask, Tutts Clump Farmhouse, Summerset Glory Cider and Cobbledicks Rum Matured. I recommend combining a visit with the Dhaba Tandoori near the station!
19 Oct 2011 13:58
Attractive corner pub with green tiling on the outside and large Charrington windows. The interior has lots of wood panelling. But the windows on 2 sides allow plenty of daylight in. 4 handpulls are available and I guess that they normally stock Youngs Special, Wells Bombardier and 2 guests. However on our Monday evening visit, there were no ales on at all. I can only assume that all had sold out during a beer festival they had held over the weekend. Addlestones is the only cider of note. Although the barman did say that they used to hold a couple of real ciders in polycasks on the bar. He said there may be plans to re-introduce these at a later date. A bit of a disappointment after visiting the Southampton Arms. But I will bear this one in mind if ever in need of liquid refreshment when I'm in Camden.
19 Oct 2011 13:45
The Duchess of Cambridge, Stamford Brook
Paid this place a visit yesterday after seeing the London Drinker advert. Agree about the prices. �11 for 3 pints seemed rather expensive. Whilst the beer & cider range was not as good as the Bree Louise, the interior is far more pleasant and there is more of an emphasis on food. 10 beers and 5 ciders were on, not quite the 16 beers and 11 ciders advertised, but still a realtively decent selection. Beers were Twickenham Original & Strange Brew, Rebellion Red, Dr Bob & Mild, Arbor Beech Blonde, Wychwood Bountiful, Adnams Ghost Ship & Downton Quadhop. Ciders were Thatchers Traditional, Black Rat Medium, Westons Bounds Scrumpy, Thistly Cross Gold & Thistly Cross Ginger. A welcome new addition to this area, which is a bit of a desert for decent pubs. But I'm not sure it yet justifies a trip across town for.
16 Oct 2011 17:31
The Falcon is still a fine boozer and perfectly placed for anybody transiting Clapham Junction. The interior is fine, despite the rear section now being set aside for diners. Ales on yesterday were Hook Norton Flagship, Downton Dark Delight, Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted, Keltec King, Itchen Valley Godfathers, RCH PG Steam, Quartz Extra Blonde, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Nethergate Border & Reserve IPA, Mike Hall Furry Black IPA, Ilkley Lotus IPA, Lancaster Blonde, Brains Reverend James, Acorn Sorachi Ace IPA, Roosters Wild Mule & Cropton Blackout. However, there is still no real cider or perry. Only Aspalls is available.
16 Oct 2011 17:25
Still a cosy and pleasant backstreet local. This visit on a Saturday afternoon was much quieter than my previous on a Saturday evening. A few locals were propping up the bar with one other punter seated and a few others in the rear garden and on the small front patio. Beers on were Isle of Purbeck IPA & Best Bitter, Downton Honey Blonde, Quadhop & New Forest Ale, Westerham William Wilberforce Freedom Ale & Woodfordes Wherry. Ciders are Broadoak Vintage & Pheasant Plucker. The sausage rolls looked quite tempting. Still a very good option if you're in the Northcote Road area of Clapham.
16 Oct 2011 17:20
The Leather Bottle, Earlsfield
The Leather Bottle is a Youngs pub, but is a complete contrast from the Prince of Wales up the road. It is a fine old building, but has been spoilt by makeovers. There are at least 3 rooms and outdoor drinking areas at the front and rear. One of the front rooms is currently undergoing refurbishment. The clientle is mainly middle class families and couples. Food was clearly a priority for most. Beers were Butcombe Bitter, Youngs Bitter & Youngs Special. Addlestones cider is also available.
16 Oct 2011 17:15
A fine traditional local with some nice original touches inside, including an original ceiling. Youngs Bitter & Special were the only ales. Horse racing from Ascot was showing on the TV, with most regulars glued to the box. A nice experience. Pity the beers were only Youngs.
16 Oct 2011 17:12
The Tooting Tram & Social, Tooting
I was a bit disappointed to find this pub didn't open until 1pm. Whilst most other local pubs were open and showing live rugby or football on their TVs, this place was empty shortly after opening with all TVs off. Sitting on your own in a large shed means not much atmosphere. The beer range was also a little disappointing with Purity Pure Gold & Mad Goose along with Marstons Pedigree. The best cider options are Stowford Press & Aspalls. Service was fine and the interior is quite impressive. Original tiling is still on the walls and similar to the Antelope just up the road, it has a multitude of different furniture items. There is also a balcony area high up in the shed. By the looks of things, this is probably more of a late night venue and is probably more nightclub than pub. I can't imagine many other pubs charging �1 to hang up your coat! A different experience, but not really my cup of tea.
16 Oct 2011 17:08
Pretty bland Youngs establishment on Tooting High Street. Youngs Bitter & Special plus St Austell Tribute were the only beer options. The clientele was mainly obnoxious football fans of either Liverpool or Manchester United who were intent on shouting at one of the TV screens whilst their teams were playing. The interior is faily dark and lacks any character. Not recommended.
16 Oct 2011 17:01
This was my favourite new pub of the day yesterday. The interior is large and a little eccentric. The front bar is larger than most pubs. But there are two further rooms beyond, one with a pool table. There is also an outdoor drinking area at the rear. In the front bar, there are plate and tankard collections along with antelope heads. The furniture is an eclectic mix, including worn bar stools, sofas, armchairs and crooked tables. There are candles on the bar and on tables, which help to emphasise a gothic feel. Beers were Saltaire Hazelnut Coffee Porter & Raspberry Blonde, Purity Ubu, Trumans Runner, Pin Up Natural Blonde & Adnams Broadside. Lilleys Crazy Goat cider & perry blend was also on handpump with Aspalls & Hogans also available. A blackboard advertised that Adnams Ghost Ship, Thwaites Wainwright & Brewdog Trashy Blonde were coming soon. Despite the good drinks selection, the pub seems very focussed on food. Items on the menu were from the 'posher' end of the spectrum with dishes such as chorizo & purple sprouted broccoli omelette served with organic bread. Service was pleasant. A nice pub, if not a little eccentric.
16 Oct 2011 16:58
Traditional Youngs local near to Tooting mainline station. The pub was open early yesterday morning to show the Welsh rugby. After waiting for the barman/landlord to return from the shop, I finally got served. Young's Bitter or Special were the only ale choices. The front bar is decorated with a red colour scheme and was also kitted out for Halloween. I didn't get to see the rear bar. Live music & Sunday lunch were advertised. Nothing particularly special, just a bog standard London boozer.
16 Oct 2011 16:46
Pleasant enough Wetherspoons and seemingly the only one open before 12 noon on a Saturday in the Tooting Broadway area. Service was pleasant. The customers were all men. But they were from a mixture of age groups. Some were watching the live World Cup rugby. The interior is typical Wetherspoons and is long and narrow. Beers were Maxim Andersons Best Scotch, Hook Norton Flagship, Ruddles Best, Wharfebank Treacle Toffee Stout & JW Lees The Governor. One real cider - Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon was also put on for me. Not a bad option for morning drinking in Tooting.
16 Oct 2011 16:40
The Bree is still one of the best pubs in London for its beer and cider selection and is well located near the mainline stations. Although it now has some fairly serious competition with the Euston Tap having opened, plus the Doric Arch. The soon to open Cider Tap will also create compeition for lovers of the apple. On our visit yesterday the pub was reasonably busy with a transitory croud, including football fans, drunks and people there for the beer (or cider). A range of around 15-16 beers is served with around 10 ciders. As a cider drinker, I can say that the quality of the ciders has improved. This may be because of the increased turnover. But you can still occasionally get a duff pint/half. My real gripes about this place centre around the atmosphere or lack of it and the general lack of cleanliness. The toilets are often in a very poor condition and the interior itself has nothing at all to recommend it and is offers no encouragement to linger, which ensures that the nature of the clientele is transitory. This is still a very good pub to know about when you are passing through Euston/St Pancras or Kings Cross and you fancy a quick drink of a lesser known brewer/producer. But with a better interior, it has the potential to be an excellent pub.
2 Oct 2011 12:00
Paid my second visit here yesterday. Whilst its a fairly unspoilt city centre boozer, I don't necessarily think it warrants its current position in the top 5 pubs in the UK. As one of the few pubs open before 11am on a Saturday in Liverpool (other than in Wetherspoons), it was already busy when we walked in around 10.20 yesterday. Somebody was celebrating their 60th birthday and the main bar was packed with very little room for manoeuvre. The characterful rear room was empty though. So we retreated there. Service is very friendly and the barmaid even brought around complimantery baps with trays of sausages, bacon and black pudding to fill them with. I'm not sure if these had been made especially for the birthday celebrations. But they were a nice touch. Cains Bitter, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Jennings Cocker Hoop, Belhaven IPA & Wyre Piddle Potters Chamber of Secrets were the beers on. A good city centre pub. But there are better pubs in Liverpool.
2 Oct 2011 11:40
The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak
Yet another visit here early yesterday evening and another good night. 8 ales and 8 ciders/perries are on and they tend to turn over fairly quickly. The ciders/perries last night included Burrow Hill Cider, Ciderbus, Crones Perry, Severn Blakeney Perry & Summerset Glory. For the first time, we sat in the garden at the rear which as usual was packed. In fact, you'll be very lucky to get a seat in here such is its growing popularity. Currently my favourite pub in London. My only complaints would be the lack of seating and the fairly primitive nature of the outdoor gents toilets.
25 Sep 2011 16:05
The Peveril Of The Peak, Castlefield
This pub is a landmark building with a beautiful tiled exterior and a characterful interior that isn't quite as big as it looks from the outside. There are 3 separate drinking areas, with space to drink at the bar towards the rear. Jennings Cumberland Ale, Deuchars IPA and Copper Dragon Best were the 3 beers available. The landlord or barman was quite friendly. Well worth a visit along with the nearby Britons Protection, assuming you can find it open. At around 3:30-4pm on a Saturday afternoon, it was definitely open.
25 Sep 2011 15:57
Paid a swift visit to this JW Lees house yesterday afternoon. 5 of their beers were on - Bitter, The Governor, Brewer's Dark, John Willie's & Hopmeister. Seemed to be more popular with a younger crowd than some of the other nearby pubs. The interior is quite spacious and there is also a large terrace overlooking the canal at the rear. Ok, but there are better options in the vicinity.
25 Sep 2011 15:52
The Briton's Protection Hotel, Castlefield
Corner pub with an attractive interior, featuring a small front bar and further rooms at the rear. The bar staff were reasonably friendly. Beers were a mixture of standard ales and less well known ales - Jennings Cumberland Ale, Tetleys, Robinsons Unicorn, Beartown Bearskinful & Three B's Stoker's Slake. Cider was Old Rosie. We also eyed up a range of 10 sambucas, before resisting the temptation and moving on to our next pub. There were plenty of other spirits too. Wasn't too busy on our Saturday afternoon visit.
25 Sep 2011 15:49
Another modern type cafe bar in the trendy Northern Quarter of Manchester. From the outside, you wouldn't recognise this as a bar. However, inside there are 4 casks on the bar holding Marble Beers. Unfortunately, only the Pint was on during our visit. There is also a fine range of bottled beers, including the entire Marble Range, many continental beers and ciders from Gwatkin. The interior is small and is dominated by one long table, whilst there is a smaller table with modern seating in the window. Note the bar does not open until 11:30, meaning the 2012 Good Beer Guide is already out of date!
25 Sep 2011 15:38
Cafe-type bar with modern furnishings and set over 2 floors. We chose the upper floor. Kelham Island Pale Rider & Easy Rider were both on. Although the one ale was only available on the upper floor. You're probably assured of a decent beer here. But the drinking environment is a bit too modern for my liking.
25 Sep 2011 15:32
I'm still a regular visitor to the Ship & Mitre and I still rate it as Liverpool's best pub. However I no longer feel it is worthy of a 10/10 rating that I had previously granted it. It is now an extremely popular choice, especially at weekends. The toilets, as previously mentioned, are not very inspiring and even when quieter, the staff are inclined to serve regulars before visitors. Although I did get given a drink on the house on a previous visit when complaining that I had had to wait 10 minutes to be served. Having said all of this, I will still award the Ship & Mitre a 9/10 due to its undeniable selection of ales and ciders. The selection yesterday afternoon was Weetwood Mad Hatter, Hornbeam Voyager, Liverpool Organic Josephine Butler Elderflower Ale, Cottage Trident, Summer Wine Resistance Dark Mild & Marama, Crouch Vale Yakima Gold, Nethergate Lemon Head, Salamander Graviton Stout, Gertie Sweey Deep Porter, Northern Blakemere Navajo Extra & Castle Rock Screech Owl. Broadoak Moonshine, Addlestones & Westons Old Rosie were the 3 real ciders.
18 Sep 2011 14:16
The second of 2 Wetherspoons we visited in Southport. Both are on the same street. I have to say that I preferred the Sir Henry Segrave. Orkney Dark Island, Lymestone Cowboy, Burton Bridge Staffordshire Knot Brown Ale, Greene King IPA & Abbot & Phoenix Wobbly Bob were the ales on offer, with Old Rosie being the real cider choice. Still a decent enough stop on any Southport crawl.
18 Sep 2011 14:08
The best of 7 pubs we tried in Southport yesterday. Locals and staff were friendly and the pub has much more character inside than many of the others we visited. The beer range is also good - Phoenix Spotland Gold, Partners Spike's On T'Way, Theakston Lightfoot & Bitter, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Oakwell Dark Mild, Youngs Special & Brains Legends Ale. My only criticism was that there was no real cider.
18 Sep 2011 14:04
Another uninspiring choice in Southport, not far from the main shopping street. Thwaites Lancaster Bomber & Wainwright were on. Live football was showing on a big screen. Service was friendly. Although with only a couple of other customers, one of whom was fast asleep, it lacked atmosphere.
18 Sep 2011 14:01
The Falstaff is reminiscent of an estate pub, with its wide open-plan interior. It lacked atmosphere and only had 1 beer on - Theakston Lightfoot. There are far better choices in Southport.
18 Sep 2011 13:58
This pub has a fine frontage and lies not far from Southport's main drag. The clientele are on the older side, but service was friendly. The small front bar opens up to a larger drinking area. There is also a small side bar, where we sat alone. Only Tetleys Cask Bitter & Dark Mild were available. A nice building, but could do with a better ale selection.
18 Sep 2011 13:56
Nice building on Southport's main street and containing a better than average Wetherspoons. Beartown Brown Bear & Bearly Literate, Coach House Post Horn & Cheshire Gold, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Thwaites Wainwright, Saltaire Blackberry Cascade & Phoenix Wobby Bob were the ales on offer, with Saltaire Blonde & Titanic Iceberg coming soon. Broadoak Perry was also on tap. Not the biggest of Wetherspoons inside. But the usual characters were present. A reasonable choice in Southport.
18 Sep 2011 13:53
This is one of 2 bars in the hotel and is more geared towards real ale drinkers. The other bar behind it is much larger and has a more American feel. I described Baron's Bar as 'quasi-medieval', with various features such as chandeliers and antlers. My drinking colleague described it as 'God's waiting room' by virtue of the age of its clientele. In fact, much of the seating and layout of the furniture is in keeping with an old peoples' home. Ales on offer during our Saturday morning visit were the house beer Flag & Turret (brewed by Tetleys), Tetleys Cask, Youngs Bitter, Adnams Bitter, Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Shepherd Neame Bishops Finger. We were expecting a more inspiring range than this, given the multitude of old pumpclips on the walls and ceiling. Old Rosie was the cider. I'm prepared to give it the benefit of the doubt. But on this occasion, we left feeling disappointed.
18 Sep 2011 13:48
The Coach and Horses, Chertsey
Looks like a fairly large pub from the outside. But inside it is really quite compact. Pride, Seafarers & ESB were the 3 Fullers ales on last night. A group of locals were stodd around the bar. Otherwise, it was reasonably quiet. The interior is fairly pleasant. But I couldn't find anything of note to recommend here. The wasn't even any evidence of the previous reviewer's sighting!
15 Sep 2011 20:38
Still a nice friendly local with a good choice of locally-sourced beers. Last night, they had Hogsback Tea & England's Glory, Cottage Between the Posts, Binghams Brickworks Bitter & Hopback Summer Lightning. Brickworks was replaced with Space Hoppy, another Binghams ale, whilst we were there. Orchard Pig Dry & Medium were the 2 real ciders from the cellar. As usual, there are a fair few dogs. Watch out for flooding and overhanging trees in the car park.
15 Sep 2011 20:35
This really is a bit of a dump. On my last visit, it was quite quiet and wasn't too bad. But on a busy Saturday night when it is packed with football fans, it's not the nicest place to be. The toilets in particular are shocking. If you've ever seen the film Trainspotting, you'll get the idea. Youngs London Gold, Greene King IPA, Abbot & Old Speckled Hen & Wells Bombardier pumpclips were displayed. But I'm not sure all were on. With the Doric Arch, Mabels, the Bree Louise and the Euston Tap all nearby, I doubt I'll be here again anytime soon.
11 Sep 2011 17:58
After planning a visit to the Officers Mess nearby and finding it re-possessed, we took a slight detour into the White Star. Bowland Nicky Nook, Pheasant Plucker, Golden Trophy & Odd Shaped Ball were on with Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Bass. Still a nice pub with a good mixture of locals and tourists. The toilets are a bit ropey though.
11 Sep 2011 17:51
I would be inclined to agree with Mattbeer regarding the service in the pub. Despite being the only people waiting at the bar, it was a while before any of the staff came over to serve us. Glasses were also piling up on the tables. So I'm not quite sure what they were doing. The pub was quite busy, which was surprising considering it doesn't really have very much going for it and considering there are so many better pubs nearby. Bombardier & Landlord were the ales on offer.
11 Sep 2011 17:42
The Grapes, Mathew St, Liverpool
I'd been in here before and walked out due to the poor beer & cider selection. This time, I was determined to have a drink come what may. Courage Directors & Caledonian Flying Scotsman were the 2 ales on offer. The interior has plenty of Beatles memorabilia and pictures on the walls, as you would expect. Not much sign of tourists inside and not too busy on our Saturday lunchtime visit.
11 Sep 2011 17:36
This rural pub is the brewery tap for Bushys. It's a nice building. But it now seems to be more food-oriented than beer-oriented. Only 2 ales were on - Bitter & Shuttleworth Snap IPA. Stowford Press was the cider. The bar is fairly modern looking, whilst the dining area is slightly more traditional and extends out to a conservatory. We had a swift meal before heading back to the airport. The food was perfectly passable. A nice place. But the Bay in Port Erin was a far better option for sampling the Bushys range.
5 Sep 2011 21:31
The Whitestone Inn, Ballasalla
The bar and the restaurant are entered through separate entrances in this pub. We tried the bar and found a large basic single room with a TV and a handful of locals. Okells Bitter & Greene King London Glory were the 2 ales. I plumped for the former and was served by a young barmaid whose maths skills were lacking. The restaurant seemed to be fairly popular, despite it being a quiet period late on a Sunday afternoon. However the bar left me feeling underwhelmed. Handy for the airport though.
5 Sep 2011 21:26
Busy pub near the station, with parking outside. The ale selection is good - Bushys Casteltown Bitter, Ruby Mild, Silverd Ale, Shuttleworth Snap IPA & Bitter, Westgate Sundance, Greene King Old Speckled Hen & Courage Best. The main bar displays plenty of pumpclips of previous guest beers. A side room offers pool and darts. The railway theme can be seen throughout the pub. The best pub we found during our second day of drinking in the Isle of Man.
5 Sep 2011 21:22
The Glue Pot (Castle Arms Hotel), Castletown
Quiet and cosy pub next to the harbour and Castle Rushen. The 2 small bars are cosy with wood panelling and sloping ceilings, making you feel like you are on a boat. Various ship ephermera can be seen on the walls. Greene King London Glory, Okells Bitter & Bass were the ales available. Probably the best option in the centre of Castletown. Although the Sidings near the station proved to be a slightly better option.
5 Sep 2011 21:18
This has to be the worst of 19 pubs we visited on the island over the weekend. It's an extremely no frills one-room pub overlooking the inner harbour. The room has a pool table as its highlight in the centre. There is also an upper room. But I'm not sure this was in use. We opted for the exterior car park, where we enjoyed our drinks on the semi-burnt tables and benches admiring the withering flower displays, with occasional visits from the resident smokers. I'm reliably informed that the ladies toilets had a nice growth of mold. I declined the offer of trying out the gents. Okells Bitter was the only real ale offered. I'm not sure how this pub was previously. But it seems to be heading downhill rapidly.
5 Sep 2011 21:14
This pub was fairly quiet on a Sunday lunchtime with only 3 or 4 other customers in its large rooms. It is a fairly basic town pub, which doesn't really live up to its title as a 'hotel'. I'm not sure I'd want to stay here. A darts board is located in the main bar, whilst a fruit machine & TV are in a side room. There is also a separate games room. Okells Bitter & Wychwood Hobgoblin were the 2 ales on offer.
5 Sep 2011 21:08
The car park to this establishment was really busy. I can only assume that the vast majority of the clientele were enjoying meals in the restaurant. The modern bar had just 3 other customers. One was a large lady with a significant beer belly proudly being displayed in the flesh to the world. She was declaring she would murder a social worker the following day. The 2 guys seemed slightly more normal! There is also a separate games room with a pool table and fruit machines. Okells Bitter & Summer Storm were being served. A comfortable pub with slightly questionable customers.
5 Sep 2011 21:03
The Shore Hotel enjoys fine expansive views across a wide bay. However, it is very exposed to the elements. A front patio provides refuge for hardy smokers and drinkers. Inside is quite cosy. There is a bar area and a more popular restaurant. Okells Bitter, Bushys Bitter, Old Bushy Tail & Shuttleworth Snap IPA were all served. Cider was Stowford Press. I thought the welcome from the landlord was a little frosty, perhaps because he didn't recognise us. Otherwise, a nice little pub.
5 Sep 2011 20:58
Small locals pub overlooking the harbour. We arrived at opening time on a Sunday lunchtime, where the local card school was already supping their first points and passing comment on the other locals, who they all knew by name, passing by the window. Incidentally, most of the passers by were on there way into the pub! Okells Bitter, Bushys Bitter, Old Bushy Tail & Shuttleworth Snap IPA were all on. Cider was Stowford Press. The main bar has a pool table on a raised area. There was also a second less popular room that we did not try. Friendly pub.
5 Sep 2011 20:53
I would normally rate a pub that serves 4 real ciders quite highly. But when I asked if they had any real cider, I was directed towards bottled Westons cider and the keg Stowford Press, which was recommended. Only after being served did I notice the blackboard at the side of the bar listing Westons Old Rosie, Traditional Scrumpy, 1st Quality & Country Perry. I enquired if any of these were on and of course they were! It's a shame that real cider & perry is not always promoted or recognised by some staff. Being owned by the Bushys brewer, it was to be expected that most of the beers were from his brewery - Bitter, Ruby Mild, Shuttleworth Snap IPA, Old Bushy Tail, Castletown & Silverd Ale. There was also one guest - Oakleaf Hole Hearted. I can thoroughly recommend the Ruby Mild that was my favourite beer I tried throughout the weekend. The pub itself enjoys a position at the side of the bay. There are tables at the front with nice views. But it was a bit too chilly to sit outside. Indoors, there are 2 rooms - 1 is a traditional bar split into 2 parts. The other was more of a dining area. I quite enjoyed my time here, despite not getting around to sample any of the 'secret' ciders.
5 Sep 2011 20:48
The Falcons Nest Hotel, Port Erin
As can be seen from the picture above, the Falcon's Nest enjoys pride of place on the hill overlooking the bay at Port Erin. The conservatory is a great place to watch the sun go down and our visit coincided with the first time during the day that the clouds had cleared and the sun was setting on the horizon. This is a proper hotel, but the bar area does entertain locals. Visitors tend to be found eating in the conservatory. Greene King IPA & Old Speckled Hen, Holts Bitter, Okells IPA & Bushys Bitter were all on. Our B & B owner, who we happened to bump into here, was very complimentary about Thwaites Wainwright. Apparently when it is on, it sells out within a matter of hours!
5 Sep 2011 20:41
Basic 2-roomed pub next to a waterfall (funnily enough). Most customers here were dining on our early Saturday evening visit. But there were 3 ales on tap - Moorhouses Pendle Witches Brew, Okells Bitter & Greene King Old Speckled Hen. Fairly average.
5 Sep 2011 20:35
Another decent Peel pub. As with all of the others, there were a few eccentric characters. The one bar is a comfortable lounge/restaurant which is quite traditional in style. There are paintings, engraved glass and carvings. The second bar is more of a games/music room where many of the young locals hang out. Staff were plentiful and also fairly young. I'm not sure if this is a Marstons pub, as most of the beers were from the Marstons range plus a couple of locals - Ringwood Old Thumper, Jennings Sneck Lifter, Wychwood Bountiful & Hobgoblin, Bushys Silverd Ale, Okells Bitter & Sweet Chariot & Marstons Pedigree. There was also a real perry - Westons Country Perry on handpull. I quite enjoyed this pub. Although it did get a little less comfortable as it gradually filled up and I have to say that the meal I had was quite bland. But these were my only small criticisms of what is a good harbourside pub.
5 Sep 2011 20:33
The worst of 4 pubs we tried in Peel. Okells Bitter was the only real ale available and the barmaid got our order wrong. To her credit, she changed it straight away. A real fire was blazing in the public bar, despite the front door being open. A second bar was playing music loudly. The view of the harbour and the castle is good from the patio at the side. But apart from this, the pub has very little to recommend it.
5 Sep 2011 20:27
Our favourite pub of the weekend in the Isle of Man. There are a few different rooms, with the one on the roadside at the front having the most character and also the most characters. Locals (mainly women) were well on the road to getting more than a little tipsy. Rooms at the rear were also busy and were quite pleasant. There is a pool room here too. The exit door to the car park looks like a stable door. Beers on were Moorhouses Honey & Pride of Pendle, Three Castles Sand Castles, Bushys Shuttleworth Snap IPA & Ruby Mild & York Blonde. Cider was Westons Traditional Scrumpy. If you looked at this pub from the outside, you probably wouldn't go in. Once inside, it can prove difficult to leave.
5 Sep 2011 20:23
Rough and ready locals pub with a landlord from Dudley! The locals congregated around the bar were quite an amusing bunch who happily engaged in conversation. The entrance area was quite dark, with the solitary window having its curtains closed and band or karaoke equipment next to the window. The bar is at the rear in a lighter area, where there is also a section of original tiling alongside modern furniture. A TV above the bar was showing live rowing. For those not too used to visiting new pubs, the atmosphere could seem quite intimidating. But this is really a fairly friendly pub where you require a sense of humour. I can see where the 'dirty' feel comes from in the previous review. But from my perspective, it was more of a worn feel, rather than dirty. I would recommend a visit if in the town, but there are better pubs in Peel.
5 Sep 2011 19:41
Roadside pub with 2 rooms plus a smaller third room with a pool table. An old-style fruit machine in the main bar offers plays for 5p a go. Okells Bitter was the only real ale available, whilst a second handpull was unclipped.
5 Sep 2011 19:32
Locals pub on a corner of the TT circuit. Many pictures of competing motorcycles line the walls. The bar area has a traditional tiled floor, with lots and jugs displayed above. To either side are carpeted areas with seating. Okells Bitter & Alt were the 2 ales on offer. Unfortunately, a large gathering of flies could be found under one particular beam.
5 Sep 2011 19:29
Foodie pub in the far north of the island. The main room was popular with diners on our Saturday lunchtime visit. Many were families and the food smelt good. A separate bar area was empty. Only Okells Bitter & Wychwood Hobgoblin were available.
5 Sep 2011 18:05
The Argosy, John Lennon Airport
Poor Wetherspoons pub in the departure lounge at John Lennon Airport. 3 beers were on - George Wright Argosy & Brewery Cat & Marstons Pedigree. 2 ciders were also on - Addlestones & Westons Marcle Hill. Breakfasts are an inferior version of standard Wetherspoons breakfasts and at an inflated price. The barman also managed to get a simple order for 2 drinks wrong. Handy for a quick drink before a flight. But I wouldn't recommend eating here.
5 Sep 2011 17:58
More of a restaurant than a pub. But a nice little place nonetheless. We originally planned to visit here on August Bank Holiday evening, but found it had closed at 3pm for the day. This is definitely more in keeping with restaurant hours than pub hours. The bar area can be used for a drink. Beyond this, there is a cosy restaurant and to to the right, there is an antiques shop! There are many items hanging from the walls and ceilings, which borders on clutter in some areas. The food was good and 3 real ales were on - Fullers London Pride and Brickworks Bitter & Twyford Tipple. Worth having a beerintheevening here, but probably best accompanied by a meal.
1 Sep 2011 17:09
The Waggon and Horses, Twyford
Our vote for pub of the day would probably be shared between this establishment and the Jack o'Newbury in Binfield. This roadside pub has a nice atmosphere inside and a reasonable beer selection. The landlord seemed fairly friendly. At the rear, there is a large garden which featured a wendy house, an aviary and the resident pub cat. Inside there are plenty of items to admire including brasses and a strange located piano on the way to the toilets. Beers were Fullers London Pride, Courage Best, Loddon Bamboozle & Everards Tiger. Sharps Doom Bar was off. One to recommend.
29 Aug 2011 20:19
This pub enjoys a great location next to a fairly deep ford. Witnessing a child paddling around in the ford and the pub just beyond gave me all the encouragement I needed to attempt to cross. At one foot deep, the water was relatively easy to cross. The building is large. But sadly, there were no other customers for the 6 staff to serve. Four of the staff were tucking into meals, presumably after a lunchtime shift in the kitchen. This does appear to be primarily a diners pub, catering to families. Brakspear Bitter & Jennings Lakeland Stunner were the beer offerings. Walls feature large glass cases containing fish, plus copious pictures of other large catches. A nice pub if you are hungry and have a family in tow. Otherwise, it did lack atmosphere.
29 Aug 2011 20:12
We arrived at this country pub to find most people leaving and suspected it was closed for the afternoon. However luckily for us, it was still open. We were the only people in the dark, moody interior. Although there were still a few people in the garden at the rear, where an open window gives access to the bar. Brakspear Bitter & Oxford Gold & Wychwood Hobgoblin were the 3 ales on offer. Addlestones was the cider. A perfectly acceptable country pub.
29 Aug 2011 20:05
Traditional country pub on the road out of Binfield. Hammerpot Pale Ale, West Berkshire Good Old Boy, Binfield Best & Loddon Hoppit were the ales on offer, with Westons 1st Quality cider occupying a third handpull. Seating spreads around the bar and there is a large collection of tankards hanging from the ceiling, in addition to a display of some rather large keys on one wall. The best of 3 pubs we tried in Binfield. The only drawback is that it is closed during the afternoon, even on bank holidays.
29 Aug 2011 20:01
Fullers pub on the main drag through Binfield. This was the busiest of the 9 pubs we tried today, with all tables taken in the cosy interior and all also taken on the outdoor patio where a jazz band was performing and there was also a barbecue. The garden also featured a large proportion of dogs and children. ESB, London Pride, HSB & Discovery were the 4 ales on offer. A pleasant pub. But without the variety of ales stocked by the superior Jack o'Newbury down the road.
29 Aug 2011 19:50
Nice pub located in a rural location on the edge of Binfield. The old building has 2 or 3 comfortable rooms, plus outdoor seating on a patio and garden at the front. A range of food is available. Beers were Marstons Pedigree, Courage Directors, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Thwaites Grouse Beater. 3 of these are gravity dispensed. Be careful how much the young staff are charging you.
29 Aug 2011 19:47
High Street pub located on a pedestrian area and quite difficult to find if you're driving and not from the local area. The pub is fairly featureless inside with a modern interior. Ringwood Best & Fullers London Pride were the only 2 real ales. Both handpulls can be found at the rear of the bar. A cask of Thatchers Heritage cider was sat on the bar, which for me, was this pub's redeeming feature. Service was friendly. Would visit again if I was ever in Bracknell town centre. But I can't think of a reason why I would ever find myself here again!
29 Aug 2011 19:41
This branch of Wetherspoons is quite different from most others. It actually has a little character. Being based in an old building, it has two separate entrances with two separate bars. If you go in the main bar, be sure to check the blackboard at the side, which tells you what is on in the smaller lower bar. The barmaid was less than helpful and I missed out on a drink I would otherwise have chosen. Nevertheless, the beer range is good - Adnams Gunhill, Three Castles Stoned, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Loddon Hullabaloo, Kelham Island Pale Ride & Springhead Roaring Meg. Westons Old Rosie was the cider, whilst Broadoak Perry was also available. Note that cider is hidden away in a side room. So it is not immediately obvious what is available in the main bar, let alone the lower bar. Despite this, I would recommend this Spoons purely because it is different from their usual characterless branches.
29 Aug 2011 19:37
Greene King pub just down the hill from the station and the racecourse. It has been modernised inside, with new furniture and large black and white pictures on the walls. Abbot & IPA were the 2 ales on offer. Aspalls was the cider. Certainly a locals pub. But possibly worth a visit, if you're ever in Ascot.
29 Aug 2011 19:08
Reasonably big Marstons house on a corner below Piccadilly station. 5 beers were on yesterday - Jennings Cumberland Ale & Lakeland Stunner, Marstons Pedigree & Long Hop (third consecutive pub we'd found this one in!) & Ringwood Boondoggle. The interior has a high ceiling and feels like a typical city boozer. It's handy for the station, with only around 5 minutes needed to board a train from here.
28 Aug 2011 14:37
Not much has changed since my last visit here. This is a fairly standard Wetherspoons. Yesterday's range was Marstons Long Hop, Hawkshead Brodies Prime, Greene King Abbot Ale & Ruddles Best, Cains FA, George Wright Mild, Cotswold Spring Codrington Codger, Moorhouses Blond Witch, Coach House Flintlock Pale Ale & Woodfordes Nog. Two ciders were also on - Mr Whiteheads Cirrus Minor & Westons Vintage Organic. There was still plenty of signs of glasses left on tables, as mentioned in previous reviews. But most pubs can struggle on match days. So this may be an unfair comment for my visit. I still don't know of a better pub to visit in Blackburn, which is a pretty poor place to visit for pubs on the whole.
28 Aug 2011 14:26
Paid a visit here after missing our connecting train at Bolton station. It's certainly handy for the station. But so is the Sweet Green, which as I remember is a better pub. This place is a Marstons pub, which used to be a gay pub. I'm not sure if it still is. But it was fairly quiet on our visit. Two ales were available - Banks's Sunbeam & Marstons Long Hop. The former was in good condition. It's a fairly spacious pub with plenty of seating.
28 Aug 2011 14:21
Average Robinsons pub handy for the station. The clientele on a Saturday lunchtime was certainly of an ageing variety. The music playing was to suit said clientele. There are 2 similar sized rooms. We picked the lounge, which was quite busy. The lounge was carpeted and fairly cosy. Only Robinsons real ales were available - Dizzy Blonde, Hatters & Unicorn. Not far from Stockport County's football ground, this could be a handy stop when here for a match or indeed changing trains, as we were. But not worth a special visit.
28 Aug 2011 14:16
The last and busiest of Bedford pubs we tried yesterday. It has quite a large car park, that was completely full. Seemingly, most people were there for a Sunday evening quiz, which certainly started off quite difficult - what year did Pete Sampras first win the Wimbledon title? Food looked quite ordinary. Beers were Wells Eagle IPA & Bombardier & an unimaginative Courage Best (brewed in Bedford don't you know) as a guest. The interior is large and bright. It clearly appeals to a wide range of society, from students to 30-50 somethings.
22 Aug 2011 21:31
Backstreet pub in a more upmarket area of Bedford than most. Candles on the tables create a bit of romantic atmosphere. So it may be popular with couples. Beers were all from the Wells & Youngs range - Eagle IPA, Waggledance, Directors & London Gold. Original frosted windows and bare boards lend a traditional look and this is a pub that has been refurbished without losing too much character. Modern artwork is for sale on the walls.
22 Aug 2011 21:27
This was my favourite Bedford pub on this visit. Although, I still prefer the Wellington. It has far more character than the others. Bedecked with lots of cricket and rugby pictures and memorabilia and a teapot collection above the bar, it has plenty to admire while you sup. The landlady seemed very friendly and seemed to be getting very excited with the cricket highlights. Potton Shannon IPA, Castle Rock Harvest Pale & Adnams Southwold Bitter were on, with the Woodfordes Wherry clip turned round. Cider is Addlestones. I didn't notice prices in this pub being any higher than other pubs. But if they are, the wider choice of beers than Greene King & Wells & Youngs standards would justify this. If I had one criticism, it would be that the TVs were on at far too loud a volume. Otherwise, a decent old fashioned boozer that I felt quite at home in. It was a shame it was so quiet, customer wise.
22 Aug 2011 21:23
This pub was a marked improvement on the Castle and the Ship down the road. Both customers and staff were friendlier. The pub has 2 rooms plus a small garden at the rear. Beers were Tetleys Midsummer Madness, St Peters Best Bitter & Greene King IPA. A nice place for a relaxing pint.
22 Aug 2011 21:16
Reasonable pub with a slightly better class of clientele than we had experienced in other Bedford pubs. Located in a good area of Bedford for real ale pubs, this is a Youngs and Wells pub which was dispensing Eagle IPA, Directors & Golden Sheep. Second hand books are available for charity. The old boy at the bar looked like he had been there a few years.
22 Aug 2011 21:13
Nice old building reminiscent of a village pub in the centre of Bedford. The interior seems to have lost much of its character. Most punters were drinking on the rear patio, whilst there is also a small outdoor drinking area at the front. This is a Greene King pub - IPA and Abbot were available, plus Black Sheep Golden Sheep as a guest. Westgate Sun Dance and Roosters Yankee were listed on a blackboard. But there was no sign of them. The steaks served on 'volcanic' plates looked nice. Similar to many other Bedford pubs, there are some impressive hanging baskets outside. In fact, these were identical to the Bedford Arms - somebody is doing a roaring trade!
22 Aug 2011 21:10
The worst of the pubs we tried in Bedford yesterday. In fairness, it's a hotel. Signs at reception direct punters to the bar when reception is unmanned. But what if there is nobody at the bar? We stood there for quite a while, before one of the four staff became apparent - quite a feat when there were only 2 customers. Normally I would be honest and let staff know when I have been given too much change. But the extra pound made up for the 5 minutes waiting to be served. The garden is very nice, whilst the interior is a little faded. We enjoyed a swift drink whilst listening to the staff complaining about their lot and then exited and burst out laughing. An interesting Fawlty Towers like experience, with Wells Eagle IPA available!
22 Aug 2011 21:05
Relaxed Charles Wells outfit offering the usual Wells & Youngs beers - Wells Bombardier & Youngs Ordinary & Special plus a guest - Jennings Lakeland Stunner. Two Lilley's ciders were on - Sunset & Firedancer. The green tiled exterior with hanging baskets is attractive. Inside is a mixture of sofas and more traditional seating. A band was setting up at the rear. The pub appears to promote live music. Pleasant enough.
22 Aug 2011 20:58
Another pub I paid my first visit to yesterday. The long bar is set below pavement level and the interior feels more like an estate pub than a city centre boozer. 4 large screens were showing live football. Lancaster Bomber was the only real ale available. All pretty ordinary. But plenty of seating is a slight plus.
21 Aug 2011 12:11
First visit here yesterday. The pub has a fairly modern look with plain walls and relatively new carpets. Live football was showing on the multiple TVs, making the pub rather busy. Nothing really to recommend about it. Bombardier & Deuchars were the 2 ales on offer.
21 Aug 2011 12:09
Still a small but fine Liverpool pub. The ale range is bettered elsewhere, but is still rather good. But the interior is just as good a reason to visit here. On yesterday were Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Beartown IPA, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Spitting Feathers Basket Case, Harviestoun Bitter and Twisted, Westgate Sun Dance, Brains Reverend James and Youngs Bitter. Ciders were Addlestones and Westons Traditional Scrumpy.
21 Aug 2011 12:07
Paid the Pineapple a brief visit yesterday after a session in the Southampton Arms. It's a fairly nice backstreet pub with seating around the bar and apparently further seating at the rear. A large Bass mirror can be seen at one side of the bar. I'm not sure about the eccentric wallpaper! Goddards Scrumdiggity Bitter, Oxfordshire Sunburnt, Sharps Special, Cottage VC-10 and Bass were the ales on offer. The cider is Aspalls. Nice pub to visit alongside the Southampton Arms and other local places such as the Junction Tavern and the Oxford Arms.
14 Aug 2011 15:36
Still the best pub in Bedford, with a fine array of real ales and a real pub atmosphere. Close enough to the town centre to be convenient, whilst far enough away to keep the riff-raff out. Adnams Southwold Bitter, Bass, Mayfields Summer Pilot, Banks & Taylor Glider, Midsummer Ale & Two Brewers Bitter, North Yorkshire Crystal Tips, Three Castles Sand Castles, St Georges Paragon Steam & Milton Justinian were the ales available. There are also a good selection of continental beers in a fridge around the corner. The only reason I can't give this pub full marks is the lack of a decent cider - Westons 1st Quality and Country Perry were the only options on our visit last night. Although a cider and perry festival was being advertised for the forthcoming bank holiday weekend. Despite this, I can thoroughly recommend a visit here.
13 Aug 2011 11:22
The Pilgrims Progress, Bedford
I was reasonably impressed by this Wetherspoons. Oxfordshire Marshmellow, Vale Gravitas, Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot, Oakham White Dwarf & Arundel Summer Daze were the real ales. Thatchers Traditional, Addlestones, Westons Vintage Organic, Old Rosie & Marcle Hill & Mr Whiteheads Festival Perry were the real ciders and perries on offer. This is a particularly large Spoons. The paintings (presumably featuring scenes from the Pilgrim's Progress) at the rear are quite impressive. Recommended. I can also recommend the Indian restaurant Baraka further up the Midland Road, where we enjoyed a very tasty curry.
13 Aug 2011 11:17
A bit of a dive, in a God-forsaken location next to a busy roundabout. Irish-owned, there are no real ales despite the 3 handpulls. Eagle & Bombardier pump clips were both turned around. The Eagle Smooth was about the best option. But that was particularly poor. Choice language from the locals.
13 Aug 2011 11:13
Village pub, tucked away off the main village thoroughfare, but easily located by its sign. 2 Potton beers were on - Shannon IPA & Shambles. The bar has large fireplaces at either end, with various farming implements at one end. Fairly quiet on our early Friday evening visit, as we were the only customers. But still a very nice pub.
13 Aug 2011 11:09
Arrived at this pub as the landlady was opening up for the evening. As the previous reviewer states, the bar area is extremely cosy and the lounge is nice too. The semi-rural location opposite the village church also helps to make the pub. Ushers 1824 and Wells Eagle IPA were the 2 ales available. Worth a visit.
13 Aug 2011 11:00
Nice enough pub in its own right. But knowing the Engineers Arms is just down the road, somehow detracts from your enjoyment of this one. Ossett Silver King, Youngs Gold & Adnams Broadside were the 3 ales on offer. Cider was Aspalls. Low beams and a large fireplace create a fairly authentic feel. It's also much bigger inside than it looks from the outside, with plenty of separate drinking areas.
13 Aug 2011 10:52
The Original Wine Bar, St Helier
This place was closed during our first visit to St Helier earlier in the day. We travelled back across the island, as we suspected it opened later in the afternoon. Sure enough, we did find it open. The tilework on the floor as you enter is impressive. The fact it has 5 handpulls with no ales is less than impressive. Certainly not worth driving across the island for. By the way, I can recommend the Post Horn in St Helier. It's not listed on here, but is not too far away and stocks a decent range of ales and cider.
9 Aug 2011 19:40
The Trinity Arms was fairly busy on our Sunday afternoon visit. The main bar in particular was full of a mixture of people. Some were watching the football, which was showing at quite a high volume, whilst young women were 'minding' screaming kids. The bar also features a pool table. Liberation Ale & Blonde were the two ales available, as this is the Liberation brewery tap. Cidre de Jerri was the cider. A nice pub, if a little too boisterous for my liking.
9 Aug 2011 19:37
The Rozel enjoys a fine location next to a picture postcard natural harbour. The interior was deserted, with most patrons choosing to imbibe outdoors. The pub has multiple levels of seating on a hill at the rear. London Pride, Bass & Liberation Ale were the beers. Addlestones was the cider. Worth a visit, if only to see Rozel itself.
9 Aug 2011 19:33
Agree with the previous review. This is primarily a family pub. The walled garden at the rear was fairly pleasant. But the childrens' play area attracts many smaller drinkers. If you have any, this may be the pub for you. Luckily I don't! Pedigree, Bass and Bombardier were the 3 ales available.
9 Aug 2011 19:30
Following an interesting encounter with a rather confused barmaid in the Seymour Arms down the road who was trying to serve us 3 pints of Martini Rosso & soda, we escaped still sober enough to continue our crawl around the island and arrived at the Pembroke. Whilst without the coastal views of the Seymour, the Pembroke felt more like a proper pub. Ringwood Best & Wells Bombardier were the beers on offer. The main bar was rather dark. But the other room featuring a pool table was much lighter. The Charity Shield football was being shown on TVs in both rooms. The locals seemed fairly friendly.
9 Aug 2011 19:24
This pub enjoys a nice location and we enjoyed a pleasant drink in the sun in the fenced area at the front of the pub overlooking the sea. The pub has a public bar and a separate dining room. The bar was fairly crowded with locals congregating around the bar. The barmaid appeared to be waiting to serve us. But as I managed to fight my way through the throngs at the bar, she simply walked off into the other room. After waiting 4-5 minutes, I gave up and walked around to the dining area where 3 staff were stood chatting with no customers in sight. I know the barmaid had seen me entering originally, as I had made eye contact. But for some reason, she clearly didn't fancy serving me. Could be a good pub, if they were to focus on the customer. Luckily there are other pubs on the island that do. 6/10 for location. 0/10 for customer service. So I'll award this one a generous 3/10. Did I mention that Liberation Ale was the beer of choice?
9 Aug 2011 19:15
The Dog and Sausage, St Helier
Small l-shaped bar in town with limited seating. Although there are also tables at the front with fine views of the McDonalds opposite. Skinners Ginger Tosser & Betty Stoggs were the 2 real ales available.
9 Aug 2011 19:06
The Prince of Wales, St Helier
This pub is located in the centre of town next to the market. It has a pleasant bar with a suntrap courtyard at the rear. Ringwood Filly Drift & Best, Courage Best and Shepherd Neame Bishops Finger were all on, with the Spitfire clip turned round. Stowford Press was the cider. The locals were all having a heated argument over payments to the shrift club!
9 Aug 2011 19:03
I would say that this has to be the best pub on the island, due to its excellent drinks choice. 8 real ales were available - Wychwood Scarecrow, Brakspear Hooray Henley, Skinners Porthleven & Ginger Tosser, Ringwood Filly Drift, Herm Island Gold and Shepherd Neame Spitfire & Master Brew. Westons Old Rosie & La Mare Original were the real ciders, whilst there is also a large whisky selection. The single room is fairly large with plenty of tables and seating. It was fairly quiet on our Sunday morning visit. But definitely the pick of Jersey's pubs.
9 Aug 2011 19:01
After trying the much busier L'Auberge du Nord a short distance away, we arrived at Les Fontaines to an empty pub with the Irish staff cleaning up. Nevertheless, they still served us. Bass & Bombardier were the only 2 ales available. Stone walls and wooden beams create an authentic atmosphere. The doorways are extremely low. So mind your head. Could be good, if only it was a little busier and had more atmosphere. As it was, it lacked any kind of soul
9 Aug 2011 18:55
After trying the Star at St Peter with its loud music and Chinese takeaways and the Farmer's Inn at St Ouen (my favourite pub on Saturday - I'll ask for it to be added), we wound up at the extremely quiet Moulin de Lecq. Just one other couple were present and the atmosphere was dead. Although the staff did seem to be trying to strike a party in the kitchen. Greene King Old Speckled Hen, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Theakston Best were the beers. Westons Old Rosie was the cider. The large waterwheel behind the bar is an interesting feature, whilst a huge fireplace takes centre stage in the seating area. The pub is in a fairly remote part of the island. But is probably just about worth a try.
9 Aug 2011 18:49
The Old Court House Inn, St Brelade
This place has wonderful views over the harbour at St Aubin. We chose to sit on the front patio, where the sun was setting on our first day exploring Jersey's pubs. Skinners Betty Stoggs & Theakston Best were the beers. Stowford Press was the cider. It seemed to be fairly popular with a younger crowd. The pub is nothing special. But the location makes up for it.
9 Aug 2011 18:45
The Old Smugglers Inn, St Brelade
This pub has a fantastic location at the end of a narrow lane and steps away from the beach. The building itself is also full of character. There is a main bar area plus another room set aside for diners. The narrow porch at the front also has seating. Bass, Mansfield Cask Ale & Jennings Cocky Blonde were the ales on offer, whilst Westons Old Rosie was on for worshippers of the apple. Signs indicated that the pub would host a beer and sausage festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The reception of the landlord seemed a little frosty. This would be my only slight criticism.
9 Aug 2011 18:41
This pub was quite busy on our early Saturday evening visit. The main bar is immediately in front of you as you enter and was being hogged by a group of fairly rowdy locals. There is a dining area to the left and further dining upstairs. The bar itself features tree trunks and pink shells and seahorses! Fish seemed to be the speciality on the food menu, whilst Bass was the only real ale. Nice views from the front.
9 Aug 2011 18:35
The two pubs we visited in Hillsborough were both very good and were both traditional boozers. The Plough had an inferior ale selection than the Hillside, just down the hill, with only Whitewater Copperhead Ale on. But the interior here was marginally better. This pub has a central bar, with seating all around. It is fairly cosy, with plenty of wood, beams and comfortable seating. A nice pub in a very pleasant small town.
31 Jul 2011 22:31
Our last Wetherspoons of our Northern Ireland trip, and this one meant we have now visited all 9 in the province. This was one of the more impressive branches, set in a nice building. Ringwood Fortyniner, Arundel Summer Daze, Batemans XXXB and Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best were all on. Mr Whiteheads Festival Special Perry was all that remained in their summer cider festival. The barmaid was very friendly, but watch out for the tight car park, if you're driving!
31 Jul 2011 22:27
I must say I preferred the Diamond to the Ice Wharf. This branch of Wetherspoons is a Lloyds Bar and is therefore a slightly more modern looking version of the chain. Only 2 ales were on - Greene King Abbot & Hook Norton Old Hooky. The usual 'coming soon' labels were more evident, with Cotleigh Seahawk one of those. Ciders were also more prevalent with Thatchers Traditional and Sandford Orchards Devon Scrumpy on, plus Mr Whiteheads Festival Special Perry. A little disappointing.
31 Jul 2011 22:23
Londonderry seemed like a fairly nice town and the Diamond is nicely located within the old walled city on a small square. I have to say that waiting to be served alcohol until 12:30 on a Sunday in Northern Ireland is quite a pain. It meant our visit was a little rushed! The 4 real ales on offer practically made the pub a Greene King outlet with Old Speckled Hen, Abbot and Ruddles Best all on. The only other ale was Hereford Owd Bull. The cider festival doesn't appear to have been too popular in this outlet. 4 ciders and a perry were still on - Thatchers Traditional, Mr Whiteheads Festival Special Perry, Sheppy's Farmhouse, Sandford Orchards Devon Scrumpy and Westons Marcle Hill. The interior is large and a little dark. After a very swift half, we moved onto the other Londonderry Spoons.
31 Jul 2011 22:19
The best of 3 Wetherspoons we tried in Northern Ireland yesterday and our last pub of the day. 5 real ales were on - Marstons Old Empire, Cotswold Spring Codrington Codger, Cairngorm Trade Winds & Greene King Abbot. Westons Marcle Hill & Traditional Scrumpy were the ciders. I tried the Mont St Michel Cidre which was very nice. The pub is long and narrow, featuring drinking areas on different levels. The clientele was a mixed bunch. From bouncers for a nearby bar drinking Budweiser to youngsters dressed up to the nines and to old folk discussing the day's affairs, all walks of life appeared to be present. Service was fairly swift.
31 Jul 2011 22:13
Another disappointing Wetherspoons in the centre of Lisburn. After queuing (an orderly line, I must say) for around 10 minutes, we finally got served. Only 3 ales were on plus 2 ciders. Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best were supplemented by Adnams Broadside, whilst Addlestones and Westons Cider Twist Raspberry were the ciders. The interior is the usual characterless open-plan. At least the exterior looks out onto an enclosed square with shops and a tourist information office.
31 Jul 2011 22:09
The White Horse Inn, Saintfield
After visiting the splendidly located Daft Eddy's on Sketrick Island, we moved on to the White Horse (the Whitewater Brewery tap) in Saintfield. Only 2 Whitewater beers were on - Belfast Ale & Copperhead Ale. They also had Traditional Scottish Ales Stirling Bitter. The bar itself is rather atmospheric, if not a little dingy. It is spread over multiple levels. Service was a little lacking, especially in the communication department. The barmaid asked if I wanted ice with the bottled soft drink I had ordered (yes, unfortunately I was driving), I asked if the bottle was off the shelf or from the fridge. She pointed at the ice and said yes it was from the fridge. Well the bottle was presented at room temperature, meaning we were talking at complete cross purposes. Why would I ask if ice was from the fridge? An interesting conversation and a nice enough pub in a small town.
31 Jul 2011 22:03
I have to say that I was quite impressed with the North Down House. The front bar is very impressive. It is very traditional and features a tiled floor, a nice long bar and individual booths for drinkers. The rear bar is very strange with gaudy wallpaper and film posters. In addition, there is an outdoor drinking area to the rear with tables for standing at. A raised area in the front bar houses a pool table and long comfortable sofas. Unfortunately, the solitary handpull was sitting vacant. The only options are from the keg, such as Strongbow, Smithwicks and multiple lagers. A horse racing channel was being shown on the TVs. A very nice traditional hostelry. But a shame they lacked a decent ale choice.
31 Jul 2011 21:54
Fairly poor Wetherspoons with 4 ales on plus 3 real ciders. Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Hook Norton Haymaker & Mordue Summer Tyne were on. Cider was Addlestones plus Westons Marcle Hill & Old Rosie. Noisy kids running around didn't create a pleasant drinking environment. Other than that, it was a typical Wetherspoons.
31 Jul 2011 21:49
The Moat was my favourite pub out of 10 we tried yesterday on our Northern Ireland trip. It is a down-to-earth locals pub where conversation is king. There are 2 rooms - one appeared to be a lounge/restaurant. We plumped for the small traditional bar where everybody was crowded around the bar. A large Cowan's Old Irish Whisky mirror dominates proceedings in the bar. Green leather seating and a stone floor help give the room plenty of character. A small privacy screen in front of the gents toilets is a strange feature. Beers on were Whitewater Belfast Ale & Copperhead Ale.
31 Jul 2011 21:43
The Esplanade has a couple of different bars with separate entrances. It has the feeling of a hotel bar and apparently used to be a hotel. 3 Whitewater beers were on - Belfast Ale, Belfast Black Stout & Copperhead Ale. The front bar has a modern feel and has artwork (for sale) on the walls. It has wonderful views over the bay. A reasonable place. But lacked atmosphere.
31 Jul 2011 21:36
Two floor bar overlooking Belfast Lough. The downstairs bar seemed more geared for drinkers, whilst the upstairs bar is more of a restaurant. Nevertheless, all tables on both floors were set out for diners and there was an overwhelming smell of fish when we entered. 3 real ales were on - Hilden Molly Malone and Tom Woods Harvest Bitter & Shepherd's Delight. An ale festival is to be held in August, featuring 25 British beers.
31 Jul 2011 21:30
The Angel and Greyhound, Oxford
Fairly decent Youngs house outside of the centre of Oxford. Youngs Ordinary, Special, Waggledance & London Gold were on. The Bath Gem clip was turned. Lucky for me, they had Thatchers Heritage from a polycask behind the bar. In addition, Addlestones cider was also available. Popular with a largely middle class clientele. But a nice way to spend an hour on a summer's evening.
31 Jul 2011 21:23
Was slightly disappointed with the Royal Blenheim, given its high rating. 6 ales were on - White Horse Bitter & Village Idiot, Thwaites Nutty Black, Batemans XXXB, Isle of Purbeck Best Bitter & Box Steam Chuffin' Ale. They also had a real cider - Westons Traditional Scrumpy. The single bar was fairly busy on our Friday evening visit. Despite the wood panelling, it has a fairly light and airy modern feel. A nice place. But I remember better in Oxford on my previous visit.
31 Jul 2011 21:20
Passed here on the way to the Bree Louise. I dithered about whether to go in or not. Then the heavens opened, and there was no other option but to go in. I've been here several times before and you're guaranteed a decent pint, whether you choose from the range of cask beers, the national and international kegs from unusual sources or the bottled beers from all over. The cask beers are very well priced. Otherwise, be careful what you're ordering. Yesterday's cask selection was Redemption Trinity & Fellowship Porter, Oxfordshire Marshmellow, Otley O-Garden, Bradfield Stout & Yorkshire Farmer, Hewitts Unhung Hero & Dark Star Old Chestnut. 2 ciders featured in the keg selection - Hogans & Orchard Pig Medium. As previous posters have said, this is a very transient pub. You probably wouldn't stay here for a session. Downstairs is just bar stool type seating, whilst the walk up and down the spiral staircase makes drinking upstairs, or even visiting the toilet particularly challenging. Drinking outdoors is another option, providing the weather is clement. Looking forward to the opening of the Cider Tap in the opposite building during the autumn.
17 Jul 2011 12:09
I can't really add much from my last review a couple of years ago. I only come here as the Royal London Hotel hosts a function for a club I'm in every year. The customers were similar to my last visit - a mix of tourists and odd groups. A hen party was attracting a fair amount of attention, especially when one girl walked in with a full-length body stocking, leaving very little to the imagination. I assume they were all staying in the hotel. Otherwise, it would be the last choice on earth to hold a hen/stag party. Beers were unchanged from 2 years previously. Hopefully the casks have been changed since then!
17 Jul 2011 12:02
Prominently located Fullers pub not far from Ealing Hospital and Hanwell Viaduct. The interior is fairly nice. The little doorway between the bar and the lounge through which you have to stoop adds a little character. The pub seemed fairly popular with diners. Pride, Seafarers and HSB were on. Not bad for a Fullers pub, and with far better service than the Fox nearby.
17 Jul 2011 11:56
The Inn on the Green as it is now called was closed on our Friday evening visit. A notice on the door mentioned 'licensing' problems. Looks as if it might re-open. But I'm not sure when.
17 Jul 2011 11:53
I'd been meaning to try this pub for a while and finally got here on Friday evening. In all honesty, I was not overly impressed. The building and the location are nice, situated not far from the canal at the end of a suburban street. What disappointed me was the service. I hate it when customers are not served in the order they arrive at the bar. It shows a complete ignorance from the barstaff and customers alike. Nevertheless, I finally got served my half pint of Itchen Valley Pure Gold plus a bag of scratchings for a princely sum of �2.80. A mate arrived shortly after and ordered a pint of the same brew (�3.30). By my calculations, that makes the scratchings �1.15. I remember selling scratchings in a pub for 40p about 15 years ago. Has inflation really gone up by 300% in that time? Buying my mate a drink, I handed over �10.30, expecting �7 change. The barman returned to ask me what note I'd given him. I said it was a �10 and he came back with just �6.70 change. So I was overcharged 30p. Given I'd waited several minutes to get his service in the first place, I soon gave up and put the lost 30p down to experience. In summary, a nice pub with poor customer service. 4 other ales were on - Cottage Morgan Plus 8, Fullers London Pride, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Sharps Doom Bar.
17 Jul 2011 11:50
Fullers pub on the outskirts of Ealing. Chiswick & HSB were on 2 handpumps, whilst London Pride was on the other 3. A selection of bottled ciders was being promoted. But most were fairly bog standard. I plumped for the Thatcher's Katy. Thai food was being served. The interior is pleasant enough, but nothing special. Going to the toilets means stepping outside and into another building.
17 Jul 2011 11:36
One of three pubs we tried in Kinghorn. This had probably the most average selection of beers - only Caledonian Deuchars IPA and Fullers London Pride. Elsewhere, the Crown offered an Atlas beer, whilst the Ship offered 2 Orkney beers. The Auld Hoose is set on a steep side street. It has a traditional main bar with limited tables and a smaller lounge complete with a pool table and more tables. Two small TVs showed live golf. The stained glass windows promoting lager, wines & spirits are quite nice.
11 Jul 2011 22:02
Disappojnting Wetherspoons near the centre of town. The usual Spoons poor service was in evidence. The one barmaid was rushed off her feet with large queues building up, whilst other staff were cleaning tables. Surely serving drinks should be a priority? The various coffee and food orders were not helping proceedings. Finally we got served and the Traditional Scottish Ales Lomond Gold was fairly good. They also had Strathaven Duchess Anne, Coach House Post Horn, Greene King Abbot Ale & Caledonian Deuchars IPA. Alas there was no real cider. Children screaming didn't make for a particularly relaxing experience, with the noise reverborating around the drinking hall. Getting to the toilets is also a bit of a climb.
11 Jul 2011 21:57
This pub looks like a right dive from the outside. But they always say you should never judge a book by its cover, and so it proved with this little gem that was our favourite pub out of 26 we visited in Scotland this weekend. The welcome was warm and the beer selection was good. My initial selection Fyne Avalanche came to the end of the barrel before I could sample it. Instead I plumped for Brew Dog Trashy Blonde. In addition, there was also Prospect Silver Tally, Brew Company Hop Monster, Salopian Golden Thread & Darkstar Hophead. The Fyne brewery is located on site. So it was a little disappointing that I was unable to try any of their beers, when just 9 days earlier I saw three on in one pub! There are two rooms. We sat in the main bar with its red walls. I don't believe there was anybody else in the other room. Secondhand books are available to buy for a small fee to charity. A real unspoilt local. If you get beyond the front door, you're guaranteed a good experience.
11 Jul 2011 21:52
This was our first pub of the day yesterday. It enjoys a good location next to the harbour in Lower Largo. There are 2 rooms - a bar and a lounge, with a pool table at one end of the bar. The stone walls and stained glass windows add character, whilst maritime pictures on the walls highlight the hotel's coastal location. All tables were set for diners, meaning local drinkers were forced to sit outside in the car park. A group of American tourists were the only other customers in the bar. They were enjoying a coffee and were captivated by an appearance by Prince Harry on the TV. In hindsight, coffee was probably the better option, with only Greene King Abbot Ale & Belhaven IPA on offer. The Railway Inn across the street is a proper pub and all the better for it. The Orkney Dark Island they had on was very nice.
11 Jul 2011 21:42
This pub certainly has an impressive interior. The main bar has a really impressive ceiling. The bar is long and has a fine selection of whiskeys. There are also 2 side rooms, with further seating. The bar and the front room also have nice etched windows. On a Saturday night, the atmosphere was a touch rowdy. One individual clearly wanted to make himself heard. The ale selection was slightly disappointing with only Holts IPA & Deuchars IPA available. I have to say that I preferred the Phoenix nearer the town centre on the same road into town. The interior was also impressive and the beer range was superior.
11 Jul 2011 21:33
First of 7 Dundee pubs I visited. Sadly only one of the others is listed on this site. I will review that separately. This is a large unremarkable Wetherspoons. I'm not quite sure about the blue and purple walls. The beer selection was good - Greene King Abbot Ale, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Harviestoun Born to be Mild, O'Hanlons Yellow Hammer, Strathaven The Counting House & Stewart Steve Stewart's. There is no real cider. A disappointing start to my Dundee tour. But far busier than the similar Town bar around the corner.
11 Jul 2011 21:27
This pub is set in a lovely village, not far from a historic tower. The interior is a bit dreary. The reception from the landlord was similarly dreary. 6 bog standard English ales were on - Wells Bombardier, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Ruddles County, Youngs Bitter, Fullers London Pride & Timothy Taylor Landlord. Hops and pumpclips decorate the beams. Food seems to be popular. This pub has potential. But I don't think it is quite realising it.
11 Jul 2011 21:21
Best pub out of 15 we visited in the Perth/Dundee area on Saturday. Situated on the outskirts of Perth, it's well worth the trip out of the centre. 5 real ales were on - Inveralmond Ossian, Inkie Pinkie & Cherrybank Anniversary Ale, Kelburn Misty Law & Houston Texas. The landlord offered samples of the different beers. The Texas was the best beer I tried over the weekend. There are a few different rooms to savour. The doors through from the main lounge to the bar area are certainly interesting. They are quite narrow and take some negotiating if you're carrying a drink.
11 Jul 2011 21:18
This pub is remarkably small. There are just 5 tables in the single room. Unfortunately the locals crowd around the bar, making access extremely difficult. This is despite all the tables being unoccupied. The ale selection was disappointing with over Caledonian 80' and Deuchars IPA on offer and two spare handpulls. The variety of old pumpclips on display indicates that this pub has seen better days. Or perhaps our rainy sunny day was simply an off day. Service was friendly.
11 Jul 2011 21:13
Typical Wetherspoons located just across from the river Tay in Perth. The open-plan room itself is a large drinking hall with high windows overlooking the riverbank. Although a wall prevents you viewing the river itself. A slighly raised area at the side features bookshelves and overlooks what I presume was a church. Brewsters Rutterkin, Strathaven Summer Glow, Adnams Gunhill, Caledonian Deuchars IPA & Greene King Abbot Ale were the real ales on offer. Unusually for Scotland, there was also a real cider - Westons Marcle Hill. The best Wetherspoons we visited this weekend (out of 3).
11 Jul 2011 21:09
This pub enjoys a great setting in the lovely town of Dunkeld and its garden sits on the bank of the River Tay. The pub itself lies across a road and is a nice traditional place that clearly prides itself in its live music. Cairngorm Trade Winds & Timothy Taylor Landlord were the two ales on offer. There is also a nice terrace at the front, if you don't fancy crossing the road.
11 Jul 2011 21:03
Our second pub on our weekend tour of 26 Scotland pubs. This was one of only two pubs that served a real cider. The local Thistly Cross cider was on one of the 3 handpulls. The other 2 both had beers - Stewart Pentland IPA & Atlas 3 Sisters. This is a proper hotel, unlike many places that used to be hotels and now are nothing of the sort. There is a bar on one side and a formal restaurant on the other. There is an outdoor terrace at the rear. Not really a proper pub but still a good place to stop for a quick pint. Strangely, the computerised till system failed, meaning we couldn't pay on arrival. Unfortunately, the staff got it rebooted in time for our departure.
11 Jul 2011 20:57
The Commercial Inn, Pontyminster
This was the second consecutive pub called the Commercial, having previously visited the Commercial in Abertillery. This was much better, with an imaginative selection of real ales. It was our favourite pub of the day. The spacious main room is split into two sections and divided by a fireplace. TVs are scattered everywhere, making it popular with sports fans. The bar has a modern feel and is popular with youngsters who were also enjoying the suntrap verandah (yes, sun in Wales) overlooking the main road. Beers on were Brewsters Rutterkin, Thornbridge Sequoia, Wentworth Oyster Stout and Leyden Forever Bury. The barmaid vowed to mention to the landlord that people had been asking for a real cider. Whilst the Good Beer Guide indicates they sell one, I had to make do with the stout! This pub appears to have a reputation locally. We heard people talking about it several miles down the road and 3 pubs later in the Tredegar Arms at Bassaleg. So well worth a visit, if you're passing by along the M4.
4 Jul 2011 20:21
The John Capel Hanbury, Pontypool
Large Wetherspoons pub with only 1 guest beer to supplement the Ruddles Best & Abbot. The guest was Jennings Sneck Lifter. There were plenty of beers 'coming soon'. Neither of the 2 cider/perry pumpclips displayed were on. Instead, they had Westons Vintage Organic. The pub is large, but was very quiet early on a Sunday afternoon. Better than other pubs we had tried earlier in the day. But a poor Wetherspoons.
4 Jul 2011 20:13
The Horse and Jockey, Pontypool
This thatched pub was a big improvement on our previous 3 pubs in the area on our Sunday afternoon tour. All tables inside were set outside for meals. So we retreated to the garden, which could have been quite pleasant had it not been for the din of the kitchen extractor fan. Adnams Broadside was the only real ale available. Meals seemed to be popular.
4 Jul 2011 20:05
Having visited Abersychan an hour before and found this pub closed, we had given it up as closed for good. The landlord of the White Hart opposite certainly wasn't going to dispel any thoughts that it had bitten the dust. Nevertheless, on returning from the Globe at Talywain, we happened to notice people sat outside. We ventured in and found a much friendlier place than nextdoor. It wasn't much cleaner, with dog hairs matted into the carpet and the young owner or barman swatting the swarms of flies over the pool table with a child's tennis racket. No real ales are served. In fact the drinks range was severely limited with only Worthingtons Creamflow, Carling, Guinness & Thatchers Gold available on keg. I got the impression that the pub had only just re-opened under new management. They were keen to impress and were eager to direct us to the garden, where there were presumably less flies. We opted to stay inside where music was playing alongside a blairing TV. I would still prefer this to the miserable service in the White Hart across the road and I'm glad that there are people still willing to give the pub trade a go. Good luck to them. But for now, I can only award 3/10.
4 Jul 2011 19:53
A pitiful excuse for a pub. With a little effort, this could be a decent place. But sadly it is on a spiral to oblivion. The front bar could be seen to have character, but to me it was just dirty and cluttered. From the pile of dozens of newspapers sitting on the one bench to the lop-sided fishtank and the worn tables and sticky floors, everything seemed old and worn. The landlord was a sour chap. We had planned to visit the Buck opposite at first. It appeared closed down and there was certainly no sign of life on our initial Sunday lunchtime visit. On asking the landlord here if he knew if the Buck was closed for good, he replied that he didn't care. To describe the Newmans Red Castle Cream as cloudy would be an understatement. The ladies toilet had no toilet roll (I am reliably informed). I failed to find the gents toilet. Although I suspect my nose would have found it, had I not had a cold. I'll award this pub a 2/10 on the basis that it has a tiny bit of character. But I'd recommend the Globe in Talywain if you're looking for liquid refreshment.
4 Jul 2011 19:38
I rated this pub as my pub of the day in Cerdigion. It was a nice way to round off a lovely day by the coast. There was nothing outstanding about the pub. It was simply a traditional Welsh hostelry clearly favoured by locals. Compared with other local pubs, it was heaving. The locals were friendly and all spoke Welsh. Although they recognised we were outsiders and spoke to us in English. All were older than us, even the one who was fast asleep outside on a metal chair. This would be my only concern for this pub and pubs like it. Will the younger generation frequent this place when the older generation are gone? Templeton Rebecca Riot Ale & Hancocks HB were the 2 real ales. They also have a good selection of bottled Gwynt y Ddraig ciders. Not the obvious choice for a visitor to Aberaeron. But the best for me.
4 Jul 2011 19:21
Brains pub not far from the harbour and seemingly popular with a youngish crowd. Brains Bitter & Rev James were the only real ale options. Very quiet on our Saturday evening visit when compared with other Aberaeron pubs. Lacked atmosphere and Brains have made it feel too commercial.
4 Jul 2011 19:13
The Harbourmaster enjoys a fine location overlooking Aberaeron harbour. The quayside was packed with drinkers on a sunny Saturday evening. Watching the local youth dive continuously into the harbour was quite amusing. Inside is mainly for diners, but 2 real ales. My Welsh is not too brilliant. But I am guessing that the house beer Harbourmaster Cwrw Gorau from Bragdy Mws Pws is actually a Purple Moose Beer. In addition, they also had Glaslyn Ale from the same brewery. Gwynt y Ddraig Orchard Gold was available in bottles. A reasonably nice place, if not a bit too snooty. The plastic glasses also lose it a point. But the setting is the key draw.
4 Jul 2011 19:11
The Cambrian Hotel is located on the road out of New Quay towards Aberystwyth and is surrounded by caravan sites. Its location on the outskirts is handy, as it has its own car park and means you don't have to pay the �3 parking fee in the town itself. We decided to eat here and found the food served in the verandah to be very nice. Beers on were Stones Stones in the Bunker and Exmoor Gold. Westons Traditional Scrumpy is also available. The bar is towards the rear and far more traditional. Better than the Seahorse in the town, which we finally visited after driving 3 times around New Quay looking for a car parking space!
4 Jul 2011 19:05
The Crown Inn and Restaurant, Llywyndafydd
Secluded and charming rural pub. On entering, there is a restaurant area to the left and a traditional bar area to the right. Mind your head on the doors. Outdoor seating is also available with a childrens' play area suitably situated well away from the main building. There are 4 handpulls, but only 2 beers were on - Greene King IPA & Cottage Vulcan. My second favourite pub of the day, out of 10.
4 Jul 2011 18:41
Fourth pub on our Ceredigion crawl. Evan Evans Cwrw & St Austell Tribute were on. Stowford Press was the cider. It's a typical seaside pub with a front window overlooking the beach and bay at Llangrannog. There are also seats outside if the weather behaves. I have to say that I preferred the Ship at the other side of the car park, which had 2 Purple Moose beers and a selection of Gwynt y Ddraig ciders. Also for a sea view, you'll find the Ship at Tresaith difficult to trump. A nice enough pub. Although not sure if the barman here was trying to fiddle me by giving me an old 5p piece instead of a 10p for change. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.
4 Jul 2011 18:33
The Canbury Arms, Kingston Upon Thames
This gastropub was slightly better than I anticipated. Taylor Landlord, Sharps Doom Bar, Butcombe Bitter & Surrey Hills Ranmore Ale were the ales on offer. Both Stowford Press and Aspalls ciders are served. The young bar staff were very friendly. Sitting at the bar, I didn't feel too out of place. But this is more of an eating establishment than a pure drinking place. On a Friday evening, it was fairly busy. All tables in the restaurant were taken and diners were spilling over to the bar and the outdoor patio at the front and side. Worth a visit if in Kingston.
4 Jul 2011 18:15
The Wych Elm, Kingston Upon Thames
Fullers pub not too far from the Willoughby Arms. Only Fullers ales are served - Pride, ESB & Chiswick. The bar is a reverse L-shaped bar. There is a carpeted lounge area to the left as you enter, which leads to a pleasant garden. To the right is a bar area with bare floorboards. Was busier than the Willoughby and the Spanish barman seemed fairly friendly. It's a shame they only serve Fulelrs beers.
4 Jul 2011 18:11
The Willoughby Arms, Kingston Upon Thames
Large pub set in a leafy Kingston backstreet. There are plenty of outdoor drinking areas to complement the indoor seating. There is a pool table with film posters lining the walls. The landlord was friendly. I was slightly disappointed that there were only 4 beers - Twickenham Honey Dark, Wells Bombardier, Leeds Samba and Rudgate Valhalla. But this was probably the best of 3 Kingston pubs I tried on Friday evening.
4 Jul 2011 18:07
The Craft Beer Co, City of London
Surprised to see this place listed on here, so soon after opening. With 15 cask ales, a real cider and a multitude of foreign beers in bottles and on keg, this is a beer lovers paradise. On our visit last Friday afternoon, we managed to grab the last table before the place started to fill up rapidly. Word will soon get around that this pub is a good option. It feels more like a pub than the Cask and for me is better in that it offers a real cider on one of its 16 handpulls. Apparently a second cider will be added soon. Beers on were Kent Clerkenwell Pale, Crouch Vale Yakima Gold, Fyne Avalanche, Fiddler's Gold & Maverick, Green Demon Helles, Daleside Bitter & Blonde, Bristol Beer Factory Independence, Oakham Citra, Ilkley Mary Jane, Dark Star Original, Ridgeside Rushmore, Five Towns Solstice & Otley Thai-Bo. The cider was Burrow Hill. I particularly liked the porter and the 11.1% chocolate stout from the keg. The mirrored ceiling is impressive. The only drawback I can see for this place is its size. Similar to the Southampton Arms in Gospel Oak and the Harp in Covent Garden, I can see this pub becoming a victim of its own success and too busy to fully enjoy. But it's well worth a try.
4 Jul 2011 18:03
Friday was my first visit here for a while. It was much quieter than the last time I visited, despite being a Friday afternoon. There were about 8 or 9 of us in total, including the long haired guy from the Wenlock! Wimbledon was showing on the TV. Even the barman looked bored. However what the Fountain loses in atmosphere, it gains in its beer selection - Fullers London Pride, Mighty Oak Oscar Wilde, Hopback Taiphoon, Oakham Citra, Camden Pale Ale, Brodies Nugget and Acorn Barnsley Bitter. In addition, they now have a real cider on handpull - Gwynt y Ddraig Medium Farmhouse on my visit. It stays as a 7/10 for me. It's certainly better than the Wenlock these days. But it may need to raise its game to compete with a new breed of real ale pubs/bars springing up. We moved onto the new Craft Beer Company in Clerkenwell. With 15 cask ales, a cider, many foreign keg beers and a huge bottled beer range, pubs like the Old Fountain have their work cut out.
4 Jul 2011 17:50
The Ship is a bit dingy inside and the real ale range is uninspired - Wells Bombardier, St Austell Tribute, Thwaites Wainwright, Theakston Lightfoot and Robinsons Crusoe. The location is evocative of a bygone era and despite the darkness, it is quite cosy. Nautical themed pictures and items are featured. The upstairs 'Oak Room' was also open on my Friday lunchtime visit. However, sandwiched between visits to the Edgar Wallace and the Harp, this pub proved to be a poor relation to both.
4 Jul 2011 17:35
Paid a visit here last week to take advantage of a meal deal. It's a Beefeater. The food was nothing special and the interior is a little run down. It's more of a restaurant than a pub. I certainly wouldn't come here only for a drink and doubt I'd ever return for a meal either. I'd like to say there's better options in the area. But sadly there isn't.
4 Jul 2011 17:25
Friday was my first visit to this pub. I'd always thought I'd been here before in the distant past. But I certainly didn't recognise it. Beers on were Crouch Vale Brewers Gold, Itchen Valley Godfathers, Ascot Single Hop & Penguin Porter, Rudgate Ruby Mild, Darkstar Hophead, St Peters Organic Best Bitter & Nethergate Edgar's Pale Ale. At ground level, there is one single bar. But there is also an upper level. Lots of pumpclips can be seen high on the walls. Elsewhere, there are old beer lamps behind the bar, including one advertising Mackeson and several advertising Double Diamond. Other old adverts for drinks such as Babycham line the lower walls. A blackboard displays beers that are coming soon, with an impressive range. Probably not my last visit. But a shame there is no real cider.
4 Jul 2011 17:18
This pub has a good location on the High Street. But it didn't open until 6pm yesterday and when we left, it was completely empty at 7:30pm, despite a poker evening commencing at 8pm. The interior is nice, with all sorts of odds and ends dotted around the pub. There are also several different drinking areas. Music was being played a touch too loud. But where the pub really lets itself down was in its drinks choice. There are plenty of handpulls, but only 1 ale on - Deuchars IPA. Many keg offerings were also off and the fridges were bare. I'm not sure if the pub is being run down deliberately. But it seems a shame that it has so many shortcomings, when it also has so many plus points. Disappointing.
27 Jun 2011 22:03
Rarely does a Wetherspoons pub come out as my favourite pub of the day. But the Black Bull marginally pipped the Tap & Spile, Boatyard and Mostyn Arms as my favourite pub in Bangor. The beer range wasn't brilliant for a Wetherspoons - Marstons Pedigree, Greene King Abbot & Ruddles Best, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Nethergate Old Growler. The cider & perry range was good - Westons Old Rosie & Cider Twist Raspberry plus Broadoak Perry were available. The interior has more character than a standard Wetherspoons, with the small bar area occupying a former church. The lower level is more typical of the brand with its open plan modern style and tables packed in a little too tightly. A good option in the town centre.
27 Jun 2011 21:59
Fairly characterless chain pub in a prime location opposite the cathedral and on the corner of the High Street. Yates's Best Bitter and Brains SA were on offer, alongside the usual keg offerings. Walking in felt like deja vu. Except the last time I was in a Yates's was around a year ago in Hounslow, London. This was practically identical. Bare board floors and exposed brickwork could create a fairly pleasant atmosphere. But it is not helped by the multitude of TV screens and the plethora of advertisements for Yates's products and offers. I'm reliably informed that the ladies toilets were very smelly. Luckily I have a cold and couldn't smell the gents. However they clearly hadn't been cleaned from a busy Saturday evening. The floors were very sticky. There are far better pubs in Bangor.
27 Jun 2011 21:53
Tucked away in a side street near the University, it appears that this pub and others nearby rely quite heavily on student trade. With our visit timed out of term time, the Globe was not opening until 3pm and the nearby Belle Vue did not open until 6 or 7pm. Pictures on the wall feature various university sports teams. One real ale is served - Purple Moose Glaslyn Ale on our visit. Music was playing a little too loud on our visit. Cocktail and alcopop advertisements all around indicate the popularity amongst the student population. However, the pub clearly caters to locals too. Welsh is spoken and there are Welsh flags on display over the bar. The toilets have seen better days. The Belle Vue was more atmospheric and had 2 Conwy beers, if you're lucky enough to find it open!
27 Jun 2011 21:47
This pub had possibly Bangor's best real ale selection and enjoys a fine location overlooking Bangor Pier and the Menai Strait. We'd hoped to enjoy a batch, for which I'd read the pub is reknowned. But unfortunately they'd stopped serving them at 3:30 on a Sunday afternoon. Bass, Purple Moose Glaslyn, Deuchars & Moorhouses Blond Witch were all on, despite a few spare handpulls. York Guzzler had not long gone off. Cider was Westons Old Rosie. A multitude of old pumpclips on the ceiling gives a good indication to the guest beer range. The interior is fairly pleasant. It is split-level with tables on each level. Well worth a visit combined with the Boatyard just round the corner. The Eryl Mor Hotel just up the hill also dispenses an ale.
27 Jun 2011 21:41
Marstons pub overlooking the harbour and the Menai Strait. Beers were all from the Marstons stable - Marstons Burton Bitter & Pedigree, Ringwood Fortyniner & Jennings Tizzie Wizzie. Inside is fairly modern. The one room has large velvet sofas and other bright furnishings. Elsewhere, there were various nooks and crannies with people enjoying a Sunday roast. Outdoors, there are a few different areas to enjoy a drink weather permitting. Service was friendly. Certainly one to combine with the Tap & Spile nearby.
27 Jun 2011 21:34
Old coaching inn, just minutes from some of Snowdonia's finest scenery. There are 2 rooms. 1 bar is full of character with original furnishings. The other room has a full size pool table. The area in between doubles as an entrance and a further drinking area. The interior has a real feeling of faded glory. Even the customers are on the senior side. The welcome was friendly. Jennings Cumberland Ale & Purple Moose Snowdonia Ale were the 2 beers on. A 3rd handpull was unclipped. Well worth a stop whilst passing through on the A5.
27 Jun 2011 21:28
Brains hotel near to Penhelig station and overlooking the estuary. 3 Brains beers were on - Brains Bitter, Rev James & British Summer. Stowford Press was the cider. A hotel lounge and restaurant is at one end of the building, with a more traditional bar at the other end. The place soon filled up, with most coming in for lunch. A nice pub. But a shame that the beer range was limited to Brains.
27 Jun 2011 21:22
The Prince of Wales, Kennington
Cosy single bar pub in the corner of a leafy square, not far from Kennington tube. Tables are limited. Most drinkers were spilling out to a couple of outdoor tables and onto the square itself on my weekday evening visit. It's a Shepherd Neame pub. Only 2 of their ales - Kent's Best & Whitstable Bay were on last Thursday, with Spitfire being pulled through. A nice enough place, but probably not nice enough to warrant the trek to Kennington, especially given the lack of other decent local pubs to move on to.
27 Jun 2011 21:15
This was our favourite pub of 10 during our visit to North East Wales. It's more of a restaurant than a pub and to be honest I would have probably felt a little uncomfortable just coming here for a drink. As it was, we chose to eat here and enjoyed a very nice meal. The ale range was the best we saw during the day - Hawkshead Citrillo, Weetwood Cheshire Cat, Brunning & Price Original, Flowers Original, Purple Moose Snowdonia Ale & Titanic Stout. Westons Traditional was the real cider. The building, although more reminscent of a stately home from the outside, is very nice. The interior has tables spread out all around a central bar with plenty of pictures and bookshelves giving the appearance of a library. There were plenty of staff available behind the bar and waiting on tables. Not a proper pub, but a very satisfactory experience.
27 Jun 2011 21:07
Small, modernised pub located in a valley off the beaten track. There are 2 rooms. The games room is to the left and the main bar is to the right. As soon as the bar started getting busy, it felt a little too cramped, especially with most of the locals crowding around the bar. However, the welcome was friendly. A beer festival was advertised for next week with 10+ beers available. Hydes Original & Allgates Brigantia were the 2 ales on during our visit.
27 Jun 2011 20:59
Managed to get here last weekend for the first time in several years. The main bar has a tiled entrance, wood panelling and a tiled ceiling featuring a swan. A separate entrance leads to a lounge and restaurant with multiple seating areas. Unusually, there are no pumpclips. Beers available on my visit were Olde Swan Original, Dark Swan, Entire, Pardoe's and Bumble-Hole. Addlestones is the cider. A traditional Black Country pub that is well worth a visit.
27 Jun 2011 20:54
Tried visiting here last weekend to find the pub closed on a Sunday lunchtime with no sign of life. I'm not sure if it has closed for good. But I can recommend the Horse & Jockey in the town centre where a couple of real ales and a cider are served in a nice old thatched building.
27 Jun 2011 20:48
A very decent pub, situated on Platform 1 at Sheffield station. So well worth a visit if you're travelling to/from Sheffield by train. Beers were all from Thornbridge (Alchemy XII, Alchemy XIII, Jaipur, Ashford, Wild Swan & Kipling) & Roosters (YPA, Spearmint Mild & Yankee). For cider fans, Hogans on keg is the best on offer. The interior has one main bar, which has a tall ceiling and is fairly impressive, and a number of smaller drinking areas to the side and rear. There is also an outdoor drinking area on the street side of the station. Similar to the Euston Tap in London, they have an impressive bottled beer selection. Takeouts are possible. A handy place to know about. But I'm not sure about it being 3rd best in the country and there's better options in Sheffield itself.
12 Jun 2011 21:49
Another excellent Sheffield pub, second only to the Fat Cat in my opinion. With 10 ales and 11 ciders/perries, this is an essential stop on any Sheffield crawl and one where we stopped a little longer than originally planned. The interior is nothing special, and this is the only reason I rated the Fat Cat higher. The single room is large, but has no particular character. There is a garden at the rear, which we did not explore. But the main reason to come here (and probably linger) is the beer and cider range. Yesterday's visit had as follows - Raw Dark Peak Stout, Northumberland Fuggles Gold, Brampton Tramway, Brew Company Zeta, Theta & Epsilon (these were certainly keeping the bar staff confused), Fugelstou Village Life, Glentworth Going Loco, Harlequin Best Bitter & Blonde. Ciders and perries were Cobbledicks Whiskey Cask, Olivers Perry, Udders Orchard Whisky Cask & Perry, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Haymaker & Two Trees Perry, Westons Cider Twist Raspberry, Broadoak KB & Millwhites Rum Cask & Rioja Cask. I will be back at some point.
12 Jun 2011 21:44
The Riverside Cafe Bar, Sheffield
This pub is not too far from the Kelham Island Tavern, the Fat Cat and the Harlequin. So it fitted in fairly well for our crawl. It wasn't the best of pubs, but was satisfactory. It has a nice location next to the river and we chose to sit outside. The ale range was Empire Dog Days, Anglo Dutch Mid Summer Ale, Raw Anubis Porter, Brew Company Raken Bitter & Hop Ripper IPA & Sheffield Tramlines. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Addlestones. Worth a visit if you have the time.
12 Jun 2011 21:36
This was my favourite pub on our crawl of Sheffield yesterday. The interior is full of character. Although the main bar area is a little small. We opted for the walled garden at the rear, which soon emtpied as it started to rain. But some of the seating is covered. So we simply moved undercover as everybody else moved indoors. Beer choice was Mr Grundy's Over the Top, Brass Monkey Tamarin Mild, Salamander Dark Crystal, Hornbeam Citrus Temptation, Kelham Island Pale Rider & Kelham Best, Wychwood Gingerbread, Irwell Works Steam Plate, Boggart Blue Moon Rising & Taylor Landlord. A cider and perry were also on - Burnards Oaky Dokey & Saxon Amarena Cherry Perry. Certainly a pub I will return to, the next time I am in Sheffield.
12 Jun 2011 21:29
The Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield
Yesterday was my second visit to the Kelham Island and I was left a little disappointed. In my opinion, this is no longer the best pub Sheffield has to offer. The ale range is still second to none - Fyfe Citron Wheat, Glentworth Drumbeater, Thwaites Crowd Pleaser & Nutty Black, Rudgate Fenrir's Best, Salamander Event Horizon, Mallinsons Omnom, Acorn Old Moor Porter, & Barnsley Bitter, McConnels Irish Stout, Hopping Mad Fruitcase, Bradfield Farmers Blonde & Pictish Brewers Gold. The cider range has unfortunately gone downhill with only Westons Old Rosie & Country Perry on offer. Annoyingly, they now add gas. This time around we sat in the back room, which doesn't quite have the character of the main bar area. It is fairly cosy, but feels more like a dining room. The Kelham Island is still a good pub. But I fear it may be resting on its laurels.
12 Jun 2011 21:21
Excellent street corner pub in an unassuming area north of the city centre. But not too far from many of the best Sheffield pubs. This one can certainly count itself in the 'best' category. Little Ale Cart beers are brewed on the premises and Blenheim, Houghton Hall and Lincolnshire were all available yesterday, alongside Beowulf Hurricane, Millstone Vale Mill, Mallisons Chinook & West Berkshire Bean Dibbler. Cider was Thatchers Cheddar Valley. The pub itself is fairly small, but has a few separate drinking areas. The landlord was a pleasant chap. Worth the walk out of the city centre, or take the tram.
12 Jun 2011 21:11
Pleasant pub with friendly service and a good range of ales. The bar is open plan with a raised area at the rear. I believe it had a pool table. Ales available on our visit were Kelham Island Easy Rider, Black Sheep Golden Sheep, Taylor Landlord, Moorhouses Pride of Pendle, Theakston Old Peculier, Leeds Pale Ale, Acorn Barnsley Bitter and Lancaster Blonde. Cider was Westons Old Rosie. Certainly a pub worthy of a visit.
12 Jun 2011 20:43
Traditional backstreet boozer not far from the university district of Sheffield. The interior wasn't quite as impressive as I'd expected, but is still quite impressive. There are 2 rooms, both with access to the bar. Ales on were Tetley Bitter, Daleside Special, Salamander Dark Crystal, Abbeydale Deception & Northumberland Angel of the North. One further pumpclip was turned. Cider was a keg Pheasant Plucker. A nice pub to include in a Sheffield crawl, but not an essential if you're pressed for time.
12 Jun 2011 20:39
Open-plan establishment with 2 banks of 6 handpulls plus a few ciders and perries, alongside an excellent bottle selection to the side of the bar. Ales on offer were Brew Company Devonshire Cat Pale Ale, Abbeydale Deception, Acorn Sorachi Ace IPA, Oakwell Barnsley Bitter, Kelham Island Pale Rider, Thornbridge Jaipur, Copthorne Classic, Theakston Best, Blue Bee Tangled Up IPA, Bradfield Farmers Blonde, Cottage Western Glory & Phoenix Black Shadow. Ciders and perries were Westons Country Perry & Old Rosie & Saxon D'Agostini Perry & Stoned Love. There is a kitchen in one corner and meals seem to be fairly popular here. Certainly one of the best pubs Sheffield has to offer.
12 Jun 2011 20:30
The Benjamin Huntsman, Sheffield
This was the first pub on our Sheffield crawl yesterday. With so many great pubs in Sheffield, we only ventured into a Wetherspoons as it was open at 11am. Beers on were Greene King IPA, Ruddles Best, Cotleigh Nutcracker, Thornbridge Kipling & Brother Rabbit, North Cotswold Shagweaver, York Pride of York and Shepherd Neame Bishop's Finger. Cider was Westons Old Rosie. The interior is modern with exposed ducts and artwork. An average Wetherspoons that could possibly the best real ale establishment in many towns around the country. But in Sheffield, it's a poor relation.
12 Jun 2011 20:22
The Robert Browning, Maida Vale
Sam Smiths pub not far from Warwick Road tube. All keg beers and served in plastic glasses yesterday, presumably because there was a cricket match on at nearby Lords. The interior is fairly pleasant and traditional with columns and a high ceiling. Prices are good, as you would expect from a Sam Smiths establishment.
10 Jun 2011 17:13
The Lord Palmerston, Dartmouth Park
Understand the comments about this epitomising a gastropub. It's set up mainly for diners with a bare boarded bar area at the front and further seating areas to the rear, upstairs and outside to the rear. As drinkers only, we opted to sit ourselves on the patio at the front of the pub. Three real ales were on over the 4 handpumps - Purity Pure Gold, Youngs Waggle Dance and Adnams Bitter. The cider was Aspalls. We popped in the Dartmouth Arms afterwards, which unfortunately was not how I remember it. So the Lord Palmerston is definitely recommended over that one. But with a little more effort, you'll soon be at the Southampton Arms which is far more satisfactory.
6 Jun 2011 11:46
Ha Ha Bar And Canteen, Staines
As the previous reviewer states, this is now a Slug & Lettuce. The only real ale was off, leaving a selection of fizzy lagers and the like. The view over the river from the outdoor tables is quite pleasant. But the pub itself is fairly dull and featureless inside. It's been quite a few years since I was last here (when it was the Ha Ha Bar), and it was no different then. Sadly, the Wetherspoons is about the best of a bad bunch in Staines.
3 Jun 2011 08:04
Open plan Fullers pub, carpeted with modern furnishings. The Thai restaurant is still attached. But there didn't appear to be anybody there. Pride & ESB were the 2 real ales on offer. The locals and staff seemed fairly friendly. Better than I was expecting.
3 Jun 2011 08:00
Slightly above average pub in a village setting. Real ales on were the house beer from Wadworth (Miskin Best Bitter), Everards Tiger & Sunchaser and Hancocks HB. Cider is Natch Dry. A large collection of porcelain gravy boats and teapots hang from the ceiling in the bar area. There is also a large Burton Brewery mirror at one end of the bar, with various other curios spread around the pub. Of the 19 Welsh pubs we tried this weekend, this was our 18th. Sadly, the 19th is not listed on here and was our favourite of all. For a far more comfortable experience with an excellent selection of real ales (8), head to the Boar's Head at Tyla Garw instead.
30 May 2011 15:01
This pub is now closed. For a good alternative, head out of town and into the hills to the Brynffynon Hotel at Llanwonno. It's in a remote rural location and has plenty of character.
30 May 2011 14:54
Backstreet local in Aberdare that was fairly quiet on our Sunday lunchtime visit. No real ales were on. The one handpull was unclipped. Formula 1 was showing on the TV. A stained glass window at one end of the pub displayed the pub's name. The Whitcombe Inn around the corner was much livelier and had 3 ales. I can also recommend the Red Cow in nearby Lywydcoed which had 5 ales and 2 real ciders.
30 May 2011 14:51
Roadside pub not too far from Llandrindod Wells. There are 3 rooms - a lounge on the left as you enter, the Ithon Bar on the right and a pool room (currently being redecorated) at the rear. Beers on were Felinfoel Double Dragon, Brains Reverend James, Wye Valley Dorothy Goodbody's Natural Blonde Lager, Courage Directors and Breconshire Golden Valley. A nice enough pub. But not the best of the day. Honours for that fell to the Castle Inn in Knucklas, which is not listed on here.
30 May 2011 14:42
Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells
Pleasant pub outside the town centre but opposite the railway station. It was quite busy on our Saturday afternoon visit with locals, visitors, families, children and dogs. Rhymney Best, Rhymney Export and Sharps Doom Bar were on, alongside a real cider - Gwynt y Ddraig Dog Dancer. The main bar area was busiest. But there were side rooms for a little more solitude.
30 May 2011 14:36
Country pub set in a picturesque valley south of Builth Wells. Parking is on the lane outside. You'll probably whack your head off the low doorframe the first time you walk in. For successive visits, you'll probably learn from the error of your ways. Once inside nursing your wounds, you'll find a couple of rooms. The main bar is popular with local drinkers and diners alike, with tables set aside for meals. A smaller room leads to the toilets and doubles as a games room. The pub is hosting a beer festival this weekend, with 12 real ales. However, only 3 were on during our visit - Otter Ale, Wickwar IKB and Wyre Piddle Piddle in the Spring. The cider was Stowford Press. The first of 19 establishments we tried in Wales over a couple of days and certainly one of the better ones.
30 May 2011 13:54
Finally got in here for a second time yesterday. Previous visits have found it closed on a weekend lunchtime. According to the friendly landlord, they are planning to open earlier in the future to attract the local student crowd for breakfasts. The first time I came here, there were a number of Liverpool Organic beers on. This time there were none. Ales available were Tatton Blonde, Higsons Bitter, Deuchars IPA, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Tetleys & Greene King Old Speckled Hen. There are still no real ciders. This time, we chose to sit outside in the enclosed 'garden', which is actually more of a yard. This seemed to intrigue the locals who also came out to discover the yard. Apparently none of them knew it was there!
23 May 2011 20:59
Visited here for the second time yesterday after a first visit to the Roscoe Arms. The Roscoe Head is still a very pleasant backstreet pub with plenty of character in its features. Service is friendly. Beers on yesterday were Six Bells Cockschafer, Castle Rock Preservation Ale, Adnams Lighthouse, JW Lees The Governor and Tetleys.
23 May 2011 20:54
The Vine (Bull & Bladder), Brierley Hill
It must have been nearly 20 years since I was here last. But it is fairly unchanged. Traditional Bathams pub with 2 or 3 Bathams ales on. The cider is Westons Stowford Press. Only the front bar to the right as you enter has full access to the bar. Although a serving hatch in the corridor serves the other rooms. The bar itself was busy on my lunchtime visit today. The lounge to the left as you enter was much quieter. I believe there is also a third room to the rear. The highlight of any Delph crawl. The locals are pretty friendly.
21 May 2011 23:14
The Cross and Bowling Green, Beoley
This place is now primarily an Indian restaurant and only appears to be open on evenings. Nevertheless, the front bar retains its traditional features and seems to have a regular local clientele that are here solely for the beer. 4 handpulls were unclipped, leaving the Marstons Pedigree looking a little lonely. There is a second bar at the rear, with the main restaurant area beyond. We didn't try the food. But this seemed to be fairly popular too.
21 May 2011 22:24
The Gate Hangs Well, Headless Cross
Single bar pub that was fairly busy on our Friday evening visit. Although many drinkers were only there waiting for their takeaway food from one of the several outlets nearby. Our visit was spoiled a little by the long wait to be served, with the landlord preferring to serve locals that had just walked through the door, rather than the people that had been waiting longer. The ale range was good however - Castle Rock Preservation Fine Ale, Purity Mad Goose, Greene King Abbot Ale, St Austell Tribute, Wadworth 6X and Hook Norton Old Hooky Bitter. Could be a good pub. But let down slightly by the poor service.
21 May 2011 22:20
I voted this as my pub of the day out of 10 we tried in Worcestershire on a Friday. This may have something to do with them serving Thatchers Heritage cider. There were also 2 real ales - Cottage Southern Bitter and Wye Valley The Bridge's Best Bitter. The locals were a bit noisy and this wasn't particularly helped by the arrival of a coach party. But the setting next to the River Avon is particularly pleasant and there are many tables to enjoy a pint or two overlooking the river. Inside is a modern public bar and games room to the left and a dining area to the right. Watching the coach trying to reverse back up the narrow lane was quite amusing. This certainly isn't a pub you're liable to stumble upon on chance. But it's certainly worth a visit if you know it's here.
21 May 2011 22:16
The Oddfellows Arms, Astwood Bank
This was certainly one of the 3 best pubs of the day that we tried in the Redditch area. The front bar is full of character with nice frosted windows. A larger lounge can be found at the rear, with access to the outdoor toilets. M & B Brew XI and Wye Valley HPA were the 2 real ales on offer. Westons Stowford Press was the cider. Set in a narrow and quiet street, we found this pub very traditional and atmospheric.
21 May 2011 22:09
The Bramley Cottage, Callow Hill
Ember Inns pub with one of their typically featureless modern interiors. The real ale selction was good - Caledonian Flying Dutchman, White Horse Village Idiot, Batemans Original Victory Ale & Purity Ubu. The John Smiths Cask was off. Aspalls was the cider. There is plenty of seating and we were served fairly quickly.
21 May 2011 22:06
Steps Bar and Bistro, Headless Cross
Modern bar which is a little dark inside, despite a skylight. The main bar is long and thin, with a conservatory at the rear. Beyond this is an outdoor drinking area. Seemed to be popular with a younger crowd. Hobsons Town Crier was the only real ale, with a second handpull vacant. Not my cup of tea. But I suspect this would get pretty busy of an evening.
21 May 2011 22:02
The Woodland Cottage, Redditch
Cosy and friendly establishment uphill from the town centre of Redditch. The walls feature old pictures and maps of the area, including many black and white pub photos. Hobsons Mild, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Sharps Doom Bar and Thornbridge Jaipur were the real ales on offer. Cider was either Scrumpy Jack or the rarely seen Kingstone Rosey. The locals and staff were fairly friendly.
21 May 2011 21:59
Marstons pub near the station. The interior of the bar appears to have a medieval theme with shields around the walls and pictures of knights. It was quiet on a Friday lunchtime, with only 3 other drinkers. There was a further room at the rear, where the carvery is served. I don't believe there were any takers during our visit. Jennings Sneck Lifter, Banks's Bitter & Wychwood Hobgoblin were the 3 real ales on offer from the Marstons range.
21 May 2011 21:53
An above average Wetherspoons on a pedestrianised stretch of Redditch town centre. It's a fairly large pub decorated in purple and yellow, with a metal horse sculpture in the centre. Beers on offer were Sadlers Worcester Sorcerers, Farmer's Finest & Stumbling Badger, Roosters Elderflower, Greene King Abbot Ale, Ruddles Best, Purity Mad Goose & Pure Gold & Batemans Pink Cadillac. Cider was Westons Old Rosie. Toilets were surprisingly clean for a Wetherspoons. Service was slow as usual.
21 May 2011 21:49
Canalside pub with 5 real ales and a real cider. Kinver Bargees Bitter, Teme Valley Talbot Porter, Cottage Windsor Castle Ale, Weatheroak Tillerman's Tipple & Hobsons Mild were the ales. Westons Vintage Organic was the cider. The pub has 3 small rooms. One contains the bar and another is set out for dining. We sat in the 3rd room which has plenty of barge pictures on the walls. A marquee was still outside from a beer festival held last weekend. Definitely one to recommend.
21 May 2011 21:42
Friendly pub tucked well out of the way from the city centre in a rather inauspicious area. The interior is characterful and cosy. There is no TV, but plenty of other things to admire on the walls, including a large jug collecion above the bar and a thimble collection on one side. The etched windows are quite attractive. To one side of the bar is a raised area with sofas and comfy seating, that really is reminiscent of somebody's living room. At the other side is an area set aside for dining. A small window separates these two areas, through which the landlady's head appeared during our short visit. The pub was very quiet on our Saturday afternoon visit, with only 2 other customers present. 3 real ales are on. Yesterday they were Naylors Pinnacle, Marstons Pedigree & Adnams Broadside. Well worth searching out if you're after a traditional unspoiled pub near Birmingham city centre.
15 May 2011 09:03
The Pitcher and Piano, Richmond
Bog standard chain establishment with poor service and overpriced drinks. The key selling point of this place is its views over the river and its outdoor seating areas on a terrace. No real ales or ciders are served. At �4.95 for a bottle of cider, I won't be hurrying back. Staff seemed fairly disinterested in serving as queues were started to build up. Most were milling around doing odd jobs and chatting with one another rather than serving. Very similar to the All Bar One and Slug & Lettuce chains nearby. Whilst this one has the best location, it's probably pipped by the other 2 due to their slightly superior drinks range and service.
15 May 2011 08:45
Visited here early Friday evening for a swift half. It's a comfortable Youngs house that is a little larger than it first appears. The bar itself is at the front. But there are further drinking areas tucked behind the bar plus a side room to the left as you enter. There was also a popular outdoor drinking area at the back. Youngs Ordinary & Special, Wells Bombardier & St Austell Tribute were the 4 real ales available. Both the staff and the customers seemed friendly and the prices were good for the area.
15 May 2011 08:38
The Ugly Duckling (Harvester), Tatling End
Came here for a carvery last night and not really for a beer. Although Marstons Royal Union and Fullers London Pride were the 2 ales. The place is now owned by Toby. For a cheap value-for-money meal, it's worth a visit. There were some people that appeared to be there only for the drinks. But they were very much a minority. Not a place I can particularly recommend for a beerintheevening.
12 May 2011 20:36
Popped in here after a curry on Tuesday. To be honest, I thought this was possibly the best Wetherspoons I've been to for a while. The compact size of the place makes it a little more atmospheric than most of the larger Wetherspoons. In fact, it feels more like a normal pub. Large windows create a little natural light. Beers on were Marlow Rebellion Mutiny, Nethergate Essex Beast & Sweeney Todd, Adnams Broadside, Greene King Abbot Ale & Ruddles Best. The cider was Westons Old Rosie. We found the prices extremely reasonable for London, and it's very handy for the station.
12 May 2011 20:31
Visited Peter Kavanaghs again yesterday. I'm always surprised how quiet this pub is. On all of my previous visits, I've had the pick of the 3 bars. I've never seen anybody sitting in them. There only seems to be people around the bar itself. Although I'm sure it has to be busier in the evenings. Yesterday, we chose to sit in the largest bar. All are fairly devoid of light. But there are still plenty of things on the walls and ceilings to admire. Blakemere Funny Bunny & Hitched, Cottage Windsor Castle Ale & Vantage and Greene King Abbot Ale were all available. But I'm afraid once you're over the novelty value of this pub, it's pretty ordinary, especially in terms of atmosphere. Still a recommended visit for any visitors to the city. But I'm reducing my rating slightly.
8 May 2011 13:18
Just like the Belvedere around the corner, this place was empty on our arrival yesterday lunchtime. The barmaid was busy making sandwiches for a later party. 4 real ales were on - Bateman's Willy's Crown Jewels, Blakemere Summit Special, Liverpool Organic Josephine Butler and Timothy Taylor Golden Best. The cream walls create a warm and welcoming drinking environment, and I would suggest that a recent makeover has given the pub a new lease of life. There is a piano in the corner and regular live music is advertised, which undoubtedly appeals to the local student population. The gents have some very green tiles! I'd never visited here before, but have a feeling we may return at some point.
8 May 2011 13:12
The Pilgrim is a place we often go to, as it opens early on a Saturday. I believe it opens at 10am and it certainly serves breakfasts. It was fairly quiet on our visit yesterday, which enable us to make use of the free jukebox. 3 real ales were on - Brass Monkey Baboon, Phoenix Hopsack and Thwaites Lancaster Bomber. Thatchers Cheddar Valley has now been added on tap. So I have increased my rating slightly.
8 May 2011 13:06
I believe this is the last of the city centre Wetherspoons I was yet to visit, until yesterday. It was better than I expected, given some of the reviews on here. The interior is a little dark, but is still quite pleasant and there is plenty of seating On a Saturday morning, it was fairly busy. There seemed to be a queueing system in operation at one end of the bar. But when asking the person at one end of the queue if they were at the front or at the back, they said I'd get served anywhere. 8 handpulls were in use. Although I'm not sure how many of these beers were really available and Ruddles Best was on 2 different pumps. Certainly, when I asked for one of the 4 ciders in the fridges, following an initial blank look and a request to repeat my order, it appeared the Mr Whiteheads Cirrus Minor box was empty. Why keep an empty box in the fridge? Instead I opted for Broadoak Perry. Equally I could have gone for Westons Marcle Hill or Vintage Organic. Beers supposedly on were Brains Reverend James, Ossett Pale Ale, Otter Mild, Peerless Hop Nob & Full Whack, Ruddles Best & Greene King Abbot Ale. Better than I had anticipated. But nothing to single it out for special praise.
8 May 2011 12:59
Friday evening was our first visit to this King's Cross establishment, and I left fairly impressed. A sign outside promotes the place as the best pub in London. I'm not quite sure about that claim. But it ranked fairly highly for me. The interior is fairly large with plenty of large tables and sofa typed seating suitable for groups. A lack of bar stools and smaller tables may make it unsuitable for individuals. The walls are tiled, giving it a more traditional look. A piano opposite the bar is obviously used, judging by previous reviews. Twickenham Four Seasons and Sambrooks Celebration were the 2 real ales. 5 real ciders or perries were on - Millwhites Hedge Layer, Rioja Cask and Organic Single Orchard, Bee Sting Still Perry and Orchard Pig Medium. I'm not sure if this range was the leftovers from a recent festival or whether they continually run with 5/6 ciders. But I was fairly happy. The pork pies served with picallili were also enjoyable, if not a little pricey at �6+ each. I will pay another visit at some time in the future to see if they can maintain standards.
8 May 2011 12:42
The King Charles I, Kings Cross
Finally got around to visiting this small backstreet Brodies pub on Friday evening. It wasn't quite as busy as we expected. More people were enjoying the sunshine at the outdoor tables to the front, than sitting inside. The small one room pub has a bar billiards table centrally located, making it difficult to get past the players to the one corner of the pub. Nevertheless, the interior is fairly cosy and relaxing. The walls are wood panelled and feature odd-looking masks. Bare floorboards add to the authentic feel. Brodies Mild & Red were on alongside Deuchars IPA. Symonds Founders Reserve is the cider. Agree with the comments about the gents toilets. They are rather small.
8 May 2011 12:31
The Eagle and Child, Doncaster
Cosy village pub with a reasonable selection of beers - Black Sheep Golden Sheep, John Smiths, Leyden Kate & Wills and Wold Top Cromwells Gold on our visit. Black Sheep Best Bitter was off. The pub has a large collection of brass items. Even the table tops have either brass or copper tops. It seemed to be a popular choice for diners.
4 May 2011 20:39
This pub is situated on a roundabout at the junction of a couple of main roads. Whilst it looks promising from the outside, it was very disappointing once inside. The young barman was not very cheerful and the locals were commenting how the drinks prices are far cheaper elsewhere. No real ales were available. Of the 2 handpulls, one was unclipped and the other had a Bombardier clip turned around. The drinking area is L-shaped with a modern style bar at one end, which gives way to a more comfortable lounge/dining area towards the other end. The poor drinks range and the cold welcome means I cannot recommend this pub.
4 May 2011 20:36
Marstons pub not far from the High Street in Bawtry. An old sign on the exterior promotes Hewitt's Grimsby Ales. Beers available on our visit were Marstons Dragon's Tale & Perfect Union, Brakspear Bitter & Wychwood Hobgoblin. There are 2 rooms. One is a light and airy modern-looking bar and the other is a smaller and more traditional dining room. Both are fairly pleasant to relax in. But the Marstons tie makes your beer choice a little restrictive.
4 May 2011 20:31
Open-plan and comfortable town centre pub in Bawtry. Deuchars IPA, Ruddles Best, John Smiths & Thwaites Lancaster Bomber were all available. Despite it being open-plan, there are plenty of little corners to retreat to.
4 May 2011 20:27
The Carpenters Arms was a reasonable pub in a large South Yorkshire village. Unfortunately, it seemed we'd missed their beer festival that had been held on the previous weekend. Black Sheep Best Bitter, John Smiths, Jennings Cumberland Ale and Kelham Island Easy Rider were all on. It has a fairly cosy interior but was very quiet on our visit. Ironically the pubs we visited before and after this one (the Black Lion at Firbeck and the Scarbrough Arms in Tickhill) were our favourite pubs of the day and neither are listed on here. I'll ask for them to be added. This is not to detract from the Carpenters which I could imagine would be better with more customers.
4 May 2011 19:15
The Travellers Rest, Sheffield
Friendly family-run pub in a nice rural location next to a narrow viaduct. Hardy & Hansons Kimberly Bitter was on, with Greene King Abbot Ale being pulled through. There was one further spare handpull. There are some nice outdoor tables next to a brook.
4 May 2011 19:09
This pub is now closed and has metal shutters over all windows.
4 May 2011 19:06
This was our second pub on the Bank Holiday Monday for May Day, following the Roland Arms in Aston. It's a Sam Smiths pub in a nice rural location. There are 3 rooms - a lounge, a family room and a restaurant. The lounge features various horse riding equipment. The pub was reasonably busy with many sat outside enjoying the sunshine. Old Brewery Bitter is available on cask.
4 May 2011 19:02
After visiting the nearby Harvester (not the foodie chain), we rounded our night in Bingley off in here. It was a quite enlightening experience. Service was slow. One girl refused to serve us as she was cleaning the bar and the till, despite clearly seeing that people were waiting up to 10 minutes. I was eventually served the wrong drink. My first choice was 'unavailable'. The barman then got my second choice wrong. Ales available were Elland 1872 Porter & Myrtle Grove, Daleside Bitter, Naylors Sledgehammer, Thornbridge Jaipur, Ruddles Best & Greene King Abbot. There were no real ciders. The place itself was akin to a community centre. However, the clientele were a most intriguing bunch. Whilst I normally note a collection of ageing alcoholics during the day and crowds of teenagers in the evening, it appeared some of the older folk had forgotten to go home! Around a dozen were dotted around incongruously amongst the younger drinkers. The latter were displaying all of the local trends. Whilst the boys were wearing their jeans somewhere near their knees, seemingly keen to have their underwear on display, the girls were wearing the usual belts for skirts along with an unhealthy amount of make-up. One young lady looked very ill with her darkened face and white lips, similar to that teen idol Jordan. Or maybe I am rapidly becoming one of those older folk that have forgotten to go home! Either way, I wouldn't recommend this place unless you're here for the entertainment value.
4 May 2011 18:55
Locals pub situated in an estate, not too far from the town centre. The crowd of smokers around the entrance were difficult to negotiate despite a couple of them disappearing into the shadows of the car park to do God knows what. The pub was definitely a pub of two halves. Whilst youngsters congregate in the one room around the pool table, the more mature clientele can be found mulling over matters on the other side of the bar, which is altogether more comfortable. Tetleys Bitter & Mild, Marstons Pedigree and Sharps Doom Bar were available. But I'm not sure this was worth the journey out of the town centre.
4 May 2011 18:42
Another Timothy Taylor pub in the centre of Bingley. Landlord, Golden Best and Best Bitter were all available, with Stowford Press being the cider offering. Whilst there were less beers than the nearby Brown Cow, the atmosphere was much more lively. Loud dance music was being played by a DJ and there were bouncers on one door. But it at least created a lively atmosphere. The clientele were mostly young-middle-aged.
4 May 2011 18:37
A large pub that we visited after enjoying a value-for-money 3-course curry at the nearby Cardamon restaurant. Somehow I was expecting more for this place. The full range of Timothy Taylor beers was available - Landlord, Golden Best, Dark Mild, Ram Tam & Best Bitter. Cider was Stowford Press. Unfortunately, the pub lacked atmosphere. It is quite large and there were only 2 other patrons, unlike most of the town centre pubs. We also waited nearly 5 minutes for the barmaid to appear. The dark leather seating makes it a comfortable drinking environment. But the lack of customers made the whole experience very average.
4 May 2011 18:30
The Busfeild Arms, East Morton
Nice little pub in a pleasant village. Old Spot Light But Dark, Everards Sunchaser, Taylor Landlord and Tetleys Bitter were all available. Inside was fairly busy but the loud music was a little off-putting. We opted for the nice courtyard at the front, where we sat and enjoyed our drinks with a setting sun. Service was fairly friendly.
4 May 2011 18:24
The Marquis Of Granby, Riddlesden
This pub was really packed on our Sunday afternoon/early evening visit. Most people were crowded around the bar. Black Sheep Special, Theakston Mild and John Smiths were the 3 real ales available. In addition to the bar, there is a smaller lounge, which bizarrely appeared to be empty. Agree with Cravenite that the interior is a little worn. The reception seemed a little frosty, presumably because we weren't local. One of my least favourite pubs of the day.
4 May 2011 18:19
The Willow Tree Inn, Riddlesden
Signs on the outside reveal that this pub is temporarily closed. Hopefully it will re-open, as it enjoys a nice location not far from Ilkley Moor.
4 May 2011 18:15
We also visited on a Sunday and the newspaper reading was very much in evidence. This is a modern bar with a good choice of real ales, ciders and continental beers. Timothy Taylor Landlord, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Ilkley Mary Jane, Leeds Celebration Ale & Midnight Bell and both Roosters Yankee & YPA were all on. Broadoak Moonshine was the real cider and Gwynt y Ddraig Two Trees Perry were also available. Various brewery items can be seen around the walls. The good drinks range and the comfortable atmosphere made this our favourite pub in Ilkley and the best of 10 we tried in West Yorkshire.
4 May 2011 18:12
I wasn't too impressed by this backstreet Wigan pub. No real ales were available, with the solitary handpump looking a little forgotten. I sat in a section that was clearly a shrine to Elvis. Elvis pictures, a plastic guitar, an Elvis cutout, an Elvis lamp, an Elvis handbag, an Elvis plate, an Elvis roadsign, an Elvis LP and plenty of pictures of Elvis. Need I say more!
4 May 2011 18:02
This pub has a quite impressive, if slightly worn, interior. There is a nice tiled entrance corridor leading to two large rooms at the front and further rooms at the rear. 1 has a pool table. The front room I used had an impressive fireplace. Being a Holts pub, there were few real ales available. In fact, the only option was waiting for the Holts Bitter to be pulled through. Nice pub but poor beer selection unless you're a fan of Holts.
4 May 2011 17:59
This place was fairly busy on a Saturday lunchtime. The interior is open plan and very similar to the Wetherspoons just up the road. Lots of TVs show sporting events. Scottish football was showing during our visit. Ales on were Moorhouses Royal Appointment, Theakston Lightfoot, Deuchars IPA, Wells Bombardier & Courage Directors. Despite its lack of character, this was the best of 3 Wigan pubs I tried.
4 May 2011 17:54
Paid my first visit here last Friday and stumbled across a mini beer festival. To be honest, I wasn't expecting it to be open with most places in the City closed for the public holiday. But the number of people enjoying the sunshine outside was a welcome sign. The interior is splendid. There are engravings above the bar and around the walls, impressive leaded and stained glass windows and plenty of marble and dark wood making it quite moody inside. There is a mosaic ceiling in the impressive back room mirroring the mosaic exterior signage. There are further murals on the exterior. Real ales on were Fullers London Pride, Butcombe Old Vic Bristol Porter, Sharps Doom Bar, Brains Reverend James, Youngs Bitter, Kelham Island Best, St Austell Tribute & Proper Job, Ascot Royal IPA, Leeds Midnight Bell, Vale Special and Adnams Lighthouse. Sadly the only available cider was Aspalls. A very nice pub that only falls down for me with its lack of cider.
4 May 2011 17:48
Small Soho pub, just off Old Compton Street and decorated similar to a French bistro. There are old black and white pictures of French people on the walls plus old Ricard advertisements. On the Royal Wedding day, there were more people outside than inside, with many drinkers enjoying the weather and the party atmosphere. There were plenty of free tables inside. Whilst there were no ales, Breton Cider was a suitable alternative for me. A fairly atmospheric pub.
4 May 2011 17:35
The Rose & Crown was the only pub we managed to try in Driffield, after we originally planned to visit 5. With me driving, I was suffering from a sugar overdose following too many soft drinks! The landlord here seemed friendly, but it seemed some of the locals were on the verge of a scrap! Wold Top I Will, Thwaites Wainwright and John Smiths were the real ales. The pub has a few corners to escape the main bar area.
27 Apr 2011 18:55
The Old Star was the 6th of 8 pubs we tried in East Yorkshire (4 are not listed on this site). However, this was probably the best of a pretty average bunch. This village pub has plenty of character with multiple cosy rooms. Old tables with modern furnishings provide a nice juxtaposition. Real ales were John Smiths, Northumberland Bonus Bank Holiday Bitter and Timothy Taylor Golden Best. The welcome seemed a little frosty. Although maybe they suspected we were from the travellers site just down the road!
27 Apr 2011 18:50
We visited here prior to a visit to Flamborough Head and Bempton Cliffs, which are both nearby. This pub was very quiet. An advertised beer festival seemed to have either never materialised or had run out far too soon in the Easter bank holiday weekend. The exterior was quite impressive. But the interior was a little characterless. There is a front smoke room, a lounge at the rear and a yard for outdoor drinking. Equipment for karaoke was still lying around in the smoke room. Presumably this had been held the previous night. A music channel was being played on the TV at an inappropriate volume. The smoke room also had a pool table and a grabbing machine, like the ones you find in amusement arcades. John Smiths, Wells Bombardier and Greene King Old Speckled Hen was the extent of the real ale choice - hardly worthy of a beer festival. But on the plus side, Westons Traditional and Cornish Orchards cider were both available.
27 Apr 2011 18:39
Town pub located on the main road through Flamborough and seemingly popular with diners. There are 3 separate areas - 2 at the front for drinking and 1 for dining at the rear. The barman was fairly friendly and with the recent addition of Black Sheep, the pub now stocks 3 real ales. The other 2 on our visit were John Smiths and Wold Top Will.
27 Apr 2011 18:33
The Fox and Hounds, West Witton
This was the last and certainly one of best pubs we visited in North Yorkshire over the Easter weekend. Yorkshire Dales Muker Silver, Theakston Lightfoot, Salamander William Tell, John Smiths and Black Sheep Best Bitter were the real ales available. There was also a good selection of bottled ciders in the fridge, including Cox's & Katy from Thatchers and Black Dragon from Gwynt y Ddraig. The locals were friendly and so was the landlord. The bar area has bare floorboards and has plenty of character, whilst the lounge is carpeted and seemed a good place to relax and unwind. Old beer and cider bottles line the shelves of both rooms, whilst Yorkshire Dales beers are available to take out. Well worth a visit.
27 Apr 2011 18:25
Still no Wensleydale beers in here on my visit. The brewery has moved to Bellerby where I recommend the Cross Keys. The Three Horseshoes was very quiet on our visit. A handful of locals all stopped and went silent when we walked in. The pub remained quiet whilst we were there and although I don't generally like music in a pub, this pub would have certainly benefitted from some quiet background sounds. After a while, the locals did engage us in conversation and they appeared reasonably friendly. But I can imagine that many others would have found the original silence a little unnerving. Walls County Town Gun Dog Bitter, Daleside Blonde, John Smiths, Theakston Best and Yorkshire Dales Landlord's Ales were the beers. Nice pub in a nice location. But the lack of atmosphere marks it down a little.
27 Apr 2011 18:19
A fairly nice pub overlooking the Market Square in Leyburn. There are several separate drinking areas. The tiled front room was quite atmospheric and features a wood burner. Timothy Taylor Landlord, John Smiths and Black Sheep Best Bitter were the real ales. Ok, but I preferred the Bolton Arms in Downholme (not the Redmire one) for food and the Cross Keys in Bellerby for a real pub atmosphere with decent ciders and ales, including beers from the Wensleydale brewery. This latter pub was my favourite of the day. I'll request for it to be added and will see if it appears one day!
27 Apr 2011 18:09
This was a fairly characterless Wetherspoons, but with plenty of staff on for a change. There was little or no atmosphere. Maybe if the snooker on the TVs wasn't being shown on mute, matters might have improved a fraction. However, it is nicely located opposite the Friary Gardens and nearby the Georgian Theatre Royal. As usual the real ale selection was good, but I'm not sure about the quality. Okells Mac Lir, Moorhouses Blond Witch, York Williamette, Allendale The Field & Lycetts, Ruddles Best, High House Farm Pullet Please, Greene King Abbot Ale, Richmond Happiness & Great Newsome Sleck Dust were all on. Westons ciders available were Vintage Organic, Marcle Hill & Old Rosie. Probably the best real ale establishment in Richmond. But I have to agree with the previous reviewer - the George & Dragon at Hudswell (not listed on here) is recommended, if only for the views and the fact you're supporting a real community pub.
27 Apr 2011 17:58
This pub looks quite promising from the outside. But inside wasn't quite as good. My main objection was that the live football being shown on the TV was being shown at an excessive volume. At the rear is an upper level where the pub narrows and there is a pool table. We opted to sit in this area, as far away from the speakers as possible. The main bar area has exposed brickwork. Black Sheep is the only real ale and features on both handpulls.
27 Apr 2011 17:50
One of two pubs in the village, this one was quite pleasant on a sunny spring day. Mithril Flower Power, Wensleydale Curlew's Call, Black Sheep Best Bitter and Marston Moor Oyster Catcher were the real ales. All other customers appeared to be locals. Food was on offer with fish specials.
27 Apr 2011 17:42
Pleasant village pub overlooking a large green. With Easter Sunday being a nice day, most people were sat outside the front of the pub. The bar is to the left as you enter, whilst there is a large restaurant area on the right-hand side. Copper Dragon Freddie Truman, Jarrow Rivet Catcher, Daleside Bitter & Monkey Wrench, Black Sheep Best Bitter & Mithril Flower Power were the real ales available.
27 Apr 2011 17:39
I think the 2 reviews left by single pub posters on the 9th February can be safely disregarded. The Crown Inn is a nice country pub and has no need for any refurbushment and no need to focus on the cleanliness of the toilets. 8 real ales were on - Bradfield Farmers Brown Cow, Saltaire Chocaholic, Hopback Dragon's Breath, Taylor Landlord, Marstons Pedigree, Theakston Best, Village Brewer White Boar and Castle Rock Harvest Pale. Unfortunately, there was no real cider. Thatchers Gold was the keg cider. But the landlord did say he had 2 ciders ready for a festival this coming weekend along with 20 Royal Wedding themed beers and live music. The pub has two main drinking areas. We sat in the main bar area, where elderly locals were gathering. Continuing around the bar, you get to another area where younger folk were gathering and listening to rather loud music whilst playing pool. Complimentary chips on the bar were a nice touch. Well worth a visit.
27 Apr 2011 17:35
This place has now been re-named Alibi. We were drawn here by a sign outside that indicated there was a real ale and cider festival. Initially we ignored this as we were intent on visiting the Britons Protection, the Peveril of the Peak and the Rain Bar. However with all 3 of these closed at 11:30 on a Saturday morning, we doubled back to Alibi. Unfortunately, the beer festival advertised was not until May. But we ventured in anyway. The interior is modern with artwork suspended from the ceiling and mocha coloured walls. It is possibly part of a chain. 4 real ales were on - Hornbeam Lemon Blossom, Dunham Massey Landlady, Wells Bombardier and Jennings Cocker Hoop. Whilst not a traditional pub, it served its purpose for us. But I think I would go nextdoor into the Paramount next time, unless of course there really is a festival on.
26 Apr 2011 20:00
This is a very small pub that is full of character. In fact, it claims to be the smallest pub in Europe. There are 2 rooms of equal size, with the adjoining bar area so small that only around 3 or 4 people plus the barman/barmaid can fit. Both bars have lots of photos, with the rear bar focussing on football pictures. The front room also features a nice tiled fireplace. We were greeted on entry by a man (George?) who found us a table and took our drinks order. As people have said previously, the drinks are then brought to your table. Tetleys is the only cask ale available. But you come here for the atmosphere, more than the beer. An enjoyable experience.
26 Apr 2011 19:44
Was in here yesterday early evening. It's a fairly typical Wetherspoons. As a former cinema, it has a vaulted ceiling and stretches back quite a way until a raised area at the rear. There is also outdoor seating at the front. Clientele were the usual mixture of locals with nothing better to do and people finishing work for the week. Beers were Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot Ale, Hogsback Spring Ale, Hammerpot Woodcote Bitter & Red Hunter, Exmoor Gold & Deuchars IPA. Westons Marcle Hill and Old Rosie ciders were also available. Getting served took a few minutes. There was nothing particularly special about this Wetherspoons. But I get the impression this may be the only decent real ale outfit in the town.
22 Apr 2011 09:00
I decided to give this place a go on Tuesday evening. As previously posted, it's now an Indian-owned bar/restaurant called the Tiger Lounge. It's quite spacious inside with modern furnishings and a dark and moody red and black interior. There is a dancefloor for activities later in the night and a tented shisha lounge at the side. During the early evening, I was the only customer. Indian league cricket was showing on the multiple TV screens. Menus offered various Indian food dishes at a reasonable price. Keg beers and ciders available were Guinness, Cobra, Tiger, John Smiths, Fosters, Heineken and Strongbow. Dragon Stout was available amongst the bottles. Not a place I would return to. But at least I now know what it's like.
22 Apr 2011 08:53
This pub has come along nicely since re-opening a couple of years ago. We visited again yesterday after a brief stop in the newly opened Bier Keller across the road. The Vernon now appears much more popular since my last review. The front bar is regularly busy, as it was yesterday with people watching FA Cup football on the big screen. The rear bar is generally a quieter retreat. 6 real ales were on, in addition to a real cider. York Centurion's Ghost Ale & First Light, Boggart Rum Porter, Cottage HST, Phoenix Wobbly Bob & Brains Reverend James were the ales. Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon was the cider. With the likes of Rigbys, the Lion Tavern and the Ship & Mitre all nearby, this is a great area for a crawl and the Vernon should definitely be included.
17 Apr 2011 10:38
I ended my 5 week boycott of Wetherspoons establishments (after being refused entry to a Solihull branch for wearing trainers!) by visiting this place yesterday. It's a Lloyds No.1 bar with a fairly modern interior of wood and metal spread over 2 floors. The ground floor seems to double as a nightclub-type place in the evening. 3 real ales were on - Peerless Hop Nob & Full Whack and Leeds Doubting Tom. Westons Cider Twist Raspberry was the cider offering. Located in the Concert Square area, this pub was much better than I expected.
17 Apr 2011 10:29
This hotel bar was somewhat brighter and more welcoming than I had imagined. It's also much bigger than I thought it would be, with mirrors exagerating this appearance. Two handpulls sit at the end of the bar. Only one was occupied during my lunchtime visit yesterday, with Deuchars IPA on special offer. Beatles pictures are on many walls. TVs are dotted around. Some show sport on silent, whilst others show music videos. The place has very little character. Whilst some people were eating meals, I suspect this is a place where you have a quick drink and then move on.
17 Apr 2011 10:22
Having visited the Bree Louise many times, I've always wondered what this pub was like. So yesterday after a quick one in the Bree, we wondered into the Exmouth for a swift half. The interior is much more spacious than I had imagined with plenty of old tables around the walls. 4 basic real ales were on offer - Courage Best, Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Adnams Bitter & Fullers London Pride. A drinking partner claimed that things hadn't changed much in the 20 years since he was last here. Although the carpet is new. A black cat seemed quite comfortable asleep on the bar, whilst a couple of uncouth regulars seemed content to shout expletives at one another and at the bar staff and customers. I soon realised why most people were sat outside! Despite a slightly run-down interior, it's probably still slightly better than the Bree Louise. But what the Bree Louise lacks in character, it more than makes up for with its beer and cider selection. With its far superior neighbour just a stones throw away, I doubt we'll be back here (or at least not for another 20 years anyway)!
10 Apr 2011 11:17
This small pub is right opposite Molineux football ground. Immediately after yesterday's match, it was fairly busy. But within around 20 minutes, the place had largely emtpied to reveal a fairly unspoilt backstreet local. There are a couple of rooms, both with tiled fireplaces and a couple of outdoor drinking areas including a rooftop patio. Whilst there is an unused handpull, there is sadly no real ale. Keg options are Banks's Bitter & Mild, Guinness, Stella Artois, Carling & Strongbow. The bottled Dragon stout went down quite well though, despite the plastic glasses. It seems the pub is West Indian-owned. Curried goat and rice was being promoted for �5. Handy for the football ground.
10 Apr 2011 11:08
I haven't been to a Hogshead for a long while, until visiting here yesterday. I left fairly impressed. The Hogshead brand seems to have been re-invented, with a heavy focus on real ales and even offering discounts for CAMRA members. The large bar was busy and I understand the garden was equally busy. Getting served took around 10 minutes despite a long bar and plenty of bar staff. Ales on offer were Kinver Edge, Enville Ginger, Black Hole Cosmic, Beowulf Mercian Shrine, Oxfordshire Marshmellow, Cannon Royall Fruiterer's Mild, Wells Bombardier and Celt Native Storm. Enville White replaced the Ginger during my visit. A real cider (Thatchers Cheddar Valley) was also on. TVs were all showing sport, but at a reasonable volume. Otherwise the interior is fairly characterless. Nevertheless, the drinks range was far better than I had expected.
10 Apr 2011 11:02
Goose In The City, Wolverhampton
This pub now appears to be called the Lady Wulfrun. Late yesterday morning it was packed with pre-match drinkers, with a few people dining. It's a fairly characterless pub similar to a Wetherspoons, albeit with an inferior selection of ales. Yesterday's visit revealed Marston English Pale Ale, Greene King Old Speckled Hen and Brains Reverend James. Probably not one I'd return to.
10 Apr 2011 10:54
Fairly small Wolverhampton pub with plenty of character. The place was fairly quiet when I entered. So I managed to grab one of the few seats in the front bar, enabling me to admire the old interior with its leaded windows, patterned ceiling, tiled walls, bare floorboards and wood & glass bar. A rear bar seemed fairly basic and was playing loud music. Within a few minutes the place began to fill up and I got the impression I had arrived at just the right time. Real ales on were Rudgate Viking, Enville Ale, Deuchars IPA, Sharps Doom Bar, Shepherd Neame Spitifre and Wells Bombardier. I particularly enjoyed the Mr Whiteheads Midnight Special Perry. A very nice pub to which I shall return, despite the 'home fans only' sign!
10 Apr 2011 10:51
The Great Western, Wolverhampton
The Great Western was really busy on our Saturday morning visit yesterday. Both home and away football fans were being welcomed and the atmosphere was good. The real ale range seemed a bit more limited than on my last visit. Holdens Golden Glow, Black Country Bitter, Mild & Special were available plus Ludlow Gold. The ciders of choice are Thatchers Dry and Gold. But both are keg.
10 Apr 2011 10:44
Pleasant village pub that was reasonably busy with locals and had a nice garden at the rear, complete with a fish pond, chicken pen and the sounds of cows and sheep in the nearby fields! The interior has been modernised, but not to its detriment. Wadworth 6X & Henry's IPA were the only 2 beers. Westons Stowford Press was the cider.
10 Apr 2011 10:38
The Prince Of Wales, Dilton Marsh
If this pub is for sale (we couldn't see any sign of this), it is definitely still open. Ringwood Best & Forty Niner & Bass were the 3 real ales on. Stowford Press was the cider. A happy hour was advertised on Fridays from 4-7pm. But the drinks we had were not particularly cheap. There is a pool table in one corner and a skittle alley in an adjacent room. Playing pool is particularly difficult, as the walls are very close. The bar itself has a collection of moles on the fireplace. A reasonable village pub. But nothing particularly special.
10 Apr 2011 10:25
I can confirm that this pub is now open. It has 2 bars - alight and airy one at the front and a darker one at the back with most tables set out for dining. St Austell Tribute & Wadworth 6X were the only 2 ales available with a Fullers London Pride clip turned round. Also off were the Black Rat cider and perry. Not a particularly impressive pub. Running out of drinks with a sunny weekend ahead may not make good business sense.
10 Apr 2011 10:19
The Kicking Donkey, Brokerswood
This pub has a real country feel with a couple of gardens either side of the lane. We sat on the pub side of the lane, where a large amount of flies made relaxing difficult. Over the road, the childrens' play area made for a less appealing option than the flies! The interior is quite large with a bar and an interconnecting dining area. Nobody was eating on our visit. Real ales on were Butcombe Best, Wadworth 6X and Sharps Doom Bar. There were 3 unused handpulls. The cider was Stowford Press. A framed photograph in the bar proudly shows a horse visiting the bar itself, which is a little strange. Despite the flies, the gardens are peaceful and afford excellent views over to the Westbury White Horse.
10 Apr 2011 10:11
The Barge Inn, Bradford on Avon
Canalside pub with a large garden next to the road and a more secluded garden terrace next to the canal. Most people were sitting outdoors enjoying the spring sunshine. However the interior was modern with funky music playing. The real ale range was a little restricted with all but one beer from the Marstons range. Ringwood Best, Boondoggle & Lovely Warne, Marstons English Pale Ale & Fullers London Pride were the options. Stowford Press & Lilleys Apples & Pears were the ciders. Probably our least favoured pub in Bradford-on-Avon. But the setting next to the canal still made it quite pleasant.
10 Apr 2011 09:58
The Bunch of Grapes, Bradford on Avon
The interior of this pub was strangely decorated and almost gothic in appearance. I don't have the advantage of seeing what the place was like before its refurbishment. But I didn't find it too unpleasant. Although it was a little dark. Most tables were set out for diners. We were the only customers, until another couple walked in. There are plenty of curios, including copper kettles, fishing rods and clocks. A strange feature is a TV showing silent Charlie Chaplin films. Youngs Bitter, St Austell Tribute and Bath Gem were the 3 real ales, whilst there was also a large whisky selection with a malt of the month promoted. Ciders were Stowford Press & Scrumpy Jack. Unfortunately, we weren't hungry enough to try a pie. But they did seem quite expensive.
10 Apr 2011 09:50
I rated the Castle as my favourite pub of the day in Wiltshire. The interior has been modernised. Although the pub still retains some character. The real strength of the pub is in its ale and cider range. Three Castles Flatcapper Ale & Barbury Castle, Plain Indulgence, Keystone Bedrock Bitter & Glastonbury Hedge Monkey were all on. The real cider was Glasto Festival Strength. Views over Salisbury Plain from the garden were impressive. Most people were choosing to sit outside. It seemed to be popular with a middle-aged crowd, until the place was flooded with schoolgirls presumably breaking up at the end of term.
10 Apr 2011 09:42
The Rising Sun, Bradford on Avon
Locals pub situated on the edge of Bradford-on-Avon. There are two bars. The main one is to the left and a smaller saloon bar is to the right on entering. The whole place has a worn and ageing feel. But the locals were friendly. A couple of elderly dogs were in the bar and provided a little entertainment. The landlord seemed a little surly. But being a fellow Everton fan, I'll let him off! One customer remarked that there are more Everton fans in the pub than any other club! A large collection of trophies in the main bar inidcated a strong emphasis on various games and sports. Beers on were Courage Best, Tetleys & Exmoor Fox. The real cider was Thatchers Cheddar Valley. Stowford Press was also available.
10 Apr 2011 09:34
This pub's setting is its key selling point. Overlooking the Avon and next to an aqueduct with the railway station nearby, it feels like a really secluded and peaceful spot. It will get busy with tourists and in particular families who can take their charges into the garden. But on a sunny Friday lunchtime in spring, the place was not too busy. The wait for service was just under 5 minutes with only one staff member behind the bar. However, she was fairly friendly and served a full pint. Box Steam beers on were Chuffin' Ale, Steam Porter, Tunnel Vision & Golden Bolt. There was also Hooky Gold from Hook Norton. Keg ciders available were Lilleys Apples & Pears, Pheasant Plucker, Thatchers Dry & Thatchers Gold. In addition, there was a mulled cider and a real cider - Thatchers Cheddar Valley from a polycask. The main bar is small and a little cluttered. A tankard collection hangs from the ceiling. A further room has tables set for dining. But the tables outside the front of the pub and in the garden sloping down to the riverbank were clearly the most popular on a sunny day. On the whole, we had a positive experience. I think the trick may be to visit on a quieter day.
10 Apr 2011 09:25
The Hop Pole Inn, Limpley Stoke
Quiet pub in a lovely rural village setting. There is a choice of two bars on entering. The Avon Bar in the left seemed mainly for diners. We plumped for the Valley Bar on the right-hand side, which seemed to be more for drinking and was where the locals seemed to hang out. There is a nice garden at the rear. Butcombe Best Bitter, Courage Best & Sharps Doom Bar were the 3 real ale choices with a Brains SA clip turned around. The keg cider was Long Ashton Ashton Press.
10 Apr 2011 09:06
This was the best of the 4 Waterloo pubs we tried yesterday. It's also very handy for the train station. The front opens up onto the street providing a continental-type feel. The interior itself is fairly bland with a single room containing a stage for live music. Around the walls are pumpclips and pictures with musical associations. All 6 handpulls were occupied on our visit - Brimstage Trappers Hat, Southport Golden Sands & Cyclone, George Wright Moche Piwo, Robinsons Hannibal's Nectar & Boggart Rum Porter. Whilst there is no real cider available (Strongbow will shortly be replaced with Thatchers Gold according to the barman), there is a good bottled selection of ciders including Thatchers Katy, Old Rascal, Green Goblin & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon. Whilst possibly not the best drinking environment in Waterloo, this place warrants a visit for its beers.
3 Apr 2011 12:31
Friendly backstreet local with 3 real ales - Black Sheep Best Bitter, Caledonian Flying Dutchman and I believe the third was Milkwood Nut Brown Ale. There are two rooms either side of a central bar. The room on the left side has plenty of wood with bookcases and pictures of the local area. The room to the right has a TV showing live football. Overall, a pleasant drinking environment.
3 Apr 2011 12:24
This was the second pub of our brief Waterloo crawl. Neither this nor the first one (the Old Bank) were particularly impressive. Hobgoblin was the only beer available here with an Abbot Ale clip turned round. The interior is spacious. The clientele was aging and were mostly there for lunches. Perhaps they offer cheap pensioners specials. Artwork on the wall attempts to create a modern feel and the barmaid was very friendly and chatty. But overall the pub lacked a little bit of atmosphere.
3 Apr 2011 12:08
The Magazine is now re-opened and apparently little changed from what it was previously. This was my first visit and I was reasonably impressed. It appears quite an old place with multiple rooms offering a retreat from the main bar area if you so desire. A large fireplace with many horse brasses dominates the main bar area, with Toby jugs hanging from the ceiling. At the rear of the pub, there is a bowling green and the one room has bowling trophies and the like. From the front windows, there is a pleasant view across the Mersey. Beers on were Spitting Feathers Farmhouse Ale & Basket Case, Copper Dragon Scotts 1816, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Bass.
20 Mar 2011 12:36
This pub is a little larger than it looks from the outside. There is a small bar to the right as you enter and another similar sized section to the left opens up to another couple of sections down a couple of steps. Two different TVs offered different sporting options (rugby & football). 3 real ales were available - Sharps Doom Bar, Deuchars IPA & Mayfields Spring Target. A fourth handpull was not being used.
20 Mar 2011 12:27
Estate pub that is a little rough around the edges, but is fairly friendly. We weren't expecting it to be open after reading in the Solihull Drinker that it had closed in January. But it was open and 2 real ales were on - Wadworth 6X & Wells Bombardier. A disco was on. It was so loud that the bar staff were having trouble hearing drinks orders correctly. The interior could only be described as tatty and clearly needs a lot of work. Bouncers on the door didn't make the place feel welcoming. The number of children inside at 10pm was also a worry. A pool table on a raised area provides a focal point for young locals, whilst the Chinese restaurant area was closed. I'm assuming this place is under new ownership and hopefully it can get a much-needed makeover.
13 Mar 2011 20:23
Extremely noisy on our Saturday evening visit, with a disco in full force. The Sadlers Arms is a nice building in the town centre. Although the beer range was a tad limited, with only Marstons Best Bitter & EPA & Wychwood Hobgoblin & Paddy's Stout available. I could imagine this would be a pleasant pub to drink in during the day. But on a Saturday evening, it was too busy and too noisy.
13 Mar 2011 20:16
According to the local Solihull Drinker, this pub will not appear in the next Good Beer Guide due to there being very little real ale choice. Sadly I was not even allowed the chance to try the pub, being promptly refused entry to the pub as I was wearing trainers! Since when have Wetherspoons pubs have restricted entry on the basis of footwear. I was offered no explanation as to this policy by the jobsworth on the door. Is this a permanent discriminatory policy or just for a Saturday evening? The noise emanating from inside suggests that this is more of a nightclub than a pub. With no real ale, loud music, surly bouncers and outrageous dress codes, are Wetherspoons succumbing to the binge drinking trade found in most English town centres. The clientele hanging around certainly seemed to indicate they are. 0/10 from me, as a pub that doesn't allow you to have a beerintheevening on the basis of your footwear is not worthy of any credit. Shame on you Wetherspoons.
13 Mar 2011 20:11
My Saturday evening visit was very different to Roberttherailways'. The pub was extremely busy with the young pre-clubbing crowd and the noise of chatter in such a large space was a little annoying. The interior is fairly modern. But the beer range was good - Silhill 4.0 Pale Ale & 3.7 Premium Session Ale, Purity Mad Goose, Cains FA Formidable Ale, Springhead Maid Marian Blonde, Greene King Abbot Ale & Ruddles Best. Both Westons Old Rosie & Marcle Hill ciders were available. I found it a little strange that a Wetherspoons employee was sat at a table selling condoms outside the ladies toilets. A little too busy for my liking.
13 Mar 2011 20:00
Ember Inns establishment with a typically anodyne interior. Nevertheless on a Saturday evening, tables were scarce and this is quite a large pub. Prices are very reasonable and the real ale range is good - Taylor Golden Best, fff Alton's Pale Ale, Purity Ubu, M & B Brew XI, Greene King Abbot Ale & William Worthingtons White Shield IPA. This would be a very nice pub if it had a little character. But clearly it is doing something right, as it is so popular.
13 Mar 2011 19:51
Busy Chef & Brewer pub that was full with people seemingly enjoying 2 for 1 meals. The atmosphere was similar to a real pub. But this is still very much a restaurant. Real ales available were Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale & Old Speckled Hen & Holdens Golden Glow. There were other people only there for the beer. But being the minority, I didn't manage to get too comfortable.
13 Mar 2011 19:47
This place wasn't planned to be on my weekend crawl. But we visited here for a quick meal. The food was moderately priced and I would probably award this around 6/10 if this was a food website as the food itself was good. However this is a website for beer and as such I will score the Orange Tree much less. Only mass produced keg beers and lagers are available. The setting is nice and the atmosphere is comfortable. But I would not come here solely for a drink.
13 Mar 2011 19:42
I quite enjoyed this pub. In fact, it was my second favourite of the day. The pensioners mentioned 3 years ago seemed to be arriving in droves at the same time as us. But luckily they all proceeded to the lounge, presumably for cheap meals, as we headed for the bar. Whilst the furnishings were extremely scarce, the locals were all fairly friendly and the drinks range is good - M & B Brew XI, Purity Mad Goose, Sharps Doom Bar & Sadlers Worcester Sorcerer were the beers; Westons Old Rosie was the real cider. A tradional country pub seemingly unspoilt by change.
13 Mar 2011 19:35
This was the best of the 11 pubs we tried on Saturday. It's in a nice rural location and consists of 2 rooms - a public bar and a lounge/restaurant. There are plenty of items around to keep your attention occupied whilst you enjoy a pint. These include toby jugs above the bar and a few pop music items on the walls. Although the red lighting makes it a little dingy. Beers on were Hook Norton Hooky Bitter, Adnams Bitter, Sharps Doom Bar & Purity Mad Goose. The donkey in the rear garden was friendly.
13 Mar 2011 19:28
Comfortable railside pub right next to Berkswell station. The interior is a single bar with plenty of railway memorabilia on display. Live sport is shown on the big screen. Beers available were Broadside, Bass & Landlord. Would consider a return if I'm ever in this area.
13 Mar 2011 19:23
The first of 2 Chef & Brewer establishments we visited on Saturday. This was one was slightly better than the Drum & Monkey in Bentely Heath. As stated previously, the building itself and its environs are very nice. This is very much a family-type restaurant with a small area set aside for drinking. Real ales available were Courage Best, Caledonian Over the Bar, Everards Tiger & Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted.
13 Mar 2011 19:19
Called in here on Saturday lunchtime. I remember visiting the Allesley Hotel next door around 30 years ago and have not been back to Allesley since. The Rainbow Inn looked quite promising from the outside. But the interior has been modernised a little and there was no sign of any Rainbow beers. Those available were Greene King IPA, Wells Bombardier, Hook Norton Old Hooky & St Austell Tribute. Nevertheless, the place was quite busy. Toilets are outdoors. Also out the rear in the car park is the brewery itself.
13 Mar 2011 19:12
Still my favourite pub in Newcastle City Centre. Yesterday's visit was far busier than my previous visit 2 years ago. But I'm sure this was due to Newcastle playing at home. The interior still seems very much like a wine bar. But the drinks range is fine. Yesterday, Jarrow Rivet Catcher was on at least 3 handpulls. But they also had Daleside LAF (Lager-Ale Fusion), Art Brew Tempest Stout and Yorkshire Dales Bacchus Citra Zing. The cider was West Coast Dry.
6 Mar 2011 12:50
Real ale pub near Chinatown and just a stone's throw away from St James Park football ground. On match days this place is always packed. Yesterday we actually had to wait outside a while for some of the crowd around the bar to clear. There seems to be few if any tables and chairs, or maybe they are cleared for match days. But vertical drinking is the order of the day. Real ales yesterday were Ossett Revolution IPA, Deuchars IPA, Rudgate Bankers Gold, Big Lamp Golden Star & Summer Wine Nerotype No. 1 Simcoe. Cider was Westons Bounds Scrumpy. Ever reliable and very handy for Newcastle football games.
6 Mar 2011 12:41
First visit here for a few years yesterday. This is still one of Newcastle city centre's better pubs, with a good range of real ales, a real cider (Westons Old Rosie) and a nice interior with its glass ceiling at the far end. On match days, it gets very busy. But the service is still very efficient with plenty of staff. Yesterday's ale selection was Durham Magus, Wentworth Chili Stout & Woppa, 8 Sail Victorian Porter, Sharps Cornish Stout and Big Lamp Prince Bishop Ale.
6 Mar 2011 12:34
Atmospheric city centre pub. The bar is long and thin with seating at the rear, standing at the bar itself and a small snug seating area at the front. The interior is dark and moody. The stained glass windows keep it dark. Real ales are mostly local - Big Lamp Prince Bishop Ale, Consett White Hot, Wylam Gold Tankard, Hadrian Gladiatior, Jarrow Bitter & Daleside Pride of England. Unfortunately, the cider doesn't get any better than Thatchers Gold. Good value rolls with a pack of crisps thrown into the price for good measure. A nice pub that I would return to.
6 Mar 2011 12:28
Was very disappointed in this pub on our lunchtime visit yesterday. Only one real ale was available alongside the mass marketed lagers. Theakston Mild was the extent of the real ale range with no real cider either. Deuchars and Black Sheep pumps were both covered and other clips were turned round. The beautiful tiled interior is to be admired. But sadly the drinks selection is not.
6 Mar 2011 12:20
Friendly locals pub where the clientele were reveling in Birmingham City's Carling Cup victory. Many were sporting blue noses and looked vaguely ridiculous! Nevertheless, the atmosphere was good and the welcome was warm. Brakspear Oxford Gold, Hydes Splash & Dash, Brew XI & Bass were the beers. The interior is fairly traditional with a bar, a corridor with a serving hatch and a couple of other lounges. Service was efficient. Certainly a place I would return to and I noted a mix of age groups. So maybe the younger folk are also starting to appreciate this pub too.
28 Feb 2011 23:00
The Bull and Butcher, Corley Moor
Busy pub at an intersection of country roads. The front bar and snug were quite atmospheric, despite being busy. The outdoor smoking shelter was also packed. This being our 9th pub, we'd grown a little peckish. So we retreated to the more modern restaurant area at the rear. The sweet potato & celeriac soup followed by a Rabbit Pie was more than I could manage. Although whilst contemplating how much I could stuff down me, I was able to admire some of a local artists work that was being displayed on the walls and was for sale. Ward's Best Bitter, Bass, Brew XI & Abbot were the 4 cask ales on offer. A pub I would certainly give another try.
28 Feb 2011 22:53
This pub looked quite impressive from the outside. But inside was nothing to write home about. Flowers Bitter, Greene King IPA and Wells Bombardier was the real ale choice. The real cider (Westons Old Rosie) was off. A group of kids was creating noise in the corner, whilst all but one adult (10 out of 11) were crowded around the bar. I found this strange when there were vacant tables all around the pub. It made getting to the bar a little difficult, when it should have been easy in a comparitively empty pub. Service was friendly.
28 Feb 2011 22:48
I couldn't really warm to this pub. The interior was a little dark and dreary. Although the weather outside did nothing to help matters. The front bar was supplemented by another to the rear and a function room that had some kind of party on. The rugby and subsequently the football on the TV was the focal point in the front bar. Beers were Tunnel Late OTT Bitter, Grubber Golden Bitter & Legend Bitter, plus Wychwood Hobgoblin & Taylor Landlord. Service was disinterested. The nautical theme adds a little character to the place and the beers are certainly a reason to visit. But I didn't feel at home here.
28 Feb 2011 22:42
The Church End Brewery Tap, Nuneaton
As Snarling Mallard states, this place is more akin to a modern community club than a pub and is not too atmospheric. However with 8 of Church End's beers available and with the brewery visible through a large window at the back, it's certainly worth the detour. By the way, the alleyway described opens up into a car park where you could probably fit around 50 coaches! The 2 barmaids were still waiting for the rush when we arrived. The 8 ales on during our visit were Grave Digger's Ale, Poachers Pocket, Mill on the Floss, Fallen Angel, RIP, Rusty Dudley, Pews Porter & Cuthberts. A cider (not sure which) from Ben Crossmans was also available. Although this wasn't in the best of condition. Various local CAMRA awards over the years are celebrated on the walls. I was particularly enthralled in the conversation of 5 elderly gents in the one corner who seemed to be remarkably reminiscent of those from Last of the Summer Wine. Childhood stories of rationing and Meccano sets were very much the order of the day, whilst the price of beer has apparently rocketed! This place is certainly one for beer lovers to try. But it's not a place for real pub lovers. Incidentally our favourite pub of the day was our previous call at the Horse & Jockey in Bentley. I'll request for it to be added on BITE. But that was far more of an authentic pub experience.
28 Feb 2011 22:34
Locals pub with several distinct drinking areas. The main bar area was the only part occupied on our Sunday afternoon visit. The clientele had a fine vocabulary of swear words that were being used liberally. We sat at the rear near the entrance to the garden, whilst there was also a room with a pool table and another with comfortable (well at least they looked comfortable) leather sofas. A collection of whisky boxes seemed to be a recurring theme on shelves. The two beers were Everards Tiger & Wychwood Hobgoblin. With a few more people, I'd imagine this pub would make for a decent night out.
28 Feb 2011 22:19
Visited here on a cold and wet Sunday lunchtime. I can imagine the canal location may be good in the summer. But it was none too inspiring at this time of the year. Greene King Abbot, Old Speckled Hen & Ruddles Best were the 3 real ales served in an environment similar to a club. The place was quite busy, with people tucking into Sunday roasts and other hearty portions of food. The canal theme continues inside with various canal memorabilia dotted around. Service was pleasant. But for me, the pub lacked a decent atmosphere.
28 Feb 2011 22:15
I hadn't been in here for at least 15 years until my return this Saturday. I always remembered this as one of the city's more traditional pubs back then. Nowadays, it's situated right next to the new Liverpool One shopping centre and appears to get very busy at times. The front area retains some original character with carpets, bookcases and pictures of Liverpool and the pub itself in its former incarnation as the Walkers Grill. The bar area itself gets packed, whilst beyond the rear has been opened up into a restaurant. I'm afraid this has taken away from the pub a little of its character. 3 real ales were on - Banks's Bitter, Black Sheep Best & Shepherd Neame Spitfire. Pretty much a bog standard pub these days.
28 Feb 2011 22:05
No sign of any pigs or other creatures in the Prince of Wales on my visit last night. In fact, there were very few ales also. Only Youngs Bitter & Special were available with plenty of unclipped handpulls. The pub is on a main road and is surrounded by trading estates and the like. But inside it is quite pleasant, with the room extending both sides of the central bar. At the rear on the left is a slightly darker room with a large black and white picture titled 'Amy's House'. This room is more like somebody's sitting room. Unfortunately, the pub was quiet on my visit and had little atmosphere. With so few points to recommend it, I doubt I'll return.
20 Feb 2011 16:39
Trafalgar Freehouse, South Wimbledon
The Trafalgar finished up as my pub of the day from yesterday, narrowly pipping the Sultan. It's a single room small pub in an unassuming area, surrounded by tower blocks. Whilst it has a good range of ales and ciders, the key drawback is that it gets so crowded. Getting to the bar was a problem yesterday. In fact, getting through the door was an even bigger problem. Once at the bar, there was no chance of moving, with everybody packed in like sardines. But the atmosphere here is similar to a classic east end boozer, with a real community feel and a few eccentric characters to boot. A singer was performing at the one end. Beers available were Tintagel Harbour Special & Castle Gold, Ascot Single Hop & Penguin Porter, Merton Abbey Market Ale & Pilgrim Talisman. The one cider available was Millwhites Rum Cask. The Whisky Cask clip was turned round. There's also an interesting range of keg beverages, including Brauhaus Riegele, Meister Pils, Freedom Stout and Lilley's Star Gazer Cider. The bar staff were friendly. In short, I would recommend trying this pub at a non-peak time as it was a bit too busy to enjoy. For a quieter pint, try the Sultan. But for a typical local experience with fine ales and ciders, the Trafalgar is recommended.
20 Feb 2011 16:33
A friendly 2-bar street corner pub located off the beaten track in a residential area. Hopback beers are served - Summer Lightning, GFB & Entire Stout, alongside the guest - Downton Black Knight. The cider was Stowford Press. The main bar is on the right as you approach. There is a separate room with a dart board and fire on the left. Both the locals and the staff were friendly. A great place to go for a quiet drink, especially if you like Hopback beers.
20 Feb 2011 15:14
The Brewery Tap, Wimbledon Village
Correction - it was Theakston Old Peculier and not Downton Dark Delight on the last pump. The latter was on in the Sultan, South Wimbledon!
20 Feb 2011 15:07
The Brewery Tap, Wimbledon Village
This place is a small single bar pub that resembles a cafe more than a bar, with windows that open to the street during clement weather. Music was playing fairly loud, but not so loud as to detract from conversation. The size of the pub means that tables are fairly cramped and venturing to the toilets is similar to an assault course. However the real reason to visit here is for the ales. Unlike seemingly everywhere else in Wimbledon village, this is not a Youngs pub and offers guest beers with a much better value for money. 4 real ales were on last night including Deuchars IPA, Slaters Why Knot, Downton Dark Delight and (I think) Fullers London Pride. Aspalls was the cider. I later read in the London Drinker that Enterprise, the owners of the pub, are looking to convert it to a gastropub. This would be a real shame if it happens.
20 Feb 2011 13:56
The Rose and Crown, Wimbledon Village
Yet another Youngs pub in Wimbledon, this one seemingly doubles as a hotel. There was nothing particularly inspiring about the pub, which had an island bar at the front and a large dining area at the rear. The place is dog friendly, but the two dogs present on my visit didn't appear to best of friends themselves! Beers are dispensed from handpulls on 3 sides of the bar, and are not all the same. So it pays to make a quick circuit to see what is on. Youngs Ordinary, Special, London Gold & Wells Bombardier & Banana Bread Beer were all on yesterday. There is no cider of note. A reasonably pleasant place. But nothing to recommend it over any other London pub.
20 Feb 2011 13:19
The Hand In Hand, Wimbledon Common
As pointed out in my review of the Crooked Billet nearby, this pub is located in a nice village-like location, not far from the main Common. Unlike the Crooked Billet, the interior feels more traditional and 'village-like' too. The Youngs makeover team have clearly been here and wrecked a couple of areas, which are now fairly non-descript. But the main bar area is still fairly appealing and I can imagine that the small drinking area outside at the front is very popular in the summer. Even on a winter's evening yesterday, there were some hardy souls sat outside albeit with patio heaters keeping them semi-warm. Back inside, food is served. But it does not appear to be the focus. Beers available were Youngs Ordinary, Special, London Gold, Wells Bombardier & Banana Bread Beer, Courage Directors & Sambrook Powerhouse Porter. Whilst the latter may be classed as a 'guest beer', Sambrooks beers can often be found in Youngs pubs. So the 'range of guest beers' quoted previously is a little misleading. Addlestones is the cider. I found this pub fairly relaxing and it is one I could quite possibly return to. Although service was not the best and prices were a little excessive.
20 Feb 2011 13:14
The Crooked Billet, Wimbledon Common
It seems most of the pubs in the Wimbledon area belong to Youngs. This one is no exception and is situated practically nextdoor to the Hand in Hand, another Youngs pub. The location is nice, with the common lending a village feel to proceedings. However the interior has been modernised far too much for my liking, with an emphasis on meals. The pub is much bigger than it looks from the outside, with a separate dining area to the rear. The main bar at the front has tables set out in a fairly cramped manor and was not too conducive for session drinking. Youngs Ordinary, Special & London Gold were on, alongside Wells Bombardier, Courgae Directors and Sambrook Wandle. The cider was Addlestones. So a fairly decent drinks selection. But not a place I would particularly want to linger.
20 Feb 2011 13:06
Reasonably big Fullers pub at a crossroads. The front area is modern and light, whilst the dining area to the rear appeared much darker and more traditional. Fullers London Pride, ESB, Chiswick & Front Row were all served. Aspalls was the cider. The place was much noisier than the Coach & Horses down the road, with football being watched by a local sports team and music also playing. I couldn't really find anything to recommend it over most other London pubs.
20 Feb 2011 12:58
A friendly local in Barnes serving the usual range of Wells & Youngs beers. Youngs Ordinary & Special plus Wells Bombardier and Banana Bread Beer were the choice yesterday. The pub is a single cosy bar with wood panelling and exposed brickwork. Etched glass behind the bar and stained glass windows at the front are nice features. Toilets are outdoors and across the courtyard. The only drawback was the prices. �4.75 for a bottle.
20 Feb 2011 12:51
The Smithfield Hotel, Manchester
A lot of people were recommending this pub to us. But whilst the other 3 we visited in the area were excellent, I thought this was the worst of the 4. The ale range was good - Robinsons Dark Hatters & Old Tom, Greenfield Dobcross Bitter & Hopped & Stoned, Fuzzy Duck Tangerine Duck, Durham Apollo & Facers Smithfield Bitter. Chocolate & ginger versions of Old Tom could be found in bottles. I found the interior a little dingy with little natural light filtering through the front windows. However the welcome was friendly and so were the other customers. Whilst I would certainly come back and it is above average, it didn't inspire me as much as some of the other local pubs.
14 Feb 2011 21:31
I wouldn't give this a second glance if passing by, and I have passed by this place before without noticing it. However once inside, I was suitably impressed. The decor is rather strange with cardboard cutouts motorbikes and more unusual items such as bats, skeletons, gargoyles and rats. Contrary to previous reviews, we found service to be good and friendly from the two male barmen. The customers were also very friendly. Beers available were Acorn Bullseye, Green Jack Orange Wheat Beer, Moorhouses Witches Brew, Phoenix Spotland Gold and Irwell Works Richard Mason. Thatchers Cheddar Valley was the cider. Although it appears they had also had a Gwynt y Draig Farmhouse Pyder fairly recently. Another enjoyable experience in an area which is rich in decent pubs.
14 Feb 2011 21:25
This pub has 3 rooms. The main bar has an impressive high ceiling, that is presumably original. Exposed brickwork high on the walls also lends a traditional air. A vault and another smaller bar are much more modern in character. On our visit, all handpumps were clipped. Beers were Ossett Snow Drop, Howard Town Wren's Nest, Copper Dragon Black Gold & Prospect Silver Tally. The cider on offer was Saxon Part Time Lover. There's plenty of good pubs in this area. So this is most definitely worth a stop on any local crawl.
14 Feb 2011 21:18
I loved the interior of this pub, with its tiled wall and ceiling, its old wooden door and the curiously sloping floor. Its a classic city boozer. The real ales from both the Marble brewery at the back and from guest breweries are another reason to visit. During our visit yesterday, they had their own Stouter Stout, Manchester Bitter, Lagonda IPA, Organic Ginger, Best & 3.9% plus Summer Wines Diablo IPA, Pictish Claymore and Millstone Grain Storm. Broadoak Moonshine was the real cider of choice. I didn't stay long as I wanted to sample some of the other local hostelries. But I saw enough to warrant a few more return visits.
14 Feb 2011 21:12
I've grown to like this pub much more now and have been a couple of times recently. Agree the jukebox is more rock than metal. But I don't particularly mind this and it's not the reason I'd come here. The beer selection is still good. On our visit last weekend, there was Newmans Grumpy Toad Warmer, Phoenix Hopsack & Wobbly Bob, St Helier George's Dragons Blood, Green Jack Ole Cock Old Ale, Otter Ale, Hydes Original and Cottage Atlantic. In addition, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon has now replaced Old Rosie as the cider of choice. Upgrading my rating slightly.
12 Feb 2011 14:41
This place reminds me of a Wetherspoons, albeit a modern one. In addition, the prices are higher and the clientele is generally younger. It has a large open plan interior with gaudy light fittings. One large screen plus at least one other TV were showing live football. The toilets were large and clean. 4 real ales were available - Marstons Pedigree, Jennings Bitter, Sharp Doom Bar & Wells Bombardier. It appears that one of these is generally discounted. This bottled cider range was quite extensive. I expect this place to get crowded at weekend evenings. But being more of a bar than a pub, it's not one I could imagine frequenting too often.
12 Feb 2011 14:07
A fairly traditional Soho boozer that has a good selection of beers, but is spoilt by a couple of factors. I'm fairly confident I encountered the same barman mentioned in several previous reviews. Even the guy in the Gatehouse in Norwich had more about him than this guy. He seemed extremely disinterested and was more intent on getting back to his conversation with his regulars. This conversation seemed to be centred mainly around swear words and muttering comments about other customers (including me) in the pub. My second gripe was the toilets. The gents had a fairly disgusting smell, which there was just no need for. The beer selection was good - Brodies Polska, Olde Ardour, Amarilla, Brewers Gold & English Best plus also Redemption Pale Ale & Hopspur. Bed pans and other items hang from the ceiling. Stuffed birds and fish can be seen in cabinets on the walls, whilst a couple of large mirrors dominate the rear wall. A nice pub. But a real shame about the service. I much prefer the King William IV and the Cross Keys. Avoid the surly service and try these instead.
3 Feb 2011 19:59
Small single room corner pub with reasonably friendly service. A huge lantern hangs in the centre and dominates. The real ale selection was fairly bog standard - Youngs London Gold, Taylor Landlord, Sharps Doom Bar & St Austell Tribute, on my weekday visit. Was quite busy early evening with commuters who failed to make their tube/bus. But there was nothing to really recommend it.
3 Feb 2011 19:48
Estate pub that has seemingly been recently renovated. The locals gave us a few strange looks as we entered. But they were still quite friendly and the interior was comfortable. Service was quick. 2 real ales were available - Black Sheep Best Bitter & Fullers London Pride. Westons Old Rosie was also available on handpump. Better than some of the previous reviews imply.
30 Jan 2011 19:15
Hall & Woodhouse pub on a road out of Horsham. The only other customers here on our visit were a boisterous rugby team, who were busy playing drinking games. The person, I assume was the landlady was wondering why the pub wasn't busier. I think the noise emanating from the rugby group probably explained this. Beers were King & Barnes Sussex Bitter & Badger Tanglefoot & First Gold were the beers. Stowford Press was the cider. Prices were expensive for drinks. The food was also pricey with a venison meal on the specials board setting you back �20. Needless to say, there were no takers. The interior was modern and uninspiring.
30 Jan 2011 19:10
Spit and sawdust type pub with a reasonably good selection of real ales & ciders. A rock band was preparing to perform during our Saturday evening visit, which made it a little noisy. Tables were also hard to come by, as the interior is not quite as large as it first seems. A good bottle collection can be seen on shelves around the walls. Board games are available in one corner. Beers on offer during our visit were Triple fff Moondance, Harveys Sussex Best, Brakspear Bitter, Youngs Special, Surrey Hills Ranmore Ale, Sharps Doom Bar & Hepworth Old Ale. The 3 ciders and perries were all from Westons - Old Rosie, Traditional Scrumpy & Country Perry. Another good Horsham pub.
30 Jan 2011 19:02
Foodie pub on the way out of town that was very busy on our Saturday evening visit. Wychwood Hobgoblin, Deuchars IPA, Greene King Abbot Ale, Brains SA & Harveys Best were the real ale selections. Westons Vintage Organic was the real cider. Although they also have Aspalls on draught. The spirits selection behind the bar, especially the whiskies is quite impressive. Lots of picture and prints line the walls, but there is no specific theme. Food seemed popular with an enticing menu. Continue around either side of the bar and you come to a further area at the rear, which makes the place far bigger than it initially appears. Good service. Getting a table was difficult. We quickly grabbed a couple of stools at the bar. Certainly one of Horsham's better pubs.
30 Jan 2011 18:57
The Stout House has a nice old exterior and is located in the centre of Horsham. The interior has a wood floor which gives way to stone and then carpet as you venture towards the rear. A bar billiards table is situated near the door. Old pictures of the pub can be seen at the rear. Hall & Woodhouse beers are dispensed from the ground floor cellar. Kings & Barnes Sussex Bitter & Badger Tanglefoot were the 2 ales on during our Saturday evening visit. A fairly pleasant pub.
30 Jan 2011 18:50
Large open-plan town centre bar that reminded me of an All Bar One. The rear of the bar featured many alcoves with different types of spirits and wines. 2 handpulls were hidden behind an advertisement and obviously not promoted. Only one appeared to be on - Young's Special. A large raised stage area at the rear indicates that live music is often played. The place was relatively quiet, compared with other Horsham pubs on our Saturday evening visit.
30 Jan 2011 18:01
Single bar pub with a central bar on the outskirts of Horsham. A wood burner is situated in the large fireplace. The local dog population seemed to be enjoying the heat it was producing. Getting to the bar was quite difficult, with stools located all around. Harveys Best & Adnams Explorer were the 2 beers available on arrival. Although Sharps Doom Bar was pulled through whilst we were there. The locals appeared fairly friendly.
30 Jan 2011 17:57
Pleasant country pub just outside Horsham. There are 2 bars. One is a small public bar/games room featuring a pool table and TVs showing sport. The other is a larger lounge with a log fire where food is also served. Beers available were Harveys Best, Wychwood Hobgoblin and Sharps Doom Bar. A number of bottled ciders were featured and were on offer at �3 a bottle. But the most adventurous of these was Thatcher's Katy. The coloured panes of glass on the pub's frontage are quite impressive. The lounge also features an over-sized chess board on a table and a tankard collection on the ceiling. This could be a very good pub, if the drinks selection was a little more adventurous.
30 Jan 2011 17:51
Hall & Woodhouse pub at a busy road junction. The pub has a public bar with very little seating, but which included a couple of TVs showing live sport and a bar billiards table. The cosy rear lounge doubles as a dining area. It features a log fire, an impressive silver jubilee bottle collection and various badger artefacts, including a stuffed version of the animal. Kings & Barnes Sussex Bitter & Badger Hopping Hare were the 2 real ales available.
30 Jan 2011 17:45
Greene King pub at the junction of a couple of B roads in the middle of the countryside. Morland Original and Ruddles Best were the 2 real ales on offer. The interior is modernised, but still has a little character. The owner/manager was very friendly and welcoming. We were tempted and eventually succumbed to the scratchings in a jar behind the bar, which were then served on a plate. Whilst they were very salty, they appeared to have been marinated in honey and spices and were extremely tasty. Although they caused terrible indigestion later! The pub was quiet on our visit, with nobody eating.
30 Jan 2011 17:38
The Jolly Tanners, Staplefield
This pub was our favourite of the day. The landlord is extremely welcoming and very professional. The beer range extends over handpulls in the main bar and the smaller bar at a lower level. All are listed on a blackboard. The main bar has an open fire. Whilst the pub is dog friendly, it was clean and tidy and certainly not smelly on our visit. Some of the locals seemed on the eccentric side. Beers available were mainly from the Fullers range - London Pride, Jack Frost and Gales HSB. Although there was also Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted and Crouch Vale Blackwater Mild. Real ciders were Addlestones & Biddendens Dry. Whilst not far from the main A23, this place is relatively unspoilt and I would visit again.
30 Jan 2011 17:32
This pub was not quite what I expected. It's primarily an eating establishment. Although the same 3 beers mentioned by GuideDogSaint are still on. Cider is Symonds Founders Reserve. The interior has been modernised. But an old well can still be seen through a glass panel. The rear garden is large and probably very nice in summer. It features a set of stocks. The gents toilets are also outside. A very commercial experience that was disappointing.
30 Jan 2011 17:23
I didn't particularly find the decor pleasant in here. It has obviously been modernised a few times. The central bar has few tables. But the flagstone floors and a piano near the entrance do provide a hint of the traditional. The areas either side are slightly raised. One is for diners and the other is pretty bland apart from a few tables and a dartboard. Beers were Harveys Best, Darkstar Best and Kissingate Storyteller. I don't remember seeing anything from the latter brewery previously. The cider was Stowford Press. The landlady was very friendly and welcoming. I just found the ineterior a little too 'cold' for my liking.
30 Jan 2011 17:06
Friendly 2 bar pub. The locals in the front bar seemed a friendly bunch and immediately engaged us in conversation. Seating was limited, and a bar billiards table was present. The rear room is more of a lounge/restaurant. Kings & Barnes Sussex Bitter and Badger Tanglefoot were the 2 real ales on offer. Stowford Press was the cider. A good secondhand book selection can be seen in the front porch with proceeds going to a local charity. In response to previous comments, I can see why some people would be put off. But this is clearly a local pub and I'm sure the locals are just intrigued to see who is coming into their local! They're a pretty friendly bunch if you make an effort.
30 Jan 2011 16:57
Nice country pub with a duck pond outside. Three real ales were on - Hepworth Classic Old Ale, Harveys Sussex Best & Hogsback Tea. A fourth pump with Fullers London Pride was off, whilst a cask for gravity-dispensed beer was being readied. The cider was Stowford Press. An open log fire makes the front bar pleasant. There is also a cosy bar at the rear and two further rooms to the left hand side on entering. The barman was pleasant. But he didn't seem too clear on what was actually stocked. Many of the clientele were rather pompous and were there for the food. The menu did look quite tempting. A nice country pub, with a relaxing atmosphere.
30 Jan 2011 16:49
Popular nightspot seconds away from Piccadilly Circus. Bouncers on the door are always a bad sign for me. There appears to be a ground floor bar and a further bar downstairs. Our party was downstairs, where the atmosphere seemed almost akin to a nightclub, albeit with most people seated. The music was far too loud to allow conversation with all but the person seated next to you. Food seemed to be quite popular. Drinks were served from a cash till, with the selection not particularly obvious. Prices were quite high, but not unusual for the West End. This place serves a purpose as a party venue for young Londoners and tourists alike. But it's not a place I would return to.
30 Jan 2011 16:41
The Castle, Harrow On The Hill
Pleasant pub located in an upmarket area. The area comprises 4 rooms with an impressive wood and glass dividing screen separating the 2 main drinking areas. The other 2 rooms seem to be set aside for diners. Although few were evident on my early Tuesday evening visit. Being a Fullers pub, it stocked ESB, London Pride, Discovery, HSB and Frosty Jack. Handpumps had different beers in each bar. Aspalls is the cider. The floors are bare boards, apart from large rugs in the dining rooms. The larger bar featured a collection of walking sticks, hats above the fireplace and a deer's head. Regulars crowd around the bar, making your choice of beer difficult. However, you can't blame them, as most tables are made out for diners. I'm not sure I could settle here for more than one, unless eating. But a nice pub, all the same.
26 Jan 2011 19:09
Paid a fleeting visit here last night on the way from the British Lion back to the station. It's a handy location, just a couple of minutes walk away from the station. 2 real ales were on - 1 was Salopian Darwin's Origin. I don't remember the other. But the sambucas were good!
23 Jan 2011 14:10
This building doesn't look quite as impressive from the outside as some other Chester pubs. But once inside, you feel as if you are in an old English manor house with high beamed ceilings. The beer range is good - Great Orme Welsh Black, Black Country Dudley Pale Ale, Jarrow Swinging Gibbet, Celebrance Aspinalls, Ossett Treacle Stout, Woodlands Redwood and Buzzard Pale Ale. The real cider was Gwynt y Draig Fiery Fox. The guy being served before me thought he was ordering an ale, when he ordered a Fiery Fox. After he declined the cider, I ended up getting his pint for the price of a half - bargain! The place was fairly busy, with all tables taken and food being served. The large main bar gives way to a more compact room to the right hand side. A thoroughly enjoyable experience. Certainly one I will return to in Chester.
23 Jan 2011 13:48
Fine building set on a corner and housing a Sam Smith's establishment. There are a number of drinking areas and food seemed to be popular. Old Brewery Bitter was available on handpull. Other than that, they have the usual Sam Smiths range at the usual cheap prices. Certainly one to try if in Chester.
23 Jan 2011 13:42
This pub has quite a warm and welcoming atmosphere with its fine wallpaper and the old signs lining the walls. There are 2 bars, one on either side as you enter. Beers were Greene King IPA, Deuchars IPA and Titanic Lifeboat. Quieter than some of the other pubs I tried. But then it's slightly off the main drag.
23 Jan 2011 13:39
Large corner pub thats popular on both Everton and Liverpool match days. Its also very much a busy locals pub on none match days and I remember it fondly from my student days living in Anfield. Theresa is still behind the bar 17 years later and the place hasn't changed much, apart from the addition of big screens for live football. Not my ideal kind of pub these days, but still a handy stop when going to the football. Two real ales were on during my Sunday lunchtime visit. I believe these were Greene King IPA and possibly Courage Best. Although the 4 sambucas appears to have slurred my memory!
21 Jan 2011 22:51
Large but quiet Holts pub. Bitter, Mild and Maplemoon were the 3 real ales available. The interior does have some nice traditional features. But it really lacked any kind of atmosphere on my Sunday evening visit.
21 Jan 2011 22:40
This looked like quite a nice little bar set over 2 levels and overlooking the river. Sadly along with the nearby Kings Arms, it was closed for my Sunday evening visit. Try the nearby New Oxford if you're around here on a Sunday.
21 Jan 2011 22:34
This is one of the best new pubs I have been to for a while and will get a 9/10 from me. Following on from the New Oxford down the road, the Crescent had just as good a beer range and a more traditional atmosphere. This could be the perfect place to relax for the evening working your way through the beers or, in my case, the ciders. Ales dispensed during my Sunday evening visit were Moorhouses Black Cat & Urban Myth, Box Steam Steam Porter, 3B's Doff Cocker & Pinch Noggin', Salopian Firkin Freezing, Green Mill Wheat Beer and Empire Cherry Chocolate. 3 ciders and a perry were on - Saxon Gold Digger & Brown Sugar, Gwynt y Ddraig Farmhouse Cider and Westons Country Perry. Look forward to returning some day.
21 Jan 2011 22:28
Light, airy and modern pub situated on a renovated square. This place had a very good selection of real ales and ciders and is ideally situated to combine with the Crescent just down the road. On my Sunday evening visit they had Empire Snow Joke, Salamander Transporter, Northumberland Firkin Freezing & Legends of the Tyne Craig Bellamy, Fugelstou Just Jane, Bazens Light Relief, Lymestone Ein Stein, Great Heck Auld Lang Syne & Leeds New Moon. Ciders were Thatchers Heritage & Cheddar Valley and Gwynt y Ddraig Haymaker. I'm sure I'll be back here at some time.
21 Jan 2011 22:18
I'd planned to do a mini pub crawl along Chapel Street and could not believe the number of pubs closed. At one point I counted 5 derelict pubs in a row before finding one open. What a terrible shame. The Black Lion appears to be the latest victim.
21 Jan 2011 22:05
I'm amazed this pub still exists, but glad it does. It's surrounded by an industrial wasteland and in a very unwelcoming area. Whilst most of the pubs along the nearby Chapel Street (A6) are boarded up, this one is still open despite its obscure location. Business was quiet on my Sunday evening visit. Requiring a soft drink to sober up, I was quite surprised by the �1.90 price tag for something poured out of a 2 litre bottle. But in fairness, the barmaid did warn me! The interior is a very traditional city centre style. A central corridor has one bar to the left as you enter and two bars to the right. Football was showing on TVs in at least 2 of the bars. Worth visiting before it goes the way of many of the others nearby.
21 Jan 2011 22:02
Brecknock Arms, Bells Yew Green
If you like a quiet beer in the evening, this may not be the pub for you. If you like your beer to be accompanied by loud rock music, this place could just be perfect. I fall into the former category. But there seemed to be plenty of people from the latter category lapping it up on our Saturday evening visit last weekend. The interior is quite traditional with an open plan bar and a small (slightly quieter) area at the back with pictures of the Harveys brewery on the walls. Beers were rather predictably Harveys Best Bitter, XX Mild & Old Ale. The cider was far more unusual, as it was the first time I have witnessed Thatchers Green Goblin on draught. I can imagine this a great little pub to enjoy on a quiet summer's afternoon. But this noisy winter's evening visit did not leave me with a good impression.
21 Jan 2011 21:55
The Abergavenny Arms Hotel, Frant
This place seemed more like a hotel/restaurant than a pub. It seemed fairly large, but didn't quite make full use of the space on offer. Harveys Best Bitter and Youngs Bitter were the 2 real ales on. Complimentary Terry's chocolate orange segments on the bar were a nice touch. The food itself looked tempting, but was a little on the pricy side. Possibly good for food. But far from ideal for a beer in the evening.
21 Jan 2011 21:50
I'm not quite sure what to make of this place. From the outside, it looked none too inspiring. Inside, it was fairly busy but lacked character. Although work is still clearly being done on certain parts. We sat by the fireplace, which was disused and filled in with candles. The big pile of firewood next to it seemed odd considering the fire was not used. Nevertheless, the beer selection is good. Darkstar Best Bitter, Green Hopped IPA & Thornstar (a collaboration with Thornbridge) were all on alongside Moles Tap and Westerham God's Wallop. Westons Stowford Press was the cider. We also tried the food and I quite enjoyed the North Indian sweet & sour curry. Watching the barmaid pour 4 mesaures of gin with soda was quite amusing. Although I don't think the landlord seemed too amused when all 4 had to be replaced by new gins with the required tonic water. All in all, a good place for beer and food, but not one I'd particularly like to linger in.
21 Jan 2011 21:46
Country pub located down a lane that's a little difficult to find. Even some of the locals we spoke to admitted they had only just discovered it. On our early Saturday evening visit, the place was packed and the roaring fire made it feel really hot inside. Outside, parking was difficult. Harveys Best Bitter and Hadlow Bitter were definitely on. The Old Ale & Sussex XX Mild was also advertised. But we couldn't spot that. Friendly place and clearly very popular.
21 Jan 2011 21:39
This place was a little strange. It's probably more of a restaurant than a pub. But drinkers do appear to be welcome. There appears to be multiple rooms. We opted for a Moroccan themed room, which although not quite having the weather, vaguely resembled restaurants in Marrakech. The ales were slightly different to Morocco too, in that they actually had some. Harveys Best Bitter, Old Ale, Hadlow Bitter and the 8% Christmas Ale were all on. Addlestones was the cider. Most amusing was watching the antics of the landlady and all of the staff. It made Fawlty Towers seem quite sane. But they were all friendly enough and we left feeling mildly amused. Not a drinkers' pub. But certainly an experience.
21 Jan 2011 21:34
Not a pub that you'd find in passing, as it's set in a quiet street off the main road. Inside, there is a well near the entrance. The ceiling is low and there is a large fireplace. Watch out for the picture of the topless page 3 model posing in the fireplace en route to the gents! There is a separate dining area at one end of the pub. Harveys Best, Old Ale and Dark Mild were the beers on offer. Thatchers Gold was the cider. A bit more popular than some of the other places we visited. But certainly not the best.
21 Jan 2011 21:29
The Ostrich Hotel, Robertsbridge
Situated close to the railway station, this pub was a little different inside with wood panelling and lots of pictures on the walls. A pool table is at one end. I came to the conclusion that Robertsbridge has some very strange characters. Swearing is a common pastime and the behaviour just seemed strange. Even the resident cat and dog seemed a little loopy, with the cat diving around and over the bar. Harveys Best Bitter and Old Ale were the real ales. Addlestones was the real cider. Strange but amusing.
21 Jan 2011 21:26
Large but quiet pub with a rather strange layout. Most of the place is given over to diners. But you can sit next to the large open fire, where there is a sofa and a couple of small tables. The staff were friendly enough and a local character (Perky) kept us rather amused. Rother Valley Holly Daze and Harveys Best Bitter were the beers. Stoword Press appeared to be the only cider offering. But closer inspection reveals the local bottled Oakwood Farm English Organic Cider, which despite being 7% was very tasty indeed and without doubt my cider of the day. Lacking atmosphere, but I would definitely still return.
21 Jan 2011 21:21
The Salehurst Halt, Robertsbridge
I think this pub was probably the best pub on our East Sussex crawl last Saturday. It's a typical rural affair in a quiet village not far from Robertsbridge, with some interesting local characters. Flooring is a mixture of wood and stone. One corner looks like somebody's living room with a piano, bookcase and a clock. Beers available were Darkstar Winter Solstice & American Pale Ale and Harveys Best Bitter. Cider was Biddendens Bushells & Monk's Delight. The food also smelt very good. Although we didn't try it.
21 Jan 2011 21:15
Shepherd Neame pub that was closed on my Saturday lunchtime visit due to a wedding reception. Will have to try again some day.
21 Jan 2011 21:11
Village pub split into 3 distinct sections. The section to the left has a pool table and a few sofas, the central section has a more traditional feel, complete with a boar's head and a wood burner, whilst the room to the right is set slightly below the other sections and is presumably used for diners. The pub had a kind of untouched rustic feel, which I quite liked. Beers were Fullers ESB, Thwaites Original, Rother Valley Copper Ale, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Harveys Best Bitter. Ciders were Stowford Press and the rarely seen Stowford Export. I would quite happily return if I didn't live 2 hours drive away.
21 Jan 2011 21:09
Visited here for the first time last night and left suitably impressed. The interior is not as dull as I expected, from the reviews on here. The red lighting does make it quite subdued. But the overall effect is quite atmospheric. Amongst the ephemera on the walls and ceiling are fying pans, street signs, clocks, musical instruments, statues, brasses, paintings, a deer's head and a fish in a glass box. A wide mixture of people seem to frequent this place. Most had seats. 4 Brodie's beers were on - IPA, English Best, Citra and Cloudy Green Bullet. The cider was Broadoak Moonshine.
14 Jan 2011 23:04
Very friendly locals pub, not too far a walk from the station. Four real ales were on and you could tell that the landlord was passionate about his beers. I remember one was Saltaire Triple Choc, whilst another was from Great Heck. The latter was replaced by another Great Heck beer during my visit. Got chatting to a friendly, if not slightly steaming (I could talk) Doncaster Rovers fan at the bar. He was bemoaning the referee's performance in that day's game! A pub I would certainly try again whenever I'm next in Doncaster.
9 Jan 2011 21:21
Very lively town centre pub, which reminded me of an Irish pub. About 5 or 6 real ales were on including Riders on the Storm and Pale Rider from Kelham Island. Cider was from Aspalls. There were plenty of football supporters in and a live game was being shown on a big screen. A friendly atmosphere. The interior is a little dark. But I was very surprised to see a pinball machine on the way to the toilets.
9 Jan 2011 21:17
Two bar town centre pub handy for the station. The bar at the front was fairly busy with no tables available. We retreated to the lounge at the rear, which was empty. 3 or 4 real ales were on. A fairly traditional pub. But nothing to write home about.
9 Jan 2011 21:14
The Berkeley Hotel, Scunthorpe
A large pub very close to Scunthorpe's football ground. Its 2 large rooms are large enough to cater with the rush on matchdays. Although the bar itself can end up being 4 or 5 deep. The standard Sam Smiths beers are served with Old Brewery Bitter available on handpull. Whilst the building itself was large, I didn't find it overly inspiring.
9 Jan 2011 21:12
Standard Wetherspoons pub with an L-shaped bar and a good selection of beers and ciders. Thorne Best Bitter was the only one I could remember. Although the staples Ruddles Best and Abbot were also on. The cider choice was Westons Old Rosie & Vintage Organic. A busy pub, but large enough to cope with any crowds.
9 Jan 2011 21:09
Small, single bar pub with a restaurant upstairs. The place was heaving yesterday lunchtime. The narrow bar was standing room only, making entry to the pub quite difficult, let along getting to the bar and getting served. 8 real ales were on, including 2 from Milestone. Addlestones was the cider. Walls feature various legal memorabilia. Somehow despite the crowds, food was doing a roaring trade, with a pie (I think with chips & mushy peas) selling for just under �4. A friendly pub with a good beer selection. Although a bit too compact on matchdays.
9 Jan 2011 21:07
Modern Wetherspoons pub with plenty of tables and chairs. Surprisingly, there were also plenty of bar staff and I was served fairly quickly. I don't remember all of the beers. As usual, I sadly note them down on my mobile. But it was later stolen. However there were 8 real ales including the usual Abbot and Ruddles Best, plus beers from local brewereries such as York. Westons Vintage Organic was the cider. Not somewhere I found to be particularly comfortable. But still a good choice of beers.
9 Jan 2011 21:02
Two bar locals pub handy for the station. I only visited the lounger, which seemed to be much busier than the bar. 2 real ales were on - John Smiths and Milestone Black Pearl. Addlestones was the cider. The clientele was a mix of locals and Wolves football fans there for their FA Cup game. The green tiling on the exterior is very impressive.
9 Jan 2011 20:57
In relation to previous comments, I would also say that this is a better pub that the Ship at Rainhill. This place is a much more old-fashioned and down-to-earth establishment with a bar and a lounge. The lounge is slightly higher than the bar. A pool table connects the two at the higher level. During our week night visit, only 6 real ales were on - JW Lees Chocholic, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Everards Original, Marstons Christmas Pudding Spiced Ale, Mayflower Tower Hill and Thwaites Lancaster Bomber. After much pulling through of the cider, Westons Bounds Scrumpy & 1st Quality were revealed. This was a friendly locals pub with a reasonable selection of ales. I agree that the area looked a little questionable though.
7 Jan 2011 22:11
Fullers pub in a residential area. Pride, Seafarers, Discovery and Chiswick were the beers. Aspalls was the cider. The interior has sadly been modernised. There are two main bars at the front and rear, with a smaller connecting area at the side. I couldn't find too much to recommend about this place. But if you like Fullers beers, maybe it is for you.
7 Jan 2011 22:03
Jack George Phillips, Godalming
Town centre Wetherspoons with the usual large open-plan former shop interior. Real ales were WJ King Red River Ale, Shepherd Neame Bishops Finger, Deuchars IPA, Greene King Abbot Ale, Ruddles Best, Butcombe Old Vic, Andwell King John & Leeds New Moon. Arkells Kingsdown Ale was coming soon. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Marcle Hill. The walls are a strange pale blue and grey. But at least this, along with the large patio open doors opening onto the High Street, make the pub feel more light and airy than many Wetherspoons.
7 Jan 2011 22:00
I was expecting a lot from this pub, but left feeling a little underwhelmed. The barmaid proudly proclaimed that they had 50 ciders. If you counted all of the different varieties of Brothers, Magners, Bulmers, St Heliers & Kopparbergs plus the fizzy rubbish from the keg, this may just be true. Although I think 25 would be more accurate. Nevertheless they did have 1 real cider - Millwhites Blackberry Blush and 1 real perry - Butford Organics. The perry was well past its best. In terms of beers, the selection was far better - Okells Smoked Celtic Porter, Keltec Winter Ale, Northumberland Firkin Freezing, Brains Part Popper, Ringwood Porter, Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted, Hydes Jekyll's Gold & Hardy & Hansons Rocking Rudolph. The pub itself is a traditional place with an L-shaped bar and an outdoor smoking area under cover at the rear. Many pumpclips adorn the ceiling. This was certainly the best pub I visited during the day, and maybe I was unlucky on the day with the cider selection. I'll score it 8/10. But for some reason, I was expecting much more. Didn't notice any bad smells from the toilets.
7 Jan 2011 21:57
Town centre pub that was fairly quiet when we walked in, but a little busier when we exited. There are 2 large bars. During our visit, only the front bar was open. Later when we passed by, we saw that a more fascinating rear bar had been opened up. Hogsback Tea, Fullers London Pride and Brains Reverend James were the real ales on. Dogs seemed to be welcomed and there were a few disagreements between our canine friends whilst we were there. Not a bad pub. But the Star was much better.
7 Jan 2011 21:51
Nice pub on the outskirts of Godalming. The shame is that this has clearly had one too many makeovers, which have made the interior a bit of a mish-mash of styles. I would say the present owners are doing their best to make a go of this. But business was very quiet and the pub lacked atmosphere. Triple fff Alton's Pride and Brains Reverend James were the two beers on with another (Dorset Jurassic) coming soon.
7 Jan 2011 21:48
This pub is a modernised local with a lounge at the front and a public bar and games room to the rear. Two uninspiring beers were on - Greene King IPA & Fullers London Pride. Addlestones was the cider. The lounge lacked any atmosphere at all. So we moved to the bar, where there was slightly more life. Not really my kind of pub.
7 Jan 2011 21:43
Cosy roadside Youngs pub offering 3 beers - Youngs Ordinary & Special & Wells Bombardier. The cider is Stowford Press. Most of the interior is carpeted, with parquet flooring around the bar area. Food appeared to be popular. The garden at the side looked as if it needed a bit of love and attention. But it is large enough to graze a herd of sheep!
7 Jan 2011 21:39
This pub is still very much open and was quite busy on our Bank Holiday Monday visit. The interior has been modernised, but its character remains. There is a large fireplace in the main bar, whilst there are 2 smaller rooms either side, mainly for diners. Nevertheless, 4 beers were on - Palmers Dorset Gold, Triple fff Alton's Pride, Surrey Hills Shere Drop and Hopback Crop Circle. Ringwood Porter was promoted but not on. Langhams Hip Hop & Dark Star Old Chestnut were 'coming soon'. The cider was Addlestones. I would certainly give this pub another go.
7 Jan 2011 21:36
Very nice rural pub that has been unspoiled by change. 3 real ales were on - WJ King Kings Old Ale, Ringwood Old Thumper and Sharps Doom Bar. The cider was Westons Stowford Press. A large inglenook fireplace with an open log fire dominates the bar area which has parquet flooring and is where the locals congregate. At the other end is a carpeted area with pictures on the walls of the local Dunsfold aerodrome. Friendly place that I could quite happily return to.
7 Jan 2011 21:30
Rural gastropub in a nice location. Unfortunately, the inside is now mainly set out for diners. There are plenty of tables and seating available. Courage Best, Deuchars IPA and Adnams Broadside were the 3 real ales on. The Hogsback Tea pumpclip was turned around. Aspalls is the cider. May be a good option if you are dining. But we were looking for proper pubs.
7 Jan 2011 21:25
The Railway Arms, West Drayton
Visited here last night for the first time since it re-opened. The red lights in the bar have gone (except for one), which makes for a more pleasant drinking environment. In fact, the whole place has been given a much needed spruce up. The other room appears to have been converted from a restaurant area to a lounge. Service was friendly and on the whole the atmosphere is much more relaxed than the other surrounding pubs. Pride is the only real ale. There is a good selection of sambucas! I would return to this pub as it is so close to my home. I doubt I will pay return visits to most of the other pubs! They're simply awful.
30 Dec 2010 20:33
I'm finding these days that the Harp is getting better and better. There are few if any better pubs in central London. On our Tuesday evening visit, they had Darkstar Imperial Stout, Hophead & Porter, Sambrooks Wandle, Skinners Betty Stoggs and Hardy & Hansons Rocking Rudolph. There were many different ciders and perries in the fridges. Amongst these were Ross-on-Wye Farmhouse, Millwhites Rum Cask, Apples & Pears and Mixed Scrumpy, Cobbledicks and Gwynt y Ddraig Two Trees Perry. Since my last review, I have found the condition of the ciders to have improved greatly. The ground floor is always crowded and has artwork on the walls. Upstairs offers more seats but less atmosphere. I always love climbing the winding stairs to the toilets. Although after a few pints the return journey can be a bit frightening. Upgarding my score from 7/10 to 9/10.
30 Dec 2010 20:29
The Earl of Wakefield, East Ham
This pub is an extremely basic 2 bar pub that clearly does the majority of its business on matchdays. Apart from two gaudy chandeliers and some large windows overlooking the street, the only point of note was the varied collection of wires hanging from the walls. They looked like an electrician's dream. Loud music was playing. The carpets were very worn. On arrival, as stated by Cockney Hammer, there was a group of people outside drinking lager from cans. Inside, there were no real ales, but Jagerbombs were advertised at 4 for �10. Midway between the Boleyn Ground and East Ham tube. But I sincerely doubt I would ever be tempted back!
30 Dec 2010 20:24
The Greenwich Union, Greenwich
Meantime Brewery pub which served most of their beers in the keg variety. Although 3 real ales were on - Sambrooks Junction, Meantime London Pale Ale and Darkstar Hophead. Aspalls was the draught cider of choice. I chose the Breton Cider, which at �3.80 a bottle precluded any option of getting drunk. There is also a good variety of continental lagers and bottled Belgian beers. But I assume they are also an exorbitant price. The interior consists of a long narrow bar with a stone floor. There was also an upstairs section presumably for diners. At the rear is a garden. The food looked very nice. But I dread to think what the price was. Unsurprisingly given the prices, the clientele was fairly upper class and I doubt if there are too many regulars. Despite the better beer selection here, the Richard I next door is much more affordable.
30 Dec 2010 20:19
Youngs pub in a quiet location away from the town centre. Available beers were Ordinary, Special, Winter Warmer and Richard 1st Christmas Ale. There are 2 separate bars with a garden at rear. A full range of Youngs bottled beers were also stocked. This pub seemed more popular with locals than the Greenwich Union next door. It also had much more of a homely feel and was far cheaper.
30 Dec 2010 20:14
Usual characterless Wetherspoons branch. But it nevertheless stocked a decent range of ales - Fullers London Pride, Butcombe Christmas Steps, Ruddles Best, Burton Bridge Santi Freeze and Marstons Empire with Windsor & Eton Knights of the Garter having the predictable 'coming soon' sign. Westons Marcle Hill and Old Rosie were the ciders. The interior is open plan. Clientele was the usual mix of ageing alcoholics. I probably have to include myself in this! The portable heaters scattered around were giving off a fair amount of heat, making it fairly comfortable.
30 Dec 2010 20:11
The Spanish Galleon, Greenwich
Shepherd Neame pub which is centrally located and next to the market. Spitfire, Bishops Finger & Master Brew were all available on my Tuesday afternoon visit. There are 2 separate but similarly bland rooms to choose from. Food seemed to be popular. But the menu didn't look too exciting. There are better pubs in Greenwich.
30 Dec 2010 20:07
Basic pub handy for all of the tourist sites and the market. 2 real ales were on - Sharps Abbey Christmas and Adnams Spiced. A 3rd pumpclip was turned round. There is one large main bar, plus a smaller lounge at the rear. A strange photo of naked women lying in the road seemed to be causing a bit of a stir. It was rather out of character set against the pictures of old naval heroes elsewhere. The toilets left a lot to be desired. Not one I'd choose to return to.
30 Dec 2010 20:04
After reading the reviews on here, I wasn't expecting too much. But this proved to be my favourite pub in Greenwich. Yes, it's a bit of a tourist trap. But the fine views across the river will inevitably attract many visitors. Sharps Doom Bar & Abbey Christmas, Deuchars IPA, Adnams Bitter & Old Ale and Slaters Arctic were the 6 real ales on offer. Hogans was the rather unusual cider choice and was very pleasant, albeit fizzy. Most of the drinking area has good views from the windows. A separate formal dining area looks as if it also had good views. I sat to the side, where it was a little quieter. But there are many black and white historical pictures to admire. In addition to the formal dining option, bar meals were also available. Prices were not quite as high as I anticipated. Far better than most of the reviews on here indicate.
30 Dec 2010 20:00
The Cutty Sark Tavern, Greenwich
The website and all exterior signs indicated this pub would open at 11am on a Tuesday. By 11:05 and after a couple of unanswered phone calls, I gave up and headed to the Plume of Feathers. I returned just over an hour later to find a nice riverside pub with a bit of a commercial/touristy feel. Butcombe Bitter and Gales Seafarers were the 2 real ales available, whilst London Pride and a beer called Trafalgar were both off. Aspalls was the cider. The downstairs bar is bare floorboards and is a bit dark. Upstairs looked a bit brighter and offers good views across the Thames to the Isle of Dogs. Most people seemed to be here for meals, with little sign of any local drinkers. Could be a really nice pub. But a little disappointing.
30 Dec 2010 19:55
The current Good Beer Guide indicates that this pub opens at 10am. On the Tuesday between Christmas and New Year, I should have guessed that this would be too good to be true! The pub finally opened at 12. Only 3 bog standard real ales were on - Wells Bombardier, Greene King IPA & Shepherd Neame Master Brew. 2 others advertised on a blackboard - Adnams Spiced and Exmoor Gold had not been replaced. Stowford Press is the cider. The pub itself is a large corner establishment with an L-shaped bar. A dartboard is in one corner, with bar billiards in another corner. The owners child was wandering around the pub, whilst a cat was sat on a stool at the bar, until the child decided she wanted to sit there. A second cat was also milling around. I like cats. But I'm not sure they should be so prominent in a pub that is clearly food oriented. The pub was a bit quiet on my lunchtime visit and probably gets a good atmosphere when busier. But I failed to warm to it too much.
30 Dec 2010 19:47
The Plume of Feathers, Greenwich
Cosy pub overlooking Greenwich Park. It seemed to be the first pub open in the area at 11am on Tuesday. Harveys Sussex Old Ale & Best Bitter, Adnams Bitter and Fullers London Pride were the 4 real ales on offer. The interior is carpeted, whilst the walls have plenty of nautical pictures and artefacts to admire. Fleur de Lys were etched into the glass either side of the front door, reflecting the pub's name. A large collection of plates are stored on a shelf around the walls. Classical music was playing and the French landlady appeared fairly friendly. A peaceful oasis away from the town centre.
30 Dec 2010 19:42
Visited here on a cold Boxing day evening. The pub was extremely quiet. But it will be a disaster if it were to be demolished. The 4 small separate rooms are full of character. Only the front bar to the left has access to the bar. This bar had particularly nice woodwork with leather on the walls and on the bar itself. The other 3 bars are accessed from a serving hatch in the central corridor. The front bar to the right seemed to be the most popular amongst the locals. The two rear bars were not occupied on my visit. The one to the right has a roaring fire and looked particularly cosy. The corridor itself had some nice original brown tiling and leads to the outdoor toilets. No music is played and I couldn't see a TV. So the traditional atmosphere is preserved. 6 real ales were on - Theakston Mild, Camerons Monkey Stout, Titanic Iceberg, Hopback Summer Lightning, Bass & Wychwood Bah Humbug. Westons Old Rosie was the cider. If this pub seriously does disappear, make sure you get there sooner rather than later. However, I sincerely hope it stays as long as possible.
30 Dec 2010 19:22
The Unicorn is a good traditional town centre pub. 4 real ales were available on my Boxing Day visit - Hook Norton Jackpot, Leeds Midnight Bell, Exmoor Gold and Fullers London Pride, in addition to Westons Old Rosie cider. The single bar possesses several brass tables and has pots and pans and other paraphernalia hanging from the ceiling with copious Toby jugs hanging from above the bar. A nice pub. But the owners did not appear over-friendly.
30 Dec 2010 19:15
The Wheatsheaf Stores, Northwood
This pub is now closed with metal shutters over the windows. Signs state it is for sale.
30 Dec 2010 19:11
The New Smithy Inn, Wolstanton
I found it rather strange finding a Hopback pub in Staffordshire. But here it is. 6 real ales are served - Morland Original, Marstons Pedigree, Hopback Crop Circle & Summer Lightning, Champion Ale & Moles Landlords Choice. The cider was Westons Old Rosie. But it was unfortunately off. Whilst the welcome was friendly, there was a strange smell which was immediately noticeable on entry. The bar and lounge are separated by a disused fireplace and a small step. The bar has bare floorboards, whilst the lounge is carpeted. Not quite as good as the Black Horse in Chesterton nearby. But still a reasonable pub. I would also recommend trying the Cricketers Arms just over the park, whilst you're in the area.
30 Dec 2010 19:08
The first of 4 pubs/clubs I tried in the Bignall End/Wood Lane area. The Swan had the best selection of real ales. But the welcome was a bit frosty. Bass, Oakham Inferno, Hardy & Hansons Rudolph's Revenge, Hook Norton Twelve Days, Hereford Celtic Gold, Beartown Santa's Claws & Polar Eclipse & Harviestoun Pale Ale were the 8 real ales. Westons Traditional Scrumpy and 1st Quality were the real ciders. Country Perry was also listed on a blackboard, but the pumpclip was turned round. I plumped for Hereford Cider, which was a keg cider but rarely seen. There is a public bar and a comfortable lounge. The barmaid that served me seemed a bit dim. Despite having stood waiting for a couple of minutes, before a large group of locals walked in, she immediately approached the locals for their choice of drink. Thank goodness the gent next to me informed her that I was waiting first. The barmaid looked a bit peturbed that she had been asked to serve a stranger. But the lack of awareness of who is waiting by bar staff is one of my pet hates. It's really not difficult when there's only a couple of people waiting at any one time. During my visit, the local police also paid a visit to investigate a disturbance from the previous day. So, a good choice of ales. But service was lacking. The Plough down the road has a much more friendly welcome with 6 real ales, despite being a Hydes pub. The Bignall End Cricket Club was dead but had a couple of real ales. Meanwhile, the Wood Lane Cricket Club was packed, again with a couple of real ales.
30 Dec 2010 18:39
The Gresley Arms, Alsagers Bank
I'm not sure why this pub has such a low rating. This was my first and best pub of the day on my Boxing Day Potteries tour. 8 real ales were on, alongside 4 real ciders and perries. Atlas Latitude Pilsner, Peakstone Chained Oak, Titanic Stout, Wychwood Bah Humbug, Townhouse Flowerdew, Marstons Pedigree, Lymestone Foundation Stone and Oakham Citra were the beers. Gwynt y Draig Fiery Fox & Two Trees Perry, Westons Bounds Scrumpy and Thatchers Cheddar Valley were the ciders and perry. Whilst the pub doesn't promising outside, it was very welcoming inside with a coal fire helping to keep everybody warm with temperatures of -6C outside. There is a public bar to the right on entry, with another sunken room further to the right. To the left is a lounge. The bar featured pictures of the local area. Certainly the best selection of drinks I found in the Potteries pub I visited.
30 Dec 2010 18:24
Still quite cosy in here today, with the roaring log fire going. Beers on today were Peerless Red Rockin' Robin, Dark Star Critical Mass, Phoenix Humbug, Belvoir Holy Knight, Yard of Ale Santa's Yard, Rebellion IPA, Mighty Oak Noel Coward, Derveniton Standard Bearer and Elland Savannah. Ciders were Broadoak Old Bristolian and Cromwells Oliver's Sweetheart. The perry was from Swallowfield. If I had one criticism, I would say that 3 ciders/perries is one too many as they can often take up to 2 weeks to turn over. Beers turn over much more quickly (often in 24 hours). However, this is still an excellent country pub to visit and still in my top 3 in the UK.
25 Dec 2010 18:22
From the outside, this pub looked very promising. It is an old country pub with a nice traditional tiled sign and is located in a pretty village. However, the interior has been wrecked. It looks as if it has only recently re-opened and is now more akin to a youth club, with a young customer base and loud music. On entering, you're encountered with a wide open space with no tables, just a few high stools and a game machine. At the far end is a pool table, again encouraging the local youth. One real ale was available - Grain Tap Room Bitter. On a positive side, the original beams are still there and a wood burner was giving off loads of heat. But this is not my kind of pub.
25 Dec 2010 18:14
Arrived here the first time at around 3:15 yesterday to find this pub closed. Returned much later on when it had re-opened to find what was our favourite pub of the day. 4 real ales were on - Earl Soham Victoria Bitter, Cottage Christmas Cracker, Adnams and Railway Tavern Best Bitter. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie plus Thatchers Heritage. In addition, they had Aspalls, Kingstone Press and Westons Over Ice. The bar is L-shaped with sofas and armchairs at the one end, plus an extra large Christmas tree. All in all, it was quite atmospheric. Mellis itself is also quite a nice village, with a huge common. Worth a visit, if you can find it open.
25 Dec 2010 18:07
This pub looks nice from the outside. But inside, I found it a bit too noisy, with music playing very loud. They were setting up for a live band or karaoke. The bar consists of a single room with a few partitions to create separate drinking areas. The real ale selection was Batemans Rosey Nosey, Adnams Bitter, Wells Bombardier & Youngs Special. The Caxton Club next to Tesco had a far better selection of ales.
25 Dec 2010 18:01
Nice pub. But some of the customers were a little rowdy, having clearly consumed too much alcohol. Adnams Bitter, Broadside & Old Ale were on, alongside Fullers London Pride. There are plenty of different drinking areas, all with differing characters. We chose the snug, which was quite cosy and even had its own TV, unusually situated in the fireplace. Could be a good place to go. Shame about some of the other customers.
25 Dec 2010 16:08
This was probably the liveliest of 10 we visited in Suffolk yesterday. An accordionist playing Christmas carols helped to swell the crowds. At 5pm, it was standing room only. Beers available were Wolf Golden Jackal, Fullers London Pride, Greene King IPA, Hopback Winter Lightning and Hardy & Hansons Rocking Rudolph. The locals and the staff were fairly friendly. Although getting to the bar was difficult. The pub is one single bar split into separate drinking walls. Certainly the best pub we tried in Bungay.
25 Dec 2010 16:05
2 bar brewpub on the outskirts of Bungay. It has a nice outdoor courtyard that was being used even in the cold weather. Only Green Dragon beers were available - Bridge Street Bitter, Chaucer Bitter, Gold and Strong Mild. Curry nights are advertised. Sadly there are no beers available to take away. Although I could have taken away a bottle of lemonade. Reasonably nice pub.
25 Dec 2010 15:55
The Weybread Crown Inn, Weybread
A sign outside indicated this pub is under new management. It was extremely quiet inside on our Christmas Eve afternoon visit, with only 1 other customer. However, service was friendly and it is clear the new owners are keen to make this work. Adnams Bitter & Old Ale and Cottage Christmas Cracker were the real ales. Aspalls was the cider. I plumped for the mulled wine. The main bar was set out for live music later in the evening. A lounge/restaurant can be found on the other side of the central corridor. Could turn out to be a nice pub, if they can build up the business.
25 Dec 2010 15:50
This pub was supposed to be closed yesterday afternoon, according to the published Christmas opening hours. But the bar was heaving. Many of the clientele seemed to have been there a while and were positively merry. There are 3 main rooms. 2 have access to the bar and there is a third cosy room. However, further back there is a sit down restaurant, which was not being used on our visit. Beers available were Adnams Bitter & Broadside, Woodfordes Wherry, Batemans Rosey Nosey and Hardy & Hansons Rocking Rudolph. Aspalls was the cider. Who Wants To Be A Millionaire question cards on the tables were a nice touch. However as casual visitors, we didn't feel overly welcome. It's a lovely building, but clearly a locals pub.
25 Dec 2010 15:46
This pub appears to be closed. The pub sign is sat on the floor and the place appears to have been converted to a private dwelling. Signs on the closed gates state the pub is currently under renovation. But I suspect this may be another pub lost.
25 Dec 2010 15:42
The Blue Boar, Walsham le Willows
Single room pub with a pool table, dartboard, bar billiards and jukebox at one end. Signs indicate that the pub has recently changed hands. A good selection of beers was available - Bartrams Bees Knees, Milestone Auld Ale and Adnams Bitter. A Hogans cider pump looked promising. But alas this was not available. As with nearly all Suffolk pubs, only Aspalls is available. Still a reasonably good pub. Although the number of children running around inside was again a little annoying.
25 Dec 2010 15:40
Thatched pub with 2 main bars. The one on the left on entering is the Village bar, complete with a pool table and dartboard. To the right is a lounge/dining room. Childrens' toys in here indicate the pub is popular with families. There was a wood burner which was not on, meaning the pub was quite cold. We ate a couple of baguettes, whilst I consumed an Aspalls cider. Beers were Greene King IPA and Adnams Bitter. There were 2 spare handpulls. Could be a nice pub, but lacked a little bit of atmosphere. There were also far too many children, such that they outnumbered adults in the lounge.
25 Dec 2010 15:33
Whilst the people in this pub were friendly, it lacked any sort of atmosphere or character. On approach, it seemed closed. I was almost about to turn around, until I saw an open door and wondered in. My visit was fleeting. JW Lees beers - Bitter & GB Mild were the real ale offering. There are 2 very basic bars. Both were very quiet during my Monday evening visit. Whilst I class this as the worst pub I visited during the day, sadly the best pub I visited (the Union Tavern) is not listed on here. I will request it is added, as it was one of those friendly pubs where you could quite happily embark on a session.
22 Dec 2010 19:56
Another impressive Eccles pub architecturally. But sadly only Holts Bitter & Mild are available for real ale drinkers. A large lounge is on the left as you walk in. To the right is a snooker room and a tiny public bar. The bar itself curves around from the public bar to the lounge and features some great woodwork. Elsewhere, a staircase with some original tiling dominates the central section of the pub. Very impressive interior. Pity the drinks selection is not more extensive.
22 Dec 2010 19:51
Apparently this Wetherspoons used to be a cinema. This can clearly be seen by looking at the odd shaped ceiling which is very colourful and angular. Plenty of wood lends the pub a little bit of character. Otherwise, its a standard Wetherspoons which was busy and had a reasonable selection of real ales - Greene King Abbot Ale, Ruddles Best, Adnams Yuletide, Brains Festive Cheer, Phoenix Wobbly Bob & Christmas Kiss and Marstons Christmas Spiced Ale. Ciders were Westons Marcle Hill and Old Rosie. Whilst other Eccles pubs have more character, this is the best place locally for real ales, unless you like Holts or Sam Smiths.
22 Dec 2010 19:39
One of several impressive pubs architecturally in Eccles. This one has a large central wooden bar with serves a saloon and a wide drinking corridor. Doors lead off here to a billiard room and a lounge. Manchester United pictures on the walls of the saloon indicate the pubs allegiances. Holts Bitter & Mild were available. Choice language from the locals.
22 Dec 2010 19:34
Sam Smiths pub with OBB on handpull. The 4 separate small rooms are all fairly authentic. There are 2 either side of the entrance. Only the one on the left has access to the bar. Most locals were congregating here. Further back, there is another room to one side of a corridor and a lounge at the rear. There is also a patio garden. Old pictures of Salford and Eccles can be viewed on the walls. The original tiling on the floor is impressive.
22 Dec 2010 19:31
This pub is currently closed. From the outside, it still looks open. But the interior looks as if it is being refurbished. A wasted journey for me.
22 Dec 2010 19:27
Moon Under Water, Wolverhampton
Paid a visit to this pub whilst changing trains in Wolverhampton. It's about a 5 minute walk from the station. The usual Wetherspoons open plan layout with booths at one side. There are 3 sets of handpulls with a good range of beers. On during my visit were Ruddles Best, Banks's Mild, Greene King Abbot Ale, Lymestone Foundation Stone, Holdens Special, Christmas Blaster & Av It, Butcombe Christmas Steps, Northumberland Fairies Liquid and Sadlers Winter Spice. In addition, there were 4 real ciders from Westons - Marcle Hill, Bounds Scrumpy, Old Rosie & Vintage Organic. I sampled a quick breakfast before heading back to the station. The place certainly has its local characters who kept me amused whilst tucking into my full English.
22 Dec 2010 19:23
The Magpie and Crown, Brentford
Thursday was my first visit here for some time. I've been reading some of the reviews in here, but have been encouraged by the re-emergence of cider and perry. I once spent a very long session in here one afternoon. This visit was much more brief. But from my perspective, very little has changed. 6 real ales were on - Brentford Triangle Large, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Castle Rock Black Gold, Marble Manchester Bitter, Twickenham Strong & Dark and Otley O-Ho-Ho. The real cider was Wilkins Farmhouse. The perry was from Ross-on-Wye. The atmosphere was fairly subdued and the interior is still a little plain. But it's still the best pub I've visited in Brentford by a country mile.
18 Dec 2010 14:47
The Sun continues to be one of the better pubs in Richmond. Tucked away off the main drag, it still attracts a regular clientele. It was fairly busy on our Thursday evening visit. The affinity for rugby is fairly obvious, with many pictures on the walls. The beer range is unfortunately a little restricted with only Fullers beers available.
18 Dec 2010 14:39
Bland chain pub in a handy location. I saw at least 1 real ale available - Purity Ubu. Service was not the most friendly I have ever seen. The interior is fairly large. But seating is generally at a premium. It's also a bit too dark and dingy, especially to the rear. Although a table near the window offers good people-watching!
18 Dec 2010 14:33
Another pub I visited for the first time this week. A range of 3 cask ales were available - Adnams Bitter, Taylor Landlord and Exmoor Ale. The environment is fairly relaxed with subdued lighting, large front windows overlooking an alley with a tearoom opposite. Bare floorboards create a traditional atmosphere. Nice to see a decent range of beers in a Richmond pub. Westons Organic cider was available in bottles too. Agree with previous comments about the toilets though.
18 Dec 2010 14:29
Thursday was my first visit to the pub. I didn't previously know it existed. As commented earlier, this pub can get very busy despite its quiet alley location. The bar area was crowded and all seats were taken, meaning groups were congregating vertically in nearly all areas of the pub. Being a Fullers pub, only Pride & ESB were available. A nice enough interior.
18 Dec 2010 14:22
In a town dominated by Youngs pubs, I think this is one of the better ones. The interior is still fairly traditional and the welcome is generally friendly. Youngs Ordinary, Special and Winter Warmer was the choice for real ale fans. There is a courtyard out the back, presumably for smokers or summer drinking. On a wintry Thursday, we chose to stay inside.
18 Dec 2010 14:18
The Slug and Lettuce, Richmond
Visited here for an office Christmas lunch on Thursday. It was much quieter than my previous evening visits. But it's still not my idea of a decent pub. One real ale (Bombardier) was being pulled through. But it clearly is not promoted, being hid up a corner behind an 8ft tall cocktail advertisement. The food was ok, but nothing special. The staff complaining that our tip was insufficient left a sour taste in the mouth. This place thinks it is something it clearly isn't.
18 Dec 2010 14:12
Still one of the best pubs in Liverpool. We managed to get the table in the 'War Office' on our Saturday lunchtime visit. This was a bit claustrophobic, but a nice little private room nonetheless. 4 real ales were on, mainly from local micros including Peerless. A mild was on offer. Cider has changed since my last visit, with Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon now available from a handpull. I guess this is now a permanent fixture, replacing the Biddendens. At 7.2% it's lighter than the Biddendens, but still one to be wary of. If I had a criticism, it would probably be the toilets, which are a little dated. But otherwise, I agree with many others that this is an essential stop if you are drinking in this area of Liverpool.
12 Dec 2010 13:48
Went in here for a swift half on Tuesday evening. There were only around 3 other customers in the pub. But I was quickly told that they were closing and I would not be served. Some of the other customers still had drinks left. But my request for a half was still denied. The excuse was that they needed to do a stock take. Any pub that refuses to sell drinks at 9:50pm in the evening does not deserve to survive in this economic environment. A stock take at 9:50pm? I don't think so. The sheer amount of flowers at the front of the pub indicated there may have been a death in the family. But I think this pub might also be on its last legs, given the lack of service. Nil beerintheevening equals nil out of ten.
10 Dec 2010 20:27
Last pub of the day for us in Somerset, we emerged from the fog to find this one on a B road. It was very quiet and lacked atmosphere. The owners seemed friendly, albeit a bit strange. Bays Gold & Teignworthy Reel Ale and Neap Tide were the beers available. Ciders were Westons Stowford Press and Thatchers Gold. No music or TV were on. There is a pool table and dartboard at one end and a skittle alley is signed. Could be a really good pub, with a little atmosphere. But sadly, I was left feeling a little disappointed.
10 Dec 2010 20:15
After lots of fog and some very icy roads to navigate, we managed to finally get to the Bell. Cotleigh Tawny Owl & Exmoor Ale were on, with a third handpull unclipped. The bar is large and open-plan with a wood burner in the centre. Beams create an authentic country feel. Various community events are advertised on the walls including a meat draw, a breakfast club, Christmas jazz and movies. Happy hour was also promoted before 6:30pm on weekdays. The place was quiet, with only 3 other customers. But it was still a fairly relaxing pub.
10 Dec 2010 20:03
This place was mainly populated by locals. It has multiple rooms. A small bar at the front has a large open corridor with tables and chairs to the side, which connects to a larger bar at the rear. Further beyond, there is one more cosy area and another narrow side bar, which was closed off during our visit. Plenty of old signs and mirrors line the walls. Many (we counted at least a dozen) advertise Guinness. Toby jugs can be seen above the bar. St Austell beers available were Dartmoor Best Bitter, Tribute & Proper Job. Cider was Cornish Rattler. A nice enough pub, but the initial welcome from the Irish landlady seemed a bit frosty.
9 Dec 2010 10:09
Large pub opposite the imposing Castle Hotel. St Austells Dartmoor Best Bitter & proper Job, Exmoor Fox and Otter Amber were the real ales. Thatchers Heritage was the cider from a polycask on the bar. Large pictures of old Taunton can be seen on the walls. You could almost be in a Wetherspoons! Locals were all gathered on one side of the bar, with tourists and families spread out along the other side. Reasonable service, but lacked a little bit of atmosphere.
9 Dec 2010 10:03
The White Horse Inn, Bradford on Tone
There's been a slight change in the real ale selection mentioned on previous reviews. Otter Bitter, Exmoor Ale and Sharps Doom Bar is now the selection. Natch's cider is served from a bottle. This seemed like a fairly pleasant village not far from Taunton. The interior has a fairly modern decoration. The main bar was filled with locals who were all congregated around the bar, making service difficult. Clearly not many outsiders venture in, judging by some of the strange looks we had. However, there is another separate room, also with the access to the bar and on the right hand side as you enter, if you're looking for a bit of solitude. An open fire was present in the main bar, along with a piano and various board games. A nice pub, but not the warmest of welcomes.
9 Dec 2010 09:57
Arriving to find two cars and two mobility vehicles in the car park, we could have quite easily have been walking into an old peoples' home. However once inside, the clientele was clearly younger than we anticipated. The locals and the staff behind the bar were also extremely friendly. Situated along a side street in this market town, the pub has two separate drinking areas. The one has bedpans on the walls (still definitely not an old peoples' home), along with a pool table and a dartboard. A door to the side led off to a skittles alley. Beers available were Teignworthy Neap Tide, Sharps Doom Bar and O'Hanlons Stormstay. Cider was from Sheppys.
9 Dec 2010 09:52
The Holywell Inn, Holywell Lake
Beware the opening times of this pub, which is tucked away deep in the Somerset countryside. Sunday is the only time it opens during the week. We were lucky, as we got there just before the 2:30 last orders, after which it shuts for the rest of the day. Opening times displayed indicate the pub is closed on Mondays and open from 7 other days of the week. Although I think it may have opened at 6pm on a Saturday. The landlady seemed fairly pleasant, and as we arrived the only other customers were leaving and commenting how good their lunch had been. So just time for a quick half of Lawrence's Farm cider! Beers available were Cotleigh Tawny Owl and Salopian Sienna. A nautical theme prevails with a boat-shaped bar and various pictures of ships on the walls.
9 Dec 2010 09:48
The Globe was the pub of the day on our Sunday trip to Somerset last weekend. The bar itself is situated in a corridor area, with various rooms either side. Locals and their dogs were congregating here. Two real ales were on offer. I believe one could have been O'Hanlons Yellowhammer. The room in which we sat had an open fire and plenty of items to admire while we tucked into a quick Sunday roast, which was also very enjoyable and good value. Toilets are outside. Hidden away down country lanes, this is definitely one to seek out.
9 Dec 2010 09:43
My 13th pub and last pub of the day, before retiring to the Bricklayers, I found this pub to be the highlight of my day. Whilst it was packed and the music was fairly loud, I loved the fairly kitsch interior. From the old petrol pump outside to the small cupboard high on the wall with golly wogs peeping out, this place was packed with eccentric items. It's a very small place and the walls are a little too red for my liking, but the atmosphere is almost bohemian. Cottage Polar Express and Sambrook Wandle were the 2 real ales on offer, with Biddendens Bushells cider occupying the third handpump. A sign indicated that this becomes a members club after 12 on a Friday and a Saturday. Whilst I normally steer clear of any pubs which play loud music and in which I can't get a seat, I would draw an exception for this pub. It's one I'm sure to return to.
6 Dec 2010 22:23
The Queen Adelaide, Wandsworth
After the Old Sergeant, the Spread Eagle and the Grapes, this was my fourth consecutive Youngs pub and proved quite a contrast to the others. Whilst the beer range was similar - Youngs Special & Ordinary, Wells Bombardier & Sharps Doom Bar, and the impressive tiling in the doorway hinted that this may be similar to the others architecturally, the sound of loud booming music on approach indicated that this was clearly going to be a different experience. The crowd were all fairly young and the place was packed with all tables taken. The interior had a modern slant. I'm afraid this is no longer my kind of scene! Although I can imagine this is just what many people are looking for.
6 Dec 2010 22:18
Comfortable and friendly small single-room locals pub. The two cask ales both came from Youngs - Ordinary and Winter Warmer. The pleasant Irish owners were chatting amiably with the regulars, whilst Irish rugby was showing on the TV. Music was playing at a sensible volume, making conversation king. The interior is quite cosy with carpets and plenty of woodwork. An outdoor patio was being keenly frequented by the smokers. Whilst not as impressive as the Spread Eagle down the road, I felt more at home in this pub.
6 Dec 2010 22:13
One of many Youngs pubs in Wandsworth, this one is opposite the former brewery. Only Special and Ordinary were available. But many people will come here simply to admire the impressive glasswork spanning the length of the bar. In truth, the rest of the pub could do with a little love and attention, especially the side bar with its pool table. Customers were a mixture of ageing locals and awestruck tourists. I suppose I fit into the latter category. Whilst I'm glad such unspoilt interiors exist, I'm not sure I could make this my local.
6 Dec 2010 22:08
I wasn't expecting much of this pub, hidden away off the main drag in Wandsworth. But I was pleasantly surprised. This is an old coaching inn, retaining many of its traditional features. Under Youngs tenancy, it had Youngs Ordinary plus Wadworth 6X and Hogsback Tea. The barman and staff seemed friendly and the food looked good. The gaudy wallpaper above the two fireplaces at either end of the bar seemed a little out of place. But this is a place I could return to.
6 Dec 2010 22:04
I agree with ace1973. This was a bit of a bugger to find. In fact, I don't think I've had such difficulty locating a pub since the likes of the Falcon in Cwmaman or the Bulls Head in Craswall. However, this is a bit of a hidden gem. With 3 handpulls and very little custom, unsurprisingly only 2 were on. Both were from Downton - Quadhop and Chocolate Orange Delight. Mr Whitehead's Strawberry cider was available from the cellar. A recent beer festival at Halloween had apparently featured 80 beers. The barman informed me that they have 2 each year. Architecturally, the building itself is something to behold. The manager was sat with an engaged couple who were seeking to book the place as a wedding venue. I overheard him saying that it was booked up most Saturdays. After all that effort trying to find it, I was glad I had picked a wedding-free Saturday. Worth seeking out.
6 Dec 2010 22:01
A gastropub with a continental feel to it. On my Saturday evening visit, most people were there to drink. Hogsback Advent Ale and Sambrook Wandle & Powerhouse Porter were the 3 real ales. Aspalls is the draught cider. I plumped for the Cidre Breton from a bottle. With all tables taken, the atmosphere was good with conversation ruling within the various groups. Service was quick and friendly. Spanish film posters on the walls provided an unusual touch. A fairly pleasant experience.
6 Dec 2010 21:54
This was the worst of 14 pubs I frequented on Saturday. After trying the two obvious doors at the front of the pub, I finally found a way in at the third time of asking through a side door. I was immediately greated by a raucous cheer from a group of young men at the far side of the bar. I didn't think my entry would cause that much excitement. But it soon became apparent that these lads were playing drinking games and consuming a tad too much alcohol. Whilst my 14 pubs sounds bad, I think they had drunk more in this pub than I managed all day. Nevertheless, I took a pew at the bar whilst the shouts and cheers continued. How the one guy had managed to fall asleep on a sofa, I'll never know. Youngs Ordinary, Wells Bombareindeer (very original festive name) and Sambrook Wandle & Powerhouse Porter were the real ales. Coloured pictures of London landmarks gave the pub a kind of artsy feel. But my lasting impression of the pub would be of the rowdy group creating a noisy and unwelcoming atmosphere. The bar staff seemed scared or at least unwilling to tell them to quieten down. Unfortunately, whilst they were enjoing themselves, I doubt most people in the pub were.
6 Dec 2010 21:50
The Alma Tavern, Wandsworth Town
After waiting nearly 20 minutes for a bus here, I gave in and popped in the Alma for a swift one and more importantly to use the toilets. However, at �4.10 a pint, it was an expensive toilet break. I think I also missed my bus whilst in the downstairs toilets, meaning a taxi fare set me back another �5 on top! The Alma has changed very little since my last visit several years ago. Beers are from the Wells & Youngs range - Youngs Ordinary, Special & Winter warmer, plus Directors. Cider is Addlestones. The interior is open-plan with a large circular bar. Rugby was showing on the TVs. Handy for Wandsworth Town and a toilet break whilst waiting for the non-existent local buses. But you're likely to spend much more than a penny.
6 Dec 2010 21:42
This pub has the feel of a council estate pub and is a little frayed around the edges. Youngs Ordinary was the only real ale available, with another handpull vacant. Westons Organic cider is available in bottles. Pool tables can be seen at either end of the bar. Horse racing from Southwell on the TV was keeping the locals happy. Not a place I would rush back to in a hurry.
6 Dec 2010 21:36
Gastropub not far from Albert Bridge Road and overlooking Battersea Park. Sharps Own, Adnams Broadside, Sambrook Wandle and Hogsback Tea were all available. Aspalls was the cider. The inside has a modern look with dining a priority and comfortable seating. Bare floorboards try and tiling around the circular bar attempt to create a traditional look, but the overall impression is of a modern pub. In the area where I sat, there was a collection of board games, books and some rather strange jars of pickled chillis, carrots and asparagus. Plenty of staff were on duty, appearing to be waiting for hordes of diners to arrive. They failed to arrive during my visit. Upmarket bar snacks included honey mustard chipolatas and a more downmarket chip butty. The upstairs Bridge Bar appears to be a more formal restaurant option. A nice enough pub. But I found it difficult to relax here.
6 Dec 2010 21:32
The Westbridge Public House & Dining Rooms, Battersea
This was one of the better pubs I visited on Saturday. Whilst it's more of a gastropub than a traditional boozer, it does have an excellent selection of beers, especially in bottles. Three real ales were all from Sambrooks - Wandle, Junction and Powerhouse Porter. In addition there is a keg oyster stout plus bottles including Innis & Gunn Rum Cask, Harviestoun Old Engine Oil Porter, Asahi Black, Left Hand Milk Stout, Coopers Pale Ale, Goose Island Honkers Ale and Great Divide Yeti. Cider is Kingstone Press. Speaking to the friendly and knowledgeable Aussie barman, I gathered that this is part of a new chain of pubs with other branches on Latchmere Road and Tower Bridge Road. The group has plans to expand with other bars mooted for elsewhere in London, including the City. A few more cask ales would be nice to supplement the bottled range. The pub itself had bare floorboards and a visible kitchen. I may well return here some day. Although it was fairly quiet on my visit. As long as drinkers are not overrun by diners, I can imagine this will end up a fairly popular pub.
6 Dec 2010 21:25
Fullers Ale & Pie House not far from the tube station in Earl's Court. On a Saturday morning at 11am, it was fairly quiet despite the offer of breakfast from 8:30am. The main bar has red walls and plenty of dark wood with some large impressive columns. Large windows overlook Earl's Court Road. Black and white pictures of London line the walls. There is also a smaller rear bar. Fullers beers on offer were ESB, Discovery, London Pride & Chiswick. In addtion, bottled beers included London Porter & Golden Pride. The cider range was limited to Strongbow & Bulmers. But a large collection of whiskies is promoted. Whilst breakfast appeared to finish at 11 disappointing some visitors, lunch had started with the pub's Blackbird House Pie (venison-based) promoted. I didn't find anything particularly special about this pub, and I must say I prefer the Courtfield a few doors up.
6 Dec 2010 21:03
Not much has changed since the last time I visited this pub. Although the restaurant area was a bit busier than last time and the Christmas decorations are up. The pub cat strolled through the pub and back again. Probably a point that would put many people off. The service is still good, with plenty of staff available.
3 Dec 2010 11:17
Yesterday was my first visit to this modern student pub located near both Liverpool universities and opposite the Catholic cathedral. Two handpulls served Black Sheep Best Bitter and Liverpool Organic's Mersey Cider - a first for me. The various Liverpool Organic pumpclips displayed next to the bar indicate that the Font has also sold several of their beers. The walls are painted a mix of red and black with the usual student type advertisements for live music and various other events. Football was showing on one big screen and several smaller TVs. However it was at a volume that was not conducive to a relaxing drink, and the shouts from the armchair (or rather wooden seat) supporters was a little annoying. Furniture is modern wooden tables with a mixture of wooden chairs and leather sofas. Friendly service. I will probably return some time.
28 Nov 2010 14:47
Apparently the Philharmonic has changed hands, and in my opinion it has changed for the worse. The interior is still splendid, and appears to have been spruced up a little. The beer selection is still good - Wickwar Rite Flanker, Orkney Dark Island, Everards Beacon, a Celt Experience beer (don't remember the name), Adnams Old Ale, Titanic Tomahawk, Fullers London Pride, Cains Bitter and Sharps Cornish Coaster were all on yesterday lunchtime. However, there are no longer any real ciders where there used to be a few. The Phil was still busy and I still enjoy a drink here. But it has gone down slightly in my estimation.
28 Nov 2010 14:41
The Maltings ended up as the penultimate pub on my South Shields. Sadly the last pub, the Stags Head is not listed on here and is the one pub with the most historical interest. Nevertheless, I very nearly ended up missing trying the Maltings. I visited here twice and have two very different experiences to tell. My first attempt at a drink was on Monday night. Arriving at one minute past 11pm, I was refused service. When I pointed out that the 2011 Good Beer Guide indicates the pub is open until 11:30pm and hence the reason for my visit, I was given short shrift. In fact I was told that this is to allow for 20 minutes drinking time. Now I'm generally fairly good at mathematics and I can identify that there are more than 20 minutes between 11:00 and 11:30. Nevertheless, the barmaid with an obvious chip on her shoulder was not to be moved. Wanting a half pint when the other 3 customers (2 of whom were outside smoking) all had full pints awaiting them was surely not too much for ask. But no, this charmless 'lady' was determined to make a stand. So much for the 24 hour binge culture we are supposed to be living through. South Shields licensing hours are still firmly intact. I reluctantly gave the pub a second chance the following evening. My return visit was much more pleasant and service was a tiny bit more friendly, although still a little icy. But this may have been due to the fact that I was slightly drunk in my 13th pub. Beers available were Full Mash Wild Card, Great Newsome Holderness Dark and Jarrow Joblings Swinging Gibbet, Rivet Catcher, Westoe IPA and Red Ellen. Ciders were Parsons Choice Medium & Medium Dry, Wilkins Medium & Dry and the perry was Broadoak. My cider tasted like vinegar. This bar above a brewery was quite characterful with plenty of knick knacks in cabinets. It was also bedecked with Christmas decorations. This could easily be South Shields' best pub. But please get some new staff that are interested in customer service and try not to go overboard with the range of drinks. Unless the demand is there, they're unlikely to be in the best condition. My mark of 4/10 reflects my two contrasting visits. Rant over.
25 Nov 2010 21:46
Very quiet pub on my early Tuesday evening visit. Greene King Abbot Ale and Old Speckled Hen were the only two real ales with 3 handpulls dormant. For the 8th time in the day, the cider of choice was Woodpecker. Rarely is Woodpecker seen on draught throughout most of the country. But in South Shields, it appears to be the most popular. Whilst drinking it, I noticed a Westons Traditional Scrumpy pumpclip next to the till. Unfortunately it was not available and just served to wind me up a little! With only one other customer and the barman watching daytime televison, the pub was devoid of atmosphere. A pool table is located right near the entrance. Framed artwork lines the walls. Toilets are upstairs. The interior is bright, but I doubt I'd return.
25 Nov 2010 21:31
My South Shields crawl had started to improve drastically at the Trimmers Arms (not listed on here) and peaked here at the Steamboat. Of the 14 I tried, this was the best. Real ales were Everards Tiger & Original, Greene King Abbot Ale, Deuchars IPA, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Wells Bombardier and Okells Red. Westons Old Rosie is the cider. The barmaid and customers were all friendly. The interior is fascinating with walls crammed full of clocks and shields and cabinets also packed with various items. The pub is nearly all wood, from the floors to the walls and the bar itself. A collection of flags can be seen on the ceiling. The pub seems to have won plenty of CAMRA awards and I would say it is a deserved winner of the current CAMRA local pub of the year.
25 Nov 2010 21:26
Following 3 pubs not listed on here (Old Ship, Lord Ashley & Chichester Arms), my South Shields crawl landed me at the Dolly Peel. This is a fairly pleasant pub with a main bar with bare floorboards and a lounge to the rear with a more cosy feel. Real ales were Black Sheep, Directors, Spitfire, Landlord and Cumberland Ale. Glad to hear no music. Tennis was showing on the TV. Unlike many of the other pubs I visited, this pub was actually quite warm on a cold day.
25 Nov 2010 21:21
It was a llong walk here from the Beacon (not listed on here). But the walk between takes in the Arbeia Roman Fort and North & South Marine Parks. The Bamburgh enjoys a fine position overlooking the North Sea. It is a family style pub with plenty of seating. Food is well advertised. A pool table is prominently located and so are gaming machines. Christmas decorations were already up. Beers are from the Greene King range - IPA, Old Speckled Hen and Abbot. A bit too large and empty to have any kind of real atmosphere on a Tuesday lunchtime.
25 Nov 2010 21:13
My third pub of the day following the Wouldhave and Rosie Malones (the latter an Irish pub by the market place and not listed on here). The Alum Ale House has a good vantage point of the ferry port to North Shields. On the opposite bank, a warship (I believe the Ark Royal) was causing some interest. Entering just before 11am, I was the first customer here. The main bar has bare floorboards, whilst a side bar is carpeted and has wood panelling with pictures of boats. The bar itself has nice tiling. The pub was cold first thing. There was no obvious TV, but the radio was playing. Live entertainment was advertised including Poker night on Mondays as well as Buskers nights and live music. I don't recall the beers, but they were all from the Marstons range. 3 clips were turned and another handpull was unclipped.
25 Nov 2010 21:08
With limited time to play with for my day out in South Shields, I was reluctantly forced to start in this pub at 9:30am. The pub was busier than I expected with people eating breakfasts. But to my relief, others had full pints in front of them! O'Hanlons Dragon's Ale, Moorhouses Blond Witch, Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot Ale and Otter Bright were the real ale selection. Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon and Broadoak Perry were the real cider and perry. What better way to start a day than with a 7.2% cider. Unfortunately the box in the fridge was empty and when attempting to insert a new one, somehow the bar manager and barmaid managed to break several glasses. Oops! Still, despite being a Wetherspoons, I thought this was one of the better pubs in South Shields. The decor was fairly standard and was enhanced by Christmas decorations. A large seafaring mural above the bar is a dominant feature. Despite the broken glass and the early hour, service was cheerful.
25 Nov 2010 21:01
Seeing the bouncers on the door and the packed inside with a fight to get to the bar reminiscent of my clubbing days, I wasn't expecting too much of this place. But the range of beers is good and the range of ciders is excellent. Oakham JHB & Citra, Skinners Betty Stogs, York Guzzler, Bathams Best, Salopian Lemon Dream and Stonehouse Station Bitter were the beers. Since when have you seen a pub with 2 lemon beers? Ciders and perries were Renshaw's Red Eye, Wrenbury Browns, Old Monty's, Chapple's, Thatchers Cheddar Valley, Westons Traditional Scrumpy & Country Perry, Ralph's Medium Cider & Perry & Newton's Perry. The bar also has a fine selection of American beers in bottles. The interior is plan with red walls. In fact I lost track as to exactly how many Shropshire pubs seemed to have a red colour scheme. Artwork can be seen on the walls and the furnishings are all modern. Throughout my consumption of cider, the pub remained busy and noisy with several groups coming and going. The pub has fruit and games machines. Music continued playing whilst a TV was showing varying sporting events. Not usually my kind of establishment. But the choice of drinks is it main attraction.
25 Nov 2010 20:54
I once met a couple who used to run this pub and now run a pub in Suffolk. Hearing about it, I have always been intrigued as to what it is like. From the outside, it looks like a fabulous building. But inside is a bit plain. However, the beer and cider selection makes up for this - Black Sheep Best, Thornbridge Kipling, Sharps Doom Bar, TT Landlord, Oakham Citra & White Dwarf, Salopian Requiem and O'Hanlons Port Stout were the beers; Addlestones, Westons Traditional Scrumpy, Old Rosie & Country Perry were the ciders/perry. The white walls have a few pictures on them. But the overall appearance is uninspiring and the harsh lighting doesn't help. Close your eyes and enjoy a pint or two.
25 Nov 2010 20:44
If only we had had weather similar to that in the picture above. On the Saturday night we visited, it was cold and foggy. This is a Marstons pub, but has a good range of their beers - Ringwood Old Thumper, Banks's Bitter, Wychwood The Dog's Bollocks, Jennings Sneck Lifter, Dark Mild and Cumberland Ale and Mansfield Old Baily. Thatchers Heritage cider is also available and there seemed a wide and varied spirit selection. The single bar has strange red lighting. A band was setting up and seemed to have attracted an 'interesting' clientele that looked like a throwback to a bygone age. Pictures of old Shrewsbury adorn the walls. Not at all bad for a Marstons pub.
25 Nov 2010 20:38
What a nightmare to park around here. When you finally find a space and can admire the old buildings of Wyle Cop, it is worth it. The Nags Head is one of these fine buildings. However the interior does disappoint a little. There is a single room with a bar and staircase splitting the pub in two. The rear part has a collection of mirrors and a jukebox. Rugby was showing on the TV. The whole pub has bare floorboards. Taylor Landlord, Wye Valley Dorothy Goodbody's Big Bang, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Hobsons Best and Hobsons Town Crier were all dispensed alongside Stowford Press cider. A nice place to sit and watch the world go by.
25 Nov 2010 20:31
The Prince of Wales, Shrewsbury
Back street pub with plenty of Shrewsbury Town memorabilia, especially in the bar. The lounge is carpeted and has a fairly old-fashioned appeal to it with wood panelling. The real appeal is the beer range. This was our 7th pub of the day and the best range so far - Greene King IPA, Theakston Mild, Salopian Golden Thread, Caledonian Scottie Dog and St Austell Tribute. The cider was from Addlestones. Would quite happily return here.
25 Nov 2010 20:25
The Belle Vue Tavern, Shrewsbury
This pub is not a million miles away from Shrewsbury Town's new football ground. Like the Compasses we tried before it, it has a fairly simple layout but this time with only the single bar. Real ales available were Bass, Bombardier and Deuchars. A jukebox, fruit machine and TV were all present. Music was playing fairly quietly. There was a dartboard at one end and 'Gert & Daisy's Bar' at the other end. No idea who Gert & Daisy are/were, but at least they are now famous. Friendly. The toilets were a touch dated to say the least.
25 Nov 2010 20:21
The Compasses Inn, Bayston Hill
Glad to get in here to warm up after the cold Fox Inn at Great Ryton (not listed on here). The Compasses is situated on the outskirts of Shrewsbury and despite being extremely quiet, it was welcoming. The main bar is fairly simple. Although fairly simple in layout, it has a fine collection of model boats and other maritime memorabilia such as clocks, in addition to pictures of military aircraft. Apparently these belonged to a previous landlord. A porthole in the entrance door continues the theme. There was also another bar, which we didn't venture into. It was a shame it was so quiet. Beers served were Greene King IPA, M & B Brew XI, Fullers London Pride, Bass and Fox Mr Tod.
25 Nov 2010 20:16
The Bottle and Glass Inn, Picklescott
Pub of the day for me. It's in an idyllic rural location and was a welcome retreat from the fog. Inside was quiet apart from a few people and a dog. The main bar area has just 2 tables, an inglenook fireplace and a traditional tiled floor. A separate larger room with impressive wood panelling serves as a dining room. There is also a third room, which I didn't get to see inside. All rooms have low ceilings and beams. Wye Valley HPA, Three Tuns 1642 Bitter and Hobsons Best were the real ales. I believe the cider was Stowford Press. Whilst not the best selection of beers, come here for the traditional country pub feeling.
25 Nov 2010 20:05
This was to be my third Shropshire pub last Saturday. However, after driving slowly over the Long Mynd in thick fog from the Yew Tree at All Stretton (not listed on here), we found this pub is now closed. A fairly recent sign reads 'closed until further notice'.
25 Nov 2010 20:00
Started our Shropshire tour here last Saturday. The pub has a nice rural setting on a bend in a country road. Inside is a low ceilinged bar with beams and a large fireplace. No music or TV helps to keep the atmosphere pleasant. Most people were ordering food. We were there for the drink - Six Bells Brew 101, Three Tuns XXX and Hobsons Best. Cider is Olde English which is rarely seen these days. There are various pictures on the walls including hunts to the side of the bar and guardsmen in one corner. This was a fairly decent start to our day.
25 Nov 2010 19:57
Agree with Mattbeer. This is a really average pub. It was the busiest of the 3 pubs I tried on Sunday lunchtime, and seemed fairly friendly. 4 real ales were listed on a blackboard - Fullers London Pride, Shepherd Neame Spitfire and Bishops Finger and Wells Bombardier. However, there was no sign of any of these at the bar and there were certainly no handpulls. So, I'm not sure if they existed, unless they are poured direct from the cellar. Other than this, not much to report. Tucked away up a narrow street, I doubt this pub gets much passing trade. Although it's not far off the beaten track between the Ship & Mitre and the Vernon.
16 Nov 2010 18:23
Paid a fleeting visit here on Sunday lunchtime after starting my drinking in the James Monro next door (not listed on here). As stated by Wirraldrinker, this is a typical Irish pub. Although on my visit there was no other clientele. Only keg beers were available - Carling, Guinness, Carlsberg, Cains Bitter, San Miguel and Strongbow. The floorspace is quite small. But the ceilings are high. The picture of the pub above gives you a good indication as to what it is like. It has a strange mish-mash of furniture and a brick bar. Music was playing and a TV was on. A sign on the outside indicated this used to be called the Rising Sun. Nothing to shout about.
16 Nov 2010 17:58
The British Lion (the Pig), Crewe
Similar to RPADam a couple of years ago, we popped in here whilst waiting for a train at Crewe. This is a traditional single bar pub with 3 cask ales - Tetleys Bitter & Mild and Hawkshead Red were those available on yesterday's visit. The interior is a bit basic. But is all the better for it. I'm not sure how many other decent options there are close to the station. So I may find myself back here one day soon.
7 Nov 2010 17:10
The first Wetherspoons I have been in since the start of their latest festival. To be honest, this place was nothing special. The usual Spoons recipe with plain open interior but a fairly good selection of ales. Although quite how many of these they really had on, I do not know. Beers showing available were Moorhouses Pendle Witches Brew, Freeminer Hairway to Steaven, Wadworth Pixley Blackcurrant Stout, TSA Double Espresso, Greene King IPA and Ruddles Best. Ciders and perries were Westons Old Rosie & Marcle Hill and Broadoak Perry. Considering the lack of decent real ale pubs in Blackpool, this Wetherspoons was quite a welcome find.
7 Nov 2010 17:06
Fairly large open plan pub on the Lytham Road. Has a fairly modern feel to it and looks like it has recently been decorated. Five real ales were on - Greene King IPA, Taylor Landlord, Black Sheep Best, Thwates Wainwright and Everards Tiger. I did find the pub a little too 'commercial' for our liking. With menus on display at all tables, it was fairly obvious where their priorities lay. Old pictures of Blackpool could be viewed on the walls.
7 Nov 2010 16:57
Chinese owned pub on the outskirts of Uxbridge. Adnams Bitter & Fullers London Pride were available. A Marstons Pedigree pumpclip was hidden away behind a couple of charity boxes. So I'm not sure if this was on. A Greene King Abbot Ale clip was turned round. I opted for a bottle of sake! The owners seemed reasonably friendy. The Chinese food menu was displayed on standard take-away leaflets at the side of the bar and looked fairly good value. Otherwise, this is a fairly typical pub set on a couple of levels. A couple of TVs were showing live Premiership football.
31 Oct 2010 18:54
The Augustus John, University of Liverpool
Returned to the Augustus John yesterday. 5 real ales were on - Beartown Polar Eclipse, Copper Dragon Challenger IPA, Tetleys, Millstone Square Peg and Liverpool Organic Best Bitter. The real cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Dogdance from a handpull. The interior is still nothing to shout about. It is more reminiscent of a plain council estate pub, and there are far too many TVs. However service is friendly and from my point of view, it's still a worthy stop in Liverpool as it's one of the few places that serves a changing real cider from relatively small producers.
31 Oct 2010 12:47
There doesn't appear to be any mild on offer in this Greene King pub any more. The current stock, as of Sunday evening, was IPA, Olde Trip and Morland Original. The pub consists of a main bar, a dining area and a smaller snug. Lots of paperback books can be found in the main bar and the snug, presumably for swapping. The main bar was fairly crowded with locals, whilst the snug was empty. I didn't find this place to be the friendliest. But it certainly has a little character, a fact enhanced by the outdoor toilets for both men and women.
26 Oct 2010 21:13
I'm surprised nobody has ever reviewd or even rated this pub. But then, unless you knew where it was located, you would never find it. Tucked away discretely on a dead end road leading to the River Thames, this pub is a rural gem and is fairly unspoiled by progress. The complimentary prawn crackers, twiglets and Doritos were the only clues as to what century we were in. Soft Irish music was playing, presumably the music of choice for the Irish landlord. But conversation is king here and the landlord plus locals showed keen interest in who we were, where we were from and why we were there (phew that's a lot of w's for one sentence!). Beers on were White Horse Village Idiot & Volund's Hammer, Three Castles Hay Bale, Marstons Pedigree and Loose Cannon Abingdon Bridge. The landlord claimed he'd had a rush on real cider and he'd run out. But this didn't look like a place where a rush would occur. This pub was the best of the day for me, due to the beer range, the warm welcome, its location and also due to its traditional interior. Definitely one to seek out.
26 Oct 2010 21:08
Pleasant two-bar back street pub in a small town with seemingly quite a few pubs. We sat in the bar to the left as you walk in. This has plenty of railway memorabilia lining the walls and bare floorboards. Unfortunately, it took quite a while to get served which was a little disappointing considering there were only 2 other people in. The landlady appeared to have done a vanishing act. Three 3 real ales were on - White Horse Village Idiot, Sharps Doom Bar & Hook Norton Hooky Bitter. In additon, it appears that Cornish Rattler cider has been recently introduced. The pub was quiet until the local Aunt Sally team arrived in the other bar, where music was being played. However the bar in which we were sat remained fairly tranquil and the wood burner kept everybody nice and warm on a cold Sunday evening. A comfortable place that I would return to.
26 Oct 2010 20:58
Greene King pub dispensing IPA and Old Speckled Hen on our Sunday afternoon visit. Locals crowded around the bar made it difficult to order, with everybody queueing for the one free space. Lots of kids running amok didn't particularly help matters. Music was playing whilst the TVs were also on showing Premiership football. We decided to eat. The food was better than I anticipated but was nothing to write home about. Sticky tables did nothing to enhance our culinary experience. Sir Winston Churchill and his family are buried in the churchyard opposite and Churchill pictures line the walls in the pub. A fairly average place.
26 Oct 2010 20:53
Single bar pub set slightly below the main road, so that you're looking up at the pavement as you sat inside. The interior has been spoilt somewhat by the modern seating. Although this didn't seem to be deterring the groups of people eating at every table. A suit of armour near the entrance was a slightly unusual item. The open fire hinted at how this was probably once a traditional pub. The tiny outdoor toilets add to this feeling. Vale Bitter, St Austell Tinners and Westgate Gangly Ghoul were on offer. Music was playing. A TV was switched off, to the disappointment of one local who walked on by. Nice location next to a river.
26 Oct 2010 20:48
The Killingworth Castle Inn, Wootton
I'm not sure what I was expecting when we journeyed here - perhaps a modernised hotel-type pub. But I was slightly surprised with what I found. This pub is located in a building that looks like an old farmhouse. It is quite an old building featuring a dovecote on the exterior walls. The bar inside is traditional and was fairly busy with locals. A piano can be found in the corner alongside an open fire. Live music is advertised. Two real ales were on - Olde Trip and Morland Original. My only slight gripe was that the tables were not being cleared. The previous customers' glasses were still on our table as we were about to depart. Overall though, I quite enjoyed my visit here.
26 Oct 2010 20:42
The Carpenters Arms, Middle Barton
I must say I preferred the Fox up the road. This country pub has been commercialised a little with meals being promoted fairly heavily. The steaks did smell nice though! The single bar has stone walls and a large inglenook fireplace. All the signs leading to the 'secret garden' presumably no longer make it such a big secret. It did look quite big though. So keeping it secret would be nigh on impossible even without the signage. Beers available were Greene King IPA and Wychwood Hobgoblin.
26 Oct 2010 20:36
The tenancy of this pub is up for grabs according to signs outside and it was closed on our initial visit early Sunday afternoon. We returned later in the evening to find a nice country pub with an open wood fire, stone walls and a selection of local jams and chilli oil on sale behind the bar. Hook Norton Hooky Bitter, Old Hooky, Ringwood Fortyniner and Wye Valley HPA were all on offer, with one spare handpull. Quiet music created a nice atmosphere. Although the bar was a little smokey with the fire going.
26 Oct 2010 20:33
The George Inn, Barford St Michael
We thought this pub was closed when we approached it on Sunday lunchtime. However, it soon became apparent that the landlord was home along with his cat and dog. Two real ales were on - Thwaites Original and Wizard Lundy Gold, Several ciders and perries were also available from the cellar - Westcroft Janet's Jungle Juice, Ben Crossman Home Orchard Special and Blakeney Red Perry and Westons Country Perry & Old Rosie. With no music or TV, the pub was very quiet. Although the landlord will keep you engaged in conversation. A few other customers walked in just after us. A stone fireplace and a few tapestries hanging on the walls give an old fashioned country feel. The pool table at the rear appeals to more modern tendencies. A very good country pub. The landlord informed us he holds a beer festival annually in August.
26 Oct 2010 20:27
Pleasant country pub in a nice village. We were greeted on our Sunday lunchtime visit with the sight of morris dancers outside in the street. Many people were outside drinking and watching the merriment. Inside there are 3 comfortable drinking areas. The gents are outside at the rear. 4 Hook Norton beers were on - Hooky Dark, Hooky Gold, Hooky Bitter and the seasonal beer Flagship.
26 Oct 2010 20:08
This Wetherspoons is much larger than normal and has a really impressive interior, thanks to its former use as a cinema. Old film pictures line the walls. The range was also much better than the White Swan at the other end of Holloway Road. Beers available on my Saturday morning visit were Ruddles Best, Summerskills Ninja Beer, Cairngorm Black Gold, Greene King Abbot Ale, Elgoods Greyhound, Marstons Pedigree, Nethergate Mary's Ruby Mild, Naylors Black & Tan and Otter Bright. The cider was Westons Marcle Hill. The building is so large, it echoes somewhat and lacks a little atmosphere when empty. Although I can imagine that on an Arsenal home match day it is anything but! An above average spoons.
26 Oct 2010 20:01
Yesterday was my first visit here in over a year. The interior is still one of Liverpool's finest - well at least the one room is. However, the beer selection is always a little limited and there is no real cider, unlike the Dispensary which also dispenses Cains, 10 minutes walk away. Yesterday's selection was Morland Original, Skinners Penny Me Quick and Cains Voyager and Raisin Beer. I tried the Raisin Beer, which I was not too impressed with. For me, you come here for the interior. Once architecturally sated, you move on to Liverpool's best drinking pubs.
18 Oct 2010 22:36
Rigby's is still very much an essential part of any crawl of the Dale Street area. But I feel it has gone ever so slightly downhill over the past year. The atmosphere yesterday was a little muted, with far fewer customers than on recent visits. Beers on were Blackwater Boogie Woogie, Grafton Jazz, Teignworthy Levitation & Bristol's Ale, Holdens Mild and Okells Bitter & IPA. Westons Traditional Scrumpy was the real cider. A wide range of bottles is still available. Everton items can still be seen behind the bar, giving a clue to where allegiances may lie. I'm sure I'll be back. But there's definitely several better pubs in Liverpool.
18 Oct 2010 22:31
Ducked out of Ye Hole In Ye Wall and dived into the Saddle. We wished we'd never taken the plunge. 4 handpulls promised much. No pumpclips revealed a complete lack of beer. At least I was ok, as I hadn't had Olde English cider for many a month. No, sadly that wasn't on either. Resorting to Smirnoff Ice's (God help us!), we payed our �6.40 for 2 and wondered off around this barren establishment. A large Bass mirror and several maritime pictures give a hint as to past glories. Bars on the windows are more appropriate for its current condition. Music was playing on the TV, creating a little bit of atmosphere. But I think this would have to be the only pub open within about 50 miles to warrant a return visit.
18 Oct 2010 22:25
Yesterday was my first visit to this pub just off Dale Street and around the corner from Rigby's. 5 real ales were on - Tetleys Headless Huntsman, Adnams Bitter, Deuchars IPA, Box Steam Tunnel Vision and Wychwood Hobgoblin. The red walls and dim lighting made for a dark interior. However, there is plenty of interest, including old black and white pictures of Liverpool, bell pushes, an impressive copper fire surround and an old telephone in the corner. I doubt this pub has changed in a good while. The customers have probably not changed either. The toilets have more than likely never changed. They were quite an experience. From the gents, you can quite happily chat with outside drinkers at Rigby's or the Lady of Mann. They may well tell you they are enjoing better pints!
18 Oct 2010 22:19
Hasn't been in the GBG since 2006. But this was one of the better and seemingly very popular pubs we'd tried during the day. Walking in shortly before 9pm, tables were extremely difficult to come by, as most were still reserved for diners yet to arrive. Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Cottage DB5, Acorn Ollie's Army and Marstons Pedigree were the 4 real ales available. Plenty of old pumpclips in the bar area indicated the range of real ales they have had. The garden outside had a set of swings. So this is possibly frequented by families during the day. However, on a Saturday evening, a much more mature clientele were present. We quite enjoyed people watching as an endless stream of people came in and out. Worth a vist and worth a place in the GBG. The food looked good and the menu appeared creative. But prices were steep.
18 Oct 2010 22:13
The Shepherds Rest, Lower Bagthorpe
Quite an imposing pub from the outside, with a large car park and in a pretty village, this place is a little underwhelming inside. The bar area was packed with locals and was a little rowdy. Beers available were Theakston Paradise Ale, Greene King Abbot Ale and Wells Bombardier. A larger dining area can be find to the right as you walk in and tables continue around to the rear. The restaurant area had particularly grubby seating. Food was very pricey, but the portions were large. I'm not convinced it was worth what we paid. The Red Lion up the road seemed to be doing a better trade in meals, albeit at even more inflated prices. For a moment, I thought I was in London.
18 Oct 2010 22:07
Country pub with plenty of character. A few separate drinking areas with slate tile floors, exposed brickwork and open fires create a comfortable drinking environment. The bar we sat in had several intersting items including a piano, a trophy cabinet, a deer head and a Wards Brewery Lamp. The area around the bar itself was crammed with little odds and ends. Unfortunately, the toilets could do with a little of an update. Characterful is one description you could use. Mouldy would be another. The beer range was restricted to Ringwood Huffkin, Theakston Best & Greene King Abbot Ale.
18 Oct 2010 22:00
This pub had plenty of character and characters and was clearly the best pub we visited on our Saturday Nottinghamshire tour. We walked in to plenty of stares, as we obviously weren't familiar. The beer selection was fairly good - Springhead Robin Head Bitter, Marlpool Scratty Ratty and Abbeydale Doctor Morton's Famous Binge Oil. In addition, there were 3 real ciders - Moles Black Rat, Thatchers Cheddar Valley and Westons Old Rosie. The Black Rat was not in a particularly good condition. But unlike all other pubs we tried, at least they were promoting real cider. The locals were all seemingly very eccentric. Most were of an older persuasion, but a few were younger. The highlight of the evening came when a lock-in was nearly enforced as the door handle failed. Smokers were champing at the bit to exit, whilst one of the younger clientele in a slightly inebriated state went to fetch a screwdriver. When the door was finally released, the pub emptied with a large crowd of smokers assembling in the driveway outside. I can well imagine that similar comedy capers occur nightly. This is a locals pub that has probably changed very little in many years (including the door handle). Whilst most of the clientele were crowded into one room, the pub also had two other bars. A coal fire added a little more character. One of the most bizarre experiences we've had touring the country. But a thoroughly enjoyable 45 minutes or so nevertheless. A pub I'd be quite happy to make my local.
18 Oct 2010 21:53
This pub and my previous one (the Three Tuns in Eastwood) were the worst 2 of 11 we tried in Nottinghamshire last weekend. But both were for different reasons. Whilst the Three Tuns was a bit of a dive, I disliked the Horse & Groom for trying to be a restaurant more than a pub. This is clearly being branded towards diners and familis. The interior is pretty bland with purple, green and orange walls and little decoration. A garden complete with childrens' play area indicated where the pub's priorities lie. With the pub charging particularly high prices and with a wedding reception upstairs helping to swell the coffers, I doubt if Greene King will be changing their strategy with this pub in the near future. This is a shame as the pub is in a nice building. Real ales available were Westgate Gangly Ghoul & Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen and Abbot.
18 Oct 2010 21:39
This was a much busier pub than the Royal Oak, down the road. The large lounge has old pictures of the area on the wooden walls. In fact, with the walls and the ceilings lined with wood, it felt like drinking in a log cabin. The small snug looked more like a traditional English pub should be. Beers available were Everards Tiger & Original, Greene King Old Speckled Hen, Wells Bombardier and Adnams Broadside. This is clearly a pub that is important in the local community. Events as diverse as a Halloween party and a jumble sale were being promoted.
18 Oct 2010 21:32
Two men and their dogs were the only other customers in this pub, until we walked in, closely followed by members of the local football team. The inside was very cold and the lilac green walls did very little to help warm the cockles. Luckily the chili crisps helped a little. Beers on were Westgate Gangly Ghoul, Castle Rock Elsie Mo, Morland Bitter and Greene King IPA. Live Premier League football was being shown on the TV.
18 Oct 2010 21:27
One of the better pubs we visited in Nottinghamshire this weekend. Adnams Bitter, Marstons Pedigree, Batemans XB and Kelham Island Easy Rider were on offer. The lounge is on the left as you enter, with the bar on the right. The latter has table skittles roughly in the centre. A beer festival was advertised for 3 weeks time. My only criticism was that it lacked a little bit of atmosphere. Music was playing. But with only 2 other people in the bar, it was very quiet.
18 Oct 2010 21:24
The Nelson and Railway, Kimberley
Fairly pleasant pub on a hillside and with a good view of the old Hardy & Hansons Brewery building. Beers available were Hardy & Hansons Kimberley Bitter, Castle Rock Elsie Mo and St Austell Proper Job. The music was quite loud in the bar. Another area of the pub was closed off for a private party. The bar area has floorboards whilst the area beyond has red and white tiling. A fairly friendly establishment that was certainly much busier than our previous pub - the Gate at Awsworth.
18 Oct 2010 21:20
Friendly single bar pub with a simple interior. There is a small kitchen area to the side of the bar that serves food and a patio to one side for smokers. Beers on were Red Squirrel Conservation, Fullers London Pride, Oakham Akhenaten and White Dwarf plus Everards Dark Angel. The cider is Addlestones. A nice enough place to unwind and down a few. Not too far from the main station either.
16 Oct 2010 11:15
Popped around the corner from the White Hart Tap to this small Fullers pub. It was much quieter than the White Hart, which made the cosy interior easier to enjoy. Service was friendly. A small room to the side contained one table along with board games and toys, presumably for family customers. ESB, Pride, HSB and Seafarers were the beers available. Primarily a pub for relaxing and conversation, but the limited beer range let it down.
16 Oct 2010 11:12
This place was packed yesterday evening, with standing room only at the bar and very little seating to be had elsewhere. It was certainly the busiest pub I visited in St Albans, with some people spilling outside. Ales available were Oakham JHB, Dark Star Espresso, Fullers London Pride, Brakspear Bitter and Hook Norton Old Hooky. Would probably be more pleasant with less people. But still a nice enough pub in a good location.
16 Oct 2010 11:08
Located merely a stone's throw along the street from the Goat, this pub is surrounded by plenty of other real ale pubs. The beer selection is good - Sadlers Celtic Tear, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Youngs Special, RCH Steam Bitter, Okells Red, Fox Mr Tod and Kempsey Wanderlust on our early evening visit yesterday. Cider was limited to Stowford Press. The interior is fairly comfortable and the resident three legged dog is friendly.
16 Oct 2010 11:04
This pub currently has scaffolding on the outside. But the interior is still very traditional. Plenty of board games are available, alongside other pub games such as darts and bar billiards. The TV was off and there was no music. West Ham football pictures can be seen on the walls. This could be a really nice pub. But it is let down a little by its average drinks range - Wells Bombardier & Eagle IPA, Youngs Gold and St Austell Tribute. Westons Old Rosie is the cider.
16 Oct 2010 10:59
Probably the best of the 11 pubs sampled in St Albans yesterday. Located near to the cathedral in an old street, this two-roomed pub is also fairly characterful inside with exposed brickwork and plenty of dark wood and brasses. The beer range was Rebellion Red & Upswing, Sharps Doom Bar & Cornish Coaster and Oakham JHB. A further beer had just gone off. Westons Vintage Organic and Hecks Perry were on for those with a fruitier palate. A pub I would certainly return to when next in St Albans.
16 Oct 2010 10:55
This pub is a lovely old building in a area of St Albans with a village-like feel. Inside, the low ceilings give it plenty of character. It is also bigger than it initially looks, with its central bar area and parquet flooring mainly for standing and a couple of carpeted side rooms popular with diners. There is also a reasonably spacious outdoor beer garden with marquee at the rear. Beers on were Oakham JHB, Fullers ESB, Red Squirrel IPA and Timothy Taylor Landlord. In addition, there was a Millwhites Scrumpy. Live music seems to be a regular event. Certainly one to include on any St Albans crawl.
16 Oct 2010 10:50
Fullers pub tucked away in the back streets, dispensing Seafarers Ale, Chiswick, ESB and Pride during our Friday afternoon visit. We were the only people in the pub and possibly the first of the day, given the poor quality of the beer. The pub is fairly cosy with some antiques and old pictures of St Albans, but the lack of custom meant there was little or no atmosphere. Below average.
16 Oct 2010 10:45
Handy town centre pub with fairly nice interior. Unfortunately the beer range is a little more bog standard than much of the competition and the quality left a lot to be desired. Saltaire Harvest Moon Ale, Battledown Natural Selection, Batemans XXXB, Youngs Bitter, Courage Directors, Everards Tiger, Black Sheep Best Bitter and Bass were the selection. Addlestones was the real cider. The pub has an old style with a few modern touches. Music was playing. But I couldn't spot a TV. Service was friendly. Slightly better than average, but I think there are better pubs in the town.
16 Oct 2010 10:40
The Blacksmiths Arms, St Albans
Excellent selection of real ales plus a real cider. My only doubt here is with the decor. It is a little too modern for my liking, with its gaudy wallpaper. It was fairly quiet during our early Friday afternoon visit, with a few couples and a family tucking into late lunches. The curry smelt particularly good. Sky Sports News was showing on the TV. Beers available were Darkstar American Pale Ale, Wells Bombardier, Crouch Vale Brewers Gold, Cairngorm Sheepshaggers Gold, Rebellion Double Dip, Fraoch Heather Ale, Greenroom IPA, Oakham JHB and Buntingford Porter. The cider was Thatchers Cheddar Valley. Altogether, a fairly nice pub that despite the decor is recommended.
16 Oct 2010 10:31
First pub on my first visit to St Albans, and I left fairly impressed. The landlord wasn't quite as grumpy as I had been expecting. The beer range was good - Oakham Citra, Dark Star Hophead, Brew Dog The Edge, Nethergate Three Point Nine, Batemans Victory Ale and Northern Navajo. The cider and perry range was also good, with Mr Whiteheads Midnight Special, Westons Old Rosie & Traditional Scrumpy and Addlestones. The pub is a comfortable single room local and is not too far from the station.
16 Oct 2010 10:25
The Kings Head Hotel, Allendale
Only one real ale was served at this Marstons pub on the main square in Allendale. That was Cumberland Ale. This was the quietest of the 3 pubs we visited, with the others both playing loud music. The atmosphere in here was much more genteel. Pictures of the local annual festival, involving lots of fire, were on one wall. The pub had a modern feeling, apart from the stone bar. Service was friendly. Music was playing at an acceptable volume. We decided to try the food and found some fairly decent pub grub, but a pretty average selection. Probably the best of Allendale's pubs, despite being tied to Marstons.
11 Oct 2010 19:13
The General Havelock Inn, Haydon
A slightly quirky pub in the centre of Haydon Bridge. Northumberland Corby Ale and Hadrian Gladiator Bitter were the two real ales. The bar was nicely decorated with a piano, stone fireplace, large dark wood mirror, comfortable seating and various other knick knacks, including a bottle collection, brasses and a large porcelain container on the bar holding the wine selection. This was the fifth pub in a row in which we'd found dogs. Unsurprisingly, the pub did smell of dogs. Luckily it wasn't quite as bad a smell as the Railway at Fourstones (I'll review this separately if it is added to the site). Overall though, I enjoyed the slightly unusual nature of this pub, and the locals including the barman were reasonably friendly.
11 Oct 2010 18:38
Family style pub in prime walking territory near Hadrian's Wall, with a large car park for patrons only. Black Sheep Best Bitter and Consett Ale Works Cast Iron were the two real ales available. The interior is fairly modern and appears popular with diners. TVs were off, whilst music was playing quietly. The area in which we sat had a selection of walking books on a shelf next to a large stone fireplace. Not really my type of pub. It lacked any charm.
11 Oct 2010 18:27
Friendly local pub in an old mining village. This place is going up for auction in a few weeks time. In fact, we thought it was closed when we first arrived. Inside, the central staircase provides the focal point. Three real ales were on - Wylam Bitter and Gold Tankard plus Yates Bitter. Two different varieties of Perrys cider were available in bottles. Black pudding slices and mini cheddars were a nice complimentary touch on the bar. The owners, their 2 dogs and the locals all appeared friendly. Stone clad walls and an open fire give a traditional touch, whilst the rear bar had red walls. It would be a shame if this pub were to close.
11 Oct 2010 18:20
Nicely located pub affording views over the Tyne. The interior was nothing special, with the toilets sub-standard. However, my attention was soon turned towards the 15 real ciders available - Yarde Dry, Gwatkin Stoke Red, Carey Organic Medium, Upper House Medium/Dry, JB's Sussex Medium, Sams Medium & Autumn Scrumpy, Moores Pyder, Perrys Vintage Reserve Medium, Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze, Scrumpy, Black Dragon & Old Timer, Broadoak Bristol Port and Westons Perry & Vintage Organic. Apparently the local CAMRA cider people had been on a crawl the day before. So, I doubt this range is usually available. 6 real ales were on - Dartmoor IPA, Milestone Raspberry Wheat Beer, North Yorkshire Special Bitter, Mordue IPA, Crown Black Jack Stout & Northumberland IPA. The pub was busy, both inside and out. I'll certainly give it another go at some point to see what it's like on a normal week.
11 Oct 2010 17:36
I wasn't sure what to expect after leaving the Cumberland Arms and heading down towards the Tyne. But this was also a good pub. In many ways, the pub has an American feel to it. Although it has a few original British style touches. Loud ambient music was playing, possibly from the old fashioned free jukebox. An outdoor yard area seemed to be quite busy. Three Wylam beers were available - Houblon Nouveau, Collingwood Festival Ale and Gold Tankard. Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon was the one real cider on. Not quite as good as the Cumberland or the Free Trade Inns. But still a fairly decent pub in its own right.
11 Oct 2010 17:28
The third of fifteen pubs I was planning to try in Newcastle on Saturday. Seeing the 8 ciders on offer, I knew straight away I wouldn't finish the 15! This is a great little pub tucked away off the main roads, next to a small area of parkland. The two rooms are small, but characterful. Only one has the bar, whilst the other has a serving hatch. 6 real ales were available - Rudgate Hop Monkey & Thunder God, Jarrow JB, Durham Hopping Mad, Wentworth Liquorice Stout and Hadrian & Border Secret Kingdom. The 8 ciders were Hewetts Cider, Legbender Farmhouse, Nash Vintage Oak, Ostlers Vintage Scrumpy, Toshers Tipple, Newtons Vintage '07 Scrumpy, Sheppeys Farmhouse and Holders Whisky Cask Perry. The bare wooden floors and exposed brickwork lend an old fashioned look. Service was friendly, with the bar staff being very knowledgeable of their products. Most customers appeared to be students. Although there were also a few locals. Going through all of the ciders meant we saw the bar gradually fill up throughout the afternoon, with many spilling onto the outdoor tables. A thoroughly enjoyable pub, to which I will return sooner rather than later.
11 Oct 2010 17:24
Large pub not far from a metro stop. We elected to sit in the large open plan bar. Although the lounge seemed nearly as big. 8 real ales were on tap - Black Sheep Best Bitter, Jarrow Rivet Catcher, Mordue Workie Ticket, Big Lamp Prince Bishop, Marstons Royal Ryder, Stables Hobby Falcon, Daleside Special and Captain Cook Sunset. Westons Old Rosie was on for cider lovers. The pub appeared to have a reasonably large whisky selection also, if that is your bag. Service was friendly, whilst some of the clientele were on the eccentric side. A large screen showed Sky Sports News. I wouldn't be too unhappy if this was my local.
11 Oct 2010 17:11
Marstons pub just around the corner from the Four Lane Ends metro stop. Beers available were Banks's Bitter, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Jennings Cumberland Ale and Ringwood Forty Niner and Boondoggle. The interior has some modern and some more traditional features. Service is friendly. Music was playing, whilst the Commonwealth Games was showing on the TV. Sunday lunch is advertised. We tried a couple of sandwiches, which were fine. A perfectly average pub.
11 Oct 2010 17:00
A much older version of a Wetherspoons than the modern Merton Inn down the road. This one had the usual open-plan and fairly bland interior. That said, the two large pillars with seating around them helped provide something a little different. But this is a Wetherspoons that is very much showing its age. The toilets certainly need a re-vamp, or at the very least a clean. The beer range was above Wetherspoons average - Ruddles Best, Jennings Sneck Lifter, Otter Bright, Wells Bombardier, Batemans Autumn Fall and Keltec Magic. Cider was Thatchers Old Rascal. Multiple fruit machines and games machines don't add to the ambience.
8 Oct 2010 18:37
This was probably one of the best Wetherspoons I have been to for a while. The new decor was quite refreshing. Whilst the inside was a little dark with its unusual purple painted ceilings, the seating was comfortable and carefully laid out. Bookcases provided a different alternative to the usual Wetherspoons booths. The beer range was a little limited - Ringwood Forty Niner, Phoenix Navy, Greene King Abbot and Ruddles Best. Cider was Westons Vintage Organic. Service was professional and friendly.
8 Oct 2010 18:32
The exterior of this pub didn't offer much promise. But anything could have been better than my previous pub (the Strawberry Tavern in Anfield - not listed on here). Groups of disgruntled Liverpool football fans were making their way out as I arrived. The game had clearly been shown on the bar's multiple screens. After finally managed to attract the attention of the bar staff, I eventually managed to get a table and realised that this wasn't such a bad place after all. The two real ales were Tetleys and Thwaites Wainwright. The open plan bar remained busy despite the end of the football. Pink walls create a kind of funky atmosphere. I would say this is very much a community local with an emphasis on attracting a younger crowd, with food and nightly entertainment such as discos and karaoke. Surprisingly, Monday (in addition to weekends) was advertised as having a late bar. A popular place that I could happily spend a while.
8 Oct 2010 18:25
This Wetherspoons was a bit of a let down after what was my best pub of the day (the Wheatsheaf at Knotty Ash - not listed on here). This corner pub has the bog standard Wetherspoons open-plan interior apart from a few pillars. Its location affords a good view of Queens Drive (Liverpool's ring road). This was an infinitely better view than the spectacle of dozens of empty glasses and plates lining the mostly vacant tables. I think they definitely need to improve productivity or get more staff, as dirty glasses don't make for a pleasant drinking experience. Nevertheless, the ale selection was reasonable - George Wright Blonde Navigator, O'Hanlons Stormstay, Caledonian Mellow Yellow, Peerless Full Whack and Greene King Abbot and Ruddles Best. Westons Vintage Organic was the real cider of choice. The toilets smelt particularly disgusting. Good drinks selection. But not the right environment to enjoy them.
8 Oct 2010 18:15
Probably the most eccentric of the pubs I visited last Sunday in Merseyside. The welcome I received was a little strange. The 'can I help you' question was said in such a way to suggest I was trying to rob the joint! Nevertheless, the atmosphere and decor is slightly quirky with plenty of old furniture and antiques. The main room is laid out similar to an old peoples' home with a couple of large chairs in the window facing inwards and multiple tables with couches around the edges. This is a Thwaites pub serving Original and Lancaster Bomber. Music was playing from an ancient tinny sound system. The fruit machine looked like it had been dumped in the middle of the room. This was a pub which I warmed to after the initial cold greeting. I can imagine its particularly popular with the ageing population of Prescot. I would give it another go.
8 Oct 2010 18:03
A pub with multiple drinking areas with plenty of character, that was slightly spoilt by being freezing cold. I can't quite understand why the front door was kept open. Jennings Cumberland Ale and Greene King Old Speckled Hen were the two real ales available, whilst cask Tetleys was off. There are actually 4 different traditional bars. I sat in the one with the jukebox and fruit machine. This was a little dark. Although the areas around the bar were much brighter. A black and white tiled floor around the bar was quite attractive, whilst a strange set of caricatures (presumably of regulars) graced another wall. Certainly one for the traditionalist to try.
8 Oct 2010 17:58
Hydes pub with a convenient public car park next door. Hydes Original and Ringmaster was the choice, with a third unclipped. Closed curtains and dark polished wood floors made it quite dark inside. Although this may have been to aid the viewing of live football that was being shown on multiple large screens. The modern furnishings seemed out of place in what looked like a fairly old building and I struggled to get comfortable here. Artwork is displayed on the walls. A pool table and more seating is located in a sunken area at one end of the bar. Friendly service, but this one's not for me.
8 Oct 2010 17:53
The Commercial Hotel, Rainhill
Grand building, both inside and out, opposite the railway station. The beer selection consisted of Caledonian Autumn Red, Cains Bitter and Tetley Dark. Tetley Mild and Greene King IPA were both off. There are a few separate drinking areas, which lend the place plenty of character. Multiple TVs were showing live football and most people were in to watch it. Tokens from behind the bar are needed to exit the car park. A pleasant building. But it may have seen better days.
8 Oct 2010 17:48
In terms of beer selection, this was the best of a dozen pubs I visited in Merseyside last Sunday. George Wright Ship to Shore, Prospect Nutty Slack, Coach House Dick Turpin and Liverpool One Mersey Mist were all available on handpull. Service from the circular bar was friendly and the carvery smelt very nice in the room to the side. Seating is right round the bar. I'm sure I saw a sign that stated that this was also a hotel and it certainly has the feel of a hotel bar. But nevertheless, it appears to be popular with the local St Helens CAMRA group and I quite enjoyed my brief stay here.
8 Oct 2010 17:44
Primarily a family driven eating place. However, this rather large pub does have a large area with a long bar where drinkers are welcome. The barman was helping collect plates, which showed where its priorities lie. Greene King IPA was the only real ale on tap with a second handpull vacant. Music was playing, whilst all TVs were off. Fruit and games machines were present. Seating is comfortable and the toilets were notably clean. A good place to escape the rain for a while on my Sunday lunchtime visit. But not a place I would want to linger for too long.
8 Oct 2010 17:39
Visited for the first time in a while last Saturday night. It was very busy and still had a good selection of ales - Black Country Pig on the Wall & Fireside, Bass, Slaters Haka, Roosters Cream, Two Towers Chamberlain, Boggarts Dark Mild, Brickyard Cascadian and Titanic Wreckage. In addition two real ciders were available - Black Rat and Thatchers Heritage. It does lack a little in atmosphere, but is head and shoulders above all other Dudley establishments. Definitely worth a special trip, if you haven't yet been.
8 Oct 2010 17:34
Paid another return visit here last Saturday night and can vouch for the reviewers that say this is getting more and more popular. Finding a table is now nigh on impossible, which deters a little from the pub. Nevertheless the beer selection remains good with Wye Valley HPA, Black Country BFG & Pig on the Wall, Silhill 3.7 Per Cent, Purity Mad Goose & Ubu, Falstaff Hippogriff, Hopshackle Double Momentum & Dragon Porter, Elland Elant, Oakham Alkhenaten, Hobsons Old Henry, Derby Old Target and Beowulf Dragon Smoke Stout all on. In addition, Kinver Aldo's Ale appeared whilst we were there. Two of the ciders were Saxon - Platinum Blonde and Route 66 whilst the third was their own marketed Bennetts Hill Blend. Still a brilliant place to visit. But with the crowds, it's now harder to enjoy.
8 Oct 2010 17:26
This has to be one of the worst Wetherspoons I've been in, with an extremely poor beer selection. As usual, plenty of 'available soon' labels, but very little 'available now'. The usual Greene King Abbot and Ruddles Best were supplemented by just one guest - Dorset Yachtsman. No real cider was available, apart from the usual Wetherspoons bottled cider range. However the pub is situated in a lively area and doesn't aspire to the typical Wetherspoons layout, with its flowery wallpaper, its exotic lampshades and its mock Chinatown gate at one end. The clientele is equally varied. Probably not a pub I would come back to.
6 Oct 2010 09:42
Tucked away in a desolate area of Birmingham, not too far from Digbeth, this pub sits like an oasis in a desert. In fact, with so many people inside the pub and nobody on the streets around, I was wondering if there was a secret entrance for the crowds to enter and to disperse. After moving the furniture to get through the front door, we walked into a packed bar and were met with a good range of beers - Hobsons Mild, Pictish Mount Good, Everards Tiger, Cottage Winston Churchill Ale and Stanway Stanney Bitter. The cider of choice is Westons Stowford Press. The function room at the back was closed. So everybody crowded into the main bar with all seats taken. The atmosphere was cosy and friendly, with plenty of football fans from different clubs happily discussing the day's activity. There are plenty of objects behind the bar for your perusal. How does that girl do that with a bottle of beer?!
6 Oct 2010 09:32
As previous reviewers have said, this pub is very similar in appearance to the Anchor, with its beautiful tiling, coloured lead windows and nice woodwork around the long bar. It may also be a quieter alternative to the Anchor. However the beer range is restricted to Marstons and as such leaves a little to be desired - Marstons Royal Ryder, Jennings Cocker Hoop and Banks's Bitter and Mild were the only choice available. A beer festival advertised for this coming weekend looked a bit more promising with none-Marstons beers. But with a selection of around a dozen beers, the choice is still limited. A nice pub to visit once. But the Anchor will always be my first port of call when in this area of Birmingham.
6 Oct 2010 09:21
A good selection of beers is available in this family-style pub at the end of the High Street. However, other factors let it down. Wyre Piddle Summerfall, M & B Brew XI, Purity Ubu and Timothy Taylor Golden Best were all available. Sadly the Westons Vintage Organic cider was off. There is plenty of seating for the keen diners. Soft music plays. The pub is decorated in a modern style but has a bit of a hotch potch of designs and different furniture. Particularly annoying was the accumulation of glasses and plates on nearly all of the tables. A few more staff to help the solitary barman and to clear the tables could improve the place.
6 Oct 2010 09:15
Was left quite impressed with this place. It's a country style pub with an old fashioned serving hatch in the corridor, with a lounge and another bar off the corridor. Continue through the corridor and you'll reach the outdoor toilets. The lounge is now carpeted. But everything is uneven. Normally I wouldn't notice. But this was my first pub of the day. So my senses were still in good working order. Music was being played. Although there was no visible TV. A games machine was switched off. The pub was filling up quickly on my early Saturday lunchtime visit and the Brew XI has been replaced by Deuchars IPA and Ubu. A pleasant pub in a leafy Birmingham suburb.
6 Oct 2010 09:09
The Mad Hatter Hotel, Southwark
Large Fullers pub serving Pride, ESB, Discovery and Chiswick. The hats have pride of place in the bar area above boothed seating. There are plenty of tables and all are laid out for food. We ordered a couple of meals which were satisfactory but a little pricy. Frosted glass screens lend privacy. Pot plants and draped curtains block out light and give the pub a gloomy feel. The barman seemed to have a slightly warped sense of humour. When I asked if I could order some meals, he replied 'you want to order some milk'. A place I wouldn't make a huge diversion for. But maybe worth a try if passing by.
28 Sep 2010 19:27
5 handpulls with all but 1 pump clip turned round was not the best first impression for this pub. The solitary beer was Ossett Yorkshire Blonde, with Shepherd Neame Spitfire and Master Brew both absent. No Shepherd Neame beers in a Shepherd Neame pub? The interior is quite nicely decorated with plenty of wood - floorboards, chairs, tables, shelves etc. Puppets and toy soldiers add a slightly eccentric air to proceedings. Lantern type lighting above the bar and chandeliers above the seating give illusions of grandeur. Food was listed on a blackboard. Admirably there was no music and the TV was off. The landlady was friendly. But �9 for a 750ml bottle of cider?! This may be London. But it's one of the most expensive ciders I've ever consumed. Nice enough pub. But plenty of drawbacks.
28 Sep 2010 19:20
Paid a visit here both before and after the Fulham match yesterday. The Norfolk and Suffolk beer festival was well attended. In addition to the tent full of beers on the patio outside, the bar also had several beers with surprisingly only one Timothy Taylor beer (Ram Tam) that I could see. Westons 1st Quality and Perry were supplemented by a new regular Biddendens Bushells cider. The landlady informed me that they would be having a cider festival in a few weeks time. Morris dancers were performing in the street outside. The overall atmosphere was lively but friendly and it was nice to be able to drink out of glass, as opposed to plastic, as is usual on a match day. Perhaps the offer of a glass pint for a �2 deposit could be extended to non-festival match days? This is still clearly one of the best pubs in this area of London and is all the better for being hidden away down a side street and living off its reputation. I'll be back for the cider festival!
26 Sep 2010 15:01
Fullers pub with a modern open-plan interior in a good location on Putney High Street. The interior was heaving yesterday lunchtime. Bouncers were on the door. Getting served was time-consuming. But the bar staff were doing their best with the crowds. 4 Fullers beers were available - Seafarers, Pride, Discovery and Red Fox. The Chelsea football match was the centre of attention on the TVs. Not a place I particularly wanted to linger. So I moved on around the corner to the Bricklayers as soon as I could.
26 Sep 2010 14:53
Visited here when Chelsea were on Sky yesterday! I found the pub to quite pleasant and in a fairly nice village-like area. Youngs was the only beer available, despite there being 4 handpulls in the main bar. The Directors clip was turned round. Addlestones is the cider of choice. The pub is formed of 2 interconnected bars with a passageway between the two. There is also a suntrap patio area at the side. Pot plants around the walls of the one bar created a pleasant drinking environment. The football on the TV was not too disturbing. What was more disturbing was the drug dealing in the gents and the Chinese DVD seller walking around the pub unchallenged. I also hate it when bar staff expect you to hand out a note without telling you the price of the drink. I don't expect to have to ask what the price is. Probably a 5/10 score for this.
26 Sep 2010 14:47
Fullers house in a pleasant location by the river. It's at the end of the road. You think you've entered an industrial estate. But perservere and you'll find it. The first thing that struck me was the age of the clientele. It's not very often these days that I feel like the youngest person in a pub. This was vaguely reminiscent of an old peoples' home. A 6-piece brass band was playing in the main bar, entertaining folk. Another smaller bar to the side contains a pool table plus a Thierry Henry Arsenal football shirt and a couple of tables. We eventually retreated to the another small room at the rear of the main bar where there were a few more tables and from where you could also access a rear patio. The pub had sold out of at least 2 ales before yesterday's football match at Griffin Park. So the Pride clip and one other were turned round. Choice was restricted to Red Fox, Chiswick and Seafarers Ale. A good range of pub grub was listed on a blackboard. Service was efficient and friendly. A cosy enough pub that's obviously much loved by its regulars. It didn't quite tick all the boxes for me though.
22 Sep 2010 22:10
The Kings Arms Bar and Hotel, Brentford
Paid a brief visit here yesterday evening. I doubt it's one I'll be going back to. London Pride was the only real ale available, as they had run out of Landlord. The large central bar was covered in empty glasses and service was a little slow, despite there not being too many people in the pub. Couldn't really see anything to recommend it, apart from the fact it was right next to the station.
22 Sep 2010 22:02
The Dispensary was busy during our early evening visit yesterday with all seats taken and the bar area crowded with standing room only. Beers were turning over quickly. The range was Kelham Island Point Blank, Brew Dog Punk IPA, George Wright Mark's Mild, Brimstage Scarecrow, Ossett Summers End and Cains Bitter. Two beers from Fernandes - Cathedral Bitter & Cascade were added by the time we left. Addlestones and Aspalls are the draught ciders. There are also several different bottled varieties from Thatchers and other producers. The evening Premier League football match was being shown. Still a handy pint for a drink.
19 Sep 2010 13:19
Yesterday was my first visit here for a few months. Little has changed during this time. Although there were slightly fewer beers than normal - Summer Ale, Golden Ale, Wapping and The Dark 1. A half decent cider was also available - Saxon Ruby Tuesday. The atmosphere was quiet until a group of around 40 BNP or EDL guys walked in and the pub was surrounded by a police presence. Nevertheless, the pub still retains a kind of rustic atmosphere and is a good place to enjoy a pint or two.
19 Sep 2010 13:09
The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak
Finally paid my first visit here yesterday and was impressed by the atmosphere, the decor and the range of beers and ciders. Yesterday's beer selection was Dawkins Iris Hill, Triple fff Stairway, Green Demon Helles, Williams Ceilidh, Mauldons Micawber's Mild, Ascot Penguin Porter, Nethergate Growler Wheat and Otley O2. Ciders were Mr Whiteheads Cirrus Minor & Katy, Burrow Hill Farmhouse, Cider Bus, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon and Millwhites Blackberry. All beers and ciders appeared to be changing quite rapidly with Downton New Forest and a Darkstar wheat beer appearing and Gwynt y Ddraig Old Timer and Millwhites Rum Cask ciders also appearing after we initially walked in. Along with other reviewers, I liked the ideas of serving only beers and ciders from independent breweries and producers. I also liked the idea of vinyl music and the suggestions board. The toilets outside at the rear were characterful to say the least. I did find the long narrow tables to be a little uncomfortable, if I had to be critical. Sitting at one end of a bench was like sitting on a see-saw, whilst the narrow tables left you sitting uncomfortably close to the person opposite you. Although this did leave room for standing in what is a relatively small bar. The clientele were mostly young groups and couples and the atmosphere was fairly lively. Overall, I will score this place 9/10 and will undoubtedly make a return visit soon. Keep up the good work!
12 Sep 2010 17:34
With all the handpulls available, I was surprised to see only 4 occupied yesterday. All 4 were Brass Monkey beers - Bitter, Son of Silverback, Capuchin and Cheeky Monkey. They still have Westons cider and perry in boxes behind the bar - Old Rosie and Country Perry. The atmosphere inside is still lacking. When we walked in, there were a couple of people at the bar with nobody sitting. Others were playing pool in the room nextdoor. It's still a handy place for a drink before taking a train. But the Crown is now a better option.
12 Sep 2010 16:55
This Holdens pub is located in a slightly run down area. But the place was fairly busy early afternoon today. Football was being shown on the big screen to the right and on another TV to the left. Locals were playing dominoes at two separate tables. Everybody seemed to know everybody else. But they were also quite welcoming to me as a visitor. Only one real ale was available - Bathams Black Country Best Bitter. I tried the Bathams Summat Else cider from the fridge. Brasses and pictures of old Birmingham line the walls. Music was being played and together with the football and general conversation, it created quite a din. Nevertheless this pub was far better inside than it looked from the outside.
29 Aug 2010 23:14
Friendly pub near one of the Midland Metro tram stops. Several real ales are served. Today they had Shenstone Evo, Marstons Pedigree, Oakham Inferno, Taylor Landlord, Cottage Planet Ale, Ansells Mild, Bathams Best and Slaters Queen Bee. The interior is very cosy. I sat in the snug to the rear which contained an old chest, horse pictures and a cabinet. The tiling around the bar is quite impressive. The two main bars are slightly bigger. Diners were eating in the bar to the right as you walk in, whilst there was a restaurant area beyond this. The bar to the left as you walk in had a fruit machine. Music was playing at an inoffensive volume. Overall a nice friendly locals pub with a good range of beers.
29 Aug 2010 23:10
The Coach And Horses, Daventry
This pub was quite quiet on Sunday evening, with a couple of people playing pool at the rear of the bar and another couple by the entrance. Courage Directors was the only real ale pumpclip displayed. The interior is quite pleasant with a mixture of stone floors and floorboards. Seating is mainly bench seating with stools at tables around the walls. Exposed brickwork lends to the character. Music was playing but not at an excessive volume. A patio and garden can be found at the rear. Altogether, this was a reasonable pub in a not too inspiring area.
24 Aug 2010 22:30
�2.80 for a small bottle of Woodpecker cider seemed a real rip off here, especially considering that it was served by a barmaid who was more interested in playing the fruit machine. Cottage IPA, Hancocks HB and Greene King Abbot Ale were the three real ales on offer. A fourth handpull was unused. The pub stands proudly overlooking the village green in Braunston. But unfortunately the interior does not match the setting. It was all pretty drab and dull. Seating at the front seemed the best option.
24 Aug 2010 21:32
The Olde Coach House Inn, Ashby St Ledgers
Country pub set in an nice village. The only drawback is that the interior has been modernised beyond all recognition. It's likely that this suits diners and the upper class clientele. But this pub wasn't for me. Two real ales were available - Batemans Thirsty Work and Wells Bombardier. A third pump had a Youngs Ordinary clip turned round. The old wooden church pew type seating in the bar is a nice touch. Molton Brown toiletries in the gents - whatever next?!
24 Aug 2010 21:28
This pub has a convenient roadside location. But I was surprised how deathly quiet it was. With 6 other customers present, you could have heard a pin drop. It was the sort of atmosphere where a little soft music wouldn't have gone a miss. The real ale selection was fairly standard - Greene King Old Speckled Hen, Fullers London Pride and Jennings Cumberland Ale. Addlestones cider was available in bottles. The lounge bar has wood panelling with collections of whisky boxes and tankards. The restaurant area has been decorated with orange walls, a large white bust and strange covered white seating, making it quite a contrast from the bar. With a bit more atmosphere, this could have quite a nice atmosphere. However, sadly it appears on its last legs.
23 Aug 2010 11:42
The Ward Arms was pub of the day for me. 8 real ales were advertised outside. Although only 5 were on in the main bar. All were Nobby's beers - Best, Wet Spell, Claridges Crystal, Guilsborough Gold and Guilsborough Guzzler. In addition, they had a real cider - Eve's Cider Co Eastern Promise. The main bar did not have much seating, with a pool table dominating. A few people were drinking in an outdoor yard at the rear. The staff, customers and pub dog were all extremely friendly. Live music seems to make a regular appearance. Altogether, a good English pub in a traditional English village. Definitely worth a visit.
23 Aug 2010 11:37
Not quite as nice as the Royal Oak down the road in Naseby (strangely not listed on here). But still a nice old building in a canalside setting. A good range of beers and ciders included Burton Bridge Sovereign Gold, Warwickshire Bottoms Up, Greene King Old Speckled Hen, Marstons Pedigree & Burton Bitter plus Westons Old Rosie. The curved brick bar is naturally the focal point. Food seemed popular. Clientele were a mixture of locals, including dog walkers and canal barge folk. Music was on low and the TV was off. A nice enough pub to warrant a return visit at some point in future.
23 Aug 2010 11:32
Pleasant village pub with 3 real ales - Batemans XB and Thwaites Original & Lancaster Bomber. Ciders were Westons Stowford Press and Thatchers Old Rascal. Service was friendly. Music was being played at a low volume. The TV was off. This was the first time I'd noticed Northamptonshire skittles in. I was to see this several times more during the day. There is also a bookswap scheme near the entrance. The decor is nice enough, especially the all wood bar. However the glasses that were gathering, on entering and still on leaving, detracted from this a little.
23 Aug 2010 11:27
I've been to the Bree Louise a number of times in the last year, the most recent of visits being last night. I think it has gradually improved since last night. The interior is still a bit dull and inspiring, but there's always a lively atmosphere with plenty of people from diverse backgrounds to talk to. The beer and cider range appears to have slimmed slightly, perhaps due to the feedback of beers being kept on for too long. Last night, there were 12 beers listed on the blackboard. Although at least two were no longer available when we tried to order. Sambrooks Wandle, Redemption Pale Ale, Batemans GHA, Harveys Sussex Best, Milestone Shine On & Cromwells, Skinners Helligan Honey, Toad Garden Angel, Hogsback Summer Ale, Rebellion Blonde, Weltons Mitchell's Magic and Brewdog Paradox were all available. The range of ciders has also been trimmed and are in a much better condition as a result. Last night I sampled Wilkins and Ciderniks Kintbury Dabhand which were both in reasonably good condition. Gwynt y Ddraig Fiery Fox and a couple of Millwhites ciders (including the Rum Cask) were also advertised. For beer and cider range, there are few to match this in London, and for this reason I will increase my score I gave last time. However, I still find it difficult to get myself comfortable here. For me, it's still just an excellent stop after returning to Euston, as opposed to a session pub.
22 Aug 2010 10:37
The Old Black Bull is in a good area of Preston for good pubs and real ales. This pub does not disappoint for the ale drinker, with 9 real ales on - Bank Top Sweeney's, Southport Carousel, Moorhouses Premier Bitter, Acorn Barnsley Bitter, Wentworth Holster Pils, Cask Boddingtons, Kirkby Lonsdale Ruskin's, Six Bells Skool's Out and Summerskills Cellar Vee. The black and white tiled floor around the bar area is impressive. There are plenty of TVs available showing different sports events and a pool table which was covered on our visit. There is also a small outdoor drinking area at the rear. The only downside for me on our visit was the lack of a real cider. Strongbow was the only cider available on tap, with a poor selection of bottles. The staff were friendly.
15 Aug 2010 13:19
A significantly better than average Wetherspoons in the town centre. The interior is typical Wetherspoons. It is large and open plan with a large standing area around the bar and plenty of tables and seating elsewhere. The beer range was good - Ringwood Forty Niner, Theakston Old Peculier, Lymestone Stone Cutter, Thornbridge Jaipur IPA, Battle of Burton Bridge Burton Brew, Adnams Broadside, Greene King IPA, Orkney Dark Island, Ruddles Best and George Wright Kick for Clic. Westons Organic and Old Rosie were available from the fridge.
15 Aug 2010 13:10
The Black Horse Hotel, Preston
Nice town pub with a good range of Robinsons beers and a well preserved interior. The old tiling and separate rooms give it plenty of character. We sat in the cosy front room, where there were pictures of Old Preston. 6 beers were on - Unicorn, Double Hop, Old Tom, Dissy Blonde, Bizzy Bee and Old Stocport. Westons Traditional Scrumpy was also a welcome addition. The bar staff were friendly. Definitely one to try on any trip to Preston.
15 Aug 2010 13:06
Busy pub next to Blackburn market. It has plenty of experienced drinkers plus a few casual shoppers. The clientele reminded me of a Wetherspoons. But the interior was much smaller and seating was hard to find. The cask ale choice was either Thwaites Nutty Black or Original. The fridges were fairly bare. Music was being played, whilst a band was preparing for the afternoon. Not a place I would go back to. But it serves a purpose.
15 Aug 2010 12:58
This was the last Norwich pub we visited, and by the time we got to the last two I had had to revert to soft drinks. I'll refrain from reviewing the Coach & Horses, as I don't remember too much about that one. The Ketts Tavern had 6 real ales - Wolf Golden Jackal, Woodfordes Wherry, Tipples Redhead, Nethergate Essex Border, Humpty Dumpty Porter and Brandon Waxie Dargle. There were no real ciders - just as well really. The interior is fairly open plan with a raised area leading to the toilets. It is fairly dark, but not unpleasantly so. It's also fairly convenient for the station for a quick one before catching the train. Although unfortunately for two of us, it wasn't convenient enough and we had to wait another hour for a train!
1 Aug 2010 15:04
Our trip to see a pre-season friendly football match in Norwich hit a bit of a snag, when the taxi we pre-ordered failed to turn up in time outside the Whalebone further up the road. Norwich taxi firms are the worst I have ever come across! So the other option was to walk to Carrow Road, until we stumbled across the Kings Head.....! Yet again, we managed to miss most of a football match due to the lure of a pub. The Kings Head had a good selection of real ales - Winters KHB, Woodfordes Nelsons Revenge, Humpty Dumpty Golden Gorse & Reedcutter, Nethergate Sheeps Eye, Brandon Old Rodney, Grain Blonde Ash, Elmtree Bitter & Nightlight Mild and Green Jack Lurcher Stout. They also had a real cider - Norfolk Kingfisher. The atmosphere was quiet but pleasant in the front bar with its wooden furniture. There were other areas to the pub, which we did not see. Would certainly revisit here, but hopefully in more sober circumstances.
1 Aug 2010 14:57
Looks like a bit of a dive outside. But inside is a fairly friendly single bar boozer with old road signs and the like decorating the walls. I even spotted some monkeys in strategic places. Had three quick halves of each cider on offer. All of the cider were Burnards - Bejun Beauty Rum Cask, Montys Double and Montys Double Oak Cask. Three beers were on handpull - Fat Cat Bitter, Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted and Adnams Bitter, with a further 5 on gravity out the back - Crouch Vale Brewers Gold & Amarillo, Hopback Summer Lightning, Oakham Bishops Farewell and Potbelly Beijing Black. I enjoyed my all too brief visit and will undoubtedly be back at some point.
1 Aug 2010 14:46
Had an extremely quick half in this pub, before heading to the Cider Shed. Adnams Bitter, Broadland Best, Youngs, Fullers London Pride, Daleside Summer Delight, Oakham Bishops Farewell & JHB and Woodfordes Wherry were the 8 real ales available, all displayed on a blackboard. Unfortunately, there were no real ciders. The drinking environment seemed quite comfortable with a few separate areas. We sat in a conservatory area. I have to admit to remembering little else, due to my earlier excesses in the Fat Cat!
1 Aug 2010 14:40
This pub was better than its 3.8/10 current rating implies. 7 real ales were on and were all pretty bog standard - Oakham Bishops Farewell, Courage Directors, Fullers London Pride, Elgoods Black Dog, Adnams Bitter, Woodfordes Wherry and Angel Best Bitter. The TV was showing sport to one side. Music was also playing. A tented smoking area dominates the front. The interior is wooden floorboards and wood panelled walls. A pool table can be found on the far side. Probably a 5/10 pub but nothing particularly special.
1 Aug 2010 14:34
The Duke of Wellington, Norwich
I was left feeling a little disappointed with this pub. They have a good range of ales but no real ciders. Green Jack Summer Dream, Jarrow Joblings, Darkstar Hophead, Oakham Inferno, Hopback Summer Lightning, St Austell Tribute, Sharps Doom Bar, Youngs Special, Quercus Shingle Bay, Hook Norton Old Hooky, Crouch Vale Summer Breeze, Fullers London Pride, Wolf Golden Jackal, Straw Dog Black Dog and Deuchars IPA were all on yesterday afternoon. Aspalls was the only cider of note. The television was on in one corner. But there didn't seem to be much atmosphere. Service was fine.
1 Aug 2010 14:29
I find it intriguing that this pub has a higher rating than the Fat Cat down the road. In reality, it was a real let down after the range of beers and excellent atmopshere we experienced in the Fat Cat. The Nelson had only 5 real ales - Deuchars IPA, Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Woodfordes Wherry, Fullers London Pride and Brandon Rusty Bucket. Aspalls is the cider. The atmosphere was muted. We were the only people in the one bar and I don't remember seeing anybody else in the other bar. But why would anybody come here when the Fat Cat is just down the road. Maybe a good one as part of a crawl. But otherwise, I would not return.
1 Aug 2010 12:59
Yesterday was my first ever visit to the Fat Cat in Norwich, and I have to say that I could not fault it. I have only previously rated 3 pubs around the country with a 10/10. This one will now be the fourth. 26 real ales were available yesterday lunchtime - 13 on handpull and 13 on gravity. On handpull were Woodfordes Wherry, Taylor Landlord, Darkstar Espresso, Crouch Vale Brewers Gold, Fat Cat Top Cat, Wild Cat, Honey Ale and Bitter, Elgoods Black Dog, Outlaw Wild Mule, Phoenix Arizona and Oakham Inferno. The 13 gravity beers were Hopback Summer Lightning, Kelham Island Pale Rider, Fullers ESB, Greene King Abbot Ale, Adnams Bitter, Fat Cat Marmalade, Crouch Vale Amarillo, Darkstar American Pale Ale & Festival, St Peters Grapefruit, Potbelly Welland Truly, Thornbridge Jaipur IPA, Humpty Dumpty Golden Goose and Burton Bridge Coventry Climax. If this wasn't enough, there are a good range of foreign beers and 4 real ciders - Broadoak Moonshine, Perry & Bristol Port and Burnards Rum Cask during our visit. The atmosphere is ripe for conversation with no music and no TVs. The walls are lined with breweryiana and other interesting artefacts. The barman was knowledgeable and patient, as we ordered copious halves. Pork pies and baps supplement the beers well. This was truly an excellent pub and one I will return to next time I am in Norwich.
1 Aug 2010 12:54
Thursday night was my second visit to the Wellington. It's very handy for Waterloo station and unlike the Kings Arms around the corner, the Wellington will serve you after 10:55 in the evening. The interior is large and features a painted mural on the ceiling. Although the atmosphere can be a little sterile and all too similar to a Wetherspoons (or Yates as somebody said previously). As Matthew_of_Ham states, Brakspear bears are served - Bitter and Hooray Henley. Although this was the second time I had seen these two beers in the same evening. The Horseshoe near London Bridge was the first place. In addition, the Wellington also had Jennings Bitter and Marstons Pedigree. Certainly a handy pub. But I prefer the Hole in the Wall.
1 Aug 2010 12:31
I'm not normally out at last orders these days, preferring instead to drink during the day. However on this occasion, we walked in at last orders with a minute or two to go until 11pm. We fancied a quick drink before heading home from an evening show at the Globe. It was a good 10-15 minute walk to get here. But we were taken aback when the barman refused to serve us. I have visited previously and found an average pub with a few popular real ales in an excellent location in what is a wonderful period Waterloo street. So my rating of 3/10 will represent an average of my 2 visits - 6 for the first one and 0 for this. It's a shame that they didn't want our custom. We plumped for the Wellington down the road, who were all too pleased to serve us. Unfortunately pubs can only rely on their reputation for a short period. This one is clearly on a downward slope.
1 Aug 2010 12:24
I finally got around to visiting this place on Thursday evening last week. The bar itself was much smaller than I expected. Although, the small outside seating area does help to reduce the sense of claustrophobia. You can also drink outside in the market area. Three real ales were on - Darkstar Paradise Weiss and American Pale Ale and Harviestoun Schiehallion. In addition, there is a good range of foreign draught beers that are rarely seen. The bottle selection is equally good. A real cider - New Forest Traditional Farmhouse was also available on my visit. The clientele are very much the City type with posh suits and mobile phones and loud voices aplenty. I wasn't quite sure what to make of the bar staff. They seemed a little stand-offish and having dropped a coin that was handed over, requested another to replace it - certainly an interesting concept that I hadn't heard of before. I think I will return here. But from my perspective, the jury is still out.
1 Aug 2010 12:03
The Horseshoe Inn, London Bridge
Visited here last Thursday evening. The pub seemed pleasant enough, with windows all round helping to add a little light to what would be an otherwise dark interior owing to all of the dark wood. It's location is pleasant - tucked away not too far away from London Bridge station and the imposing Shard of Glass tower which is gradually being built up. Three real ales were on - Fullers London Pride and 2 beers from Brakspear - Bitter and Hooray Henley. The Mongolian barmaid seemed a little challenged in the mathematics department and was clearly favouring the regulars when deciding who to serve next. The Mongolian menu looked interesting. But we didn't try it and couldn't see anybody else eating either. There is a couple of dartboards. Music was playing and test match cricket was showing on one television. The other TV was being readied for showing a Europe League football qualifying game involving Liverpool. Apparently it is an official Liverpool supporters club pub. On realising this, any contemplation of trying the Mongolian food went out the window and we made a sharp exit!
1 Aug 2010 11:42
The Three Bells, Heathrow Airport
Large spacious airport bar showing the World Cup final during my recent visit. There were a couple of real ales. But I don't recall what they were. Aspalls was the cider of choice. Handy for a quick drink whilst waiting for a flight and probably slightly better than the average airport bar. But nothing really to write home about.
25 Jul 2010 19:42
This place was much busier than the Hobgoblin around the corner. Brakspear Bitter was being dispensed from 2 handpulls with a further 2 unused. The interior was fairly cosy, with water jugs hanging from the ceiling and plates on a high ledge. There was also some pipe smoking ephemera. The pub clearly had an Irish influence. Hurling was being shown on 2 TVs as I entered. One was changed to German Horse Racing whilst I was there! Regulars were crowded around the bar and families were enjoying Sunday lunches. Whilst the place had much more atmosphere and felt more like a pub than others I visited in Maidenhead, it was actually a little too noisy. The constant screaching of kids was not to my liking.
25 Jul 2010 19:38
After attempting and failing to get into the Maidenhead Conservative Club, I arrived here on my Sunday afternoon crawl around the town's pubs. The Hobgoblin had 2 real ales available - Hobgoblin itself and Old Speckled Hen. A further 2 handpulls remained unused. The pub was quiet and the sound of the barman cleaning away echoed around the wooden floors until the jukebox came to life with some kind of Irish music and then a wrist slitting song about a plane crash. The TVs were also off. So there was little or no atmosphere. Although, I'd like to bet this changes on a Friday or Saturday night. Seating is either at wooden tables and chairs or black leather sofas at the entrance. The lighting is a strange red colour. A Wychwood brewery mirror hangs behind the bar. Might be better with a few more people. But not a good first impression.
25 Jul 2010 19:34
I can't say I thought too much of Maidenhead's pubs on my Sunday afternoon visit. This was my third (the first two - the North Star and the Craufurd Arms) are not listed on here. This one was a typical Wetherspoons establishment. It had a slightly better selection of beers than the Windsor one I had visited on Saturday. But sadly the interior of this one was the bog standard open-plan and featureless kind. A small fenced off yard at the rear looked equally dull. The beer range was Daleside Old Lubrication, Loddon Forbury Lion, Fullers Summer Ale, Richard Chennells Zulu Ale, Greene King Abbot Ale and Ruddles Best. However there was no real cider, apart from bottles. Westons Marcle Hill and Biddendens Bushells pumpclips were both on display. But neither was available. On the plus side, the guy that served me was cheerful and fairly knowledgeable about his drinks range (something I don't always find in Wetherspoons).
25 Jul 2010 19:29
A Wetherspoons with a slightly better than average interior, but a far worse than average drinks selections. Beers available were Rebellion Blonde, Greene King Abbot Ale, Ruddles Best and Fullers London Pride. There were no real ciders available. The interior is very pleasant with a large staircase dominating proceedings on the ground floor. There are plenty of little corners in which to relax. It's also in a prime location opposite the castle, which means there are plenty of tourists in and around.
25 Jul 2010 18:53
Young and Jackson's, Melbourne
This place has a wonderful location opposite Flinders Street Station and Federation Square. The sprawling interior has 5 bars, including 3 on the ground floor, one upstairs with the famous Chloe painting and a rooftop bar. A good range of beers are dispensed and there is currently a cider festival. The bouncer hanging around the pub can make you a little uneasy and I found the policy of cleaning out the pumps at peak times (e.g. 10pm on a Saturday night) very odd indeed. Nevertheless, this is a good central option with plenty of seating available. The best pub we visited in Melbourne.
21 Jul 2010 21:20
This was just about the best pub we visited during our recent Australia tour. There's a good range of beers brewed on the premises, which like most Australian beers are a little gassy. But they are all good quality. They also have a good selection of local and imported ciders. I particularly enjoyed the 10% I had! On all of our visits, the place was busy with an interesting array of patrons. On our last visit, we sat next to a Norwegian philospher and an Irish cleric who were advocating 9/11 conspiracy theories - very entertaining! This is certainly one to search out whilst in Sydney.
21 Jul 2010 21:16
Sir Thomas Gerard, Ashton In Makerfield
This place was absolutely packed on our Saturday eveing visit. Apparently the Haydock Park races had been on earlier in the day and the pub is within walking distance. The selection of beers was good, with seemingly all available - Hawkshead Lakeland Gold, George Wright Mocne Piwa, Phoenix White Tornado, Prospect Ore Some, Caledonian Nectar, Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot Ale, Adnams Broadside, Westgate Back of the Net and Coach House Toffee. Westons Marcle Hill was the real cider from the fridge. The area of tiling near the entrance is fairly impressive. There are several separate drinking areas, which create a slightly better than average atmosphere for a Spoons. Watch out for the local youths lobbing bricks, shoes and other general household items at each other and at passers by in the adjacent B & M car park. A fairly decent Wetherspoons in a pretty dire town centre.
5 Jul 2010 21:16
Family pub with a kids play area and many kids running around. With the kids, music and the TV all going, it made for quite a noisy experience. Nevertheless, we tried the food which was fairly good. Service in general was good, apart from there being empty glasses on tables for quite some time. The pub itself is decorated in a pale green and cream colour. It is carpeted apart from a tiled area near the bar. A large car park is also an advantage. Two real ales were on - Moorhouses Witches Cauldron and Ruddles County. Not really my kind of pub. Although much busier than the nearby Travellers Rest and Red Lion which we also visited. I'll request these to be added on, but won't hold my breath!
5 Jul 2010 21:08
My overwhelming impression of this pub was that it was a little too dark and dingy. Old wooden benches, wood panelling and a parquet floor give it a moody atmosphere. Three real ales were served - Cask Boddingtons, Pedigree and Abbot. There were 3 other handpulls that were unused. An outdoor area at the front was being used by those that value daylight. There is certainly plenty of seating and from the outside you can see how big the adjoining function room is too. But a few lights switched on wouldn't go amiss.
5 Jul 2010 20:50
Has a much more limited real ale than the Old Market Tavern nextdoor, but the welcome is slightly nicer and the interior is more comfortable. Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, Deuchars IPA and Shepherd Neame Spitfire were the 3 available real ales on our Saturday afternoon visit. TVs were showing sporting events - 1 football and 1 cricket. There are 4 or 5 separate drinking areas. We sat in a small alcove with leather sofas and a display cabinet featuring old handpulls, beer bottles and Good Beer Guides. The clientele was mostly middle age.
5 Jul 2010 20:45
The Old Market Tavern, Altrincham
I'd have to vote this pub as my favourite of 12 during my Greater Manchester visit on Saturday. Despite the football being on the TV, the pub was fairly quiet, with plenty of seating and the one or two staff handling the bar fine. 11 real ales were on - George Wright Blonde Moment, Northern Lights and Drunken Duck, Spinning Dog Herefordshire Light Ale, Cottage SS Great Britain, Greene King Abbot Ale, Phoenix Arizona & Wobbly Bob, Coach House Raspberry Classic Bitter, Deuchars IPA and another beer called Black Market. When asked what cider they had, the response was 'scrumpy'. When asked again what kind, I was told 'flat cider'. Examination of the fridge revealed it was Westons Bounds Brand. The pub itself is fairly plain. There are a few separate drinking areas, all with bare floorboards. Definitely worth a visit if in the Manchester area.
5 Jul 2010 20:40
Traditional pub with a few separate drinking areas. There's plenty of wood on display, especially around the bar area. A grand wooden staircase is a nice feature. One side room has a dartboard. The upstairs pool table was apparently out of service. Pictures of old Altrincham can be seen around the walls. Drinks are cheap, with it being a Samuel Smiths pub. Old Brewery Bitter is the only cask ale. The clientele was mostly aging on my visit. But there were a couple of young groups. Local street parking is pay and display during the daytime, and spaces are hard to come by. Certainly one of the two nicest pub interiors I came across during my Greater Manchester visit.
5 Jul 2010 20:16
Flowery curtains seem to dominate in this pub! Along with the carpet, they give it a fairly cosy feel. But they are a little overpowering. Seating is sofa style. There are pictures and framed butterflies on the walls. A plain looking room at the back was empty on my visit, with most people choosing to watch the World Cup on the TV. Exmoor Ale, Harveys Sussex Best Bitter and Black Sheep Best were the 3 choices for real ale fans, with a 4th handpull unused. Seems to attract a fair amount of passing trade and is handy for Pimlico tube station opposite, where I had alighted en route to the Cask.
5 Jul 2010 19:30
The Smugglers Tavern, Warren Street
Visited here last Friday night. The pub is a small single room place with a couple of TVs showing that were showing World Cup football. Two real ales were on - Brakspear Bitter and Wychwood Hobgoblin. The interior was fairly modern, with plenty of light wood, as I remember. Service was fairly friendly. Handy for a few nearby tube stations but tucked away sufficiently to ensure that not too many people will notice it.
5 Jul 2010 19:23
The George And Dragon, Fitzrovia
Greene King pub that was definitely serving Royal London plus two other cask ales. I believe these were Abbot and IPA. Despite it being a Friday evening and with the World Cup football being shown, there was plenty of seating available. Although watch out for the seat giving way beneath you! Whilst there were a few locals here, most of the customers seemed to be of the transient type, with a few groups coming and going. As with our previous pub The Ship, this one was nothing particularly special.
5 Jul 2010 19:15
Bass is still the only real ale available here. The interior is comfortable, with plenty of breweriana, much of it brass. Two TVs were showing a World Cup match on our Friday evening visit. Service was friendly. Nothing to write home about. But nothing particularly to dislike about it either.
5 Jul 2010 19:04
This place was fairly busy on a Friday evening. It bills itself as a cider bar, and with 27 ciders advertised, you can easily see why. However, not all of the ciders are present. London Pride was the only real ale available with both the Ubu and Doom Bar clips turned round. Plastic glasses were being dished out for those drinking pints, as there were more people outside than in. A DJ in the corner was playing. But the volume was not too irritating. A reasonably good place if you enjoy cider. But even with the ciders, you are only likely to find the biggest names on draught, with a few smaller producers present in the bottle range. Certainly one I would return to. But not really a good choice for a beer.
5 Jul 2010 18:58
The Windmill on the Common, Clapham Common
If only the photo at the top of this page was correct. It shows a nice quiet looking pub. I arrived yesterday evening to what seemed like a rave, with a DJ and his decks at the front, a merry throng and a guy selling sausages. I decided to enter into the comparative tranquility of the inside. After finally getting to the bar, I had the choice of Youngs Ordinary, Special, London Gold or Sambrooks Wandle for beers or Addlestones for cider. Low and behold, my cider came in a plastic glass. What is it with Clapham pubs that means they have to use plastic glasses? The interior is fairly cavernous with several large drinking areas. I sat in a rather pleasant one with wood panelling, a piano and a TV showing World Cup Football. This pub has a wonderful location and an attractive interior. I'm sure they're making lots of money. But unfortunately it's not for me. On exiting, I had a little accident with my plastic glass. It seems plastic can't take too strong a grip - oh dear!
27 Jun 2010 13:05
This pub has a nice location just off Clapham Common. Although the line-up of buses is not the most pleasant outlook from the busy pavement area. The interior is part floorboard and part carpeted. Soft music was being played and the TVs were switched on when the staff realised there was a World Cup game on. The selection of beers is mainly from Greene King - IPA, Olde Trip, St Edmunds Ale and Tolly Cobbold Phoenix plus Westgate Back of the Net. The cider was Aspalls. Unfortunately, the worst part of my experience here was being served a plastic glass. All drinkers whether in or out were suffering a similar indignity. The highlight was the pub's friendly cat, who sat next to me having a fuss! Not a pub I'd return to if plastic glasses are the norm.
27 Jun 2010 12:53
This pub seems to have a lack of recent reviews. Hopefully this will put that straight. It has a nice location on a residential Clapham street. At front, there is an enclosed drinking patio overlooking the street where there is not too much traffic. Although the building site opposite does not provide the best of views. The interior is fairly dark with red walls, and there are actually less tables inside than outside. Wimbledon tennis was being shown on the TV. The real ale selection is good - Harveys Sussex Best, Loddon Ferrymans Gold, Downton Golden Goal & New Forest Ale and Hopback Summer Lightning on my early Saturday evening visit. Unfortunately, there are no draught ciders. For lovers of the apple and pear, Magners is the only choice. Nice enough location. But being a real cider drinker, I won't be back.
27 Jun 2010 12:41
The Bread and Roses was pub of the day for me, from a pretty average bunch. It's not th kind of pub I normally like. It has a modern feel, with rather funky decorations. I normally prefer a more traditional pub. However, the vibe was just right. More importantly the drinks range was also varied enough to suit most tastes. Real ales on offer were Cottage We'll Get It Right, Fullers Hock and Purity Mad Goose. Aspalls cider was available. The walls are lined with old posters and modern artwork. Wooden chairs and tables along with bare floorboads gave it a continental cafe like feel on my Saturday afternoon visit. Outdoor drinking on the patios at front and rear added to this feeling. A TV was showing World Cup football. Menus on the tables offered tapas. Some of the clientele are a little varied. Things got a little lively when three transexuals, a cockney and an aborigine with a vuvuzela walked in! I get the feeling this is more of a summer pub. But it definitely warrants a return visit.
27 Jun 2010 12:34
Youngs pub overlooking Larkhall Park and as such popular with outdoor drinkers. There are tables at the front and at the side in a covered area. The bar area itself is fairly ordinary and was showing football. The rear bar was empty and had modern seating and furniture, a skylight and caricatures decorating the walls. England flags were very much in evidence. Pizzas appeared to be the staple food. The bog standard Youngs range was served. Nice setting. But other than that, nothing to write home about.
27 Jun 2010 12:25
Bright and airy backstreet pub with a choice of real ales and continental lagers. Unfortunately they appear to have stopped selling real cider, despite earlier indications in past Good Beer Guides that it was offered. Symonds Founders Reserve is the only draft offering and was off on my Saturday afternoon visit. The real ales were Downton Golden Goal, Sambrooks Wandle, Deuchars IPA, Hopback Summer Lightning and Sharps Special. The modern interior has high tables with stools. 2 TV screens were showing World Cup football and there was also a good selection of board games. Food was either burgers, steaks or a tapas menu. A pleasant conversion with a reasonable ale range. But there's still room for improvement.
27 Jun 2010 12:19
Locals pub tucked away practically in a housing estate. Youngs Ordinary and Doom Bar were the two real ales available with a 3rd unused handpull. There are no real ciders. The Chelsea connections are clear, with many pictures and posters. Although many of the walls and windows were also covered in England flags for the World Cup. The Uruguay v South Korea match was the subject of attention on the TV for the male drinkers during my visit. Although there were a couple of women preparing for a birthday party in the corner. There is a fruit machine and a dartboard, complete with plenty of trophies above it. The pub is carpeted and the wooden bar has a couple of nice decorative tiles near the floor at one side. Fairly friendly and definitely down-to-earth. A completely different experience to most of today's modern gastropubs. I'm glad such places continue to exist. But this place was a bit out of the way to warrant a return visit and not being a Chelsea fan, it's not for me.
27 Jun 2010 12:07
I thought this pub was closed at first. Unlike most pubs, none of the front doors was open depite the heat. The temperature inside was fairly cool. So presumably they were keeping the doors closed to make the air conditioning more effective. Nevertheless, the second door I tried opened and I walked into what looked like a fairly trendy pub given a slight makeover, whilst still retaining some of the original features. The wooden bar with its etched glass mirrors are attractive. The bar itself serves 2 separate drinking areas. The other appeared closed. A collection of 8 soda siphons was an unusual addition. Seating is on chairs and sofas around large tables. Food was being served, but only a couple of the handfull of punters were taking advantage of this. The TV was showing World Cup football with volume on, whilst there was also music playing. I find it most annoying to have both on at the same time. A fairly chilled out place, that is not quite as bad as some of the reviewers on here state. Two real ales were available - Tribute and Cocker Hoop, with a 3rd pump unclipped. Westons Organic cider is available in bottles.
27 Jun 2010 11:58
Another typical Wetherspoons with two entrances, the main one on Wilton Road, and the other at the rear on Vauxhall Bridge Road. As usual, there was a fairly decent range of ales on my visit yesterday afternoon - Greene King IPA, Richard Chennells Zulu Blonde, Marstons Fever Pitch & Pedigree, Ruddles Best and Shepherd Neame Bishops Finger. Beers from Itchen Valley and Phoenix were coming soon. Marcle Hill was the cider of choice. As usual, pictures of the local area abound, the cheap food is popular and the tables are sticky. I'll rate this slightly better than its current 4.4 rating, as it's extremely handy for Victoria station and I can't think of any better pubs in the immediate vicinity.
27 Jun 2010 11:45
Another mews pub typical of Belgravia, tucked away off Belgrave Square. Has a good range of Fullers ales - Chiswick, Discovery, Pride, ESB and Seafarers Ale. It was extremely quiet on my early Saturday afternoon visit. The pub has bare floorboards with a couple of large rugs giving it a homely feel. Pictures and mirrors line the walls in the main seating area. The bar area itself is wood panelled. Attractive hanging baskets outside complete the scene. With only 3 other customers and no background music, you could hear a pin drop. Sometimes it is nice to have a little music played at a low volume, especially when pubs are quiet. World Cup football was advertised. But I couldn't locate a TV. A traditional London pub that I'd probably return to. But I think there are better pubs in the Belgravia area.
27 Jun 2010 11:32
The Westminster Arms, Westminster
Shepherd Neame pub tucked away just around the corner from Westminster Abbey. The bar area has no tables whatsoever. Upright drinking is the norm here. Although there are several stools around the edges. Bare wooden floorboards provide a moody like atmosphere. The presence of a division bell gives an idea as to the clientele. Downstairs appeared to be being used by tourists for a spot of lunch on my visit yesterday. There also seemed to be an upstairs room that was closed. Wimbledon tennis was being shown on the small TV in the corner. Beers available were Canterbury Jack, Master Brew, Bishops Finger & Spitfire. Kent's Best and Late Red pumpclips were turned round. Other than that the drinks range was fairly limited. With the limited range and the lack of seating, I wouldn't go out of my way to return.
27 Jun 2010 11:21
St Stephens Tavern, Westminster
I was quite impressed with the interior of this pub. It is full of tourists, many of whom are British tourists, it seems. This made it extremely difficult to get a seat. I finally managed to get a bench on the outside wall. This is a Hall & Woodhouse pub, dispensing 3 beers on my visit yesterday - First Gold, Tanglefoot and Lemony Cricket. I tried Badgers own Pear Wood Cider, which turned out to be nothing more than a glorified Magners. But it still went down well with a nice view of the Houses of Parliament over the road. The two bars at ground level have high ceilings and grand decorations. There is also an upstairs bar, which seemed to be more favoured by diners. Altogether a nice pub interior and certainly one to try out if ever in the Westminster area.
27 Jun 2010 11:13
The Bear Free House, Camberwell
Modernised street corner pub with a central island bar dispensing.2 real ales - Batemans Salem Porter and one other I can't remember, plus several continental lagers. Cider was Thatchers Gold and Westons over Ice. The pub is fairly dimly lit in the evening. There are no TVs, just music. Blackboards show the current menu, which looked quite adventurous. Although I wasn't here for the food.
21 Jun 2010 20:52
Corner pub with bare floorboards, etched windows and artwork for sale on the walls. It is currently scaffolded. But there are still some outdoor tables. 4 real ales were on last night - Brodies Amarilla, Mild and World Cup Willie and Gravesend Shrimpers Bitter. Real cider was Westons Vintage Organic & Old Rosie. The Brazil game was being shown on one TV in the corner. Fairly pleasant atmosphere. Although I'm not sure it's worthy of a top 100 rating. 7/10 for me.
21 Jun 2010 20:23
The Fox on the Hill, Denmark Hill
Large pub with plenty of inside and outside drinking areas, and a large car park. Popular with families. As you would expect from a Wetherspoons, the beer range is good - Marstons Pedigree & Fever Pitch, Sadlers Stumbling Badger, Greene King Abbot Ale, Ramsbury Gold, Beartown Peach Melbear, Ruddles Best & Springhead Roaring Meg. Sambrooks Junction and Phoenix Gold were available soon. The second Wetherspoons pub I had been to in the day, without any real cider, except for bottles. Pleasant enough drinking environment, despite the families.
21 Jun 2010 19:29
Whilst similar in character to the Gowlett Arms, which I had visited previously, I found this pub to be far more to my liking. The welcome from the barman (possibly the landlord) was friendly, and he was obviously keen about his business and had an excellent knowledge of the products he was selling. The beer range was good - Daleside Pride of England, Rudgate Ruby Mild, Batemans England Expects in South Africa, Ha'Penny London Particular Ruby and Titanic They Think It's Ale Over. Westons Traditional Scrumpy was the real cider. There were also plenty of bottled beers and ciders from around the world. Trendy music was being played. The decor was traditional with a modern slant. Well worth seeking out in the back streets of East Dulwich/Peckham. Pub of the day for me.
21 Jun 2010 19:21
Backstreet corner pub with a laid-back Bohemian like feel, with bare floorboards and wood panelling. There is a candle on each table. Artwork on the walls is available for sale. A big projector screen shows live sport, whilst there is a blue pool table near the Gowlett Road entrance and a DJ area in another corner. The beer range on my Sunday afternoon visit was Abbot, Pedigree, Cumberland Ale and Pride. Westons Organic was available in bottles. Pizzas appear to be a speciality. Although they seemed a little pricey, with the cheapest being around �7. A rear courtyard was quite busy. Signs above the bar celebrated the fact that this was the Southeast London CAMRA pub of the year in 2005/06. A nice enough place to chill out. Although it would benefit from a more adventurous drinks selection.
21 Jun 2010 19:14
Slightly upmarket pub attracting middle class couples and families. Football was showing on the TV in the corner. Ambient music was being played. The walls are wood panelled. Beers available were Hopback Summer Lightning, TT Landlord and a World Cup themed beer called Football Fever. The Aspalls cider pump was misleading, as the draught cider was in fact Strongbow. Aspalls was however available in bottles. The pub has a good selection of spirits.
21 Jun 2010 19:01
I generally prefer Wetherspoons that have been a pub in a previous life, as opposed to a retail conversion. But this one failed to inspire me. The many pillars give it a kind of cluttered look. But they do help to break up the open-plan interior a little. The floor is partly tiled and partly carpeted. TV screens were showing both live football and Sky Sports News, if you could see them around the pillars. The beer selection was reasonably good - Highgate Black Pig, Fullers London Pride, Deuchars IPA, Hogsback HBB, Greene King IPA & Abbot Ale, Ruddles Best and Weltons Moore Beer, with Woodfordes Sundew coming soon. Real cider was unavailable, except for bottles.
21 Jun 2010 18:53
The Jolly Farmers (ex jordan), Lewisham
Friendly local pub, just outside Lewisham town centre with a few characters. The beer range was relatively ordinary - Ringwood Best, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Shepherd Neame Spitfire & Sharps Doom Bar, with one spare handpull. Both the radio and TV were on. Live music is advertised for a Sunday evening, and as I sat there, the evening's entertainment arrived to set up on the aforementioned stage. Quiz nights are apparently on Wednesdays. There's a kind of Irish bar feel to this place, and I believe I overheard a few Irish accents. Bare floorboards and some attractive screens complete with stained glass provide a fairly pleasant drinking environment (despite the noise and the presence of a fruit machine).
21 Jun 2010 18:48
One of the older Wetherspoons with individual seating booths. The beer range was Greene King Old Speckled Hen & Abbot Ale, Weltons Golden Balls, Inveralmond Thrappledouser, Westerham William Wilberforce Freedom Ale, Elgoods Black Dog, Shepherd Neame Spitfire and Ruddles Best. For real cider drinkers, there was Westons Vintage Organic and Old Rosie in the fridge. A pump clip displayed Marcle Hill. But I'm not sure if this was really on. A griffin on a pedestal is a slightly unusual feature near the centre of the pub. Look out for the Trevor McDonald lookalike collecting plates and glasses!
21 Jun 2010 18:42
Cosy old-fashioned boozer in a quiet area, which doesn't seem to see much passing trade. There are plenty of pictures on the walls and also some decorative plates. A collection of baseball caps can be found behind the bar, whilst there were hops above the bar. There is obviously an Arsenal connection somewhere too, as there are a couple of items on display. A picture of the pub dog can be seen below the TV next to the gents. The TV is fairly discrete and was showing World Cup football on my Sunday afternoon visit. Three real ales were on - Courage Best, Hogsback TEA and Greene King IPA, whilst Old Speckled Hen and Bombardier were being pulled through. Disappointingly for me, the pub does not serve any real cider, contrary to the 2010 GBG entry. Service was warm and friendly.
21 Jun 2010 18:37
The Princess of Wales, Blackheath
I echo the view that there are too many children in here. With the bar near the entrance bar closed, I had to negotiate around a few children and buggies to get to the side bar. The beer range is ok - Wandle, Doom Bar and Landlord. Addlestones and Westons Vintage Organic cider are also served. Service was quick and efficient, despite the place being busy with no tables available. I opted to sit at the front of the pub, where there are 4 tables with views over the heath. There are further outdoor tables at the side. Ok if you've got a family. But I was glad to be outside.
21 Jun 2010 18:31
Well located free house near Turnham Green tube station. Beers available on my visit were Oxfordshire Pride of Oxford, Batemans XB, Brains Reverend James and Youngs London Gold. The pumpclip for Deuchars IPA was turned round. The old fashioned snug looked quite cosy. Cabinets in the bar area contained cricket memorabilia. There was also a pleasant outdoor drinking area to the side. Possibly worth a return visit, when I haven't tried 13 other pubs before!
19 Jun 2010 16:00
A pleasant gastropub on a corner overlooking an area of parkland. Many people were there for the football and a drink, whilst others were there simply for the food. This made for a fairly mixed clientele. Service was efficient. Two Cottage beers were on - We'll Get It Right and Champflower Ale, alongside Skinners Betty Stoggs. As I remember, the cider was Aspalls. The large central bar, frosted glass partitions and huge windows providing plenty of light, make for a relaxed and comfortable drinking environment. My only slight criticism was the lack of seating. But this was not too surprising given that the football was on. Far better than its 3.7/10 rating suggests.
19 Jun 2010 15:56
Didn't particularly enjoy my visit here last night, during the England game. The place was packed with people watching the match. Getting served was difficult with people crowded around the bar. In trying to get to the bar, I was also asked to move as somebody couldn't see the screen! London Pride, Discovery and Chiswick were the beers. Unfortunately I couldn't get to see much of the interior due to the crowds. A barbecue was being held at the back. A bouncer stood by one door. Not very good first impressions.
19 Jun 2010 15:50
The George and Devonshire, Chiswick
Another Fullers pub on the opposite corner from the brewery and overlooking the Hogarth Roundabout. Fullers beers available were London Pride, Discovery & Chiswick. The bar area was packed with people watching the start of the England game. A pool table was being used near the window. Relatively uninspiring and I couldn't quite see the need for a bouncer on the door.
19 Jun 2010 15:44
Mawson Arms/ Fox and Hounds, Chiswick
Paid a brief visit to this pub yesterday. Didn't do the brewery tour. Needless to say, it's a Fullers pub with London Pride, Chiswick, ESB, Discovery, London Porter and Seafarers Ale. Cider is Symonds Founders Reserve. Pictures featuring Fullers beers and the brewery line the walls. The floor is bare floorboards. Sky Sports News was showing on the TV in the corner. The bar area appears to be the old Mawson Arms, whilst the tables at the rear (which seem to be used mainly for eating) occupy what appears to be the old Fox & Hounds. Only really worthwhile, if you are doing the brewery tour.
19 Jun 2010 15:37
Old wood panelled Fullers pub on Acton High Street. Three beers were on during my visit - Chiswick, London Pride and Gale's HSB. Aspalls is the cider. The dark bar area gives way to a more spacious and elaborate room at the rear with leather sofas. The bar area contains various portraits. Music was playing. Although on arrival, there was only one other customer, who was asleep! The pub dog was extremely friendly. A pub with plenty of character, but a little lacking in atmosphere. It was still the best I tried in the Acton area, and I would return to give it another go.
19 Jun 2010 15:31
Well located pub on Action High St. Fullers ESB & Pride are served. The cider is Aspalls. The interior is open plan with table football near the entrance and a stage to the right. Large windows make it fairly bright and airy. There are plenty of tables and chairs, including some outside. An Italian kitchen is advertised. Had a strange mixture of clientele, including some of the drunken types you would normally find in Wetherspoons. Very little or no atmosphere on my visit.
19 Jun 2010 15:25
Struggled to find this pub at first. Even the Police Community Support Officers I asked had never heard of it. I took that to be a good sign. It turned out to be a few yards from where they were standing! This is a Fullers pub with Gales Festival & HSB and London Pride. The carpeted bar is decorated with strange flowery wallpaper. There are old adverts on the wall. England flags abound, including one blocking a 10 foot high window. The clientele were also clearly football fans, supping lager and getting excitable at the TV! The barmaid wasn't going to tell me the price of my drink until I asked. She was expecting me to hand over a note without knowing the price. This is one of my pet hates in a pub, and it was the only pub where this happened to me yesterday. Comfortable enough. But I don't foresee a return visit.
19 Jun 2010 15:17
Was here late afternoon yesterday. It's a Fullers pub with only London Pride and ESB on offer. I chose the last bottle of Westons Organic cider. There are separate drinking areas, all with TVs showing football. The outside patio has plenty of seating and also has a TV. There is also at least one fruit machine and a games machine. Service was good. Some of the clientele were a bit more questionable. Food is served and can be eaten in the separate room at the rear. Trying to negotiate through this room to the toilets can be a bit of a challenge, as the tables and chairs make the room a little cluttered.
19 Jun 2010 15:08
Hall & Woodhouse pub serving King & Barnes Sussex Bitter, Badger First Gold, Tanglefoot and Lemony Cricket on my visit yesterday afternoon. The cider is Westons Stowford Press. The central circular bar dominates proceedings. Seating is modern. World Cup football was showing on the TV. One person kept shouting 'Rooney, Rooney' with the USA playing Slovenia. I couldn't quite understand why. Pleasant enough pub without being spectacular. Certainly not worthy of its current rating.
19 Jun 2010 14:55
Probably just about the pub of the day for me yesterday. Despite it being a Fullers pub - ESB, Discovery, Chiswick and Pride available, it's a really enjoyable place to have a quick drink, or for a longer stay. The pub is nicely decorated with both wallpaper and decorative tiles. A huge fireplace and mirror at one end has a decorative surround. Various knick-knacks are on display, some in cabinets. A discrete TV was showing World Cup football, without sound. Music was playing quiety. Service was friendly and efficient. Close enough to Paddington station to make it fairly convenient.
19 Jun 2010 14:47
The Royal Exchange, Paddington
Has a nice tiled exterior with a small but busy single bar, which was quite hot during my visit yesterday afternoon. I suspect this was mainly to do with the hot food being served. The daily special - salt beef was being carved in the corner and the hot cabinets behind the bar contained various food items such as roast potatoes. The Irish landlord was friendly. He is obviously into horses, given the number of pictures on the walls. The huge champagne bottles at the rear are an interesting touch. As stated previously, Greene King IPA and Brakspear Bitter are the 2 real ales. Aspalls is the cider of choice.
19 Jun 2010 14:42
Modern decorated Wetherspoons with a very limited beer range - Abbot Ale, Ruddles Best, Burton Bridge Bridge Bitter and Daleside Lubrication. As stated below, many beers are 'coming soon'. Two ciders were available from the fridge - Organic Vintage & Old Rosie. The open plan interior was nothing special. A few TVs were showing World Cup football. Outdoor tables overlook Edgware Road, which was unusually quiet due to an incident involving a bus at Marble Arch. Well located but disappointing.
19 Jun 2010 14:34
Paid this pub a visit early yesterday afternoon. It's a fairly pleasant Shepherd Neame pub in Mayfair with fairly restrictive opening hours (closed weekends). A few suits appeared during the course of my stay. They were mainly there to watch the football, and were perfectly well behaved. Spitfire and Kent's Best were the 2 real ales on offer. The wooden bar is fairly attractive, and there is a nice decorative fireplace. The floor is carpeted. As you can see in the picture, one part of the pub juts out into the adjacent Hay's Mews. The entrance on the corner of the Mews is tiled. Food & wine menus can be found on each table. They also advertised their sister pub in the City - the Cock & Woolpack.
19 Jun 2010 14:28
Semi-rural pub with a popular and large seating area at the front. The bar areas have stone floors and exposed beams. No TVs were on and no music was being played. Beers served were Youngs Special, Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen and Sharps Doom Bar. The Morland Original was off. A nice spot to catch a bit of sun. But nothing really stood out to encourage me to pay a return visit.
6 Jun 2010 20:22
The Clifton Hotel, St John's Wood
Lively pub in a fairly nice residential area, not far from the Kilburn High Road. The walls are painted red and there is lots of wood, including bare floorboards. Inside are plenty of tables. Outside, there are also a few at the front. Service was very slow. Two staff were standing around doing nothing while the others were rushed off their feet. Glasses were piling up. 3 real ales were available - Adnams Broadsise, Greene King IPA and Marstons Pedigree. A 4th handpull was unclipped. Cider was Aspalls. A popular place with a little character and a lively atmosphere.
6 Jun 2010 20:19
The Moon and Sixpence, Hatch End
A slightly better Wetherspoons than the Man in the Moon at Stanmore. But there wasn't anything too special about this one, apart from the fact that it had a beer garden at the rear. There are also tables at the front. The interior has a couple of skylights to brighten it up. A banknote collection is displayed in frames near the entrance, whilst there is artwork towards the rear. In common with many Spoons, the tables are sticky. Service was a little tardy. Although the pub was busy. The real ale range extended to Daleside Old Lubrication, Roosters GCB, Nethergate Barfly Special, Loddon Ferrymans Gold, Courage Directors, Marstons Pedigree, Ruddles Best and Greene King Abbot Ale. The real cider on offer was Weston's Marcle Hill.
6 Jun 2010 20:14
This pub is currently closed for a refurbishment. Not what I wanted to see after a trek here on public transport.
6 Jun 2010 20:09
Typical Wetherspoons located on a suburban parade of shops. There's not much to differentiate this from the standard 'spoons pub. There are the usual pictures of the local area in the booths, a couple of fruit machines and at present the place is decked out in flags in readiness for the World Cup. As usual, the bar presents a good array of beers Greene King Abbot Ale, Ruddles Best, Rebellion Green Shoots, Phoenix Double Gold, Caledonian Flying Dutchman and Hilden Gael Rua Irish Red. However, as with most Wetherspoons, you can never trust that what you see is what you'll get. When asking for the Weston's Marcle Hill cider, which was proudly displayed at the far end of the pumpclips, the barmaid revealed they didn't have any. Why do Wetherspoons insist on promoting drinks that they don't have?
6 Jun 2010 20:08
I'd read through the reviews before visiting this pub, but somehow missed the comments about the steep hill! After walking the wrong way up the A1 for 20 minutes from Apex Corner, I finally found the right road only to see the hill gradually get steeper and steeper! On a hot day like yesterday, I must have looked a right state to the Italian landlady who was greeting people. I cooled down with the cider of choice - Bulmers. Real ales on offer were Adnams Bitter, Sharps Doom Bar and Youngs Bitter. The small public bar is fantastic. However, as previous posters have stated, its one table does not accommodate many drinkers, whilst the remaining tables in other rooms are reserved for diners. The bar area has a couple of old paintings of the pub. Outdoor tables at the front are also available for drinkers. The owners appear to like dogs and welcome other dogs visiting with their owners. A really nice public bar with a 'villagey' feel. But I take the point that others have made that this place is now primarily run as a Italian restaurant. It's last entry in the Good Beer Guide was in 2007. But I would still recommend paying a visit here. But make sure you catch the bus (there is a timetable to the right of the bar, but you may have already had to negotiate the hill by the time you see this)!
6 Jun 2010 20:00
Nice location at the top of a hill in Hendon village, this pub is fairly good for a Youngs pub. Beers on yesterday afternoon were Youngs Bitter, Special and London Gold, Wells Bombardier, Courage Best and Hook Norton Hooky Bitter. Cider was Stowford Press. Some of the items on the walls may be of interest, including cases containing various ephemera, such as plumbing items and tobacco piper, and a large mirror advertising J Mills Mineral Waters. There are also various pictures of Hendon and the pub itself from days gone by. Customers were mostly local and all men. Well worth a visit.
6 Jun 2010 19:41
I'd never been to this pub before yesterday. So I had no preconceptions. For all the criticisms, I didn't find it too bad a pub. Yes, you can tell that most of the interior has been gutted and replaced with questionable furnishings. But the place still has a little bit of character with its nice old wooden tables and parquet flooring. This is certainly a place aimed at local yuppies and is more geared up for foodies, as opposed to drinkers. However, there are a few tables set aside for drinkers, including some outside at the front. Only 2 real ales were available - Greene King Abbot Ale and Fullers London Pride. The cider was Westons Stowford Press.
6 Jun 2010 19:35
A real warren of a place, with many different atmospheric rooms. I sat to the rear, and with no windows or ventilation, it was stifling on a hot summers day. However, I could imagine that during the winter, this could be a cosy place to spend a few hours. The back room had bare floorboards, wood panelled walls and pictures of old London on the walls. Reals ales on my visit were Butcombe Bitter, Harveys Best, Fullers London Pride & Discovery and Gales Seafarers Ale. Aspalls cider was also served. One downside was the service, which was a little bit cold. I hate it when a bar person thrusts out their hand expecting money, when they haven't even told you the price.
6 Jun 2010 19:29
I visited several decent pubs yesterday. But the Flask was marginally the best. Its location in an alleyway off Hampstead's main drag makes for a wonderful location. There are a couple of tables outside in Flask Walk. But the interior is definitely worth seeing. The pub has bare wooden floorboards, high ceilings, original tilework on the walls and some impressive coloured glasswork panels separting the 2 main bars. Beers are mainly from the Wells & Youngs range - Youngs Bitter, Special and London Gold and Wells Bombardier. Although, they also had Sambrooks Wandle. Addlestones cider was a welcome sight. An old pub with plenty of character.
6 Jun 2010 18:39
I don't think I'd ever ventured into this part of St John's Wood before. I found a pleasant pub in a rather nice middle class enclave of London. Two real ales were on - Deuchars IPA & Fullers London Pride. The bar is split into two separate parts, which are separated by a screen. One half is dark with black and white pictures and a coin collection. The other is brighter and more modern, with a couple of fruit machines, a games machine, a foldaway big screen. However, the old tiled fireplace was a nice feature. An outside patio was proving popular with sun worshippers yesterday, whilst inside horse racing was being shown on the TV.
6 Jun 2010 18:30
Popped in here yesterday afternoon/early evening and found a fairly nice pub in the centre of Crouch End. The pub reminded me very much of some of my old student haunts, with a slightly down-at-heel atmosphere and featuring events such as live comedy and live music nights. The young bar staff were all very pleasant and efficient, and the Sunday roast I tried was nice, albeit a little pricey. The three real ales were Theakston Lightfoot, Sharps Doom Bar and Fullers London Pride. The pub also claimed to serve 20 ciders. I saw Westons Old Rosie and Addlestones and also had 3 unusual bottles from the fridge including a rather pleasant Thistly Cross Ginger & Gold, which was unusually from Scotland. My best laid plans to visit 5 further pubs ended here! I could quite happily return.
31 May 2010 14:05
Modern pub/restaurant in the centre of Muswell Hill, featuring lots of wood and modern furniture. However this is just as much a Thai restaurant as it is a pub. In fact, there were more Thai staff for the restaurant than the were serving staff for the pub. The food did look quite nice though. The drinks range is good - Brakspear Bitter, Caledonian Flying Dutchman, Greene King Old Speckled Hen, Black Sheep Bitter, Wells Bombardier, Sharps Doom Bar and Courage Directors, alongside Westons Traditional Scrumpy & Stowford Press, Aspalls and Addlestones. Despite the modern surroundings and shared restaurant, I would quite happily visit this pub again if in Muswell Hill.
31 May 2010 13:59
The Old White Lion, East Finchley
This is a rather strangely decorated gastro-type pub next to East Finchley tube station. I was expecting a Westons Old Rosie cider, but noticed Organic and Traditional Scrumpy, in addition to Addlestones and Aspalls on arrival. In fact, they were currently holding a cider festival and had a whole menu of bottled ciders. My 10 pub crawl was suddenly in doubt at the third hurdle! 6 real ales were also served - Harveys Sussex Best, Purity Ubu, Deuchars IPA, Fullers London Pride, Adnams Stout and Sharps Doom Bar. Food served from the open kitchen appeared to be popular with the mainly young upper-middle class clientele. You would need to be fairly wealthy to afford the drinks prices here - �4.50 for a bottle of cider. The decor is mainly purple, which creates a fairly dull atmosphere. Although the conservatory looked a little brighter. Seating in one area is mainly on sofas. The area around the kitchen has exposed brickword, whilst the whole place has polished wooden floorboards. Contrary to other reviews, I found the service to be good, especially the bearded fellow who engaged in a pleasant conversation about cider. I did have the advantage of sitting near the bar and timing my visits to ensure I got served straight away, whilst some people waited nearly 15 minutes as 1 of the 2 serving staff would occasionally get called away to take food to tables, to prepare coffees and hot chocolates or to place oranges into a squeezed orange juice machine. This isn't the sort of place I would normally frequent. But their trial selling of cider was a hit for me, and I think its popularity had surprised the owners. I would return again.
31 May 2010 13:52
Visited here yesterday afternoon. This very much has the feel of a chain pub. There are plenty of tables and seating, with menus on many tables. The bar was bedecked in different flags in preparation for the World Cup. Sure enough, the music playing when I entered was switched off as the Eng-er-land fans arrived to watch a friendly on several screens. The arriving fans switched the TVs to full volume and started shouting 'Who are yer' to the screens. So this is probably a pub to avoid when the World Cup is on. Beer served were Greene King Abbot Ale, Wells Bombardier, Thwaites Nutty Slack and Adnams Broadside. A large tree-lined beer garden at the front is surrounded by an equally large car park. Service was fine. I don't think I'll particularly want to return here. Although it could be fairly pleasant during the week.
31 May 2010 13:37
Long narrow Irish bar with plenty of things to admire on the walls. On the left as you enter are various beer and spirit mirrors. On the right is a huge picture advertising a Normandy Cognac. Above the bar is an Arsenal shirt. Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale & Fullers London Pride are dispensed. A fourth handpull is free and hidden behind a decanter. There are also plenty of wines. Music was playing and TVs were showing sports. Live music was advertised for yesterday evening. The bar area gives way to more of a cafe bar feel at the rear.
31 May 2010 13:26
My third Wetherspoons of the day today, and I truly came back down to earth with a bump in this one, following my good experiences in the George in Wanstead. The Millers Well was everything you come to expect of a typical Wetherspoons. Whilst the drinks range is good, the characters that frequent the place are at best amusing, but at worst downright annoying. Many are clearly beyond help, which I was also soon to be after getting a masala dosa all over me whilst attempting to consume it on East Ham High St. But that's a different story. This place was extremely popular. Finding a table was difficult. The beer range was extensive - Weltons Our England, Magog & Red Cross Mild, Deuchars IPA, Inveralmond Thrappledouser, Ruddles Best, Hook Norton Old Hooky, Oakham JHB, Nethergate Essex Best, Mauldons Silver Adder and Greene King IPA. Cider from the box in the fridge was Westons Marcle Hill. Could be a nice pub, if it wasn't for some of the people that drink themselves into oblivion there.
28 May 2010 23:50
I found the landlord just fine on my visit this afternoon. The beer selection was a little poor (maybe an off day), with only Sharps Doom Bar, Adnams Bitter, Fullers London Pride and Wells Bombardier on. The atmosphere was a bit quiet until somebody came and piled pound coins into the jukebox, when it all livened up a little. There are pictures of trains and railways on the walls, in reference to the name of the pub. I thought this was a nice enough backstreet boozer.
28 May 2010 23:44
This is one of the best Wetherspoons I have visited around the country. I think one of the main reasons I liked it was because it does not have the same replica interior as most other Wetherspoons pubs. Apparently, unlike most Wetherspoons, this was originally a pub as opposed to a shop. From the outside, you wouldn't necessarily notice that it was a Wetherspoons. Many of the features you notice inside are also unusual for Wetherspoons, including the engraved windows and a rather large black chair in the middle of it all, which looked like something out of a horror ride at the fairground. This is a fairly popular place. But there is plenty of seating, including outdoor areas at the front and rear and an upstairs area. In keeping with other Wetherspoons pubs, it has the usual good ale range. My visit coincided with Theakston Old Peculier, Ruddles Best, Ringwood Forty Niner and Old Thumper, Lymestone Ein Stein, Nethergate Mary's Ruby Mild, Cairngorm Wild Cat, Marstons Empire IPA, Greene King Back of the Net and Abbot Ale. Cider was Westons Old Rosie. A Wetherspoons that impressed for once.
28 May 2010 23:38
The Duke of Edinburgh, Wanstead
Not as nice as the Nightingale down the road. But this was still a decent enough boozer. Youngs Ordinary and Adnams Explorer and Broadside were the real ales available on the long bar. Service was quick and friendly. The bar had a fruit machine and a jukebox. There were a few TV screens all switched off. But you can tell this is probably quite popular when big sports events are shown. There is a trophy cabinet in one corner. Strangely, the pub was missing its sign. Although I overheard the landlady saying that a new one was in the shed waiting to be hung. I nearly missed the pub as a result!
28 May 2010 23:29
Second best pub of the day for me. The beer range was varied - Courage Best, Cotleigh Tawny Owl, Ha'penny Gog Magog, O'Hanlons Firefly Bitter and Fullers ESB. The pub was pleasantly decorated with green upholstered seating and various drinking area. Sketches appear on the walls. There was also a large Courage Best mirror in one area. Fish appears to be a speciality for food-lovers. Entertainment was restricted to a local radio station playing pop music. This pub is in a nice location in the back streets of Wanstead and as mentioned previously, the interior is just as nice. I could quite happily make this my local.
28 May 2010 23:25
The Travellers Friend, Woodford Green
I rated this as my pub of the day. Despite being on a busy London A Road, the atmosphere is similar to a village local. A group of locals were busy passing the time of day when I walked in, and were still doing the same when Ieft. Service was fine. Beers available were Hydes Cutty Shark, Wells Bombardier, Fullers London Pride, Adnams Broadside and Courage Best. 2 further handpumps were unoccupied. The snob screens at the end of the bar are a nice feature. The walls are wood-panelled and feature old mirrors and shelves with an ashtray collection and tankards hanging from them. There was no music or TV. Posters on the wall were inviting people to the award presentation for the West Essex and London CAMRA pub of the year 2010. Certainly one I would be happy to visit again. But unfortunately, it's a bit out of the way for me.
28 May 2010 23:11
Typical High St Wetherspoons branch with a long and narrow bar and a good array of ales. It also has the usual Wetherspoons clientele described in earlier reviews. Typically, they were short-staffed. About 5 people were waiting for the solitary barmaid to serve them. Beers available were Abbot Ale, Ruddles Best, Directors, Rudgate Ruby Mild and two beers from Brentwood - Chockwork Orange and Hope & Glory. Cider was Weston's Marcle Hill. Sky News was showing on the TV with no sound. Decoration included old pictures of Chingford.
28 May 2010 23:02
Large carpeted pub decorated in a modern style with plenty of different seating areas and seating types. Quiet music was playing on my lunchtime music today. The pub had at least 1 fruit machine and 1 games machine. Drinks and food menus were on each table. Cask ales available were Rudgate Ruby Mild, Greene King IPA and Thirsty Dragon, TT Landlord and London Pride. I don't normally like pubs with a modern decoration. But there was something about this one that appealed.
28 May 2010 22:53
McMullens pub serving Dragons Brew, IPA, AK and Country Bitter. I visited this morning at 11:30 and was the first in. By the time I left, two other customers had arrived. The bar is fairly standard with a fruit machine, a games machine and TV screens. A bar billiards table is a plus point. There are several sports trophies and shields behind the bar. Service was prompt and courteous. The toilets were clean. Better than previous McMullens pubs I have visited.
28 May 2010 22:48
This pub currenty has an 8/10 rating and I can see no reason to disagree with that rating. The pub is stuffed with antiques and other odds and sods and is a real Aladdin's Cave. Bass and Pedigree are the two real ales on handpulls. Jennings Cumberland Ale was mentioned on a sign at the bar. But unless this was being dispensed from the cellar, I couldn't see any sign of it. Old wooden benches, a tiled floor and soothing jazz music create a relaxed atmosphere. With so much to view, you are sure to discover something new each time you come here. The sheer amount of articles on display verges on clutter. The two elderly gentleman sat on chairs near the bar looked as if they had been there longer than most of the antiques and were fast gathering dust. But I can't think of a better way of growing old than whiling away many an hour in a place like this. Without a doubt my pub of the day in Leicestershire.
24 May 2010 18:13
Carington Arms, Ashby Folville
The solitary barman at this pub seemed to be either struggling or extremely lazy, given the amount of glasses that had built up on the outside tables. You could not see one the wood of one table for all the empty pint glasses. You just sensed that there might be a table somewhere underneath the glass mountains. However despite this, the pub has a fairly laid back and welcoming ambience with both tiled and carpeted areas and plenty of things on the wall to keep you interested, including black & white pictures of the village, trophies above the bar, rugby articles over the fireplace and cricket team pictures on a wall opposite. The real ale range was also fairly decent with tellingly the only Leicestershire (not strictly Leicestershire but Rutland is close) beer we found despite visiting 10 Leicestershire pubs (Grainstore Ten Fifty). In addition to this, there was also Banks's Bitter, Greene King IPA & Old Speckled Hen and Bass. There was also live music (a couple playing guitars). With at least one more staff member, this could become a good pub.
24 May 2010 18:04
Traditional bar & lounge in a village pub serving Jennings Cumberland Ale, Shepherd Neame Spitfire, TT Landlord and Greene King IPA. A beer festival with 10 real ales was advertised for the bank holiday weekend. This appears to be a community local with various themed nights such as a steak night on a Monday and a quiz night on a Sunday. The small public bar with its 4 tables has a tiled floor and a few original features, including a serving hatch (not strictly the bar, but in an adjacent corridor). Soft music created a relaxing environment. Whilst a TV was showing Sky Sports News without any sound. Nicely located pub with a real village feel.
24 May 2010 17:57
The Wheatsheaf Inn, Woodhouse Eaves
I'm afraid I'll have to score this pub a 0. If you arrive after 5pm on a Sunday, you'll find the pub is closed making a 'beerintheevening' very difficult. This would indicate that this has not turned into a restaurant that serves drinks, as opposed to a pub that serves food. Hopefully I'm wrong and I'll get to visit again one day. But beware of the crazy opening times.
24 May 2010 17:53
The Curzon Arms, Woodhouse Eaves
Pleasant village local serving St Austell Tribute, Adnams Bitter and Jennings Cumberland Ale. Sharps Doom Bar was off on our early evening visit yesterday. There are 2 rooms inside - 1 is laid out for food and a garden seating area at the front. The bar area was nicely decorated with grey walls, bare floorboards and shelves containing old books. There are also a couple of pictures of pupils from Loughborough Grammar School and an interesting collection of clocks. Music was playing, whilst a plasma TV was showing golf without sound. The sort of place where you could settle in for the evening.
24 May 2010 17:50
It's great that we still have pubs like this to show previous generations in years to come. This one is a little rough around the edges. The lack of a fridge or a cash register are indications of a bygone era. The outside toilets (both ladies & gents) are also relics of the past. Two small TVs were the only real concession to the modern era. Luckily neither had sound on. Although soft music was being played. Amongst the interesting features were a Bass mirror and a parrot on a perch proclaiming 'Welcome to Polly's'. I didn't particularly like the harsh strip lighting. Three handpulls can be found at the bar. One had Pedigree and another had Bass. The third was vacant. A great pub to visit once. But I couldn't imagine a session in here.
24 May 2010 17:46
This pub was currently being refurbished. I hope it isn't ruined like its sister pub the Forest Rock down the road. Getting served took nearly 10 minutes, as the young barmaid was clearly struggling with a rush. Having no glasses to serve with was not helping. Unfortunately the bouncy castle in the garden appeared to have attracted a much larger attendance than anticipated. Pedigree, Bombardier and Old Speckled Hen were the 3 real ales available. I liked the old granite stone walls and the 2 open fireplaces in each of the two bars. One was decorated with brasses, whilst the other had a dartboard above it. The new colour scheme away from the bare stone walls is brown and white. Music was playing from a music channel on the TV. This is clearly a locals pub frequented by families. The fact we didn't have any kids in tow made us stand out from the crowd.
24 May 2010 17:34
This pub had a fairly decent selection of real ales - Bridge Bitter (Burton Bridge), Bass, Pedigree (Marstons), Spitfire (Shepherd Neame) and Hooky Gold (Hook Norton), alongside a real cider - Weston's Old Rosie. We fancied a bite to eat. But unfortunately, food is only served until 2pm. Rugby was showing on the TV. The pub was fairly nicely decorated with a yellow wallpaper and various horse pictures where we were sitting. Although the carpet was rather worn. Pop music was playing. A number of children were also in the pub. One was running backwards and forwards, which was a bit annoying, whilst others were more well behaved. Certainly a good drinks selection. But falls down on lack of food and marauding children.
24 May 2010 17:28
Pedigree and Bombardier are still on in this pub, alongside Greene King Abbot Ale. There are old pictures of the pub above the bar and a collection of plates on shelves around the walls. There are also some pictures of Marstons beers and the brewery. An open space now exists where the pool table once was. During our visit, the TV was off, whilst some very old music was playing on the local radio station. There is a separate dining room at the rear, to which nobody was availing themselves on our visit yesterday lunchtime. This appears to be a popular locals pub with a fairly loyal clientele. But apart from this, there seemed little to recommend it.
24 May 2010 17:23
The Lamb has a classic pub interior with lots of wood panelling and snob screens on one side of the bar. Service was a bit haphazard on our visit last night. Although the pub was extremely busy. Sambrook's Wandle was a welcome guest in addition to the Young's London Gold and Special. The toilets were not particularly pleasant.
22 May 2010 16:24
Have been in here several times now, as it is so handy for the Euston and Kings Cross stations. The large open-plan interior doesn't make for a brilliant atmosphere. Although low partitions do create individual drinking areas. Food appears popular. Multiple TVs show live sports events. Practically the full Fullers range is available - London pride, Discovery, ESB plus Gales Festival, Seafarers Ale and Hock. The prices are excessive. You pay for the location. Whilst I don't particularly dislike this place, there are better places with a greater beer selection nearby.
22 May 2010 16:18
The Skinners Arms, Kings Cross
This pub was fairly busy last night with many people enjoying the gorgeous early summer evening with an outdoor pint. Indoors was also quite busy. But there is plenty of seating. The beer range was slightly disappointing - Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale, Old Speckled Hen and Everards Flourish. The interior is carpeted and wallpapered. There are plenty of pictures on the walls to keep your mind occupied. The main bar area has a high ceiling. Music was playing. The muted TV was showing Sky Sports News. A comfortable pub, without being anything spectacular.
22 May 2010 16:10
The Jeremy Bentham, Bloomsbury
Small corner pub near the university with a good range of ales and cider. Finding a table was difficult. Many people were spilling onto the pavements outside. Service was swift and efficient despite the number of customers. A replica of Jeremy Bentham's head can be seen above the bar. Beers available were Ringwood Best, Everards Tiger, Youngs Original and Sharps Doom Bar. Westons Old Rosie occupied a further handpull, in addition to Stowford Press. A pub that is handily located near both Warren St and Euston Square tube stations just off the northern end of Tottenham Court Road. I would happily visit here again. The only drawback is that it does not open at weekends.
22 May 2010 16:04
The Dolphin Tavern, Bloomsbury
Three real ales were available on my visit yesterday afternoon (Adnams Bitter, Broadside and St Austell Tribute) in a pub that I have tried to visit a few times before but failed as it is only open on weekdays. The atmosphere is quite cosy with a mainly carpeted floor and antiques over the bar, on shelves, and hanging from the ceiling. Screens separate tables to create a little amount of privacy. There are also partitions around the walls with dolphin motifs in frosted glass, which also help to give you individual space. Aspalls cider is also served. I would come back if in the area on a weekday.
22 May 2010 15:58
A Shepherd Neame pub in a nice residential location not too far from Holborn. Plenty of people were enjoying the pedestrianised area outside the front of the pub, as it was a nice early summer's day. The inside is nicely decorated and fairly cosy. It has cream walls, is carpeted and displays various rugby pictures on the walls. Spitfire & Master Brew were the only 2 real ales, with the Early Bird off. A nice location. But there are better pubs in the area with a better selection of beers.
22 May 2010 15:52
I could have quite happily settled in this pub for the whole afternoon and evening. But I had several other places I wanted to visit. It's relatively unassuming from the outside. But inside was quite welcoming. Only Greene King IPA and TT Landlord were on. Two guest beer handpumps had no beers. Westons Organic cider was available in bottles. Thai food is served until 9pm and the Thai cook/owner(?) was quite happily discussing Thai politics with fellow customers and was quite happy to throw the F word in occasionally! The windows of the pub are old Charringtons ones. There is also a Charrington mirror and a fireplace in the corner. A sign indicated a games room and function room upstairs. A TV in the corner was showing BBC News, whilst pop music was being played. There is also at least one fruit machine. A fairly friendly and cosy local pub in the back streets of Clerkenwell.
22 May 2010 15:47
I found this to be a light and airy pub, that was perfect for a summer afternoon's drinking session. However, you're restricted to the Greene King selection of ales. IPA, Old Speckled Hen and St Edmunds Ale were the options on my visit with the Royal London off. Aspalls cider is also still available. There are plenty of tables with seating. Music plays in the background. There are black and white pictures of Clerkenwell in the corner in which I sat. Polished floorboards help create a pleasant drinking environment. Menus can be found on each table detailing the range of food and drinks. The place was fairly quiet for a Friday afternoon. But I wouldn't rule out paying a return visit.
22 May 2010 15:19
The Shooting Star, Liverpool Street
Large rambling Fullers Ale & Pie House catering for City workers, although also attracting a few locals. It was quiet on my Friday afternoon visit. However, you sensed it was the quiet before the storm. London pride, Discovery, Chiswick, ESB and Gales HSB were all available. Cider was Symonds Founder's Reserve for which there was to be a 'tasting session' later in the day. I suspect most tasters would have ended up disappointed and put off cider for life. Service was inattentive. One barmaid walked straight past me without even noticing I was there. She was called away from her chat with a colleague by another guy who was already serving. The bar is large with chandeliers, carpets, red painted walls and pictures of London on the walls. It is a warm environment with plenty of tables and chairs, but the open-plan interior was not entirely to my liking. Pop music was being played at a low volume. A pretty unremarkable pub.
22 May 2010 15:11
Another Shepherd Neame pub catering for City workers. Spitfire, Master Brew and Early Bird were the three real ales available on my visit yesterday. The interior is mostly polished dark wood. There is plenty of seating at clean tables. Standing outdoors on the pavement was proving popular. There is a 'White Swan' glass mirror behind the bar and an old telephone next to the door to the toilets. BBC News was being shown on the TV, whilst soft music could occasionally be heard amongst much guffawing from the office workers. A pretty bog standard City pub.
22 May 2010 15:02
The Old Dispensary, Whitechapel
This had to be just about my pub of the day on my crawl yesterday. The beer range was impressive - Slaters Premium, Darkstar Original, Harveys Sussex Best and Crouch Vale Brewer's Gold. On enquiring about ciders, the barmaid revealed they were trialling Thatchers Cheddar Valley from a polycask at the end of the bar. Good on them. There is a good mix of people here, with some locals and some City folk. The entrance floor and side room floor are tiled. Polished floorboards are found elsewhere. The ceilings and windows are high and there is a dining area on the mezzanine level. The whole feel is of a light, airy restaurant/wine bar. But the drinks range suggests otherwise. I'm sure I'll be returning here soon, and I sincerely hope they retain a real cider.
22 May 2010 14:38
The location of this East End pub is less than salubrious, despite the City not being too far away. However despite this, it does not lack character. This is a real spit and sawdust type of place with a bohemian feel. The bare floorboards, black painted walls, broken windows, wooden vehicles above the bar and glitterball somehow combine to create a fairly pleasant drinking environment. Despite the black walls, the interior still manages to be bright and airy, due to number of windows and the pub's position on an intersection. Sky News was being shown on the TV. Advertisements for toasties at �2 each were scattered liberally and I noticed sweets being sold from a couple of containers behind the bar. Unfortunately there are no real ales. Drinks choice is limited to continental lagers, Caffreys, Guinness, Strongbow and Magners. I didn't venture into the back room which is decorated in a red colour.
22 May 2010 14:27
Another pub that I finally got around to visiting on Thursday this week. The Jamaica Wine House has always held a certain amount of intrigue for me, and the interior lived up to my expectations. Tall wooden partitions create separate drinking areas and a maze-like layout. The dark mahogany wood is typical of many old City establishments and the patterned ceiling is impressive. There is plenty of seating, with some nice small wooden tables. Various beer tankards can be seen above the bar. The gents toilets were slightly unusual, especially the urinal area at the far end, which has a very different shape. They were however quite smelly. The walk up and down the stairs has plenty of pictures to keep you occupied. The beer range is disappointingly all Shepherd Neame's - Master Brew, Spitfire & Early Bird and service was slightly cold. The manageress however did seem quite motivated and was efficiently coordintaing the service. Definitely a place I would visit again, despite the poor drinks range and service.
22 May 2010 14:16
The Swan was the pub of the day for me. Yes it's a Fullers pub. But an excellent one at that. This place oozes character and unlike the heaving Lamb around the corner in the Market, this place was relatively quiet. The narrow downstairs bar is lovely, whilst the upstairs bar offers a little more comfort and a view of Gracechurch Street. The alleyway outside is fine for outside drinking. But there is no seating. After being served immediately in the downstairs bar, I walked upstairs. This room has a cosy feel about it with carpets, red wall paper and decorative plates above the bar. An inoffensive TV was in one corner, but had no sound. Fullers London Pride, Discovery and Chiswick was supplemented rather surprisingly by Elgood's Cambridge Bitter. A pub well worth seeking out.
22 May 2010 14:07
The Lamb Tavern, Leadenhall Market
If only the Lamb had looked like the picture above when I approached it! After fighting through the crowds of drinkers in the market, I managed to get through the door to find a queue for the bar more akin to a nightclub, with people pushing and shoving and others quite happily jumping the queue. Luckily there were plenty of serving staff and I was served within around 10 minutes. However, choice is limited to either Youngs Ordinary or Special. I plumped for a bottle of Rekordelig cider! The interior is quite special, with its attractively tiled side entrance, wrought iron staircase, frosted glass windows and other features such as a Bass mirror. I found the clientele to be disagreable. Apart from the rudeness and pushing and shoving, I experienced one incident in the toilets which proved how snobbish some City folk can be. The crowds inevitably meant queues for the 2 urinals in the gents. Whilst waiting impatiently for his turn to relieve himself, I heard one particularly obnoxious 'gent' comment on how busy it was today and that there appeared to be a few people around that day that clearly didn't belong there. Being one of a minority not in a suit, I took this as a personal slight of my visit to the pub. It's a shame that pubs such as the Lamb do not open at weekends when the posh City types have disappeared off to their leafy rural village to wallow in their self-glory leaving London and London pubs to Londoners. Weekend opening would surely still attract a sufficient enough crowd to make it financially worthwhile and the experience could be much more enjoyable for real drinkers. A lovely London pub - just a pity it is so popular with arrogant types.
22 May 2010 13:59
I thought that going along Fenchurch Street from the East India Arms to the Elephant was a backward step in quality. Continuing on to the Wine Lodge proved a further backward step. The beer range was slightly better - Harveys Sussex Best, Youngs Original and Adnams Bitter. But the decor was too modern and the brown painted walls made it all rather dull and characterless. Large images of London brightened up the place slightly. But the crowd of guffawing City workers didn't appeal to me and the barmaid could only be described as dopey. A horse racing channel seemed to be a strange thing to be showing on the bar's 2 TV screens. One to avoid if you like you like to drink in a pub with a bit of character.
22 May 2010 13:43
The Elephant, Fenchurch Street
The exterior of this pub didn't look too promising, and the plain wooden interior is nothing special either. Service was good however and three Wells & Young beers were on handpull - Ordinary, Special & Bombardier. I managed to squeeze past the raucous City crowd at the bar to a quieter area at the rear where there were stools around the exterior walls and a TV showing the news. There are no tables. Adorning the walls are a large picture of a station (presumably Fenchurch St) and a couple of Hogarth prints, alongside several smaller prints. The large porcelain elephant behind the bar looked quite impressive. Porcelain elephants and a friendly barmaid apart, I couldn't find anything to recommend about this place.
22 May 2010 13:37
East India Arms, Fenchurch Street
I arrived at this pub, just as most of the City offices were throwing out their workers to the nearby pubs and stations. The pavements outside were thronged with people and I had to fight my way to the entrance. However, in common with many City pubs, once inside it was fairly quiet. This is a Shepherd Neame pub serving Spitfire, Master Brew, Bishops Finger, Kent's Best and RSA Celebration Ale. Service was the best I experienced in any of the 12 pubs on Thursday, being prompt, informative, efficient and friendly. The two guys behind the bar were working their socks off to cater for the thirsty suits. I found the small seating area to the rear of the bar to be completely free. However instead I chose to sit on a stool at this end of the bar. The place is nicely decorated with assorted brewery pictures and hops above the bar. A TV in the corner was on but with no sound. I enjoyed my experience here. If you're a fan of Shepherd Neame beers, you will probably enjoy this place.
22 May 2010 13:29
I found this pub to have a distinctively different character to the other City pubs I had visited, with much more of a local feel to it. Many of the patrons seemed to know each other and there were far less of the business people you see everywhere else. Those businessmen that were here appeared far more down to earth. I also noticed that there were far more women than elsewhere here. Drinks were also notably cheaper. The beer range is solely Wells & Young - Youngs Ordinary, Youngs Special & Bombardier. Service was fine. A jukebox was playing, whilst muted TV showed Sky Sports News at either end of the bar. The walls are decorated with boxing pictures. Tables are few and far between. I found this pub was catering for a specific niche of people, and probably does so well. With a better range of drinks I would probably have returned.
22 May 2010 13:22
The Magpie had the best drinks selection out of all the 12 City pubs I visited on Thursday afternoon/evening - Thornbridge Jaipur IPA, Sharps Doom Bar, Brakspear Bitter, Fullers London Pride, Oakham JHB, Ringwood Forty Niner and Otter Ale. The Landlord was off. Addlestones cider was also available. The place has an excellent location near Liverpool Street station, yet has the feeling of being a little off the beaten track, being located down a quiet side street. The street outside was busier than the inside where drinking is generally done standing up. There are very few tables. But there are a few stools around the edges. Music was being played at an inoffensive volume. I would definitely come back here again. My only gripe was the service. After serving the only other person waiting at the bar, the barman proceeded to leave the bar area to wander around collecting condiments from tables before finally returning to serve me. I didn't quite see the need for this. Two other staff ignored me and continued stacking glasses. Albeit for the service, this would probably have been my pub of the day. But I'll reserve that award for the Swan.
22 May 2010 13:11
Popular and traditional street corner pub just off Moorgate. The beer range was Bath Gem, Directors, Pedigree, Youngs London Gold and Sharp's Doom Bar on my Thursday visit. The bar was decorated with large flags of World Cup competing nations, something which I found a little unnecessary. There were only 3 tables that I could see, and all seating was on stools. A single TV was showing Sky Sports News. There was a games machine in one corner. The snob screens are a nice feature and I particularly enjoyed the dim lighting which made for a pleasant ambience. All too often, lighting in pubs is far too harsh these days. I'm sure I've visited this pub before at a weekend, as it's one of the very few open outside the working week. I'll probably be back again some time.
22 May 2010 13:00
The Old Doctor Butler's Head, Moorgate
I've passed this pub before without wondering in. But on Thursday, I finally ventured in. I have to say I was left a little underawed by the experience. The frontage in the alley is impressive. But the interior is fairly characterless with the often seen dark wood furnishings. The beer range is all Shepherd Neame - Spitfire, Bishops Finger, Master Brew, Kent's Best and RSA Celebration Ale. The clientele were mainly business people, but there were some tourists. There were more outside in the alley than inside. The TV was showing Sky Sports News. The downstairs toilets weren't too clean. I'm not sure what I was expecting here. But I didn't find anything that would particularly inspire me to make a return visit.
22 May 2010 12:52
The White Lion has a slightly eccentric decoration, which somehow works quite well. The long bar was occupied by 3 locals during my Thursday afternoon visit. Youngs and St Austell Tribute were the two real ales. In addition to the several lagers, there also seemed to be a range of wines. Items around the place included a couple of Irish rugby balls, 2 Manchester footballs (one from each team) and a glitter ball! The blackboard menu was completely blank. I didn't get to visit the games room at the rear, but found this a fairly comfortable pub situated far enough off the main Old Street drag to ensure it doesn't get too crowded.
22 May 2010 12:45
Re-visited on Thursday afternoon to find it re-opened. The impressive tiled exterior is let down by the lounge-bar style interior. Inside, there is little or no atmosphere. The TV was showing Sky Sports News, but with no sound. After a while, the barman did switch on some ambient music. But this did little to improve the atmosphere. There are 3 glass tables with stools and a separate area of 'cube-like' seating around a lower table. The Adnams Bitter handpull had its clip turned round, leaving a choice of Becks Vier, Peroni, Staropramen or Guinness on draught. Bulmers was available in bottles (�4.10) and 'gourmet pies' were advertised at �2.95 each. Cocktail menus were supplied for each table. This may be a place for a fleeting visit after work. But probably not one to linger.
22 May 2010 12:38
Paid a brief visit here early Wednesday evening. The pub is in a quiet village location and now appears to cater more for diners than for drinkers. The furniture in the small bar area is a little gaudy. But the welcome was warm. They had 3 real ales - Harveys Sussex Best, Adnams Broadside and Darkstar Hophead, plus a real cider - Weston's 1st Quality. The pub is under new ownership but still appears to be open all day.
22 May 2010 12:26
Was in here yesterday for a quick one. The place has improved since the last time I visited, and was also much more popular with the bar area being full on our arrival and nearly all tables and chairs taken outside. A local bring and buy sale also appeared to be taking place outside, with what could only be described as tat! The Liverpool Organic 24 Carat Gold was on good form (apparently) and was complemented by Tirril Academy Ale, Summer Wine Dambusters Mild and Thornbridge Wild Swan. In addition, they are now serving real cider. My pint of Westons Traditional Scrumpy went down well. I'm upping my score to 7, and I think I'll be back here a little more often.
10 May 2010 16:41
This was our pub of the day out of 10 in Norfolk. It's a typical local in a residential area. As previous reviewers have said, there's a good mix of students and locals and the place was fairly busy. Three Chalk Hill Brewery ales were on alongside Oakham Bishops Farewell and Wells Bombardier. The various stew dishes looked tempting and we were forced to indulge - the pork and cider one I had was very tasty and value for money. Unfortunately, there is no real cider to complement it. There are two rooms - the front bar is traditional in the bar area itself and has a pool table at the end nearest the kitchens. Music is played. The other room is more like a lounge bar, but has a darts board near the entrance. I would quite happily return here if ever in Norwich.
10 May 2010 16:34
I found the description of the 'Victorian garden gnome' quite apt for the guy behind the bar at this pub. He lost patience with us as we were deciding what to order and instead started pouring points for the locals that were stepping through the door behind us. He also queried our selection of drinks, which was rather odd. Real ales available were Norfolk Grain Oak, Greene King IPA & Abbot Ale and Woodfordes Wherry. The interior is a bit dark and dingy, but retains a traditional feel. If you like slightly quirky pubs and very quirky landlords, this one is defintely for you. I would visit again despite the attitude.
10 May 2010 16:22
I thought this place was one of the better Wetherspoons I've been too. It's got a slightly unusual location on a main road at the edge of Norwich. The place was fairly busy and they did the usual wide range of ales - Wooden Hand Cornish Buccanneer, Phoenix Black Shadow, Greene King Abbot Ale, Maui Coconut Porter, Allgates Brigantia, Otter Mild and Ruddles Best. Cider was Westons Marcle Hill. There is a large car park at the front. The bar staff seemed to lack knowlegdge of the products they were 'selling'. But overall, this wasn't too bad a pub. I can't say I noticed that it was in need of a refurb. The interior looked fine to me.
10 May 2010 16:15
The Banningham Crown, Banningham
Another rural Norfolk pub in a nice location, and this one was somewhat busier and was being boosted by the meal trade. A resonably good real ale selection was available - Greene King IPA & Abbot Ale, Woodfordes Pincer Pale Crabster Ale and Wolf Golden Jackal. The interior was fairly traditional, apart from the corner where we sat (modern sofas, childrens toys and a dartboard).
10 May 2010 15:59
Alby Horseshoes Inn, Erpingham
Fairly pleasant roadside pub on the main A140 Cromer-Norwich road. We were the only customers on our Saturday lunchtime visit. Four real ales were being served - Woodfordes Wherry & Pincer Pale Crabster Ale, Adnams Oyster Stout and Nethergate Three Point Nine. Aspalls cider was also available. There are a couple of old traditional pub games to play. I believe one was called Ring 'O Bull, where you have to swing a hook onto a bull's horn. I failed to master this one. But the landlady was fairly good at it. Worth a stop if you're passing by.
10 May 2010 15:52
This pub has an excellent location overlooking the large village green in Aldborough. There were 2 real ales on our Saturday lunchtime visit - Adnams Bitter & Woodforde Wherry. Cider was from Kingstone Press. The serving staff were extremely friendly. But we were the only people in the pub. A typical rural pub, and probably the second best of 10 Norfolk pubs we visited on the day.
10 May 2010 15:48
Expensive gastropub located deep in the Lincolnshire countryside with a couple of real ales - Dixons Colour of Spring and Black Sheep Best Bitter on our Friday evening visit. The food was nice and the service was good. But this is more of a restaurant than a pub.
10 May 2010 09:14
Sydney Street Working Men's Club, Accrington
Despite not being members, we gave this back street working men's club a try on Bank Holiday Monday. We weren't sure it was open at first as the door was shut and the curtains were drawn. However lo and behold the door opened and inside was fairly busy. A big screen showing football was the reason the curtains were closed. The seating area is rather large. You could quite happily fit a couple of hundred people in here. There is a stage area for live acts. Three real ales were on - cask John Smiths, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin and Theakston Hogshead. Probably one of the best real ale haunts in Accrington.
6 May 2010 16:51
The last of 5 pubs we visited in Darwen, and probably the busiest on Bank Holiday Monday. Many of the customers appeared to be on their way to the Blackburn Rovers game, which is straight up the road from here, around 2 miles away. There are no real ales and it appears that some of the original dividing walls have been knocked down to create one open bar area. The corner entrance has been filled in and a dartboard now occupies this wall. The pub had little or no character at all, apart from the original tiling in the remaining entrance. Prices were reasonable, which is the only reason I can see to recommend this one.
6 May 2010 16:46
The Victoria Hotel, Accrington
We first tried to visit this pub a few years back on a previous visit to Accrington. At that time it was closed due to a family bereavement. This time we managed to get in. Beers are from Thwaites - Original and Wainwright. Service was friendly and the place was well decorated. Sunlight streamed through the frosted glass windows making it feel quite cosy. A nice enough pub on the outskirts of the town.
5 May 2010 17:26
No sign of the dog on our visit! Poor selection of real ales - Cask John Smiths and Greene King IPA. Getting to the bar was a challenge with almost everybody crowding around the bar. The ceiling in the ladies was falling down (apparently). Not too impressed with this pub and not sure how it managed to get in the 2010 GBG.
5 May 2010 17:23
Street corner pub with plenty of character on the edge of Blackburn. The pub has a very traditional feel to it, with nice tilework and outside toilets. Monday was a matchday in Blackburn and the pub seemed popular with home fans. However, only Jennings Cumberland Ale and Wychwood Hobgoblin were available for real ale lovers.
5 May 2010 17:16
A Pubmaster pub handy for the Sainsburys next door. Jennings Cumberland Ale was the only cask ale available. Although there was a good selection of bottled ciders in the fridges. There were only a handful of customers and the TV was turned up too loud to allow any normal conversation. Not overly inspiring.
5 May 2010 17:05
A fairly comfortable pub that doubles as the brewery tap for the local Fallons brewery. Five real ales, all from Fallons, were available on our visit - Jax Best, Dark Prince, Angel Tears, Red Merking and Tattoers Arms. Thatchers Cheddar Valley cider was available from the cellar. The range of beers and ciders made this the best pub of the day on our Lancashire trip. My only criticism was that the welcome we received was not over-friendly. We appeared to get the usual 'you're not from around here' suspicious looks from the bar staff and the regulars crowded around the bar area, unlike the friendly greetings we had in most pubs. With room for improvement, I'll still give this pub a 7/10.
5 May 2010 17:02
There were only 2 customers in this pub. They were obviously locals and engaged us in friendly conversation as soon as we walked in. The tiling in the pub gives it real character. There are also many pictures on the walls of days gone by in Darwen, including the pub itself. Unfortunately there were no real ales available and even the fridges were fairly bare. The grabbing machine, similar to what you might find in a seaside amusement arcade also looked well out of place. With a little bit of effort, this has the potential to be a really good pub.
5 May 2010 16:57
Typical Lancashire town pub with high ceilings and nice tiling in the doorway. Live football was being shown on the TV. The barman was friendly. But Wells Bombardier was the only real ale available. It was very quiet on our Bank Holiday Monday afternoon visit. But despite the lack of atmosphere and the lack of any quality beers, this wasn't too bad a pub.
5 May 2010 16:53
This place looked very inviting from the outside, and it's in a great location with rolling moorland just over the top of the hill. I was expecting a real old fashioned interior. Unfortunately, I was presented with a featureless modern interior and a pub that is now clearly aimed at diners. Two real ales were on - Holt Mild and McMullens Cask Ale. It's such a shame that people feel the need to ruin pubs such as this.
5 May 2010 16:49
Another quiet pub in Adlington on our Bank Holiday Monday visit. This one had an overpowering smell of bleach and a bog standard selection of real ales - Old Speckled Hen, Bombardier and Directors. Other than that it was fairly reasonable, without being anything special.
5 May 2010 16:45
Quiet pub with plenty of seating and a good choice of real ales - Exmoor Fox, TT Landlord, Moorhouses Pride of Pendle, Caledonian 80/- and Rudgate Ruby Mild. Parking at the front is limited. Sky Sports was on the television. The barmaid was fairly loud!
5 May 2010 16:41
The White Star, Stoke-on-Trent
I'm rather surprised nobody has rated this pub previously. Despite a sign stating 'home supporters only', we visited here after yesterday's match in Stoke. There was a beer festival on. So in addition to the 9 handpumps at the bar, there were 12 further ales being dispensed on gravity to the side. Whilst it was busy, we were served fairly quickly. Beers at the bar were mainly from Titanic (Captain Smiths, White Star, Anchor, Iceberg & Stout) and Everards (Tiger & Flourish). Although there was also Shugborough Mi Lady's Fancy and Hopback Summer Lightning. The 12 festival ales were Holdens Wind Blower, Wadworth Lily the Pink, Burton Bridge Damson Porter, Rudgate Phoenix, Ashover All Saints, Spitting Feathers Basket Case, Titanic Chocolate & Vanilla Curtain, Bushys Triskelion, Breconshire Red Dragon, Castle Rock Screech Owl, Blue Monkey B G Sips and Batemans Spring Goddess. In addition to all of this, there were also 3 real ciders and a perry - Westons Old Rosie & Traditional Scrumpy, Thatchers Traditional and Saxon Harvest Perry. I think we'll definitely be returning here again next year.
2 May 2010 12:27
It's a hard slog up the hill from the station to this local community pub. The welcome is friendly and the pub was very busy with Stoke football fans on our visit yesterday. The pub even arranges a bus to take everybody to the ground. Complimentary burgers were also being served. The pub is kitted out with plenty of Stoke City shirts and other memorabilia. Being a Marstons pub, the beer selection is fairly limited. In addition to the regular Pedigree and Burton Bitter, yesterday they had English Pale Ale (EPA), Dragons Tale and Tom Fool. A welcoming pub hampered by its Marstons-only selection of beers.
2 May 2010 12:20
It's been one year since my last review of the Ship & Mitre. But my rating of 10 still remains. You don't go here for the decor. Although the art deco exterior is unique. The real reason you come here is for the wonderful selection of real ales, foreign beers (both bottled and draught) and also the best selection of ciders and perries Liverpool has to offer. Yesterday was the end of another festival. There was still plenty to choose from. The Ship & Mitre always seems busy, especially on matchdays. But we generally find a table. If there's any faults at all, it's the lack of any real light in the rear part of the pub and the state of the gents toilets. However, as previously stated, you'll come here for the drinks selection. If it's classic interiors you're after, try the Lion, the Philharmonic or Peter Kavanagh's. This place is all about the beer.
26 Apr 2010 20:53
This place looks like a right dive from the outside. But the interior turned out to be ok. As the previous reviewer states, there are 3 handpumps but no beer. Lager drinking is the order of the day and with nearly as many TVs as tables, this is obviously a popular venue to watch sport. Clearly a locals place with very little to recommend about it, apart from its proximity to Lime Street station.
26 Apr 2010 20:38
Agree with the previous comments. The interior is that of a classic Liverpool pub. But with so many similar pubs to choose from in Liverpool, it's easy to look for the negatives, in order to whittle down your choice and this one has plenty of negatives. Yes the interior is dark. This is partly as a result of the dark wood and the blocking of light by the surrounding buildings. However the pub does nothing to help itself by placing small curtains over the windows, blocking what little light there is available. The feeling is positively dingy. There is one handpull at the bar. But alas the pump clip was turned round. The landlady could also do with a character bypass. 'I'll take your rubbish then shall I?' was the one curt remark given to the occupant of an adjacent table, in response to the sandwich wrapper that had been left on the table. An interesting remark from the owner of a pub that was not selling food. I think I would have upped and left if I were them. With far better choices in Liverpool, we'll leave this one to the thick-skinned.
26 Apr 2010 20:35
Shepherd Neame pub that is more a restaurant than a pub. All tables were set for diners. But the rural location is good and the range of beers, despite all being from Shepherd Neame, was good - Master Brew, Spitfire, Late Red and Kent's Best. It's a shame that the emphasis is on dining.
26 Apr 2010 20:26
A pub set in a great location where there is plenty of hop growing. Interestingly, the garden is an orchard. The pub itself is small and got fairly busy on our Saturday evening visit. Three real ales were on offer - Westerham British Bulldog, Goachers Fine Light Ale and Harveys Best Bitter. Double Vision cider is also on handpump, but there was no sign of a perry. Clearly a popular local with mainly a middle to upper class clientele. Service was not the quickest. But this was still an enjoyable experience.
26 Apr 2010 20:20
I can't say there was anything I particularly disliked about this pub. But similarly there was very little I liked about it either. The place was fairly busy and seemed to be doing a good trade in meals. The interior seemed a bit plain. The garden looked appealing. Three real ales were Goddards Scrumdiggity, Hopdemon Incubus and Westerham Finchcocks Original. Cider was Biddendens Bushells from a polycask. It may be worth a second try if I'm back in the area. But I couldn't warm to this one.
26 Apr 2010 20:14
This is a pub with plenty of character. There are lots of odds and sods to keep you amused in the front bar, whilst the locals congregate in the rear bar where live sports are shown on the TV. Real ales were Old Dairy Red Top, Whitstable Kentish Reserve, Shepherd Neame Master Brew and Brains Reverend James. Cider was Double Vision and Biddendens. I imagine this gets pretty crowded in the evenings. But we had a pleasant time here and I would happily come back. Second best pub of the day for us.
26 Apr 2010 20:09
This is the archetypal village local. I think we were the only 'strangers' in the pub on our Saturday afternoon visit. Although we were made to feel welcome, with a few engaging us in conversation. Football was being shown on the TV. But I felt the pub lacked character and the two Shepherd Neame beers - Spitfire and Master Brew represented a poor choice. Most people appeared to be drinking lager. Friendly enough. But I prefer a pub with a bit of character.
26 Apr 2010 20:03
The Bull of Brenchley, Brenchley
I can see where the previous reviewes are coming from, when they mention neglect. But I found this place quite homely. It was almost as if you were walking into somebody's front room. Pot plants were overgrown, windowsills were cluttered with all sorts of parephernalia and one table to the rear of the bar looked a right mess. But this simply added to the character. Service was friendly. I was driving and therefore had anapple juice produced locally in the village. However, three real ales were available - Westerham British Bulldog, Harveys Best Bitter and Sharps Doom Bar. I felt quite at home here. Parking was very difficult as there was an event on in the church nextdoor. The Hungarian tourists sat at the bar seemed as if they'd been over-endulging on the hospitality. Nice pub in a good location that I would quite happily go back to.
26 Apr 2010 19:58
Completely agree with all of the points made in the last review. This is a pub with plenty of character in a lovely rural location. There are plenty of tables inside and outside. Saturday was nice weather. So there were more inside than outside. The locals were all indoors in the bar area. It must be great to have a local like this. Beers are all served on gravity from behind the bar - Skinners Betty Stoggs, Goachers Fine Light Ale, Westerham 1965 Special Bitter Ale, Halfway to Paradise, 1648 St George's, WJ King's Spring Ale, WJ King's Dragons T'Ale, Ushers 1824 and Rother Valley Mild. They also have local cider from Chiddingstones. There's very few pubs I award a 9/10 for. But this one definitely falls into that category.
26 Apr 2010 19:51
Another nice country location and nice property. The drawback is that the beers are all Shepherd Neame - Spitfire, Master Brew & Bishop's Finger. Cider was Thatchers Gold. The barmaid seemed a bit dappy. She couldn't seemed to understand why she was running out of glasses, despite the fact that the pub was not that busy. Whenever she wasn't serving she was drinking coffee or talking to the kitchen staff. She appeared to break more glasses than she washed as the empties started stacking up at the back of the bar. This was all quite amusing.
26 Apr 2010 19:42
Hotel bar spoilt by successive makeovers. There's very little character remaining. On the plus side, the bar is light and airy and Cranbrook itself is a lovely small town/large village. Service was also prompt and friendly. Beers were from Shepherd Neame - Spitfire, Master Brew & Dragonfire. Not a place I would return to.
26 Apr 2010 19:35
Great location for a pub, overlooking the village green and church. The pub itself appears to focus on food, as became apparent when the barmaid assumed we wanted to dine. Locals were crowding around the bar, meaning the bar area was needlessly cramped. Most tables were set for dining. So the locals probably had little choice. It was such a nice day that we decided to sit outside on one of the benches in front of the pub, where it was quite pleasant watching village life go by, despite the presence of the fairly busy B road. Darkstar Hophead, Harveys Bitter, Larkins Traditional and Whitstable Faversham Creek were the 4 real ales available. Ciders were Biddendens Bushells and Westons Stowford Press.
26 Apr 2010 19:28
Our final call on the Isle of Wight yesterday, and I think we saved the best until last. Tucked away off the main drag through Bonchurch, this doesn't look like a pub at first side, as it is tucked away in a quiet courtyard. But this place is really special. Only one real ale was on yesterday - Courage Best on gravity. But the friendliness of the customers and staff and the attention to detail of the service was exemplary. The bar itself is small but well decorated. Food is served from a separate kitchen across the courtyard. Luckily we chose to dine here, as the food did not disappoint. Whilst not a traditional pub in every sense of the word, both the quirkiness of the place and the fine food make it a fasicnating place to visit. It felt as if we had stumbled across the locals' best kept secret. Well, I'm afraid the secret could be out!
19 Apr 2010 20:34
King Harry's Bar (Glenbrook Hotel), Shanklin
This was the only bar where we found a real cider on the island - Thatcher's Traditional. Three real ales were served - White Horse Saracen IPA, Fullers ESB and Itchen Valley Green Jackets. We had also seen the latter beer in the Castle, Sandown and this pub also had a similar sort of theme to the Castle, being decorated in a quasi-medieval style. The locals were very chatty and service was prompt. I was fairly impressed. Although it was a little dingy and could have benefitted by a little extra lighting. The pub is located in the old village area of Shanklin, which is well worth a visit with its picture postcard scenes of thatched cottages and quaint shops. Would happily visit here again.
19 Apr 2010 20:26
This pub has a great location with views over the sea, along the coastline and down to the Shanklin Chine. Parking looks as if it could be difficult in the high season, and the pub looks as though it could be hard to find. The only indication that there is a pub is a sign on a gate. A small path leads from the gate down the hill to the pub. Inside is clean and well decorated with a few quiet drinking areas. Three real ales were TT Landlord, Fullers London Pride and Brew Dog The Physics. Whilst certainly one of the best 4 pubs we visited on the day, the gents toilets blotted its copybook. The mould in there was fairly disgusting and quite at odds from the rest of the pub. Sort out the toilets and this place could be a real gem.
19 Apr 2010 20:21
Just as I was getting seriously disillusioned by the quality of pubs on the island, my faith was finally rewarded by a trip to this pub (our 7th of the day). Situated in a quiet residential street up the hill from the pier, this is a true locals pub where real ales are popular and the clientele are fairly friendly. The pub is strangely decorated and is more akin to the London Dungeon than a seaside local. We couldn't help but laugh at the skeleton poking out of the wall immediately behind a singer. Numerous other skeletons and ghastly items lined the walls, along with shields and medieval-type items - very strange but amusing. We found the pub clean and well kept. Real ales were available - Itchen Valley Green Jackets, Marstons Dragons Tale, Youngs Special, Green King Abbot Ale and Island Nipper Bitter. This pub could have been our pub of the day, if it had sold a real cider! Although a bottle of Green Goblin was a reasonable substitute. Well worth searching out if you're ever in this part of the island.
19 Apr 2010 20:14
I'm surprised this pub hasn't been reviewed for nearly 3 years. Maybe few people make the trip from the seaside. If you've got a family on tow, it's probably worth the effort. The pub is rather large, which means that the presence of kids in one corner does not distract from anybody else's enjoyment of the place. Kids even have their own play area. This is a true community pub that also seems to do good food, provides entertainment and had 2 real ales - Green King Old Speckled Hen and Goddards Scrumdiggity Bitter. It wasn't really my cup of tea, but could probably tick the box for many others.
19 Apr 2010 20:07
The Crab and Lobster, Bembridge
Has an excellent location on the clifftops with nice views from the outside patio. Inside appeared quite cosy. The seafood platters looked extensive and tempting. Real ales were from Green King IPA, Sharps Doom Bar and Goddards Fuggle Dee Dum. We had to wait a while, as the bar area is quite narrow and was crowded with people propping up the bar, leaving others to queue in single file for drinks and food orders. The staff did their level best to serve everybody promptly. But it would have helped if the people at the bar had taken one of the many spare tables, instead of causing an obstruction. Worth a visit if for the views alone.
19 Apr 2010 20:02
The Old Village Inn, Bembridge
Very quiet village local, not too far away from the Bembridge Windmill. There were very few customers around during our Sunday afternoon visit. But you get the impression that few tourists make it this far out. The real ale range was none too inspiring either - Green King IPA & Abbot Ale & Marstons Pedigree. There was nothing too much to recommend it. So whilst not a really bad pub, it still rated as the worst we went to during the day.
19 Apr 2010 19:56
Had heard very good things about this pub. But we left feeling very disappointed. By the end of the day, we had visited at least 7 pubs that were clearly better than this one. The board displayed an inviting selection of ales including Titanic Iceberg and Adnams Explorer. However, in reality there were only two - Ringwood Best and Goddards Ale of Wight. The cider was Stowford Press. Some of the railway memorabilia is quite interesting and the 'mainline' passes by the car park. The pub was very quiet on our Sunday afternoon visit. What custom they had were drinking real ale from bottles. Only having 2 cask ales on despite the 8 handpulls was poor. It seems the pub may be up for sale and could become another victim of the recession, or it may simply become a restaurant. Judging by the excellent reviews posted previously, any closure would probably be a disappointment for real ale lovers on the island. From my visit my experiences on my visit alone, it wouldn't seem a great loss. But I hope to come back one day and see what all the fuss is about.
19 Apr 2010 19:36
We popped in here just before the garlic farm. Just as well we did, as the sauce made from naga chillies is lethal and numbed by taste buds for a while afterwards. This pub is out of the way, but appears to be out of the way for diners. The food looked quite appetising, especially the baguettes which were massive. Beers were from Fullers - London Pride & Gales HSB, alongside a guest beer which was Hydes Bitter. The cider was Aspalls. On the negative side, the two people who were working behind the bar and serving meals were rushed off their feet, meaning service was a little slow. The prices were notably excessive and the Sunday opening hours (12-3 only) are fairly limited. It's a nice location. But the prices left a slightly sour taste before the spice of the garlic farm.
19 Apr 2010 19:23
Nice pub in a pleasant location next to Arreton Barn Craft Village and a stones throw from the ancient village church. The interior was warm and inviting. However, having the heating on despite the nice spring weather made it a little too hot. The regulars, mostly of the senior kind, were a keen lot. We arrived just 20 minutes after opening and the car park was already full with all but one table taken. The kitchen were being kept busy with the microwave pinging every few seconds. But the pub is well decorated, with plenty of knick knacks to hold your attention and the beer range is fairly good - Draught Bass, TT Landlord and Nipper Bitter from the new local brewery Island. Cider was from Stowford Press. Worth a quick detour if you're passing by.
19 Apr 2010 19:17
Unassuming pub with a warm welcome, friendly staff and customers and a good range of real ales and ciders. We only had time for a couple of drinks here. But everybody went away happy. Bob's 41 South & Ostara, Hornbeam Black Coral Stout, Pictish Mancy Mild and Liverpool Organic 24 Carat Gold were all on alongside Hecks Sweet and Hecks Porters Perfection. Would definitely go back when in the area.
19 Apr 2010 19:07
Saturday was my second visit to the Adelphi. Service was quick and the locals are friendly. Only 3 real ales were on - Banks Original, Wychwood Hobgoblin & York Yorkshire Terrier. It always seems quite lively in here as people come and go to and from the station. So if that's what you want in a pub, you may enjoy it here. But personally, I find it a bit too busy and noisy to enjoy. I'm sure I'll be back as it's so handy for the station. But I wouldn't be happy if it was my local.
19 Apr 2010 18:56
Usual characterless Wetherspoon branch with poor service. The bar staff were more interested in serving the people they knew, and I was overlooked several times. Nevertheless, the beer range was fairly good - Davenports Beer Hunt, Ruddles Best, Richard Chennell's Zulu Blonde (South African), Batemans Hedgerows, Holdens Burton Runner, Everards Flourish, Goose Island Honkers Ale (American), Green King Abbot Ale and Theakston Grouse Beater. Cider was Westons's Organic and Old Rosie. Handy for the station. But I've still to find a decent pub in Blackburn.
19 Apr 2010 18:14
Cosy and traditional local on Kington's main street. There's only 2 or 3 tables in here. There's just as many in the small yard at the rear. But the clientele (mainly locals) were all fairly friendly and the place was fairly busy compared with other pubs we tried in Kington. The pub's own real ale - Arrow Bitter is sold. I was also extremely surprised to see draught Woodpecker cider. I believe this is the first time I have seen this since visiting the Victoria Inn in Alfreton a few years back. I'd hate to think how crowded this pub could get on a Friday or Saturday night. But I was relatively impressed. Parking is a little difficult however.
15 Apr 2010 22:52
Tried this pub on Saturday during our Herefordshire Crawl. In all honesty, it was the worst of the 8 we visisted. The interior is a bit too modern for my liking with a central chimney breast and modern paintings adorning the walls. The barmaid was clearly too ill to be working as she coughed and spluttered into people's pints. Wye Valley Bitter & Butty Bach were the two real ales available. Weston's Stowford Press was the cider.
15 Apr 2010 22:48
A slightly offputting location. But well worth the visit if you enjoy seeing classic pub interiors or you enjoy Oakham ales. The tilework and other features mentioned in previous reviews are quite impressive. Similarly the beer range is impressive too. During our visit yesterday, they had Oakham Oblivion, Bishops Farewell, Rollercoaster, Citra and Inferno, alongside Hobsons Best and ABC Aston Dark Mild. Westons Traditional Scrumpy and Country Perry is also hidden away at the rear. We sampled the Thai food, which we thought was very tasty and good value for the amount we got. Service was fairly friendly. Although they could have done with more bar staff, considering there was a football match on. With just 3 of them, the wait to get served was almost 15 minutes. In addition, I noticed that one of the barmaids was fairly scruffily dressed. Although maybe the ripped undergarments would appeal to some! Despite the football business, the pub did not feel too packed and the atmosphere was fairly pleasant. There was background music. But you hardly noticed it above the conversation. Certainly one warranting a repeat visit.
15 Apr 2010 22:42
Marstons pub that we visited yesterday when we found the Griffin was closed. Banks's Bitter, Banks's Mild, Ringwood 49er, Pedigree and Cumberland Ale were all served. The main bar area was fairly traditional, whilst there was also a lounge bar to the rear. The clientele in the bar were a slightly aging lot with a strange sense of humour. No, we won't be buying you any drinks!
15 Apr 2010 22:32
Fairly large hotel/restaurant/pub handy for Radlett station. It's a Young's establishment with Young's Bitter, Special and London Gold all available. We tried the Sunday lunches which were ok, but not the best value for money. The separate restaurant looked as if it may have been a better option. But this was not open when we arrived. I preferred the Cat & Fiddle up the road.
11 Apr 2010 21:55
A pub that is full of character with plenty of cat and boxing memorabilia. There are 3 separate drinking areas. At least this is one pub where the owners have not felt the need to knock all the dividing walls down. The real ale range was not too inspiring - Green King IPA & Old Speckled Hen, Fullers London Pride, Adnams Bitter, Black Sheep Best Bitter - and the food looked as if it had just come from the microwave. But I wouldn't discourage anybody from visiting here. It's certainly worth a punt if in the area.
11 Apr 2010 21:53
Community pub that was very busy on our visit this afternoon. If only it looked like the picture above! Most of the young locals were watching the FA Cup semi final on the big screen and other smaller TVs. Agree with the comment about the propensity for lager drinking here. But three real ales were available including one I hadn't seen since visiting Scotland - Atlas Golden Amber, Black Sheep Best Bitter and Fuller's London Pride. Had it have been quieter, I think I could have quite liked this pub.
11 Apr 2010 21:48
There was nothing particularly special about this place. The interior was cosy enough and the real ale range was good - Roosters Celtic Corker, Adnams Broadside, Youngs Bitter, Courage Best and Fullers London Pride. But the pub was a little too noisy for my liking, and the location on a busy road is not the best. Service was quick and friendly enough.
11 Apr 2010 21:44
This may be a Fullers pub. But it's not your standard Fullers establishment. The location, despite being close to the M1 and M25 is very rural. The antiques and wooden furniture inside could make this a great place to spend a few hours. Unfortunately, the posh cars in the car park give you an idea why spending time here is not possible, unless you're a millionaire. The drinks prices are astronomical. I couldn't fault the cleanliness, the atmosphere or the service. But it's simply too expensive to enjoy. London pride, ESB and Chiswick were the 3 cask ales available.
11 Apr 2010 21:40
A fairly bog standard family pub with 2 real ales from McMullen (AK & Country Bitter) and little or no character. The place was fairly busy late on a Sunday lunchtime with production line food being delivered to eager diners. But this is not a place I would recommend. Even a few pictures on the walls might add a bit of atmosphere.
11 Apr 2010 21:33
I had high hopes for this pub, but ended up being fairly underwhelmed. The good weather seemed to have brought all and sundry out for Sunday lunch, and the pub was a bit too busy for my liking. Very few tables in the garden were available, despite there being dozens. Service was a bit rushed. Nevertheless, the main bar area is unspoiled and the beer selection is good - Tring Trooper Ale, Brakspear Bitter, Hook Norton Hooky Bitter and Youngs Bitter. Unfortunately there was no real cider. Aspalls was the best cider on offer. I should try to return to this pub on a weekday when it's quieter. But first impressions were not brilliant.
11 Apr 2010 21:30
More a restaurant that serves beer than a pub that serves food. When the first greeting you get is "table for two?", it is a bit offputting. The location of this pub is superb, in a picture postcard village with views over the village pond and up the hills to the Ashridge Estate beyond. However, this is more of a family type pub and the interior has been spoiled by makeovers. Beers available were King & Barnes Sussex Draught, Badger First Gold & Tanglefoot.
11 Apr 2010 21:24
Fairly busy pub located just off a busy roundabout. Parking can be a little tricky. Inside is a little dull. But there is some fairly impressive woodwork, and the welcome was friendly. Unfortunately, beers are all from the Fullers range - Pride, ESB, Discovery, Chiswick, Seafarers Ale and Festival. A bit more variety could make this a better than average pub.
11 Apr 2010 21:19
The first pub we took in today and just about the best. The colourful exterior of the pub is garish to say the least. Parking is difficult. Inside, there are several tables with small collections of breweryiana on the walls. There is a good selection of real ales - Milestone Lion's Pride, York Pioneer, Batemans Valiant, Keltec King and Wadworth 6X on our visit. The real cider is Westons Traditional Scrumpy. Whilst we didn't try the food, the menu looked varied and interesting. Several plates of crisps, nuts and olives were scattered around the pub. Well worth the visit if you are in Tring.
11 Apr 2010 21:15
We enjoyed a nice meal here yesterday, and experienced no such stomach problems. The landlady was extremely friendly and the place was busy with diners both inside and out. Four caskales were on - Wye Vally Bitter & Butty Bach, Draight Bass and Flowers IPA. The view over the village green to the church is relatively impressive.
11 Apr 2010 21:08
This pub is all about the location alongside the River Lugg near an old stone bridge. My bottle of Brook Farm Cider went down very well, whilst watching the local family of ducks come in and out of the river countless times. Real ales were from Wye Valley - HPA & Butty Bach. The bar itself was fairly quiet. Whilst we arrived out of meal times, I imagine this place does a good trade in food.
11 Apr 2010 21:05
Great pub architecturally in a wonderful village location, overlooking the old Market Square. The village is well worth a wonder around. The real ales are fairly standard fare - Green King IPA, Sharps Doom Bar and Wychwood Paddy's Stout. Locally made Dunkertons Black Fox & Premium Organic are available in bottles (we also visited the Dunkertons cider press nearby). This pub could have been our pub of the day, if it hadn't have been for the slightly frosty reception we received. Responses from the landlady were all fairly curt. Whilst stopping short of being unfriendly, we were left with the distinct impression that the staff were unhappy that we'd walked in 10 minutes before the pub was shutting for the afternoon. Perhaps the location of the pub has left the owners resting on their laurels. Nevertheless, we had a very pleasant time watching the comings and goings in the Market Square whilst supping a cider in the glorious weather yesterday.
11 Apr 2010 21:01
This is primarily a restaurant. But it does have a small bar area with two real ales - Hobsons Bitter & Ludlow Gold. The bottled cider & perry menu was impressive. I tried the locally produced ones from Ralph's- both the Radnorshire Perry and the Badlands Cider. They also have Westons and other producers. The small garden was a pleasant place in which to enjoy a couple of drinks.
11 Apr 2010 20:55
Best pub out of 18 we tried this weekend. The interior is thoroughly traditional, with two well preserved bars. Most people, including ourselves choose the bar to the right hand side on entry. However it is the door on the left that will allow you to check out the beers available. The welcome was warm and friendly. Four real ales were available - Ludlow Best, Brains Reverend James, Hobsons Mild and Wye Valley Butty Bach. Real cider was Westons Old Rosie from the cellar. A Westons perry was also available, alongside bottles of cider from Gwatkin. Located on the outskirts of Kington. But well worth a visit.
11 Apr 2010 20:49
We were the only people here when the pub opened yesterday, and we left the pub empty when we departed. The landlord was friendly enough and the interior was well decorated. Two beers from the new local brewery Golden Valley were on handpull - Hay Bluff and Brewers Choice. Cider was Thatchers Gold. A nice enough pub. But we did find better Herefordshire pubs later in the day.
11 Apr 2010 20:37
Imposing building in nice parkland location. But the inside was more like an old people's home or a hotel bar than a pub. We visited on a Sunday lunchtime, when there seemed to be a mix of extended families, older groups or younger couples with children. Service was quick but frosty. Only two real ales were available, despite there being 6 handpulls - Cains Bitter and Roosters Celtic Corker. Not overly impressed.
8 Apr 2010 20:09
Sister pub to the Fullflood Arms which we had visited earlier. This one had a similar community feel, but a far more comfortable atmosphere. Westgate Flanker's Tackle, Holdens Golden Glow and Greene King IPA were all available. But there was no real cider. Had a good mixture of people, both young and old. The beer and cider was better in the Fullflood. But this one had a nicer feel. So my scores for both will be similar.
8 Apr 2010 20:02
Without doubt the pub of the weekend for me. Stepping in here is like stepping into a timewharp. The low ceilings and the flagstone floors give this small pub real character. The atmosphere was quiet, with no music or television, meaning conversation is king. Beer is served from either handpulls or by gravity. Harveys Sussex Best, Ringwood Best, Ballards Midhurst Mild, Itchen Valley Pure Gold and Stonehenge Heelstone were all available. Weston's Old Rosie was the real cider. The fire lended a cosy feel to the place, and you could well imagine spending a whole afternoon here relaxing and getting away from the stresses of modern life. I hope pubs like this continue to survive.
8 Apr 2010 19:58
Wasn't too impressed with this place. The door was wide open which made the place quite cold and the resident singer was little better than a karaoke act! The locals appeared to be enjoying it though. The 3 ales were Fullers London Pride, TT Landlord and Hopback Summer Lightning. The gents toilets were a bit pokey and not particularly clean. Handy for the station. But not one I'd recommend.
8 Apr 2010 19:49
Agree with what Maldenman has said. This is a nice friendly community local which is nicely decorated inside, has some fanciful original tilework on the outside, and has a good range of beers and even a real cider. Yet, there is something about it that meant I didn't feel fully at home. Real ales were Okells Old Skipper, Itchen Valley Godfathers, Triple fff Moondance and Greene King IPA. The cider was Weston's Old Rosie. Perhaps if I lived locally, I could get to really like this place. There seems to be plenty of events organised for customers and I believe it was part of a group of 3 pubs, which included the Bell (separate review to be posted). All of them appear to have a good recipe for success and are popular with locals.
8 Apr 2010 19:11
Currently closed. Doesn't look as if it will re-open any time soon.
8 Apr 2010 19:05
Large Fullers pub with plenty of tables. You get the feeling it is more of a family pub than a pub frequented by locals. The 4 cask ales on during our visit were London Pride, Bengal Lancer, Gales Seafarers Ale & HSB. Overall I felt the pub lacked character. But the service was friendly and the location is handy.
8 Apr 2010 19:04
The Three Cups Inn, Stockbridge
Pleasant old pub along the High Street in Stockbridge, with plenty of tables in which to enjoy a quiet pint. 4 real ales were on - Roosters Celtic Corker, Davenports Irish Whiskey Ale, Itchen Valley Fagins and Palmers Best Bitter. Stowford Press cider was also available. Didn't try the food. But the pub itself was very comfortable.
8 Apr 2010 19:01
More of an upmarket restaurant than a pub. All tables are made for food. They do have 3 real ales - Ringwood Best & 49er and Sharps Doom Bar. We sat outside, as the temperatures were quite mild and in any case there were no spare seats at the bar. The language coming from the kitchen did not befit an upmarket gastropub. The sewage-like smells were also a bit of a put-off. But hopefully for the diners, this was just the drains. Both the gents and ladies toilets were very nicely decorated. Although the pictures of topless ladies 'angling' (in the gents) seemed out-of-place. Nice enough place in a beautiful rural village. But I didn't feel too comfortable here.
8 Apr 2010 18:12
The Clatford Arms, Goodworth Clatford
Friendly no-frills village local, and for this I rated this pub the best in the local area. During our visit, the locals were all keenly watching Southampton's visit to Wembley to play Carlisle on the small TV. Four real ales were on - Wadworth Strong in the Arm & Henry's IPA, Manns St George & the Dragon and Clatford Nameless. Cider was Stowford Press. A pub I would happily go back to.
8 Apr 2010 18:03
The Crook and Shears, Upper Clatford
Didn't notice that the prices were expensive here. But I did notice the particularly poor service. Neither of the two bar staff who were standing chatting to one another looked particularly interested in serving us. Glasses were left on tables from previous customers. I don't see a need for this when a pub is not busy and staff are standing around with nothing else to do. Nevertheless, this seemed a nice pub in an excellent village location. It has the potential to be much better. Four fairly standard real ales were on - Ringwood Best & 49er, Fullers London Pride and Taylor Landlord, alongside Stowford Press cider.
8 Apr 2010 17:57
This was the first of 10 pubs we tried in this area on the weekend before last. The pub is a nice country pub in a pretty village where there seemed to be more horses than cars. Most of the clientele were locals, who seemed to prefer congregating around the bar. Four beers were available - Betty Stoggs, Triple fff Alton's Pride, Milestone Black Pearl and Newmans Spring Cottage. Unfortunately the real ciders appear to have gone. Only Thatcher's Dry from a keg is available. Nich enough pub, without being over friendly.
8 Apr 2010 17:52
Have to downgrade the rating on this pub even further due to the money grabbing tactics they are employing. If you try to park in the pub's car park, clampers will arrive straight away and charge you 165 pounds for the privilege of having a drink. Even the chancellor does not rip drinkers off this much. Avoid at all costs. Hopefully this pub will go out of business soon, with this attitude.
30 Mar 2010 19:12
The Great Western, Wolverhampton
Paid a visit here on Saturday. As away fans, we were welcomed. In addition to the 4 Holdens beers - Special, Black Country Mild, Black Country Bitter and Golden Glow, they also had Bathams Brough Bitter and Morton Essington IPA, all from the local area. Cider was Thatchers Traditional. As many others have said, the pork baps were both tasty and good value. Plenty of things on the wall to look at and obviously very convenient for the station. A good real ale pub that I've no doubt we'll be returning to.
30 Mar 2010 18:40
Visited here last Saturday evening. After sessions in the Anchor and the Wellington I was rather inebriated, but don't remember anything particularly special about the Briar Rose. It was somehow smaller than I expected and tries to imitate the Wellington by having its beers listed on a TV screen. Yes, I was the drunk looking chap swaying backwards and forwards and noting down the beers on my mobile phone! Anyway, there was Beowulf Dragon Smoke Stout, Beorma & Dark Raven, Okells Ale, Greene King IPA and 6 Nations Italy Ale and England Ale. Weston's Marcle Hill cider was the only available decent cider.
21 Mar 2010 12:47
Visited here last weekend for the second time. The beer range is always good. But the quality is variable. As our visit was just before St Patrick's Day, there was very much an emphasis on Irish beers. The full list was Franciscan Friar Weisse & Rebel Red Ale, Church End Irish Coffee, White Gypsy Emerald IPA & Bruinette, Northumberland St Patrick's Ale, Maguires Rusty Anchor Ale & Plain Stout, Hobsons Mild, Adnams Irish Stout, Mauldons Midwinter Gold, Acorn Blond and Shandon Stout. Real cider was Wilkins Medium (very nice) and Thatchers Cheddar Valley. I love the interior of this place, with its 4 or 5 separate drinking areas. We had the room nearest the toilets to ourselves. A nice pub well located for the coach station and certainly one of the best in Birmingham.
21 Mar 2010 12:38
This pub was recommended to me and didn't disappoint. We were the only customers. But I'm convinced that soon word will go round and this pub will become extremely popular. It has been sensibly restored and the construction of a new college building nextdoor is sure to help its fortunes. There are 6 handpulls. During our visit, these were dispensing Deuchars IPA, Jennings Cumberland Ale and 4 beers from the Liverpool Organic brewery - Liverpool Pale Ale, King John's Ale, William Roscoe & 24 Carat Gold. My only criticism was the lack of a real cider. Comfortable place. I'm fairly positive I'll be back.
12 Mar 2010 21:21
I thought I'd give this place a visit to see what a 1960s Liverpool pub would have looked like. I got a good idea. But unfortunately the interior is falling apart rapidly. The customers are a mixture of local youths and drunks. One treated us to a few rousing choruses of what I don't know. No real ales. No cider whatsoever. But sitting back and taking it all in, you could just about sense how this pub once was. I'm glad I've been but am not sure if I ever want to go back.
12 Mar 2010 21:16
I haven't been to a Yates's for a while. Now I think I remember why. This place is big and well located. The clientele were a mix of alcoholics and shoppers. The TVs were showing horse racing, which seemed to be popular amongst the gambling community. The tables were not particularly clean and none of the bar staff were showing any interested in clearing dead pint glasses. Avoid and go shopping instead.
12 Mar 2010 21:10
I was the only customer here on a Saturday afternoon. The place had a very strange smell. Two televisions, one showing a British channel and other showing an Irish channel were competing for attention with the music. I never see the point in having both on, especially when there are no customers! No real ales. Other drinks were expensive. I guess it's much more lively in the evening. But my first impressions were not good.
12 Mar 2010 21:08
The Moon Under Water, Hounslow
A fairly poor branch of Wetherspoons. They had a good range of real ales - Skinners Figgy's Brew, Ruddles Best, Twickenham Naked Ladies & Winter Cheer, Greene King Abbot Ale, Courage Directors, Brains SA and Box Steam Funnel Blower. Unfortunately there was no real cider. Although apparently there normally is. The place was busy but there are plenty of seats and tables. The clientele is a reflection of Hounslow as a whole. You could tell many were too regular for their own good.
12 Mar 2010 21:05
Probably the second best of 10 pubs we visited last Friday. The pub is located in old millworkers houses and both the lounge and the public bar have plenty of character. The pub is a Wadworth pub with Henry's IPA, 6X and Summersault on our visit. Weston's Old Rosie cider was also available. The food looked good.
12 Mar 2010 20:58
Local village pub with plenty of seating and tables and with good views over a valley. Relatively uninspiring selection of real ales - Greene King IPA, Fullers London Pride and St Austell Tribute during our visit. Watch out for the sloping car park!
12 Mar 2010 20:56
The Waggon and Horses, Cirencester
This was the last of 10 pubs we visited in Gloucestershire yesterday. By the way, the 9th was the Corinium Hotel in Cirencester (not listed here), which was the worst of the 10 with no real ales. The Waggon & Horses was decorated in a modern style with a single room bar. There were 6 handpulls on the bar but only 2 real ales - Butcombe Gold and Wye Valley Dorothy Goodbody's Golden Ale. It was comfortable and by far the best of the two Cirencester pubs we visited. But on this visit, I would say that there is a serious gap in the market for a decent real ale pub in the town.
6 Mar 2010 12:30
The best new pub I have visited for 5 months. The interior of this place is pretty unique. Entering is like stepping into a timewharp. There are 2 separate rooms. Although most people congregate in the main bar with its one table, two benches, a window seat and a chair near the roaring fire. There is no bar as such. Beer is dispensed from 2 handpulls in the corner by a rather old gentleman, who I assumed to be the owner. Taylor Landlord and Golden Best were the two real ales available. Olde English cider was available poured from bottles. Bottles of London Pride were also available. The spirit selection was extremely limited. If you don't want to engage in conversation, don't come here! You will be dragged into the room's single conversation immediately. The room is so cramped that you have little choice. However the locals are extremely friendly and welcome visitors wholeheartedly.The second room was particularly sparse, but did have a few more seats. Long may this pub continue in its present form. Pubs like this are really thin on the ground nowadays. So I just hope that nobody comes along and spoils it. Beware the extremely limited opening hours.
6 Mar 2010 12:23
The Bell at Sapperton, Cirencester
We couldn't visit this pub as it was closed on our Friday afternoon visit. However, we did visit the Daneway about a mile down the road, which was the second best of the 10 pubs we visited in the area. I'll place a review on this one, if it is added to the site.
6 Mar 2010 12:14
The Tunnel House Inn and Barn, Coates
The rutted road leading to this pub makes an interesting approach. The inside is cosy and well decorated. However, we found the drinks prices to be a little expensive. 3 real ales were available - Vale Ale (Severn Vale), SA (Brains) and Old Hooky (Hook Norton), alongside Moles Black Rat cider.
6 Mar 2010 12:08
The Butchers Arms, Oakridge Lynch
We first visited this pub at around 2:40pm on a Friday afternoon, at which point it had closed. After touring around some of the south Cotswold villages, we returned for its 6pm re-opening and enjoyed a good meal in a friendly pub with an all local clientele. Thoroughly enjoyed the pie of the day (Heidi - goat's cheese, sweet potato, garlic, spinach and red onion, served with mashed potato and some lovely minted mushy peas) and the dessert medley - strawberry tower, chocolate brownie and lime sorbet. Apparently I was the first to have tried the medley! Beers were all from the Wadworth range - Henry's IPA, 6X & Old Timer. Cider was Stowford Press. Would happily recommend.
6 Mar 2010 12:03
We thought we were going the wrong way when heading to this village pub. The lanes through the village were getting narrower and narrower. But eventually we found it. The temperature was just warm enough for us to sit in the garden. 3 real ales were available - Otter Bitter, Cottage Reservoir Dogs and Butcombe Bitter. The outdoor toilets had heating! A nice pub in an out-of-the-way location. But I would happily visit again, if I could find it.
6 Mar 2010 11:56
Country pub overlooking a valley with great views from the conservatory. They had a good choice of real ales - Otter Amber, Stroud Tom Long, Nailsworth Alestock and Bath Barnstormer, but no real cider - Stowford Press was the draught option. Parking can be in short supply.
6 Mar 2010 11:47
The Old Lodge, Minchinhampton Common
Well located pub overlooking Minchinhampton Common and the valley below. The interior has been modernised but not ruined. There are several separate drinking areas and a large restaurant to the rear. Doom Bar, Abbot Ale and Butcombe Bitter were the 3 real ales. Moles Black Rat and Stowford Press were the ciders. Significantly better than the current 4.0/10 rating implies.
6 Mar 2010 11:42
It's been a while since I was last in here. The classic interior and the atmosphere are still good but under Nicholsons the beer range has improved markedly. 14 real ales were on - Hydes Berry Good Ale, Brakspear Bitter, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Thwaites Nutty Black, Lancaster Blonde, Sharps Doom Bar, Titanic Iceberg, Brains SA, Deuchars IPA, Ringwood 49er, Slaters Top Totty, Brew Dog Trashy Blonde, Thornbridge Kipling and Purity Pure Ubu. There are 2 or 3 separate drinking areas and a huge circular bar that spreads right around the pub. Handy for Clapham Junction. My only criticism was the lack of a real cider. Wychwood Green Goblin and Aspalls are available in bottles and pumpclips appear to indicate that Westons has been stocked in the past. The gap between visits will be shorter next time!
1 Mar 2010 21:10
The Coppermill Tavern, Walthamstow
Friendly local pub with good service and a nicely decorated interior. One large single bar with a couple of TV screens and tables and chairs around the edge. 4 real ales were served - Fuller's ESB & Pride, Greene King IPA and Mighty Oak Simply The Best. It's a fair way from the tube and didn't look too promising from the outside. But well worth the visit if nearby.
1 Mar 2010 20:59
The usual Wetherspoons recipe with a slight modern hint to the decor. As usual, there's plenty of seating. Service is quick. Glasses were cleared away from tables regularly too. Extremely handy for Highbury & Islington station and a good range of real ales - Rebellion Election Promise, Rebellion Mild, Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot Ale, Lymestone Ein Stein, White Horse Wayland Smithy, Bath Dark Hare, Spinning Dog Top Dog, JW Lees Game On and Purity Pure Ubu. Westons Marcle Hill was the real cider on offer. Unfortunately as with all Wetherspoons, it has no real atmosphere or character.
1 Mar 2010 20:52
Returned on Saturday for the Celtic Festival, one year on from my previous visits. Little has changed. The pub was busy but not too busy, despite the rugby showing on a big screen and the festival itself. Around 40 ales were available for the festival from Cornwall, Scotland and Wales. Breweries represented included Skinners, Brains, Rhymney, Swansea, Purple Moose, Williams, Atlas, Cairngorm, Harviestoun, Inveralmond & Orkney. In addition, there were 5 real ciders, a pyder and a perry from Gwynt y Ddraig. I keep meaning to visit when there isn't a festival on to see how it compares. However for now, my opinion is unchanged. It's certainly one to recommend.
1 Mar 2010 20:16
The Coach and Horses, Isleworth
Young's pub that is bigger than it looks at first site with one bar area around a central bar and another larger area with plenty of tables and chairs. Young's Special & Ordinary plus Well's Bombarider were all available. Seemed to be popular amongst rugby fans who were in to watch the England match.
1 Mar 2010 20:06
Nicely redecorated pub in a good area. Fullers London Pride and Gales Seafarers Are are served. But the place lacked atmosphere on our Monday night visit, with no customers at all until we walked in.
27 Feb 2010 11:33
Yesterday was my second visit to the Malt Shovel, and nothing much has changed except it was a lot fuller than on my last visit, and tables were at a premium (Saturday evening). They had a similar range of ales - Blue Monkey 99 Red Baboons, Salamander Golden, Great Oakley Tailshaker, Wots Occurring, Harpers & Gobble, Brains SA Gold, Newby Wyke Winter Session, Smiles Cloud 9, Church Martyr, Silverstone Chequered Flag, Frog Island Natterjack and Fullers London Pride. Thatchers Cheddar Valley remains the only real cider choice. Quick and friendly service.
21 Feb 2010 12:32
6 Warwickshire beers were on during our short visit yesterday - Best Bitter, Lady Godiva, Golden Bear, Duck Soup, Castle Mild & Kingmaker. As a previous reviewer has said - none warranted a second pint. Nice location overlooking the market square, with a few other pubs nearby. The welcome was friendly and the interior is cosy.
21 Feb 2010 12:26
Back street pub, handy for the station. Draught Bass, Fullers London Pride and Brains Reverend James were all on yesterday. Friendly if unremarkable pub.
21 Feb 2010 12:22
Lively pub in what looked like a really nice village. Unfortunately we only stumbled across this place after dark. Adnams Bitter, Adnams Old Ale and TT Landlord were served. The locals were singing away quite happily to Boy George classics in the bar. So we left them to it and enjoyed a pleasant drink in the dining area. Thaxted looks like it may be a nice place to village during daylight hours. So there's a good chance we'll find ourselves back in this pub one day.
15 Feb 2010 11:00
Finally we found a pub that was open in the area, despite it being Valentine's Day evening! The Red Lion has a very pleasant unspoiled interior with the log fire roaring in the corner. The bar staff and the local clientele were all friendly. The beer range was simple - Greene King IPA and Abbot Ale and it was a shame they did not serve food on a Sunday evening when all other pubs and restaurants nearby were shut.
15 Feb 2010 10:54
The third of four consecutive pubs we found closed last night. So rule this one out if you fancy a drink on a Sunday evening. It's hardly surprising that pubs are closing down at a rapid rate of knots when the only one in miles showing any signs of life (all the internal and external lights were on) is having a lock-in at 7pm in the evening! We weren't the only people trying to get a pint. So I hate to think how much business they are losing. We then continued onto the Dog Inn in Wethersfield, only to find it is now an Indian restaurant. I suspect the George will go the same way soon. I normally reserve judgement on pubs that are closed when I visit, but as we're talking about having a beerintheevening and you simply can't get one on a Sunday evening, I'll score this a 0/10. Maybe I'll be back in this neck of the woods someday to revise my score. But for now, it's about as useless as the closed Indian restaurant in Shalford.
15 Feb 2010 10:46
The second of four consecutive pubs we wanted to visit but found closed (the Green Man in Gosfield was closed for renovation also). If you're looking for a local recommendation, try the King's Head in Gosfield. It's not listed on beerintheevening, and I've lost patience in trying to get new pubs added! But it was a friendly locals pub that had 2 real ales - TT Landlord and Adnams Bitter and also had what looked to be a very interesting menu.
15 Feb 2010 10:36
We didn't have a particularly pleasant experience in this locals pub. I'll start with the positives - it's pleasantly located overlooking the Victorian town of Halstead and I'd imagine it could be fairly nice sat outside in the beer garden in the summer. Strangely of 10 pubs we visited in Essex yesterday, it was the only one dispensing a beer from an Essex brewery - Crouch Vale Hurricane. In addition to this, they also had Green Jack Baltic Trader, Oxfordshire Marshmellow, Adnams Bitter and Adnams Broadside. And now the negatives. On opening the door of the pub, we encountered a pram blocking the way. After a few moments of confusion whereby other babies were moved around in a tetris like fashion, we managed to make progress to the bar. Then came our next obstacle - poodles! Getting to the bar was physically impossible due to the presence of two poodles and their ignorant owner(s). On reaching the bar, I failed to see my usual tipple cider available and enquired as to what ciders they had. Bulmers in bottles was the answer. Ok no thanks, I'll have a soft drink. We then decided to leave the creche and kennel bar behind to find a seat in the next bar. The young men of Halstead were to be found here and they proceeded to engage in a discussion about the size and shape of their genitalia. I'm sure this could be a very interesting discussion to be had amongst male-only company under the influence of copious alcohol. But when you're with your wife on Valentine's Day, it's not so enjoyable. The irony was that they were all aware that we could hear their conversation and kept looking round to see if we were finding it amusing. Needless to say we weren't and we made as swift an exit as we could. On the way out, I happened to notice the Addlestones cider tap. I'm not sure whether this was off or not. But it certainly wasn't offered to me when I had asked. So in summary, if you are thick skinned, can endure immature locals, growling dogs, babies and poor customer service, try coming here to sample the ales. But good luck to you! 3/10.
15 Feb 2010 10:28
A quiet but friendly place on Halstead's main street. Apart from the landlady and the barmaid, there were only 5 of us in the pub on this Sunday afternoon. Two real ales were available - Adnams Bitter and Fullers London Pride. The landlady and barmaid engaged us in conversation and the experience was far more pleasant than the one we had around the corner in the nearby Dog Inn (separate review posted).
15 Feb 2010 10:13
I'd have to second Arpa's comments. This was the best pub we found in Essex yesterday. The separate areas complement each other well. We sat in the area to the right as you enter, where people had gathered to watch the rugby. The view across the rolling fields was nice. The interior has been modernised sympathetically (unlike the Bird in Hand up the road in Earls Colne which had lost most of its character) to produce a comfortable environment in which to enjoy a point. The toilets were clean too. Most importantly, they had a good range of real ales - Twenty 10, Wolf in Sheep's Clothing (both from the Wolf brewery), Humpty Dumpty Ale, Adnams Bitter and Greene King IPA. The cider is Aspalls. Could happily make this my local if I lived around here.
15 Feb 2010 10:09
The Chequers has a great village location. But as usual, successive makeovers have spoilt the character of the pub. The bar area was packed with locals watching the rugby. So we opted for the lounge area which we had to ourselves. The restaurant appeared busy. Cask ales available were all from the Greene King range - IPA, Abbot Ale and Ridleys Old Bob. We much preferred the Old Queen's Head up the road in Aldham, which unfortunately is not listed here.
15 Feb 2010 09:59
I would hesitate to designate this a boozer. It's more of a trendy wine bar/restaurant. Baroosh is in a great central location in the shopping area of Uxbridge. It has always been busy, whenever I have passed. Finally today I ventured in. Beers are all the fizzy keg variety and all drinks are pricey - �4.10 for a bottle of cider, �1.90 for a small soft drink. I definitely prefer the Three Tuns across the street, as it's more of a traditional pub (or boozer).
13 Feb 2010 17:32
A very quiet pub in a nice roadside location. We were the only customers until two other couples appeared. It was so quiet, we could hear the ping of the microwave as their food was being cooked. Two real ales were available - Palmers Copper Ale and St Austell Tribute. Thatchers Gold was the cider. The interior was a bit too modern for my liking. Contrary to the previous reviewer, I found the gents toilets to be the nicest I had visited in any of the 9 previous pubs we had been to (although I have to admit I didn't visit every gents, it was still the best I saw!).
13 Feb 2010 17:28
The Piddle Inn, Piddletrenthide
Correction to my previous post- cider was Cornish Rattler!
13 Feb 2010 17:25
The Piddle Inn, Piddletrenthide
The best of 10 pubs we tried in Dorset yesterday. The food we had was very good. I had a venison bourgignon and my other half had the gammon. Both were good. In fact, it seemed very popular with diners, unlike the European Inn down the road. The pub also had plenty of locals paying an after-work visit, meaning it managed to cater both for drinkers and diners - a recipe that most rural pubs appear to have failed on by catering too heavily for diners. Three real ales were available - Piddle (Dorset Piddle), Abbot Ale (Greene King) and Tribute (St Austell). Cider is Thatchers Gold. Other beers from the local Dorset Piddle brewery are available to take out.
13 Feb 2010 17:23
The Poachers Inn, Piddletrenthide
This is a pub of two halves. The bar area seems to be moreorless original. We sat in what seemed to be a modern extension with modern furniture that seemed to ruin the pub's atmosphere. All 3 real ales were from Cornwall - Sharps Own and Doom Bar & St Austell Tinners. Watch out when exiting the pub. You walk straight out onto the busy A road!
13 Feb 2010 17:18
After touring through some of the wonderful Dorset villages (previous stop was the Fox & Hounds, Cattistock which unfortunately is not listed on here and had 3 Palmers beers alongside Thatchers Traditional cider), the Knapp Inn was a bit of a culture shock, being more of a functional urban local than a quaint village hostelry. Two real ales were on - Theakston Best and Cottage Big Boy. Cider is Taunton Traditional. Plenty of Jack Daniels memorabilia adorn the walls.
13 Feb 2010 17:15
The Greyhound Inn, Sydling St Nicholas
Agree with the previous comments about this pub being more geared to diners than drinkers. Although it did appear to be popular for food. We sat on the stools in the bar area. Three real ales were on offer - Wadworth 6X, Sydling Bitter and an Amber Ale. I'm not sure who brewed the latter two. Nice location. But it's a shame that many village pubs are too reliant on food these days.
13 Feb 2010 17:07
A free house situated at the centre of this nice Dorset village. Make sure to visit the massive chalk giant on the hillside just north of the village to see what the pub is named after. It was very quiet on our Friday lunchtime visit. In fact, we were the only visitors, unlike the Royal Oak across the road which was much more popular. The real ale range was not too inspring - Wadworth Henry's IPA and St Austell Tribute. But the pub was warm and cosy. If I had to choose, I would plump for the Royal Oak. But why not try both?
13 Feb 2010 17:00
Another decent pub in a nice Dorset village. I recommend a walk up to the Abbey nearby. The Royal Oak is a Hall & Woodhouse tied house and seemed to be popular with the senior community. There are plenty of separate drinking areas for privacy. Two real ales were available - Badger and Giant's Tipple. Stowford Press was the cider.
13 Feb 2010 16:56
Of the 10 Dorset pubs we tried yesterday, this was probably the second best. We sat in the inglenook fireplace and enjoyed a swift half whilst most around us were dining. The pub is in an idyllic location. The welcome was friendly. Two real ales were on - Palmers Copper Ale and Sharps Doom Bar. Cider is Stowford Press. The menu looked interesting. But we weren't hungry enough to try anything.
13 Feb 2010 16:53
Paid a visit to here yesterday lunchtime. We were the only people in the pub. Three handpulls dispense Palmers beers. Only 2 were on whilst we were there - Best Bitter and Copper Ale. The Dorset Gold pumpclip was turned round. A nice pub in a nice village. But it seamed to be geared more towards diners than drinkers, with every table featuring condiments. I also got the feeling that it had been spoilt a little by modernisation. A leather sofa blocking the now out-of-use front door seemed a shame. Entrance is now through a side door. A beer garden to the side looks as if it would be nice during the summer.
13 Feb 2010 16:47
Reasonably busy on our visit on Wednesday evening. 5 real ales were on - Ossett Big Red, Keltec Arthur's Ale, Cottage Broadgauge Bitter, Wem Shropshire Stout and Wells Bombardier. The pub is a typical urban local. The barmaid was friendly and chatty.
13 Feb 2010 13:07
Last night was my first visit to the Eagle (it's been on my list for some time!). The pub is well situated off the main Northcote drag and looks as if it must be a really nice place to drink in during the week. However, it's also extremely popular. Whilst the Jack Beard's pub across the street looked empty, the Eagle was packed. In fact, it was too packed for my liking. The reason was probably that the England rugby match had been on the TV. Most of the clientele were wearing rugby tops and some were in a fairly bad state. Mixed in were clearly a number of locals who most likely have the pub to themselves during the week. This included one slightly older gent with a dog, who gradually migrated from the bar to a table in the centre and then to another on the edge (probably his usual table when things are quieter). His dog looked very confused by all the people around him/her. Drinks were from plastic glasses for our first round. 6 beers were on, all apart from the latter from southern microbreweries - Tring Side Pocket For A Toad, Surrey Hills Ranmore Ale, Westerham Summer Perle, Isle of Purbeck IPA, Triple fff Pressed Rat & Warthog and Blue Monkey Evolution. Unfortunately there is no real cider apart from in bottles - Westons Old Rosie and a couple of varieties of Thatchers. Whilst the beer was of good quality and the interior was fairly comfortable, if not a little worn, I did feel it was too packed for my liking. Obviously this is an indication of its popularity and good reputation.
7 Feb 2010 13:36
Gave this pub another try last night, after hearing that they are now stocking real ciders. They do indeed have 3 Millwhites ciders. In addition, 3 real ales were available - Sharps Doom Bar, Vale Best Bitter and Itchen Valley Hampshire Rose. Some of the clientele are a bit questionable. The language is choice. There also seems to be a fair splattering of students from the nearby Brunel University. However, I would definitely now consider coming back. The rating of 4.4/10 is undervaluing it in my opinion.
3 Feb 2010 20:33
The Wheatsheaf and Pigeon, Staines
Average pub in the back streets of Staines. Mainly frequented by locals. They had 4 real ales - Courage Best, Theakston Old Peculier, Sharps Doom Bar and Fullers London Pride. No real ciders.
3 Feb 2010 20:23
Possibly Wigan's best pub. It's always busy on matchdays, being near the train stations and only around 15 minutes from the stadium. The beer range is good - Darkstar Hophead & original, Hydes Original, Allgates Twitter & Bisted and Mild at Heart and Castle Rock Hemlock Bitter were all on and were turning over quite quickly. My only personal gripe is the lack of a real cider.
31 Jan 2010 19:46
Popped in here as the Anderton Arms was shut. Wish I hadn't. The clientele are interesting to say the least. The pub is nothing special. No cask ales. Try the Black Diamond the other side of Ince railway station. The atmosphere was much more pleasant in there. But equally they had no real ales.
31 Jan 2010 19:41
It's difficult to work out how an urban pub that is still closed at 1pm on a Saturday afternoon can attract any trade at all. Apparently this one opens at some point during the day. But nobody around was sure when. This pub is located in a God-foresaken area. Even the local chip shop had run out of chips and all other food by 1pm! I may try this pub again to see if it is open at some time in the future. But for now it gets 0/10.
31 Jan 2010 19:38
Usual Wetherspoons fare in a pub handy for the stations. Service was slow with only 2 staff serving a packed pub. But they did a good job serving people in order. Real ales available were B & T Sod, Woods Special, Orkney Red McGregor, Moorhouses Premier Bitter, George Wright Longboat and Drunken Duck, Greene King Abbot Ale, Courage Directors and Ruddles Best. Westons Marcle Hill cider was also available from the fridge.
31 Jan 2010 19:35
Fairly characterless cocktail bar attracting a mix of French expats and other tourists. The cocktails were ok. But no sign of the Tuesday night discounts advertised. If there was a website 'cocktailinthevening', this could be recommended. Otherwise, try Antares in Palermo or Puerto Madero or Bullers in Recoleta for a beer or two.
31 Jan 2010 18:38
Nice two bar pub overlooking the Dee Estuary with 5 real ales - Holts Bitter, Jennings Sneck Lifter, Taylor Landlord, Wadworth 6X and Peerless Hilbre. As the previous reviewer said, its quite cosy. But there will still a few too many dogs for my liking. Popular with locals and walkers. Watch out for the road leading to the pub. It's heavily potholed.
17 Jan 2010 11:09
This pub looks quite large from the outside, but is much smaller inside. Modern furniture and fittings do nothing to create any kind of atmosphere. One handpull but no real ales.
10 Jan 2010 18:13
Metro Bar and Canteen, Holloway
Characterless bar handy for Holloway Road tube station and the Emirates Stadium. No real ales. Aspalls cider is still available on draught. The gents toilets were absolutely disgusting.
10 Jan 2010 18:10
This pub was fairly quiet yesterday lunchtime considering it isn't too far from the Emirates stadium and it was a matchday. You get the sense that a modern makeover has taken any sort of atmosphere away from the pub. Although the bar itself is original. Didn't try the food and we didn't find the other clientele offensive. Three real ales were available - Harveys Sussex Best, Everards Tiger and Sambrook's Wandle Ale. Cider is from Aspalls.
10 Jan 2010 17:41
We managed to get up the hill (and back down again) to this place last night, despite the icy conditions. The pub itself has a couple of separate rooms, plus a central passageway that is also used by drinkers. In fact, it was very busy last night when compared with the other pubs we visited in Matlock, Matlock Bath and Cromford. The beer range was fairly bog standard - Hydes Jekyll's Gold, Greene King Abbot Ale & St Edmund's Ale, Ruddles Best, Black Sheep Best, Bass and TT Landlord. Talking of bogs, the gents is outside and enough to freeze the knackers off a polar bear. Ladies will enjoy a warmer sensation indoors.
4 Jan 2010 19:16
One of the quietest Wetherspoons I've ever visited. This is the standard open-plan layout with the usual suspects on the pumps - Springhead Fallen Angel, Greene King Abbot Ale, Marstons Pedigree & Burton Bitter and RCH Steaming Santa. Westons Organic and Marcle Hill are available for fellow cider drinkers. No real objections - the place was clean and warm.
4 Jan 2010 19:10
I didn't find too much to recommend about this place. It's well located on the A6, the car park is handy, the staff were friendly enough and the coal fire was welcome on a cold winter's evening. But the place lacked atmosphere as it was very quiet and the beer range was nothing special - Abbot Ale, Old Speckled Hen and Morland Original.
4 Jan 2010 19:08
The County and Station, Matlock
It was disappointing to see this pub closing at 6pm yesterday. Although they did say they would be re-opening later. We were the only customers. Beers were from the Marstons range - Pedigree, Ringwood XXXX Porter & 49er and Jennings Cumberland Ale.
4 Jan 2010 19:03
The Temple Hotel, Matlock Bath
The busiest of 3 places we visited in Matlock Bath. Has nice views over the dale. It also had the best selection of real ales and had plenty of young locals. During our visit, they had Peak Paxton, Bampton Stout & Golden Bud and Howard Town Wrens Nest. I was also informed that they occasionally stock a local real cider or Weston's Old Rosie. Unfortunately they had sold out for my visit. The barman seemed very knowledgeable and it was nice to see some enthusiasm for the trade.
4 Jan 2010 18:55
The Princess Victoria, Matlock Bath
The interior of this pub has been spoilt with a modern makeover. I guess it relies on passing trade in the summer, as there were only a couple of other customers here during our Sunday afternoon visit. No real ales were available as of yesterday. The only real plus is that it has a good central location.
4 Jan 2010 18:51
Was left a little disappointed by this pub. It's got a great location in the centre of the town next to the Cromford Dam and just down from Scarthin books (which itself was interesting). Inside was pleasantly warm compared with the freezing cold temperatures outside. Three real ales were on - Black Sheep Best, Ruddles County and Everards Tiger. But the fridges were fairly bare. Judging by the number of leaflets and posters asking if you wanted the opportunity to buy the pub, I guess the pubco may have put this place up for sale and they were running the stock down. Hopefully this is not the case.
4 Jan 2010 17:33
This is a great looking pub from the outside. The interior is desceptively small with only around 5-6 tables. The landlady was extremely friendly. As were the rest of the staff. We had a couple of the chip butties which went down quite well. Only one real ale was on - Whim Hartington Bitter. Outdoor toilets when it is -4 outside are not ideal!
4 Jan 2010 17:24
This was probably the best of 10 pubs we visited in Derbyshire yesterday. The Batemans beer range is nothing spectacular - GHA, XB and Miss Lapland. But what makes this pub special is the cosy atmosphere inside. The location at the centre of the village is good and during the snow yesterday, it was like a scene from a picture postcard. Parking was a little difficult. Didn't try the food.
4 Jan 2010 17:22
Friendly village local with 5 cask ales during our Sunday lunchtime visit - Church End Fallen Angel, Skinners Betty Stoggs, Bass, TT Landlord and Whim Hartington IPA. Customers are a mixture of walkers and locals.
4 Jan 2010 17:15
Nice pub with plenty of separate drinking/seating areas. We visited in the snow yesterday and some of the lanes nearby were very icy. However the location is excellent and once there, the beer range is also good. In addtion to the Thornbridge Jaipur IPA, they also had a 7.7% Saint Petersburg stout as well as Derby Golden Moment, Whim Hartington Bitter, Bass, TT Landlord and Old Speckled Hen. Cider is Weston's Stowford Press. Whilst we didn't try the food, it certainly smelt good.
4 Jan 2010 17:12
I was reasonably impressed by this pub. In fact, I didn't know it existed until today. Yes it's a bit dingy inside and there's only 2 real ales - London Pride and Black Sheep Best Bitter. But the bar staff are friendly and the atmosphere is fairly pleasant. Weston's Old Rosie is normally served but was off today. However, Addlestones and Aspalls cider were available. Certainly one of the best two I visited today.
1 Jan 2010 23:09
Stopped for a brief half here before it closed this evening (7pm). Unfortunately I never got to finish my drink, as I'd realised I'd left something in the previous pub we had been in. By the time I got back, the glass had gone and the pub was closed! They did have 6 real ales - Greene King IPA & Old Speckled Hen, Youngs Original, London's Reinbeer Ale, Wells Bombardier and Brains Party Popper. But during my brief visit, I saw enough to convince me that I'd rather drink in the Doric Arch or possibly even the Bree Louis than in here.
1 Jan 2010 23:05
There's some slightly questionable characters in here. But it makes for good entertainment. The barman (landlord?) told us off for walking into the one bar as it was "closed". So we returned to the main bar where the pool table is the focus of attention. No real ales available. I doubt I would come back here in a hurry.
1 Jan 2010 22:58
The Lord John Russell, Russell Square
Friendly local pub with 6 real ales on - Holt's Maplemoon, Robinsons Mr Scrooge Humbug Bitter, Deuchars IPA, Wells Bombardier, John Smiths Cask and Wadworth's 6X. The single bar doesn't have too much character. But there's plenty of tables available, to at least give you a fighting chance of a seat for your pint.
1 Jan 2010 22:52
Marquis of Cornwallis, Bloomsbury
Surprisingly I found this the best of 10 pubs I visited today. I remember visiting this pub when it was the Goose and this is a big improvement. Three real ales - London Pride, Tribute and Black Sheep were supplemented by Weston's Old Rosie and Aspall's cider. Mulled wine and cider was also available. Didn't find the clientele too snooty. Would happily return.
1 Jan 2010 22:46
The Friend at Hand, Bloomsbury
Nice enough little pub tucked away just off Russell Square. Three real ales - Youngs Original, Young's London Gold and London's Reinbeer Ale. Big screens show live sport. The pub is dark. But the ambience is fine.
1 Jan 2010 22:40
I was surprised that this modern hotel bar served real ales. But low and behold they had 3 - Greene King IPA, Morland Original and Hardy & Hanson's Rocking Rudolph. Most tables have views over Russell Square through the large windows. There's better places near here. But this is better than I expected when walking in.
1 Jan 2010 22:33
There's nothing offensive about this place. But neither is there anything to recommend it for either. Four real ales on - London's Reinbeer Ale, Greene King Old Speckled Hen, Theakston Old Peculier and Adnam's Broadside. Plenty of people were partaking in the standard pub grub.
1 Jan 2010 22:29
Run of the mill central London pub. There was a very odd smell when we walked in. Moving to the back, the smell dissipated. Not as good as the Museum Tavern, but still had 4 real ales - London's Reinbeer Christmas Ale, Brains Reverend James, Fullers London Pride and Greene King Abbot Ale.
1 Jan 2010 22:23
Comfortable enough little pub opposite the British Museum. Four real ales on during our visit - Brains Party Popper, Theakston Old Peculier, St Austell Tribute and Greene King Old Speckled Hen. Tourists come in one door and go out the other when there is no food on!
1 Jan 2010 22:17
Agree with the previous posters. This is a pretty average city centre boozer with no cask ales. Whilst there is plenty to look at on the walls, the interior is fairly dull. There's far better pubs around.
29 Dec 2009 21:06
Nice Victorian pub in a seemingly bohemian street in Liverpool. A pleasant environment to have a quiet drink or two. Real ales on during my visit were London Pride, TT Landlord, Cains, Broadside and Shepherd Neame Rudolph's Reward. There's plenty of restaurants and cafes on the same street if you fancy something to eat. Alternatively the pub does meal deals itself.
29 Dec 2009 21:03
Came here for lunch yesterday. The food was good - they have an excellent choice of fish. The pub itself is fairly nice. It's quite big with plenty of tables and is clearly orientated towards diners at lunchtime. Beers are from Greene King - IPA, Abbot Ale and Rockin' Rudolph were the 3 cask ales on offer. Nice countryside location handy for Stansted airport.
23 Dec 2009 20:38
Have just returned from a brief visit to this pub, and found it a very nice welcoming place with a country feel. The bar has a number of large bellows and an open fire. The lounge seemed to be for diners. But there were drinkers too. 5 real ales were on - Fullers London Pride, TT Landlord, Harveys Sussex Best, Adnams Bitter and Greene King Abbot Ale. Addlestones cider is served. Yes the prices are a little steep. But I'd be happy if this was my local.
21 Dec 2009 23:05
I think this pub deserves much higher than its current 3.7/10 rating. Yes the interior is small and there's only 1 or 2 tables. But it's well located and on our visit they did have 6 cask ales - Sadlers Snow Monkey, Tom Woods Jolly Snowman, Southport Golden Sands, Youngs Original, Cains Bitter and Draught Bass. Largely frequented by an aging clientele. But they were very amusing to chat with.
21 Dec 2009 16:06
I'd agree that this is a pleasant, comfortable pub. Three real ales were on - Nethergate Azzaparrot, Taylor Landlord and Fuller's London Pride. Nice location. Friendly staff and clientele. Also has a good selection of bottled ciders, including bottles from Thatchers and Wychwood Green Goblin.
21 Dec 2009 16:03
We were left slightly disappointed with this pub. The exterior looks promising. But the interior is a touch dated and the regulars all appeared a little subdued. 3 real ales were available - Traditional Scottish Ales Silver Mist, Cottage Talisman and Rita's Special. None were in particularly good condition.
21 Dec 2009 15:53
Went here for the Brodie's festival last weekend. All Brodie's beers were promised. Most were on - Old Hoppers Brew, Ho Ho Ho, Mild, Piggy Winkle Christmas Tinkle, Special, IPA, Californian, English Best, Red, Orient, Amarilla, Sunshine, Doppel Dunkel Weisen Heisen and Romanov Imperial Stout. The stout at 12.1% was particularly nice! When we asked what ciders were on, the reply was 'half or pint'. We said, 'but which ciders'. She said 'sizes?'. 'No, ciders'. 'Ah, Strongbow'. Marvellous. Neither of the two real ciders listed were available. Despite this and the large number of customers, service was good and efficient and Double Vision cider eventually appeared. The interior is very nice and there are plenty of tables. There's also a big screen for sports fans. A decent East London boozer, to which I would gladly go back.
21 Dec 2009 15:51
We weren't planning to visit this pub, but passing by we spotted the Adnams pumpclips. Broadside, Bitter, Explorer and Yuletide were all on, in addition to Fuller's London Pride. The interior is rather bland and characterless. Sometimes refurbs work. Often, as here, they don't. There's not a lot to dislike about this pub. But there's little to like about it either.
21 Dec 2009 15:42
We stopped by here early last Saturday afternoon and found the pub to be fairly friendly. The interior is kind of modern looking, with some strange furry stuff lining the tables. Pictures of cats were very much in evidence on the walls. In fact one of the beers was in aid of a local cats protection organisation - Nethergate The Itinerant. In addition, there was also Nethergate Suffolk County, St Austell Tribute, Skinners Ginger Tosser and Mighty Oak Oscar Wilde. Ciders were Aspalls, Stowford Press and Gaymers Pear 'Cider'. Despite the previous comments, we didn't find this place too inhospitable and I would most likely return if in the area.
21 Dec 2009 15:36
Welcoming pub located up a side street in Shepperton. We paid a visit last Thursday afternoon and found 4 real ales on - Twickenham Winter Cheer, Hepworth Old Ale, Hop Back Summer Lightning & WJ King Jingle Juice. The ambience is nice and it was quite busy for the time of day. Dogs appear to be welcome. My only nagging complaint was the barmaid's lack of product awareness. When asked what ciders they served, we were only told about the standard fizzy keg and bottled varieties. Luckily, I'd been here before and knew that they usually had a Mr Whitehead's cider on. Sure enough, when the question was asked, she admitted they did have Mr Whitehead's Boxing Dog in the cellar. I'm always disappointed when bar staff fail to mention real ciders and perries, as unless they promote them, they will never catch on. Our visit had followed a Christmas party. So a few of us also fancied shots. When asked for sambuca, the barmaid said we don't sell sambuca, "we're a beer pub". I found this remark quite amusing. However she was surprised when we managed to point out the sambuca bottle behind the bar. The landlord himself seemed a bit more 'switched on'. Nevertheless, I'd still come back to this pub, as it's a comfortable place in which to while away a few hours.
21 Dec 2009 15:28
Seems to be in an industrial area of Greenford, not far from the station. With the big garden and canalside location, this is probably more of a summer pub. But the interior is comfortable with plenty of TV screens showing Sky Sports. Beers are from the Fuller's range - London Pride, ESB and HSB were on last night.
16 Dec 2009 21:23
Little has changed since I reviewed this pub just over one year ago. It's actually Rod and Ray (not Ron and Ray) that provide much of the evening entertainment (watch out for the spitting python). Last night, there were 8 real ales - Greene King IPA, Marlow Rebellion, Black Hole Starry Night, Bartrams Rude Alf The Red Knows Rain Dear, Milk Street Bobbled, Weltons Headless Horseman, Derby Sleighed Again and Brown Cow A Winter's Tale. There are also 3 changing real ciders or perries - Double Vision, Moles Black Rat and Winkleigh Autumn Devon Scrumpy last night. Saxon cider is no longer stocked. There is also a regular draught Belgian beer (St Monon Ambree yesterday), as well as mulled wine and cider at this time of the year. I was glad to see the White Horse in the top 50 recently. But it seems to have dropped down a little over the past few days. My rating remains 10/10 - one of only 3 pubs I gave this score to (the others being the Ship & Mitre, Liverpool and the Square & Compass, Worth Matravers).
14 Dec 2009 19:35
The Moon on the Square, Feltham
We visited here for the first time today. I didn't find anything particularly special about this place. It's just an average Wetherspoons. Directors, Ruddles Best, Loddon Razzle Dazzle, Mauldon's Bah Humbug, Caledonian Escape Claus and Greene King Abbot Ale were the real ales available. Weston's Marcle Hill cider was available from a box in the fridge. Unfortunately, the barman that served us seemed to have very little knowledge of his product range, and why do bar staff persist in trying to serve you a pint every time you ask for a soft drink. Surely they should ask whether you want a large or small before pouring the drink. They must waste a far bit by not asking the question.
13 Dec 2009 19:24
The White Horse, Parsons Green
Probably the best pub in the area and very popular before and after Chelsea games. We visited yesterday and as usual there was a good range of real ales - Thornbridge Raven & Wild Swan, King's Head Bildeston Porter, Harvey's Sussex Bitter, Sussex Dark Mild & Christmas Ale, Wentworth Oatmeal Stout, Adnams Broadside and Fuller's Chiswick and London Porter. Aspalls cider is also served. The pub was packed as usual. But there are plenty of barstaff. One managed to knock a whole pot of mulled wine over, to the bemusement of the others. A decent pub, but take plenty of money with you. The local Sloane Rangers help to push the prices up significantly.
13 Dec 2009 19:10
No longer a traditional boozer, but still a nice welcoming place that seemed to be geared towards diners and families. It's well decorated and the usual Young's range is served - Original, Special and Bombardier in addition to the seasonal Winter Warmer. I enjoyed a rather nice bottle of Swedish Rekorderlig cider. The barmaid was helpful and friendly. The bar manager however appeared very sullen and ignorant. When returning to my bottle and glass to the bar and saying thank you, I got completely blanked. That's customer service for you.
13 Dec 2009 19:00
I'd been in the Railway before, but didn't stop for a drink. This time, we stopped for a swift one. It's a nice enough drinking environment with a few separate drinking areas and the Sunday lunches appeared to be quite popular. Several santas were in the main bar area singing along to tunes played by two guitar players. There were two real ales - Young's Special & Deuchar's IPA. Whilst it's a reasonable pub in its own right, with the Lion Tavern nextdoor and the likes of the Ship & Mitre, Rigby's and the Vernon arms nearby, I'd struggle to recommend it unless you're on a serious crawl.
8 Dec 2009 21:12
The Mad Bishop and Bear, Paddington
As station pubs go, this one is quite good. Despite having travelled through Paddington countless times, I visited this for the first time last weekend. It's detached from the busy concourse and eating areas below and has plenty of tables and seating. Beers are from the Fuller's range plus one guest. The pump clips displayed Discovery, Chiswick, London Pride, ESB, Jack Frost and St Austell Tribute. Although our first two choices were unavailable! As part of our round, we ordered a soft drink. Without being asked whether we wanted a small or a large, the barmaid returned with a pint and copious amounts of ice - not too easy to drink if you were in a rush for a train. Needless to say, we asked for a small one instead. Nevertheless, this place is extremely handy and next time I have a wait at Paddington, I'm likely to pay it a visit. The train arrival/departure boards and the toilets are handy.
8 Dec 2009 21:05
We visited this pub for the first time at the weekend. It's not too far from Paddington station, if you're ever in the area. Has a nice interior and 3 real ales - Greene King IPA, Harvey's Sussex Bitter and a guest beer - Davenport's The Fall on our visit. The bar area at the front has soft lighting and has plenty of things on the walls to keep you occupied. There is also a games room at the back with a pool table and a dart board. There's a nice view down the adjacent mews from the games room window. Cider is Weston's Stowford Press.
8 Dec 2009 20:55
The queuing for the bar here is different. It took around 10 minutes to get served on matchday today. But despite the large number of people in the pub, there was still a decent selection of real ales - Moorhouse's Black Panther, Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot Ale, Adnams Pale Champion, JW Lees Supernova and O'Hanlon's Red Ale. Real ciders and perries were Weston's Marcle Hill Cider & Weston's Farmer Henry's Perry. Typical Wetherspoon's open plan layout.
29 Nov 2009 22:09
Small side street local with two real ales - Marstons Pedigree and Ringwood Huffkin. There's only 3/4 tables in the pub, meaning conversation is king.
29 Nov 2009 22:05
Typical Wetherspoons branch located on the Wembley High Road and close to Wembley Stadium. 5 cask ales are available - Greene King Abbot Ale, Ruddles Best, Marston's Pedigree, Brewster's Decadence and O'Hanlon's Port Stout. Weston's Marcle Hill Cider is available in the fridge. There is plenty of seating as the pub stretches a lot further back than you think. In fact, it's quite a treck to the toilets.
28 Nov 2009 20:48
This pub was very busy on the Friday evening we visited, no doubt with airport workers. Strangely there were more people outside, despite there being a slight November chill. We chose to sit inside. Courage Directors and London Pride were the 2 cask ales available. A few people were availing themselves of the food. A handy pub if you're in the area around the south side of Heathrow Airport. But otherwise, not worth the detour.
26 Nov 2009 19:25
The British Volunteer, Weybridge
We stopped here on Monday night this week. The front of the pub has plenty of windows, making the pub feel very airy. Football was showing on the TV without sound. Jazz music was playing. London Pride, Landlord, Sharp's Doom Bar, Young's Special & Ordinary were the cask ales. Aspall's cider is also served.
26 Nov 2009 19:18
This pub has a really rural feel to it, despite being next to the main road. Of 20 pubs we tried in Cumbria and Durham last weekend, it was marginally beaten into second place by Tweedies Bar in Grasmere (not listed on here). There were several Watermill beers - Collie Wobbles, W'Ruff Night, A Winters Tail, A Bit'Er Ruff, Dogth Vader & Isle of Dogs, in addition to Theakston Old Peculier, Loweswater Grassmoor, Cairngorm Nellie's Monster Mash, Coniston Bluebird, Hawkshead Bitter and Keswick Thirst Run. Despite this, there were still spare handpulls. Cider was Weston's Old Rosie. We ate here, and I would only rate the food as average. As other people have commented, the smell of wet dog is also a little off-putting. I'd definitely come back again as the pub has plenty of character. 8/10 for me, which isn't too bad as I'm generally fairly critical!
26 Nov 2009 17:40
A good selection of beers. But service with a smile wouldn't have gone a miss and if I'd have entered without seeing the outside, I could have quite happily believed this to be a Wetherspoons or a similar characterless chain. Beers available were Thwaites Original, Arundel Autumn Ale, Hawkshead Bitter and Mordue Coffee Porter. But I'd have to say this was the worst of the 3 pubs we tried in Ambleside.
26 Nov 2009 17:30
Had a good selection of real ales - Ennerdale Blonde & Darkest, Jennings Bitter, Yates's Bitter, Coniston Bluebird and Hawkshead Lakeland Gold. We enjoyed watching the camp barman's antics. He was extremely amusing. I had wondered how the pub got its name! But in all seriousness, he was doing a great job. Would visit again if in Ambleside.
26 Nov 2009 17:27
Friendly pub with a good mix of visitors and locals providing banter and conversation. Hartley's XB was available alongside Robinsons Unicorn, Hatters & Dissy Blonde. Slightly off the main drag, but worth seeking out.
26 Nov 2009 17:21
Nice country pub situated just north of Grasmere on the main road north to Keswick. The views from the windows are stunning. Nice welcoming interior with roaring open fire. As I remember, there were 3-4 Jennings ales from handpull. If stopping here, I recommend continuing into Grasmere itself to visit Tweedies Bar in the Dale Lodge Hotel for 7 real ales and a perry. I'll write a review as soon as I can get it added!
26 Nov 2009 17:19
For a Marston's pub, this place has a fairly good range of beers - Marstons Powder Cask, Ringwood Huffkin, Jennings Sneck Lifter, World's Biggest Liar, Cocker Hoop, Bitter & Cumberland Ale & Wychwood Hobgoblin. The interior is pleasant enough and last time I was here, I remember sitting outside on a small patio. This time was too wet and windy.
26 Nov 2009 17:13
This was the best of 3 real ale pubs we visited in Keswick. The only drawback was the service. With only one person serving, we waited 10 minutes on a Sunday lunchtime. However, the cask selection is good - Theakston Old Peculier, Thirst Chestnut, Thirst Celebration & Thirst Run from Keswick & Hawkshead Red and Hawkshead Lakeland Gold.
26 Nov 2009 17:10
The Ancient Unicorn Inn, Bowes
We stayed here for the night last weekend. We did get a fairly strange look each from the locals each time we walked in the bar, but the owners were fairly friendly. Two real ales were available - Fuller's London Pride and Theakston Black Bull. The Bowes Club across the road is also recommended. They had Yorkshire Dales Hit For Six on handpull. I'll request this to be added to beerintheevening. A reasonable place to stay the night, but not really worth the diversion if heading unless heading across the North Pennines.
26 Nov 2009 17:05
We tried this pub after visiting the George & Dragon on East Green (I'll request this to be added). Unlike the George & Dragon, the Bay Horse actually had a good stock of beers and other drinks, unlike the George & Dragon. It also had some customers. Taylor Landlord, Black Sheep Bitter, John Smith's Magnet, Old Speckled Hen and Copper Dragon Best were the beers of choice. Unfortunately the Weston's Old Rosie cider was off. A fairly busy pub with football on the TV and evening meals served.
26 Nov 2009 08:51
Locomotion Number One, Heighington
Unfortunately there was no chance of a suntrap during our visit. We were glad to get inside and out of the rain. The interior feels fairly warm and the locals appeared friendly. The cask beer section was none too overwhelming with Old Speckled Hen and Deuchars IPA. Situated right next to the railway station, if you hadn't guessed.
26 Nov 2009 08:46
The Blacksmith's Arms, Rotherhithe
We visited here a few weeks ago on a weekend lunchtime. The interior is quite welcoming with a large central bar. Only 2 real ales were available - London Pride & HSB. Aspall's cider is available on draught and Thai food is also served. The atmosphere is pleasant. But unless you live in the area, it can be a bit of a trek to get to and does not warrant a regular visit.
26 Nov 2009 08:24
This is the one of the Liverpool pubs I have been looking forward to visiting. The interior is fascinating especially the two bars either side of the serving area, and the bar area itself with plenty of curiosities filling every nook and cranny of space. 5 real ales are available - Frodsham Devil's Garden, Greene King Abbot Ale, Northern Spellbinder, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Station House Splash during my visit. No real ciders. Worth the walk from the city centre.
1 Nov 2009 12:57
Backstreet pub that I'd never come across before. The interior is a throwback to the 1970s and makes a nice change from the standard modern pub look. However, there was nothing else that really stood out with the place. Real ales were Wadworth 6X, Brakspear Oxford Gold & Adnams Bitter and were not in particularly good condition.
1 Nov 2009 12:52
Currently closed and under renovation. It's supposed to be re-opened in the next couple of weeks.
1 Nov 2009 12:46
We visited here on Thursday evening during the dark beer festival. The pub is brighter than the nearby Wenlock and was fairly busy with the after work crowd, plus a fair number of locals and real ale buffs. Available during our visit were Brodies Porter, Brains SA Gold, RCH Steam Bitter, Mighty Oak Oscar Wilde, Darkstar Porter, Moorhouses Black Cat, Fullers London Pride & Art Brew Spanked Monkey IPA. The only drawback for me was the lack of a real cider. Sam Smiths cider is a poor substitute. As one of the better pubs in the City, I'll probably be back. But I still prefer the Wenlock.
1 Nov 2009 12:44
Popped in here on a Tuesday night. Whilst fairly quiet, the interior is reasonably pleasant and the service was friendly. Directors, Bombardier, Tribute and Broadside were the 4 real ales on handpull.
1 Nov 2009 12:40
Sinclairs Oyster Bar, Manchester
We meant to visit the Old Wellington Inn nextdoor, but ended up here instead. It has the usual range of Sam Smiths beers, lagers and ciders and the main bar is fairly pleasant for a quick drink if in the area.
1 Nov 2009 12:38
The Grey Horse Inn, Manchester
Found this to be a far better experience than the Wetherspoons around the corner. Three real ales were on offer from Hydes - Original, Mild and Rocketeer. The landlady and the locals were all very friendly. Nice to see an outdoor toilet.
1 Nov 2009 12:36
Fairly average Wetherspoons that was doing a busy trade on our Sunday morning visit. Ruddles Best, Thwaites Bomber, Greene King Abbot Ale, Moorhouses Witch Hunt, Spitting Feathers Smoked Autumn Ale & Basket Case & Titanic Black Ice were the real ales available. When asking for a Black Ice, the barmaid looked a little confused and said they no longer served it. It was pointed out that one of her colleagues was currently pouring a pint. It turned out she was assuming we wanted a Smirnoff Black Ice. It's nice to know the staff know the products they are selling. Real cider was Weston's Marcle Hill.
1 Nov 2009 12:32
The Bridge Bar, Heathrow Airport
Similar sort of environment to the Tin Goose. Fullers London Pride is the only real ale available. The atmosphere is poor and the prices are high.
24 Oct 2009 16:37
Saturday was my second visit here. The ale selection was ok- Spitting Feathers Thirst Quencher, Beartown Bearskinful, Adnams Bitter, Youngs Original and Deuchars IPA. Meantime LPA and Lees Bitter were pulled through while we were there. Cider was Westons Traditional Scrumpy and Addlestones. The interior of this place is very nice, with plenty of tiling and a nice ceiling in the back room. The separate drinking areas are all very pleasant. Definitely needs to be part of any Liverpool real ale crawl.
19 Oct 2009 17:49
Nice little pub on Dale Street. Six real ales were served - George Wright Dream, Reverend James, Allgates Summer Gold, Boggart Rum Porter, Liverpool Organic Shipwreck Organic IPA and Sandstone Buxom Barmaid. I was disappointed to see the lack of real cider. Although the barman did say they had 2 in the cellar waiting to come on. Instead they were trying to sell the ales that were nearing their best before date. Football is shown on the big screen, as well as a on a couple of smaller TVs. Would give this another go.
19 Oct 2009 17:45
Friendly village local with two real ales from Greene King - IPA & St Edmund's. The bar staff are particularly friendly. Not a pub I'd rush to return back to unless I'm in the area again. But pleasant enough for a quick pint.
11 Oct 2009 13:58
This pub definitely deserves to be in the top 100 in the country. I've always found Bedfordshire to really poor in terms of decent pubs, with its plethora of Wells & Youngs and Greene King pubs. This place despite stocking a few Banks & Taylor ales has many guests in additon and is well worth the visit. Beers on yesterday were Draught Bass, Clarks Westgate Gold & Ram's Revenge, Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted, Brew Dog 77 Lager, Shefford Dark Mild & Bitter, Banks & Taylor Two Brewers Bitter, Derventio Et Tu Brutus, Adnams Bitter and Everards Beacon. There are also 2 real ciders from Westons - 1st Quality and Country Perry in addition to Stowford Press and 7 different bottles from Westons. The interior was very pleasant despite being busy after the Bedford rugby club had just played. Parking is a bit tight.
11 Oct 2009 13:54
A fairly decent airport Wetherspoons, but with prices above normal. Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Hook Norton Old Hooky, Greene King Abbot Ale, Ruddles Best and Marston's Pedigree were the real ales available. Exmoor Gold was 'coming soon'. Marginally better than the Bridge Bar in the same terminal.
3 Oct 2009 20:04
I paid a second visit to the Artillery Arms after yesterday's football match. This is a friendly backstreet local with a good choice of real ales - Bowman Swift One, Palmers Dorset Gold, Ringwood Fortyniner and Oakleaf Pompey Royal. We had a good chat with some of the home supporters and knocked back a few sambucas before catching the train home! We'll probably be back.
27 Sep 2009 17:21
I noticed this one was in the beerintheevening top 20 and thought I'd give it a go on yesterday's visit to Portsmouth. Whilst it wouldn't be anywhere near my top 20 best pubs in the country, it's still worthy of a visit if you're in the Southsea area, especially after a late breakfast in the nearby Mum's Cafe. The exterior has a traditional tiled look. The interior is bright and airy and there are 6 real ales to choose from - Oakleaf Hole Hearted, Irving Tin Fish, Bowman Swift One, Hopback Summer Lightning, St Austell Tribute and Sharps Doom Bar. The guy behind the bar seemed somewhat surprised that the Leopold was one of the best pubs in the country!
27 Sep 2009 17:13
The best of 4 pubs we tried last weekend in Liverpool. Real ales on during our visit were Okells Bitter, Okells IPA, Saltaire Rye Smile, White Horse Village Idiot, Brew Dog 77 Lager and another called Darling Bud. Westons Traditional Scrumpy is available and a Thatchers cider was also listed on a board. But I couldn't see this one. A good choice if you are in this area of Liverpool.
27 Sep 2009 17:06
I guess we were here the same afternoon as RobCamra, as the beers he mentions were on during our visit. The approach to The Lady of Mann through an archway next to Rigby's looks quite promising. But as previous reviewers have said, it's a bit too like a wine bar for my liking. There's plenty of seats and tables and they show football on the TV. The toilets are a bit of a hike downstairs. But the service was friendly. I still preferred Rigbys.
27 Sep 2009 17:01
The Pig and Whistle, Liverpool
There's plenty of better pubs around this area than this one. There was only one customer in on a Sunday afternoon until we walked in. The two real ales - Landlord and London Pride were uninspiring.
27 Sep 2009 16:54
The Ma Boyles Oyster Bar, Liverpool
We visited here last Sunday lunchtime. It was quiet with only two other people at the bar. Two real ales were on - Hanby Golden Honey and Sharps Doom Bar. The former was very cloudy and we were offered a Doom Bar instead. The bar area itself was fine. No sign of the aforementioned scallys. Although they did have the football on the big screens.
27 Sep 2009 16:48
I was surprised to find a pub like this in the middle of the City. It's got a nice partitioned interior and was fairly quiet considering it was a Friday evening. We were the only customers, apart from a group of 3 City workers, one of whom had a very limited vocabulary consisting mainly of different derivatives of the 'f' word. Apparently they'd been there for 5 hours, and he hadn't stopped. So, I'm not surprised the pub was so quiet. Service was friendly and beers available were Courage Best & Adnams Bitter. The Directors and Wadworth 6X had run out.
19 Sep 2009 13:23
The Butcher's Hook and Cleaver, Smithfield
I tried visiting here a few years back on a Saturday lunchtime when it was closed. It appears it only opens on weekdays now. The interior is high-ceilinged and fairly pleasant. Although the music was a little loud and finding a seat away from speakers was a little difficult. Prices were very expensive, with the usual Fullers beers available - Chiswick, Discovery, ESB and Pride, alongside Gales HSB and a cider I hadn't seen before from Symonds, which was frankly horrible. The toilets downstairs were like saunas. It's probably handy if you work locally. But walk a little further and you'll find cheaper and better quality pubs. I doubt I'll be back.
19 Sep 2009 13:18
The Fox and Anchor, Smithfield
Last night was my second visit to this pub. It's certainly improved since my last visit a few years ago. There's an excellent range of real ales - Sharps Honey Spice, Purity Ubu, Adnams Regatta, Harviestoun Schiehallion, Nethergate Old Growler and a Fox & Anchor Ale. Cider was a unique find for London - Draught Hogan's, which whilst fizzy has a pleasant fruity taste far preferable to today's mass produced rubbish. The interior is decorated very nicely. We sat in one of the small snugs at the rear, where most people were eating. The food looked very nice. The only drawback is the large number of stuck up people who obviously don't think anybody not dressed in a suit should be allowed into one of their 'haunts' - this is a pub, not some kind of upper class club! Overall, I enjoyed my visit and I would go as far as to say that I enjoyed this more than some of the more famous pubs we visited last night, such as Ye Olde Mitre and the Jerusalem Tavern. Will definitely return.
19 Sep 2009 13:13
The Jerusalem Tavern, Clerkenwell
Another pub I've been looking forward to visiting for a while. The interior is pleasant. But the lack of seating is a little annoying, especially when nearly everywhere you can stand results in you being in the way of everybody else. We would have gone outside. But the thought of drinking out of a plastic glass was unappealing. The range of St Peter's beers during our visit was Mild, Best Bitter, Organic Best, Golden Ale & Fruit Beer. Aspalls is the cider. Overall, I was a little disappointed, as I had high expectations for this place. But after Ye Olde Mitre, it seems fairly plain. I would definitely come back if in the area, as the place is still quite appealing. But it's not quite worth the hype.
19 Sep 2009 13:02
I noticed this pub has appeared in the 2010 GBG, in addition to it being in the current beerintheevening top 100. So we decided to give it a go. The interior is nothing special, consisting of three separate drinking areas, the first around the bar, the second up a couple of stairs and the third back down a couple of stairs to the rear. We found a seat in the middle section and found it amusing watching people wacking their heads off the low ceilings as they headed up/down the stairs. The beer range was disappointing - only Theakston Old Peculier and Harveys Bitter on during our visit. It appears Landlord and Purity Mad Goose had been on earlier, but there had been no attempt to replace them. Addlestones was the cider. There was no sign of the Westons Traditional Scrumpy previously mentioned. Although Westons Organic was available in bottles. The food looked extremely tempting and the portions were sizeable. Whilst not overly impressed by this place, I would willingly give it a second chance on a future crawl.
19 Sep 2009 12:28
This is one of those great London pubs that I've been wanting to visit for some time. It's a pity it's not open at weekends. I finally got around to visiting here last night. On the approach to the pub, you feel as if you're discovering a lost piece of London for the first time. But as you get nearer, you realise that a few hundred people have already discovered it before you! The interior and exterior drinking areas are traditional and atmospheric. We managed to grab a table in the front bar, by luck. Real ales on during our visit were London Pride, Gales Seafarers, Discovery, Deuchars IPA, Adnams Broadside and Orkney Dark Island. The landlord has a very dry sense of humour and educated us on our pronunciation of Deuchars! My only real criticism was the lack of a real cider. Obviously the Fullers takeover has meant that the Thatchers has been disposed of. Strongbow is the only draught choice. Despite this, I would still visit again. The atmosphere was friendly with a mixture of regulars and City folk.
19 Sep 2009 12:16
This place was busy on a Friday evening. But we eventually managed to get a couple of stools near the tiled area. There's a good choice of real ales - Redcar Bitter, Elland Yorkshireman & Andromeda, Youngs Original, Whistable Bay Pearl of Kent and Williams 80 Shillings. At least two of these had finished by the time we left and there were no signs of a replacement. But I guess this is unsurprising, as it's most likely closed over weekends. The cider is Addlestones. On a visit to the toilet, I wondered where the guy in front of me had disappeared to - the earlier 'secret toilet' remark now makes sense!
19 Sep 2009 11:52
We visited here on a Friday evening. There were more people spilling onto the pavements outside than were inside, meaning we got served straight away and it wasn't too difficult to find a table. The interior is a little dark but none too unpleasant. The clientele was mainly city types, as you would expect. The beer range was all Fullers - Pride, Chiswick, ESB and Discovery. Handy enough for Chancery Lane tube. But as previous reviewers have said, if you're happy enough to walk that little bit further, you'll find better pubs with better beers.
19 Sep 2009 11:29
Large pub outside of the centre of Putney. It was extremely quiet in here on my Sunday lunchtime visit. Young's Bitter, Special, Kew Gold and Wells Bombardier were the 4 real ales on handpull. Snacks were provided on the bar. Decorated nicely enough, it's devoid of any atmosphere during the day. I imagine this changes in the evening, for the live music sessions.
14 Sep 2009 21:09
A pleasant local pub in an old mining town. The meals were all good portions. The three St Austell Ales were Tribute, IPA and Dartmoor Best. Ciders were Cornish Rattler and Pear Rattler. A live band was due to play later in the evening.
7 Sep 2009 20:37
Not as nice as some of the other Cornish village pubs we tried. We were greeted by a burning smell as we entered. So we decided not to eat here. The 3 real ales were all from St Austell - Tribute, Tinners and HSD. There was nothing in particular we disliked about this pub. But neither was there anything to make it stand out.
7 Sep 2009 20:35
We enjoyed a good meal here before our long drive back to London. The pub is in a great village setting and it has a well near the entrance from the car park. There's plenty of tables available for drinkers and diners alike. Even though it was busy, we could still eat on a Sunday evening. Skinners Spriggan Ale, Heligan Honey and Betty Stogs were on alongside Sharps Doom Bar.
7 Sep 2009 20:32
We had a disappointing visit here. None of the three handpulls were working and the choice of other beers was poor. �1.25 for a bottle and a soft drink seemed like extremely good value. We queried it and the barmaid insisted it was correct. She came back around the corner and had to apologise - it should have been �3. She later dropped a bottle of Jack Daniels from an optic. I'm not sure how a pub can make any money operating like this, especially with the landlady drinking the profits. Try the Globe down the road instead.
7 Sep 2009 20:28
Nice pub situated near the medieval river bridge and Lostiwthiel station. The three real ales were Greene King Abbot Ale, Sharps Doom Bar and Skinners Betty Stogs. The cider was also from Sharps. Loved the tadpoles!
7 Sep 2009 20:24
Country pub in a lovely village setting on the edge of Bodmin Moor. There's plenty of tables and seating for everybody. 4 real ales were available - Penpoint St Nonna'a, Theakston Best, Otter Ale and Sharps Doom Bar.
7 Sep 2009 20:21
This pub is in a great location, but the interior has been spoilt by the modern furniture. Sharps Own and Doom Bar were the two real ales available. The pub is opposite an open air theatre.
7 Sep 2009 20:17
Great pub with plenty railway memorabilia on the wall (there is a nearby station in Gunnislake) and a resident cat. The locals are very friendly. The three real ales available were Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Sharps Doom Bar and Courage Best. A traditional boozer.
7 Sep 2009 20:12
The food here was excellent on our Saturday evening visit. The pub is located in a quaint village opposite a thatched cottage. The cottage must be a great place to live, with such a nice pub just across the road. Sharps Special and Doom Bar were the only two real ales available. Addlestones was the cider. Probably the best of the 21 Devon and Cornwall pubs we tried this weekend.
7 Sep 2009 20:03
A nice pub which was pretty quiet on the Saturday evening we visited. We'd tried calling earlier in the day, but found it closed. The landlord and landlady were friendly and we had a good conversation with them. Clearwater Olivers Nectar and Fullers London Pride were the two real ales available. There's excellent views from the rear of the building acrossing rolling countryside.
7 Sep 2009 20:00
The Clinton Arms, Frithelstock
Good country pub with locals propping up the bar engaging in small talk about how men can breast feed! The location in this small village is superb. Although, I'd imagine it could be a bit windswept in winter. 3 real ales were available at the bar - St Austell Tribute, Clearwater Cavalier and St Austell Dartmoor Best, in addition to 2 left over from a recent beer festival - Otter Bright and Jollyboat Plunder. Sams Medium cider was also available. Well worth a visit.
7 Sep 2009 19:56
Nice old pub overlooking the harbour in Bideford. Sharps Doom Bar, Adnams Broadside, Youngs Bitter, Exmoor Ale and Jollyboat Grenville's Reknown were all on handpull. The cider was Thatchers Premium. A much more pleasant experience than the Appledore Inn.
7 Sep 2009 19:51
A fairly small town pub with a very basic interior and smelly toilets. It was busy in advance of the Bideford Carnival. Three real ales were available - Jollyboat Freeboater, Country Life Old Appledore Ale and Bays Gold. The cider was Olde English.
7 Sep 2009 19:47
Located in a back street off the main drag. The interior is a bit dull. The characters inside are less so. Country Life Golden Pig was the only real ale. No sign of the Sams Cider - only Thatchers Gold. A bit of a locals pub. But none the worse for it.
7 Sep 2009 19:38
The location of this pub is excellent, with a good view over the water. Parking is extremely difficult on this narrow street. But it makes the approach to the pub all the better. The service was none too attentive. After ordering a half pint, the barmaid decided to start pouring a pint whilst chatting to her fellow barmaid. We only managed to get her attention at the third time of asking. The three real ales were Sharps Own & Doom Bar and Teignworthy Neap Tide. Sams Poundhouse cider is also served, alongside Cornish Rattler & Pear Rattler. Atmospheric pub spoilt by the service. Perhaps we caught them at an off moment.
7 Sep 2009 19:35
The Lord John Russell, St Neots
Backstreet local with a few real ales - Batemans XB, GHA and Wold Top A4 Amber. They also have a real cider - Westons Traditional Scrumpy during our visit. A welcome late substitution for the closed Chequers at Eynesbury!
2 Sep 2009 21:28
We tried to visit here this August Bank Holiday Monday and found the pub closed on the evening. Opening times appear to be extremely limited. I don't believe it had been open all day. I find this hard to believe, when all the other pubs in nearby St Neots were doing a roaring trade. We'll make a return visit here some time in the future. Hopefully we'll be luckier.
2 Sep 2009 21:27
This is most definitely described as a community pub. It was extremely busy on our bank holiday visit, with loud music and plenty of kids attracted by the bouncy castle and loud music. Everybody seemed to know everybody else. Unfortunately the barmaids were serving their friends first, leaving us waiting for quite a while at the bar. Greene King IPA and Abbot Ale were the only real ales available. The bar itself was actually quite a pleasant place to relax a while.
2 Sep 2009 21:23
This pub has a great location overlooking canal moorings and we were two of many people enjoying the bank holiday sunshine. The range of beers was also impressive - Potton The Village Bike, Elgoods Feelgood Fresh, Greene King IPA & St Edmunds & Adnams Broadside. However despite being a freehouse this place does have a bit of a commercial feel. There were plenty of families and dogs and seemingly very few locals. I would imagine the pub makes most of its trade out of meals. I think a return visit in the winter, when I suspect the summer revellers are absent, would paint a more accurate picture.
2 Sep 2009 21:20
I forgot to mention the range (or lack) of ales present - Wells Eagle, Youngs Bitter and Courage Directors.
2 Sep 2009 21:16
This pub has a great location overlooking Eltisley village green. But the superlatives end here. The pub has been modernised and effectively spoilt. The welcome we received was frosty and we were immediately told that we would only be served one drink as they were closing (just before 4pm on a Bank Holiday Monday). The impression we got was that they were doing us a favour by serving us a few minutes before closing. I wonder how pubs like this continue to survive. Being closed for one day of the week and only partially open the rest of the time would not be pleasing for locals. The interior smelt of horses.
2 Sep 2009 21:15
A quiet pub on a main road, all the better for a bank holiday beer festival they were holding. Cottage Hot Dog & Wheel Tapper's Ale, St Austell Tinners, Oakham Inferno & JHB, Adnams Bitter, Jennings Cragrat & Cumberland Ale, Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Woodfordes Wherry and Black Sheep Bitter were the festival beers. Thatchers Heritage cider was also available. The interior was very comfortable and we had a very friendly welcome.
2 Sep 2009 21:10
A great example of a rural pub and the best of 10 pubs we visited in Cambridgeshire last bank holiday Monday. The interior is fairly plain, without all the embellishments that come with more modern pubs. Entering the pub is like stepping back in time. I doubt the interior has changed very much for over a century, and I imagine the locals are very similar. The reception was friendly and we were soon engaged in conversation. The landlord brews the Son of Sid beers. Son of Cirrus was the current ale available, alongside Woodfordes Wherry and Darkstar American Pale Ale. The Ouse Valley cider was an unexpected bonus for me. The toilets did smell a little. But long may pubs like this continue to survive and prosper.
2 Sep 2009 21:07
A nice rural Cambridgeshire Greene King pub with plenty of cock memorabilia in the bar! Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale and LBW were the 3 real ales available. Fairly pricey.
2 Sep 2009 21:02
The Pig And Abbot, Abington Piggots
The third best pub (of 10) we visited in Cambridgeshire this bank holiday Monday. A rural roadside pub with a nice interior and fairly friendly locals. 4 real ales were available - Elgood's Cambridge Bitter, Everards Tiger, Adnams Bitter and Fullers London Pride, alongside Aspalls cider.
2 Sep 2009 21:00
The Waggon and Horses, Steeple Morden
Greene King pub in a picturesque South Cambridgeshire village. IPA, XX Mild and Old Speckled Hen were served. Was fairly quiet on our visit.
2 Sep 2009 20:56
A good place to visit, if ever you are in Prague. You can buy the sampler selection of 8 beers before purchasing a larger drink. Our 8 were light, dark, wheat, banana, sour cherry, nettle, coffee and the beer of the month - blueberry. The blueberry was the best. Others amongst the group tried a champagne beer which was also very good. The food and service was fine. Well worth seeking out.
29 Aug 2009 11:39
Crown Rivers, Heathrow Airport
As you would expect from an airport bar, this Wetherspoon's has very little atmosphere. It's airside amongst the shopping centre that is Terminal 5. It does have its own beer - Crown Rivers Bitter, alongside Marston's Pedigree, Shepherd Neame Spitfire and Greene King Abbot Ale.
29 Aug 2009 11:34
A more traditional pub in the midst of lots more modern and youngsters' pubs alongside the harbour. Music was played at a reasonable level and the old guys and girls standing near the bar decided to turn the area into a makeshift dancefloor, obviously well fuelled on the Okell's Bitter or Mild!
29 Aug 2009 11:32
This was a fairly bright place. But it was a bit too busy and noisy on a Saturday night for our liking. Okells Bitter was the only real ale available. I probably wouldn't choose to visit this place again.
29 Aug 2009 11:29
A strange but busy place with a mixture of young and old. The youngsters were obviously out on a crawl and the girls in particular were wearing very little! A nice place, if not a little too loud and boisterous. Okell's Bitter and Marston's Pedigree were the 2 real ales. Aspall's was the cider.
29 Aug 2009 11:27
4 real ales were available in this pub - Bushy's Bitter, Hartley's XB, Everards Tiger and Draught Bass. The interior was quite pleasant and it was fairly busy. The walls are lined with photographs and other paraphernalia, which gives you plenty to look at.
29 Aug 2009 11:24
This pub had a great location alongside the tramlines and not far from the Laxey Wheel. The bar itself is made out of an old tram carriage. The locals looked at us a bit oddly. But I felt reasonably comfortable here, and this was probably the best pub we visited on the island. 4 real ales were available - Okell's Bitter, Mild and Red, alongside Saltaire Blonde.
29 Aug 2009 11:21
A quiet windswept place that has a little bit of charcter about it. One real ale was available - Holt's Bitter. Stowford Press cider was also sold. The menu looked interesting.
29 Aug 2009 11:19
This could probably be quite a nice pub, well located on a street corner overlooking the harbour. However no real ales were on during our visit and the gents toilets smelt absolutely disgusting. The worst of 4 pubs we visited in Ramsey.
29 Aug 2009 11:16
This place has a great view of the harbour from the upstairs bar. We enjoyed watching the 'interesting' characters strolling in and out. Bushy's Bitter, Okell's Bitter and Okell's Red were served.
29 Aug 2009 11:14
Probably the best pub we visited in Ramsey. It was also the busiest. 3 real ales were served - Okell's Bitter, Phoenix Arizona and Moorhouse's Black Cat. Nice location overlooking the harbour.
29 Aug 2009 11:11
This pub appears to have been recently refurbished. We sat in the lounge at the rear, which was fairly comfortable. Real ales were from Okell's - Bitter, Mild and Red. Located on a corner of the TT circuit.
29 Aug 2009 11:09
Locals pub on a main road to the north of the island. Two Moorhouses Premier Bitter and Black Cat were available, alongside Hook Norton Hooky Gold and Okell's Bitter. Would visit again if in the area.
29 Aug 2009 11:06
Nice rural pub on the north of the island. The interior is a mixture of old furnishings and pictures of motor cyclists. 3 real ales were available on handpull - Bushy's Bitter, Okell's Bitter and Dunlop Draught. Weston's Stowford Press was also available. We sampled the food. The Hawaiian Toast was interesting and we were asked if we wanted chips with our chip butty! A nice enough place.
29 Aug 2009 11:03
We were disappointed by this one. Four real ales were on offer - Potbelly Black Sun, Ringwood Boomdoggle, Wychwood Hobgoblin and Greene King IPA. Service was extremely friendly, but the place was practically empty and lacked any kind of atmosphere. The interior was poorly decorated and more akin to a nightclub. I doubt we'd come here again. The George is a better option.
20 Aug 2009 21:03
The Everyman Bistro, Liverpool
I found the Everyman a bit dull and uninspiring. It did have 3 real ales on - Betwixt Storr (actually a lager), Landlord and Cain's Bitter, in addition to a real cider - Weston's Traditional Scrumpy. There was also plenty of seating. But the fact it is downstairs means there is no natural light and the surroundings are fairly boring. Given the proximity of The Philharmonic, I doubt we'll be visting here too often in the future.
16 Aug 2009 15:26
A better pub than its 3/10 rating suggests. We visited here unintentionally as The Blackbird was closed late on a Friday evening. Saw 5 real ales. Although there was possibly a 6th - Morrissey & Fox Proud of Pubs, Fullers Summer Ale, Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale and Landlord. It was a bit rowdy with the late night crowd (it appears to serve until midnight on Friday's). Many of the clientele were tourists. The Polish bar staff were very slow and were hampered by the language barrier. Handy for Earl's Court tube.
16 Aug 2009 15:20
Pub that has obviously received a makeover that has completely spoiled it. Two real ales were available - London Pride and Spitfire. But this was a really bland and expensive pub that deoesn't deserve any custom.
16 Aug 2009 15:11
This one's not too far off the King's Road and attracts plenty of the local hoorahs who were in fine form on our Friday evening visit. After fighting our way to the bar, we discovered 3 cask beers from the Youngs range - Bitter, Special and Kew Gold and to my surprise, draught Addlestone's cider. Unfortunately this was the only bright spot to our visit. The atmosphere was a little too rowdy. Some of the pictures and decorations on the wall were intriguing. But the makeover of this pub has most likely taken away any charater it once had.
16 Aug 2009 14:59
Extremely pleasant backstreet pub at the southern fringe of Belgravia. It's a Youngs pub and it's pricey. But the interior is traditional and atmospheric. The clientele appears to be mainly locals. No sign of a guest beer on our visit - Young's Bitter, Special, Kew Gold and Bombardier occupied the 4 handpulls.
16 Aug 2009 14:55
Fullers pub serving London Pride, ESB, Discovery and Chiswick Bitter. On our Friday evening visit, the downstairs bar was full. So we opted for the upstairs bar, as we were planning to eat. We were the only people in here until a couple of American visitors appeared shortly before we left. Needless to say the upstairs was short of atmosphere. The menu with microwaved food failed to appeal. If you can get a seat in the main bar downstairs, this could be a nice enough place to spend a few hours. Although expect to go home with an empty wallet. The prices in this area are far too high.
16 Aug 2009 14:52
It was fairly quiet in here on our visit late last night. Only the Zimbabwean landlord and 3 regulars were in. Three real ales were on offer - Greene King IPA, Hobgoblin and Brakspear Oxford Gold. The pub has a fairly traditional interior and you get the feeling that other than the owners, the pub has changed very little over the past 20-30 years. I'm sure that the locals of 20-30 years ago would have engaged in similar keen conversations about subjects such as tobacco - the content of the conversation was fascinating. But 45 minutes discussing nothing but tobacco takes some doing! Would come back here again.
12 Aug 2009 20:54
The Full Moon, Hawridge Common
Received a friendly welcome in this country pub. The interior was very pleasant. The clientele were a good mix of young and old. 5 real ales were available - Taylor Landlord, Young's Bitter, Draught Bass, Adnams Bitter and Butcombe Bitter. Not the best pub we visited last night, but certainly in the top 3.
12 Aug 2009 20:48
One of plenty of similar country pubs in what is a really nice area for a summer evening's tour. 3 real ales were available - St Austell Tinners, Rebellion Blonde and Well's Bombardier. Unfortunately the pub's entry in the last Good Cider Guide is now out-of-date. No real cider available here.
12 Aug 2009 20:42
This pub has a really nice village location in an older part of town and is surrounded by a large stream. The interior has been kept in a nice condition, without the makeover that tends to spoil most old pubs. The only drawback is that the pub is a Fuller's pub. But alongside the London Pride, ESB and Chiswick Bitter, they did also have one guest beer - Brakspear Bitter. The pub also serves Thai food. I felt quite comfortable here.
12 Aug 2009 20:39
Fullers pub that had a mainly local clientele. The lounge is akin to somebody's living room with sofas spread around low tables and a fair amount of junk scattered in the corners! However, the welcome was pleasant, especially from the resident dog (Dexter) who will slobber all over you and continually pester you to play with his toys. London Pride and Gale's Seafarers Ale were the two real ales.
12 Aug 2009 20:35
Great little village pub overlooking the cricket pitch. Perfect for summer evenings. We visited here yesterday and also had a meal, which was well cooked and well presented. There's also 5 handpumps with only 4 in use on our visit - Hook Norton Summer Haze, Adnams Bitter, Brakspear Bitter and Taylor Landlord. Addlestones cider is also available. Marginally best of the 10 pubs we visited yesterday.
12 Aug 2009 20:28
A better pub than the King's Head down the road. The pub looked very welcoming with plenty of hanging baskets on the exterior. Bombardier and London Pride were the two real ales on offer. Addlestones cider was also served.
12 Aug 2009 20:24
The Kings Bar & Bistro, Amersham
This was clearly a nice pub with plenty of character at one time. But most of the character has now gone. Modern looking furniture and pictures really don't suit this olde worlde building. Two real ales were available - London Pride and Yellow Hammer Devon's Golden Ale.
12 Aug 2009 20:21
Situated at the far northern end of the Promenade, the interior of this pub is reminiscent of a Wetherspoons with its open plan interior and noisy drinking environment. It's a Sam Smith's pub with Old Brewery Bitter available on handpull. The place was quite busy with only one person serving. She was doing a miraculous job considering the number of people who were waiting. She'd clocked the order of everybody arriving at the bar and served them in the correct order or 2 at a time. This is definitely the sign of a good barperson. Needless to say she was unable to collect glasses. As a result the place was looking very untidy. The landlord/landlady obviously don't care too much for retaining customers.
6 Aug 2009 20:58
I would guess this pub has gone down rapidly since its Good Beer Guide entry a few years back. The barmaid seemed to be struggling when asked what ciders she had available. Luckily I realised that the Pedigree and Hobgoblin she was pointing at was not in fact cider at all! However at �1.50 a pint, the real ales represented good value. We took a seat on some bench type seating that clearly needed a refurbish. The pool table was about the only thing that was new. Don't think I'd head back here in a hurry.
6 Aug 2009 20:53
We stumbled across this one whilst taking a look at the medieval buildings in Spon Street, of which the Old Windmill is one. The interior is impressive, with separate small and distinct drinking areas. Cask real ales on offer were Cottage Silly Mid Whippet, Taylor Landlord, Old Speckled Hen, Hobgoblin, Sharps Doombar and Everards Beacon and Sunchaser. In addition, they had Westons Old Rosie cider. I'd definitely return here again.
6 Aug 2009 20:50
I want to like this place. But each time I go, I'm disappointed. The real ale range is second to none. Last Saturday afternoon they had Sambrook's Wandle, Nethergate Suffolk County Bitter & Umbel Ale, Green Jack Canary Pale Ale, Black Dog & Golden Newt, Thwaites Original & Lancaster Bomber, Wem All Seasons Ale, Red Squirrel White Mountain AIPA and Fat Cat Honey Ale. In addition they now have several draught ciders - Gwatkin Norman Cider & Perry, Gwynt y Ddraig Draught, Thatchers, Westons Scrumpy, GWR, Vintage Organic and Old Rosie. The cider and perry I had were in extremely poor condition. I think they may have too many ciders on for the demand, meaning they're left out for far too long. I've never particularly enjoyed the atmosphere here and the toilets are never very inspiring. As a pub close to Euston station, of which I'm a regular user, it serves its purpose admirably. Although I prefer The Head of Steam (Doric Arch).
6 Aug 2009 20:43
Pub attached to the Royal National Hotel with little or no atmosphere. It's a useful drinking venue if you're at the hotel, but generally poor on choice and quality. Greene King IPA and Abbot Ale were available during our visit. But the latter was clearly not right. I'd have no reason to stop by here again unless having some kind of business with the hotel.
6 Aug 2009 20:17
The Knights Templar, Chancery Lane
Nice building. But a bit too big to create any sort of atmosphere on the Saturday lunchtime we visited. At least it was open, unlike many other pubs in the area. Cask ales available were Cottage Smooth Hound, Welton's Rip Tide, Ruddles Best, Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale and Hydes Golden Find. They also had 2 real ciders - Vintage Organic and Old Rosie from Westons.
6 Aug 2009 20:14
I like the Thai food served in this pub, and it's always convenient for the airport. The pub itself has a comfortable interior. It's nothing special, but it's probably the pick of the bunch in Colnbrook, now they've ruined the interior of the Ostrich. London Pride is the only real ale available.
30 Jul 2009 17:44
Golden Cross Heathrow, Colnbrook
Modern looking interior. Fairly busy with the after-work crowd from the airport area. Two handpulls, but both were off. I was suspecting the worse, from the reviews and have heard stories of other people who have been here and been attacked by one of the St Bernards. Average or slightly below.
30 Jul 2009 17:39
I was quite impressed by this pub. Real ales were from the local Palmers brewery. We enjoyed two large meals from the specials board and the place was quite busy for a Sunday evening with a mixture of tourists and locals. We got talking to a few, including the landlord and landlady of another local pub who were also eating. The Taunton cider washed my duck down very well indeed.
28 Jul 2009 21:13
This one's definitely more of an eatery than a pub. The atmosphere was more of a chain pub for families. Having said that, they did have 2 real ales on handpull - Brains Reverend James and Dorset Weymouth JD 1742. The in-laws had a cheap 2 for 1 meal, which was not high on quality. Wouldn't return unless everywhere else closed down.
28 Jul 2009 21:09
Great old pub just far enough away from the beach and harbour to ensure the bucket and spade brigade cannot find it! The interior is small, dark and atmospheric with small tables and cramped seating - ideal for conversation. There were 5 real ales - 4 from Ringwood - Best, Boomwoggle, 49er and Old Thumper in addition to Jennings Cocker Hoop. The real cider is Thatchers Cheddar Valley. The only real down point for me was the barmaid. I found her quite surly and not overly communicative. Certainly worth the walk out of the town centre.
28 Jul 2009 21:05
The Happy Man, Englefield Green
We visited here on a Saturday afternoon. The interior has a lovely array of separate small drinking areas. At the rear, there is a small patioed beer garden. The barman was extremely knowledgeable about his beer. There were 4 real ales - Hopback Summer Lightning, Hammerpot White Wing, Downton Honey Blonde and Hepworth Summer. There were also 2 real ciders from Westons - Scrumpy and Herefordshire Perry. I could have quite happily stayed here all day. An 8/10 from me. Whilst a very good pub, I'm not sure it deserves number 2 in the country. But it would certainly be in my top 50.
28 Jul 2009 21:00
This pub was quite busy on a Friday evening with a mixed, although mainly young, clientele. As such it was fairly noisy, but not too unpleasant. Outdoor seating also appeared to be popular. Real ales were all fairly standard - Abbot Ale, Bombardier, Brakspear Bitter, Pedigree and Hogsback Summer Ale. The plus point for me was the Westons Old Rosie on draught. I'd probably return if ever in Egham town centre.
28 Jul 2009 20:55
Thought this was a nice little local pub on the road out of Staines. The main bar area seems to have been refurbished without spoiling the character of the pub. There were 4 handpulls, but only 2 beers on - Hogsback HBB and Waylands Blonde Belle. I would probably return if passing.
28 Jul 2009 20:52
Trendy bar in a fake olde world building with an outside terrace overlooking a soulless 'piazza'. Certainly not my ideal choice for a beer in the evening. There's better pubs in Uxbridge, but they're not much better.
28 Jul 2009 20:49
Was here last night for a quick drink before seeing a show. It's a great location, tucked away in an alleyway at the edge of the Temple. But the interior is pretty characterless. This was our second visit here, following a winter visit a few years ago. It was much busier this time around. Has a mixture of tourists and local workers. The real ale selection was not too original - London Pride, Greene King IPA, Bombardier & Adnam's Broadside. I wouldn't venture back here in a hurry - there's plenty of other local places I prefer - Edgar Wallace, Seven Stars, Old Cheshire Cheese etc.
22 Jul 2009 20:42
I've passed here on the Uxbridge Road many a time, without even noticing this pub. We decided to pop in today based on the beerintheevening score. It's quite a large pub with two separate drinking areas and a large central bar. Fullers London Pride is the only real ale. However the pub does not warrant a 7/10 rating. I'll plump for a 3 and am possibly being generous. There is very little seating available. Most of the bar area we sat in was devoted to a games area with a darts board and a pool table taking up all the space. Bar stools had obviouslly been re-upholstered to a very poor standard and the rest of the decoration was dated. The glasses we had both had lipstick marks. Very much a locals pub.
19 Jul 2009 17:59
This was much the better of the two pubs I visited in Rochdale this weekend. I could quite happily have spent all afternoon in the bar, which was a pleasant relaxed environment. Pleasantly furnished with wooden floors. There were 5 real ales from lesser known breweries on during our visit. Two were from Phoenix - West Coast IPA & Tennis Elbow. The other 3 were Mallinsons Leg Before, Brewers Choice Red Eye and Coastal Morning Mist. The only negative points for me were the lack of a real cider - although Henneys was available in bottle, and the lack of car parking. We parked in the Lidl car park opposite which is free for 2 hours. I would definitely return here if ever in Rochdale again.
19 Jul 2009 17:50
Nice pub on the main road north out of Rochdale. It only has street parking. There were 5 real ales on during our visit - Taylor Best & Landlord, Black Sheep Bitter, Lees Bitter and Old Speckled Hen. We sat in the room to the right as you walk in, and it reminded me of the Ainsworth Arms in Bolton with bell pushes lining the walls. Most other customers were eating. But it was quite a pleasant place for a quick drink.
19 Jul 2009 17:40
I remembered this place as an absolute dive. But then I saw it in the beerintheevening top 100. So I gave it another go. It's still an absolute dive. Service was poor, there were only 2 tables to sit around and several of the windows were smashed. VH1 Classic was playing on a TV at the same time as a jukebox and a live singer was warming up. The only person enjoying this cacophany of noise was the drunken girl at the bar who was waving her arms around in a rather manic fashion. London Pride was available on handpump. But I don't think I'd drink here again, even if it was the only pub around for hundreds of miles. Poor.
17 Jul 2009 22:15
The Sekforde Arms, Clerkenwell
Yesterday was my second visit to the Sekforde and my overall impression remains unchanged. The interior is a bit dated now and could do with a spruce up. Whilst I wouldn't want it changed dramatically, it could do with a lick of paint. Beers are the standard Young's offering - Bitter, Special and Bombardier. The clientele is as dated as the pub, albeit friendly.
12 Jul 2009 12:09
The Old China Hand, Clerkenwell
Doesn't look much like a pub from the outside, which is probably the reason why there were only 2 other customers except for ourselves. The interior has a modern feel and it serves a kind of oriental tapas for diners. There are two real ales available - O'Hanlons Goldblade and Sambrook's Wandle during our visit yesterday. They also sell Luscombe Organic cider. We sat at the rear on some wicker like seats underneath a skylight. No longer a traditional pub. But a fairly pleasant experience nonetheless.
12 Jul 2009 12:05
The Shakespeare's Head, Islington
This place definitely has the feel of a pub trapped in a 1970s timewharp. As a previous reviewer states, Courage Best and Directors are the only real ales available. Seemed to be popular with couples and locals. It would also be really convenient for Sadlers Wells theatre, with an alarm sounding before performances. Service was friendly and on request they were happy to turn up the juke box. I found the interior a bit too dull for my liking. But it's got a certain character and charm and I hope places like this continue to survive.
12 Jul 2009 11:59
Small but nice backstreet pub near Sadlers Wells Theatre. We visited here at opening time yesterday (Saturday) lunchtime. The environment is quite pleasant and the staff are friendly. Taylor Landlord and Black Sheep Best were the two ales available from handpump. Addlestones cider is served. Seating is fairly limited. Plenty of board games are available. Probably the best of 6 pubs I visited in the area yesterday.
12 Jul 2009 11:54
I've passed this pub many times before without venturing in. Yesterday, I finally made it through the doors. The exterior of the building is impressive. But I was left a little underwhelmed by the interior. We drank in the small glass partitioned bar area, which had its own character. But outside of this is an open area which leaves a huge gaping space in the middle of the pub. A small box office for the theatre is located in one corner. Service was fairly slow. But there were 5 real ales on handpull - Fullers London Pride, Woodforde's Wherry, Harveys Sussex Best, Greene King Abbot Ale & Taylor Landlord. Clientele seems to be quite varied - many are theatre goers. But the broad range of customers is probably because of its close proximity to Angel tube. Not an upleasant experience. Will probably return one day.
12 Jul 2009 11:48
Another soulless Wethersoons branch, handy for Angel tube and before starting a crawl along Islington High St/Upper St. The exterior gives the impression of a wine bar. But the interior is more Wetherspoons standard. Service was quick. Real ales on offer were Burton Bridge Porter, Harviestoun Schiehallion, Brains Reverend James, Ruddles Best, Marstons Pedigree, Greene King Abbot Ale. Cider was Westons Organic. Sky Sports was showing. Whilst it was still morning during our visit, it was fairly busy. But there's plenty of other places nearby to choose from.
12 Jul 2009 11:40
Friendly place overlooking the bay. Unfortunately there are no longer any real ales available. So the views were the only plus point.
6 Jul 2009 17:07
The St Saviour�s Tavern, St Saviours
Can confirm this is still closed. We passed it today on the bus. The exterior still looks very much like the photograph. So I'd guess it hasn't been rebuilt yet.
6 Jul 2009 17:06
L'Eree Hotel, St Pierre du Bois
Staying here for a couple of nights this weekend, we had to try the bar. I found the atmosphere more akin to a social club than a pub and the only handpull was turned round. The fridges were also practically empty. I plumped for a bottle of the local Rocquette Cider. Whilst I'd recommend this place for accommodation, I can't recommend it for a 'beer in the evening'.
6 Jul 2009 17:04
The Ship And Crown, St Peter Port
This was the only pub in which I managed to find real cider in Guernsey. It served Weston's 1st Quality, in addition to three real ales - Greene King IPA & Abbot Ale and Randall's Patois. The interior was busy and I didn't find it an entirely comfortable drinking experience. The pictures of crashed boats on the walls are intriguing!
6 Jul 2009 17:02
This was the only pub on my shortlist of 16 that I was unable to visit during my Channel Islands crawl this weekend. We arrived early on a Sunday evening to find they had closed the pub for a private party. They were not re-opening until 4pm today (Monday). I will try this pub at some time in the future, whenever I return. But my advise is to call ahead to ensure it is open.
6 Jul 2009 16:59
Cornerstone Cafe Bar, St Peter Port
Located just across the street from the Cock & Bull, this place has a kind of 'French Bistro' look about it. However the sound was typically English with groups of load rugby fans celebrating the victory over South Africa. Three real ales were on handpull - King & Barnes Sussex Draught Bitter, Badger Tangle Foot and Cask Worthingtons. Nice enough pub.
6 Jul 2009 16:56
The Cock and Bull, St Peter Port
The interior of this pub was decorated nicely and the atmosphere was fairly good apart from a noisy group sat at the bar. Sports were showing on the big screens. This is a good place for those wishing to sample real ales on Guernsey. They have 5 handpulls - Brakspear Bitter, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Wizard's Staff and Marston's Pedigree and The Lord Taverners Ale were on during our visit.
6 Jul 2009 16:53
The Captains Hotel, St Peter Port
We reached this pub on the number 6 bus route, just as the Lions 3rd Test against South Africa was drawing to its conclusion. There were a few South Africans in the bar witnessing their country's loss. I found this to be a very nice country pub. The only letdown was the service, which was a little blunt. When asked what we would like, a little hesitation on our part meant that the barwoman started serving a local (who had walked in just after us) his 'usual' pint. Two real ales were on handpulls - Fuller's London Pride and Black Sheep Best Bitter.
6 Jul 2009 16:50
The Bankers Draught, St Peter Port
Open plan bar in a convenient location with entrances on both the High St and the Esplanade. Two real ales were available - Fuller's London Pride and Liberation Ale. The atmosphere was a bit noisy on our early Saturday evening visit. Can thoroughly recommend Le Petit Bistro French restaurant opposite, where we had a really good value for money meal afterwards. Not overly impressed with the pub itself though.
6 Jul 2009 16:46
The Ambassador Hotel, St Peter Port
We had a quick drink in here on Saturday afternoon. The bar is nicely decorated with plenty of different helmets behind the bar itself. There is also a nice patio garden at the rear. The only real available was Randall's Patois. The atmosphere was a bit too quiet.
6 Jul 2009 16:43
Was surprised to see that the kitchen was closed at 1:45 on a Saturday afternoon. Nevertheless we had a pleasant drink in the lounge bar. As with many Guernsey pubs, the lounge is at the front of the pub and the public bar is at the rear. No handpumps available. Apparently the ladies toilets had bright purple wallpaper!
6 Jul 2009 16:41
This place was a bit too modern inside for my liking. We sat outside on the rear patio, which is quite a suntrap. Only one real ale available - Fuller's London Pride.
6 Jul 2009 16:37
Large pub right on the coastal road (Cobo). This is an excellent place to view the sunset (inside or from a roadside area adjacent to the pub). We also had a good meal here. Service was fairly friendly. The only real ale available was Randall's Patois. The clientele were mostly youngsters (in their 20s).
6 Jul 2009 16:35
Pub with two fairly smallish bars not far from Cradley Heath High St. As well as a Sam Smith's range of beers, they also had 3 real ales on handpull - Millstone Tiger Rut & Coach & Horses and Brough Pale Ale. The Coach & Horses was in a poor condition. The main bar area could do with a refurb. The clientele appear to be mainly rockers. Not too impressed overall.
29 Jun 2009 17:59
The Wizard and Glass, Cradley Heath
Visited here yesterday for a birthday party held in the back room. The area is not too pleasant and originally I had some misgivings. However our private party was handled fairly well and everybody enjoyed themselves. Beer choice is the standard selection of cold lagers and bottled foreign rubbish/alcopops. Although service was friendly. As a pub I probably wouldn't venture anywhere near it normally. But it served its purpose on this occasion.
28 Jun 2009 13:15
Wow. What a difference a few years make. I haven't been in here for a good while now, but was encouraged by some of the good reviews I had heard. A dismal Banks's pub has now been converted into a real ale mecca run by the same people as the Wellington in Birmingham. At last Dudley has a decent real ale pub to rival the rather stale Wetherspoons. There are 16 handpumps with one recently dedicated to cider - Moles Black Rat during our visit. 14 ales were on - Severn Valley Dabley Gold, Titanic White Star, Lifeboat & Stout, Black Country Pig on The Wall, BFG & Fireside, Potbelly Best, Shugborough Mi Lady's Fancy, Hadrian Ginger Beer, Centurion Bitter & Gladiator and Davenports Summer Telse & Kerfuffle. The interior has been refurbished quite nicely. Whilst the gents toilets could do with a bit of a spruce up, they are amongst the largest I have ever seen. Service is efficient and the owners really seem as if they want to make a go at this venture. Judging by the number of punters on a early Saturday afternoon, they seem to be succeeding. Well worth a visit if in the Black Country area.
28 Jun 2009 13:08
Warehouse-type building with large windows overlooking a canal basin. We attempted to eat here. But reservations were required. In fact the place was fairly busy with young middle-upper class people and they were spilling out to pleasant canalside tables, despite the looming threat of thunderstorms. 5 cask ales were available - Fernandes Pilot Lite, Anglo Dutch Summertime, Scottish Ales Mountain Dew, Thwaites Original and Weetwood Cheshire Cat. Cider was Stowford Export. A band was setting up as we were there. Car parking is handy. The toilets were clean.
28 Jun 2009 13:01
The first review in nearly 2 years! However nothing much appears to have changed. Approaching along the characterful alleyway, I was hoping for an olde worlde ale house. Instead I found a posh people's wine bar. The clientele were brash and noisy. All were dressed in suits or cocktail dresses and definitely thought a lot of themselves. I've been in far less pretentious pubs in the City of London. They did have 2 real ales available from JW Lees - Bitter and 'Coronation Street Premium Ale'. The hoorahs seemed to be lapping that up - the chance to drink a working mans' ale in a wine bar! Overall I felt very uncomfortable in here and was glad to be leaving.
28 Jun 2009 12:56
A large city centre car park has been built around this pub, and it has the appearance of being a little stranded in the middle of all the cars and open space. Despite it being Friday evening, we were the only customers throughout our entire visit. The furnishings are a bit dated. But this does have the feel of a community pub and I can only imagine it gets much busier later in the evening. In addition to cask Tetleys, Abbeydale Moonshine was the guest beer. Service was friendly. But after moving on from the packed Mill Hotel and Old Harkers Arms, the emptiness of this place came as quite a surprise. On the positive side, service was friendly and plenty of parking is available! But overall, there are far better pubs in Chester.
28 Jun 2009 12:50
Another Chester canalside pub. Not quite as good a selection of real ales as The Mill Hotel, but still a reasonable choice - Spitting Feathers 1862, Boggart Rum Porter, Flowers Original, Weetwood Cheshire Cat, Thwaites Original, Wincle Wibbly Wallaby and Moorhouses Pride of Pendle during our visit. They also have a few different Westons ciders and perries to choose from. The interior was more wine bar/restaurant than pub and the bouncer on the door (early Friday evening) reinforced this message. However, the bar was very busy. We'd intended to eat here. But finding a table was a major problem. Parking is also reasonably difficult. Although we did find a nearby street where we could park for free. I'd probably try this pub out again at a quieter time. But for me it was slightly too busy to enjoy and after the Mill, a bit of an anti-climax.
28 Jun 2009 12:44
A posh hotel with an excellent selection of real ales - 13 in total. Abbeydale Matins, Oakham Inferno, Beartown Polar Eclipse, Northumberland Brown Ale, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, Phoenix Cornmill Bitter, Everards Sunchaser, Beartown Simba, RCH East Street, Durham White Amarillo, Durham Black Velvet, Fernandes Malt Shovel Mild and the house beer Coach House Mill Premium Bitter were all available. I opted for the Hecks Farmhouse Cider! We sat outside on a narrow bench seating area overlooking the canal. This also doubles as the smoking area. Inside was fairly busy with no tables available and football showing on the TV screens, which was not too obtrusive. Service was the only real letdown. I got the feeling that all of the barmen/barmaids were young college students on the minimum wage. They didn't seem to have too much knowledge of what they were selling and a smile would have been nice! Car parking is also a problem. There is a couple of car parking areas belonging to the hotel. But they were all full. Despite this, the Mill had the best range of beers (and cider) we discovered in Cheshire this weekend and I'd gladly return.
28 Jun 2009 12:35
Backstreet corner pub not far from the train station. Much more of a traditional boozer than the nearby Mill Hotel, it's also more a locals pub. The main bar area was fairly busy during our visit and is a place for conversation. Tables in the room to the back are more for people who are looking for a quiet point or a separate conversation. The bagatelle table looked interesting. It's the first one I've seen on my travels. It's larger than a bar billiards table. But there were no instructions. So we didn't risk a game. No doubt the locals would have given us an idea as to how to play. But sometimes you don't want to be the centre of attention! Beer range is not as good as the Mill (Everards Tiger, Shepherd Neame Spitfire and one other - possibly Caledonian Deuchars IPA). But this is a really friendly place and one of a dieing breed of decent backstreet pubs.
28 Jun 2009 12:26
I'm surprised there's currently no reviews for this pub and also surprised at its 1.7/10 rating. The pub is located in a Cheshire village that feels very rural, but is actually fairly close to the M53 motorway and also very handy for the Cheshire Oaks Outlet Mall. The exterior looked really promising with a sloping lawn and tables busy with walkers and cyclists. Unfortunately the interior appears to have been spoilt by renovations. Whilst it has a modern feel, it has been left rather dull and soulless. Nevertheless, 4 real ales were available on handpump - Triple F Alton's Pride, Daleside Pride of England, Adnams Bitter and Youngs Bitter and we enjoyed a swift half outside.
28 Jun 2009 12:18
Located at Frodsham's main intersection and as Heatonian observed, it has a nice exterior. Parking is at the rear. The �1 fee is refunded when you buy a round. The interior was relatively pleasant, but the locals were already gearing up for a noisy weekend on the Friday afternoon when we visited. Harviestoun Natural Blonde, Deuchars IPA, Taylor Landlord and Black Sheep Best were the real ales on offer.
28 Jun 2009 12:03
Was quite impressed with this place. It's a typical English village pub, overgrown with climbing plants at the front and fairly quaint inside. Whilst not as popular as the Hazel Pear Inn down the road, there were a handfull of other people in here. Some of them were dining and the meals looked fairly large. Ales available were JW Lees Gold Digger, Flowers Original, Greene King IPA and Adnams Regatta.
28 Jun 2009 11:58
The Hazel Pear Inn, Acton Bridge
Village pub located on an intersection. The car park overlooks a bowling green. The first thing that we spotted was an offer outside for cottage pie or sausage and mash for a pound. Needless to say, I indulged in the cottage pie and it was excellent value for money. Whilst it came with a pot of pickled red cabbage, you can also pay for a bowl of vegetables for an extra pound. The interior was divided into several parts. The main bar area was quite busy with people taking advantage of the �1 food (apparently they have appeared on local television and in newspapers as a result of the offer). Service was friendly and some of the locals we talked too were also friendly. Real ales on handpull were Tetley, Pedigree and Landlord.
28 Jun 2009 11:54
This was the last of the 13 Northern Irish pubs we visited during our weekend visit. It's convenient for the international airport and looked quite encouraging from the outside. Inside was busy. But two television screens were showing the horse racing - one Royal Ascot, one Redcar (!) and most of the punters appeared to be there for the betting, rather than for a drink. The decor was pleasant enough. No real ales or ciders available. Free parking is available outside.
21 Jun 2009 14:12
Not like any other Wetherspoons I have visited before. The interior is much more like a traditional pub with, dare I say it, a little bit of character. Service was also efficient. I had to ask myself if I really was in a Wetherspoons. But then I saw the real ale range - Abbot Ale, Ruddles Best and Marstons Pedigree. Yes, I was definitely in a Spoons. Westons Marcle Hill Cider was available in the fridge. It still tasted ok, despite my suspicions that it was left over from the April festival. A pleasant pub in a busy market town.
21 Jun 2009 14:09
The Central Bar, Carrickfergus
I was pleasantly impressed by this Spoons. It's in a great location across the road from the castle, and the interior is light and airy - a refreshing change from the gloomy interior of most branches. Service was the usual letdown. Thwaites Wainwright, Conway Cwrw Gwledd Celebration Ale, Ruddles Best and Abbot Ale were the four real ales on offer. Weston's Old Rosie was available in the fridge. I would probably return if I ever pass through Carrick again.
21 Jun 2009 14:05
The Crown Liquor Saloon, Belfast
Walked in here from the Beaten Docket nextdoor. What a contrast! Whilst there was only one other customer nextdoor, the Crown despite being much smaller was very busy. Nearly all the snugs were taken. The rest were reserved. Stools at the bar were all taken and the 1 or 2 tables in the bar itself were also taken. So standing room only. Most of the visitors were tourist types, with the locals seemingly standing at the bar. The constant flash photography would get on my nerves if this was my local or if I worked here. Having said all this, it does offer three real ales - Whitewater Copperhead Ale, Belfast Ale and Crown & Glory during our visit, and it's one of the finest pub interiors I have ever seen. Definitely worth a visit if you're ever in Belfast. But I think there's better pubs for discerning drinkers (for example the John Hewitt).
21 Jun 2009 14:01
Now I can say I have been to both of the Beaten Docket pubs listed on beerintheevening! I've walked into both shortly after opening time and this one was much quieter at this time than its Cricklewood counterpart. There was only one other customer in the pub. So we had the choice of tables and barmen (three of them reading newspapers). There's no real ales here. I could imagine this place being extremely busy and loud each evening. But why visit here when the Crown is next door?
21 Jun 2009 13:54
Visited here yesterday (Saturday) morning. It's a large Wetherspoons and was fairly busy with people having breakfast. I find the Northern Irish drinking laws a bit strange. I duly waited until 11:30 for them to serve alcohol, after being told by the manager that I couldn't order a drink at 11:15. As soon as the clock struck 11:30, around 30 thirsty drinkers swarmed to the bar as the manager disappeared into the kitchen to leave the 2 flustered barmaids to cope with it all. Needless to say, it took a quarter of an hour to get everybody served with this attitude, especially considering the numbers of coffee being ordered at this time (why not stop selling coffee for 15-20 minutes if you know there is a rush for beer?). There were 4 real ales on handpump - Roosters Oakey Cream, Mordue Tinsel Town, Operation Market Garden Hell's Highway and Brewster's Daffy's Elixir. There was no real cider on draught. I resorted to the dependable range of bottled ciders/perries from the fridge.
21 Jun 2009 13:51
Only one beer on the handpumps during our visit - Whitewater Belfast Ale. The place was more similar to a nightclub than a pub, with the live music being so loud it gave you tinnitis. Wouldn't return in a hurry.
21 Jun 2009 13:43
Another crowded pub with music too loud. The interior was appealing and two real ales were on offer - Whitewater Copperhead Ale and Holts Joey's Ale. I imagine this could be a very pleasant pub on a weekday or during the afternoon.
21 Jun 2009 13:40
If I had to choose the best Belfast pub we visited this weekend, I think I'd plump for this one. Although to be honest, it was the best of a bad bunch. On a Friday evening, getting in here was hard enough. Getting served was extremely difficult and finding a seat was nigh on impossible. The popularity was undoubtedly because they had a live jazz band on. They have 2 real ales on handpull - Hilden's Ale and Weavers Golden Blonde Ale. They also have Aspall's cider on tap. There's a strange mix of people in here - both young and old. We met somebody with similar interests to ours. They too were trying to get around as many pubs as possible in Britain! Very handy if you're staying overnight in the Cathedral Quarter as we were.
21 Jun 2009 13:36
Currently closed. Still plenty of reconstruction going on in this area. I'm not sure if it will re-open.
21 Jun 2009 13:29
Huge pub with three bouncers on the door. This appears to be standard for Belfast pubs. Whitewater Belfast Ale was the only real ale available. Despite its size, we had to share a table with another party. The music was far too loud to enjoy any kind of reasonable conversation.
21 Jun 2009 13:27
Popped in here for a drink on our Belfast crawl this weekend. Whitewater Belfast Ale was the only real ale available. The place was fairly busy with people enjoying an evening out. Music was playing at a reasonable level. I'm not convinced Ryan's is worth the hike out of the city centre. But it was far from the worst pub we visited in Belfast.
21 Jun 2009 13:24
My experience of this pub was probably helped by the fact that we visited early on a Friday evening when it was still fairly quiet. The traditional bar area appeared quite pleasant, and was full. We did manage to get a table in the main bar area. The music was not being played as loud as in many of the Belfast pubs we visited. But again this may have been due to the time of day we were there. Didn't try the Whitewater Belfast Ale. But overall I could have quite happily spent a bit more time in here and I didn't think it was quite as bad as previous reviews have said.
21 Jun 2009 13:19
Visited here on Friday and found a pile of rubble where a pub once stood.
21 Jun 2009 13:11
We recently stayed in here until 4am trying different types of vodka, including bison grass, cherry, vanilla, walnut, chocolate, raspberry, cranberry and a whole host of others I can no longer remember. When we walked in, there were just 2 Italian customers in the bar. By around 2:30am, there were at least 20-25 people in the tiny downstairs bar. If you venture upstairs, mind your head. There's a few tables and chairs, but very little room. This place was one of the best bars we visited in Krakow, from what I can remember!
16 Jun 2009 20:52
Visited here a couple of months ago on the way to a Sunderland match. It's about 10 minutes walk from the Pelaw metro station and is all downhill (apart from the walk back!). It's in a quiet location overlooking the Tyne and at first glance did not look too promising. However, inside we received a friendly welcome from the staff and customers. Joblings Swinging Gibbet, York Perle and Jarrow Bitter and River Catcher were the real ales available. A stout was available in bottles and a Westons cider was also available on draught. Worth the walk from the station.
9 Jun 2009 22:03
Another pub in Liverpool I finally got around to visiting this weekend. It's right next to the Marriott Hotel and was handly for a crafty pint whilst waiting for a wedding reception. There's 3 or 4 distinct drinking areas, with the quietest at the rear. The tiled room to the right of the bar is very impressive. In the rest of the pub, I felt that the presence of big screen TVs were more a distraction than a plus point. Real ales were exclusively from the Cains range - Mild, Bitter, IPA, FA and the seasonal Sundowner Ale. Unfortunately for me, no real cider is served. Although the raisin beer very nearly tempted me.
7 Jun 2009 16:13
I remember coming here as a student 15 years ago. It seems little has changed. On a Friday evening, it was packed with students. The beer selection was poor with only Marston's Pedigree available for real ale lovers. Good for students. But I'm getting too old for all that malarchy. Another thing to remember about the Cambridge is that it only opens at 6pm at weekends. So a quiet daytime visit may be out of the question.
7 Jun 2009 16:04
An imposing corner pub from the outside with an ornate interior. We sat in a small room just away from the main bar area. Apparently I missed the main room and the gents toilets, which are supposed to be worth a visit. I'll have to visit again! Wood panelling is the order of the day here and it's here in abundance. There's a good selection of beers - Morrissey Fox Proud of Pubs, Cains Bitter, Taylor Landlord, Cairngorm Monster Mash, Greene King IPA, Black Sheep Bitter, Deuchars IPA and Shepherd Neame Spitfire. There's also a couple of real ciders from the Westons range. However this is a Nicholson's pub and definitely not a free house. I also found it, perhaps unsurprisingly, a little touristy. If you're in the area, make sure you pay a visit.
7 Jun 2009 16:00
The Flute and Firkin, Liverpool
Now known more simply as 'The Flute', this is probably the place to go to if you want to watch live sport. There's about a dozen strategically placed screens scattered around the open-plan bar area. Drinks selection was extremely poor. No real ales or ciders - just a selection of bog standard lagers to suit the sport-watching masses. This certainly isn't a drinkers pub. Not a patch on the nearby Fly in the Loaf. Walk on by!
7 Jun 2009 15:52
Similar to the nearby Cracke, you wouldn't pass by this pub. You would have to know it was there. Entry to the basement bar was down a steep flight of brick steps. Inside, I felt it had a vaguely Spanish feel to it with booths either side of a long central tiled table. Service was quick. But the selection was poor. Red Tornado Ruby Red IPA and Ruddles County were the only real ales on offer and the cider selction was similarly poor. Agree with the remarks about the toilets. They're not particularly pleasant. But I've been in a lot worse. I found this place quite atmospheric. But the lack of choice of drinks will put me off from visiting again. Then again, maybe I visited on an off day.
7 Jun 2009 15:49
I'll rate the Dispensary as the best of the 11 Liverpool pubs I visited this weekend. I've passed it many a time without going inside and have always suspected it would be a grubby old mens type of establishment. However the interior was quite impressive. The pub is quite small with limited seating. Also getting served can be a challenge with many people crowding around the bar. Cains Bitter, Dark Mild and their beer for June (Sundowner) were available, alongside guests - Outstanding Stout, Titanic Iceberg, Blackwater Bandit and Thornbridge Jaipur IPA. Aspalls and Addlestones cider are available on draught. I was suitably impressed by this place and will undoubtedly return.
7 Jun 2009 15:39
Just off one of the main Liverpool shopping drags (Bold St), this pub does not look too promising from the outside. The interior is not much better. It's dark and dingy, and the loud heavy metal music does not help its cause. Nonetheless, service was good here and there's a good selection of changing real ales. Hydes Original, Phoenix Hopsack & Wobbly Bob, Inveralmond Ossian Ale, Blackwater Mafia and Hoskins EXS were available, in addition to Weston's Old Rosie cider. I briefly saw the upstairs bars on the way to the 1970s-style toilets (I'm not saying they're retro, they're simply old) and I can imagine this place gets pretty busy on weekend nights. Heavy metal music isn't exactly my bag. How the young guy reading his book could concentrate on his subject matter, God only knows. However, there's an eclectic bunch of people in here. If you enjoy heavy metal and real ales, this is definitely the place fot you. Although I doubt I'll be coming here again on a regular basis.
7 Jun 2009 15:32
Richard John Blackler, Liverpool
I actually thought that this Wetherspoons (Richard John Blackler) was marginally better than The Welkin in the Cavern Quarter. It is much better located, only seconds from Lime Street station and the interior is a much better layout with plenty of tables and a fairly relaxed environment. The toilets were on the same floor for once. Service was prompt but none too friendly and it was clear that the barmaid serving me was not fully cogniscent with the beer and cider selection. Real ales available were Salopian Darwin's Origin, Cains FA, Thwaites Original and the usual Wetherspoons staples Pedigree, Abbot and Ruddles Best. The only real cider available was Marcle Hill which was obviously left over from the festival and left on the counter where it was deteriorating rapidly. We were treated to a real 'snogfest' on the table next door to us. Who says Wetherspoons don't provide entertainment!
7 Jun 2009 15:21
Soulless modern Wetherspoons branch. Whilst we stayed near the door on the ground floor, it was clear that this pub was really busy on the Friday afternoon we visited. There were very few tables available. The interior decor was unimpressive. The wood flooring where we sat was warped and being held together by some duct tape. One can only assume that rainwater had leaked in from the entrance mat. Service was slow as usual and the choice of real ales was poor. George Wright Blue Moon, Marstons Pedigree, Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot Ale and Cains Sundowner were available. On the plus side I did avail myself of a Westons Organic Vintage cider from the fridge, whilst Old Rosie was also available. Seeing two Chinese knock-off DVD sellers within the space of 10 minutes was also impressive! The police driving around the Cavern Quarter didn't seem too bothered.
7 Jun 2009 15:11
Well preserved traditional pub in Liverpool's Cavern Quarter. The interior has lots of old mosaic tilework and the back room features pictures of Beatles and White Star (the shipping company that owned Titanic) memorabilia. We were also 'treated' to an impromptu father and son guitar performance! Service was good. As mentioned previously, beers are from the Bowland range - Sawley Tempted, Golden Lion and White Star Pale Ale, alongside Deuchars IPA and Draught Bass. I think I would come here again if and when I'm in the Cavern quarter.
7 Jun 2009 15:02
Marginally better than The Alexandra across the road. It was slightly busier in here. Friendly service again. Harveys appeared to be available. But no sign of the Stowford Press cider (it may have been in the other bar). The Sunday lunches didn't look too appealing. The weakly meat raffle was slightly more appealing. But we decided to head for the beach instead. Wouldn't hurry back in a hurry.
2 Jun 2009 22:00
The Alexandra Arms, Eastbourne
Disappointed with this pub. The area didn't appear too pleasant. On a sunny weekend afternoon there was nobody else here. No real ales. The interior is bright and airy and the staff were friendly. But these are the only things going for it.
2 Jun 2009 21:57
The Duke of Hamilton, Hampstead
Went in here Saturday lunchtime. Contrary to the GBG, it only opens at midday. Tried all 3 of the festival ciders from the previous weekend - Crippledick, Millwhites Dabinett and Millwhites Yarlington Mill. Alongside the regular London Pride & ESB, the two guest ales on offer were a Fullers Summer Ale and Cains Mild. Westons Old Rosie cider is also on permanently. The guy in charge was friendly and chatty (apparently Richard the owner was away). The pub was very quiet, with only the Sky TV to keep us company. Although we were very early. The interior was pleasant and comfortable. I will return, but only when the ciders are present!
2 Jun 2009 21:55
Sorry I'm breaking the trend for only entering reviews on April 29th. But this place is definitely closed down. Some local youths tried to set fire to it the other day, according to all ccounts. It closed the High Street for a while. Other than that, this is the only action it has seen for some while. This pub or any other in West Drayton for that matter is not worth the visit.
1 Jun 2009 16:16
I'll rate this place slightly higher than the 2.2/10 average it currently has. Whilst I've been to a lot worse places for a drink, this is a typical example of a chain pub with a fairly raucous atmosphere in the evenings. The interior is bland and uninspiring. Service was the worst aspect. I waited nearly 5 minutes to get served initially whilst one barman walked backwards and forwards trying to look busy but doing nothing at all. I assumed he was the glass collector and didn't push for him to serve me. But he later served me another round. The other member of the bar staff was more interesting in serving one of the 'regulars' (Lord knows how they have any) who still had some left in his glass, rather than serving somebody who had been waiting 5 minutes. So very poor service. London Pride was kept far too cold. The only plus points for me were the convenient location and the draught Aspalls and bottled Weston's Organic cider. I'm sure I'll be dragged along here for another work's do at some point in the future. But I'll do so with reluctance.
29 May 2009 19:51
This pub is in a nice location on the corner of Kew Green and just opposite the Gardens. The exterior is impressive, and as we arrived there were many people drinking outside and enjoying the late spring sunshine. Inside was much quieter. They had a range of 4 Young's real ales - Bitter, Special, Waggledance and Bombardier, but nothing else. We enjoyed a meal here. Whilst it was nice, it was quite expensive. In summary a nice pub from the outside. But I wouldn't visit here regularly due to the prices and the lack of choice in drinks.
29 May 2009 19:43
The Temperance looks intriguing from the outside. The interior is decorated with a mix of old and modern styles. My visit yesterday lunchtime was pleasant enough. But it was extremely quiet despite the fact that there was a Premiership football match on at Craven Cottage just through the park. In addition to the many continental-type lagers on offer, they also had 4 real ales - Taylor Landlord, Bath Golden Hare, Mordue The Dodgy Perm and Morrissey & Fox Blonde. For cider lovers, they have a Westons cider and both Aspalls and Addlestones on tap.
25 May 2009 17:54
Not too impressed by this pub. It looks like it used to be a really nice pub if the exterior is anything to go by. Unfortunately the interior has been modernised and the place seems to cater mainly for diners, except on the evening we visited - apparrently there is no food on a Sunday evening. There were 5 beers from the Wadworth range - Bishops Tipple, Henry's IPA, Maypole Mild, JCB and 6X. My eyes lit up when I saw the Westons Traditional Scrumpy. But alas there was none available. Stowford Press was a poor substitute. This doesn't feel like a real pub - more an upmarket wine bar/gastro pub.
19 May 2009 18:10
Had a couple of games of darts here this Sunday. We found the landlord quite friendly. Football was being shown. There are currently no real ales sold here, and the heating was on full blast in May
19 May 2009 18:07
Doesn't look like the most promising pub from the outside. But inside, this is a pleasant locals pub with a decent atmosphere and a varied clientele. Live music was on during our visit and there were 3 real ales - Old Speckled Hen, Halfpenny Old Lech and Cropton Dangleberry Ale.
19 May 2009 18:03
One of a number of backstreet locals in this area of Liverpool. This is another real ale haven. It has multiple drinking areas, including a large outdoor area surrounded by housing. Ales on yesterday during our visit were Slaters Owzat and Top Totty, Spitting Freathers Thirst Quencher and Dark Velvet Mild and Allgates Mild at Heart. Wem Cherry Bomb was also added during our visit. Biddendens Cider is also available.
17 May 2009 12:11
Yesterday was my first visit to The Roscoe Head. It's a virtually unspoilt backstret local with a number of small bars/snugs. There is a friendly welcome with conversation encouraged. Yesterday the two guest beers were York Constantine and Betwixt Dark Matter, in addition to the regular Jennings Ale, Burton Ale and Tetley Bitter/Mild. I'd certainly come here again.
17 May 2009 12:01
Handy for those getting on or off a train at Euston. Even though this is a Fullers pub, there are several guest ales - Kelham Island Pale Rider, St Austell Tribute, Taylor Landlord, Castle Rock Elsie Mo and Black Sheep Best, in addition to London Pride, Discovery, ESB and HSB. There are also a couple of real ciders or perries from the Westons range. Yesterday they had Herefordshire Country Perry and Organic Vintage. The interior is full of old railway memorabilia and is a little dark. The toilets are down two flights of stairs. Before you negotiate the stairs, make sure you get the code to go through the doors from the bar staff.
10 May 2009 17:50
This pub has a traditional interior and of course a good range of Cains beers. Yesterday they had the Bitter, Mild, IPA, FA and Triple Hop. It's well off the beaten track and the area is a little run down. Despite this, it was fairly busy when we left early in the afternoon. The only real downside was a smelly gents toilets.
10 May 2009 17:43
This pub was in a great location at the centre of a village and had loads of character. In fact it ran the Bell at Aldworth very close in our tour around 10 Berkshire pubs. This was a fitting end to our day. West Berkshire No. 1 Brew, Moles Best, Awdwell Resolute and Cottage Tornado were the 4 real ales on offer. Although I was more impressed by the Salthill Berkshire Scrumpy and the Mr Whiteheads Midnight Special Perry. The food was also good - I had the venison with noodles, which at �14 was a little pricey but very tasty. I could imagine spending many enjoyable evenings in here. The service was professional and the locals were friendly.
5 May 2009 21:25
Large roadside pub (on the A4) with a nice enough exterior and interior and a large car park. The food smelt good and the range of ales were also good - Cottage Marathon Hound, Ascot Posh Pooch, Brakspear, West Berkshire Maggs Mild and Hogsback Tea. The Swanvale cider was disappointing. I'm always wary of going in large roadside pubs as they tend to cater to a passing crowd and are often run by large chains and are dominated by the food offering. I much prefer pubs that are tucked away and rely on their reputation to draw in customers. Having said that, this pub seems to be a rare exception to this general rule and there's a good chance I'll be back here one day.
5 May 2009 21:20
Bog standard Wetherspoons near the town hall. Don't miss the upstairs bar with a separate range of beers including Oakham White Dwarf, Ruddles Best, Atlas Equinox, Marstons Pedigree, Nethergate Umble Ale, Otter Amber and 3 others. The clientele was......well it was the typical mix of drunks and loners.
5 May 2009 21:15
We weren't expecting this pub to be open on a Bank Holiday Monday, given it supposedly closes on Sundays. But low and behold it was open. Real ales available were Wold Woild Moild & Coyote Bitter, Hammerpot White Wing, Loddon Hullabaloo and London Pride. A very pleasant interior and attractive exterior with reasonably friendly service. An added bonus was Westons Old Rosie Cider.
5 May 2009 21:13
Poor location on the edge of Reading town centre. But at least it had a small car park despite its proximity to the main shopping area. It's a Fullers pub serving the eponymous London Pride plus ESB, Hock, Gales Seafarers Ale and Castle Rock Preservation Fine Ale. We had a quick game of pool to the right-hand side of the bar. But I saw no reason to return here in a hurry.
5 May 2009 21:10
A great single room bar with plenty of character and a wide variety of 12 ever changing real ales. During our visit the beers on offer were Ascot Exile Stout, Rugby Cement, West Berkshire Dr Hexters Healer, Oakleaf I Can't Believe It's Not Bitter, Irving Illustrious, Wolf Straw Dog, White Horse Giant, Triple F Moondance, Brass Monkey Golden Monkey, Appleford Brightwell Gold, York Guzzler and Ballards Midhurst Mild. I was slightly disappointed by the cider selection - just Stowford Press and Old Rosie. But otherwise this seemed like a great popular town centre pub. The number of beer mats adorning the ceiling is quite impressive.
5 May 2009 21:07
Nice little backstreet pub to the west of Reading Town Centre. Originally we sat in the front bar with the one and only other customer - strangely quiet for a Bank Holiday Monday. Maybe people were being put off by the temperature in the pub - it was freezing. We moved to the rear bar for a game of darts. The room was just as cold. The service was friendly and the owners are obviously keen Reading FC fans. Apparently the ladies toilets were in a state of disrepair. There were 2 real ales on - Brakspear and Harveys Sussex Best. Check out the large cow in the yard at the rear.
5 May 2009 21:02
West Berkshire Good Old Boy is still on alongside Bombardier and Greene King IPA. This seems a nice enough building from the outside. But the interior is still a little rough around the edges. At least it was open on a Bank Holiday Monday afternoon (unlike The Lamb and The Fox & Hounds).
5 May 2009 20:55
We were left disappointed by this pub. The location is fine and there is a large park at the rear. Unfortunately it was the service that let it down. We arrived just before 2:30 and were told we had 3 minutes to order food. Another couple arriving 6-7 minutes later were turned away. The chef was also anxious to get away and a starter and main courses were all delivered at the same time. When we complained that a burger was under-cooked, it was too late - the chef had already departed! Other customers arriving just after 3pm were also given a hard time. Although they were reluctantly served. Beers available were Brakspear, Ringwood Best, Fullers London Pride and West Berkshire Good Old Boy. Other than the undercooked burger, the food itself was quite good.
5 May 2009 20:49
The first and best of 10 pubs we tried in Berkshire yesterday. It's located in the centre of a picturesque village and is everything an old traditional village pub should be. Real ales on offer were West Berkshire Dr Hexters Wedding Ale, Old Tyler, Maggs Mild, Arkells BBB and Kingsdown. There is also real cider available from Uptons and another bottle which I can't remember. The only drawbacks I could see was the lack of seating (it was very cramped) and the fact that the barman tried to short-change me by a fiver. Hopefully this was unitentional. Otherwise the service was excellent. The outdoor gents toilet looked fascinating!
5 May 2009 20:43
Visited here on Sunday evening as it was opening (7pm). There's a good range of 8 real ales - Yorkshire Dales Citrus Spring, Jarrow Rivet Catcher, Salopian Lemon Dream, Otley O2, Dunham Massey Light Mild, Dunham Massey Porter, Blackwater Desperado and Hopback Summer Lightning. There was also a real cider (Gwynt y Ddraig Happy Daze) and a real perry (Moores) available in the cellar. Whilst the beer and cider range are good, I prefer a more old-fashioned pub rather than the open-plan interior here. However the range of drinks available would certainly bring me back here.
5 May 2009 20:37
Went in here on Saturday after visiting Bicester Village. The pub is set in the picturesque 'villagey' part of Bicester. Parking is difficult. The interior has been spoilt, with only the grand fireplace remaining from the original building. Brakspear Bitter was available alongside Addlestones Cider.
5 May 2009 20:24
This has to be the best pub in Liverpool. Have been here many times before, but this weekend they had a beer festival. There appeared to be in excess of 50 beers with around 15-20 available at any one time plus cellar runs during quieter periods. Cider lovers are always well catered for with Saxon Ruby Tuesday, Addlestones, Aspalls and Broadoak Moonshine usually available. This weekend all of these were available plus Broadoak Perry, Thatchers Dry and four more Saxon ciders, including a very enjoyable Raspberry cider (One Love). I'm sure I'll be visting here many more times in the future!
26 Apr 2009 19:45
Visiting here is always a good experience. It's tucked away down a side street away from the main drag, which means that it relies on its reputation. The place sells a good range of Timothy Taylor beers - Landlord, Golden Best, Best Bitter and Dark Mild. There was also a guest beer - Holden's Golden Glow. The cider is Westons 1st Quality. For the first time, we sat outside on the patio. Although there is generally sufficient seating inside the pleasant interior. Always busy for the regular beer festivals.
26 Apr 2009 19:39
Nice Chelsea location near to Lots Road power station. It's also convenient for Stamford Bridge. The interior caters mainly for diners. There are several huge tables that would be good for large groups. The beer selection was the usual Youngs range - Young's Bitter, Bombardier and Directors. I left feeling a little disappointed. This is not really a drinkers' pub.
26 Apr 2009 19:34
Gordon's Wine Bar, Charing Cross
There's no beer here. But this place is really atmospheric. The bar itself is underground and the place is lit by candlelight. We chose to drink outside on the patio overlooking Victoria Embankment Gardens, as it was a nice day. Theres a good selection of ports, sherries and wines served from vats behind the bar. The only drawback is the price. A glass of madeira wine set me back more than a fiver! It's still worth the expense once in a while.
26 Apr 2009 19:30
The Lord Moon Of The Mall, Whitehall
Fairly dependable Wetherspoons branch just off Trafalgar Square. Always fairly busy but the interior is roomy and it never feels too packed. Beer and cider selection is generally good. However this visit was the exception to this. Despite having several of the festival beer clips displayed, very few were available. Having to resort to Abbot Ale was disappointing. Similarly only one of the 2 draught Westons ciders was available (Old Rosie). However, I think this was a one off. I'll be visiting when in the area again.
26 Apr 2009 19:26
Nice but extremely busy Belgravia corner pub. We vistied here on a sunny Saturday afternoon and there were plenty of people spilling out onto the pavements. However, there was still a table available for us inside. Service was swift and there is the usual range of Shepherd Neame Ales, including Spitfire and Master Brew Bitter. Sky Sports was being shown on a couple of TVs inside. Handy for Victoria coach station.
26 Apr 2009 19:22
The Beaten Docket, Cricklewood
Joined the hardcore alcoholics in here at 9am last Sunday morning. Wetherspoon beer festival ales were available - Adnams Gunhill, Bend Brewing Wild Blue Yonder, Brains Dark, Caledonian Raspberry Fool, Flying Dutchman and Ruddles Best. The Westons Marcle Hill Cider was also very good. It was quit busy for a Sunday morning. My visit was only spoiled by the smell of vomit in one area - presumably the remnants of the Saturday night session!
26 Apr 2009 19:17
Visited here after a trip to Cadbury World on Easter Monday! From the outside it didn't look too promising. However the interior is large and welcoming. Take your pick of 5 large rooms, each as big as most pubs or the patio/garden. The public bar you enter through was the busiest. Three of the other bars had nobody in at all. However, I'd imagine these get very busy at weekends. There were 4 real ales - Skinners Cornish Spring, Brains Bread of Heaven, Clarks Classic Blonde and Fox Mr Tod plus a real cider - Westons Traditional Scrumpy. Definitely worth a visit if you're ever at Cadbury World!
15 Apr 2009 18:45
Visited here for the first time on Easter Sunday evening. What a great old building with a wonderful old-fashioned central bar. Sarah Hughes Pale Amber, Sedgley Surprise, Dark Ruby, Oakham White Dwarf Acorn Barnsley Gold and Elland Amnesia were the 6 real ales. Sam Smith's Organic cider is also available. The place was packed with standing room only - we ended up on the outdoor patio at the rear. But this place is steeped with atmosphere. Definitely worth a visit.
15 Apr 2009 18:09
The Jolly Crispin, Upper Gornal
Returned to The Jolly Crispin for the third time on Easter Sunday evening and left disappointed. The beer selection is still good - Dark Star Hophead, Tom Wood Harvest Bitter, Nethergate Green Pike & Umbel Ale, Cathedral Magna Carta and Fullers ESB and London Pride. There are no real ciders any more. However what really let this pub down was the service. Whilst the one barman was pouring through a new beer, the solitary barmaid chose to ignore us in favour of one of the locals who had strolled up to the bar and got served straight away despite us having waited 3-4 minutes. I shouted across 'It looks like we're being ignored' in a sarcastic tone and received no response. Eventually the barman served us whilst the barmaid kept giving us 'dirty looks'. I've worked for several years in pubs over the years and it's not too difficult to clock the order in which people come to the bar. As a customer I also find it common courtesy to point out anybody who has been waiting longer than I have. Despite the good choice of real ales and nice enough interior, I will be giving this pub a wide berth in future. The ignorant bar staff and customers let it down badly.
15 Apr 2009 18:02
Quite enjoyed my visit here on Easter Sunday night. There were 6 real ales - Acorn Northdown Blonde, Hopback Summer Lightning, Cottage Tornado, Darkstar Saison, Oakham Bishops Farewell and Kinver Black Bear IPA. There are also 2 ciders - Thatchers Gold and Stowford Export. Unfortunately the latter is only on sale during the summer months. The service was friendly and efficient and the other customers seemed quite friendly too. A pleasant pub. The only drawback was the lack of parking.
15 Apr 2009 17:54
Visited on Easter Sunday lunchtime. There were 4 regular beers (Black Country Fireside, BFG & Pig on the Wall and Wye Valley HPA) plus 10 guests (Leeds New Moon, Brass Monkey Bitter, Everards Sunchaser, Pictish Agave Ale, Acorn Egg Cracker, Titanic Iron Curtain, Burton Bridge XL Bitter, Purity Pure Gold, Sadler's Sprung & Potbelly Best. In addition there was also a Saxon cider and 2 real perrys (Barbourne and 1 other I can't remember). With this range, this is an excellent stop-off point in Birmingham for anybody into real ales or ciders. It's also handy for both New Street and Snow Hill stations as well as city centre buses. I did notice the smell (funnily enough as I was coming out of the toilets back into the bar), but didn't find this too offputting. Will be visiting again!
15 Apr 2009 17:49
We were informed that this pub was closed when we visited the Inn at Ardgour across the Loch a few weeks ago.
15 Apr 2009 17:37
The Jolly Gardeners, Old Windsor
We visited here last Tuesday evening and it was fairly busy with a good mix of people. There were only 2 real ales on offer - Courage Best and Wells Bombardier. It's the only pub in Old Windsor I have ever visited. So I can't compare it with others. But overall I found it disappointing.
10 Apr 2009 12:12
Another English village pub spoilt by modernisation. The interior was quite dull but the atmosphere was lively with a couple of middle aged women at the bar who had obviously had a few. Meals appeared to be popular. There were 2 real ales - Fullers London Pride and Buntingford Britannia.
10 Apr 2009 12:08
This pub looks nice from the outside but has a fairly nondescript interior with obvious attempts to modernise. There were 3 real ales - Eagle IPA, Bombardier and Directors.
10 Apr 2009 12:02
Expensive pub with plenty of seating areas both inside and out. The theme seems to be an olde worlde French one but the beer selection was poor with only the locally eponymous Wells Eagle IPA and Bombardier available.
10 Apr 2009 11:57
The best pub out of 11 we visited in Bedfordshire last Saturday. Whilst it was fairly quiet (they were soon to close for the afternoon), the barman/landlord was extremely friendly and professional. Wells Eagle IPA, Bombardier and Courage Best were on offer. We also had a very enjoyable game of darts.
10 Apr 2009 11:55
A pub that has undoubtedly been spoilt by its modernisation. From the outside, it looks like a typical English village pub, but the interior is far too modern. The three real ales were Greene King IPA, Ruddles County and Olde Trip and the welcome we received was friendly. We sat outside to try to imagine what it used to have been like.
10 Apr 2009 11:51
Busier and with a much younger crowd than some of the village pubs to the south of Amphill. There were 5 real ales on offer - Adnams Bitter & Broadside, St Austell Tribute, Fullers London Pride and Young's Special. The one bar seemed to be a meeting point for the local canine population and a trip to the toilet involved navigating around several of our four-legged friends!
10 Apr 2009 11:48
We received a friendlier welcome in this pub than the previous two Bedfordshire pubs we had visited. However, there was very little atmosphere. The music playing was very depressing (I'd have preferred none at all) and the other 4 customers were all sat in virtual silence. Beers were Eagle IPA, Bombardier and Jennings Cumberland Ale.
10 Apr 2009 11:44
Very disappointed when visiting this pub last weekend. On entering from the car park, we found a woman glaring at us. She quickly snapped at us saying 'Have you booked?' I wasn't aware I had to book to have a quiet pint! When I stated I was only here for a drink, she disappeared off into the kitchen. I thought this 'welcome' was quite uncalled for. In addition, it appears the elderly locals don't take kindly to visitors and we got some very strange looks from some who were suspicious of who we were. The pub itself was very pleasant and there were a few real ales available - Adnam's Broadside, Wells Eagle IPA and Bombardier. However, first impressions tend to last and I wouldn't encourage anybody to visit here until the staff learn to get some manners.
10 Apr 2009 11:33
This pub was really quiet (just one other patron) when we visited last Saturday lunchtime. I soon realised why when I discovered how expensive it was. The real ale selection turned out to be quite good when compared with the Greene King and Charles Wells pubs I was to visit later on - Sharp's Doom Bar, Adnam's Broadside, Oldershaw Mowbray's Mash and Oxfordshire Marshmellow. However the prices would deter me from visiting again.
10 Apr 2009 11:25
Typical Wetherspoons with open-plan layout. Before yesterday's match it was fairly busy. Many people were eating the breakfasts. Although the waiting time was in excess of 1 hour, meaning some (including us) were left to go hungry. Given the size and location (near Fratton station and the football ground), I would have thought they would have been able to turn orders around quicker. Instead they are probably losing out on quite a bit of business. There's the usual range of Wetherspoons real ales, plus they had Westons Organic cider on draught during our visit.
22 Mar 2009 20:10
The Old Customs House, Portsmouth
Situated in a shopping/restaurant area called Gunwharf, this is a modern-looking pub attracting a young crowd at the weekend. Beers are from the Fullers range. There's plenty of different seating areas and it's large enough to find tables and chairs even when busy. Fairly good apart from the limited selection of beers.
22 Mar 2009 20:07
Nicely located pub in Portsmouth harbour. Unfortunately the beers are all from Fullers - London Pride, ESB, HSB, Butser Bitter and Over The Bar. We still had a pleasant time sat outside watching the boats coming in and out.
22 Mar 2009 20:04
Backstreet local with a pleasant atmosphere. Caught a brief glimpse of the resident long-haired cat! During our lunchtime visit today, they had 7 real ales on - Irving Admiral Stout, Gales HSB, Arundel Castle, Fullers London Pride, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Hogsback Tea and a Ringwood beer. There's also 2 ciders from Westons - Old Rosie and Stowford Press.
22 Mar 2009 20:01
The one bar with the TV screens was packed after yesterday's game. Although the other bar was quieter and seats were available. Whilst the locals and the bar staff were friendly, the beer choice was bog standard.
22 Mar 2009 19:56
The Sir Loin Of Beef, Southsea
There's a good choice of real ales at this Portsmouth local. On my second visit yesterday, they had 8 all from the South of England - King Horsham Best, Hammerpot Bottle Wreck Porter, Hepworth Prospect Organic, Blaike's Heaven, Arundel ASB, Flowerpots Goodens Gold, Hepworth Iron Horse and Hopback Summer Lightning. Unfortunately there was no sign of the Mr Whiteheads cider advertised. Thatchers Dry was the best cider. Although the Gales fruit wines also went down well. There's a good mix of customers in here and the bar staff are friendly. Worth visiting if you're in the area or visiting Fratton Park.
22 Mar 2009 19:55
We visited here Wednesday afternoon and found it closed. Apparently it only opens from Thursday to Sunday at this time of year. This is a little unfortunate, since quite a few other people were also going away disappointed, despite us only being there a few minutes. We returned on the Thursday and found it open - there was a sign saying that it would also be closed on Saturday for a private party - a pub only open 3 days of the week is not very impressive. We had a snack here (Parsnip and Tarragon soup), which was very nice. Most other people were also here for the food. They did have 2 real ales from the Isle of Skye Brewery - Red Cuillin and Young Pretender. The building itself was also quite pleasant, once we'd finally managed to get inside!
20 Mar 2009 19:14
I wasn't overly impressed by this pub, but would still say it is the best in Fort William. During our visit, they had 4 real ales on - Isle of Skye Black Cuillin, Williams Joker, Williams Gold and An Teallach Ale. The latter seemed to be going down quite well.
20 Mar 2009 19:08
We also took the boat to visit this pub on Wednesday this week. By doing this you get to spend 4 hours in the pub, unless you fancy a hike. Initially we were the only people here, until a few of the walkers popped in for lunch before the return boat. I also had the venison burger, which was fine. The meal selection was poor at present. Although the owners were preparing a bigger menu in time for the summer peak. There were 2 real ales - Greene King IPA and Glenfinnan The Standard Ale. It's nice to say we've been there (and literally bought the t-shirt), but the pub was nothing special. It's the trek here and the views both from the boat and from Inverie that make the pub a little special.
20 Mar 2009 19:05
Typical Highland walkers pub. The bar is huge with long wooden benches, whilst the lounge is a little more comfortable. There are 15 handpumps dispensing real ale. During our Tuesday night visit, they only had 4 on - Cairngorm Black Gold & Sheepshagger's Gold and Atlas Latitide & 3 Sisters. No real ciders. I thought this was a really nice country pub in a great location. But I actually preferred the Kingshouse Hotel further east along the A82, where they had another Atlas beer (Blizzard) and the views are even more stunning.
20 Mar 2009 18:58
The best place in Aberdeen for cider, with Thatcher's Heritage and Addlestones available. The only 2 cask ales during our visit were Inveralmond Lia Fail and Atlas Latitude Pilsner. This is definitely a rock bar though, with some rather strange looking people - in fact I think we were the odd ones out!
20 Mar 2009 18:42
Orkney Dark Island is still the only cask ale on offer here. The service was pleasant but the interior was non too appealing. Didn't notice the steep prices, but everywhere in Aberdeen seems cheap when compared to London.
20 Mar 2009 18:36
Quiet hotel bar slightly off the beaten track, but with 9 real ales on - Caledonian Over The Bar, Ansells Bitter, Deeside Macbeth, Fullers Chiswick Ale, Greene King IPA, Deuchars IPA, Belhaven St Andrew's Ale, Wadworth 6X and Adnams Broadside. The football was on during our Monday night visit.
20 Mar 2009 18:34
The best of 14 pubs we visited in Aberdeen. Whilst it looks like a dive from the outside, inside it is full of character. In addition to a marvellous selection of whiskies, there were 4 real ales and it was refreshing to see 2 or 3 in Aberdeen that were not from the Greene King stable. During our visit, they had Belhaven 80/, Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted, Shepherd Neame Spitfire and Isle of Skye Black Cuillin. The other customers were very friendly. Agree with the previous poster about the poor gents toilets.
20 Mar 2009 18:31
A rather strange location in a cellar bar, but quite a pleasant candlelit experience. There were 3 real ales - Hardy & Hanson's Olde Trip, Deuchars IPA and Ossians, but the wine seemed to be more popular.
20 Mar 2009 18:25
This was my 3rd favourite pub I visited in Aberdeen this week out of 14 (my 2nd favourite was Ma Cameron's which is not listed on here). It had a good atmosphere and I'd have to say the gents toilets were the finest I'd visited - check out the fireplace! Ales were from Greene King - GK IPA and Inveralmond Homecoming Scotland.
20 Mar 2009 18:23
Similar to many Aberdeen pubs, this place has a dark interior. However, there is still a good atmosphere and it was fairly busy during our late Monday afternoon visit. Real ales on offer were Abbot Ale, Hardy & Hanson's Olde Trip, Kelburn Misty Law, Stewart Pentland IPA, Caledonian 80, Inveralmond Prince of Wales, Theakston Old Peculier and Ruddles County.
20 Mar 2009 18:14
This pub has gone downhill since the last time I visited a couple of years ago. It no longer serves any real ales, and the quality of the rest of the drinks was poor.
20 Mar 2009 18:10
This was the second time I have been here. It was quiet the first time I visited. This time it was even quieter. There is however a good selection of real ales from Greene King - Abbot Ale, Deuchars IPA, Inveralmond Ossian, Belhaven 80/, St Andrew's Ale and TT Landlord. The highlight of our visit was watching somebody from the adjacent courthouse being bundled into a waiting vehicle.
20 Mar 2009 18:08
Popped in here a week ago for a drink and a meal. The pizza selection was good. I chose the Chicken, Cranberry and Brie and it was very nice. Real ales on offer were Brakspear Bitter, London Pride and TT Landlord.
20 Mar 2009 18:01
This pub seems to be dominated by its expanded restaurant section and was extremely popular with diners. I think we were the only people there solely for a drink. Neverthless the staff behind the bar were extremely friendly and helpful, despite being rushed off their feet waiting on tables. Beers available were Skinners Betty Stoggs, Draught Bass, Sharps Doom Bar and Keltec Golden Lance, in addition to Grandma's Weapons Grade Ginger Beer.
10 Mar 2009 21:16
I'd only rate this pub as average. The young locals were all gathered together at the bar, when they weren't outside smoking. We appeared to be the only visitors. The welcome wasn't exactly unfriendly, but I still felt a little uncomfortable. Beers included Skinners Splendid Tackle, Keltec Magik, Draught Bass and Grandma's Weapons Grade Ginger Beer!
10 Mar 2009 21:13
Another nice village pub, that seemed to be quite popular with diners. The menu for the forthcoming Portuguese night looked very tempting. St Austell St Piran's Ale and Bays Best were the two real ales. Stowford Press was the cider.
10 Mar 2009 21:08
A nice quiet pub in this small village off the A30. They have a good selection of changing beers here, with St Austell St Piran's Ale and Sharps Own on during our visit. I just hate those new lightbulbs though. They are far too harsh on the eye. This isn't the fault of this pub in particular, but I did notice it far more than usual here.
10 Mar 2009 21:06
A seemingly popular locals pub on a busy road out of Bodmin. The regulars were a friendly bunch. For real ales lovers, they had 2 Sharps beers - Cornish Coaster and Doom Bar, in addition to Exmoor Stag.
10 Mar 2009 21:03
We found this to be a rather soulless place once inside and a bit of a disappintment after the grandeur that impressed us on the outside. Of the 3 real ales they were supposed to have, only 1 (Brains SA) was available. The comfy chairs were really good for relaxing. Although the history of rugby video being played on the big screen made lingering tiresome! We didn't get chance to visit the jail, but this would be the only reason to return if I am ever in Bodmin again.
10 Mar 2009 21:01
You get to this pub through a nice little garden. Once inside, the area around the bar is a pleasant place to spend some time. Real ales on offer were Otter Ale, Adnams Broadside and Sharps Doom Bar. The barmaid was proving an attraction herself!
10 Mar 2009 20:58
A truly locals pub where we were made to feel at home whilst a darts contest dominated proceedings. They had 3 real ales - St Austell Tinners and Proper Job plus Keltec Golden Lance. The cider was Cornish Rattler.
10 Mar 2009 20:56
In addition to my previous post, The Blisland also had St Austell St Piran's Ale and Dreckly Ring 'o' Bells plus one other 'Blisland Special'. They had quite a selection!
10 Mar 2009 20:54
I think this had to be the best of 20 pubs we tried in Devon and Cornwall last weekend. A traditional village pub located on Cornwall's only village green with a good mixture of locals and visitors. Ales included Skinners Splendid Tackle, Sharps Blisland Bulldog, Draught Bass and another one called Over The Bar. There is also a guest cider, which was Broadoak Moonshine on our visit. There are plenty of pump clips to admire on the ceiling.
10 Mar 2009 20:53
The Rising Sun Inn, Launceston
Even though this is not far from the A30, we found it quite difficult to find. When we did, it was worth the extra driving. This was a pleasant country pub with a good atmosphere and the food was reasonably good value. Real ales on offer were Penpont (the local brewery) Roughtor, Greene King IPA and Skinners Betty Stoggs. I was also surprised to see a cider (Press Gang) also from Skinners, which was quite nice.
10 Mar 2009 20:50
Typical open-plan Wetherspoons pub in the town centre. From what I remember (after one too many in the cider bar), it was very busy on the Friday evening. Real ales on offer included Blackawton Westcountry Gold, Bays Gold, Greene King Abbot Ale and South Hams Re-Session. The cider was Weston's Organic Vintage.
10 Mar 2009 20:46
Despite living within 10 minutes of Shropshire's cider house and always being a cider fan, this was my first visit to one of the country's 4 cider houses. As you enter the smell of the alcohol and apples is overpowering. However, several ciders later we had got used to it. There's no beers here - only ciders (from the cask and bottles), fruit wines (also from the cask) and a few spirits and soft drinks. I worked my way through the 5 ciders I had never tried and a couple of others too. The highlight for me was the 8% Wiscombe Suicider. Thatcher's Diesel (Cheddar Valley) seemed to be the most popular with the locals. Amongst others, there were Westons Perry, LBW, Old Rosie, Stowford Press & Vintage Reserve, Thatchers Katy, Thatchers Extra Dry, Sam's Dry, Sam's Medium, Poundhouse (Sam's), Taunton Natch, Kingstone Press and even cans of Blackthorne and Olde English. The interior is quite tired, but it creates an amenable atmosphere. However the hard wooden benches and 'barrel' stools are not conducive to a long session. The toilets left a lot to be desired and the one barman had a tendency to serve only his favourite customers first. This place was definitely the most popular we had been to and I wouldn't hesitate to return. In fact I did the following morning for a take-out!
10 Mar 2009 20:43
The Dartmouth Inn, Newton Abbot
Nowhere near as busy as the Locomotive a few doors up, but a slightly more pleasant experience. In addition to Cottage The Underdogs, the pub also had its own Triple S 8% ale. Whilst I didn't try this, the locals were adamant the beer quality was better there than in the 'Loco'. The pub also has a nice open fire. If I had one criticism, it was that the interior was a little dark and dingy.
10 Mar 2009 20:34
The Locomotive Inn, Newton Abbot
We were left disappointed by this pub. The jukebox was overpowering, the orange juice my wife had was off, the real cider I was hoping for (Old Rosie) had run out and we got some strange looks from the locals. They had 2 real ales (Shepherd Neame Spitfire and Adnams Broadside). Lord knows how the resident cat was managing to sleep through the racket!
10 Mar 2009 20:31
Extremely quiet pub on a late Friday afternoon. Indeed we were the only people here for a while. The two guest real ales were Cotleigh Honey Buzzard and Archers February Flavour. The place lacked a bit of atmosphere as it was so quiet.
10 Mar 2009 20:28
The Wolborough Inn, Newton Abbot
The best pub for real ale selection we saw in Newton Abbot. They had 3 casks behind the bar - Hunters Pheasant Plucker, Teignworthy Reel Ale and Sharp's Eden Pure Ale. They also had Aspall's cider. The landlady was extremely pleasant and offered us some books from the collection in the corner. The gents was outside and I struggled to work out how you could fit more than one person in at any one time!
10 Mar 2009 20:24
The restaurant area was quite busy on the Friday lunchtime we visited and we enjoyed a couple of hot sandwiches. The staff were very friendly and the local OAPs were enjoying discount meals. Real ales are from the St Austell range. They had IPA, Tribute and HSD. The cider was Cornish Rattler. Pleasant pub with a handy and spacious car park at the rear.
10 Mar 2009 20:18
The Two Mile Oak, Abbotskerswell
We visited here just before midday on a Friday and we were the first people there. By the time we were leaving, several parties were arriving for lunch. The bar is a great old-fashioned experience with stone floors and wooden benches. Otter Bitter and Draught Bass are serevd direct from the casks behind the bar. The cider is Aspalls.
10 Mar 2009 20:05
The Court Farm Inn, Abbotskerswell
Popular village pub. This place was quite busy for a Friday lunchtime. Whilst we had the bar to ourself, the eating area was standing room only and the food was obviously popular. Real ales available were Otter Ale, Greene King IPA, Draught Bass and Taylor Landlord. Cider was Aspalls and Inchs.
10 Mar 2009 19:57
Blackburne Arms Hotel, Liverpool
I wasn't overly impressed by this pub on my Sunday lunchtime visit. The interior is modern, and many people were having Sunday lunch. The food seemed pricey. I wanted a snack but the food was too expensive. There were no crisps available behind the bar. In fact the only snacks available were nuts from a machine. There were 3 real ales - Black Sheep Best, Deuchars IPA and Taylor Landlord. The only bonus for me was the Addlestones cider. Although they have managed to spoil this by adding gas. There are better pubs in this area in my opinion.
10 Mar 2009 18:05
Thought I'd give the Northgate a go, as it has appeared in the 2009 GBG. I went in on a Saturday evening, and was expecting it to be much busier. There were plenty of spare tables with not too many people eating. Although the food did smell good. The guest ale was off, leaving the regular London Pride and Deuchars IPA. There were also around 15 different lagers plus Addlestones cider on draught. I'd be inclined to try this place again for food, but wouldn't be too fussed about returning for a drink. Will try The Scolt Head next time I'm in the area and see how this compares.
1 Mar 2009 21:20
This pub now looks like a nightclub or a trendy bar from the outside, but has retained much of its character inside. There were 5 real ales - Pedigree, Directors, Bombardier and Theakstons Mild & Best. During my Saturday lunchtime visit most of the customers were locals in their 50's and 60's. It's worth a visit if you're in or around Liverpool's shopping area, but is really nothing to write home about. There's plenty of other better establishments nearby.
1 Mar 2009 20:58
Went in here for Sunday lunch and a few pints last weekend. Situated only 2 stations away from Newcastle city centre and located between the two platforms, this is a surprisingly handy pub. In addition to being the Wylam Brewery Tap, it has several other pumps for guest ales. During our visit, they had Old Grog, Wylam Gold Tankard, Wylam Bohemia Lager, Wylam Magic, Fyne Ales Vital Spark, Fyne Ales Avelanche, Hadrian & Border Tyneside Blonde, Consett Ale Works White Hot, Consett Steel Town, Wychwood Dirty Tackle & Banks & Taylor Shefford Bitter. There were also 5 real ciders listed, included 4 from Westons and Moles Black Rat. This seemed a really pleasant pub. The bar was packed and the lounge was doing a good trade in Sunday lunches. 8/10. The only thing that stopped me giving a 9 was the barman unable to find the Black Rat cider as advertised on the board!
24 Feb 2009 20:57
The Red Lion is currently holding a Celtic beer and cider festival. Went here last night to try the cider selection. The place was fairly busy, but there was still plenty of seating. There were several dogs, but all were well-behaved and caused no offence. Beers on offer for the festival were Purple Moose Dark Side of the Moose, Kelburn Ca'Canny, Coastal Merry Maidens Mild, Breconshire WPA, Atlas Three Sisters, Cairngorm Sheepshaggers, Skinners Betty Stoggs & Cornish Knocker, Salopian Hop Twister, Conway Welsh Pride, Broughton Old Jock, Williams Red & Harviestoun Ptarmigan. The Hop Twister seemed to be going down best. For cider and perry lovers, there was Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Haymaker and Two Trees Perry plus Montgomery Old Monty's. All in all, we had a very pleasant evening in the Red Lion, and I would not hesitate to recommend this pub.
21 Feb 2009 12:02
Cavernous station pub with a few real ales. During our visit, they had Coach House Blueberry Classic Bitter, Phoenix Spotland Gold and Dr Okells Classic Bitter. Ciders were Westons Old Rosie & Stowford Press. The atmosphere was poor - a bit like a Wetherspoons. But I could imagine this could still be a reasonable meeting place for people arriving/departing from Lime St.
9 Feb 2009 20:13
Visited the small bar. Whilst I found it quite quaint, if not a little run down, the drink selection was poor. Being a cider drinker presented a problem, as they had run out of both of the regular ciders - Aspalls and Thatchers Gold. There were 3 real ales - Coach House Credit Crunch, Black Sheep Bitter and Betwixt Sunlight. The resident dog really took a shine to me! Stupidly, I managed to leave a bag on a stool in the bar. I returned 45 minutes later to find the bag exactly where I'd left it, despite the bar having filled since I'd first departed. Very trusting regulars!
9 Feb 2009 20:11
The Fly in the Loaf, Liverpool
Went to the Fly in the Loaf this Saturday for the first time. The pub is one single long room with a similarly long bar. There were several real ales on offer during my visit - RCH Pitchfork, Cotleigh Harrier, Okells Bitter, Rudgate Alf's Golden Ale (had a hint of blackcurrant), Blackwater Voodoo and Fuller's Discovery. Draught ciders were Aspalls and Thatchers Gold. The atmosphere was good and the pub was well decorated, including the stairs and corridor leading to the toilet. They were also showing the Saturday lunchtime Premiership game on the screens.
9 Feb 2009 20:06
The Triple Crown Inn, Richmond
Ducked out of the Orange Tree for a swift half here. The atmosphere was far better with music at a much more pleasant volume, making it far more conducive to conversation. Real ales on offer were Twickenham Naked Ladies, Fullers London Pride and Taylor Landlord. It also had the best cider I have found in Richmond - Aspalls. I'm not sure about the red light shades though.
9 Feb 2009 20:01
A really friendly real ale pub not too far from York station. Haven't visited since last winter. But the real ales were in good order, and there was a good selection of 5/6 real ciders. The chips were especially tasty. Along with the Rook & Gaskill across the city, The Maltings is undoubtedly one of the best if not the best pub in York.
1 Feb 2009 18:17
Great unassuming backstreet pub not a million miles from Borough station, but far enough away to ensure it doesn't get too crowded. A Harveys pub which also has a good choice of real ciders (from Thatchers as I remember). There is a small collection of books in the rear bar which are available for purchase.
1 Feb 2009 18:10
Went in here one summer afternoon im 2008. It was fairly busy with as many drinking outside on the pavement as indoors. We managed to get a table in the small rear bar. Not overly impressed. There are better pubs in the Borough area in my opinion.
1 Feb 2009 18:07
Nice little pub in London's West End on the outskirts of Covent Garden. Finding a seat in the main bar here is always difficult, particularly at weekends. During the summer, punters spill out of the narrow bar onto the street. You can always walk up the narrow rickety staircase to the upstairs bar if you're desperate to be seated. Although you're unlikely to have the same 'atmosphere'. Always have a couple of real ciders or perries in the fridge (from the New Forest producer) in addition to a handful of real ales. I've never been fully convinced about the quality. But overall, this is a handy watering hole only seconds from Trafalgar Square.
1 Feb 2009 17:46
Unassuming pub from the outside, but a great selection of real ales and ciders inside. During our visit last summer, we sat outside on the patio and enjoyed a really nice afternoon.
1 Feb 2009 17:10
Great real ale haven just outside the centre of Northampton. During our visit last summer, they had Wickwar Penny Black, Great Oakley Delapre Dark, Oakham Haka, B & T Dragonslayer, Shirty's Festival, Stonehenge Spire Ale, Brains SA, Great Oakley Gobble and Frog Island Natterjack. The real cider was Thatcher's Cheddar Valley. Has a good relaxed atmosphere and plenty of seating. The bar staff are extremely knowledgeable.
1 Feb 2009 16:48
I thought this was a fairly pleasant pub and is probably great if you're catching a train - we were driving and got stung for a parking ticket in the car park opposite. The pub was lively and fairly crowded - standing room only. The biggest negative was the toilets - the smell coming from them was disgusting. Nevertheless, this was probably the best pub we visited in Sutton Coldfield.
1 Feb 2009 16:35
Large pub convenient for Old Trafford. No real ales. Beer served in plastic glasses. Full of louts. Quick service though.
1 Feb 2009 16:13
Difficult to find pub, despite its location near the A55. Has several different drinking areas. The beers are well kept. During our visit, the three real ales were Cottage Southern Bitter, Slaters Supreme and Purple Moose Glaslyn.
1 Feb 2009 16:11
Great friendly rural pub at the top of a hill with amazing views over the Dee Estuary. There were 4 real ales from the cask during our visit - Facer's Flintshire Bitter, Facer's Blue Bell Bitter (house beer), Dark Blue and Deuchars IPA. There were also 2 real ciders on offer - Newton Court Dry and Moles Black Rat plus a perry (Westons Herefordshire Perry). Dunkertons cider was available in bottles. Discounts for CAMRA members.
1 Feb 2009 16:07
JW Lees pub with wonderful views over the Dee Estuary from the conservatory. The interior is well-preserved and the locals were friendly. The JW Lees Bitter was the only cask real ale. But Moonraker (7.5%) was available in bottles.
1 Feb 2009 16:03
Modern pub catering for diners and families. However it has a really good real ale selection. During our visit, there was Boggart Sun Dial, Phoenix Cheshire Best No. 5, Purple Moose Snowdonia Ale, Brains Reverend James, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Facer's Flintshire Bitter, Kingstone Stonehouse KPA, Thwaites Original and Flowers Original. No real ciders though.
1 Feb 2009 15:58
Slightly different from the standard Wetherspoons interior, in that it has a few different drinking areas, as opposed to an open-plan space. We visited on a Saturday morning, when the place was full with locals having their breakfast. I found the orderly queues at the bar for coffees, teas and food quite amusing. It was more reminiscent of a canteen, than a pub. However, we decided to join the diners and ordered a couple of breakfasts to help soak up the alcohol. The food was extremely good value-for-money, as you would expect from a Wetherspoons. Real ales on tap were Greene King IPA & Abbot Ale, Marstons Pedigree, Spinning Dog Border Bitter, Elgood's Thin Ice and Celt Experience Celt Bronze. They also have a couple of Westons real ciders in the fridge - Organic Vintage and Old Rosie. Probably the best and certainly the liveliest pub we visited in the centre of Mold.
1 Feb 2009 15:52
Nice enough Fullers pub well-located on the corner of The Green. The barman was not too friendly. In fact he was verging on rude. Maybe it's catching. When ordering a bottle of cider, he automatically filled a pint glass with ice. I hate this trend and asked for the ice to be removed. After a rather unpleasant glare, he threw the ice back into a bucket and slammed the glass down on the bar. On a subsequent visit, I enquired which of the two bitters I had just bought was which. He replied that 'the clue is on the glass - the London Pride is in the London Pride glass and the ESB is in the ESB glass'. This may have been easy for him to see, but not for me when the glasses were turned the other way. I saw no need for this kind of bad attitude. Apart from this service, which I found more amusing than anything, this pub has a good atmosphere with plenty of tables in a nice interior.
21 Jan 2009 22:20
Quite a hike up the hill if you walk from the 65 bus stop! I arrived at the bar breathless. However, it was worth the trip up the hill to this freehouse that is not affiliated to the Fullers and Youngs breweries and the soulless chains that seem to dominate Richmond. Cask beers available on my visit were Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted, Springfield Polar Bear and Cairngorm Gold, as well as Fullers London Pride. The walk back down the hill was somewhat easier!
21 Jan 2009 22:13
Really pleasant rural village pub in a listed building. The beers were from Evan Evans, including a special 'Trial' beer. It was very quiet during our visit on a Sunday evening, but still seemed to be a nice place to spend an hour or two.
21 Jan 2009 22:10
One of 4 or 5 pubs in Tremadog's main square. The bar was freezing, but quite atmospheric. There were 2 real ales - Brains Rev James and Uphampton Arrowhead Extra. We also ate here. The food was nothing special, but good value with 2 meals for �10.
21 Jan 2009 22:07
We found it strange that Porthmadog's two best pubs are both situated in railway stations (the other being The Station Inn at the mainline station). This was an atmospheric place with several real ales on tap - Sadlers Thin Ice, Woods Parish, Enville Mile and Purple Moose Dark Side of the Moose. We did however get a few funny looks from the locals!
21 Jan 2009 22:05
This is to all intents and purposes a clubhouse for the local campsites. There are no signs to identify it. Although you can find it in the middle of the caravans. Deadly quiet in the winter, I'd imagine it gets packed out during the summer. Has quite a sizeable interior with an indoor verandah and outdoor tables with a kids play area. There were no real ales owing to a 'lack of delivery' during our visit. Gwynt y Ddraig Autumn Gold cider was available in bottle.
21 Jan 2009 22:01
Appears to have closed early January 2009, according to a sign on the door.
21 Jan 2009 21:58
I was left unimpressed by this pub. During our visit, there were 2 real ales - Wye Valley HPA and Breconshire Naked Beacon. The latter was clearly off, but was replaced without any fuss. Whilst I can't comment on the quality of the food, the price appeared excessive. I was also put off by all of the dirty glasses on the tables. There were very few customers in the pub and 2 bar staff, who showed no interest in clearing the tables. The clientele could only be described as 'stuffy'. A couple of decent bottled ciders was the only plus point for me.
21 Jan 2009 21:53
Busy local pub with a couple of friendly dogs. All the real ales were from Evan Evans.
21 Jan 2009 21:46
We had a meal in here last Saturday night. I had the gammon, which was absolutely fine for the price. This seems to have been converted to more of a hotel/restaurant. Although there were people enjoying a quiet drink. Real ales were from the Evan Evans brewery- Evan Evans Best, Cwrw, Warrior and Santa's Tipple.
21 Jan 2009 21:44
The brewery tap for the Breconshire brewery. The 3 beers on tap were a Welsh Pale Ale, Cribyn and Golden Valley. There was also a real cider - Weston's Vintage. The front bar was quite cosy, whilst the back bar seemed to be more for games - both playing and watching, with a central pool table.
21 Jan 2009 21:41
Located on the outskirts of Brecon, this was a reasonably friendly locals pub, with a fairly young crowd. The two real ales were Brains Bitter and Red Dragon from the local Breconshire brewery.
21 Jan 2009 21:37
The best of 21 Welsh pubs we tried this past weekend. There were 5 cask real ales - Brains Dark, Brains SA, Youngs Special, RCH Pitchfork and Wye Valley Butty Bach. There was also a real cider - Weston's Old Rosie. The welcome was friendly and the meals smelled great. The owners appeared to be from South Africa.
21 Jan 2009 21:34
The Copper Beech Inn, Abercrave
Quiet pub which was difficult to find, as the sign has been taken down. Spacious drinking area, but no other customers during our visit on Saturday afternoon. There were 3 Tomos Watkin beers - Abercwrw, Cwrw Santa & OSB. Also serve Taffy cider in bottles.
21 Jan 2009 21:30
A really authentic dockside pub (near the King's Dock) in a newly-gentrified area. The different drinking areas are all very pleasant and the staff are all friendly and helpful. In addition to the Wapping beers, there appeared to be a couple of guest beers. No mild, stout or porter on during our visit. However the barman offered a Smoked Porter by gravity, and before long half the people in the pub were drinking it. The food seemed popular. Although we didn't try it. My only criticism was the lack of a real cider. Last time I was here they had Cheddar Valley - but not this time. Well worth the detour from the city centre.
11 Jan 2009 17:19
The Augustus John, University of Liverpool
Despite having spent 3 years at the University, I'd never previously visited this pub until yesterday. The bar is open-plan and a good place for watching live sports, with at least 5-6 different TVs. The clientele were a mix of students and locals. There were 2 guest beers on - one called Voodoo and another from the Spitting Feathers brewery. There is also a changing real cider in the fridge. Yesterday it was Thatcher's Dry. Nice enough beer selection, but I must admit to preferring a more traditional pub.
11 Jan 2009 17:10
Large pub with 2 ground floor bars and a good variety of beers (including Cains and Tetley) and ciders. Nice interior and really convenient for the station. From here you are just a short 1 minute walk from getting on or a train. Opens early each morning for breakfast.
11 Jan 2009 16:55
The Railway View, Macclesfield
Really busy pub on matchdays. After struggling to get through the door, we were served fairly quickly and even managed to find a seat. There were 5-6 real ales on offer including Titanic Iceberg. Friendly enough pub - just a bit too packed. Also serves real cider (Weston's Old Rosie).
6 Jan 2009 23:17
The Brewers Arms, Macclesfield
Visited here on Saturday before the football match. Many of the town centre pubs were closed due to the match, but this one had remained open. It was fairly quiet with a few locals. The walls are decorated with Manchester United memorabilia, apart from a small corner with Manchester City pictures. So, there's obviously some sort of split allegiances here. There was only one real ale on tap. This was Tornado from the local Storm brewery.
6 Jan 2009 23:13
Just returned from The North Star. This is without a doubt the best of the pubs in the West Drayton area (although just across the county border in Bucks). Directors is the only real ale on handpull. Friendly service and cheap meals. It's also a good place to watch the football.
22 Dec 2008 22:34
Nice Fullers pub on the river bank across the other side from the town centre. Had a lovely meal in here today. The only drawback was the price.
22 Dec 2008 19:57
Ye Olde Royal Oak, Ystrad Mynach
I think this pub may have recently changed hands. The stock was limited, but the place was fairly busy.
22 Dec 2008 19:51
Very impressed by this pub. The best of 20 we visited this weekend in Glamorgan & Gwent. A huge drinking area with a central bar. One side of the building overlooks the valley. There were 5 real ales on tap - Brains SA, John Smith's Cask, Wye Valley Brew 69, Felinfoel Rudolph Revenge & Brains Iechyd Da! To keep me happy, they also had a real perry in one of the fridges - Fiery Fox (Gwynt y Ddraig). Friendly staff and customers. Recommended.
22 Dec 2008 19:49
Very popular local pub. We visited here yesterday lunchtime, and it was doing a roaring trade in Sunday lunches. The two real ales on offer were Hardy & Hanson's Rocking Rudolph and Old Speckled Hen. Nice location at the top of a bank overlooking the valley.
22 Dec 2008 19:45
Courage Best was the only real ale on tap during our visit yesterday. The landlady was very friendly and was telling us all about the resident ghosts. A pleasant village in the valleys.
22 Dec 2008 19:38
Noisy pub on Abergavenny's main street. Festive ales on draught were Rosey Nosey and Rockin' Rudolph. Five different Gwynt y Ddraig bottled ciders were also available. We nearly booked this place to stay the night, but given the volume of the music, I was glad we didn't.
22 Dec 2008 19:28
Probably the nicest pub in Abergavenny, in terms of historical interest. Lots of little nooks and crannies to explore. We had one room to ourselves on a Saturday night. Although some of the rooms were quite busy. However the only real ales on offer were Brains SA Gold, Reverend James and Draught Bass.
22 Dec 2008 19:24
Fairly decent Wetherspoons in an old cinema building. Real ales on offer during our visit were Pedigree, Abbot Ale, Brains Bitter, Badger Pickled Partridge & Burton Bridge Santi-Freeze. They also had Old Rosie and Westons Vintage ciders on draught as well as three different bottled ciders from Gwynt y Ddraig.
22 Dec 2008 19:22
Has always been busy whenever I have visited. Convenient for the station. Very lively - but a bit too lively in my opinion.
19 Dec 2008 20:35
Situated towards the centre of the terminal between the security points, this is a good place to grab a pint if passing through the airport. It's generally fairly busy. There's generally 3-4 real ales and Aspalls cider. They offer discounts to airline employees.
19 Dec 2008 20:33
Reasonable place to come for at lunchtime if you're in the vicinity of Heathrow. There's plenty of seating and food is delivered fairly quickly. The beer is from Greene King.
19 Dec 2008 20:29
Nice backstreet pub just off one of the main drags. Real ales on during our visit last weekend were Batemans XB, Goffs Jouster, Jennings Cumberland Ale, York Nordic Fury, Beartown Bitter, Wallsend Mordue Brown Ale and Oakleaf Hole Hearted.
19 Dec 2008 20:25
Large pub with plenty of seating. A pleasant place in which to spend an afternoon/evening. There were 4 real ales on offer, as well as Aspalls Cider.
19 Dec 2008 20:22
The Chestnut Horse Inn, Great Kelk
Remote village pub with limited opening hours at present (7-11 Wed-Sun). We arrived here one Sunday night at opening time and whilst only here for half an hour before our journey back to London, we were the only people apart from the landlord. He explained that he was recently looking to purchase another pub in Hull, but the sale had fallen through. Whilst he was winding down this pub (hence the limited hours), he now plans to build up business again and extend the opening hours. Whilst the place is really remote, it's also an atmospheric and classic example on an English village pub. Shepherd Neame Spitfire was the guest ale during our visit. The cider is Stowford Press.
18 Dec 2008 23:07
Nice open-plan bar on the seafront north of Bridlington town centre. John Smith's Bitter, Taylor Landlord and Theakston's Old Peculier were the cask beers. Sky Sports was on the television and Sunday night is quiz night. A nice place to spend some time. I'd like to bet it's even better during the summer!
18 Dec 2008 22:59
Nice enough pub well away from the town centre and the seafront. Mostly locals. Real ales on offer were Old Speckled Hen, Draught Bass and a seasonal beer from Hardy & Hanson's.
18 Dec 2008 22:57
The New Crown Hotel, Bridlington
Huge pub to the North-West of the town centre. Empty on the Sunday afternoon we visited. John Smith's Bitter on cask is the only real ale.
18 Dec 2008 22:55
One of the nicer Wetherspoons I've visited. It's corner location means it's slightly different from the usual layout. Service was good. Whilst we were there, they were having a small beer festival featuring 5-6 beers from the Saltaire brewery. The draught cider was Weston's Old Rosie and Weston's Organic.
18 Dec 2008 22:51
Pleasant enough pub on the main road through Beeford. We sat in the bar, which was mostly locals. The far busier lounge seemed very popular with families enjoying Sunday lunch. The beers were John Smith's Bitter and Fuller's London Pride.
18 Dec 2008 22:48
Absolutely heaving on the Saturday night I visited. Despite the cold weather I braved one of the tables outside. Several real ales on offer.
18 Dec 2008 22:35
Fairly dead when I visited recently on a Saturday night. Only a stone's throw from the main Westgate drag, but I was able to have a whole room to myself! There's certainly a lack of atmosphere. Although the photographs on the wall point back to livelier times in days gone by. I'd still recommend this if you want to escape the packed bars and clubs on Westgate.
18 Dec 2008 22:34
Right in the middle of all the weekend hotspots, this is a great traditional pub with a good selection of real ales. Impressive hallway and front window.
18 Dec 2008 22:31
Very busy on a Saturday night. The pub appears to have been revamped into an Irish bar. Loud music. No real ales. Looks like this was once a nice place. Not any more.
18 Dec 2008 22:29
Usual Wetherspoons fare. Packed on a Saturday night. Although there was a table to had right at the rear. Popular with the nightclub crowd.
18 Dec 2008 22:26
The Fernandes Brewery Tap and Bier Keller, Wakefield
Not even the local shopkeepers could tell us where this place was. It's tucked down a narrow street just off Kirkgate. The first floor bar features mostly continental lagers, whilst the second floor bar has several different real ales. During our visit, they were serving Oldershaw High Dyke, Ossett Pale Gold, Ossett Gold Rush, Fullers ESB, Fernandes Double Six, Fernandes Challenger, Fernandes Liberty Lager, Fernandes Orange & Ginger, Black Country BFG and Shugborough Lordships Gold. There are also two real ciders on offer - 1 in each bar. The upstairs cider was Broadoak Moonshine. A great place to while away a few hours not too far from the centre of Wakefield.
18 Dec 2008 22:23
Great historic pub just east of Wakefield, with several different small drinking areas. Beers included Ossett Silver King, Ossett Pale Ale, Clark's Rams Revenge and RCH Steam Carnival.
18 Dec 2008 22:17
Community local that was fairly quiet during our Saturday afternoon visit. Sky Sports on the TV. Real ales on offer were Jennings Cumberland Ale, John Smith's Bitter, Leeds Pale Ale, Taylor Landlord and Adnam's Broadside.
18 Dec 2008 22:15
The Angler's Retreat, Wintersett
Like walking back into the '70's, but a great village pub with friendly locals. Sam Smith's, Barnsley Bitter and Clark's Harvest Special were on during our visit. The cider was Olde English, which I hadn't tasted for ages!
18 Dec 2008 22:11
Quiet country pub which has apparently recently re-opened. John Smith's Cask and Black Sheep Bitter were the two real ales on.
8 Dec 2008 22:42
Went in here last Saturday afternoon. Most of the regulars appeared to be watching the horse racing with two screens showing different channels. There's clearly a horse-racing theme to the place with photos of race horses on the walls. Cask John Smith's, Pedigree and Sam Smith's Original Brewery Bitter were on.
8 Dec 2008 22:39
Fullers pub just outside Hounslow. When we went in on Friday night, the place was mostly populated by locals. At first we thought the place was empty, but most people were in the lounge to the rear. A friendly enough welcome.
8 Dec 2008 22:35
The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers
I haven't been here for a couple of years, but it has a place in my heart as the best pub in Britain. Excellent location overlooking the sea, great selection of real ales and ciders. Everything a great English pub should be. It's a pity it takes me so long to get here. If only it was my local.
2 Dec 2008 21:24
The best pub I know in SE England. A cracking country pub with an excellent range of real ales, mostly from Northern micros. There's 3 changing real ciders also (although 1 is from Saxon). Look out for Dot (the owner) supping here ice-filled drink near the fire, and for Ron and Ray who regularly compete with one another in breaking wind contests! Excellent and regular beer festivals, a great unspoiled country pub interior and fabulous atmosphere. No music, no TV, hardly any mobile phone reception (great news) and a friendly, relaxed environment to spend a few hours working your way through the blackboard. 10/10 from a fussy customer.
2 Dec 2008 21:21
Run down on the outside, run down on the inside, and the customers and bar staff are run down too. But what a great place to while away a few hours working through the excellent range of ever-changing real ales. During my last visit they had Mighty Oak Oscar Wilde, Bathams Best, Salopian Hoptwister, Southport Old Shrimper and a couple of others. The real cider was from Wales. The black pudding sandwiches are to die for. Come here for the beers (or cider) and the people-watching. It won't be long before you're engaged in conversation with somebody you've never dreamed of socialising with. Come in here with an open mind and enjoy!
2 Dec 2008 21:16
Very disappointed after my recent visit. The Milton beers are not as good as at The Pembury, and the clientele leaves much to be desired. After a swift pint of the cider (Stowford Press), I left the locals and their load music to it. Poor.
2 Dec 2008 21:11
Great Hackney pub with plenty of beers from the Milton Brewery., plus one guest beer. This one was from Crouch Vale. They also have a changing guest cider - Upper House Whiskey Cask during my visit. Don't miss the bar billiards table in one corner. I've yet to see this pub really busy, which is a shame.
2 Dec 2008 21:08
Bog standard Wetherspoons with the usual clientele and a fairly tired interior. Good value for money, as in all Spoons outlets.
2 Dec 2008 21:05
Popular Wetherspoons near the station with early opening hours. Slightly better than your average Wetherspoons with a younger than usual crowd.
2 Dec 2008 21:02
Visited here one Sunday night recently. We were the only people in the lounger. Other than Greene King IPA, there were no real ales. Not worth the trip away from the York real ale circuit.
2 Dec 2008 21:01
Nice pub popular with all sorts of people. Opens at 12 on a Sunday (not 11 as published in the 2009 GBG). We followed a group of elderly customers here for their Sunday lunch into the pub. Another room was showing football, demonstrating the wide variety of customers who frequent this pub. As well as John Smith's Cask, there was also a guest beer - Caledonian 80.
2 Dec 2008 20:59
The Yorkshire Terrier Inn, York
This doesn't look like a pub from the street, but is a great advertisement for the York Brewery. During my visit, they had Guzzler, Stonewall and Centurions's Ghost Ale. Very atmospheric.
2 Dec 2008 20:56
Popped in here on our way back to London. Bought an excellent selection of real ales for future football match trips! They even have a cider for take away. When we visited it was Weston's Old Rosie.
2 Dec 2008 20:54
Great interior. Beers included Oldershaw High Dyke, Mordue Wallsend Brown and Marston Moor Cromwell Pale. The cider was Broadoak Dry. Well worth the trip from the City centre.
2 Dec 2008 20:52
Of 10 pubs I visited recently in York, this had the best range of beers (and cider!). During my visit there was Castle Rock HPA, Elsie Mo & Black Gold, RCH Firebox, Salamander Aztec, Burton Bridge Sovereign Gold, York Nordic Fury, Elgood's Northumberland Porter & Old Black Shock and Leeds Hellfire. The Broadoak Perry had recently replace the Moonshine cider. Our visit was only spoiled by a small group of people who had obviously been here since opening time. Their language was atrocious. However, the rest of the clientele were very friendly.
2 Dec 2008 20:51
New pub that looks like its been her for centuries. Good service, good atmosphere and extremely central. As I arrived, there was an escapologist wowing the crowds in the nearby square! Beers were from the York brewery, plus Burton Bridge Damson Porter & Titanic Stout. 3 ciders for me - Stowford Press, Aspalls and Old Rosie. Excellent!
2 Dec 2008 20:45
Busy city centre pub with open plan layout. Beers available during my visit were from Wentworth (WPA, Oatmeal Stout & Black Zac) as well as Wobbler from the York brewery. A bit too touristy for my liking. Although plenty of bar staff.
2 Dec 2008 20:42
Great backstreet pub with several drinking areas and outside loos. Classic interior.
2 Dec 2008 20:39
Great little pub, with the emphasis on little. The two bars are tiny, but this is a really atmospheric old pub, just like pubs should be. The guest beer was Oakleaf Hole Hearted.
2 Dec 2008 20:36
Very quiet in here on a Sunday afternoon, unlike all the pubs on the main drags. Worth the small detour. Real ales on offer were Roosters Yankee, Leeds Midnight Bell, Wold Top Falling Stone and Rudgate Battle Axe. The cider was Weston's Old Rosie.
2 Dec 2008 20:34
Stopped here recently on the way to The Valley. Both bars are on a street full of B & B's, and it looks as if you are walking into a seaside guest house. However, the service was friendly, and there were a few real ales on offer. The cider was Stowford Press.
2 Dec 2008 20:30
Visited here recently as it was voted the National Cider Pub of the year 2007. It's not look your standard pub. As the previous reviewer said, it's like walking into a guest house. However, the bar started to get quite crowded as the evening went on. The owners appeared to be very knowledgeable about the beer and cider selection. During our visit, they had Outlaw Wrangler, Bank Top Gold Digger, Brewdog Coffee Stout, Goose Eye Pommies Revenge, Wold Top Mars Magic and Poachers Pride. The 9% stout seemed quite popular! There were also several Belgian beers and 7 real ciders, including Cheddar Valley and 4 from Ross-on-Wye, as well as Broadoak Perry. Well worth a visit.
2 Dec 2008 20:28
The Railway Arms, West Drayton
The naked women were probably in the Blues Bar (I think it used to be called Stations) a few doors up. My lasting memory of this pub was the red lights which gave the place a surreal atmosphere. A much more traditional pub than the others around. Now closed and up for sale.
25 Nov 2008 20:14
The De Burgh Arms, West Drayton
Used to be a really popular pub. Although as posted before, it's a HQ for the significant local chav population. Went in last night and found only 4 customers. The De Burgh has gone downhill fast. The only redeeming feature for me is the draught Addlestones cider.
25 Nov 2008 20:11
Popped in here to watch the football. After 5 minutes of the match, the music was pumped up to nightclub levels to satisfy the middle-aged alcoholic crowd. No consideration at all for anybody who had come in for the sports. The barmaid propped the main door open when going out for a smoke, just to keep herself warm. So much for the smoking ban. Passive smoking is back in the Red Cow! Good for its entertainment value, if you enjoy people making a fool of themselves. Otherwise, keep on walking.
25 Nov 2008 20:08
The George and Dragon, Yiewsley
Recently refurbished to a good standard. But that's about where the positives end. Unless you're known to the bar staff, you can expect a long wait at the bar to be served. Regular customers will be served shortly after walking through the door. 'Visitors' must wait 5-10 minutes. Most Yiewsley/West Drayton pubs are similar. Unless you live locally, give this and the others along the High Street & Station Road a wide berth.
25 Nov 2008 20:01
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The Imperial, Exeter
Having just criticised Wetherspoon's in my last review, the roles seemed to be reversed in Exeter. This was a very enjoyable visit to this branch of the chain. The Imperial is huge. I thought I'd found the main bar, only to find a much bigger bar in the so-called orangery. The full ale range across the 2 bars was Hanlon's Yellow Hammer, Kirkstall Dissolution IPA, Greene King IPA & Abbot, Sharp's Doom Bar, Milestone Fletchers, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Walker White Gold, Bowman's Wallops Wood, Hunter's Black Jack, Otter Ale & Exmoor Beast. The real cider range was very impressive - Snail's Bank Yuzu, Mango Cider, Black Forest, Raspberry Ripple, Orchard Dry, Banoffee Pie & Appley Dappley, Barbourne Tangerine Dream, Thatcher's Stan's Cheddar Valley, Hunt's Hazy Dazy & Elf's Tipple, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask & Purbeck Cider Company Katy Perry. The place was absolutely packed with students from the nearby Exeter University. They all seemed to be having a final hurrah before vacating the university due to the coronavirus fears. This was a very good example of a Wetherspoon's and was a fitting last pub before what I presume will be a hiatus of a few months. Adieu for now.
17 Mar 2020 21:31