BITE user comments - brachwodd
Comments by brachwodd
Now a Miller and Carter steak house owned by Mitchell and Butler and no longer a pub. Had a couple of meals here that were less than memorable except for the last one, when I almost choked on some coleslaw that had a large piece of clear hard plastic film in it that got stuck in my throat. Staff dealt with the problem in a less-than-profesional way, I'm afraid and asked, 'would you like some more coleslaw'! Oh my God. On using the toilet, I noticed that two of the three urinals had leaking waste traps and fluids had run across the floor for you to stand in. Lovely! The whole place shows a lack of proper management and is run by youngsters. Overall Mitchell and Butler have destroyed this place. Even when it was a Beefeater, there was some character to it. The trendy 'designers' have succeeded in glossing over the building's lovely period features and made it look like the bar and restaurant of some cheap hotel. Never again!!
22 Apr 2008 10:11
The Strathmore Arms, St Pauls Walden
Fabulous pub and heaven for those who love real ale beautifully kept. The choice changes rapidly and Danny is always on the lookout for beers from new micros to feature. Check out the pump clips on the ceiling! Great location with lovely walks to get up a thirst. Sunday mornings you can have a leisurely breakfast (need to book) and then start on the beer in earnest. This is what a real English pub should be. The welcome is always warm no matter who you are.
21 Nov 2007 21:05
Great pub, great beers and Tim is a top notch cellarman and landlord. Usually five beautifully kept beers on hand pump with three from small independents that are regularly changed. House beers are Young's bitter and London Pride. The food is always superb and really is 'home made'. Try Tim's superb game pie when in season from locally sourced game. The welcome is always warm here whether you are local or visitor. One of the finest pubs in England let alone Hertfordshire.
21 Nov 2007 20:55
The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers
I discovered this pub many moons ago by sheer chance. I try to get here as often as I can (not often enough, however!). The place has a character and charm all of its own and the location is wonderful. The beer is always good and the pasties superb straight out of the oven. The Newman family have a great marketing scheme here at The Square and Compass that must be the envy of many other pubs. Do nothing much to the place for about 70 years and time creates something unique and people will continue to flock to see it and enjoy it. Brilliant! This is a 'must see and experience before you die' place and may it continue in its present form for generations to come. As the traditional English pub continues to vanish at an alarming rate, The Square and Compass should be preserved as a national treasure for future generations to see what sadly has been squandered and lost elsewhere.
21 Nov 2007 20:43
Visited many times and never disappointed by the food and service. Both excellent. Prices are more restaurant than pub but then so is the food! Decor pleasant and interesting. Service friendly. These guys do work hard to make sure they get it right. Varied menu. Location is lovely and the view from the front window is of a row of cute thatched cottages. Only let down is the fact that it serves only Greene King ales (ugh!). They should address this but then are probably (sadly) tied to Greene King who are fiercely opposed to guest ales as they show just how bad their product has become over the years.
20 Oct 2006 22:33
The Maidens Head, Whitwell
Now under new management. Had Sunday lunch there last weekend and it was excellent. Warm welcome and polite attentive service. Lovely food that is beautifully cooked and presented. Will be back. Highly recommended.
12 Nov 2008 18:18