BITE user comments - cheshirecat
Comments by cheshirecat
An excellent pub with a good range of beers at reasonable prices.
19 Aug 2015 10:01
Popped in briefly yesterday to escape a downpour. 3 beers and a cider on offer on the handpumps. The beers were ther bog standard Doombar and Hobgoblin and an acceptable Fuggles. Not at all busy though. Not really a place that I'd race back to.
19 Aug 2015 09:59
Visited yesterday with a crowd of ex-colleagues. Beer quality was a good as ever - especially the Gold. The food was also fine.
Unlike my visit in December (see below) there was no need to ask for top ups - and they definetly do not use over sized glasses. Pub score marked back up.
19 Aug 2015 09:56
The Aeronaut is well worth a visit! A large pub with several side rooms and attractions - including a couple of table tennis tables - and a large beer garden. The Laines brewery is behind the bar and was in use during our visit..
5 beers on yesterday all at £3 a pint. Great staff and service although it wasn't over busy.
11 Aug 2015 08:23
Brewhouse and Kitchen, Dorchester
Large pub near the South station that has clearly had some serous money spent on it recently. On-site brewery. Several of their own beers on offer - the Judge Jefferies that I had 2 pints of was very good. Pretty busy both inside and the outside seating area. Worth visiting.
26 Jul 2015 10:56
The Junction Hotel, Dorchester
Large open plan pub with several separate areas. En route between the 2 stations. The interior is very much like a chain pub but clean and tidy enough.
Yesterday had Pedigree, Ringwood Bitter and Boondazzle (?) on offer. The latter was Ok but nothing special. Service fast (although there was no-one else waiting but i'd have been happier if the barman wasn't holding a conversation at the top of his voice with another customer whilst serving me!
26 Jul 2015 10:51
Large open plan bar (more a wine bar than a pub) in part of the old brewery. 1 handpump serving DBC Jurrasic at £3.40 which was in very good condition. Pleasant enough but little atmoshere and more a food orientated place than a drinking hole
26 Jul 2015 10:46
Bit of a traditional pub offering 8 or so beers from the Dorset Brewery Company and guests. I tried the Tom Brown at £3 which wasn't great - weak and pretty tasteless - then had Dark Star Hophead at £3.30 which was great. Not very busy on an early Saturday afternoon.
Still I'd try it again.
26 Jul 2015 10:44
Visited yesterday afternoon for the first time. A pleasant enough, if small, pub that was pretty busy with both diners and drinkers. Odd selection of ales available (Butcome, Tribute, London Pride, St Austell Trelawny) plus several ciders. The Butcome was in fine condition and reasonably priced.
26 Jul 2015 10:40
2 Skinners beers on offer in good enough condition. Not sure about the prices as I was charged different amounts for the same beer.
Service very slow - most staff concentrating on the food side of the pub of seemingly just wandering around doing nothing.
9 Jun 2015 08:49
Large pub with superb views over the bay and beach.
Tribute, Proper Job and the St Austell summer offering (I forget the name!) on offer. The PJ was in excellent condition - £3.55.
Service wasn't great and it certainly isn't a place for a quiet pint with kids running around everywhere.
Still, worth a hour.
9 Jun 2015 08:47
Been The Greyfriar now for well over a year - not that I'd expect the admin of this site to notice or do anything about it!
Beer quality consistently good. Open all day Mon - Sat from noon and 1200 to 1900 (ish) Sun.
CAMRA discount still 20% - a bargain!
24 May 2015 18:58
new landlord (again) since my last post.
3 more pumps installed (now 9) but beer only on 6. But the quality has gone downhill. At least you could be pretty sure that the London Pride was turned over enough to keep it drinkable. Now that it has gone - quality is very hit and miss and the beer selection, well, questionable. Tribute? Bombadier?
i leave it up to you - visit and make up your own mind.
24 May 2015 18:54
Now a Fullers pub with all that that implies - prices hiked to £3.85 a pint and selection much reduced. 6 Fullers/Gales beers on last night with only 2 guests.
What a shame!
7 Feb 2015 09:13
Was pretty busy on Saturday afternoon but service was fairly good.
Beer quality was great and the prices (with a 10% CAMRA discout) were OK but, it gets rather annoying to have to ask for every pint served to be topped up! I'd hate to say that it was deliberate, but every pint that I saw served was well under a pint - amazing how few punters ask for a top up. On this ground alone, I mark the place down to a 6 on this visit.
15 Dec 2014 09:49
Large pub on the station platform converted from the old booking office with a bit of an extention added. Several different rooms and areas all nicely furnished. Real fire in the main bar.
8 handpumps offering their own (Attwoods) beers and a cider. I tried both Nectar and Pale Ale at a very reasonable £2.50. Both were OK but nothing special - possibly as the pub was empty mid afternoon and there hadn't been much turnover yet.
Food served all day - the menu looked to be fairly usual pub grub but the prices were reasonable.
The only annoying thing was the TV turned up far too loud for an empty pub.
I shall certainly give it another try at some time - possibly a busier period.
29 Oct 2014 08:42
A lovely pub in a great location by the river - watching the rainbow trout was entertaining.
That's about the best that can be said about it. Gales (Fullers) HSB and Seafarers, Fullers London Pride and Red Fox were so cold as to be tasteless. At £4.30 a pint you expect a lot more than that!
26 Oct 2014 10:56
Ringwood Bitter, Hobgoblin and Palmers on offer yesterday afternoon. The Ringwood was fine but nothing special. £3.40 a pint.
26 Oct 2014 10:52
A fair sized place with several rooms and a large, partly covered, outdoor seating area. Pretty busy yesterday lunchtime mainly with people eating. The Flowerpots Bitter was in good form. Also had Timothey Taylor Landlord, Harveys Sussex and Sharps Doombar on offer. £3.80 a pint a bit steep though.
26 Oct 2014 10:49
4 beers on yesterday when we visited - Sharps Doombar, West Berks Good Old Boy, Brakspear Bitter and Flack Manor Double Drop. The latter was is fine condition and pretty reasonable at £3.20 a pint. Good service and friendly staff.
26 Oct 2014 10:43
Have been back a few times since my comment below and am pleased to report that things have improved immensly. Beer quality good, 20% CAMRA discount, staff friendlt and effecient.
20 Sep 2014 10:23
The launch of the first stage of refurbishment is scheduled for Saturday 4 October - all welcome. Music in the evening. The pub has been redecorated throughout (or wull have been by the 4th!) and the kitchen re-opened. Pool and darts still available.
4 local real ales are available as well as London Pride and real cider.
Extended opening hours will follow shortly.
19 Sep 2014 15:30
Still a great pub servng excellent Holden's beers plus 1 or 2 guests all at reasonable prices.
Now open all day from 1130 (1200 Sunday).
19 Sep 2014 15:26
Sold by Fullers at the end of June, The Butler is now a free house under new management.
Changes and improvements will be gradual over the next few weeks/months although the beer range has already expanded and prices reduced!
2 Jul 2014 09:09
Whilst I don't totally agree with everything the last 2 reviewers have posted, I have similar, and mixed, experiences.
i agree that the place lacks character and certainly looks "unfinished". Can't say that I find it expensive though - especially with the "unadvertised" discount for card carrying CAMRA members.
Have visited, or tried to, 5 times since the Greyfriars reopened, My first was a few days after it opened - beer selection and quality were good. On my second visit, early on a Saturday night, I walked out having not been served after 7 or 8 minutes despite it not being terribly busy and there being 3 staff on. A total lack of organisation.
My third visit was on a weekday shortly after opening time. the staff all seemed to be involved in some sort of tutored gin tasting and I was not really made to feel welcome although, once I had been served, the beer was very good. My 4th attempted visit, on a Saturday afternoon, found it closed.
My most recent visit yesterday was a disaster. The first beer selected was quickly returned as undrinkable - I was given some excuse about cellar temperature problems and "it's OK just not settled". The replacement pint was far too warm and, at best, could be described as indifferent. I was not tempted to try anything else and left,
So, very mixed feelings about this place. It has little character but good beer selection if the quality can be controlled. It possibly doesn't help that the radiators always seem to be on full blast with all the doors open! Seems very disorganised and poorly managed.
Haven't given up totally but, unless things improve, I may well do so.
30 Mar 2014 12:01
The Lethbridge Arms, Bishops Lydeard
A to let sign outside again yesterday. A month ago when i visited it was 11am opening - now noon! Not a good sign!
25 Aug 2013 11:46
Re-opened on Friday 23rd. 3 beers available yesterday. Ringwood Bitter, Cumberland Bitter and a n other (bad memory)!. New owner said that there is still work to be done, especially to the kitchen, but wanted to open in time for the bank holiday. Beer quality good and the whole place friendly as it used to be,
25 Aug 2013 11:44
The John O'Gaunt Inn, Hungerford
Sort of agree with the last post. More a restaurant than a pub - very bright but has little atmosphere. 6 handpumps with 4 beers on yesterday, something from 2 Cocks Brewery, Hop Back and 2 others. Quality not much cop. Not busy on a Wednesday afternoon.
8 Aug 2013 11:37
Certainly a cracking place.
Don't, however, belieive the opening times in the 2013 Good Beer Guide which are rather different from those on the pub's own web site! Turned up at 1430 yesterday to find it closed until 1600!
2 Jul 2013 08:58
Have to agree with the last post - it certainly lacks character! Fairly basic and dull pub on the main road. London Pride, Doombar, 2 from Ascot and Tutts Cider on offer yesterday starting at £3.50. The Ascot was OK but not exceptional.
16 Mar 2013 09:27
The Bell and Bottle, Shinfield
Largish, multi-roomed pub with London Pride, 2 from Plain Ales available yesterday and Tutts Cider. Prices from £2.90. Pool table. Food wasn't sampled but the menu looked to be good value. Open all day except Mondays (1600). Beer quality was good.
16 Mar 2013 09:24
A large multi-roomed rather non-descript estate pub. The only other customer there when I visited was hardly challenging the bloke serving. Butts Jester, London Pride and a beer from Windsor on offer. The Jester was undrinkable so was returned and swapped for a Pride which can only be descrided as OK. I wouldn't race back
13 Mar 2013 08:43
Can't understand the last comment. I visited yesterday and found both the landlord and landlady to be extremely friendly and helpful as were all the locals. Yes, the TV was turned up rather louder than I prefer but then there was a crowd watching the racing.
London Pride, Courage (Wells) Directors and Green King Abbot on offer. The Pride at £3.20 was in good nick.
I thought that the refurb was quite well done. I'd certainly use this lace if I was a local.
13 Mar 2013 08:39
Visited yesterday afternoon. London Pride, Green King IPA, Doombar and a Loddon beer on offer. The latter was served straight from the barrel (£3 a pint) and the quality couldn't be faulted. Can't say that I found this an especially welcoming place. Despite there being a sign on the door asking that dogs be kept on a lead, there were 3 large ones running round inside. I wouldn't rush to return although, if I lived in the area, I'd certainly drop in now and again for a qyick pint.
13 Mar 2013 08:35
Single room, rather dark, pub just outside Hackmey Central station. About 16 handpumps serving cider, perry and real ale plus about 8 "craft" beer pumps. Also serves Howling Hops beers brewed on the premises. Most ales are £3.40 which is, perhaps, a little expensive for those brewed in the cellar! Rather quiet yesterday afternoon but probably gets busy in the evenings. Well worth a visit.
12 Feb 2013 08:50
Large open plan pub which has clearly had some money spent on it by Everards and/or White Horse.
Previous poster either can't count or missed the pumps on the side of the bar! 10 handpumps available - on Saturday there were dispensing 6 White Horse beers and 2 guests. The beer quality and service were fine. Prices from �2.40 for the weakest White Horse beer - the guests are rather more expensive! Food menu looked good and reasonably priced but wasn'r sampled.
30 Oct 2012 08:33
Visited yesterday when the beers left over from the festival were being knocked out at �2 a pint! 24 available when I arrived at 1430 - 3 remaining when we left at 1930!
Excellent pub - great front bar with extra seating upstairs, in the conservatory and the garden. Pretty busy all afternoon but service was great.
5 handpumps on the bar but only Doombar and Redemption Trinity being served -= this may be because of the weekends festival.
Certainly worth the 5 minute walk from Kentish Town station.
30 Oct 2012 08:29
The White Hart, Hamstead Marshall
4 handpumps. Only Good Old Boy and Speckled Hen available on wednesday. The other 2 pumps seemed to have GK clips turned around whilst there were several GK products on fizz pumps so I wonder if there is a tie here? GOB was in excellent condition and cost �3.40.
Quite large and tidy pub which has had some money spent on it recently, B&B available and the food that was coming out of the kitchen looked good.
Open all day every day (except, according to the gent serving, Xmas day evening and the 1st Wednesday in January).
Worth the trip.
12 Oct 2012 09:23
I handpump with a Londun Pride clip turned around on Wednesday when we visited. the lady serving aid that it was normally on but she was only covering the pub for a week. Food looked reasonable but wasn't sampled.
12 Oct 2012 09:17
Re-opened 2 weeks ago after being purchased and re-furbished by the small Number Works pub chain.
The Eagle & Sun is definetly set up as a dining rather than drinking place but that isn't really a problem The food menu is great - all meals priced at either �2 (basically the Kids menu), �4, �6 or �8. We dined from a mixture of the �4 and �6 options and the portions were pretty generous! Prompt and efficient service and well managed.
The beer on offer was Wye Valley HPA or Doombar both under �3 and the barman was more than happy to change the barrel when one pint was taken back.
Now open all day every day from 1000 with food served until 2100. Although they clearly don't really cater for drinkers after 2100 we were under no pressure to leave and stayed for several more drinks.
An excellent place. Perhaps some other canalside pubs recently taken over by small pub groups (ie The Dundas Arms at Kintbury) should send their managers here to see what can be achieved.
8 Oct 2012 11:57
Can only agree with the last few reviews - an excellent place to stop off if on the canal.
Smallish bar and larger dining room. Excellent menu and enormous portions.
Banks' Bitter. Mild and Jennings Cokker Hoop on offer and good prices.
Friendly staff and locals.
8 Oct 2012 11:50
Very large, canalside pub that has obviously had a lot of money spent on it recently. Having said that, it really doesn't work for me too well as a pub. The small seating area next to the bar is fine although dominated by a large TV, the rest of the drinking are is given over to sofas or high stolls and tables which, to my mind, isn't ideal in a pub! Large dining room to the rear with an outside covered area and play area.
3 handpumps were serving Black Sheep, Wye Valley HPA and a Brains beer on Monday when we passed through. The Brains ran out during the evening. Stopping in again on Friday found just the Wye Valley and Black Sheep on offer - I suspect the same barrels from Monday. Another Brains was put on when the Wye Valley ran out. The quality was OK rather than good.
Nor really busy on either Monday or Friday (despite there being music on) and, if it wasn't for visitors from the canal, it would have been pretty dead.
Food was reasonably priced but nothing really to write home about.
If our 2 visits were anything to go by, I'm not sure how this place survives.
8 Oct 2012 11:47
The Boat and Railway Inn, Stoke Prior
A large Banks'/Marstons pub by the canal. The bar is oddly shaped (almost 2 rooms seperated by a large open fire) and there is a seperate dining room and function room.
4 handpumps dispensing Banks' Bitter at �2.40 plus Marstons Old Empire, Brakspears Gold and a Jennings seasonal each at around �3
Food menu looked quite extensive and reasonably priced although we didn't eat here. Very friendly and efficient lady serving.
Worth a visit if on the canal.
8 Oct 2012 11:38
About a mile from the canal but, considering the other local options, well worth it.
A large(ish) pub with 3 handpumps serving Enville, Doombar and a n aother when we visited last Sunday. reasonably busy.
Very friendly and helpful lady serving, the landlord was busy watching the Ryder Cup but was happy to talk as were several of the locals.
No food available.
8 Oct 2012 11:33
Interesting 3 roomed pub (with additional outside seating under cover with heater) that is a part of the marina and less than 5 minutes from the station. 6 handpumps 1 x cider and 5 interesting beers kept in good nick. Reasonably priced food menu and, in addition, locally made pork pies!. Does get very busy so you are advised to reserve a table if intending to eat.
Slightly restricted opening hours, 1200 - 1500 and 1900 to 2300 (2230 on Sunday) with no food on Monday - wednesday.
Well worth a visit.
8 Oct 2012 11:27
AVOID, AVOID, AVOID!
It isn't first impressions - it's even worse!
The idiots who run this place might as well put a big sign up outside saying "Diners only - drinkers not welcome".
Today we were told by a jobsworth behind the bar that we couldn't sit in the corner of the bar (where we have on a weekly basis since they re-opened) as it was a "serving area".
The first round (at 12.25) of 3 Good Old Boys was �10.50 - expensive, yes, but the beer was good. The second round (at 13.05) of 2 Good Old Boys was �7.00. The third round (at 13.20) of 3 Good Old Bopys was �11.10! When this was queried, we were told that the prices had gone up because "Amanda said so"! We asked to speak to the manager who was, apparently, too busy but sent his apologies and offered a free round! Not surprisingly given the treatment , we accepted, but were told that �3.70 a pint was the new price! In the boondocks of West Berkshire! That is expensive in central London.
We shall not be darkening the doors of this place again - or anwhere else owned by Cirrus Inns who are, clearly, a bunch of money grabbing crooks.
27 Sep 2012 21:12
4 Fullers and 3 guests on yesterday. Friendly and helpful barstaff who dealt pretty well with a noisy buch of football fans.
An amazing 15% discount on real ales to CAMRA members - you have to sign up to a seperate Doric Arch discount card. This reduces London Pride to a most acceptable �3.01!
27 Sep 2012 08:59
The Oakford Social Club, Reading
Popped in for a couple yesterday lunchtime as the 3 Guineas seemed to be having a Marston's festival! 3 beers on from XT, Downtown and Adnams. The Adnams Topaz Gold was superb but, at �3.70, it had to be to tempt me into a second pint.
Service was good - pub was pretty busy with loads of food (mainly burgers) being served.
Worth popping into but the prices are pretty steep!
23 Sep 2012 09:55
Pretty steady trade yesterday afternoon including diners.
6X and Adnams Southwold on offer - perhaps not the most imaginative selection but both were in good condition. Friendly and efficient lady serving.
A large, open plan pub with a pool table.
12 Sep 2012 08:38
The G W Hotel Bar and Grill, Swindon
Popped in yesterday just after noon with 3 mates on a bit of a re-union. �25 each in the kitty .
One person serving - quite a few in eating. Eventually got served after about 10 minutes from the choice of Arkells 3Bs or Moonlight. When that round was finished, we were completely ignored by the barman who though it more vital to put serviettes on tables and restock sauces! We left and the Queens across the road got the rest of the �100 kitty.
Very poor - or perhaps they just don't like drinkers?
12 Sep 2012 08:36
A far better place than Ye Grapes or Kings Arms across the road.
Doombar (is there a pub in London that doesn't offer this?) Sambrooks and Itchen Valley. �3.70 a pint but at least the glasses were full without having to ask for a top up and the staff were polite and efficient. Quality was Ok,
27 Aug 2012 08:38
Dull selection of ales on Friday - Pride, Doombar and Tribute with a slightly more interesting Youn's Gold. �3.75 a pint though!
TV is overbearing and unnecassary when there is nothing worth watching.
27 Aug 2012 08:35
Pretty busy on Friday evening. Bit disconcerting to see security men patrolling the streets around here!
Despite the sign saying "A fine selection of Real Ales" all that was on offer was Pride and Doombar! �3.50 a pint and we had to ask for them to be topped up.
Wouldn't race back.
27 Aug 2012 08:33
5 handpumps on the bar which, on Friday, were offering Hogs Back HBB, Dark Star , Downtown Honey and something from Oxford Brewery Marshmellow. Lots of foreign draft and bottled beers available. The Hogsback (�3.50) was pretty indifferent and we weren't tempted to try a second beer.
Opens 5pm Monday - Thursday and 3pm on Froday.
27 Aug 2012 08:30
Single roomed, fairly small, pub. 4 handpumps dispensing Harvey's Mild (on offer at �2.50), Sussex (�3.20), Tom Paine and a summer golden ale. Quality was great.
A fairly limited food menu was on offer all afternoon.
Annoying background music was too loud for comfort.
Worth visiting but I much prefer the Royal Oak at Borough.
27 Aug 2012 08:26
I'm told it is due to re-open today after a refurb with an increase to 6 handpumps. Will check it out next week.
10 Aug 2012 08:33
A large pub on the A30 about midway between Penzance and St Erth with a regular bus service from both. Bus stops in each direction outside the pub. Outside seating area ay the rear.
3 of their own beers on yesterday - Brison's, No 9 and Crowlas Bitter (starting at �2.60) plus 2 guests. We thought that the Crowlas was a little on the thin side but the other 2 were excellent. The brewer was behind the bar at lunchtime and was more than happy to have a chat whilst working.
Well worth the bus trip.
31 Jul 2012 08:16
Crown Bitter and Otter available yesterday with SPA due on later. Their own bitter was excellent and only �2.70.
A smallish pub, 5 minutes from the station. According to the blackboards, food is available but not every day!
Well worth a visit.
31 Jul 2012 08:10
Now called Stones and has had some money spent on it - at least the outside, we didn't venture in.
29 Jul 2012 10:22
Popped in for an hour yesterday evening waiting for a train.
Beer quality much improved since my last visit - served at the proper temperature and no complaints. 4 beers available - Cottage Atlantic IPA, Otter, Tribute and a n other.
Service still so so but, too be fair, it was pretty busy as the cricket had just finished.
Much improved since my last visit.
29 Jul 2012 10:19
Visited yesterday afternoon. 5 handpumps offering Brodies Citra and Kiwi both at �3.40 and in excellent nick, also available were 2 guests, one from Redemption and a n other. A smallish, rather dark pub off the main drag. Polite and efficient bar staff even though there was a reasonably flow of customers. Small outside pavement area for smokers or sun seekers.
Well worth visiting.
25 Jul 2012 08:34
Not sure that I agree with the previous comment from Cleversaz! Getting a seat yesterday at just after 2pm wasn't really an option although there was no problem an hour later when everyone had returned to work.
A nice pub with obviously keen and helpful staff (there wasn't a staff shortage here!).
18 pumps - yesterday 4 were cider and 14 ale. I sampled 3 different beers. Unfortunately, like some other pubs that go for volume, the quality can sometimes suffer. My first pint was excellent so I had another, the next two were certainly drinkable but I'd say that they'd been around for awhile.
A shortish food menu seemed popular and portions were fine for the prices.
Not a 10 out of 10 place but deserves an 8 in my opinion.
23 Jun 2012 09:36
I'm a bit surprised by some of the previous comments about the service here. We visited early yesterday evening (the pub was reasonably quiet but certainly not empty) and each time we went to the bar were served promptly and politely. If anything, I'd say that the staff had recently returned from a customer service course where they been taught to try and up sale (no I don't want nuts etc with every round) and engage the customers in conversation. Not that those are complains.
The beers was fine - Pride, Golden Hen and something else - though at �3.65 a little expensive.
23 Jun 2012 09:29
Visited last night. Not having known the place before the refurb, we thought that the place looked great. It was pretty busy, possibly as there was a band setting up, and there was certainly no shortage of staff!
The beer was a bit of a disappointment. 6 handpumps. 2 were off when we arrived and another had to be put off when we returned our second pint. I thought the beers were OK but nothing great. �3.50 a pint. Worth a visit but the beer quality would have to improve to attract me on a regular basis.
23 Jun 2012 09:22
I'd agree that it is a nice pub - main bar, seperate dining room and pleasant garden. Friendly landlord.
BUT: 3 dull beers on offer - Doombar, Pride and Youngs Bitter. The Doombar was OK but �3.60 a pint?? We has one and moved on. Won't be back at that price!
21 Jun 2012 08:58
Excellent pub is an alletway off the main road. Friendly customers and staff. 7 beers available (2 from Wye Valley, 2 from Hobsons, and one each from Butcome, Cotswolds and Otter). All in top conditioned and reasonably prices at up to �2.90. Well worth a visit.
18 Jun 2012 08:55
10 minutes from the station. Good Old Boy, Hullabaloo and Landlord available last week when we visited. Reasonably busy at lunchtime with both drinkers and eaters. Beer was in great nick - �3.30 a pint.
18 Jun 2012 08:53
Visited yesterday for the first time in about 3 years. Pretty busy at lunchtime with people eating - maybe because of half term Food menu looked good and reasonably priced and the meals that we saw being served looked good.
BUT, oh dear, the beer! Black Sheep was awful so moved onto the Pride. Cold, bland and tasteless - could have been anything. Ramsbury Gold also on offer. �3.20 a pint.
Water started dripping through the ceiling in the window bat when it started to rain so the place clearly needs some attention!
Maybe worth visiting for the food but, based on this visit, not for the beer!
7 Jun 2012 09:13
Following change of ownership last week, closed for refurb. Rumoured not to be opening until late August so it must be a pretty extensive make-over!
7 Jun 2012 09:05
Popped in yesterday to see what Bath Ales have made of the place. Certainly a lot brighter than it used to be but has a standard "corporate" feel to it.
Service was prompt and efficient (why do all Bath Ales staff wear aprons?) from the standard Bath Ales range. Prices are pretty high though for a pub owned by a small (ish) brewery - around 30p a pint more than the same beer in one of their pubs in Bath the previous day. Quality was fine though.
Food menu looked interesting but it wasn't sampled. Was pretty busy for a lunchtime.
There are better (and cheaper!) pubs in Oxford though.
2 Jun 2012 09:45
I have been so unimpressed with the beer in this place on my last few visits that i said I wouldn't return. However, yesterday I had a pair pf friends with me who wanted to do the "tourist" things so I allowed myself to be dragged in.
What a mistake! A boring beer range - a house beer from St Austell, Triple FFF Pressed Rat, Brakespeares Bitter and something from Adnams. Coming soon - Doombar and Tribute! The Adnams was flat and insipid. We left in a hurry.
2 Jun 2012 09:38
A Bath Ales pub serving food. The main attraction though is the large garden. Usual range of Bath Ales beers with prices from about �3.20. Quality was fine and service quick and polite - not that the place was busy in the early afternoon!
Judging by the number of staff there I assume that it gets busy at times - shame that they can't find one to serve behind the bar who is trained in changing barrels!
2 Jun 2012 09:27
Convenient for the back entrance of Bath Spa station. We visited on Thursday to find Bass, Landlord, Otter Bitter and Doombar on offer. The Otter was so excellent we had to have another! �3.10. Worth a visit but not an extended stay.
2 Jun 2012 09:23
I'd tend to agree with the post from mcroyal - I certainly didn't feel "welcomed" by the bar staff although the service was reasonably prompt.
5 beers on - Ringwood, Jurassic, Doombar, Summer Lightening and a n other. The first pint of Jurassic, �2.95, was excellent the second not so good - probably getting towards the end.
Pub extremely hot and stuffy, Despite it being a hot day, non of the umberellas were up outside - not all of us like sitting in the sun - although they covered less than half the tables.
25 May 2012 09:15
I'd certainly agree that this is more an eating than a drinking pub but it did have 4 beers on offer yesterday - GK IPA, Reverend James, Dorset Tom Brown's and Doombar. The Tom Brown's was fine and only �3.
An interesting and not over priced menu had quite a feew different "pub" meals on offer.
The youngish bar staff were pretty good even though the place was fairly busy at lunchtime. I'd frop in again if in the area.
25 May 2012 09:11
Why does this place always seem to be closed (as it was yesterday at about 1500) despite the Hop Back website showing it as open all day, every day?
25 May 2012 09:04
2 handpumps although only Otter Bitter on yesterday at �3 a pint. No issue with the beer quality. Friendly staff and customers.
This place has had (and is having) some money spent on it. 3 separate rooms, rather sparcely furnished. a new kitchen was being installed yesterday so no food available.
25 May 2012 09:02
A group of us visited The Foundry yesterday for a lunchtime/afternoon session. Not especially busy but a steady trade. Lots of staff around including several who were busy in the brewery.
2 storey building with a bar on each floor (although the one upstairs wasn't in use) and a smallish outdoor seating area. 6 or 7 beers from the in-house Canterbury Brewers were on offer on handpump along with a few on keg tap and 3 local ciders on gravity. Prices from �3.10. Several different beers were sampled - we especialy liked the Gold, Haka and Gadds.
Food was served pretty quickly and was good value for money.
10% discount to card carrying CAMRA members applies to both drink and food - although the bar staff just gave everyone in our group the discount!
Highly recommended.
23 May 2012 09:17
I'd agre with most of the previous comments. Doesn't look promising from the outside but is well worth visiting. 4 Salopian beers on on Friday night. Interesting selection of music from about �3.10. Fairly quiet until about 10 pm when it started to get busy.
21 May 2012 09:16
Visited for a few hours on Friday night for the first time in several years. Pretty busy place - shame that crowds insist on hanging around the bar making if very difficult to get served! Apart from that, the experience was fine. Good selection of beers (8 or 9, didn't count), prices reasonable and quality v good.
21 May 2012 09:14
About a 10 minute walk from the station. Large open plan bar with a pool table in a seperate room. 10 or 12 handpumps featuring mainly West Country ales from �3. Food limited to sandwichs, pies and jacket potatoes. Well worth the visit.
8 May 2012 09:14
My first visit to this pub on Saturday. Quite convenient for Central station (use the exit for the town not Queen St). Seating on several floors and under cover outside. The weekend was a celebration of West Country beers and ciders. About 10 beers on gravity plus a selection of ciders on handpump and gravity. Pretty good looking menu not sampled. Prices for food and drink very reasonable and service excellent.
Well worth visiting.
8 May 2012 09:11
Not quite Dan137. It has been bought by Cirrus Inns who have an ex Ramsey man as their Chief Exec. They shoulkd take over at the end of May.
7 Apr 2012 09:44
The Coach and Horses, Salisbury
Large pub (several rooms knocked through into one at sometime in the past by the look of it) with a pleasant garden. Nice enough service with pints topped up without having to ask.
BUT: �3.50 for Deuchars IPA? Coutage Best and Directors also on offer. I'd say that they concentrate more on the food side than beer but the menu didn't look cheap. Not sure that I'd bother to return at those prices.
24 Mar 2012 11:09
The Anchor and Hope, Salisbury
3 Box Steam beers on offer yesterday plus Addlestons cider. Quality was fine and prices from �3.10. Nice beer garden in the rear.
24 Mar 2012 11:05
Prety quiet at lunchtime yesterday. 3 Joules beers available from �2.70 in good quality. Basic pub food menu looked reasonably priced.
22 Mar 2012 10:45
The Duke of York, De Beauvoir Town
Just reopened as Dukes Brew and Que. Home of Beavertown brewery. 6 handpumps yesterday featuring beers from their own brewery, Oakham, Dark Star and Redemption. Their own offering, Godfathers at �3.30, was excellent. Other beers a bit pricey at �3.80.
American style place with ribs and chicken featuring on the menu. Worth a visit.
10 Mar 2012 09:10
3 handpumps available. According to the price list, real ales are "locally soursed" but yesterday were from Bath Ales, Orkney and Beartown! All at �3.50 a pint. Quality and service were fine.
A large pub with many posters and pictures on the walls.
10 Mar 2012 09:02
The King Charles I, Kings Cross
Popped in again last night (just passing!) and the offer was GK IPA or a 6.6% Brodies! Didn't stay.
10 Mar 2012 08:59
The King Charles I, Kings Cross
Had a few excellent pints of Brodies in here yesterday at quite reasonable prices. 3 Brodies + Courage Best on offer. Not the biggest of pubs but worth seeking.
9 Mar 2012 09:10
As the 2 pubs near to The Cayo (Mochyn Du and Cricketers) have got better, this place has nose dived! I haven't been here for over a year but I'm sure that the number of handpumps has been considerably reduced. The 4 left were all displaying pump clips for beer from the Marstons range but (I assume that they have employed an ex wetherspoons manager) only 1 beer was available. As that was Hobgoblin, I departed without leaving behind any of my money. Not surprisingly, there were no customers in here at lunchtime.
28 Feb 2012 19:28
Good pub to sample Welsh beers at reasonable prices. Large indoor and outdoor seating areas. Beer quality was fine, service a bit slow for a fairly quiet Tuesday lunchtime but no real complaints.
28 Feb 2012 19:23
Large, open-plan, modern pub near to the cricket ground. Owned by Evan Evans and features their beers plus guests on its 8 handpumps. Prices from �2.55 are very reasonable but the food prices rather high. Well worth the walk from the town centre.
28 Feb 2012 19:20
The Thornbury Castle, Marylebone
A very nice pub just off the main road. Wood panelled with many rugby pictures/souvenirs displayed. Looks as though someone has spent a fair bit of money on it recently.
Friendly staff. 6 pumps offering Thatchers Cider, London Pride and a beer from each of Tongham, Itchen Valley, Tring and Redemption starting at �3.40. Well woth visiting.
13 Dec 2011 09:01
Large, single roomed Harveys pub about 5 minutes from the station. Seperate function room and large garden. Bar Billiards table to one side of the bar. 8 pumps dispensing 5 Harveys beers yesterday starting at �2.80 for the mild. Friendly staff and customers. The fairly standard looking pub menu looked reasonably priced and the portions coming from the kitchen looked good.
18 Nov 2011 09:13
I visited yesterday for the first time since the place was done out and can't say that I was over impressed! Really not sure what The Home Cottage is trying to be - it isn't a resteraunt (despite the extension trying to look like one) and the "pub" part is so oddly decorated/furnished it looks more like Granny's front parlour than a pub!
Only Youngs' Special and Wells Bombadier on offer with all the other pump clips turned around. Quality was fine and the "pints" topped up without comment. Food menu looked expensive to me and not especially exciting if the place is trying to be more up market.
18 Nov 2011 09:09
The Old Pack Horse, Loughborough
Back street pub with 4 handpumps offering to Green King beers plus 2 guests at reasonable prices. pretty busy on Saturday night mainly with locals.
24 Oct 2011 09:42
Fairly large pub next to Quorn & woodhouse station on the Great Central railway with a bias towards food. Having said that, there were 4 beers on offer this weekend - Landlord, Batemans XXXB, Bass and something from Cottage. The quality was fine although prices a little on the high side. Large outdoor seating are is great when the sun is out and the trains are passing! The place has clearly had a fair amount spent on it. Service was good even though it was busy on both days that we poped in.
24 Oct 2011 09:40
The Winchester Gate, Salisbury
3 handpumps on Saturday serving Crop Circle (�3), something from Box and another small brewery. Quality was fine when we eventually got served - the Crop Circle ran out half way through pulling 4 pints and the lady serving said the barrel would be changed. Great - except she didn't say that the landlord insists on cleaning the pipes between barrels! If she had, I think that we'd have sampled something. No compalints though - well worth visiting.
10 Oct 2011 09:01
The Anchor and Hope, Salisbury
Large multi-roomed back street pub. 2 pool tables. I'd say that it is mainly a locals pub but the welcome was friendly enough. Beer selection not wonderful - Courage, Doombar and TT Landlord at �3. Quality was fine but there are better pubs in the area.
10 Oct 2011 08:57
8 beers available yesterday from a variety of brewers. Good service considering how crowded it was - apart from the glass collector who seemed to just expect everyone to get out of his way as soon as he appeared! Very crowded as always which rather dertracts from the enjoyment of it unless you can secure a quiet corner! Worth visiting but I wouldn't want to spend too long in there.
23 Sep 2011 09:35
5 beers on yesterday at �3.60 a pint. Pretty busy in the early evening. It's Ok but there are better pubs in the area. Lunchtime food menu looked quite reasonably priced but more expensive in the evenings.
23 Sep 2011 09:31
8 beers available yesterday at a rather expensive �3.65 a pint. Choice and quality were fine as was the service.
Open plan downstairs with a great collection of old beer and cigarette signs and posters. The upstairs room was closed for a function yesterday.
23 Sep 2011 09:28
8 beers available yesterday at about �3.45 a pint. An old fashioned pub that has either been well looked after or recently done up. Lunchtime and early evening food available at what looked to be reasonably prices. Beer quality and service were both good.
23 Sep 2011 09:25
The Craft Beer Co, City of London
I certainly agree that the range of beer is amazing but I wouldn't agree that the prices are reasonable! Prices are set by gravity starting at �3.40 for up to 3.9% - fair enough. Yesterday only 2 beers out of 15 fell into that category and 1 of those was a ridiculous 3.0%! So, effectively, prices start at �3.70 and go up to �4.60. Beer from the fonts was even worse - not all were showing prices but I spotted several at �3.95 a half and one at �4.95 a half for 5.8%!
I too think that the place is pretty characterless - I like the ceiling with it's mirrors but the rest is pretty dull and the seating fairly uncomfortable, I can't comment on the lounge upstairs as we didn't visit it.
If you want a large selection of beers, this place is fine, but personally I prefere other pubs nearby.
23 Sep 2011 09:22
Great pub on the outskirts of the town centre. Large open plan area with a bar billiards table to one side.
8 pumps which yesterday featured 4 Hop Back beers, one guest and a cider. The GFB was a very reasonable (for Reading) �2.45.
Friendly locals, quick and polite service.
21 Sep 2011 09:25
The Lord John Russell, Russell Square
One of the better pubs in the area. About 6 handpumps with some fairly standard beers - Deuchars, Pride and Bombardier - supported bt guess such as Sambrooks. Reasonably priced and quick service.
20 Sep 2011 09:46
Fairly busy for a Monday afternoon when we visited. Shame that the barmaid was more interested in smoking outside or talking to her friends than actually serving customers!
Green King IPA. "Morlands" Original and O S Hen on offer. The IPA was only �2.90 a pint and actually not bad for a usually bland beer.
Food wasn't sampled but the menu looked quite reasonably priced to me.
20 Sep 2011 09:41
Wadworth's IPA, 6X and Tipple plus Adnams Southwold on yesterday in pretty good nick.
They have obviously spent some money on the place since I last visited - new furniture in the dining room etc - and it looks good. As always, the pies were superb.
14 Sep 2011 10:50
The Oakford Social Club, Reading
A large pub near to the station with outside seating at the front and rear.
2 beers on yesterday - Doombar (how dull!) and one from Roosters. The third pump had a turned around Moor clip.
Despite being quiet in the afternoon, service was slow and pints had to be topped up. A shame really.
14 Sep 2011 10:47
Unfortunately for mtaylor40, the ESB has been replaced by "Gales" HSB supported by Pride, Discovery and a guest beer which, considering it is from the Fullers list, can often be quite interesting.
The beer festival planned for the end of this month has had to be postponed until late October.
Music still features most weekends - check their facebook page or web site for details. - and the pub can get quite busy then.
14 Sep 2011 10:43
The Betjeman Arms, St Pancras International Station
Had a couple of good pints there yesterday whilst waiting for a train. Sharps Doombar (what a rarity!). Bombadier and the house beer brewed by Sharps. �3.30 a pint not unreasonable for London. Service was very good - but it was only 1100 and there were about 15 staff wandering around! Background music in the bar rather too loud but adequate seating outside. Worth popping into if in the area but not worth travelling there specially for.
3 Sep 2011 07:52
The Lethbridge Arms, Bishops Lydeard
Visited again yesterday only 3 weeks after my previous visit. Seems to have changed management. Opening hours now advertised as 1000 - 2300 Mon - sat and 1200 - 2300 Sunday. On the downside, only Doombar available.
28 Aug 2011 10:54
3 or 4 beers usually available from fairly national brewers such as Wells, Courage, Adnams and Caledonian. As they have 3 pumps I'm not sure why they insist on serving straight from the barrel. This can mean that the beer is sometimes slightly warmer than is desirable. Always one beer on offer at �2.20. Happy hour Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1800 - 2200 with reductions on lagers, cider, shorts etc.
24 Aug 2011 08:54
Visited yesterday and my views very much echo those of dromdick.
Pub certainly looks cleaner and brighter than it used to but is still very scruffy. Large car park and outside seating/smoking area. 6 handpumps dispensing a beer from each of 2 Bridges (who now run it), Rebellion and West Berks plus a cider. Tried the 2 Bridges offering at �3 - OK but not good enough to tempt me to a second pint.
Reasonably busy in the early evening but a lot more lager than ale was being served. I'd love it to do well but, I'm afraid, I am not confident based on my first visit.
10 Aug 2011 08:46
Large open plan GK pub opposite the station. IPA, Speckled Hen and a guest. Quality was OK but not special. Food menu looked to be excellent value although it wasn't sampled. Opens at 1000.
Worth dropping into if id Didcot but I wouldn't travel there specifically for it.
10 Aug 2011 08:41
The Pear Tree Inn, Hook Norton
6 handpumps dispensing 5 Hook Norton beers on Monday lunchtime when we visited. As you'd expect from a pub 100 yards from the brewery, the quality was excellent. Friendly staff and locals. Only gripe was the constant swarm of wasps around the outdoor seating area.
10 Aug 2011 08:37
The Queens Head Hotel, Minehead
Just to clarify my last comment - beer was �3 a pint and there was a 20p discount to CAMRA card carriers!
7 Aug 2011 11:51
Made my annual visit to The Plough yesterday whilst waiting for the train.
Stillage seems to have been increased to take 8 barrels rather than the 4 of my last visit but only 5 barrels on the stillage and only 2 beers available. The Cotleigh barrel was very tipped and the beer definetly on the way out. On the other hand, and somewhat to my surprise, the Otter was excellent - but �3.15 for a free house in Taunton?
Service still very poor, one person serving although the pub was pretty busy, and, as usual, every table full of empty glasses, plates etc.
No compalints about the toilets or and smells!
7 Aug 2011 11:50
The Queens Head Hotel, Minehead
Queens Head Ale at �1.70 supported by Exmoor Gold, Tribute, Doombar plus something else at �3.20p a pint discount to CAMRA card carriers. A pretty unadventurous selection of beer but it seems to be a standard Minehead one! The Gold was excellent - by far the best pint of the day.
Not very busy yesterday lunchtime.
7 Aug 2011 11:41
Despite my comment of last July, we did venture back yesterday pulled in by the advertised Sky TV - looking to watch the England v Wales rugby game. No Sky so had to watch the very uninteresting Ireland v Scotland game!
Exmoor Gold, Doombar, Tribute and Otter available at �3.10 a pint - prices only slightly upon a year ago! Plus a 10p discount for CAMRA cards. The Gold was fine. Pub pretty busy but service good.
7 Aug 2011 11:37
Rather boring selection of ales available - Courage, Tribute, Ruddles and Exmoor Gold. The Gold was fine but nothing special. A nice location to sit outside - but not yesterday in the rain!
7 Aug 2011 11:32
The Lethbridge Arms, Bishops Lydeard
Otter Bitter and Butcombe on offer yesterday at �3 a pint. Quality was fine despite being the first served. Boards outside advertise open 1100 - 2300 Monday - Saturday and 1200 - 1600 Sunday although they didn't open until about 1115.
Looks a bit bare, partly because of the awful colour it was painted by the fools who tried to take it up market, but at least it is open!
Planning Application from Enterprise fixed to the wall outside for 3 flats on part of the car park.
7 Aug 2011 11:29
Pretty quiet yesterday afternoon. Usual selection of Hop Back beers with prices from �2.45. As you'd expect, the quality was excellent.
Doesn't open until 1630 Monday - Wednesday, other days all hours from noon.
5 Aug 2011 08:52
Hopback GFB amd Summer Lightening plus Doombar yesterday. GFB was OK (ish) but reasonably priced at �2.40.
Doesn't open until 1630 during the week. Very much a locals place despite being near to the station.
5 Aug 2011 08:50
Used be visit The Digby on a regular basis but haven't been there for several years - until yesterday. Crowded at 1230 and it is easy to see why. 5 handpumps serving mainly local beers (Otter, Bath Ales. Wickwar and Cottage) with prices between �2.20 and �2.50! Basic pub menu of good value food available. Service perhaps a tad slow but that was understandable given the crowd.
Pool table in the back room often hard to use due to the number of visitors.
A real gem of a pub!
5 Aug 2011 08:48
A rather modern looking bar in a large room. Separate pool room. Several large sofas but little other furniture. 2 ales on offer - a Purple Moose and a house beer brewed by Coors. The Purple Moose was superb yesterday at �2.90. Well worth visiting but I'm not sure that I'd want a long session here.
17 Jul 2011 12:24
The Ship and Castle, Aberystwyth
Well worth finding this place which is tucked away down a side street. Wye Valley HPA is the regular along with cider and 4 guest ales. Excellent condition yesterday and pretty good service considering that it was crowded due to the arrival of a special train! Pool table and darts board. Usually opens at 1400 but can open earlier by prior arrangement. Easily the best pub in Aber.
17 Jul 2011 12:20
I've had a few good sessions in The Mill in the past. Walked by it yesterday about 1400 and it was shut. Opening hours on the door say noon for Friday and Saturday opening. Not sure if it is still trading?
17 Jul 2011 12:17
The Royal Exchange, Paddington
I used to be a regular here 30 odd years ago and up to about 2000 when I stopped working in London and have returned on and off since then although not recently.
Popped in briefly this evening and nothing much has changed! Modern fonts have appeared and the handpumps have reduced to 2 - Brakespears and GK IPA on one of their new stile pumps. Quality, service and price were all fine. As always, the pub was rather hot and stuffy which pushed many punters outside onto the pavement.
Still a good place to visit.
15 Jul 2011 21:47
Still a good place to visit with 7 beers on handpump - mainly from Rebellion today. �3 a pint is good value. Very quiet though for a friday evening.
15 Jul 2011 21:41
Close to the station. 6 pumps - GK Abbott and Brakespears seemed to be regulars plus 4 guests. Around �3.30 so not the cheapest place in the area. But a nice locals pub worth finding. Regular music nights.
15 Jul 2011 21:39
A large pub on the main road next to the railway station. 10 ales on offer - 5 from Bushy's and 5 guests - from �2.35 a pint. Excellent quality. Large garden backs onto the railway. Pool table. Food menu looked very cheap although it wasn't sampled. easily the best pub in Castletown.
4 Jul 2011 10:12
Large pub on the square offering Okells Bitter for �2.55 and London Pride. Looked like a locals pub and there were certainly a few characters in there! Large TV screen was showing tennis from Wimbledon - luckily with the sound turned off!
4 Jul 2011 10:10
The Glue Pot (Castle Arms Hotel), Castletown
Nice enough place although nothing special. Multi roomed and an outdoor seating area. By the harbour and the castle so ought to be popular with tourists but seemed to be very quiet. No food available. Okells Bitter and 2 guests (Bass and Merrie Monk) from �2.60.
4 Jul 2011 10:07
Large place opposite the railway station offering Okells Bitter and 2 guests (Bass and Pride when we visited) from �2.60. Food served lunchtimes and evenings from about �9 for main courses. Background music somewhat annoying as they only seem to have 1 tape! Can be very busy.
4 Jul 2011 10:04
The Falcons Nest Hotel, Port Erin
Large hotel on the front next to the railway station. 5 beers on offer including Okells IPA. Bushy's Manx and guests (from Everards and Batemans last week) from �2.50.
Quality was excellent and service good.
4 Jul 2011 10:02
Large pub on the beach. 7 or 8 ales from Bushy's and guests from �2.30.
Quite quiet on both evenings when we visited which might explain why (on both occasions) the first couple of pints had to be changed - on the second day very reluctantly after we were given all the usual excuses (looks all right to me, no one else has complained etc) by the barman who hardly looked old enough to be serving! As a result we didn't return on our third night in Port Erin.
4 Jul 2011 09:59
Busy, traditional looking pub on the front well worth finding. Okells Bitter, Bushy's Oyster Stout, Moorhouse's Black cat Mild and Olde Trip on offer from �2.40.
4 Jul 2011 09:53
On the main road 5 minutes from the tram station. A large pub with many photos and mementos of the TT races. Only Bushy's Manx Bitter on offer at �2.30. Large TV. Interesting collection of old UK pump clips.
4 Jul 2011 09:51
Pretty large, multi-roomed pub next to the tram station. Outside seating area. Good value basic pub food. 4 Okells beers on offer from �2.60 including the IPA.
4 Jul 2011 09:49
A small traditional pub in an alley near the quay. Okells bitter on offer at �2.55 was very good. Pool room and darts board.
4 Jul 2011 09:45
Large hotel a little way out of the town. Okells beers plus several guests on offer from �2.60. Several separate rooms and a pool room. Smart and tidy with efficient and friendly service. Worth walking (or catching the bus up the hill!) to.
4 Jul 2011 09:43
A large pub on the front with a good outdoor area for viewing the world.
Okells Bitter and Old Skipper plus a guest (Elgoods at the weekend) from �2.65. Food served most hours at reasonable prices. Pool table.
4 Jul 2011 09:40
Large pub with outdoor seating next to the Manx Electric Railway and horse tram termini. Okells Bitter and Alt plus a guest (London Pride replaced next day with Marston's Father Time when we visited). Prices from �2.65.
Seperate pool room. Background music. Service was a little poor during food serving times but not annoyingly so.
4 Jul 2011 09:38
Very frienly pub down an alleyway. Several rooms and an outdoor seating/smoking area. Crowded on our various visits. Excellent juke box.
6 handpumps sering 3 Bushy's beers and 3 guests from �2.40. Prompt service despite being busy.
Well worth finding.
4 Jul 2011 09:34
Busy pub on the hill opposite the Tynwald building. Very smart and well looked after and attracts a more "up market" crowd. Friendly staff.
Okells Bitter (�2.65), Alt and Old Skipper plus Elgoods available.
4 Jul 2011 09:31
Okells Bitter at �2.65 and an Elgoods as a guest available when we visited. Multi roomed pub on the quayside near to the railway station witha pool table and outdoor drinking area that was full of smokers. Food available all day during the week.
4 Jul 2011 09:29
Large open plan pub on the quay side offering Okells Bitter at �2.60. Very much a place for the younger set on Saturday night when we visited with loud music. Bouncers on the door. Outside drinking area but only plastic glasses allowed there.
4 Jul 2011 09:25
I wouldn't necassarily use the word "rough" but I can see how you could easily be intimidated by the rather loud locals in here!
An interesting 2 room pub serving Okells Bitter, Bushy's Castletown and a guest from �2.45. Pool table.
4 Jul 2011 09:22
The Swan With Two Nicks, Worcester
Reasonable enough place but very loud background music and a smell of chips rather detracts from it. Large pub that goes back a long way from the entrance. Beware the low ceiling in places!
4 beers on yesterday - Doombar, something from each of RCH and Georges plus Wye Valley Bitter and an amazing �1.95 a pint! Quality was fine.
3 Jul 2011 12:31
Excellent place just off the main drag. 6 beers available (Hobsons Bitter and Mild plus 4 guests) abd 2 ciders. Prices very reasonable - we paid �2.30 for Hobsons Bitter. Obviously a locals pub but we still felt welcome.
Well worth finding.
3 Jul 2011 12:26
The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak
suggestion_tryAnewBeer
I'm waiting for pubs that I suggested last September to be added! I think the admin side of this site is just getting worse and worse. I've e-mailed them about things several times but (surprise, surprise) no replies!
7 Jun 2011 09:10
Returned yesterday just over a year from my first visit. Still a very impressive place. 6 beers on offer spread over 2 bars. Service was great considering that the bloke behind the bar was also trying to cope with a Hen party in the other room. Well worth seeking out.
3 Jun 2011 08:48
A large pub with a central servery. Sharpes Doombar and Atlantic IPA on offer at �3.40 yesterday. The latter was fine although the first pint was rather too warm. Bar menu looked reasonably priced although fairly standard pub food. I'd return if in the area.
3 Jun 2011 08:43
The Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park
What looks like a smallish pub surprises you when you explore it! Large room with benches to one side and an amazing multi level beer garden at the back. Loads of bric-a-brac etc around. Shame that Pride at �3.40 is the only offering and I do wish that the MTV channel wasn't playing all the time. For these 2 reasons, it only gets a 6.
3 Jun 2011 08:40
Don't know if it is as a result of the recent takeover by Butcombe, but only 3 beers and a cider available yesterday - Butcombe Bitter, Bellringer and the go everywhere Pride. And at �3.20 it is starting to get expensive.
Busy though and service still good.
28 May 2011 12:20
Well, I was a bit concerned about going in after the last 2 reviews but, I was glad I did. Moles Elmos, Flowers IPA and Ginger Tom on offer at �3.20 a pint. Quality was fine.
Music a bit loud for my taste and lots of TV screens around. Probably not a place to go on Friday or Saturday evenings but I was quie happy.
Very handy for the bus stop.
19 May 2011 21:52
Very impressed. A large pub with a neat and tidy garden, bit hard to find but well worth it. 4 beers available - GK St Edmunds, something from Shugborough (Titanic), Sambrooks and a n other (I forget!). Usually �3.10 a pint but a 10p CAMRA discount makes it better!
Friendly and helpful staff. 2pm opening Monday - Thursday. I guess that it would attract the kids at weekends but they are supposed to be out by 2000.
I'll certainly return.
19 May 2011 21:48
Went there for the advertised festival today - doesn't start until 1900 although no mention of that on their web site. Looking at the beer list though -- didn't miss much.
An ex Courage pub, now extended with a large garden. 4 beers on - Doombar (as always), Courage Best, Cornish Coaster and London Glory. �3.20 a pint - quality pretty indifferent. Would not race back.
19 May 2011 21:41
Large GK pub about 10 minutes from the station. 8 beers on including at least 2 that aren't from the GK range. Prices from �3.10. Good food menu looked reasonably priced. Friendly and efficient staff.
Well worth a visit.
17 May 2011 08:52
3 roomed pub about 5 minutes from the station. Also has a large outdoor seating area which is somewhat of a sun trap. Beers from Hall & Woodhouse - Badger, Tanglefoot, Hopping Hare and K&B Sussex on yesterday. All in good nick. Fairly standard pub menu available with specials.
20 Apr 2011 09:33
Haven't been in The Sun for several years so was quite impressed when i went in yesterday. It has been cleaned up and looks good. They are still working on the garden which should be a good place to be in the summer.
Directors, Bombadier and Caledonian Flying Dutchman on offer at �3.10. Quality was fine and the staff very friendly.
15 Apr 2011 09:20
Brains SA, Caledonian Chocolate Drop and something else (poor memory today!) on yesterday. The Brains was OK but getting past it's best. �3.30 a pint. Basic food menu. Worth visiting.
15 Apr 2011 09:17
A large imposing building but a bit of a gem. A Wadworths house which offers 6 of their beers plus 3 guests with prices from �2.80 to �3.05. Outdoor seating area next to the main road. Friendly and prompt service. Worth the long walk from the station!
10 Apr 2011 08:42
Large pub with an outdoor secluded seating area. 6 ales on offer with prices ranging from �3 upwards. The Purity Gold was fine. Rather annoying and pointless background music.
10 Apr 2011 08:39
The Cross Keys Inn, Gloucester
As the picture shows, the pub is down a narrow side street beside Barclays bank. 2 changing beers from local brewers - yesterday from Cotswold and Prescott at �2.90. Friendly place worth finding.
10 Apr 2011 08:37
Large town centre pub (about 10 minutes from the station) with a large outdoor area.
Black Rat cider, and 4 ales on yesterday from Black Country, W Berks, Dawkins and Dangerfield. Reasonably priced. Gets busy in the evenings with live music.
Worth a visit.
10 Apr 2011 08:33
The Baskerville Arms, Lower Shiplake
Large pub next to the station. Pride, Landlord and Hoppitt on offer yesterday - the latter was very good. Now open all day every day including from 0900 for breakfast!
Large garden, smallish but adequate bar area and large dining area.
29 Mar 2011 08:50
Large open plan pub, not far from the station, retaining lots of it's traditional features, such as the bar, back counter and glass panels. Open fire. Music on Saturdays and some other nights. Open all hours from noon (1300 Sunday and 1800 if Reading FC are at home).
4 handpumps usually serve local (ish) beers at �3 a pint. Ascot, Binghams, Butts and Hop Back on offer tonight.
Background music a little annoying but not too loud.
24 Mar 2011 22:14
Large pub situated between Central and St David's stations near to the college. Several outside seating areaswhich are usuful to watch the world go by.
3 beers usually available including one from Bridgetown brewery (who own the place) at �2.50 - or �1.99 during happy hour.
Food served most hours - fairly standard pub stuff.
Worth a visit.
21 Mar 2011 10:00
Large pub on the Bath Road. Outside seating/smoking area.
New landlord has been there about 3 months now. Shortly to close for a refurb of the cellar and kitchen plus, hopefully, the installation of a 4th handpump. Food service will start after the refurb.
Unfortuantely the beers are from the Marstons range (so not the most exciting) but are very reasonably priced at �2.45 to �2.60. Banks's Mild, Marstons Pedigree and Double Drop on offer yesterday.
15 Mar 2011 09:03
The Prince of Wales, West Brompton
Large chainish pub next to West Brompton station owned by Taylor Walker.
5 pumps on the bar offering Pride, Doombar and Seafarers yesterday. �3.40 a pint. The quality was fine. Food menu looked to be pretty standard pub grub but the prices were reasonable.
Large garden out the back and seating at the front.
5 Mar 2011 10:09
Basic boozer. Very busy on a Friday afternoon. Unfortunately, no real ale so we didn't stop.
5 Mar 2011 10:05
Visited yesterday afternoon after a longer walk than expected - it isn't where the map on this site shows but much further east along Greyhound Road.
Can't add much to the previous descriptions of the pub.
Beer on offer was Pride, Doombar and Flowers IPA (all at a horrendous �3.80 a pint) supported by one lager - Fosters - and Guinness. Quality was fine.
Walking in here is a bit like being transported back 40+ years. The chap serving (Norman) must have been pushing 90 if not older. He was pulling pints whilst balancing on his walking stick and regaling the locals of tales of his war service in 1945! The lady behind the bar could have been straight out of an old episode of Coranation Street! No complaints - all very polite and friendly.
There were several locals in residence talking at a fairly high volume - if you are offended by swearing or non-PC talk, it might be best to avoid this place.
Closed at 3pm - we were offered a last round 5 minutes before - and they actually put towels on the pumps!
5 Mar 2011 10:03
The Lock Stock and Barrel, Newbury
Busy yesterday lunchtime with an amazing number of diners. I say amazing as the food prices are pretty steep! And why serve chips in a cup rather than on a plate with the rest of the meal?
Still, the beer was excellent if a little expensive (but then, aren't all Fullers pubs these days?) with Pride at �3.25. Discovery, ESB and Jack Frost also on offer and the guest was Hookey Bitter with Castle Rock Harvest on next.
26 Feb 2011 10:21
Pretty busy pub yesterday afternoon. Reasonably priced (Pride was only �2.80) food and drink. The staff could do with some training and/or management. 3 people behind the bar and 2 people to serve but it seemed to take all 3 of them to do 1 customer! And the pints needed a top up - admittedly done without comment when requested but it shouldn't be necassary to ask.
26 Feb 2011 10:17
Visited yesterday about 1400 and found the place pretty busy.
Adnams, Pride, Young's Bitter, TEA and Doombar on offer at �3.20 or �3.30. Beer quality was good, service prompt and friendly. You really feel welcome in this place.
10 Feb 2011 08:51
A nice comfy pub just outside the train station. 7 beers on handpump plus several hundred bottled beers. The cask ales seem to be reasonably priced although I'd say the bottles are expensive.
Quality fine and service pretty good even though it was getting busy in he early evening.
Well worth visiting.
29 Jan 2011 11:38
Really nice pub about 10 walk from the station. Run by Vale so several of their beers on offer along with 4 guests. Quality good, service fine and prices OK.
Food served lunchtime and evening (not Monday or Tuesday). Pub doesn't open until 1600 Monday and Tuesday although these maybe winter hours.
29 Jan 2011 11:36
A nice tidy bar offering 3 Chiltern and 1 guest beer.
Polite and efficient staff and reasonable prices.
Well worth finding.
29 Jan 2011 11:33
The Elephant and Castle, Kensington
Judging by the other recent comments, we must have been unlucky when we visited yesterday about 1600. The place was empty, the staff unwelcoming and clearly bored (despite there being empty glasses on the tables) and with no idea as to a pint measure.
A pretty standard Nicholsons decor. 6 ales on offer - Pride (�2.95), Doombar (�2.75) plus 4 guests (�3.40 irrespective of strength). Usual Nicholsons food menu.
I wouldn't race back.
21 Jan 2011 10:22
The Scarsdale Tavern, Kensington
Can't really understand some of the comments on here. We found that the staff in the Scarsdale were, without exception, friendly and helpful and provided prompt service even though it was getting busy.
A Fullers house offerring Pride, Jack Frost, Bengal Lancer and (Gales) Seafarers. Quality was fine and I'd certainly visit again when in the area.
21 Jan 2011 10:17
The Windsor Castle, Kensington
A pub that clearly hasn't been spoiled by modernisation. Very busy last night. 4 handpumps but only Landlord and Deuchars on offer. Another place that assumes that everyone wants to be served in a jug!
21 Jan 2011 10:14
The Churchill Arms, Kensington
A large Fullers pub serving Chiswick, Pride, ESB, Discovery plus seasonal guest (currently Jack Frost).
Very busy yesterday afternoon with a mix of locals and visitors. Prompt and efficiet service and the beer was fine. Thai food on offer.
21 Jan 2011 10:11
A large open plan place, with smaller side rooms, which looks as if it's had a fair bit spent on it recently.
7 handpumps - Greene King IPA and Abbott plus 5 guests starting from �2.80.
Food served all day from a pretty extensive, although not cheap, menu. Beer quality was fine but the service could be better - despite there being at least 4 staff behind the bar on a fairly quiet lunchtime.
19 Jan 2011 09:00
A fine pub - 4 beers on offer including Doombar and Betty Stoggs. Food looked good but wasn't tasted so can't say. Friendly staff.
4 Jan 2011 12:03
Place was dead when I visited last week. An indifferent pint of Betty Stoggs at �3.10 was consumed.
This place isn't half the pub it used to be - great shame!
4 Jan 2011 12:00
Nice 2 room pub witha pool table. Branoc and Doombar on offer at �2.30. Friendly landlady with a reasonable taste in music! Well worth finding.
14 Dec 2010 08:57
Large, open plan pub. Beer on offer yesterday was Bass, Tribute, Pheasant Plucker and Otter Ales at �2.90 or �3 a pint. Very drinkable but expensive compared to the other places we visited.
14 Dec 2010 08:54
The Magpie and Crown, Brentford
He can be found behind the bar in The Rake at London Bridge
9 Dec 2010 09:12
Fairly quiet on Sunday night although there were lots of students on a crawl around town. Refurbished since my last visit but not ruined in any way. Full range of Brains beers plus 4 guests on gravity, I hope that they can justify that range of ales.
7 Dec 2010 12:17
Reasonably priced pub in central Carmarthen. 3 ales on offer yesterday - Bombadier, Bath Ales Gem and Evan Evans warrior.
7 Dec 2010 12:14
The Passage House Inn, Topsham
Large pub by the river. 3 Otter beers and Tribute on offer yesterday with prices between �2.80 and �3.15 - I'd consider that expensive for the area. Whilst the Otter Bitter and Amber both tasted fine, I'm nor sure how they are dispensed. The handpumps are clearly fake so it must either be electric or some sort of pressure.
Extensive and expensive menu on display. Judging by the number of staff (3 in the Kitchen and 2 behind the bar) I assume it must get busy but it wasn't when we arrived about 1430.
24 Nov 2010 08:51
Still a classic, multi roomed pub serving great beer. Order from the menu (it will be somewhere on the bar!) of the 5 or 6 beers on offer and they will be served by gravity straight from the cellar. Prices start from about �2.50 depending on strength. Basic bar snacks available (soups, pies etc). Friendly bar staff.
Watch the opening hours as they stick to the World War 1 imposed times ie 12 - 2 every day then 6 - 1030 weekdays (7 on Sunday).
Occasional music in the back bar.
24 Nov 2010 08:46
A polite e-mail to the site admin may achieve more than a comment like that!
16 Nov 2010 22:28
8 or 9 beers plus cider on offer this weekend. Beers from RCH, Everards, Tim Taylor, Skinners. St Austell, Sharps. Green King, Morlands (Green King). Prices quite reasonable from about �2.60.
Often has music or other events in the downstairs room.
Service and beer quality were fine in the early evening on Saturday.
10 Nov 2010 09:44
Thanks for that - I was struggling a bit to work out the odd layout of the place!
24 Oct 2010 12:42
Rather quiet yesterday afternoon. 3 Blindmans beers plus 2 guests on offer. The Lamb Gold was �2.50 and the Buff �2.70 - strange as the latter is weaker than the former!
Only Ploughmans on offer at lunchtime.
24 Oct 2010 12:20
An interesting survivor. A 2 roomed pub with a central servery. Apart from a repaint (probably after the smoking ban!) it looks little changed over the years.
Old Speckled Hen and Riches Cider on offer. A great locals pub which still makes strangers seem welcome.
24 Oct 2010 12:16
Now the Archangel pub/hotel.
A curious building - it looks as though several different buildings have been joined together with a covered alleyway in the middle. Rather gastroesque.
Butcombe and Funky Monkey available yesterday. The former was served far too cold after the barrel was changed. �3.20 a pint.
24 Oct 2010 12:14
As others have said, a nice pub in a quiet area. But the prices will keep me away - �3.70 for Tribute? GK IPA was �3.35 and Abbott �3.50, which seems almost to be good value compared to the others.
Won'r be back purely because of the prices.
23 Oct 2010 10:04
A strange place for Fullers but I liked it. Large central bar with lots of "eating "tables surronding it. Nice cosy area at the rear by the open kitchen.
Excellent Pride (very reasonable for the area at �3.25) plus ESN. Red Fox and (Gales) Seafarerers on offer yesterday. Service was fine although the place got pretty busy very quickly in the evening.
Well worth seeking out.
23 Oct 2010 10:00
�3.60 for Black Sheep really sums this place up. GK IPA also available.
Large pub with an outside seating area. Very "new labour". I'd say that there are better places in the area, so would go back.
23 Oct 2010 09:56
Large open plan pub with central bar. Not busy in the afternoon but I bet it is evenings. Games available. The background music was a little load for a quiet pub.
4 ales on yesterday - Harvest Pale, Pendle Witches, Proper Job and Yellowhammer. Excellent quality - �3.30 a pint. Worth a visit.
23 Oct 2010 09:51
The Hereford Arms, South Kensington
I little more info - ie what group, why are they there etc - might allow us to form an opinion.
We do have (within certain legal limits) the right of free speech in this country.
We'd be in a very sorry situation if we banned all (legal) groups just because we disagree with their views.
21 Oct 2010 20:29
3 Loddon beers on offer from �3.20. Not really a drinking place though - very small bar at the front with all of the rear given over to eating. Menu was reasonable and prices OK. My vegetarian mate wasn't too happy with his food (other than the pudding!) but we meat eaters were very happy.
Has very little atmosphere - I can't imagine paying a visit other than for the food.
19 Oct 2010 21:11
Much brighter and cleaner since it's refurbishment earlier this year.
Regular beers are still Couarge Best & Directors, Adnams Broadside and Wells Bombadier. Guest beer yesterday was Coach House Dick Turpin which was disgusting!
Pretty busy for a Sunday evening. More a food place than a drinkers pub.
18 Oct 2010 09:42
I've liked this pub since I used to drink Shippos there in the mid 80's.
Popped in briefly yesterday between trains. Sign on the blackboard says that it is "in a changeover period". I assume that this referes to the landlord. All of the pictures etc have been removed from the wall - perhaps it is due to be redecorated? Only 3 beers on offer, all from Castle Rock, and a very limited range of fizz and shorts. The Harvest Pale and �2.30 was, as usual, excellent.
15 Oct 2010 09:24
Easily the best pub in Worcester - 6 good real ales. The owners also own The Little Ale Cart brewery so there are usually a few of those on offer. Prices very reasonable.
Watch the opening hours - currently evening only (1630) Monday and Tuesday, lunch and evening Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and all day Friday and Saturday.
15 Oct 2010 09:20
Still excellent - 6 regular and 8 guest beers plus 2 ciders on handpump. Prices start at �2.70 and go up to �3.20 (Bathams bitter). Lage outdoor covered area. Pretty busy on Wednesday when we visited about 1400 so they must be doing something right! Well worth a visit.
15 Oct 2010 09:17
2 room basic pub. Bass, Brew X1 and guest (Buckley's bitter on Wednesday this week) plus Cheddar cider on handpump. Beer and location were OK but nothing special.
15 Oct 2010 09:15
Still excellent on my second visit after about 2 years.
10 beers - some regulars like Crouch Gold and Oakham JHB - and some guests. Everything we sampled was good.Prices very reasonable and a 20p CAMRA discount as well! Services quick and friendly although the place wasn't exactly busy at lunchtime. Food very good.
Well worth a visit.
6 Oct 2010 10:04
The Devonshire Arms, Cambridge
A large, bare boarded pub close to the station and easy to find. Not at all busy in the late afternoon.
8 beers on yesterday (5 Milton and 3 guests) plus Cassels cider. Quality was good and prices reasonable.
And Lion Bars on sale behind the bar!
6 Oct 2010 10:01
Carpenters Arms, Bethnal Green
Tend to agree with mother123 about the clientele but it is still a good place to visit.
Trumans Runner (apparently brewed by 2 enthusiasts at Nethergate) Landlord and Adnams Bitter on offer. Quality was good and the service fine. A bit pricey though.
29 Sep 2010 10:03
The Pride of Spitalfields, Shoreditch
I've been using this place on and off for 25+ years and I still like it - although I still seem to get lost when trying to find it!
Yesterday they were offering Pride, ESB, Crouch Vale Gold and Doombar. Quality was good, the staff and locals friendly. There were some strange characters there though!
They are having some problems with people who have recently moved in across the road hence the pub, and the street outside, is plastered with signs asking customers to be quiet, not wander across the road, beware cars etc. Doesn't look too pretty but I hope it works!
29 Sep 2010 09:58
The Shooting Star, Liverpool Street
A pretty standard Fullers "city" pub designed to serve crowds quickly in a short time. Dead at 1530 yesterday though.
Chiswick, Pride, ESB and Discovery on. Pride at �3.40 and Discovery at �3.45 were, I thought, rather expensive even for the City. 2 beers ran out whilst we were there and didn't seem to have been changed an hour later when we left. Staff were polite but spent most of their time talking to each other and drying cutlery. Worth dropping into but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit.
29 Sep 2010 09:52
Decent enough boozer just accross the road from Liverpool Street station. A Nicholsons pub with 10 changing beers on offer from �3 upwards. Beer quality was good yesterday and service quick and efficient even though it was busy with suits just after lunchtime.
29 Sep 2010 09:47
TT Landlord and Tetley at �2.65 were is good condition this weekend. Friendly bar staff and prompt service. Great juke box.
The inside looks a little modern but this is due to a serious flood in 2007 - good that it seems to have recovered.
20 Sep 2010 09:12
Agree with most of the other reviews - Black Sheep, Strongarm and Greene King IPA (why?) this weekend. The first 2 were is great condition although a little expensive for the area at �2.90.
Service can be a little slow when a crowd suddenly pour in from a train not least because of the very tight sparklers used!
Well wort a visit though.
20 Sep 2010 09:09
The Crystal Palace Tavern, Bath
Large, food orientated pub with a good garden area. Bellringer at �3.05, Ringwood and Marstons on offer yesterday. Beer was fine although the service was rather slow - although, to be fair, the place was packed before Bath's rugby match kicked off. Menu looked pricey to me.
12 Sep 2010 10:57
Persnally, I don't use The Allied any more because of it's ridiculous prices, which is a shame as I used to like it.
At their beer festival this weekend, bitter (including the regular range) was �3.55 a pint!!
5 Sep 2010 09:32
Mini beer festival here from Thursday 2 - Saturday 4 September. Beers from Vale, Broughton and White Park, plus cider, at �2.90 and a selection from the Fuller's range including Pride, ESB, Discovery and Mr Harry. Music Friday and Saturday.
1 Sep 2010 08:17
Big modern pub by the river. Youngs Bitter, Gold and Special plus Bombadier with prices from �3.30 to �3.50. "Pub" menu was selling well - food was fine although possibly a little expensive.
Pretty busy all of yesterday afternoon but, with plenty of staff available, no issues about getting served or tables cleared. Perhaps some Wetherspoons managers should visit to see how it should be done?
25 Aug 2010 08:48
The Lamb at Satwell, Rotherfield Greys
Visited again yesterday. Now seems to have a close relationship with Loddon. 3 of their beers on plus Black Sheep and Jennings. Prices from �3.30 so not cheap considering how close the brewery is!
Open all day Friday - Sunday otherwise closed 3 - 6pm.
Pretty busy with eaters for a Tuesday so obviously popular despite the location.
18 Aug 2010 09:28
The Red Lion, Henley-on-Thames
Brakespear pub serving Bitter and Ringwood with Oxford Gold clip turned around.
Enthusiastic and friendly staff. Open all day. Don't visit if you don't like dogs!
18 Aug 2010 09:25
Only Fullers Pride (�3) on yesterday with Hobgoblin and Brakespears (�2.95) clips turned around. Beer was OK but nothing special.
Food menu was reasonable and portions looked good.
But, on a warm afternoon, all the windows were closed and locked, the place was hot and stuffy and full of flies! Bar staff couldn't (or wouldn't) open any windows!
A Bluebecker pub, open all day.
18 Aug 2010 09:20
I'm sorry, but if you live in Bath and can't find antthing better than Badger, than you really ought to get out more!
16 Aug 2010 21:05
Far too bright for my taste and somewhat lacking in character but perhaps it will get better with age. Hobgoblin and Brakespear's Bitter on offer yesterday - the latter was very good. Loud music. Good bar staff.
12 Aug 2010 08:40
Bee range (and prices) have changed recently - GK IPA at �2.57 and Brains SA at �2.68. Fosters and keg John Smiths still �1.99 and the food is still excellent vfm.
9 Aug 2010 14:40
Because this idiot, FeFiFoFum, has put the same comment up about 8 or so pubs seemingly at random!
5 Aug 2010 09:47
Nice, old fashioned pub backing onto the river. Fairly small but there is an upstairs resteraunt and a terrace.
3 regular beers (Landlord, Pedigree and Adnams Bitter) plus a guest (Bays Gold yesterday) at �3 or �3.10. Quality was OK rather than great. Service was friendly and efficient.
Last orders were called just before 3pm. I assume that this is normal (at least mid-week) but no hours were on display so can't say for sure.
29 Jul 2010 09:11
Don't think it is a former hotel, ETA. It used to be the station booking office/travel centre before the station was rebuilt. The former Great Western Hotel is across the road - now MalMaisons or something similar.
21 Jul 2010 08:41
Large Nicholsons pub near to the station.
11 pumps with 8 ales (Tetley Cask, Landlord, London Pride, Hook Norton Haymaker, Thwaites Wainwright, Leeds Midnight Bell, Harviestoun Dragonfly and Marstons Old Empire) plus Watkins cider when I visited. Prices range from about �2.70. The 3 I tried were in good nick.
Food seved all day with an emphasis on Dunkley's Pies from Northamptonshire. Very good.
Prompt, efficient, polite and friendly service although it wasn't very busy on my visit.
20 Jul 2010 19:21
It is, and has been since McGlynn took it over, a grand pub.
Courage Best at �2.70 is the staple beer and Deuchars is usually available although, as few people seem to drink it, I can't comment on the quality. Murphy's at �3 as well.
Poplular for food which is good value and filling.
Lots of regulars and visitors - everyone seems happy here. Best pub (along with The Skinners) in the area.
19 Jul 2010 21:20
Nice enough pub with outside seating area.
Exmoor Gold, Doombar, Tribute and Cheddar Valley cider on handpump.
Quality was fine but �3.05 a pint in Minehead? Had one, moved on and won't be back.
18 Jul 2010 11:48
Pleasant enough place and nice to sit out front when it's warm - as opposed to rather windy yesterday!
4 beers on but not really a good selection - Dartmoor, Tribute, Courage Best and Ruddles. Dartmoor, �2.70, was very drinkable. Would be a much better place with an improved selection of ales.
18 Jul 2010 11:44
Visited again yesterday albeit it briefly whilst waiting for a train.
Yellowhammer and Otter available and they were actually using the cooling equipment! Well done - all you have to do now is sort out the useless staff - bloke behind the bar was clueless, empty glasses and plates everywhere. Not a good impression.
18 Jul 2010 11:41
The Lethbridge Arms, Bishops Lydeard
Certainly open - strange choice of colour for the external repaint means that the signs are rather hard to read! A fair bit of dosh has been spent on doing the inside up - trying to be a more up market food place rather than a drinking pub.
Taylors Landlord, Doombar and Otter available yesterday. Quality was fine but I can't say that I felt particulaly welcome as a non-eater. Menu looked to be fairly standard mid-range stuff to me.
Waiting staff all rather young and disorganised - bar service not great. I really don't want to be "greeted" on arrival in a pub like you are in a posh restaurant and asked if I have a reservation!
Doesn't open until 1130 alhough there are no obvious opening hours signs.
18 Jul 2010 11:37
Visited yesterday and have no issues with the staff - friendly, efficient and polite service. Large garden by the river.
Pride, ESB, Discovery and Seafareres on offer. Reasonably priced at �3 for Pride and �2.85 for Seafarers. I've had better Pride but I've also had a lot worse!
Food is pretty standard pub stuff but was OK and served pretty quickly despite our order for 11 people.
14 Jul 2010 09:37
Skinners, Sharps and Hookey Bitter on - �3.40. A reasonable place next to Kentish Towm station. Certainly busy tonight.
8 Jul 2010 21:38
The Junction Tavern, Kentish Town
Wandle Sambrook good value at �3 a pint - ESB, Twickenha, Naked Ladies and Nelso Spinnaker (?) on offer as well. Promp and efficient service. Full of yuppies though.
8 Jul 2010 21:35
�3.50 for a choice of Young's Gold (too warm) or Black Sheep. The "get it everywhere these days" Doombar and Hookey Bitter clips were turned around. Addlestones Cider as well.
Ok bur wouldn't rush back. Bar snacks (scotch eggs etc) looked ludicrouslty priced to me - but I'm not a Hampstead person!
8 Jul 2010 21:31
This place is an example of how to price yourself out of the trade - beer at �3.45 and Stella at �3.95! I hope that they have a very loyal customer base!
4 Jul 2010 17:20
Several pumps but only one beer on yesterday, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin which was Ok but nothing special.
Fairly busy and the TV was rather loud - it was only tennis on so why the volume?
3 Jul 2010 10:27
Pub on the platform of The East Lancs Railway. Good selection of ales and ciders at reasonable prices.
The place is a bit souless and the service can be slow at busy times - partly as the bar area is quite small and near to the door from the platform so it does get busy. Beers were running out fairly fast yesterday afternoon and didn't seem to be being replaced.
3 Jul 2010 10:24
Well worth dropping into (as I've been doing on an irregular basis for over 25 years) before catching your train at Picadilly. Only Hydes Original on offer at �2.10 - excellent condition yesterday evening and served by a friendly and polite barman. Only 2 other people in there though.
3 Jul 2010 09:53
Certainly one of the better Spoons I've ever been in. 10 (possibly 12 - I can't count that high!) pumps with some interesting small brewers. Tried a couple of pints yesterday morning from Greenfield Brewery at �1.80 and both in excellent condition. Service was fine even though there ere quite a few breakfasts being served at the same time.
3 Jul 2010 09:50
Nice pub down an alley off Micklegate.
fairly large pub with an outside seating area for the smokers. Pretty quiet though.
7 beers on ranging from �2.75. The 2 I tried where excellent. Food menu wasn't sampled but looked to be reasonably priced pub grub.
29 Jun 2010 20:10
An OK place for a quick beer near to the station. Pool table and several large screen TVs. Place was empty yesterday lunchtime.
Brains SA, Speckled Hen and GK IPA on offer. �2.20 for the SA which was fine although a little chilled.
28 Jun 2010 09:19
Buster Bloodvessel was still serving last night when my mate had his stag night there.
West Berks Good Old Boy and Ramsbury Kennet available. After about a gallon had been served, and the beer got to a reasonable temperature, tke GOB was quite drinkable.
Apart from our party, I doubt that there were half a dozen other customers all night. I reckon that this could be a good pub though.
27 Jun 2010 08:34
Excellent pu. Visited last night and sampled several good pints of Enville although others in my party weren't so happy with their pints. Pretty busy and service wasn't great but it was OK.
26 Jun 2010 10:12
Hard to add much to previous reviews - a "must visit" pub if in the West Midlands. The weaker beers are still under �2 a pint. Service was quick although we did haveto ask for top ups - which were given with comment.
26 Jun 2010 10:08
An excellent pub - about a dozen beers on offer plus real ciders. We tried several ales and the quality was excellent. Well worth the bus trip!
26 Jun 2010 10:06
The Tap and Spile, Wolverhampton
Hopback Summer Lightening. Wye Valley HPA and a Salopian on offer when we visited. Beer quality and service were fine but the msic was rather too loud.
26 Jun 2010 10:03
Limited range of beers on yesterday - Theakstons OP plus Featherstones. Still well worth a visit though.
26 Jun 2010 10:01
The Old Hop Pole, West Bromwich
Closed yesterday afternnon - despite what the Good Beer Guide says - but I could see Summer Lightning, Wye Valley HPA and a n other on the bar.
26 Jun 2010 09:59
Not sure why valbear says there is a limited choice of beers - perhaps things have changed in the last 6 months - yesterday they offered Holdens Bitter, Special and Golden Glow plus 3 guests on handpump and Holdens Mild on electric. Mild and Bitter were under �2 a pint. Food menu looked good.
26 Jun 2010 09:58
Popped in yesterday hoping for a few local ales - London Pride only! Walked straight out.
26 Jun 2010 09:55
Visited again yesterday with a bunch of friends. As always the beer range and quality was excellent, prices (even without CAMRA discout) reasonable and the service great.
15 Jun 2010 08:21
Lots of cider on offer and, supposedly, 4 ales on gravity. Only 2 on this afternoon (as on my last visit) - one well on it's way out and the other a mild.
The place has water cooling equipment laid out near to the stillage - why the hell don't they use it? The beer was far too warm - as it was 3 weeks ago when I visited. Until they start cooling the beer, and training their staff, I'd avoid it except for a very quick one between trains.
11 Jun 2010 21:41
The Queens Head Hotel, Minehead
Just like last August, 6 local ales plus Bass and a cider on handpump. 20p a pint off for CAMRA members. Beer was fine although not exceptional.
This place has had a lot of money spent on it recently - new toilets, extra seating area, new carpets and furniture etc, Still pretty quiet though.
11 Jun 2010 21:37
Popped in again today - if anything, it's got worse than when I previously reviewed it last August.
Lots of staff wandering around but not serving customers. The Dartmoor we tried was totally indifferent - possibly because of the very tight sparkler used.
Possibly being taken over by Wetherspoons might improve it.
11 Jun 2010 21:35
8 beers on at �3. Quality and service excellent. Dead in the afternoon today. Maybe it livens up. Worth visiting.
8 Jun 2010 21:07
The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak
A fine pub. 7 ales from small brewers at �2.90 and 8 ciders at �3.20. Quality was great this lunchtime despite it being very quiet.
Not sure about the music - old 45's on a record player. Why?
Well worth visiting but I can't see what all the excitement is about.
8 Jun 2010 21:04
The Crown On The Bridge, Caversham
Beer on offer is Pride, Brakespears and Ringwood Best. reasonably priced for the area. Staff are generally excellent. Like cibis, I've experienced a lack of beer on 2 occasions since the new landlord arrived.
New landlord is certainly changing things around a bit, opening out parts of the pub, new counters near the windows etc. Bar Billiarrds has replaced the pool table and it and all the games machines and the juke box have been collected together in an area at the front.
Can't say that I have noticed a move towards older clientele.
Well worth a visit.
7 Jun 2010 12:08
The Duke of Wellington, Twyford
Very busy yesterday - there'd been a BBQ on in the afternoon. Beer was fine but the garden could have done with a clear up - glasses and plates everywhere.
6 Jun 2010 11:19
The Waggon and Horses, Twyford
Pride, Bombadier and something else on yesterday, A live band was a little OTT for the size of the pub but it was pleasant in the garden. A fine pub.
6 Jun 2010 11:17
The Travellers Rest, Caversham
A Sizzling Pub Co chain pub which usually I'd avoid, But. as it is next to the crematorium, does get used.
Brakespears, Pride and Ringwood 49 yesterday at an unbelivable �2.20! Quality was fine as was the service. The other drinks looked very reasonably priced with, for instance, Guinness at �2.90.
5 Jun 2010 09:18
Great place.
6 beers from local brewers - today Wads, Stonehenge, 3 Castles, Cottage, Plain plus (of course) Wolds End. Also 2 Broadoak ciders on pump.
Grand landlord as well.
I will return (as someone said!)
3 Jun 2010 21:44
An Ok pub. Pride. Youngs Ordinary and Bombadier - the latter was reasonable but not worth a repeat order.
2 Jun 2010 22:24
Pride, Doombar, Landlord and Thornbridge Jaipur today. Ber was OK but nothing exceptional, Music was loud.
2 Jun 2010 22:21
Pride, Doombar and Gem on today. The Doombar was OK but not good - far too warm - but at �2.60 a pint probably not worth arueing about. Thai and English menu looked quite reasonable. Loud background music was a turnoff in an empty pub.
2 Jun 2010 22:18
Pride was on and a Landlord pumpclip turned around. �3.40 a pint was the most expensive we paid in the area. The Pride was drinkable but un-inspiring. Wouldn't bother visiting again as there are a lot better pubs in the area.
2 Jun 2010 22:14
Pride, Spitfire and TEA today at �3.15. TEA was OK but not good enough to tempt me for a second. Random music, presumably from a juke box, was annoying, especially with Sky News being broadcast at a fair volume. Thai and English on the menu. An OK place.
2 Jun 2010 22:12
DEuchars IPA, Pride, Adnams and Courage Best. Couldn't fault the IPA - especially at �2.60. Pub looked a bit like a recently opened Spoons but the staff were an awful lot better! A Thorley Taverns place.
2 Jun 2010 22:08
The Old Dispensary, Whitechapel
Called "The Dispensary" - no "old".
5 pumps- today they had Itchen Valley Pure Gold, Harveys Sussex and Ascot Posh Pooch. Several dark Star beers and Crouch Vale shown as coming soon. �3.30 a pint. Also Thatchers Cheddar Cider and some foreign beers,
A nice pub - background music was far too much in the forecround for my taste.
Certainly worth a visit.
2 Jun 2010 22:02
As far as I can see, the locals bar is still the same as it used to be.
Fullers Chiswick, Pride and Discovery plus Fullers (Gales) Festival and HSB today. Pride at �3.25 is expensive but normal for a Fullers pub.
Food menu is OK but not cheap - probably reflects the area.
I do agree with fatbob1968 that the shouting from the kitchen is, at best, unproffessional! Seems to be a place with lots of "E European" staff and little management!
28 May 2010 22:01
Large multi-roomed pub near the station.
Yesterday had Harveys Light and Fark Mild, Sussex, Hardlow, Armarda and their summer special. Beer in fine condition. Alao 2 ciders on handpump.
Reasonably priced menu mainly features sandwiches. jacket potatoes, ploughmans etc with some more substantial specials. Good VFM.
Both food and drink service was pretty efficient and the staff polite and helpful.
26 May 2010 08:37
Who knows? It's close to Wales so possibly not.
Despite my log-on - I don't come from Cheshire!!!
22 May 2010 21:27
Please support the campaign for real English..... It helps others understand what you are trying to say - assuming that you know yourself?
22 May 2010 21:08
Visited again today arriving about 1700.
Chaos - service was atrocious. One bloke behind the bar trying to serve there and take food from the kitchen. A lady "assisting" who clearly had no idea how the till worked or where things were. More staff arrived in the next hour or so but it was still chaotic. Tables full of glasses and plates that looked as if they'd been there since lunchtime. Why can't a decent manager tell staff that, when returning from serving food, it helps to collect empties rather than walk past a cluttered table. It ain't rocket science!!
West Berks Good Old Boy and Mr Chubbs plus Pride. The GOB was far too warm and the Pride was indifferent. Had to ask for everything to be topped up - it was amazing how many punters didn't seem at all worried to get 85% of a pint. And why do they assume that you want your pint in a jug these days? Have I missed another new trend?
Certainly gets marked down from my last score.
21 May 2010 20:45
Visied today for the first time in 20+ years. Now owned by the mighty G King. 4 pumps with IPA, Abbott, Morris Mayhem (?) and Hen advertised but only the last one on. Pint was fine and I was surprised that it was only �2.90.
Got there about 1400 on a warm Friday and they'd obviously had a busy lunchtime. Lots of tables in the garden were full of glasses etc but were quickly cleared as the place got quieter. No issues with the service. Food menu looked reasonable.
21 May 2010 20:36
Architecturally, one of the best Spoons. Beer choice and quality were fine yesterday but, like most Spoons, the service was awful, the tables (inside and ou) full of empty glasses and plates.
21 May 2010 09:25
The Mad Bishop and Bear, Paddington
Good enough for a quich (ish) pint before your train. Fullers Chiswick, Pride, ESB and Discovery plus a guest which is usually St Austell Tinners.
Why though is the service so bad? In my view, it's because of the way they've got the bar sorted out - the staff spend half their time walking from one end to the other. With 2 banks of handpumps, one at each end of the long bar, why are the high turnover beers such as Pride only on one? Why are the "correct" glasses always at the other end? Why are different snacks only at one place on the bar? I can only assume it's to force the staff to get exercise from all the walking! A time and motion study would do wonders here.
18 May 2010 20:41
My idea of what a boozer should be - friendly and efficient staff; a good selection of beers which are always good and usually excellent; good VFM food.
Just a shame that it's so small and, therefore, gets very crowded at times. But, there again, perhaps that is a plus point?
18 May 2010 20:35
Brigantes Bar and Brasserie, York
If you are looking for a cafe/resteraunt with beer (rather than a good old drinking pub to spend an evening in) then this is probably it. 8 beers on mainly from local breweries such as Elland, Tim Taylor, Leeds and York plus a few non-local brews priced around the �2.50 mark.
Service still not very good.
18 May 2010 20:32
An Ok pub. Juke box is great for "old" tunes!
Pride and Hullabaloo are the regulars with 3 guests. Today they were Hamerpot Pale. Cottage Lightening and Arkells 3Bs. �3.30 a pint.
Worth visiting but..
14 May 2010 20:49
Couldn't disagree with the other reviews. Yesterday they were offering Holdens Mild, Bitter, Special, Golden Glow and Wind Blower. The Bitter at �2.30 was excellent as was the Mild at �2.10. Recorded Jazz music was a little loud for my taste but that's a small gripe.
14 May 2010 09:38
Visited yesterday lunchtime. Pretty busy with many customers dining from what looked like a reasonably priced menu.
12 beers on ranging from �2.45 to �2.60. Tried 2 which I could omly describe as OK rather than good. Possibly doesn't get enough thoughput during the day?
Service a bit slow but, as I said, it was pretty busy.
Strangely, the pub at the front was extremely hot and stuffy whilst the room at the back (complete with sacks of spuds and veg - don't they have any storage room?) was freezing.
14 May 2010 09:36
Visited early evening yesterday - had tried in the afternoon but it was closed and no sign of any opening hours displayed.
4 beers on offer - Butcombe, Gales HSB, Loddon Ferrymans Gold and Banks bitter. There were 9 handpumps in total spread over the 2 bars and the landlord apologised for only having 4 on - he said that they'd had a really busy bank holiday weekend -- and that he was in the process of putting on 4 more including ESB, another Loddon and some Skinners. The beers we tried were in excellent form and �3.10 a pint. Menu looked pretty extensive and reasonably priced with most mains �8 - �9.
Background music fine if you're a lover of Frank Sinatra!
5 May 2010 09:52
Large, roomy and light "gastro" pub offering 3 ales yesterday - Pride, Old Speckled Hen and Wychwood at a very acceptable �3 a pint. Whilst we didn't eat, the menu seemed to me to be reasonably priced for the area. Prompt and friendly service - although the place was pretty empty - and an interesting selection of background music. Would certainly return if in the area.
5 May 2010 09:44
10 beers on yesterday - 6 Titanic, Everards Tiger plus 3 guests. Prices range from �2.40. The Titanic ones we tried were v good. Not overly impressed with the menu so didn't bother eating here. Efficient staff who topped up the pints when necassary after they'd settled without being asked - always a good sign. Will certainly return.
22 Apr 2010 10:24
Excellent pub - good selection of ales in v good condition and reasonable prices. Friendly and efficient staff. Well worth travelling for.
22 Apr 2010 10:21
Large Chef & Brewer pub with a beer garden and car park stretching down to the Thames.
4 beers on yesterday - Courage Best & Directors, Wells Bombadier and Adnams Broadside. More a food pub than one for the drinkers and is frequently very busy with families. Holds regular "special" events celebrating, for example, St George's Day, Valentine's Day etc. Extensive, but not cheap, menu.
Yesterday lunchtime there were about 5 staff working but it still took an age to get served at the bar. They all seem interchangeable between the bar, waiting on tables and hiding in the kitchen! And yet, still, the Chef had to keep coming out of the kitchen and shouting to the bar that meals were waiting to be taken out. We were sat near to the kitchen and, in about 90 minutes, saw 3 meals taken back. Maybe it was just a bad day.
This wouldn't usually be my first choice of pubs in Caversham but I wasn't in charge yesterday!
21 Apr 2010 08:41
Brakespears pub serving Bitter, Gold and occasionally something else. Always in excellent condition and, for Reading, reasonably priced. Good value food served most days (not Tuesdays).
Several TV screens usually show sports. Separate room at the back with pool and darts. A locals pub.
21 Apr 2010 08:32
Excellent pub - 5 or 6 beers brewed on the premises. The seasonal 7.9% was awsome yesterday. Gets very busy at lunchtime when they don't really appreciate large groups of non-eaters unless sitting outside.
14 Apr 2010 13:53
It really isn't as bad as the previous reviews suggest!
Courage Best and Sharps Doombar on offer at �2.47 a pint were both in fine condition on Sunday. Cheap offers on some lagers and (non real) ales. Very good value food from an extensive menu. Usually busy but service is still good.
Pool table and darts board in a separate room and TV screens for sport throughout the pub although the volume is usually quite reasonable.
12 Apr 2010 16:18
Busy on Saturday afternoon. 6 ales and a cider on handpump. Quality of the 2 I tried was excellent although they are now �3 a pint.
12 Apr 2010 15:25
Visited again on Saturday and it was pretty busy at lunchtime. 3 beers on - one from Bridgetown (Alfreds Ale?) at �1.99 which was very good plus Skinners and Sharps.
Tried the food this time - I can only describe it as "OK" and I certainly wouldn't rush back to eat here again.
12 Apr 2010 15:23
Visited last night for the first time since it's re-opening. The previous incarnation was truely dreadful (from a drinkers point of view) serving very over priced Guinness in an uninspiring pub. Now? Well, it still has a "new" feeling to it but was certainly fairly busy.
Variety of beers on - from memory, Hobgoblin, Ringwood, Brakspear Gold and Ordinary, ie all Wychwood beers rather than true guests. Quality and service were fine.
I'll certainly try it again.
27 Mar 2010 11:14
The sort of pub that you have to visit just to say that you have but, unless you're very lucky, almost impossible to get a seat ot table inside. Took some friends there yesterday about 1800 who'd never been - place was pretty full with lots of staff dashing around serving less than appealing looking food and collecting glasses. Beer range was OK - The White Horse Bitter was good. Not, in my view, a place to linger though.
27 Mar 2010 11:07
Clearly their "guest" ales don't change very often as they were still Tribute and Gem yesterday! The Youngs Gold was great. Prices quite reasonable and the service, as always, was efficient and the staff polite. I visit here most times that I'm in Oxford.
27 Mar 2010 11:01
Far From the Madding Crowd, Oxford
Not the most atmospheric of pubs but serves great beer! 6 on offer plus a real cider. Brakspears is the regular. Butcombe was Dave's Special yesterday at �2.10 plus 4 other guests at �3.10.
27 Mar 2010 10:58
Usual selection of beers on yesterday - the Betty Stoggs was excellent. Not that busy for a Friday afternoon. I do wish that they'd turn the radio in the kitchen off or at least down. It's rather distracting when trying to have a discussion at the bar.
27 Mar 2010 10:54
Usual selection of beers on yesterday - the Betty Stoggs was excellent. Not that busy for a Friday afternoon. I do wish that they'd turn the radio in the kitchen off or at least down. It's rather distracting when trying to have a discussion at the bar.
27 Mar 2010 10:52
Popped in yesterday lunchtime - it was fairly busy with diners. 4 beers on offer - 2 regular and 2 guests. Prices reasonable and quality reasonable. That about sums the place up - worth dropping in for one if passing but there are far better pubs in Oxford.
27 Mar 2010 10:47
6 beers on offer yesterday - Pride, Landlord, Adnams, Slaters Top Totty, Thwaites Nutty Slack and Hydes 1863 - at �3.30 or more.
The Slaters was great. Pub was packed and sevice wasn't good despite there being 4 staff on.
I do wish, though, that they'd realise that not everyone likes being served their beer in a handle but, more importantly, I do want a full pint without having to ask for a top up everytime. We stood at the bar for over an hour and I'd guess that 80% of the "pints" served were under size by at least 10%. Trading Standards should pay this place a visit.
11 Mar 2010 09:16
Visited yesterday for the first time and would certainly return. I'm not usually a fan of Youngs beer but the Gold was excellent. Ordinary, Special and Bombadier also available. Efficient and friendly barman - although the place wasn't exactly crowded when we arrived about 4 pm!
11 Mar 2010 08:59
Excellent little boozer within walking distance of Voctoria station. Efficient friendly bar staff. 4 real ales on offer - yesterday from Rudgate, Nethergate, Youngs and Falstaff. Well worth seeking out.
11 Mar 2010 08:54
I don't know what to make of this place really - I think it needs some serious attention to bring it up to the standard of most other Bath pubs. 2 beers on offer yesterday plus a cider. Lady behind the bar seemed more interested in her computer than the customers or empty glasses lying around. Kitchen door open to the pub showing a less than tidy kitchen - not terribly inviting really.
7 Mar 2010 11:10
The Lamb at Satwell, Rotherfield Greys
I would have posted a comment earlier but it seems to have taken about 6 months for the peeps who run this site to get this pub on!
All I can say is, what a gem! hard to find - excellent, and good value, food with a good selection of beers. Landlord is from Yorkshire so likes Black Sheep etc but there you are.
22 Feb 2010 21:28
The Monument Public House, Newbury
Popped in for the first time in about a year yesterday. Obviously it's had some attention in that time - much brighter than it used to be and a pool table has appeared. But, unless my memory is at fault, there are less handpumps than on my last visit. Butts Traditional and one other ale (forgotten what!) plus Old Rosie on offer. Prices OK and service was fine.
12 Feb 2010 10:06
Visited yesterday lunchtime - Pride, Bass, Good Old Boy and Mr Chubbs on offer. The GOB at �2.95 was very drinkable. Much more a foodie than a drinkers place.
Fairly busy with diners and certainly no shortage of staff. I'd have prefered it is the Manager (who was showing someone around) hadn't kept standing behind us to explain things in a rather loud voice.
12 Feb 2010 09:59
Brigantes Bar and Brasserie, York
I can understand the good reviews - so why is it that every time I go there, the service is crap? The only bar person is always serving ten coffees!
10 Feb 2010 22:17
The Bookbinders Ale House, Oxford
Well, it used to be (pre GK) a wonderful pub. Now - well, hit and miss. Rather expensive (even for Oxford) and you never know if there are any guest (ie non GK) beers on at all. Certainly wouldn't be in my top ten of Oxford pubs let alone POTY.
6 Feb 2010 21:59
Be careful here - the prices are getting ridiculous and seem to change at the whim of whoever controls the till. Hard to say what they are as there are no price lists displayed and the staff rarely seem to be aware of till changes.
Pride now �3.10, ESB �3.40 (I think) and Frost was �3.30 until it was reduced due to too much stock in the cellar.
Strongbow (not that I drink it) has gone up twice in the last 2 weeks from �3.00 to �3.15 and is now �3.25. What a rip off!!!! You can't blaim VAT for that or (I'd suspect) the Brewery.
This place will start (continue really) to hemorage customers to The Nags around the corner which is still (for Reading) reasonably priced a �2.80 a pint.
15 Jan 2010 21:04
Visited yesterday after the Beer Festival.
I initially thought that I'd walked into a Spoons - similar furniture, layout and atmosphere although being empty at 1700 on a Saturday can't be a good sign.
4 beers on offer, 2 from the Bridgetown Brewery, one at �1.99. The beer we sampled was fine but it does annoy me to have to keep asking for a top up.
Food menu looked rather expensive compared to the beer.
10 Jan 2010 10:42
Popped in yesterday after visiting the Beer Festival. It was pretty busy and, I'd say, had been for awhile as there were empty glasses and plates on just about every table - not good. Whilst the beer was fine, there was an strong smell, something like vinegar, all over the place which was very off putting. We moved on after 1 pint.
10 Jan 2010 10:33
I've been visiting this place ever since it opened although usually only during the Masters Snooker week. I wouldn't really expect real ale in an Irish Bar (not sure that I'd call it contrived - at least it is run and frequented by the Irish unlike O'Neills and othe chain Irish bars) but it serves possibly the best pint of Guiness that I've ever had in this country outside of the old Park Royal Staff Club.
Pleasant and efficient staff and you can easily get into a conversation if you want to - and can understand some of the accents!
8 Jan 2010 10:35
Still a great place.
Prices changed earlier this month - CAMRA members at all times, everyone on Wednesdays and happy hour (1430 -1830 weekdays only (I think)) now �2.20 with stronger beers at �2.40 plus one changing beer at �2.
8 Jan 2010 10:28
The Sir Humphrey Davy, Penzance
Has been done out since my last visit about a year ago. The pool table has been moved from the back to the side room - far more sensible - and an eating area created at the rear. Not much furniture in the main bar area - I do hate "comfy" sofas in pubs. Has a DJ area so I assume that discos/music is a regular feature.
St Austell Tinners, Tribute and proper Job available. The Tinners was excellent and good value at �2.45 (unlike the �2.80 down the road in The Dolphin), The lady behind the bar was friendly and efficient.
I'd certainly visit again.
30 Dec 2009 13:16
Large pub near the railway station. 5 fairly standard ales on on Monday - I tried the Doombar which was far too cold. Empty at 1700 and very little atmosphere. Might be better in the evening but I'm in no hurry to find out.
30 Dec 2009 13:12
Nice enough building; choice of St Austell Tribute and Proper Job or Bass. Proper Job was very good at �2.80.
Busy with people eating on Monday lunchtime.
Not over impressed with the Landlord - don't know if he was the Peter mentioned in other reviews. Made a snide comment to someone at the bar about people not closing the door properly (it was) when I arrived and, after serving me, despite a couple having arrived, fxxxed off to watch the end of a horserace on the TV! Very customer focused!
Worth a visit but I wouldn't stay for too long unless with a group.
30 Dec 2009 13:08
I've been visiting this place on and off for over 25 years. It has certainly gone up market in the last few years. The menu is much more extensive (and expensive!) than it used to be but always looks good - I haven't eaten there for sometime so can't attest to the quality.
The beer on Monday when I visited was St Austell Tinners, Proper Job and Tribute. In the past, the quality has been variable but no complaints this time although I consider �2.80 for Tinners rather expensive for the area.
There are much better pubs in Penzance, unless you like the up market experience. such as The Dock or Sir Humphrey Davy.
30 Dec 2009 12:59
Pub has been refurbished since my last visit - not sure if it is still in the same hands but I suspect not. The outside toilets have closed and new posh ones built upstairs. The pool room is now a restaurant.
Beers on offer still the same - Spingo, Betty Stoggs and Doombar - and the 2 I tried were in fine condition.
30 Dec 2009 12:51
Fine place - wonderful young lady behind the bar this afternoon, great sense of humour and not afraid to call twxxts, twaats as where several people when i arrived! Purity Mad Goose (possible the best beer to have been invented in the last few years), St Austell Proper Job (Oh dear), Ascot Annastasia and Woodford Wherry on. Reasonable prices
21 Dec 2009 21:15
The Jerusalem Tavern, Clerkenwell
Great pub - 5 on today and the place was crowded at lunchtime!
21 Dec 2009 21:12
Excellent place - I'd love to live closer to this pub! 16 or so beers on all at reasonable prices apart from the Bathams Bitter at �3.10 - the brewery apparently won't supply them directly thus making it rather ching. Efficient service even though it was pretty packed on late Saturday afternoon.
15 Dec 2009 09:31
Visited on Saturday lunchtime (when we eventually found it - don't trust Irishmen with maps to know their left from their right!) to find a warm welcome even though they were pretty busy - mainly with eaters rather than drinkers. Good selection of ales (plus a couple of ciders on handpump) at reasonable prices. The food menu looked good and, again, reasonably priced. Efficient and polite service including the offer to remove the sparkler.
I'd certainly visit again.
15 Dec 2009 09:27
The Greenwich Union, Greenwich
Visited yesterday for the first time. A pleasant enough pub in a pleasant area close to the station. It was fairly busy for a late Wednesday afternoon mainly with people eating. Staff seemed polite and efficient.
3 handpumps dispensing Meantime London Pale Ale, Harveys' Sussex and Dark Star Hophead along with 9 or so continental style fonts with other Meantime beers. If you want to sample the Meantime LPA, make sure that you specify it from the handpump - the beer from which I found most acceptable! My companion forgot and the fizz version is everything you'd imagine - cold, gassy and pretty tasteless compared wit the real.
The lunchtime food menu falls between "pub" and "gastro pub" grub and wasn't over imaginative. The prices to me were rather on the high side. I was surprised when the evening menus were put out to find the food selection almost identical although some of the prices had increased.
They seemed to be having problems with the lighting during my visit which kept changing from too dark to read a paper by to bright enough to play floodlit football! The barman did explain that they were having some problems.
I'd certainly visit again if in the area especially on a weekday afternoon when i guess that it is less busy.
10 Dec 2009 09:34
The Round Table, Leicester Square
Reasonable enough place to wile away a few hours. Pride, Landlord and GK IPA yesterday at OK prices for the area. Barman could do with a few lessons on how to serve a full pint but he happily topped them up when asked. I'd certainly return when in the area again.
9 Dec 2009 09:35
The Porterhouse, Covent Garden
I've always rated this place highly since it opened - as I do the originals in Dublin and Bray. A good selection available although I tend to stick to the Plain Porter or the Red. I too have had a bad experience with The Polar in the past but haven't tried it for years now.
Food is good value - the burgers especially.
Superb service yesterday when a group of 17 of us turned up shortly after noon and camped out on the top floor. Frequent table service from a delightful lady with an amazing memory (how can you get 17 meal and beer orders right without writting anything down?) and great arms - she carred 2 trays with 17 pints up 2 flights of stairs with apparent ease!
Was filling up fast when we left about 1600 but we will return!
9 Dec 2009 09:32
Excellent selection of ales yesterday, all of the ones I tried were in good nick. Quick and efficient service even though it was pretty busy. Only compaint I'd make was that the TV showing Sky Sports was rather loud.
6 Dec 2009 12:24
I can understand (although not necassarily agree with) many of the previous comments. Busy during the afternoon break from Rochford beer festival - not sure that the staff were really up to the number of punters - but I'm amazed that this is the "best" CAMRA pub in the area. The 3 beers that I tried were fine rather than good - get rid of the sparklers though.
19 Nov 2009 21:22
Well - with Rochford beer festival on just down the road you might have thought that they'd have made a bit of an effort. The only good thing that I can say is that the taped 70's/early 80's music was very acceptable - unlike the beer. I'm not, and never have been, a fan of Shepherd Neame beers (especially so far out of their area)but these were terrible. The 2 of us each tried a different one from the choice of 3 and neither was vaguely OK - not sure if they'd been in the pipes too long or they were just off. Not exactly a friendly welcome either. Might be good in the evenings when there seems to be live music most nights - assuming that the beer quality improves.
19 Nov 2009 21:15
The Fishermans Cottage, Reading
Paid my first visit here since the refurbishment and was reasonably impressed. The place has certainly been tidied up and most of the furniture looks new and is sensibly laid out - unlike it used to be. Good to see that the old entrance, long boarded up, has been re-instated. The coal fire was also in use.
Beer range was Fullers Chiswick (off last night with the pump clip turned around so I assume it is usually on), Pride, Discovery and ESB, Gales (Fullers) HSB and Lancaster Brewery Amber. Prices were certainly the cheapest in Reading for Fullers with Pride at �2.90 and ESB at �3. Our first Pride was fine but the second wasn't. It was changed upon request with no hassle by the polite and efficient lady behind the bar - who used to work in the Hook and Tackle years ago.
Food menu was fairly standard pub stuff mostly around a fiver. The 3 course Christmas menu that was on display (unfortunately with a Christmas tree in October!) looked excellent value at �10.95 but, of course, one can't be sure without seeing/tasting it.
For 6pm on a Thursday the place was very quiet though. I'll certainly return here especially when out walking on the river/canal.
29 Oct 2009 10:38
I like this place - Bristol Beer Factory No 7, Red, Sunrise and Stout were available yesterday. The 2 I tried were in fine form. Running a "buy 7 get one free" promotion reduces the price but does tempt one to more than was intended! Reasonably steady trade for a lunchtime, mostly people who were obviously regulars. Although not sampled, the menu looked OK. Very convenient for the station once you know how to find it.
22 Oct 2009 09:20
Pride and Blacksheep on offer yesterday both undrinkable although reasonably priced. Efficient and friendly staff even though it was packed out with a large party in the back. There are far better pubs than this in the area.
21 Oct 2009 10:07
Doesn't feel at all like a pub to me. Has very little atmosphere and the beer has been of dubious quality on each of the three occasions that I've visited. Certainly wouldn't rush back.
21 Oct 2009 10:03
Usual Fullers ales on offer yesterday - Chiswick, Pride and ESB with Discovery off but the pump clip still showing. Efficient and friendly service and the food was filling and good value.
21 Oct 2009 09:58
Busy when I visited yesterday about 1900 with a, mainly, youngish clientele. Taylors Landlord, Brakespears Oxford Gold and something from Hobgoblin available. Ale served far too cold for my liking but, when it was allowed to warm up, the Landlord was fine.
17 Oct 2009 10:51
The Shakespeare's Head, Islington
I fully agree with the previous reviewers - definetly in a 70s time warp! Decor, the bar and the music on the juke box all fitted in. Even had a cold cabinet complete with stuff for making sandwiches. Whilst I didn't eat, the menu looked fine and reasonably priced. Staff efficient and friendly. The Courage Best was terrible - maybe because we seemed to be the only ones drinking real ale. 9/10 for the pub but 1/10 for the beer.
13 Oct 2009 10:07
Visied yesterday afternoon - very quiet, the number of staff behind the bar was greater than the number of customers! Nice old building but could do with a little TLC. London Pride, Harvey's Sussex, Taylors Landlord, GK Abbot with Crop Circle the guest. Crop Circle at �2.95 was excellent and a reasonable price for the area. The Harvey's, which had just been changed, wasn't so good and had possibly been put on too soon. �3 a pint. I'd certainly venture in again if in the area.
13 Oct 2009 09:59
Tried to visit yesterday to find that it is 5pm opening during the week. Looking through the window I could see Deuchars IPA, Adnams Bitter and a n other on the bar.
13 Oct 2009 09:53
Well, my mistake - I posted my comments about this pub against The Cloisters. But my hourable friend's coments below sum yesterdays visit up perfectly.
11 Oct 2009 19:25
Sincere apologies - the last review should have been for the Chough not the Cloisters which I've never visited.
11 Oct 2009 19:22
All Hidden beers on yesterday - to my taste slightly on the cold side.
For such a large pub I was surprised how quiet it was on a Saturday afternoon - possibly because food was off for some reason. The 2 females behind the bar seemed decidedly uninterersted in the few customers who were there and not terribly good at their jobs - undersized pints seemed to be the order of the day and one tried to charge again when a pint of decidedly off beer was swopped. Based on this visit, I'd not race back - there are far better pubs in Salisbury.
11 Oct 2009 12:25
5 ales on yesterday when I visited - Corage Best, Loddon Hullabaloo, Sharp's Doombar, Mauldons something and a beer that I've forgotten! A bit pricey but the quality was OK. Fairly busy in the evening. Good for a quick beer between trains but I wouldn't spend too log there - not sure that my bank account would allow it!
11 Oct 2009 12:17
The Tap and Spile, Wolverhampton
Wye Butty Bach and Titanic on yesterday - noth in excellent condition. I liked the pub - got into an interesting conversation with some blokes from Walsall who were on a bit of a crawl. I'd certainly return here.
1 Oct 2009 10:30
Always worth a visit when in Wolves - good selection of reasonably priced beers, friendly staff and a pub with character.
1 Oct 2009 10:27
Excellent place - 6 beers and several real ciders. Tried 3 different beers yesterday - 2 were great and one OK. Food was also excellent and great vfm. Staff friendly and efficient There was one reserved table at lunchtime which was only used by the staff themselves - strange really as the place isn't that big!
29 Sep 2009 11:44
Visited yesterday. 3 real ales on - 2 from Wyre Piddle plus Ringwood Best - all in fine condition. Was fairly, rather than very, busy but the staff seemed to be having problems coping. I's certainly go back.
27 Sep 2009 11:39
Have visited this place half a dozen times in the last 3 or 4 years and I've always been impressed. Never had anything other than a great pint (usually Sussex Best but also others) and reasonably priced, solid food all served by friendly and efficient staff. If I lived in Lewes, this would definetly be my local!
24 Sep 2009 09:24
Great basic boozer. Real Ales all at �2 on Saturday when I visited. GFB was excellent as was the Crop Circle after the barrel was changed.
7 Sep 2009 09:23
Visited yesterday for the first time and left with rather mixed impressions. I like the pub itself although the layout is rather odd and I'm certainly not a lover of low sofas in pubs! 9 beers on and I tried 2 - both too cold, flat and dead. Not many customers in at 4pm on a Monday but I guess that it's probably busy later on. Will try it again when in the area and I can only hope that the beer quality is better or I wouldn't go a third time.
25 Aug 2009 09:56
I tend to agree with the last couple of reviews. The pub is an interesting survivor and well looked after. Beer range was a bit disappointing - Pride, Youngs Bitter, Adnams and GK IPA at �3.10 or �3.20. With 4 handpumps, I'd have thought one guest won't go admiss. The Pride was excellent though and the lady serving very friendly.
25 Aug 2009 09:46
The Charles Dickens, Southwark
Selection of ales yesterday from Nethergate, Skinners, Twickenham, Adnams, Itchen Valley and Woods all at �2.95 a pint. The 2 I tried were fine rather than excellent. Didn't try the food but the menu looked good and reasonably priced. I'd certainly drop in here again.
25 Aug 2009 09:41
The Skinners Arms, Kings Cross
I don't usually frequent GK pubs these days but popped in yesterday with a group of old work colleagues for old times sake as this used to be our local. IPA and Abbot as expected but I was surprised to find 2 guests in the form of Sambrook's Wandle Bitter and O'Hanlon's Yellowhammer. Both in excellent condition. Will pop in again if I'm in the area.
21 Aug 2009 09:42
4 real local ales on gravity yesterday - although the barrels were fitted with water cooling, the beer temperature was a little on the warm side but still good. Busy place.
2 Aug 2009 11:55
The Queens Head Hotel, Minehead
Good selection of 6 local ales plus Bass. Tried several and all very drinkable. Friendly and helpful landlord and staff. Was surprisingly quiet for a Saturday afternoon - I'd guess that they've lost trade to the Spoons around the corner.
2 Aug 2009 11:52
Visited yesterday - 3 beers on, 2 from St Austell and 1 from Exmoor. The latter was indifferent - getting to, if not at, the end of the barrel. Changed without question though for some acceptable Dartmoor. Helpful staff although a little on the noisy side.
2 Aug 2009 11:48
There will be a beer festival here from Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August. Fullers regular and seasonal beer on the bar and 8 seasonal guests (Batemans. Brains, Everards, Exmoor, Highgate, Hook Norton, Lees and Robinsons) plus 2 ciders on stillage in the beer garden. Music on Friday and Saturday evening and a barbeque available.
17 Jul 2009 12:29
The Defector's Weld, Shepherds Bush
I visited last Friday about 1700, just as it was starting to fill up from local offices. Service was OK although I do wish the staff would pay attention to the customer they are serving rather than talk to each other! Deuchars IPA and Youngs Bitter on offer at �3.30 were, I thought, rather on the warm side. Didn't really get the impression that it was a real ale pub - everyone else seemed to be on cocktails or lagers. Convenient for the station so I'd probably go in again if in the area but wouldn't travel to visit it.
28 Jun 2009 12:27
Didn't know, until I read it on here, that it was an ex- Spoons but it looks and feels exactly like one! Standard selection of ales at �2.80, which I guess is reasonable for the area. Very loud background music. Won't rush back.
28 Jun 2009 12:22
The Queen Adelaide, Shepherds Bush
3 beers available on Friday afternoon including Harveys' Sussex and Sambrooks Wandle Bitter at �3.20 which was excellent. I liked the pub and the terrace at the front - despite it being right next to a busy bus stop. Would certainly visit again if in the area,
28 Jun 2009 12:17
Would like to be able to comment but it was closed at lunchtime when I visited. Seems that it is an evening only place.
28 Jun 2009 12:12
Princess Victoria, Shepherds Bush
4 beers available when I visited on Friday (Pride, Taylor Landlord, Harveys' Sussex and Summer Lightening). Tried 2 and both excellent although, possibly, a tad expensive at �3.50. Didn't try the food but the menu looked interesting and the lunchtime special at �12 for 2 courses seemed quite reasonable. Friendly and efficient bar staff. I liked this place.
28 Jun 2009 12:10
The pub has changed hands several times in the last few years but the current landlady, who has only been there about 2 months, is certainly trying hard. I regularly drink there and the beer is always good, On the rare occasion that it isn't, ie end of barrel etc, they are more than happy to change it without question.
She is trying to keep 5 beers on all the time, which often results in a reduced price sale for one of the guests. There is no Porter font on the bar, John, I think you were mistaken by a Porter bottle with a pump clip on it!
Several events are being held there to try to expand custom and the food range should be being expanded in the very near future.
21 May 2009 12:28
Cracking pub. Good selection of beers on when we visited on Tuesday including several for just �1.95. Food very acceptable as well. Well worth a visit.
21 May 2009 10:10
Visited last week for the first time and enjoyed several excellent pints of mild. Not too sure about the decor - the mixture of large leather sofas and tables with hard chairs. Would ceryainly go in again if in the area.
15 Dec 2008 12:03
Walked to The 3 Horseshoes last week from the canal - wonderful. Excellent (although a tad expensive) 6X, great food with generous portions and very friendly service. The landlord loves talking about railways. Would recomment it to anyone in the area.
23 Sep 2008 13:16
Quite a nice pub but why oh why is the beer served so cold that it has no taste whatsoever? Wouldn't visit again unless I had too.
23 Sep 2008 13:14
Excellent pub by the canal - Hobgoblin, Butcombe and Black Sheep on offer. Food wasn't sampled but the menu looked good.
23 Sep 2008 13:12
Visited twice last week whilst out on the canal - excellent pint of Pride, good food and friendly and prompt service.
23 Sep 2008 13:10
Visited this place yesterday a sampled a few of the Blindman's ales - excellent especially the Lamb Bitter. Looks a bit posh from the outside but well worth a visit.
6 Sep 2008 11:23
Has always been one of my favorite pubs in Bath. Visited yesterday and had just about the best pint of Bellringer that I've ever had. Music was top as well.
3 Sep 2008 15:26
The Queens Head Hotel, Minehead
Good selection of beers when I visited yesterday - everything I tried was in good nick. Very quiet though for a Saturday afternnon!
31 Aug 2008 12:36
Avoid like the plague unless you like spending �3.90 for an indifferent pint of Courage Best! I thought that the blond behind the bar was joking until she asked the bloke behind me for �4.90 for Old Speckled Hen and a bag of crisps! Total rip off!
29 Aug 2008 21:42
Several years ago I used to use this pub frequently when out walking - it has certainly changed! Didn't really feel that drinkers (as opposed to eaters) were very welcome inside. West Berks Good Old Boy and Mr Chubbs on the bar but pretty pricey.
16 Jul 2008 11:05
Not sure who owns this pub but yesterday all 3 pumps had Marstons brewed beers. Banks Original was very drinkable.
16 Jul 2008 11:03
Visited yesterday lunchtime - Pride was excellent although pricey at �2.95
16 Jul 2008 11:01
I went in there recently and tried 4 diffferent bitters. Whilst all were drinkable, I'd describe them all as "tired" - none was good enough to temp me to buy a second pint of the same. Perhaps I was just unlucky but personally I'd rather have fewer beers of better quality than lots of tired beer that, I guess, weren't turning over too fast.
16 Jun 2008 14:36
They are holding a mini beer festival (12 - 15 beers and ciders) from Friday 23rd May to Sunday 25th with food available all day.
20 Apr 2008 12:27
Currently closed for repaint and tidy up. Should reopen 28 March.
20 Mar 2008 13:20
OK - I see the problemwith the nearest stations! The postcode should be RG17 not RG20.
21 Feb 2008 12:20
Recently refurbished pub just off the main street with 3 Real Ales on offer (when I visited these included Caledonian 80 and Wyre Piddle Piddler on the Roof). Extensive menu of pub food and snacks.
With respect to Fran who listed the pub - Hungerford station is much more convenient being all of 400 yards or so away!
21 Feb 2008 12:01
The Three Men In A Boat, Reading
Closed a few years ago as part of the refurbishment of the Holiday Inn (now the Crown Plaza).
30 Jan 2008 11:47
Has recently had a lot of money spent on it in an attempt to move it up market. Food menu looks interesting although a bit expensive for the area. 3 handpumps with regularly changing ales. Pool table removed. Enclosed beer garden should be good in the summer.
30 Jan 2008 11:44
Doesn't currently sell food except on special occasions. New Landlord is selling Pride and ESB (plus Fullers seasonals) all to a high standard. Due for major refurn shortly.
30 Jan 2008 11:36
The Lethbridge Arms, Bishops Lydeard
Popped in for a quickie yesterday while waiting for a bus.
Seems to have increased the number of pumps - I counted 8 - but they were serving at least 2 of the beers on gravity! Strange.
4 beers on offer - the Exmoor that I had on gravity was fine although a little warm.
Staff seemed rather disorganised - I asked about opening time on a Saturday and was told "sometime between 1130 and 1200 when someone turns up". Helpful - not!
23 Aug 2015 09:13