BITE user comments - davewat
Comments by davewat
Great little pub which is worth the effort finding. Good selection of ales and on this occasion I had Oakham Citra which was well served by friendly barman. Looked like the pub had recently had a refurb and did look more like an Ikea showroom than a pub but that's just a personal opinion which shouldn't deter anyone from visiting. Also enjoyed listening to Morcheeba on PA.
24 Mar 2015 13:38
Wilmington Arms, Exmouth Market
More a pub for food than beer but having said that a good selection of real ales available. Friendly welcome and a good pint of Sambrrooks Pumphouse Ale. Modern layout was a bit lacking in character but it was mid-week and mid-afternoon when visited. OK pub but not somewhere I would visit again or recommend based on what I look for in a pub.
24 Mar 2015 13:33
The Merry Fiddlers, Fiddlers Hamlet
Real ale would be my preference but I'm not sniffy about drinking lager and I'm certainly not a fascist! However, on a recent visit received an unwelcome welcome from the bar staff who made me feel my presence was an inconvenience.
Sure the car park had a number of cabs and builders vans - but so what! Been in many similar pubs and never had a problem. Probably not a pub I'd revisit, but that's a personal choice based on the sort of pub I like. Pub was packed when I was there so obviously popular with some people.
Looking at previous reviews the staff at the pub definitely have a problem with customer care and the outside areas certainly need tidying up - especially the signs warning about sanctions for those caught using drugs in the premises!
15 Jul 2012 19:14
Have to agree with some other comments regarding current staff. On a recent visit noticed a complete absence of customer care. That's not to say they were rude, just total indifference. Beer was good as always but noticed that prices had risen steeply even in comparison with other pubs in the area - �3.90 for a 5% is still high.
Otherwise decor unchanged and still retains the feel of a local community pub.
7 Jun 2012 21:52
Nice pub with historic feel. Friendly bar staff but beer selection uninspiring if you're into real ale. Ringwood Best Bitter was very average and overpriced. Will probably try other pubs in the area if visiting again.
22 Apr 2012 18:44
Now called The White Hart and run by Wetherspoons. Typical decor for a Spoons but my local friend says a great improvement and addition to Aylesbury's drinking holes.
Visited Sunday lunchtime during their annual Beer Festival. Had pint of JW Lees Chocoholic which had superb flavour but served a tad too cold - as were the other beers my mates had.
Imagine this pub is OK other than Friday and Saturday nights when it's transformed from a pub serving pensioners cod and chips to a nightclub serving teenagers shots.
Would definately visit again if in area.
1 Nov 2010 09:56
A little way out from the centre of Aylesbury but well worth the effort. Ten ales always available including Aylesbury Vale selection and a guest Belgian beer on draught.
Simple pine furnishings, discreet sport TVs and clean toilets make this pub a gem. Dedicated locals around the bar but very friendly towards visitors and always willing to recommend a beer.
This is the sort of pub you would want your local to be.
1 Nov 2010 09:44
Mock-Tudor style gastro pub located on Nunhead Green. Seems a bit out of place with surroundings but a safe haven from what looks like some dodgy pubs nearby. Interior is wood pannelled with a modern look - prints, sofas and chill-out music playing etc. Early evening mid-week it was very quiet but lots of activities advertised for other times including an Autumn Beer Festival. Good selection of beers, lagers, wines etc. Quantock Brewery Sunraker was very good if a bit on the expensive side - �3.30.
Food menu extensive but pricey. However, ingredients appear to be of top quality with produce sourced from Borough Market and direct from farms. Couldn't judge quality of meals as dididn't eat or see any food coming out of kitchen.
Looked like somewhere you could spend an hour or two relaxing and would certainly visit again if in the area.
29 Sep 2010 22:21
Didn't see any bottles flying on my visit but got out dam quick before they did! Hostile laddish atmosphere which made me feel very uncomfortable. Don't like to stereotype if I can avoid it but in this case this pub's clientele represented all the cliches about Essex Boys. One to avoid if you're an out-of-towner. Should note that the landlord was friendly enough. I was bemused by the restaurant style layout in the saloon bar which was in stark contrast to what seemed like the regular activity taking place here.
31 Aug 2010 12:14
Read the last few reviews about this pub and sympathise. However, my visit was very different and I can only comment on what I experienced. Friend and I stppoed here after cycling 25 miles and had no problem chaining our bikes up in the garden before entering the pub. Friendly welcome, great pint of Oscar Wilde and probably the best ham, egg and chips I've ever had! Did't sense any hostility or negative atmosphere from locals and would certainly visit again if in the area.
31 Aug 2010 12:03
Nice location by banks of River Lea. Local geezers pub. Full of builders and scaffolders who congregate around the bar with shoulders back and crotches out clutching their lager tops.
Friendly atmosphere nevertheless.
Decent pint of Abbot. Nice garden overlooking river. Pub a bit shabby looking but seemed popular with locals including families.
Not really my sort of pub but obviously meeting a local need.
21 Aug 2010 10:41
Sat outside to take advantage of the good weather but interior looked recently refurbished and OK. Both staff behind bar were friendly and welcoming and keen to sign me up for Mc Mullens Loyalty card. Pint of AK and pint of Country were OK as most of McMullens beers are - never excellent, but rarely bad. Located on a main road into Waltham Abbey amongst residential area. Probably doesn't get too much passing trade but was cycling in hot weather and gagging for a pint!
11 Jul 2010 19:23
Visited on a warm Saturday night for a couple of pints (McMullens AK and a guest beer) which were very nice. Pleasant hill top location on busy B road. Pub not busy on my visit. Sat outside to take advantage of the good weather so can't comment too much on interior. Bar staff welcoming. Would like to visit again and probably will when next in area
11 Jul 2010 19:17
Excellent beer and food in plentiful portions. Chocolate wheat beer was superb on my visit and the food we had was good value. If you want to try something different then well worth a visit.
3 Apr 2010 20:11
Large Spoons located close to Millenium Stadium and Castle. As previous comments have said, beer of good quality. If you like real ale then you won't be disappointed.
3 Apr 2010 20:05
Rugby-themed pub in City Centre selling good quality Brains beer. Dark Mild on top form and friends Gold also excellent. Good to find a decent pint in such a central location. A good place to go whilst the wives are shopping.
3 Apr 2010 20:01
The Town Wall Tavern, Coventry
Great pub surviving in an area that is undergoing regeneration. Not easy to find but worth the effort once you arrive. Deuchars superb. Worth missing a few trains back to London for. Will definitely return.
17 Feb 2010 20:59
The Whitefriars Olde Ale House, Coventry
Interesting historical pub in a road where there were some dodgy looking ones. Good selection of real ales and the ones I had were in good condition. Guy behind the bar friendly and obliging. Would visit again next time in the city.
17 Feb 2010 20:55
Popular pub on top of hill giving great views over London. Adnams was fine, if a little on the pricey side. Rear of pub has a restaurant. Looked at menu and thought overpriced - battered fish, chips, peas and tartat sauce at �12.90! Would go again for the pub atmosphere, beer and location.
28 Dec 2009 17:25
Nice pub, not too far from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street. Looks like a traditional pub from outside but interior is a mix of pub and cafe furniture which gives it a slightly confused feel. Pleasant staff and decent pint of Landlord at reasonable price for this part of town.
23 Dec 2009 10:23
The Royal Oak, Bowness on Windermere
Really nice pub with good beer - Coniston Bluebird on my visit. Always visit when I'm in Bowness.
20 Nov 2009 22:39
Horse and Farrier Inn, Threlkeld
Have visited this pub once a year for about the last 5 years or so. Never seems to change - good ale and pricey food. Traditional Lakeland pub with stone floors, beams and open fires. Had a pint of Jennings Dark Mild on most recent visit which I haven't seen in many pubs in the area which was very good. Handy for anyone walking the Keswick - Threlkeld disused railway but be warned the pub is about half a mile from walk start/finish.
20 Nov 2009 22:35
Visited on a dreary wet day after walking from Keswick. Was expecting and hoping to get a cheery welcome. Disapointed to be "greeted" by barmaid who was as miserable as the weather outside. Made little effort to engage us and made no effort to offer help when she could clearly see that my wife was trying to locate the toilet. Pint of Jennings Cumberland and a soda water with lime almost �5 - far more expensive than most city pubs. Shame as pub appeared quite homely but would avoid on my next visit to Braithwaite - there are others to choose from.
20 Nov 2009 22:26
Visited mid-week and mid-afternoon. Very quiet, but pleasant welcome and a decent pint of Everards Tiger. Looked more like a restaurant than a pub but had decent selection of real ale available. Handy for anyone staying overnight to see something at NEC as Express Travel Inn next door. OK pub in an area short of places to drink
20 Nov 2009 22:12
Have visited this pub once a year over the last 10 years or so and has remained consistently good. Would agree about the prices being high but beer quality maintained. Food very good as well. Have to agree that it can sometimes get hot and stuffy, but well worth a visit. Has good range of Jennings ales but also interesting guests.
17 Nov 2009 18:19
Have visited twice in the last month and enjoyed both times. Seems able to combine modern look with best of traditional things about British pub - particularly the beer. On my second visit had an excellent pint of Black Sheep which is not always the case with this well-travelled brew. Recommened if you're visiting the town centre.
13 Sep 2009 19:20
The Bricklayers Arms, Aylesbury
Traditional local, serving London Pride, Wadsworth 6X and Adnams Broadside. Visited with a mate to watch football and staff very obliging to the extent that the landlord risked his health and safety by standing on a barstool outside to adjust the dish to get the best picture! The 6X wasn't that great but Adnams was spot on. Sadly these sort of pubs are disappearing but will visit again when in the area.
13 Sep 2009 19:15
Large Victorian pub with island bar, etched glass and wood panelling. Fixtures and fittings worn but adds to character. Good mix of regulars - cops, Council workers and a few who are progressing well towards oblivion at local Spoons. Sadly had 5 handpumps but only 1 in use on my visit. Marstons Pedigree OK but tasted thin. Good selection of bar snacks, meals and specials at reasonable prices. If beer selection was improved might visit again.
10 Sep 2009 20:53
The Leather Bottle, Hemel Hempstead
Freindly pub opposite large Green sevrving 4 uninteresting real ales - Bombardier, Pride, GK IPA and Old Speckled Hen. Live music Fridays including ex members of the Barron Knights!. Bombardier fine. Would use again if in area
10 Sep 2009 20:49
Cycled here from Chingford and received a warm welcome from staff and regulars who were kind enough not to make any comments about my lycra-clad body! Had a superb pint of Batemans XXX and an interesting chat with a local about bikes, beer and women!
Definitely somewhere I would visit again - with and without lycra!
14 Jul 2009 23:00
The Shipwrights Arms, London Bridge
Still retains a "basic boozer" atmosphere even if it doen't match it with its prices - over �3 for a pint of Deuchars. However, always a decent pint.. Still, it's an oasis of a traditional style pub in a rapidly changing area. Worth a visit.
14 Jul 2009 22:49
Unpretentious pub ideally located just back from the Prom. Top pint of Harvey's Sussex Bitter
14 Jul 2009 22:42
Considering it's location, not at all that bad. Prompt service and tables regularly cleared. Plenty of seating inside and out. Allows groups of more than 5 to sit together which is more than could be said for lots of others places nearby.
As a real ale drinker it was disappointing but I visited on one of the hottest days of the year and a cold lager was just what I needed.
14 Jul 2009 22:40
Set in a side street a few minutes from Sidcup staion. Relaxed lunchtime atmosphere in clean, uncluttered wood-panelled bar. Retains public and saloon bar. Well served pint of Courage Best at reasonable price plus London Pride available. Good selection of bar snacks - again at reasonable price. Pleasant staff.
Sort of pub where time stands still and would have liked to have spent a few more hours here. Agree with comments about beer selection. A guest ale would be a good addition.
14 Jul 2009 22:26
Not much further than a mighty six from the Oval,but can be devilish to find. This only adds to the experience as it is much less busy than others pubs in the area after a match. Youngs and Bomabardier sold but on night we visited the former was off. Friendly and efficient service. Pub looks recently renovated inside and out in traditional manner with space to drink ouside and covered outside area to the side. Some interesting characters frequenting the pub on night visited including a Peter Perrett (Only Ones) lookalike - ask your Dad!! Would recommend if in the area or visiting the Oval as the choice of other pubs not very inspiring.
29 Jun 2009 13:28
This is a pub of two hallfs. Come here Friday and Saturday nights it's Chav Central and best avoided. Come here any other time and apart from the semi-professional alcoholics patrolling the entrtance it's not a bad place to spend an hour or two. Constantly changing real ale selection and quality usually good. Cheap grub but at this price don't expect too much.
10 Jan 2009 13:21
if you like real ale then this is worthwhile visit as there is constantly changing selection of well served beer. Although the decor and furniture resemble a furniture store and therefore creates a lack of atmosphere, the beer more than compensates.
9 Jan 2009 07:06
Noticed the last review was some time ago so thought I'd post a new one to resssure potential visitors. I drank at this pub a few times some years ago and found it not too welcoming and not that friendly to non-regulars.
However, on a recent visit I found that this had all changed. The pub has had a makeover, includes a good range of real ales (guest always available), foreign lagers, an interesting and inexpensive menu in the restaurant plus friendly, courteous and obliging staff. Give it another try.
9 Nov 2008 20:21
Popped in here for a pint on way to theatre and was welcomed by staff and thanked when leaving. Average pint of Robinsons but the atmosphere and surroundings plus the site of the food coming out of the kitchen would certainly encourage me to return when next in Keswick
9 Nov 2008 20:07
Agree about the price of drinks. �2.95 for a pint of bitter is a bit over the top although the Sneck Lifter was served well. Food we had was OK. Pub certainly needs a refurb as it was looking a little worn on our recent visit.
9 Nov 2008 20:04
The Royal Oak, Bowness on Windermere
Excellent range of real ales. well kept. Makes a nice change to have something other than the ubiquitous Jennings to sample,
9 Nov 2008 19:58
What can I say that hasn't already been said before about this magnificent pub. Not been here for a while so a bit concerned to see parts of the pub infiltrated by small factions of Hoxton trendies. At least they're drinking and supporting real ale. One wonders how much longer the Wenlock can survive in it's current set-up when looking at the building work going on around it and the likely inhabitants that will move in. Still one of my favourite London pubs and cracking ska CD being played on my recent visit.
7 Mar 2008 12:08
Basic pub with welcoming landlady. OK pint of Black Sheep. Obviously do more ales on tap but two pump clips turned round on my visit. Food served all day and menu looked great. Had a roast beef and onion bagette which more than made up for the poor selection of ales on the day. Pub needs a little bit (not too much!) of a redec and replacement of some of the worn out furniture. Comment about locals being "menacing" quite ridiculous - kept themselves to themselves and discussed upcoming betting on football. Idea that regulars always have to greet casual visitors to their pub as long lost friends is absurd. Sometimes you need to make the effort!
Will return if ever in the area again.
7 Mar 2008 11:54
Popped in for a lunchtime pint and was welcomed by friendly barmaid who served up a decent pint of Pride. Can't comment on locals, gay or otherwise (does it matter?!!), as I was only punter there. Pub was clean and presentable and toilets in top condition. Judging by pictures on the wall this is a thriving locals pub and would visit again. Don't be put off by negative comments elsewhere.
7 Mar 2008 11:14
McMullens pub as you would expect in Hertford. Beer was good, if a little expensive. Bar staff were very friendly. Have visited here in the Summer when it's great to sit outside. Nice pub
6 Mar 2008 08:50
The Dulwich Woodhouse, Sydenham
Popped in for a quick after-work pint following a visit to the area. Impressed by the building and its location. Service was quick, polite and efficient. Young's Special was the best I've had since the move to Bedford. Obviously popular with regulars of whom there were many but certainly not unwelcoming. Has a restaurant, and although didn't eat the menu looked very good. Will certainly return when next in the area. One to remember.
2 Feb 2008 09:21
Visited here whilst on holiday for an early evening Sunday drink. Friendly welcome. Bank's was on good form. Menu looked good and the portions coming out of the kitchen looked large.
12 Sep 2007 22:26
The King and Tinker, Enfield
Visiting on a mid-week afternoon is probably not a good time to give a fair assessment of this pub as it was very quiet. Nice location and probably dependent on food rather than bere as indicated by the large restaurant area and small bar. Nevertheless, a fair selection of ales available and the Hobgoblin Gold was OK and served by friendly barmaid.
24 Mar 2015 13:48