BITE user comments - gillhalfpint
Comments by gillhalfpint
The Driftwood Spars Hotel, St Agnes
Worth noting - if you want to pop in for a drink and drive there, it costs �4.50 to park the car in their car park. You get a ticket so you can have your �4.50 back if you spend �10 in the pub in one transaction. Just wanted 3 halves, but bought 3.5 pints to get our car park charges back or the three halves would have cost us �9. 2 of their own beers, 3 St Austell, 2 Sharps Doom Bar a Skinners and a cider.
26 Jul 2010 17:58
Called into this Good Beer Guide pub today, and it is on the main 300 bus route from Zenner towards Lamds End. We enjoyed a couple of Skinners beers both in good condition while sitting in a little snug area. There is a dining room and a comfy looking sofa in another drinking area. Close to the coastal path, and we had a walk down to Gurnards Head and felt overcome with the tremendous views over the coast.
20 May 2010 22:12
After visiting a nearby cove, we called into this St Austell pub for refreshment and enjoyed their HSD. As it was a warm day we took the beers outside. There is a stone flagged corridor to the bar, and we had 2 halves of HSD and half of Tinners. We were asked for �5.90 by the barman who took a while to calculate the cost. When he rang them up in the till, he changed it to �4.90. He brought the beer from the other bar which was in darkness.
20 May 2010 22:04
Called in as I had heard their own beers were in the pub now. Pleased to find Paradise Bitter, 4.3% and Paradise Artists Ale 5.1%. Both looked in good condition, but the Bitter seemed to be lacking something. The Artist's Ale tasted fine. Pub was very quiet yesterday lunchtime. The other customers had babies with them, so it was a bit noisy at times. Wish them luck with the brewery though. Should take off when the season gets going.
20 May 2010 21:52
Enjoyed our visit today and had Skinners Heligan Honey and Cottage Terrier. The other beer on was Bass. The food was excellent value and there was a good choice of �3 meals available Mon - Fri from noon to 3pm.
14 May 2010 22:09
Enjoyed our visit to this St Austell house in its charming location. 4 St Austell beers available, and the Proper Job and HSD were in excellent condition. Had a wander up to the rooftop beer garden, and it will be a little suntrrap on a hot day. The number 6 bus from Penzance drops off near the door.
14 May 2010 22:04
Called into this smart friendly St Austell pub yesterday. Food menu looked good.
Enjoyed the HSD which was clear.
Lovely seating outside in the sunshine,
14 May 2010 09:01
This is a well run family pub that serves brilliant beers and food. All you want to find in a local here. Converted cottages make it a multi-roomed pub. Plenty of ground area outside with boules pitches, and where they put a marquee for beer festivals. Have live acts, special acts, Quiz nights and Karaoke nights. We enjoyed the pensioners special Sunday lunch today, and went down with a perfect Bays Devon Dumpling. Quiet in the restaurant area, and a big screen showing sports in the bar. 47 bus hourly from Truro to Redruth calls here, Monday to Saturday.
9 May 2010 17:43
Another few weeks in Cornwall and this is one of the pubs on my "not to be missed" list. Cannot fault the quality of the beers and they serve their own superb Penzance beers plus guests from around the country, not just local ones.
Enjoyed Penzance Brisons Bitter and Stringers Victoria IPA this visit. The coming on soon board makes sure you need to go back for more (as if you need an excuse!). Fantastic place. On good bus routes 17 and 18, plus the 300.
9 May 2010 11:37
Trewellard Arms Hotel, Penzance
Visited this pub as we had found there was a beer festival on, and it was great. A large marquee had been set up in the garden, and there were 28 beers and 7 ciders on. The beers were in good condition, and the choice of breweries was outstanding and we had a good time choosing the ales to drink. A BBQ was set up outside doing burgers, hot dogs and pasties.
The pub itself is a large friendly freehouse with a choice of ales on the bar, and serves meals. It is close to the Geever mine, and bus 17 and 300 pass the door.
9 May 2010 09:43
Well run Wetherspoons with friendly staff giving prompt service for both beer and food. Tables cleared and washed down too. Enjoyed a couple of the international festival beers.
1 May 2010 23:22
Enjoyed our visit to this town centre pub with a good selection of real ales. Had Hancocks HB and Butts Traditional and both were well kept beers. Agree with previous comments that it is a friendly comfortable pub to be in.
1 May 2010 23:11
Enjoyed the Pint Size Mild and Henry's IPA here. Friendly pub with a bar serving 2 drinking areas.
1 May 2010 23:09
Called in this hotel bar on Douglas front. Thre is a statue of Norman Wisdom sitting on a bench on loan at the moment, and the foyer top looks like one of his famous caps. Inside is devoted to him with photos and posters from his films on the walls. There are about 3 TV's spread around the large room. Comfy seating. The beer price was a shock though. We had a half of Bushy's Manx Bitter, and it cost �1.80. I queried it as �3.60 a pint seems excessive for a 3.8% beer from down the road. I was told the hotel policy was �3.50 a pint, and �1.80 a half. Reckon that was why the large room was virtually empty!
27 Apr 2010 15:25
Caught a bus to the Albert which is near the Terminus at Port St Mary. Ithas lovely views over the harbour. Enjoyed the Bushy's Old Bushy Tail before leaving my husband at the bar here while I had a brisk walk to the other pub listed for Port Erin, the Shore, a brisk 30 minutes walk. Enjoyed another Old Bushy Tail when I got back.
27 Apr 2010 15:15
This is a Batemans pub just up the road from the Jolly Brewer. Enjoyed Bateman Miss England when we visited earlier this month. Outside seating that will be great in the summer months.
26 Apr 2010 18:50
Mama Liz's Soul Food Shack, Stamford
This is a weird and wonderful pub with interestng decor around the rooms. Enjoyed Digfield Barnwell Bitter while seated outside earlier this month. There is a room upstairs set up for dining.
26 Apr 2010 18:44
Lovely lively pub but I found it was difficult to get to as there is not a frequent bus service. Left my husband at the Albert, and gave myself an hour, half hour each way to get there and back, and only just made it. It was pub 26 out of 27 I wanted for my crawl of the island, and I was glad I had made it, even though my Bushys Old Bushy Tail had to go down extremely quickly. Lovely location on the shore as its name suggests, with outside seating. Enjoyed the shore walk back to the Albert instead of by road.
26 Apr 2010 17:01
The Glue Pot (Castle Arms Hotel), Castletown
Enjoyed my visit to this pub with nautical theme in the rooms. Lovely seating area outside by the harbour wall. Had Okells Bitter and Okells IPA both in good condition.
26 Apr 2010 16:54
Enjoyed my visit to this pub that everyone said was the one to go to. Situated on bus route, and by the Steam Railwat station so easy to get to. Long bar displaying a good choice of ales, and we enjoyed the Hydes Original and Bushys Castletown Bitter.
26 Apr 2010 16:48
After walking past the loud smokers gathered outside one night, I was not sure of this pub, but we went in daylight the next day and found it to be a friendly back street boozer style pub. Great choice of ales and well kept too. Enjoyed the Prospect Blinding Light and Westerham Brambling Cross.
26 Apr 2010 16:44
Large pub outside the Steam Railway Station. Enjoyed chatting to the lass behind the bar about the islandwhile drinking the Marstons Dragons Tail.
26 Apr 2010 16:37
Bit suprised by the last comment. Didn't give me the impression of being a rough pub, and it was OK when we were there last week. I got the impression that it was a friendly back street boozer. Enjoyed the Okells Mild before catching the bus from the nearby bus stands in Lord Street.
26 Apr 2010 16:30
This pub was quite full and seemed to be popular with office worker clientelle. Friendly enough, and we enjoyed the Lees Brassed Off. Close to the centre.
26 Apr 2010 16:23
Lovely community pub with a couple of rooms and friendly staff. A good flagship for Okells as there were 8 pumps with a variety of their beers. Had Eastern Spice, Alt, and Spring Ram. Bus stops nearby if too far to walk from town.
26 Apr 2010 16:18
Large pub with strong community base. More than 1 dartboard, and we shared the bar with their football players back from a match. Pub too warm for me, lovely day so no real need for so much heat. Beers fine. Enjoyed Wychwood Hobgoblin.
26 Apr 2010 16:13
Large pub on the outskirts of Douglas which does look as though it is an eatery rather than pub atmosphere. Menu looked good, but we had a lot of pubs to visit, so just enjoyed the ale. Both the Okells Red amd the Rudgate Odins Raven went down well.
26 Apr 2010 16:07
Lovely pub with friendly staff. It can be reached by bus, or the Manx Electric Trams as they stop at the door. Enjoyed Okells Red and Okells Alt, both superb condition. Seating outside popular, great for people watching as the trams roll in.
26 Apr 2010 15:38
One of the large establishments on the promenade with buses running past the door. Large room inside but we chose to sit outside as it was a lovely day. Had Okells Alt and Okells Red.
26 Apr 2010 15:34
This pub is situated on the main road so is handy for buses or the Manx Electric railway. Pleasant interior with a mini motor bike on one of the winsow sills. There is seating outside too. Enjoyed Hydes Over a Barrel here.
26 Apr 2010 15:29
This is a lovely community pub a way down the road from Laxey towards the harbour. Lovely setting with a great outdoor drinking area alongside the river. Their own beer is Old Laxey Bosuns Bitter and is well served. They are also well up with whiskies, and every table had a whisky menu. Brilliant place.There is an occasional bus to Douglas, or the Manx Elecrtric Railway up the hill.
26 Apr 2010 15:22
Called in as some of the people we were with recommended it, and we found it a friendly pub with good real ales. Enjoyed the Ringwood Boondoggle.
26 Apr 2010 15:16
This was a busy friendly pub with a good harbourside setting. Enjoyed the Holt Fifth Sense. I would say the best of the two Good Beer Guide listed pubs in Ramsey. Dog friendly too.
26 Apr 2010 15:11
This pub has a large room that lacks atmosphere when it is empty, which is was when we called last week. Maybe too early for the beers too as one of them was a little cloudy. Had Okells Mild and Okells Red.
26 Apr 2010 15:07
Popular hotel for the TT races, and an interesting bar since last year when a converted motor cycle engine was put onto the bar in one of the rooms as a drinks dispenser for the Guinness, cider and lager. We enjoyed Okells Dunlop Draught and Bushys Manx Bitter there.
26 Apr 2010 11:26
Pub with a village Inn feel to it on the TT course, and close to the bus stop on the Peel Ramsey road. Enjoyed Okells Ravens Claw and a green beer from Stonehenge called Sign of Spring.
26 Apr 2010 11:21
Lovely village local not far from the bus stop from Peel. Enjoyed Okells Bitter and Okells Mild here while having a laugh playing a game of ludo.
26 Apr 2010 11:17
Loved this multi roomed pub with its good selection of real ales. One we travelled back to during our stay on the island. Okells Alt superb on our quick first visit, and enjoyed Moorhouses Pride of Pendle and Bushy's Ruby Mild on our second visit when we timed the buses better.
26 Apr 2010 11:07
Called in while doing a crawl round he island, and enjoyed Okells Rory's Ale, brewed for a new baby I believe, and also Ringwood Boondoggle. Lovely situation on the quayside and not too far from the bus terminus. Seating outside.
26 Apr 2010 11:02
Busy friendly pub. Enjoyed Okells Mild and Okells AGM while watching friends have a game of darts. On a bus route out of Douglas.
26 Apr 2010 10:57
Pub entered twice on site. Under Santon and Mount Murray. As it is beside Bushys brewery with Mount Murray address, I am posting here. Lovely pub with great garden seating area beside a couple of ponds. Food looked good, but we only sampled the beer. Enjoyed Bushys Helmsman.
26 Apr 2010 10:37
Pub entered twice on site. Under Santon and Mount Murray. As it is beside Bushys brewery with Mount Murray address, I will post review and photo there.
26 Apr 2010 10:35
Called in a few times while staying in Port Erin and enjoyed both the food and the real ales. Good range of their Bushy Ales and managed to get a couple of new ones for me, the Oyster Stout and Weiss Bier. Friendly staff and a good atmosphere among the drinkers and diners. Spoke to a lady in Douglas who said they have bands performing on a stage put on the beach in front of the pub in summer. Fantastic place.
26 Apr 2010 10:28
The Falcons Nest Hotel, Port Erin
Stayed here for a week and enjoyed both the food and the real ales. The hot and cold buffet style breakfast one of the best I have seen. (Please update the toaster!!). Had a couple of evening meals here and nothing beats sitting in the conservatory area watching the setting sun while enjoying a good meal.
26 Apr 2010 10:21
The Dragonfly, Birmingham International Airport
Called in when our "Fly-maybe" flight was cancelled for volcanic ash on 15th April. Was suprised to find festival beers on, and the price still below �2 a pint. Clean tidy bar area upstairs in terminal 1. Food prices dearer than is usual, but that applies to NEC outlets too. Not a bad breakfast and beers well kept.
26 Apr 2010 10:15
Called in looking for festival beers earlier this month, and it is not a bad Wetherspoons. Don't know what the strane queuing system was. Maybe not applied as it was quiet. Enjoyed Otter Mild and Maui Coconut Porter this visit. Outside seating enables you to people watch. Had a laugh at the sentry box and kennel for the big issue seller and his/her dog just outside.
26 Apr 2010 10:10
I was the only customer when I called in earlier this month. It does look a bit scruffy, but the chairs in a bright royal blue looked out of character with the place. The Taylor Landlord was well kept though.
26 Apr 2010 10:03
The previous review I made was put on this pub in error. I have asked for its removal, but thought I should put a coment on until it is removed. Wrong city pub!
9 Apr 2010 18:17
No longer closed, this pub was a thriving eatery at lunchtime today, and has 3 real ales on to supplement a brilliant Sunday Carvery. Theakstons Best and Old Peculier, plus Shepherd Neame Spitfire. Had Theakston Best and it was fine. Massive pub with huge car park, and a beautifully laid out bowling green. Not part of a chain and the staff are very friendly and welcoming despite being run off their feet.
4 Apr 2010 17:35
Kings Heath Cricket and Sports Club, Kings Heath
This is a club that accepts CAMRA members. It serves Wye Valley beers and often has a guest from another micro brewery. They have occasional beer festivals and good food is served, especially the Sunday carvery. Very friendly atmosphere.
4 Apr 2010 10:42
Close to the bus station is the Golden Fleece, an Everards pub and the last one we visited on this crawl. It was a clean tidy pub, and we had Everards Flourish. Football was on TV here, but what we liked was the TV was at one end of the bar area, there was another area that was quieter, and a raised seating area at the back where we sat that was a peaceful oasis. I did let the chap behind the bar how good it was to find a pub catering for both those who wanted the football and those who didn�t. As we left, I saw there were 2 TV�s next to each other, and the boat race was on the second one!
4 Apr 2010 10:34
We went down to the Otter�s Pocket next on All Saints Street. This is one of the pubs I had visited before and they do have a selection of real ales, but as there were no new beers for us and it was full of football fans watching about 5 screens, it was not the place to be for us today. It was so noisy, but they all seemed to be enjoying themselves. Had no beers so cannot give a good rating this visit.
4 Apr 2010 10:30
Next on the crawl was another Good Beer Guide pub the Tobie Norris on St Paul�s Street. This one has a history dating back to around 1280. It is a pub you just have to visit when in Stamford. It is one of the reasons I like to visit during the day when it is quiet. I love to get my half of beer and just wander round a pub like this, exploring the rooms, nooks and crannies. A wooden rocking chair in front of a fire was very fitting for this pub. The rooms upstairs have been renovated and there are ancient beams instead of ceilings. We enjoyed the Slaters Eggstravaganza here. No simple ladies and gents, they have Tobie Norris and Suzannah Norris. The room we sat in was very dog friendly and there was a bowl of water in the middle of the floor for the 5 or 6 well behaved dogs.
4 Apr 2010 10:28
Our next pub on our crawl was the Jolly Brewer on Foundry Road. We have been to this Good Beer Guide pub before with its L shaped room round the bar, but there was no way we were going to get in today. I got as far as opening the door, but it was packed with a noisy crowd of footy fans watching TV, and I could not see the bar for tightly packed bodies let alone see what beers were on. The board outside showed 5 real ales available, but we had to move on. Previous rating left on.
4 Apr 2010 10:20
Brilliant beer festival with well kept ales from bar, outside stillage and cellar runs. Good food and great company too. Friendly pub. First one on a pub crawl yesterday, so couldn't linger.
4 Apr 2010 10:12
The Hand and Heart, Peterborough
Enjoyed a couple of well kept ales in this friendly community pub a short walk or bus ride out of yhe centre. A couple of rooms and tiled corridor with serving hatch. Adnams and Elland beers plus one from Tydd Steam yesterday.
3 Apr 2010 07:47
The Coalheavers Arms, Peterborough
Another visit to Peterborough, and this pub still serving good real ale. Family friendly pub with no music and TV. Quiet when we were there. Enjoyed Camerons White Rabbit and Milton Bombers Drop.
2 Apr 2010 22:35
Fantastic beer festival with lots of beers on stillage in the outside marquee and still more in the bar on the barge itself. All beers we tried in great condition, but it was a shame that 7 of the beers we asked for were not ready. Big match day tomorrow, so looks like a successful festival. This is one not to miss when in the area though.
2 Apr 2010 22:29
First visit to this pub as it is in the 2010 Good Beer Guide and I was not disappointed with the real ale. 8 pumps - 3 with Landlord, a London Pride, a Green King IPA and Digfield March Hare that we chose to try. The other 2 were empty. Food menu looked good, and it must be more of an eatery than drinking pub as most of the tables seemed to be set up for meals complete with paper cloths and cutlery. The only "bar" tables were 2 in front of the bar that were occupied so we felt obliged to stand, even though most of the tables were empty. I would not have wanted to mess the table up.
2 Apr 2010 22:18
The Drapers Arms, Peterborough
Another visit to Peterborough, and we called in for the curry. There was a good selection of ales on and we chose Oakham Citra and Grainstore Silly Billy. Both in good condition. Good prompt service at the bar too. No problems with either food or beer. The room appeared tidy so I would call it a good Wetherspoons.
2 Apr 2010 08:13
We have been here before but left due to lack of ale choice, but managed to find 5 guests on this time as the Walsall beer festival was on round the corner, so plenty of real ale drinkers were in town. I enjoyed Orkney Red Macgregor and Titanic Iron Curtain.
What really impressed me here was that the Lees beer I wanted went off, and they whipped the pumpclip straight off. The beer on the next pump as available soon was put on. They were clearing the done line and getting the next beer ready so they could keep 5 guests on.
What a refreshing change.
29 Mar 2010 18:08
I visited this pub in January while in Manchester for the Winter Ale fest. Someone had suggested it as there were a couple of good Acorn beers on, and I have to say I did enjoy the well kept beers. The pub itself could do with a bit of TLC but the bar area looked pretty new to me so maybe they are in the process of doing it up. It appeared to be a friendly local. We were in seats that one of the regulars uses and there was a walking stick for him there. Long room with a set up at the far end for musicians.
29 Mar 2010 10:42
The King Charles I, Kings Cross
Caught a bus to the Charles I pub as we heard they served Brodies beers, and were pleased to find 3 of their beers new to us. Mild, Californian and West End best. Enjoyed the ales. �4.80 for the 3 halves. It was very busy here with a nice atmosphere. Also had bar billiards, not so often seen these days.
24 Mar 2010 22:23
This was a Fullers House, and we hoped to get their new beer Bengal Lancer, but it had gone just before we got there. Had the Kelham Island Pale Rider and chatted with a couple who knew a lot of the Midland pubs we get around to. We had to go upstairs to get to this one which was a bit off putting, but it was a vibrant pub. Maybe we had gone in the back door, but if so it was well lit up.
24 Mar 2010 22:22
We liked this one and it had a cheery atmosphere that enveloped us as soon as we got in. Lots of beers on gravity and we found 3 new to us, but could only manage 2 by now, so enjoyed Marstons Sweet Chariot only tried in bottles before, and Two Bridges O�Stout. Only paid �2.80 for them as they give a good discount for CAMRA members. Very busy as the evening was getting on, and the tables on the pavement outside popular under a canopy despite the rain, giving a continental feel.
24 Mar 2010 22:19
We went to The Old Fountain which was very different style to those we had been in. Carpeted on 2 levels with a bar in each displaying the 8 beers available. We found 2 new ones Red Squirrel Springfield IPA and Cottage Between the Posts. Cheapest so far at �2.95. Both beers in great condition. Food menu looked good too.
24 Mar 2010 22:14
This was a busy friendly pub with a good selection of ales. Had the doorstep sandwiches and they were brilliant. 4 beers we hadn�t had before so had to chose, so enjoyed 2 well kept beers, Oxfordshire Neck & Neck and Weltons Voters Revenge. Many people spoke to us there and it was a pub I could feel really at home in.
24 Mar 2010 22:09
First drink of the day was at the Rake. Not been open long and empty so we get a couple of beers and sat outside. Beartown Bear Ass was ok but the Triple FFF Moondance was very cloudy. The two halves cost �3.10. Beers were drinkable. The third pump had Cotleigh 25 and there was a good bottle selection of foreign beers, also some on draught. Anyone wanting the loo had to use the one in the market acoording to a notice on the door as theirs was out of order.
24 Mar 2010 22:07
There were a few steps down to to the Wheatsheaf and the ceiling gave it a cellar feel being painted brickwork. There were 10 pumps and we selected Nethergate Redcar Best Bitter and Tring Ducketts Delight at �3.15. The room layout was good and there were a couple of small rooms with just one big table in each. Food menu was impressive and reasonable. There was an area with a dartboard. Impressive clean and tidy pub.
24 Mar 2010 22:05
Loved this place not just for the beer selection but it had a good feel to it. We found seats at a table round the back of the pub. Although really one space, it has lots of separate seating areas. Amazing pump clip collection on walls ceilings � in fact all over. There were 4 beers we had not had before and we were aiming at 2 per pub, but ended up having Little Valley Pontus Hebdanus, Everards Flourish and Robinsons Dragons Fire. �1.60 per half here.
24 Mar 2010 22:03
This was pub number 2 on our visit to Denham, and like the Green Man, it has a large patio at the back that will be lovely in the summer.
Choice was Courage - best I think, Wadworth 6x, and Marlow Rebellion IPA. The other pump was empty.
Paid �3 for 2 halves of Rebellion. Food was finished here too. There were lots of wine bottles behind the bar and I felt it was more of a restaurant than a pub, but having said that, the beer was fine.
22 Mar 2010 18:51
Caravan at Denham as we are doing a crawl in London from here tomorrow so walked down to the village to explore the pubs. This was number 1 and they had 3 beers on tap and 1 guest from the cask standing at the back of the bar. London Pride was finished, Green King IPA, and Moreland (GK) Original were the other 2 on the bar, and Fullers Seafarers was the guest. We paid �3.10 for 2 halves. Pub was empty and no food being served till the evening pie and a pint night. No problems with the beer.
22 Mar 2010 18:42
Old Moseley Arms, Balsall Heath
First class beer festival on this weekend. Went in today and they have 10 beers on stillage upstairs. We stayed and had 8 of them plus a Holdens from the bar. Good choice of beers and all in great condition. Well done. The pub has retained all its rooms and has real character.
18 Mar 2010 16:47
Lovely atmosphere in the Lamp on 17th. Really busy and a great atmosphere. Enjoyed the Springhead Liberty and ABC Celtic Pride. Can't miss Eddie's out when we come into town.
18 Mar 2010 16:43
This is one of the best Wetherspoons around for beer choice. Always pop in when we come out of the Wellington as you never know what you might find.
Enjoyed Sadlers 1900 Original and Lymestone Ein Stein this visit.
18 Mar 2010 16:40
Had a brilliant session yesterday for St Patrick's Day. The place was full, and we had to use the back room to get seated at a table.
Great Irish music and a lot of Irish beeers on from Franciscan Well from Co Cork, Messrs Maguire from Dublin, White Gypsy Brewery from Co Tipperay.
We stayed with the English breweries, and had superb ales from Mallinsons, Coastal, Blackwater brewed at Salopian, and Church End.
The Church End beer called Irish Coffee on the clip and Gaelic Coffee on the board was lovely. Said to be dark luscious and velvety made using a whole bottle of Jamesons. Beer of the day certainly. Had a great time as the atmosphere was first class.
18 Mar 2010 16:34
Enjoyable visit on 17th and managed to get to the bar OK. Had 3 new beers from the superb list from Moles, Morgans and Brew Co breweies. First class. Sad to have missed a green beer from Slaters called The Craic.
18 Mar 2010 16:25
Darlington Snooker Club, Darlington
Another visit for another beer festival and this one was superb. More handpulls set up and we enjoyed beers from Abbeydale, Breconshire, Dent, Keltek, Yard of Ale and Yorkshire Dales breweries in a good session. Reasonable priced food on offer too.
9 Mar 2010 12:19
Another visit to Darlington at the end of last month, and the 12 handpulls all had clips on. 2 ciders, 2 Ruddles, 2 Abbott and 6 guests. We had good service and the place was clean. No mucky tables.
9 Mar 2010 12:11
This is a new build Ember Inn just outside town, and is a clean pub with the usual good choice of reasonably priced food, and they had well kept real ales too. We took advantage of one of the meal deals, and enjoyed a desert too. The ales we tried were Shepherd Neame Amber Ale and Springhead Sweetlips.
1 Mar 2010 17:45
Rat Race Ale House, Hartlepool
I have been looking forward to visiting this pub since hearing about it, and becoming a friend on facebook, so enjoyed my visit with family on Friday. We enjoyed Barngates Tag Lag and Hop Back Fuggles, and it was very friendly as its smallness makes conversation around the few tables flow easily. Shame it has to adjust opening hours according to match fixtures, but it is well worth visiting when in the area.
1 Mar 2010 17:37
The Thomas Sheraton, Stockton On Tees
I liked this Wetherspoons both for service and cleanliness. Beer choice was good, and the Ossett On the Piste and Fernandes Great Northerner both in good condition. I would say someone has real ale interest as they are currently showcasing beers from Ossett Fernandes and Riverhead.
27 Feb 2010 08:17
Called in the Mount following the Fleetwood beer festival today as it is in the Good Beer Guide, and the chap behind the bar said he had not been running it long as it had been closed for about 6 weeks. There were 3 real ales on and the food menu looked reasonable. Greene King Moreland Old Speckled Hen, Adnams Broadside and Wells Bombarddier on, and we chose the Adnams which was in good condition. Staff friendly enough. Should get some custom from the festibval.
19 Feb 2010 18:36
Impressive Thwaites pub with 3 regular beers on and Thwaites Hops 'n' Kisses. Beer in good condition. Large room that has been tastefully furnished by having some raised seating areas.
18 Feb 2010 23:01
I liked this pub as it had a welcoming feel to it, and the 8 handpumps all had ale on, and it was good ale.
18 Feb 2010 22:59
12 handpumps and only 2 beers available. Both of us chose a half pint of Three B's Bobbins. Gave the girl a voucher and was told she couldn't accept it on 2 half pints. Took it when I said put them both in a pint glass then. Never had this problem anywhere else in the past 12 months. I was told the till would not discount 2 half pints! Other than that, I was impressed by the prompt service and the tables were kept cleared and wiped clean.
18 Feb 2010 22:55
Only 2 beers on the 5 handpumps, so chose Hart Ice Maiden. The food menu looked good, and was so reasonable we decided to eat here, and the steak pie was good. Couldn't manage the puds.
18 Feb 2010 22:45
It is a year since we called into this pub, and although we didn't eat here this time the food menu looked good.
We had the house beer Shovells Best Bitter brewed by Lytham brewery, and Brewsters Red Hop Lover.
Both the beers were in good condition. Appeared to be a popular pub.
18 Feb 2010 22:39
The Pump and Truncheon, Blackpool
Bit disappointing to find 6 pumps and only 1 beer on. Allgates Calfornia on and was ok. Cleaning still being carried on with the floor being swept and then washed while we were there. Not many customers, but it was early.
18 Feb 2010 22:31
The Everyman Bistro, Liverpool
This is one I missed last time I came to Liverpool so it was on my agenda for this time around and I wasn't disappointed. One reason was it serves food on a Monday. It was a clean cellar bar with a good selection of beers. We enjoyed our meal from a good range of foods available, and also enjoyed the Roosters Apres Ski (one I won't need from the Fleetwood festival list now) and the familiar Kelham Island Easy Rider. It did have a sort of canteen feel to it but this may be as it was nearly empty when we called and all the meals are visable in the kitchen area. Lacked atmosphere but not a bad bar to visit.
16 Feb 2010 11:44
Another pub on my agenda as it was missed on my last visit, and I liked the multi-roomed syle of it. The beers were varied and we enjoyed Gertie Sweet Winter Belle (another found today that I won't need from the Fleetwood festival beer list next weekend) and also the Hornbeam Bitter.
16 Feb 2010 11:39
Really enjoyed sitting in the small bar area chatting with friends we had visited with and one of the locals at the bar. Certainly a very friendly pub and we felt most welcome. Beers were Copper Dragon Challenger IPA and Skinners Best Bitter and both well served.
16 Feb 2010 11:38
What a find this was. Hadn't been before on previous visits to Liverpool, but worth seeking out. We were glad it was quiet as we spent some time wandering round looking at the artifacts around the walls and suspended from the ceilings. One ceiling full of suspended radios, another with chamberpots and another with musical instruments. The beers we tried were great too. Cambrinus Herald and Cambrinus Endurance. No food though. Monday appears to be a bad day to eat around here. Will come back next time in Liverpool though.
16 Feb 2010 11:21
Called in hoping for food as well as a drink of their own ales, but no food on a Monday. Did enjoy their own brewed Summer Ale and Blondie that was a blond wheat beer. Also had a bottle of the Belgian Dubuisson Cuvee des Trolls. Lovely pub.
16 Feb 2010 11:15
Excellent range of ales yesterday and wished we could have visited for the beer festival due to start 17th. Always made welcome by the friendly staff. Enjoyed the Hydes Heads and Tails, and Derwent W & M Mild.
16 Feb 2010 11:05
Fantastic - yes I agree with that comment. Plenty of ales in good condition and well placed boards advertising what is available. Enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the beers served by friendly staff. Got busy later and deserves to do well. Hope it makes the Good Beer Guide next year as it is the best in Chester,
14 Feb 2010 18:43
Always call in to this pub as it does have a large selection of ales. We managed to find a table despite it being busy with the Rugby International being screened. There was no problem with either of the beers we tried before moving on.
14 Feb 2010 18:33
Enjoyed our visit this weekend for the Beer and Sausage festival. Great beer selection even though it had been on for almost a week, and the sausage menu brilliant. Food was a bit pricey, but very enjoyable. Had no problems with any of the beer we tried.
14 Feb 2010 18:30
This was the best place we found on a mini crawl of Good Beer Guide pubs in Hull centre while waiting for the ferry. Good selection of beers in a clean tidy pub with friendly staff. Only downside was the beer was rather cold, but maybe thats how the locals like it.
14 Feb 2010 18:26
Agree with the previous comment. We were impressed with the pub and also with the beer choice.
14 Feb 2010 18:23
This is a real pub. Looks a true local pub for the locals. Friendly staff and good atmosphere, and we enjoyed the two Whalebone beers we tried. It was a bit of a walk from town but we were glad we had, even though we dragged our suitcase on the pub crawl.
14 Feb 2010 18:18
Another good selection of beers available when visiting Derby for the recent beer festival. Always one to call into and difficult to leave. Always first class service from the staff.
14 Feb 2010 18:14
Was really impressed with both the beer and the staff in this Wetherspoons. Excellent quality beer served by pleasant friendly staff promptly.
14 Feb 2010 18:08
My first visit to this pub for their beer festival on 28th Jan, and I was really impressed with the beer available and the quality of the beer. Very clean tidy pub with a big room and good selection of ales on tap. The food was reasonable and very enjoyable too.
14 Feb 2010 18:01
This is one of our 3 favourite Bruges bars but can be difficult getting a seat. The bar area itself is usually crowded by locals chatting so if you want to see what is on the taps it can be difficult. It is such a cosy friendly place though, and has an excellent beer range. One of the few where you do get chatting with others, possibly due to tables being so close. Staff very friendly and helpful. One not to miss.
11 Feb 2010 10:29
This one is our favourite and we called in not long after opening time and always got a window seat. Had a garlic bread starter to eat and it was sufficient. The beer range is superb and does need a lot of mulling over to choose a beer, but it was the best menu we found as it listed brewery, beer, tasting notes, ABV, and price. Everything you needed to know. Staff were brilliant and never had long to wait for either the order or the delivery of it. Even tried the beer in the tumbling glass but have to remember to set it back on its wooden holder as it does not have a flat bottom. It was Van Steenberge Leute Bokbier. Excellent bar with lovely atmosphere and always top of the list to visit at least daily when there.
11 Feb 2010 10:22
Agree totally with last comment. This is one of our top 3 Brugges bars and we have just got back from 2 nights stay over there, and enjoyed each occasion we visited this bar. Only downside is that it can be difficult to find seats and on one occasion we had to go upstairs, a little difficult for hubby with his walking stick. Beer range superb and staff friendly. One not to be missed.
11 Feb 2010 10:14
What a difference a week makes. Chose 2 Scottish brewery beers today. Deeside beer was well off, pure vinegar, and when I took it back I was asked if I really didn't want it! The other Scottish beer was almost as bad but we felt unsure about returning that one. Did get the one changed for a Birds brewery beer, Waited till another enthusiast ordered the beer I had returned and asked him what he thought of it. Off!! He got his changed, but the pumpclip was left on. Gerry is brill at sourcing new breweries and beers, but when they are off, they should be taken of.
28 Jan 2010 23:48
This is a Toby Inn, so serves a great carvery and it the Thwaites Lancaster Bomber was in excellent condition. Large room with separate eating areas. Spacious enough not to feel crowded even when as full as it was yesterday.
25 Jan 2010 18:41
Called in today for a meal, and had a lovely curry. Chose this pub for the array of real ales it had on last year when we visited the area, and were not disappointed this year either. 12 handpumps, 8 real ales, 1 empty and 1 with cider. Good choice of both light and dark beers, and weak and strong beers. We enjoyed Cottage The Underdogs, Brains SA Gold, and a new beer for us, Downton Honey Porter. All the beers were in great condition served by pleasant staff. It was a lovely clean pub with a bar serving large areas around it. There was a screen showing sport in one area, but it was not obtrusive. Enjoyed my visit.
25 Jan 2010 18:16
Always make our way up to this pub with its sloping floor and lovely interior tiling, but a little disappointed to find that every pump had a Marble beer on. OK the beer is fine but it is showcasing their own beers and no guests. Always packed so popular for both food and drink. Enjoyed our meal, fish and chips but a little pricey at almost �9. Had the Stouter Stout and Port Stout this visit.
24 Jan 2010 10:52
This pub has got more real ales on this year, and a good selection of micro breweries. Food prices a little steep and not the usual pub grub menu. Enjoyed the Harviestoun Ola Dubh despite it's 10.5% strength and the Brown Cow Sessions at 3.6%. Wanted a new brewery beer from Redemption, but it had just finished. However we heard that there was another cask on, so along with a few others we went back for Redemption Urban Dusk, excellent at 3.8%. Worth looking in and close to Marble Arch.
24 Jan 2010 10:48
Not a lot changed since last visit, except it was nearly empty. Time of year I suppose. Thought the ales could have been better, but they were micros and not mainstream beers. Landlord very friendly and they take a pride in the food at this one.
24 Jan 2010 10:18
Very busy when we called in earlier this week, and a good buzz of conversation was a little drowned by the music, but what an excellent choice of ales on. We managed to get a table and enjoyed Brew House Falling Leaves, Hornbeam Dancer, Shaws Cascade, and Greenmill Crescent Festival Ale. All in good condition and the food being brought out by the very busy friendly barman was good value and smelt good. Unfortunately we had eaten, but would try the food next visit. Interesting items of decor arounfd the pub.
24 Jan 2010 10:16
This pub is a must when I come to Manchester, and there was a festival on while we were here. Plenty of ales to chose from so we settled down with a superb meal, and enjoyed Bird Brain Velvet Scoter, Glentworth Lucky Strike, Great Heck Cuthberts Rest, and Great Newsome Holderness XB. Really meant to get back for another visit but there were just too many good fests around this time. Didn't make it to the Black Lion this time, but will certainly be back.
24 Jan 2010 10:09
Called in for the first time while visiting for NWAF and found Acorn beers on in very good condition. Pub has a large bar area that looks new, and I got the impression it had been taken over and in the process of a refurb. Long room to the back of the pub with some comfy seating and looked a locals pub by the friendly banter with the staff. Decor in need of attention, but will call in again when next in the city to see how it is getting on.
24 Jan 2010 10:02
Called in as we were looking into a lot of pubs while attending the NWAF and found a lot more beers on than there had been earlier in the week. We enjoyed the Dark Star Old Chestnut, and there were also beers on from Salamander, Abbeydale, All Gates, Skinners, Copper Dragon, The pub has a few large rooms and there a screen showing a football match but the sound was not intrusive to conversation.
24 Jan 2010 09:47
Five beers on here and as we were on our way to the Winter Ales Fest, we chose Nelson and Boggart beers from the 4 new ones to us. The beers were fine, and I do like this pub, but it seemed acceptable for a small child to run up and down the pub and behind the bar screaming. Not what I need in a pub really. Sorry. It will always be on my list of pubs to visit for the excellent beers though.
20 Jan 2010 19:58
The Smithfield Hotel, Manchester
Wow what a great beer festival list on here. There were 9 great beers on the pumps at the bar, and another 7 available from cellar runs. Fantastic. Enjoyed 8 here before making my way to the Winter Ales Festival and it will be a start to the next couple of days too as there are lots more beers on the festival list. Today the beers in excellent condition were from Bees, Bluebell, Castor, Graffiti, Ha'penny, WC, Beeston and Tydd Steam. There has been a bit of a revamp and the old kitchen area is another seating area now.
20 Jan 2010 19:53
Great to be back at Burrs Park and to visit this excellent pub over the next few days. Last night was great. 9 beers on and 3 were new ones for me. Enjoyed 2 from Acorn Blonde and Pacific Gen IPA, Batemans Miss Scotland, and found time to have Moles Rucking Mole too before catching the bus.
20 Jan 2010 19:48
Enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere in this pub while drinking my Kelham Island Its all Over, but afraid to say the peace was disrupted by the loud TV when the racing was due to start. We are not usually in on a Saturday, but always call in on our way for a bus home when we have been in Brum as we never know what guest we can pick up in this excellent pub.
18 Jan 2010 09:57
Really enjoyed the ales and company on my Saturday visit to this fine pub. No problems with the bar staff either as they were friendly while serving. Enjoyed good beers from Six Bells, East Coast, Sadlers, Lymestone, Rugby (Willeys) Beowulf and Red Squirrel. Brilliant.
18 Jan 2010 09:51
Agree with the last comment that this is the pub on the circuit where I am most likely to fall into a conversation with staff and customers at the bar. It has a great atmosphere as well as great beers. On Friday it was our last pub of the day, and I enjoyed Pictish Winter Solstice and Salamander Monkeys Uncle.
18 Jan 2010 09:42
Enjoyed another visit to this excellent pub on Friday, and settled in the conservatory with friends. All theor own local brews were available but I chose a couple of micros, Yard of Ale Tards Ahead and Fox Warrior.
18 Jan 2010 09:39
The Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield
Can't come to Sheffield without callling here and as stated, plenty of rave reviews so I will just give you the beers chosen this time. White Rose Four Ponies and Glentworth Bright Gem. Excellent.
18 Jan 2010 09:32
Visited on Friday to sample the advertised Devon brewery beers and what a grand afternoon in good company and meeting others doing the trail too. Friendly staff and a super pie dinner at reasonable cost to help the ale down. Enjoyed 2 beers from Gidleys, 2 from Gargoyles, 3 from Exeter, a 6.9% beer from Beer Engine, and 1 from Exe Valley. If the beer was not on the bar, there was no problem bringing the half pints from the cellar. Well done.
18 Jan 2010 09:25
Another visit on Friday and excellent beers as always with good company and friendly staff in this superb pub. Enjoyed a couple from Mallinsons, the Hop Cracker from Brew Company and a new Church End.
18 Jan 2010 09:19
Called in with friends during a quiet afternoon, and found some seasonal beers alongside the Wentworth ales. Ordered Brains Party Popper and Traditional Scottish Ales Silver Mist and was asked for �2,84. When she took my money to the till, the barmaid had to come back to ask for another 7p. She didn't know why it had gone up, but I bet Mr Darling knows! Doesn't take long for the tills to put the VAT back up. Also had Theakstons Old Peculier at �1.41 for half of 5.6% ale. Not bad.
2 Jan 2010 00:13
Lovely pub with many rooms and was packed when we called in one evening. The garden was well decorated for Christmas and was nice to walk through to the toilets. Beer range could be better, but we found nothing wrong with the Everards Tiger and Theakstons Mild.
2 Jan 2010 00:06
Called in after reading about this pub in one of the CAMRA magazines, and enjoyed the cellar bar look with different rooms. We enjoyed the Great Heck Final Straw and Great Newsome Jems Stout. Found the price of �3.40 steep for half of 3.8% and 4.3% beers though.
2 Jan 2010 00:01
Love to visit this pub while in York and enjoyed a meal while here this time. Lovely steak and mushroom suet pudding was pie of the day. Enjoyed Wylam Haugh Porter and Goose Eye Chinook. Usually find a beer new to us at this pub with its good selection of micro guests.
1 Jan 2010 23:56
Bar extremely crowded when we visited and there was only 1 real ale available, Outlaw (Roosters) Abbey Bells. Struggled to get away from bar area, and went upstairs where we managed to share space on a table. Beer excellent, and would like to try something from the foreign beer menu another time when it is not so busy. Much prefer early sessions when it is quieter.
1 Jan 2010 23:50
Good selection of ales this visit, and we found a table beside the spiral staircase down to the toilets. Both York ales and guests available, and we enjoyed the Summer Wine Treason and York Wonkey Donkey.
1 Jan 2010 23:44
Can't believe its the first time I have had a drink in this gem of a pub, but I have looked in when visiting York before without buying a drink. Made it to the bar this time and enjoyed Moorhouses Pride of Pendle and Rudgate Ruby Mild. Lovely friendly atmosphere in the front bar.
1 Jan 2010 23:39
Another visit to York, so popped in to see what was on offer, and had Hook Norton Hooky Gold and Leeds Ale Mary, both in good condition.
1 Jan 2010 23:35
Good selection of real ales, and does seem genuinely interested in keeping them well. Enjoyed Camerons Light Christmas, but can't say the same about the food.
I had the beef Sunday lunch, and would say that it was not very warm, the veg were tough as if yesterdays warmed up, I struggled to cut the Yorkshire puds and as for the beef - I struggled to chew some for a while but failed to be able to break it down at all so left it. When they came to see if everything was ok I had nearly finished the veg, and had to say no. I did get my money back but have noted it a good place to drink but not for a meal.
27 Dec 2009 20:06
Brigantes Bar and Brasserie, York
Another visit yesterday to this fine bar with its excellent ales and we spent a bit of time here as there were a lot of different ales on the bar. After a taster of the Hesket Newmarket Russian Imperial Stout at 8.3% we opted for the Hawkshead Jingle Fells and Hesket Newmarket Haystacks. Saw they had Pauwel Kwak on draught at 8.4% and couldn't resist that, so decided to go for the Imperial Stout too! Lovely atmosphere, and the young lady looked up the meaning of gill in imperial measurements for us and our friends from Texas. Really is a great place to go.
27 Dec 2009 10:15
Another visit to this excellent pub and new beers to try and enjoy were Dark Star Double Chocolate Stout and Lancaster Black. Very popular and busy yesterday but the staff always seem to find time to chat and make you welcome.
27 Dec 2009 10:08
I always visit this pub while in York, but although it is a friendly pub it always seems quiet. Hardly anyone in and due to its size there was a cold feel to it. Had Old Bear Estivator and Wylam Northern Kite. The Old Bear was not at its best and I wondered whether there is a large enough clientelle to keep the large range of ales moving. Won't stop me popping in though. They are holding a party for New Year's Eve and I reckon it would be seen at its best then.
27 Dec 2009 10:04
Love this pub so much I called in at the start of my real ale crawl yesterday, and finished there too, and some guest ales had changed. All beers in first class condition and a great atmosphere. Football on the telly but conversation still flowed without the sport taking over the room. Love the corridor bar too. Enjoyed Salamander Crimbo Bimbo and Moorhouses Lap Prancer on the first visit, and had them again with Yorkshire Dales Holly Bush and Brass Monkey 3 Wise Monkeys on the second visit.
27 Dec 2009 10:00
The Yorkshire Terrier Inn, York
Enjoyed our visit to this pub again. Good choice of their own York beers and plenty of guest beers. We enjoyed 2 York beers, Yorkshire Terrier and Guzzler, 2 Summer Wine beers, Dambusters and Helios, and Abbeydale White Xmas. Someone who asked for coffee was told they did not do coffee but could have Mulled Wine instead. A bit strange as most pubs, especially those serving food, do serve coffee. Think the chef had failed to get in so they were losing out on food as well. Good pub with a great atmosphere though.
25 Dec 2009 23:10
Called in on 23rd as we found this pub on our last visit to York when there was a beer festival on so wanted to try it again, and we found an excellent choice of beers on the bar. Enjoyed Naylors Pinnacle Blonde, Rudgate Battleaxe and Ossett Treacle Stout. Called in again on Christmas Eve and the beers were running out, but managed Cropton Rudolphs Revenge and Copper Dragon Golden Pippin before going over to the midnight service in the Minster. Very busy and lively but a good cheery atmosphere. Shortage of loos only fault for a pub with so many rooms and drinking areas. Only 1 ladies toilet led to queues, and I believe the gents had little capacity too.
25 Dec 2009 23:02
Lovely pub serving good beers. Has a good atmosphere, but so popular it is difficult to get a seat if you want a meal. Food is reasonably priced and good quantity. Chips are brilliant. We enjoyed Maltings (Milestone) MAD Xmas, Milestone Dasher the Flasher, Roosters Yankee and Nelson Jammin Jack this visit.
25 Dec 2009 22:50
Brigantes Bar and Brasserie, York
Always one I visit when in York and enjoyed Kelham Island Fairytale in New York, and Leeds Ale Mary this visit. Food menu always looks good, and although we didn't eat at this visit we will be back before we go home.
25 Dec 2009 22:44
This pub has really changed since my last visit to York, and I will be going back while staying here. Pleasant atmosphere and quick service was good for a Wetherspoons, but what I enjoyed most was the number of guest beers available, and also the quality of the ales. We enjoyed new beers for us from Great Newsome, Thorne and York breweries. Well done. Hubby thought loos great as they were on the ground floor, unusual for Wetherspoons.
25 Dec 2009 22:41
Oops--- if no-one spotted my mistake I was there on Saturday, not Friday for the beer tickers excellent pre Xmas fest.
21 Dec 2009 16:55
This was our 5th pub on our beer tickers pre Xmas fest and we only managed a couple here before heading back for the train. Still enjoyable though and I have managed to write the beers down. Mighty Oak Santa Supper, and West Berks Alecost. The end of a brilliant day in 5 brilliant pubs.
21 Dec 2009 16:51
I think it is so great to be able to write reviews about this pub that re-opened last month after a couple of years closure due to the Sheffield floods. This was our 4th pub on the tour round for the beer tickers pre Xmas fest and great to be back again. Enjoyed Monty's Midnight, Great Orme Whiteout, Brewdog Equity for Punks and Ironbridge Hickockgold. Lovely pub and great atmosphere.
21 Dec 2009 16:48
The Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield
Third pub on our visit for the beer tickers pre Xmas fest and we exceeded our planned 4 drinks a pub here as we enjoyed Beer Works Turkey Suprise,
Rugby Tom Browns Winter Porter, Glentworth Icy Blast, Yorkshire Dales Coronation Pot, Yorkshire Dales Cloudy Clememtine, and White White Christmas Ale. Again a lovely atmosphere.
21 Dec 2009 16:44
Second pub on the beer tickers pre Xmas fest and again not disappointed by the excellent beers available and the atmosphere too. Managed to get hold of the DVD made about beer tickers here. Beers we had were Idle Idle Santa, Clarks Buggar Off, Five Towns Niamh's Nemesis and Ramsbury Rum Truffle.
21 Dec 2009 16:40
Another excellent visit on Friday to this pub packed with beer tickers for their pre Xmas festival. Wonderful atmosphere and excellent beers. Enjoyed Beeston Stirling, Bull Box Ho Bloody Ho, Gertie Sweet Gertie Sweet and Peerless Full Wack IPA.
21 Dec 2009 16:37
The Sack of Potatoes, Gosta Green
Enjoyed Shepherd Neame Rudolphs Reward and Harviestoun Bitter and Twisted in this busy pub near the University. Lot of football fans in with a friendly hum of conversation and cheerful busy staff. Food menu looked good too.
11 Dec 2009 23:12
I don't call in here very often due to the lack of guest ales despite there being so many pumps for them. Got a shock to find 2 guests on, all others coming soon. Oh dear, one had run out, so we were left with only 1 available guest. It was OK, but this pub could be so much better.
11 Dec 2009 23:07
Called in to use up the last of our 50p vouchers, and had O'Hanlons Red Ale and Moorhouses Black Panther. We really did try to drink them, one was exchanged and was no better, and it was one of the very few occasions where I left a glass with ale in on the bar beside the pump so that customers could see the beer was being served looking like cider, much to the amusement of a local being served.
11 Dec 2009 22:59
The Full House, Hemel Hempstead
Visited last month but as not impessed with the beer quality. Lots of beers from their recent festival but the Spinning Dog Brass in Pocket was deffinately off. Others tried were Thornbridge Pioneer, Exmoor Antler and Burton Bridge Draft Burton Ale.
11 Dec 2009 22:52
One of the best in Derby and always one to visit on a crawl round for real ale. Lovely assorted rooms and always a friendly atmosphere. Good staff and well kept beers. Enjoyed Burton Old Cottage Chestnut Ale and Breconshire TGV (The Green Valleys) when I called in on my way back to the station in November.
11 Dec 2009 22:47
Never had a problem with ale quality here, and although it may be because I visit lunchtimes when it is not too busy, I have not had problems with staff either. Choice of guest ales reduced now they have their own brewery, but still enjoyed their Headless Over and Stout and Headless Zymosis when I called last month.
11 Dec 2009 22:42
Visited for the beer festival last month and there was a great selection of ales available. I am not too struck with the interior, but it is clean, and staff are good. Enjoyed beers from Joseph Herbert Smith, Pitstop, Best Mates, McGivern, Wirksworth, Willoughby, and Derby. Have been before and have no problem with the ales, and always call in to see what is on offer.
11 Dec 2009 22:34
My first visit since it reopened, and it is great. Lovely atmosphere and good beer too. Friendly staff and clientelle. Will certainly be on my list whenever I come to Derby. Enjoyed Wentworth Short and Stout, and Blue Monkey Cathedral Ale.
11 Dec 2009 22:23
I can't believe I am writing a positive review on this pub, but credit where it is due.
1. I was able to get to the bar without needing a torch. It is much lighter.
2. Greeted by pleasant staff immediately, even though it was a busy lunchtime.
3. Choice of 5 guest ales as well as usual suspects.
4. Beer was in good nick.
5. Food was good too.
Well done, keep it up.
4 Dec 2009 22:14
Had a great beer here in October. It looked very much a community pub, and the food menu looked good although we got in as it was closing.
Its on the A358 that runs from junction 25 of the M5 from Taunton, under 2 miles, and just before the A378 turns off for Wrantage.
3 handpulls and the Cotleigh Nutcracker, a 3.4% mild, was very good. I just managed to get my order in before they closed.
24 Nov 2009 14:18
The Riverside Cafe Bar, Sheffield
Another crawl round the valley of beer, and this time there were 6 beers on here from micros. We selected a Glenfinnan and a 3.5 beer called 'Ow Much that I have to look up the brewery as I don't appear to have written it down. Selection good and it is always worth popping in to check the ales.
24 Nov 2009 10:06
Went along to the opening of this fine pub yesterday at 3pm. So glad it is back on the circuit. 8 real ales on. 4 from Sheffield Brewing Co and 4 guests from micros - Ilkley, Sambrook, Concrete Cow and Liverpool Organic. It looks great inside after the restoration following the floods of 2007, and there were pictures from an artist back on the walls, and seating out in the conservatory. Welcome back Pat and Eddy.
24 Nov 2009 09:33
They have real ale on here now, three handpulls. Pedigree and 2 Greene King IPA. (Better and cheaper than fruit juice - Pedigree that is). Carvery as always was superb. Service is good too.
21 Nov 2009 15:13
The Hillgrove Porter Stores, Bristol
Another visit to Bristol and I made the journey up here on my own, a bit too much of a climb for my husband. There was only 1 new beer on for me this time, but I bought Batemans Jester IPA and Yeovil Posh IPA to take back with me in bottles so hubby could have some later too. Got asked if I was beer police doing some testing, but it was all perfectly innocent. I can go seeking beers providing I bring it back to share. Prices still the highest I found in Bristol though.
21 Nov 2009 15:01
Our reason for coming to Bristol, this great pub was holding a beer festival, and we have always enjoyed calling in here anyway. The Thursday afternoon session was great, quiet and we got to chat over the bar with friendly couple running the show. Had all beers across the bar, and not a poor one among them. Abbeydale Deception, Allgates George Lyon Bitter, Arbor Motueka, Festival Gold, Festival Ruby, Mallinsons Nile and Nook Best. Called in Thursday evening but it was a bit too packed to feel comfortable, but still enjoyed a couple more including Bank Top Sweeneys. First class pub. On our way out met up with a couple of BITE members, Beatles 38 and Mark. First class place and will call at Bristol for a couple of nights with the caravan whenever we go to Cornwall now to do the rounds.
21 Nov 2009 14:55
Another visit to this lovely friendly pub. The chap behind the bar spoke to us as though he recognised us even though we have only been there once before and that was a couple of months ago. That really says it all about this place. There may not be a lot of ales, but you know you may find something different in great condition, and enjoy a chat too. We had Goffs White Knight, Great Western Classic Gold and Abbey Bellringer. Wished I hadn't eaten in spoons when I saw the menu. Would love to give the liver and onions a go! First class pub.
21 Nov 2009 14:27
Called in a couple of times this visit to Bristol and had no problems with the ale. In fact the choice was the best I have seen so far this spoons festival and we picked up 4 new ones first visit and a couple on the second visit. Really need more staff to man the horseshoe shaped bar as out of sight seems to be out of mind, but the regulars were fair in letting them know who was next to be served. Wish that politeness extended to more pubs! Enjoyed the breakfast too, they even redid it as the white of my egg was a bit too runny for me.
21 Nov 2009 14:20
First time back to this pub since the change of landlord, and was pleased to see there was still a good range of real ales. Enjoyed the Abbey Ales Heritage and the Avon Beer Company Gurt Port Stout. Both in good condition.
21 Nov 2009 14:14
Enjoyed the quiet atmosphere of this pub while drinking the Wadworth 6x and Sharps Cornish Coaster in the tramcar seating.
21 Nov 2009 14:09
I love visiting this pub when I come to Bristol and could not understand why it has been removed from the Good Beer Guide. We enjoyed Arbor Pacific Gem and Teignworthy Old Moggie which were on alongside the Hidden beers. Both were in first class condition, and I hope more people visit from its continuous good supply of first class real ales rather than miss out because it is not in the GBG. Lovely background music from the record player too.
21 Nov 2009 14:05
There is not much I can add after the previous excellent review, but we came along for the November beer festival and were not disappointed with either their excellent ale choice or the food quality. Lovely friendly atmosphere and a traditional cosy pub. Beers we sampled on the Wednesday were from Allgates, Blue Monkey, Borough Arms, Liverpool Organic, Lymestone, Murfs Ales, St Georges, Saltaire.Superb.
15 Nov 2009 10:39
A bit confusing as there are still 2 entries for this pub, old name Lloyds and new name Crown. 10 beers on the bar a bit cold but in good condition and a great choice of breweries. We had Abbeydale Demon Drink, Idle Black Abbot, Six Bells I Scream, Six Bells X ception, Stonehouse KPA and Williams Scarecrow. Friendly pub decorated up for halloween.
31 Oct 2009 08:49
This was our first visit to this pub, and it was a large single room with alcoves off being served from one bar. Large outside area at the back. If I remember right, three ales on offer on the bar but we were there for the beer festival as there were some new breweries on the menu. There were casks set up on stillage and around 6 pumps on a counter outside the pub at the back. No problem with beer quality, and prices were very good too as 5 tickets cost �6.
31 Oct 2009 08:45
Called in for a meal as we were staying in Falmouth for the beer festival. Food superb value with the steak pies served on the plate with a jug of gravy instead of in pots often microwaved to death. Great value meals 2 for �10 too. Ales well kept usually Skinners and Sharps. Had Skinners Q brew and found it was a rebadge of Keel Over done for the pub.
26 Oct 2009 07:32
In Falmouth for the beer festival, and thought there would be a good selection of beers on the stillage here seeing that a lot of real ale drinkers were in town, but there was not a great selection and I had Fullers ESB while the other half enjoyed his Skinners Pennycomequick. Cottage Triumph Stag and Sharps Special and other Skinners on with Sarah Hughes Ruby Mild and Sharps Red Ale to come on.
26 Oct 2009 07:28
The Swan With Two Nicks, Worcester
Called in for food and to see what ales were on offer, and had Blue Bear Autumn Breeze and Quercus Prospect. The beers were cheap at about �1.75 a pint, and the service was friendly. Found the food a bit expensive though. The soup was disappointing, but the ciabatta sandwich was great if a little small for the price.
21 Oct 2009 18:18
It was very quiet when we called in today, and we enjoyed Little Ale Cart Lord Glenallan, and Salamander Trouser Trumpet, a lovely porter. Nearly missed out on Millstone Baby Git as I thought we had had it before, but it was another new beer for us. We thought we would be able to have lunch, but it is only available Friday and Saturdays. Shame - I really fancied the bubble and squeak.
21 Oct 2009 18:10
Enjoyed our visit today as it is one of the better Spoons pubs, and always seems to have intersting guests on. Enjoyed Festival Emerald and Malvern Hills Green Pear this visit - both new beers for me, and both in excellent condition. Service good and it was clean. They do deserve their 2010 GBG status. There is a lot of activity planned for the start of the Spoons fest on 28th with fancy dress and meet the brewer set ups over the course of the day. We were told beer is to be served from the casks too.
21 Oct 2009 18:04
Called in after the Oxford beer festival as someone said it had changed, but although it looked cleaner from being painted, the basic character seemed the same as previous visits. Always call in when doing a crawl of Oxford. Enjoyed Wizard Lundy Gold before heading back for the train after a wonderful real ale day out.
18 Oct 2009 11:56
The Hillsborough Hotel, Sheffield
Starting to slow down a bit as this was 8th pub of the day, but we enjoyed Bazens Octobeer here. Plenty of Crown beers on the bar, and clips on the wall showed the beers available from the cellar as well as the guests on the bar. Always good ale. We have eaten here when we have started the trail at this end of the tram route and the food is good and reasonably priced.
18 Oct 2009 11:45
The New Barrack Tavern, Sheffield
About the 7th pub on Thursday's crawl, and a lovely pub worth a visit as there are always plenty of ales on. I have eaten chilli and chips here before and it is hot hot hot. Great food. Enjoyed the Bateman Miss Germany here this visit. Comfy seating and there were some chaps enjoying a game of dominoes. Proper pub feel to it.
18 Oct 2009 11:38
This was the 6th - or have I lost count - pub on Thursday's tour, and I have to disagree with some of the last comments as this is the one pub where I have always ended up standing at the bar chatting to the staff and other punters. It has always seemed to me to be the friendliest of the pubs in those terms, and I do enjoy ale chat with others. We enjoyed 2 Little Ale Cart beers, Donovan and Green Arrow Mark 3, Foxfield Mount Hubbard and West Berks Buckbean. First pub since the Harlequin where we had to chose to leave some beers as the "menu" was so extensive and it was pointed out some beers were available from the cellar too. Met up with a couple we know from beer festivals, so enjoyed our time here as we always do.
18 Oct 2009 11:14
Our next pub on our Thursday tour and is always worth popping in to check what real ale is available. Only a couple on usually, but we had Kelham Island Back Beat, a new one for us. It has always been in good condition and there is a varied selection of other beers available to suit all tastes. Food menu always looks good, and they had a game menu this week that looked great. Like I said on another revue, you could eat in most of the pubs on this crawl. The Christmas menu for November and December looked too good to miss with 2 courses for �14.95. I can't comment on quality though as it is one I have never been to for food.
18 Oct 2009 11:04
The Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield
Pub number 5 on our Thursday crawl and I agree with all the comments below regarding this pub. It is definately one to visit, and I always have a wander in the garden whatever the weather. Has received various well deserved "bloom" awards over the years. Only had a couple this visit and Acorn Spalt IPA and Derby Hoppopotomus were both enjoyed. Busy front bar and quieter in the back.
18 Oct 2009 10:56
This was pub number 3 on our crawl on Thursday and as usual it did not fail us. For those who did not try the food here it is brill, especially the steak pie, and I was thinking I should have eaten here. That is the trouble with the Sheffield crawl, you could eat in them all! We were tempted to 4 beers here, Kelham Island 70's disco, Thornbridge Rakau, Nelson Jammin Jack, and Cottage Triumph Stag. Some of the beers around were in honour of Brian Moore, megga ticker, who celebrated his 70th birthday in the Harlequin on Wednesday.
18 Oct 2009 10:47
The Riverside Cafe Bar, Sheffield
Called in as pub number 2 on our crawl to find the lady behind the bar cleaning handpumps but no pumpclips, and no beer on. Believe beer came on again a couple of days later.
18 Oct 2009 10:38
Another visit to this fine pub as we caught a train in to do a crawl of favourite pubs. Had lunch, excellent menu of pub meals like lasagne and chips and chilli and chips for �3 alongside sarnies for soaking beer up. 14 ales on we had not sampled before along with house beers. Great range of well kept beers in sparkling clean glasses. We found new brewery Steel Company Life of Brian, Brew Company Golden Wunder, Keltek Galahads IPA, and Salopian Zeppelin helped the food down great. Shame we couldn't stay for more really. Best choice of the day here.
18 Oct 2009 10:36
The Salutation Inn, Nottingham
Called in yesterdayand today for a meal while in Nottingham for this weekend's beer festival. The lasagne is great. Had Oldershaw Mowbray Mash and Bateman GHA yesterday and Blue Monkey BG Sips today, and the beers were in excellent condition.
8 Oct 2009 22:36
Visited this pub in July and found it to be a very friendly pub with great landlord keen about his real ales. Holds a real ale festival during the year. White Horse Giant and Penpont St Nonnas on when we were there, and the food was supurb. Heard last month that it is part of a chain, and that they have changed the landlord, so hope that it keeps up the good real ale.
7 Oct 2009 13:36
Had a great time here last night with beers from local breweries supplementing the Stanway Stanney bitter and Everards Tiger. They had Birmingham BMA, a mild beer, Weatheroak Hill IPA and Terrace End Pale Ale and they were as usual in great condition. Pub was packed yet it still retains a friendly atmosphere.
6 Oct 2009 09:17
The pub must be a yoyo, as it did not appear to be open in June this year when we were in the area, but on passing it yesterday there appeared to be workmen inside refurbing, so may be a pub again soon. Board outside with phone numbers advertising for bar staff.
5 Oct 2009 08:14
Called in as we were looking for food, and we had the carvery. The meat was a bit sparse, but there were plenty of vegetables and 3 types of potatoes including mash which I like. Pricier than some carveries I have been to. Beer on offer was Fullers London Pride and Sharps Doom Bar. London Pride not at its best. Ladies loos needed a refurb. Next to premier inn so it does a lot of food including breakfasts for the captive audience.
5 Oct 2009 08:10
The Driftwood Spars Hotel, St Agnes
Another holiday in Cornwall, and we called in to this brewpub with it's great location. Agree that food seemed pricey, so we did not eat here, but we had no problem with the real ale, and will always call when in Cornwall. This time we had Driftwood Bunty's Beer and Sharps Honey Spice.
2 Oct 2009 08:18
Back in Cornwall again, and called in for lunch. Beers on offer were Skinners Spriggan, Bays Devon Dumpling, Bass, Greene King Abbot and Grandma's Weapons Grade Ginger Beer. Also had a 7.5% cider.
They are doing a credit crunch lunch at the moment and have a selection of �2.99 meals or 2 for �5. Available Monday -Thursday so we missed out today. Food of the board was reasonably priced and good. The beer was not in such good condition this time though..
25 Sep 2009 17:36
Back in Cornwall for a couple of weeks, and had my first visit of the holiday to this great pub. There were 4 of his Penzance beers on, a Brunswick and a Springhead. Managed to drink 3 Penzance beers, the excellent Potion No 9, Lamorna Gold and new beer The Bears Bitter. Also managed the Brunswick before going for the bus, but we'll be back.
24 Sep 2009 21:54
Called in while in Truro today, and it is a few years since we visited. It is in the Good Beer Guide 2010. As it was early we seemed to be the only ones there. Difficult to know as it is huge inside with several drinking areas. There were folk on the pool table, but no-one else sat drinking. Very interesting building inside and being quiet we were able to wander round. The beer was Sharps Doom Bar, St Austell Tribute and Skinners Betty Stogs. We had the St Austell and Skinners and it was brilliant to pay �2.40 for 2 halves after paying over �3 at a lot of places these days. The beer was in good condition so I would say it deserves its place in the Guide.
23 Sep 2009 16:12
First time I have been in this Spoons pub to find a variety of beers available. Thwaites Golden Wunder, Rudgate Ruby Mild and Bateman Combine Harvester among the usual suspects. Good clean loos too at this one, plus helpful friendly staff made me wonder if it was the same pub I had been in earlier this year. Well done.
22 Sep 2009 23:22
Back in Cornwall so a visit here is a must, and we had a Brewdog 77 Lager which did not taste too good. Clear enough beer though. Enjoyed the "hands" and the food has never let us down. Agree it is a pub to go to for beer variety.
22 Sep 2009 23:18
The Two Mile Oak, Abbotskerswell
Called in for a meal as we were staying at a caravan site up the road, and enjoyed both the meal and the Bass and Otter beers. Popular pub on a busy main road, and most of the tables were reserved. Wonderful soup and a large steak pie. At my request they served the pie on the plate instead of in the pot. Good staff seeing to customers requests.
21 Sep 2009 09:21
The Wolborough Inn, Newton Abbot
Called in after visiting the festival and enjoyed Teignworthy Gun Dog. Seemed to be a popular locals pub and had a welcoming buzz.
21 Sep 2009 09:17
Enjoyed O'Hanlons Yellowhammer and Blackawton Exhibition while on a visit for the recent beer festival. Both in good condition. Otherwise a typical spoons house.
21 Sep 2009 09:12
Visited while in Minehead for the beer festival recently, and enjoyed the 2 ales available, even though we were about the only ones in soon after opening time.
21 Sep 2009 09:07
The Queens Head Hotel, Minehead
Came into Minehead for the beer festival, so expected great things from its pubs over the weekend, but was most disappointed in this one on Friday night. The Mallard IPA was like TCP, and instead of offering a different beer we were given a fresh pull of the Mallard and it was only slightly better. The other Cottage beer was fine. A different story on Sunday evening when we went for food, and found the Exmoor Gold in tip top condition. Food was great. The Steak Pie was huge, and staff bought me some gravy as I said it was dry - pie bulk packed with meat. Made a good meal great.
14 Sep 2009 10:25
The Duke of Wellington, Minehead
Called in with about a minute to spare for breakfast, and was cheerfully served so that it got through the till before the 12 noon deadline. Food was great, and it was lovely to have the toast and preserves on a separate plate with a clean knife instead of dumped on top of the breakfast like some McSpoons do. Shame the beers were not in tip top condition though. We had two Taunton beers and the Ale was a bit iffy.
14 Sep 2009 10:17
Called in to see if the Milk Stout was available and it was so we enjoyed one of the best beers brewed by this company. Couldn't get a table but enjoyed the experience of being on the boat anyway.
9 Sep 2009 22:22
Called in as one of the Good Beer Guide pubs and was well impressed with both the food and beer. Really good menu choice and 2 Bath Ales and a Yeovil ale available. Great to see a steak pie served on the plate instead of microwaved to death in a pot.
9 Sep 2009 22:15
Visited this pub on a Good Beer Guide crawl and just had a half of a Bristol Beer Factory beer as they were charging �3.40 A pint for it. I thought it was a bit steep. Nothing wrong with the beer.
9 Sep 2009 22:09
Started a pub crawl here and sampled a couple of their Butcombe beers and they were both in good condition. There is a lovely beer garden at the back of the pub.
9 Sep 2009 22:03
The Hillgrove Porter Stores, Bristol
Loved the beer choice at this pub, but could not believe the pricing as every beer was �3 a pint ot over. Even the 3.8% beer was �3 a pint. The choice is great as is the quality, but if this a pubco marking up the beers it is a shame. We looked it up as it is in the Good Beer Guide and it does deserve its place. There is a beer festival there this weekend too 40+ beers.shared with the Green Man.
9 Sep 2009 22:01
A new pub for me as we were doing a 2010 Good Beer Guide crawl, and we really enjoyed the Bristol Beer Factory Milk Stout. Good to see a couple of guests and had the Leeds Yorker too.
9 Sep 2009 21:53
Had a couple of decent ales here today, Brains Merlins Oak and Moor 5 Bridge Bitter, and the place was an improvement on my last visit in December.
9 Sep 2009 21:47
What a lovely well run friendly pub this is, and serving a good range of well kept real ales too. Great to see such a good choice of micro breweries, and deserves its place in the Good Beer Guide.
9 Sep 2009 21:42
Wouldn't think of coming to Bristol without calling here on a daily basis. Yes they source new and unusual breweries and the great choice of ever changing ales make it the place to be. Friendly atmosphere generated by Paul and Amanda who keep the beers in tip top condition. Am booking back into Bristol so that I can be at their next beer festival 19-22 Nov.
9 Sep 2009 10:26
Love this friendly pub and put the world to rights with one of the customers at the bar while drinking 6x and Butcombe Gold. A couple of Sharps beers also available. Great place.
9 Sep 2009 10:19
We came looking for this pub as we had a good time here on our visit over Xmas/New Year, and enjoyed the Blue Bear Re 'session' beer that was on. Not a large choice but they had just finished their beer festival. The sad news for Bristol drinkers is that Steve and Katie are leaving Bristol, but the good news for me is that they are taking over a pub not far from my neck of the woods near Worcester. Good luck.
9 Sep 2009 10:11
Enjoyed our mid week visit here to sample the real ales, and there were Hidden Brewery beers, plus guests from Vale and RCH on. Both the ones we had were in good condition. Lovely friendly chap behind the bar happy to chat as we go early when pubs are not too busy.
9 Sep 2009 10:04
Enjoyed our visit here mid week for the real ales. Both Otter Amber and Cottage Goldrush in good condition. The food was great and ever so reasonably priced. Chicken curry with rice and naan for �3.50 and it was a good plateful.
9 Sep 2009 09:58
Although modern interior not to my taste it is a good clean pub serving excellent ales and it is the ales I am there for. Well done on CAMRA award. There are a lot of good pubs competing for it making Shrewsbury a good place for an afternoon crawl. Enjoyed beers from Three Tuns and Stonehouse this visit.
3 Sep 2009 09:53
The Coach and Horses, Shrewsbury
Agree with previous comments as this one, the Three Fishes and the Benbow are the good ones to go to, although we enjoy the Salopian as well. Benbow not always open when we are around which is a shame. Enjoyed Ironbridge ISB and Salopian Hop Twister this visit. Friendly staff and good atmosphere.
3 Sep 2009 09:49
I love this pub and always visit when in town. Managed to get a table this visit so we had a meal as well as sampling the excellent ales. Cropton Blackout was great, a new beer for us, and we also enjoyed beers from Phoenix and Purple Moose.
3 Sep 2009 09:42
I was a little disappointed with this pub as I always include it when on a visit but the beer was not in top condition, and I had a job getting it changed. Three Tuns XXX great, but the Cottage seemed to have a problem.
1 Sep 2009 15:36
Enjoyed our visit early on a Thursday and found Wood Shropshire Lad and Salopian Darwins Origin on. Really enjoyed them, and it was great sitting in the sunny beer garden.
1 Sep 2009 15:30
Enjoyed our visit early on a Thursday and found Wood Shropshire Lad and Salopian Darwins Origin on. Really enjoyed them, and it was great sitting in the sunny beer garden.
1 Sep 2009 15:29
Really enjoyed my first visit to this pub, and the ales were first class. Jennings Cumberland and Marstons Pedigree. It was a popular pub lunchtime, but we enjoyed the value for money meal served by friendly staff who were cheerful despite a coach arriving and packing the pub on a wet afternoon.
1 Sep 2009 15:25
Locomotion Number One, Heighington
Another enjoyable visit and the Wells Bombardier was in good condition. Suntrap still very much enjoyed too.
17 Aug 2009 18:41
Another visit to the area, and we enjoyed a superb lunch here today. The steak pie with mash and veg at a reasonable price was one of the best I have had - ever! Lovely short crust pastry and NOT microwaved to death in a pie dish, but served direct on the plate with lovely tasty gravy. Mmmm! Oh and we enjoyed the ale too. Copper Dragon Best Bitter.
17 Aug 2009 18:39
Another visit to Edinburgh to do the GBG pubs. This superb pub cannot be missed off an Edinburgh crawl. Found there was a beer festival on so it was busy but enjoyed 3 new real ales here.
17 Aug 2009 18:34
I visited again this August while doing GBG pubs, and it is one of the best in Edinburgh for superb choice and quality of the real ales being served. Enjoyed beers from Sulwath, Elland and Black Isle breweries from the 9 available.
17 Aug 2009 18:30
The Diggers (Athletic Arms), Edinburgh
One of the new pubs (for me) I tried on my crawl round GBG pubs, and I found it to be a friendly pub. Both customers and bar staff made me welcome, and I enjoyed both the 80/- and the guest from Elgoods.
17 Aug 2009 18:27
The pub was packed when we called in during our crawl of GBG pubs, but we managed to find a corner while enjoying the Cairngorm Trade Winds, one of the 3 on offer. Friendly place, but it was difficult to get near the bar to see the beers available.
17 Aug 2009 18:15
The pub was packed when we called in during our crawl of GBG pubs, but we managed to find a corner while enjoying the Cairngorm Trade Winds, one of the 3 on offer. Friendly place, but it was difficult to get near the bar to see the beers available.
17 Aug 2009 18:15
This was a lovely find on our crawl round the GBG pubs. We have never been here before, but would certainly come again. 7 pumps there, and 6 of them had ales on. Caledonian, Theakston, Stewart, Fyne, Orkney and Atlas. Superb.
17 Aug 2009 18:11
First visit to this pub while doing the rounds of GBG pubs, and found it a bit confusing ordering real ale due to the fonts. Was told the non handpulls were cask ale. Enjoyed both the beers we tried though.
17 Aug 2009 18:06
So sad to be doing GBG pubs in Edinburgh, and being refused admission to this pub in opening hours because we did not have a ticket for the Fringe event that was taking place in the pub.
16 Aug 2009 18:39
Although doing a tour of GBG pubs, we popped into this one as I remembered it from a previous visit, and it must be one of Edinburgh's bests for choice of ales. 4 Atlas and 5 Orkney beers on when we were there and I could not fault the Red McGregor we had. It was busy and the staff were coping very well. Will be back again whether in or out of the guide.
16 Aug 2009 18:34
This is another GBG pub that I had not visited before, and what a suprise when I got inside. In fact I spent as much time wandering round to see the interior as drinking my ale. It is beautiful inside. We enjoyed the Inveralmond Lia Fail here. Other beers were Caledonian Deuchers and 2 from Kelburn brewery. One to visit again.
16 Aug 2009 18:29
Enjoyed our visit to this lively friendly pub while doing a crawl of GBG pubs. There were 4 Cairngorm beers on tap at this visit, and we enjoyed the Highland IPA. Always worth a visit.
16 Aug 2009 18:25
This was a well run friendly bar, and it was our first visit during our quest to get round as many GBG pubs as we could. Enjoyed chatting over the bar with the knowledgable landlord, and also enjoyed the 2 ales we had - Stewarts Edinburgh Gold and Kelburn Goldihops.
16 Aug 2009 18:21
Started our visit to Edinburgh to do the GBG pubs here. Three ales available, and we chose the Hobgoblin and Orkney Northern Light both of which were excellent. The other beer available was Caley Deuchers.
16 Aug 2009 18:16
Called into this Good Beer Guide pub and enjoyed the Caledonian Deuchers that was available. It was the first pub visited in the area where I was able to get on-line with my USB modem. It was a friendly pub with a good atmosphere.
16 Aug 2009 18:09
Didn't eat at this Good Beer Guide pub, but enjoyed the real ale on offer - Caledonian Deuchers and Taylor Landlord.
16 Aug 2009 18:04
The Traquair Arms Hotel, Innerleithen
Enjoyed Taylor Landlord at this hotel, but were unable to get food as we arrived as the lunchtime session finished, and the Traquair beer was not available. As visitors to the area, we were really hoping to get the local brew so were disappointed. No problem with the quality of the beer served though.
16 Aug 2009 17:57
The St Ronans Hotel, Innerleithen
Enjoyed our chat with the young lady behind the bar while drinking the one guest Inveralmond Thrappledouser. Long thin bar runs down the room. Did not do food when we visited.
16 Aug 2009 17:52
Enjoyed the Taylor Landlord in this Good Beer Guide pub. It was the only real ale on from the 4 pumps there, but maybe that is usual for a Tuesday if it is not busy midweek. Quiet at lunchtime.
16 Aug 2009 17:48
The Quaker Coffee House, Darlington
Another good pub I always pop into when in Darlington. Enjoyed a Hydes and Slaters this time round.
16 Aug 2009 17:34
Number 22 Alehouse and Canteen, Darlington
Always enjoy coming into this pub when visiting the area, and enjoyed a Village and Yorkshire Dales beer this time round.
16 Aug 2009 17:32
Called in earler this month as I had heard they were doing a selection of Hambleton beers at a mini fest, and we enjoyed 2 of their beers - Pony Tail and Yorkshire Lager. Can't call it traditional pub - it is another Spoons style space after all, but call in when in town to see what is on offer.
16 Aug 2009 10:14
No problem with the real ale here, either the choice or the quality, but it really smelt of disinfectant which was a bit of a put off. It was our first visit here, but we will look in again next time in the area due to the good beer choice.
16 Aug 2009 10:08
Darlington Snooker Club, Darlington
Well done for an excellent beer festival when we called earlier this month. Enjoyed the new Yorkshire Dales beers, plus those from Red Rose, and Houston. Will keep coming as I enjoy the chats as well as the beer.
16 Aug 2009 10:02
Love the pub for all the reasons described but I agree that beer quality is not always up to the mark. Barmaid is used to reading her mag until selection picked after scanning the board. We often get in mid week, and I feel that the beer is top notch weekends, but can be a little tired midweek.
16 Aug 2009 09:56
Glad to see so many possitive reviews for the pub I like to call my local. I am travelling a lot these days, but always receive a warm welcome back when I visit after my travels to sample the excellent choice of ales in good condition served here by friendly staff.
16 Aug 2009 09:50
It is two years since I last came to this pub, and little has changed. Again calling in prior to the Plymouth fest, and again being disappointed. The Cotleigh Albatross should have been a great beer at 6.5% but was rubbish. Did try another beer but they could really do with someone to keep their cellar in this Wetherspoons.
16 Aug 2009 09:44
Called in to book up for the carvery on the Sunday, and was glad we did as it was a super carvery. So many veg with it too - great. Paid for pudding and had a bit of a struggle after such a good carvery, but would certainly go back there next time we visit. The St Austell HSD was fine too.
16 Aug 2009 09:36
Enjoyed both the ales and a meal in this popular pub away from the tourist front. Enjoyed the local Sharps and Skinners beers. Agree that this one and the Castle are the best two around St Ives.
16 Aug 2009 09:33
Enjoyed 4 well kept ales in this popular pub that caters well for real ale drinkers. They didn't have the Skinners Ice Blonde on which is a shame as it is the only place we know that sells it from the special pump that keeps it cold.
16 Aug 2009 09:25
This is a great pub, friendly with good ale and food. Went to the event they held for St Day fest and had a super time at the mini beer festival in the marquee and enjoyed the Western re-enactment going on in the garden. Call in every time we get into Cornwall.
16 Aug 2009 09:18
I certainly could not fault the food at our wedding anniversary meal in July, but the ale was not on top form. Yes there are plenty of handpulls giving choice, but the quality made me think there may be too many for the number of people in to drink it to ensure a turnover of beers, and we had to leave the first beer on the bar as there was no offer to change it. The next was the Sharps No Name and that was foul. They did change that one, and the others we tried were OK.
16 Aug 2009 09:13
The Seven Stars Inn, Stithians
Called in as I thought this was a pub with a range of ales, but found it appears to be a St Austell pub. All 4 hand pumps had a St Austell beer on, but they were all serves in good condition. This pub used to be the home of Bathtub brewery I believe.
16 Jul 2009 09:05
Dived into this pub to get out of a downpour and it was a great place for both food and ales. Found Roseland Cornish Shag that is brewed in the sister pub Roseland in Philleigh nearby. Very good it was too. Food looked a little pricey, but had no complaints over the portions served for the price, and the rib eye steak was done to perfection.
13 Jul 2009 18:43
Called in to this Good Beer Guide pub yesterday and enjoyed a meal there, along with Skinners Keel Over. There were 3 Skinners beers plus Sharps Doom Bar available. Lovely pie but they fell down on the classic problem of the dish it is served in burning fingers when trying to get the food on my plate. I cannot eat out of a little dish. Food was superb though.
13 Jul 2009 18:38
Felt disappointed with the beer choice this visit with only Bass and Skinners Cornish Knocker to chose from. No problem with the Cornish Knocker, but looked for a better selection. It is summer and the place has plenty of thirsty visitors!
10 Jul 2009 18:17
Enjoyed the St Austell HSD here. Friendly staff who came and wiped the table over for us as we went to sit down. Nice atmosphere.
10 Jul 2009 18:12
Caught a bus here to do the Fountain, and popped in here too. Excellent Proper Job from St Austell and an interesting pub to look round.
10 Jul 2009 18:08
Found this to be a typical "spoons" pub with a poor selection of guests on top of the usual suspects. Had the Skinners Hunny Bunny and it was OK. Other guests had coming soon on. Must have the same policy as another spoons I was in where they told me they only put one guest at a time on.
10 Jul 2009 18:06
Decided to try this pub after reading Diary of a new Publican in the CAMRA One and Ale. Found a bus there, and tried Skinners St Pirans and Keltek Golden Lance. The Keltek didn't taste good at all, although the Skinners was fine. Pleasant outside seating area.
10 Jul 2009 17:58
Called in again this visit and felt as though nothing had changed since my last visit. Still a comfortable back street boozer and I have no problems with that as long as the beer is OK and it is well kept here. Enjoyed Otter Ale and Butcombe Bitter this time round.
10 Jul 2009 17:50
Another visit for their first beer festival on June 26th. It was a good set up with casks in a party tent in the garden. We had 3 of their Cornish beers, Skinners, Wooden Hannd and Keltek and had no problem with any of them. Friendly staff and good food.
10 Jul 2009 17:45
Called in to this pub on our way to the Pheasant Beer Festival at St Newlyn East and was not disappointed. It is a while since we were here, and they were connected to the Doghouse brewery then. We had heard there had been changes though. We found they served a good Bays Gold on this visit, and we could get back there to try the food while we are in the area.
10 Jul 2009 17:38
Nothing special to say about this one. Typical "spoons" pub. Lots of the younger set there. Had Otter Bright that was OK I suppose. Wouldn't rush back.
10 Jul 2009 17:31
Happened to see the real ale sign outside while in Falmouth on 15th June, and suprised when we went in to find we had just missed a beer festival. Really wished we had seen it advertised somewhere as we love attending beer festivals. I didn't chicken out of trying the Oakleaf Grasshopper at 3.7% although my better half did. It was lemongrass and chilli and I did have a half of it. Really gave my tastebuds a tingle. Will look out for this pub again when in Falmouth.
10 Jul 2009 17:28
Called in as it is a Good Beer Guide pub I haven't been to before. Not very impressive inside, but I was looking down to the outside seating area and I imagine that would be great when the sun is shining. Had a Sharps and a Skinners beer. Not bad condition. Food menu looked good and cheap, but didn't try it.
10 Jul 2009 17:23
Agree that it is nice to find there are other beers in Cornwall than Skinners, Sharps and St Austell. No problem with thise beers, but when in the area for a while, a bit of variety is good for you, and this is one of the pubs that supply other breweries beers. Enjoyed Wooden Hand, Otter and Everards at my June visit. Good food on offer here too, especially the notorious hands.
10 Jul 2009 17:10
Back in Chacewater and no change to the comment made before.
10 Jul 2009 17:06
After trying the Devon beers at the Alloa beer festival in May, we went looking for the brewpub so we could try some more. We were not disappointed. This pub was great and we enjoyed 4 of the Devon brews here.
10 Jul 2009 17:03
Late comment again, but we enjoyed our beers here on another visit in May. Orkney Dark Island is superb.
10 Jul 2009 16:59
Called in while in the area in May. Enjoyed our Caledonian Deuchers while chatting to the friendly barman. Has a good local pub feel about it. Found out there was a beer festival currently being held in Alloa from him and went to enjoy the ales there.
10 Jul 2009 16:58
Called in from Bridge of Allan in May as we were doing Good Beer Guide pubs in the area. This is a lovely old fashioned local near the cathedral, and we enjoyed a Stewart and Atlas beer from the selection available.
10 Jul 2009 16:52
Called here while staying at Bridge of Allan and enjoyed a Houston and Inveralmond beer. Close to the railway station and has a lovely back garden setting.
10 Jul 2009 16:49
Enjoyed an Okells and a Coastal beer when we visited while in the area in May. It is one of the pubs not to be missed when in Chester. Upstairs seating area too when it gets busy.
10 Jul 2009 16:44
Enjoyed our visit here in May while staying in the area. Great beers in lovely setting and the Liver and Onions with their chutney was out of this world. Wonderful. Enjoyed 2 Spitting Feathers and 2 guests with the food. Will be back.
10 Jul 2009 16:41
The Vale Royal Abbey Arms, Northwich
Staying in Delamere in May and called at this pub for food really. Found the real ale was Greene King Moreland Old Speckled Hen. No complaints with either. Didn't have the "feel" of a pub.
10 Jul 2009 16:36
Called in again while doing a pub crawl in May, and found another beer new to us. Interesting listed building. Always worth looking in.
10 Jul 2009 16:33
Called in again in May when in the area and felt it was better than the previous visit, and a better ale selection. Found 2 new beers for us here both in good condition. Interesting menu but we had eaten.
10 Jul 2009 16:29
Visited in May and had a great meal along with a couple of Marble beers. You have to go to see the beautiful and unusual interior with its tiling. The brewery itself can be viewed at the back of the pub. No problems with the beer or the food. Always like to eat here wherever I am drinking in the area.
10 Jul 2009 16:27
Called in while doing a crawl in May. Don't miss it as you never know what beer you may find, and it is intersting with the wall decor. Enjoyed a couple of beers new to us here.
10 Jul 2009 16:22
The Smithfield Hotel, Manchester
This is always one to visit on a crawl round Manchester and we enjoyed our May visit getting a couple of new breweries. Has atmosphere and friendly staff.
10 Jul 2009 16:19
Always call into this pub when in Salford, and at the beginning of May we found that the beer choice was good. We had 4 beers new to us and they were OK so not sure about previous comments. Would go again when in the area.
10 Jul 2009 16:14
Another great visit to this popular real ale pub in April and did not disappoint. Plenty of new ales for me to chose from. Managed 4 before moving on. There are 2 rooms here, and about 15 ales from micros to chose from. A must for any real ale enthusiast.
10 Jul 2009 16:09
Very busy when we called when we were staying in the area in April. Sticky tables and a bit of a wait, although that tends to be usual. Not bad choices of beers with Springhead and Moorhouses available.
10 Jul 2009 16:05
Agree this is one of the best "spoons" pubs around and is not far from the popular Wellington. They do keep good quality beer here, and the choice is better than most of their pubs.
10 Jul 2009 15:58
This has to be the best "spoons" pub for real ale choice with a LSD board showing the beers available along with colour grade so you know if they are light or dark beers. Enjoyed 4 of their ales on our visit in April.
10 Jul 2009 15:56
This pub cannot be missed by any real ale lover visiting Derby. There is not just the beer available on the handpulls, but the beer list on the bar also shows beers available from the cellar giving plenty to choose from. Being a brewpub is another reason to go as their Headless beers are great too, as is the food. Cannot be faulted. Go round the corner of the bar into the other part of the room and you can see the casks all stillaged up. Great.
10 Jul 2009 15:52
Always call in while doing a crawl of Derby and usually leave as they only have mainstream beers on, and as I am doing a crawl I want to be able to cope with whatever other pubs have to offer. In April I was pleasantly suprised to find a Tollgate and a Wincle beer on. It was great to find a seat in this lovely old pub and finally enjoy a beer or two here.
10 Jul 2009 15:48
Called in while in Mansfield for the beer festival and enjoyed a Cropton Dangleberry. It is a large open plan pub, but seating on different levels break the open feel a bit.
10 Jul 2009 15:43
Fellows Morton & Clayton Ltd, Nottingham
Called in this pub in March while doing a crawl of Nottingham and had Fellows Morton and Clayton Original 4.3%. Wasn't sure of its origins, and was told it is brewed by Nottingham brewery for them. Menu doesn't look bad, but hadn't time this time round to try it.
10 Jul 2009 15:23
Visited this pub in March and wasn't impressed by the interior, apart from the unusual feature of the canal going under it and seeing one of the narrowboats moored. Enjoyed Brewdog Trashy Blonde however.
10 Jul 2009 15:19
Visited this pub while doing a crawl of Nottingham in March. Building work going on opposite that wasn't pleasant while we were there. Nice pub though with a choice of beers. Had the latest Burton Bridge medal range Wonder Willy and Everards Tiger.
10 Jul 2009 12:49
Visited this pub while doing a crawl of Nottingham in March. Building work going on opposite that wasn't pleasant while we were there. Nice pub though with a choice of beers. Had the latest Burton Bridge medal range Wonder Willy and Everards Tiger.
10 Jul 2009 12:48
Visited this Good Beer Guide pub while doing a crawl in March. Enjoyed a couple of beers with decent ABV's. Thornbridge Kipling 5.2% and Oakleaf Stokers Stout 5.0%. Friendly pub with a good choice of ales.
10 Jul 2009 12:41
The Salutation Inn, Nottingham
Called into this old pub on a crawl of Nottingham in March. We were doing Good Beer Guide pubs that we hadn't been to before. Enjoyed a new brewery beer Blue Monkey Original. It was quiet when we were there and seemed a bit bare. No problem with the beer though.
10 Jul 2009 12:36
The Sir John Borlase Warren, Nottingham
Called in while doing a pub crawl of Nottingham in March. Enjoyed a Castle Rock regular - Elsie Mo, and a new Everards. Tempted by the pudding menu and they let us have puddings without having had a dinner. Brill. Although open plan, it has separate areas that give it a cosier feel. Loved the artwork on the walls.
10 Jul 2009 12:31
The Lincolnshire Poacher, Nottingham
Visited this pub while staying in Teversal with the caravan. It was the start of a crawl in March. Enjoyed a Newby Wyke and Brew Dog beer. Found the information of Whitbread interesting as it had Nimmos on it, and that was a brewery I remember from childhood at Castle Eden. Another interesting plaque was that the pub is twinned with In De Wildman of Amsterdam. I visited that pub in April and saw the plaque there for the Lincolnshire Poacher. Never seen pubs twinned before so it was so weird to do both of them. Lovely conservatory at the rear, and a friendly pub. Love going to pubs when they are quiet and you can see round the pub as well as sample the beers.
10 Jul 2009 12:26
Visited in March and it is a bit of a walk out of Dewsbury. Nice setting at the Marina, and interesting loft bar. Had a Leeds Best, but it was not in good condition at all. As we had taken the beer downstairs to drink we did not climb back up to change it. Maybe we should of to give the pub a fairer review, but not the easiest bar to get to.
10 Jul 2009 12:17
The West Riding Refreshment Rooms, Dewsbury
Enjoyed a visit to this recommended pub while staying in the area in March. Loved it. Plenty of people there and difficult to find seating, but enjoyed the ale selection all of which were good. Had a meal too. Intersting decor, but would need to find a quieter time to get a proper look round.
10 Jul 2009 12:11
This pub was the reason for my stay locally in the caravan in March as I just love it. Love the staff, the beers and the pub. The beer festival was fantastic and we called in Thursday and Friday having travelled on the lovely rail line from Brockholes. It is a clean tidy pub with comfortable seating. Brilliant food at reasonable prices add to the perfection. Not to be missed on any crawl of the area.
10 Jul 2009 12:05
Visited this pub for the first time in March for the beer festival. Another impressive pub with a good range of beers on the handpumps. Good atmosphere for drinkers without the machines a lot of pubs are so keen on. Outside was impressive. A large marquee with handpumps galore down a long bar. I mean loads - about 50 if I remember right!! Friendly staff serving and seating inside too made it a great day out. Two in fact as we came back again. So much choice of well served beers. Some new breweries there too. Fantastic. Lovely pub dog too.
10 Jul 2009 11:58
The Rat and Ratchet, Huddersfield
Called in while doing a crawl in March. An Ossett pub with plenty of other beers as guests to choose from. Enjoyed Ossett Copper Fox and a couple of Naylor's beers. Large single room but has different levels and alcove areas which makes it look more interesting. Well situated between the Grove and the Star to make a good crawl of the area.
10 Jul 2009 11:50
One I was told not to miss when coming to Huddersfield in March. It is certainly a Mecca for real ale drinkers and friendly staff happy to chat. Called in a couple of times during our stay locally for the Star beer festival. Well kept ales and lovely rooms to walk round and look at the interesting artwork on the walls. So many beers and that is just the handpumps. Anyone into foreign beers would have a job to leave from looking at the menu of beers available. Not to be missed from any crawl in the area.
10 Jul 2009 11:43
The Head of Steam, Huddersfield
Called in this pub in March while visiting for the Star beer festival. Had a look in and nearly left as only main stream beers seemed to be on, but spotted a Kelda beer on the list so stayed for that one. Enjoyed it so much we decided to have another and eat there too. Not disappointed with either food or beer.
10 Jul 2009 11:36
Called in this pub in March while in Huddersfield for the Star beer festival. Massive room with a few tables and a smaller room that was pretty full. Looked cold as the floor was tiles and with the large room having so few furnishings in it. It is certainly a place for beer lovers to go to though. We enjoyed a Durham and Howard Town beer before continuing round the Good Beer Guide pubs.
10 Jul 2009 11:32
Visited this Good Beer Guide pub in March while staying in our caravan nearby. It was a basic rundown looking multiroomed pub. Good beer choice available and we enjoyed our Outstanding , Mallinsons and Saltaire beers.
10 Jul 2009 11:24
Visited this pub a few times in March as we had the caravan at a nearby site so that we could get to beer festivals in Huddersfield and Sheffield. Enjoyed chatting to the friendly landlady. A Thwaites pub with various rooms. Lovely pictures for sale on the walls made it great to wander round. Enjoyed the meals there.
10 Jul 2009 11:19
Called in to this pub in March while in Leicester for the beer festival. It is one we always like to visit for beer quality and we enjoyed a couple of their own Hoskins beers. EXS 5.0% and Grandad Tom's Porter 5.0%. Lovely! Interesting mix of customers and good flow of conversation.
10 Jul 2009 11:14
Visited this pub in March while in Leicester for the beer festival and it was great. Bells brewery running it and they seemed very enthusiastic about their plans. Spent ages chatting to the lady behind the bar and the Bees brewer who was also there. Enjoyed Bells Raspberry Slaughter 8.0% and Oakham JHB 3.8%. It is such a shame to hear it is closed again.
10 Jul 2009 11:09
Walked up to this Good Beer Guide pub in March while visiting Leicester for the beer festival. Quiet and clean looking pub. 9 handpumps sounds great, but only a couple of Everards on. No problem with the Everards Original we had. Very good condition, but young lad said they were waiting for deliveries. This was not the first time we had heard that reason for lack of choice that day.
10 Jul 2009 11:03
Called at this pub in March while in Leicester for the beer festival. It was quiet and we had a couple of Everards beers. It was a large room and little atmosphere and a couple of others from the festival were drinking there. No guest beers on.
10 Jul 2009 10:57
Called at this pub in March while visiting Leicester for the beer festival but although the Good Beer Guide said it opened at 3pm it didn't. We looked through the windows and the dogs barked at us but no-one came. An upstairs window was open but no-one heard us. Stood round for ages, but got thirsty and moved on.
10 Jul 2009 10:52
Called in this Good Beer Guide pub in March while in Leicester for the beer fesrtival and enjoyed a couple of Steamin' Billy beers and a Beartown. A popular Everards pub run by the Steamin' Billy company.
10 Jul 2009 10:48
I cannot come to Cornwall and not call for my Spingo. I love the Special at 6%, and also enjoyed Middle and Braggett. Great place to stop off when changing buses for a quick one too. Will be back in Helston for the beer festival later this month, so another visit here is on the cards.
9 Jul 2009 18:56
Helpful bus driver dropped us off at the door of this pub. Lovely setting in the village and a friendly local. There happened to be a beer festival on for the summer solstice and there was a good choice of ales. Enjoyed sitting out front with other festival goers chatting while enjoying the food and ales.
9 Jul 2009 18:52
The Driftwood Spars Hotel, St Agnes
This is the first time I have been to this pub and managed to find some of their own beers being served. Never did find the old cuckoo ale. The Alfies Revenge 6.5% and Blue Hills Bitter 4.0% both went down very well, as did the Brew Dog IPA 6.0%. A Skinners and St Austell beer also enjoyed.
9 Jul 2009 18:40
This pub is always on my hit list of pubs ti visit when in Cornwall, and it never disappoints. Great selection of good beers available, and a friendly place to be. Easy to get to by bus and that is another plus.As the beers change, it is worth going back to again and again and again.....
9 Jul 2009 18:35
What a grand setting for a beer festival. Wonderful garden with a marquee placed for the beers and musical acts. Good range of ales too. Not just local but countrywide selection.
9 Jul 2009 18:30
Called in as I had heard that it was now under OLD management and was brewing its own beer again. I can remember Wheal Ale Brewery there from a few years ago having Golden Balls and Old Speckled Parrot. This time though we were told brewing not started yet as owner has other things to do first, but may be brewing again by the end of this month. Enjoyed Keltek Magik and Badger Tanglefoot.
9 Jul 2009 18:26
What a lovely clean tidy pub this is, with a friendly landlord who was willing to chat about his beers. Two real ales on and I enjoyed a couple of Bays Breakers before heading back to Truro on the bus. Well deserves its place in the GBG.
9 Jul 2009 18:19
Enjoyed the fish and chips at this pub with our Betty Stogs. No problem with either food or beer.
9 Jul 2009 18:15
Enjoyed the fish and chips at this pub with our Betty Stogs. No problem with either food or beer.
9 Jul 2009 18:15
Enjoyed the fish and chips at this pub with our Betty Stogs. No problem with either food or beer.
9 Jul 2009 18:14
The Watering Hole, Perranporth
Lovely setting for a pub right on the beach. Great to sit outside people watching while enjoyong the real ale. Seating not just on the one side so it is possible to avoid the wind. Intersting but expensive menu, so we didn't eat there.
9 Jul 2009 18:11
Lovely friendly pub serving a good choice of well kept ales. Food menu looked good, but hadn't time to stop. One to visit again though.
9 Jul 2009 18:07
Hard to follow the last comments apart from agreeing with everything. This is a great pub, and serves great beer. Enjoyed their Mappa Mundi as well as a Dorothy Goodbody's this visit. Lovely rooms to wander round and I do love the drawings of Binge Alley and Pub Street. They should sell postcards of those. Great outside area too.
8 Mar 2009 22:26
This was a brilliant pub for a GreeneKing one. I was pleasantly suprised to see the guest ales. They only had 1 Greene King on and that was a Ruddles beer. Guests came from Mordue, Black Hole and Dark Star and were excellent beers. Well worth the bus trip out of town. Deserves its Good Beer Guide entry.
8 Mar 2009 22:20
Always call into this spoons when visiting Hereford, and enjoyed my Spinning Dog beer this visit - better than their beers at the Victory on my last visit there actually.
8 Mar 2009 22:16
Back in Ledbury and enjoyed the two Wadworth beers we had this visit too.
8 Mar 2009 22:13
Called in as we were back in the area, and enjoyed a great well kept Wye Valley Dorothy Goodbody's Golden Ale, and also their Bitter. Found it to be friendly though quiet, and would call again.
8 Mar 2009 22:11
Enjoyed a return visit to this charming pub with well kept real ales. Also enjoyed the food this visit. Much better Friday lunchtime than when we called in again Saturday lunchtime and struggled to get seats. Beware of the stools in the bar area. I gave my finger a nasty nip as the padded seat was loose and jammed the finger between the pad and the wood when I tried to move the stool forward from the crowd seated round the bar. May loose a nail but the management didn't seem bothered.
8 Mar 2009 22:08
Picture House, Sutton In Ashfield
It is hard to run the gauntlett of trying to get through smokers to get into the pub as they crowd the doorway. Wanted a guest beer but was told they are only utting one guest on at a time, and the Arundel had not run out so we had that. Wetherspoons used to have a good reputation for its many guest beers.
8 Mar 2009 22:04
Disappointing as there were no guest beers on when I called last week. They only put one on at the moment, and were waiting to get it on as the other had run out. Only usual suspects on, so we left.
8 Mar 2009 22:00
This was a decent Wetherspoons, and had a couple of good beers. A refreshing change as at the moment they are pushing Greene King beers, and a lot of their pubs only have 1 guest on.
8 Mar 2009 21:56
Wonderful carvery and good ale too. Called in for both on the two days we were in the area. Can't wait to came back later this month.
8 Mar 2009 21:54
Ramsay's Real Ale Bar (at the Buckingham Hotel), Buxton
Looked forward to visiting this pub, but found out it does not open till around 6pm, and as my bus to Leek went out at 3pm I had to miss out. I did enjoy the real ale in Buxtons Beltane and Swan though. Pity I couldn't drink in this one.
25 Feb 2009 23:06
Enjoyed the guest ale, Storm Ale Force at this multi roomed pub with friendly staff.
25 Feb 2009 23:03
Wanted to find Hydes seasonal beer and they had it here, Finders Keepers and it was well enough kept. Large back room was quiet and set up for meals, and there were locals in the front bar seemingly enjoying banter with the bar staff.
25 Feb 2009 23:01
This was a lovely find in Buxton today, and we enjoyed our Batemas XXXB and Church End Goats Milk while having a full 3 courses of the delicious meals on offer. First class ale, first class food, and fantastic staff. Well done.
25 Feb 2009 22:58
Called in while looking for real ale pubs in Leek, and enjoyed a Hydes original bitter. Only one ale on and was hoping to find one of their seasonal guests.
25 Feb 2009 10:09
Enjoyed Whim Hartington IPA and Marble Chocolate Marble 5.5% on a quiet lunchtime. Spartan pub but has a nice feel to it. Imagine it will be a friendly local when it fills up.
25 Feb 2009 10:07
Enjoyed a couple of well kept Lytham Ales here, and Shardlow Whistle Blower. Large lounge split into smaller drinking areas.
25 Feb 2009 10:01
Ship and Royal, Lytham St Annes
Had Adnams Explorer along with a meal. Two for �10 and not bad. Large room and about 4 different real ales on from the larger breweries. No Lytham beers on said to be due to a rush on the beers the week before.
25 Feb 2009 09:59
What a brilliant pub and the gaffer was so friendly, finding time to stop and chat about his beers. Beer selection great and well served too. Enjoyed beers from Titanic, Lytham, Coach House and Wolf breweries here. Called back for a second helping before getting the bus back to Blackpool. Great place.
25 Feb 2009 09:53
Had a look in the bar while at the excellent beer festival, and it was a nice clean tidy bar with 3 ales on, and what a lovely view from the window.
22 Feb 2009 08:56
Lovely friendly pub with good ale choice in excellent condition. Would have loved to have called back, but after the beer festival we were ready to go back to our caravan in Blackpool. Would call again when in the area though.
22 Feb 2009 08:50
Calledin while at Fleetwood beer festival and would agree it is one of the better spoons pubs. Good beer choice, 2 Phoenix and 3 George Wright beers and they were in good condition too. Nice layout - not just a big barn of a place, and really clean loos. Wish all were as good.
22 Feb 2009 08:48
I don't usually put a review on this close to my previous one, but what a difference a day makes. Had good meals, good service and more excellent beers last night, so different from Friday night. Worthy of a higher mark this time.
22 Feb 2009 08:44
Called in for the two for �10 meals last night and my steak was great, but the fish and chips did not have the tattar sauce and the chips were slightly undercooked. We ordered deserts and after 20 mins went to check about the delay, another 10 mins and they brought us deserts different to those ordered so time restrictions meant we had to have our money back. Maybe too busy for the amount of staff to cope. Good ales though.
21 Feb 2009 08:48
The Coach and Horses, Weatheroak Hill
Called in to sample the Weatheroak Hill Brewery beers now being brewed here, and really enjoyed both the Icknield Pale Ale and the Bitter. It is a great pub, even this time of the year when the garden area is not in use, and we enjoyed the atmosphere in the room with the real fire blazing and buzz of conversation of the diners enjoying their meals.
16 Feb 2009 17:25
The Jolly Crispin, Upper Gornal
Enjoyed our visit to this popular friendly pub. Good range of ales on from old favourite breweries like Thornbridge (Jaiper) and newer ones like Brass Monkey and Whitehaven. We also had a dark beer Saltaire Titus Black. I don't think that was the only dark beer, but I have only recorded the 5 beers we had on this visit. Superb pub.
8 Feb 2009 12:22
This pub has to be the best in the area. OK it could do with a bit of a clean up, but the carvery is one of the best I have ever been to for heaps of tender meat and loads of veg superbly cooked. The price is so very reasonable too for the amount of choice. On to the ales and what can I say. At this visit we stayed longer than planned as the choice was great, and all in tip top condition. One to stop off the metro for any time.
8 Feb 2009 12:15
Called in as I had heard there was a beer festival on, and found some friends to join for a few. It was a shame that the handpulls were not all operating - some servicing to be done, so there were not a lot of beers available from the list, but those we had were in tip top condition as usual, as was the Thai food we had. They do cellar runs, but only 2 pints at a time. OK if in a group but a lot when there is only 2 of you and you have a lot of beers you want to try. First class pub though with a wonderful interior.
8 Feb 2009 12:07
Great time had at the beer festival on Saturday. 21 ales on and all 14 sampled in tip top condition. Lovely sarnies to help the ale go down, and friendly knowledgable staff and a good mix of customers. It is now called VIN IV. Not to be missed by any lover of real ale in Leicester.
8 Feb 2009 11:59
The beer was good for a Wetherspoons and at least they had some guests on. Too many pushing Greene King IPA just now and the guests suffer from it, but these were fine.
2 Feb 2009 11:18
Enjoyed our Bays Best and Shepherd Neame Spitfire in this very quaint old pub tucked up a side street. The cleanest glasses I have had this weekend for my beer too. Had soup and bagette from the friendly hosts. Was crowded around 1pm with a lot of customers enjoying the food.
2 Feb 2009 11:16
Crown and Sceptre Inn, Torquay
Enjoyed our visit to this pub chatting to staff and locals while looking at the chamber pots etc on the ceiling, and reading some of the items on the wall. A true locals pub and one you would go back to while visiting. Enjoyed a Teignworthy, Exe Valley and Badger beer while looking round.
2 Feb 2009 11:11
The Royal Carvery and Hotel, Babbacombe
Visited for a real ale as there was none on at our hotel next door, and enjoyed the Dartmoor Jail Ale. Also had a very good meal. We were too late for the carvery, but the steaks were first class.
2 Feb 2009 11:08
Called into this St Austell pub on Friday while staying in a non real ale hotel, and enjoyed the Buccaneer Ale that is really Propoer Job under the pub name. Friendly staff and nice clean pub.
2 Feb 2009 11:05
Called on a Wednesday and had to have a tail end festival beer replaced. As we cannot get here weekends now, we like to call but wish the beers changed more promptly when they reach the end of the barrel.
29 Jan 2009 11:04
Another visit to this excellent pub that served great food and good quality real ales. Brilliant selection too. Another that local CAMRA have missed from the Good Beer Guide like the excellent Trackside in Bury. Always come here when staying at nearby Burrs Park.
29 Jan 2009 11:01
Staying nearby while visiting Manchester for the festivals, and really enjoyed our visit to this friendly local. 4 Moorhouses available and the Pendle Witches Brew was excellent.
29 Jan 2009 10:59
Had a Nutty Black in this Thwaites pub. Enjoyed a wander round as it was quiet and I like multi roomed pubs. No atmosphere, but if it fills up should be better. Not sure why it is in Good Beer Guide when the excellent Trackside is not.
29 Jan 2009 10:55
Called in for the first time and had an OK beer but no food. It was busy but we did get a seat by the door. Not as good as some of the other pubs in the area, but one to call in just to check whats on when passing.
29 Jan 2009 10:51
Called in while visiting the various festivals in the area, and enjoyed 2 of their own Marble beers and a Howard Town guest. Also had a lovely meal of steak sandwiches that were fantastic. Great atmosphere, and another not to be missed when doing a crawl in the area.
29 Jan 2009 10:45
Called in while in Manchester for the many excellent beer festivals. This is one always on my circuit of the area as the beers are good, and they select from micros. Not disappointed this visit and enjoyed a Dunham Massey and Horbeam beer.
29 Jan 2009 10:41
Another visit to Bury and what a difference to this pub. Still a brilliant selection of beers, and this time I had no problems with the quality. Why on earth is this pub not in the Good Beer Guide. It is easily the best in the Bury area.
29 Jan 2009 10:37
First impression was what a great empty barn of a place. No atmosphere whatever. How on earth it got into the Good Beer Guide when the excellent Trackside down the road did not, I don't know. Loads of pulls but only 2 Holys beers on. Had the mild and left. Toilets are up loads of stairs in another empty bar room.Looks like an empty Wetherspoons.
29 Jan 2009 10:33
Cannot fault the beer here. Called in a couple of times while visiting for the various fesrtivals and had a superb choice of ales in great comndition. Friendly atmosphere among the varied clientele, not just beer tickers, and staff well informed and friendly too. Agree it can't be missed when visiting Manchester.
29 Jan 2009 10:28
The Smithfield Hotel, Manchester
Visited for January beer festival on the Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and wow! Wonderful well kept beer from the 7 pulls and from the cellar runs too. Food superb - hot chilli, rice, and chips for �3.80. Wonderful. Staff helpful despite being run off their feet, and atmosphere great too. This is a pub not to be missed whether there is a festival on or not.
29 Jan 2009 10:22
Visited a few times while staying on the caravan site last week, and had a couple of Bank Top beers. These were changed to a couple of Moorhouses beers during the week we were there. No problems with beer or food.
29 Jan 2009 10:18
Called in to see what was on offer, and there was the usual suspects that included 2 pulls with GK IPA. Promotion at 99p a pint means there was only 1 guest on. Wasn't counting Purity beers as they are regulars now. Tried the guest, a Highwood, and potato soup would be clearer. I left it on the bar and the lady realised I didn't want it, looked at it and smelt it and agreed it was off. Exchanged for a reasonable Purity Mad Goose when I said I didn't want the IPA offer. Looks like spoons have been taken over by Greene King.
18 Jan 2009 21:20
Can't believe it is my third visit to the area and first visit to this charming old pub. Had a lovely meal, spoiled for choice on the menu, and enjoyed the real ales too. Won't miss going there next time in the area.
18 Jan 2009 21:10
Enjoyed our visit along the lanes to this pub with lovely interior rooms. Enjoyed the Stonehouse Cambrian Gold here.
18 Jan 2009 21:05
Took a bit of finding but what a loely riendly pub. The beer was great and enjoyed choosing our beers from the selection available. Had a laugh with the landlord and customers over the lighting of the log in the fire. Was made welcome despite never having been in before.
18 Jan 2009 21:00
Visited last month and enjoyed a beer from Newmans brewery on as a guest. When I asked if anything was planned for New Years Eve I got a terse "normal night". Food menu looked good although we didn't eat there.
18 Jan 2009 01:24
Visited last month, and enjoyed the ale from the massive selection. Made me homesick for the Wellington in Birmingham when I saw the line of pumpclips along the bar! May be in need of a clean up, but nothing wrong with the beer quality.
18 Jan 2009 01:21
Visited last month and enjoyed a Robinsons seasonal beer in this busy town pub.
18 Jan 2009 01:16
Visited last month and sampled the Blindmans Raven beers on offer, as well as the first class pie dinner. It was packed downstairs but 6 of us managed to get a table together upstairs.
18 Jan 2009 01:14
Visited last month and found it to be a friendly bar. Wickwar beer had gone off, and was exchanged quickly enough when returned for another beer. No problem with the Arbor or RCH beers.
18 Jan 2009 01:12
Visited last month and it seems it is getting siome much needed improvement work done. Having said that, the 2 Bath Ales we had were the best condition I have had this holiday. So clear and clean, and tasted perfect.
18 Jan 2009 01:08
Called in last month and found it to be a charming old fashioned pub. Drank our Sharps and Wickwar beers in the tramcar. Lovely wooden area of a style long gone in a lot of pubs.
18 Jan 2009 01:04
Visited last month and had a Hidden and a Wessex beer. Both were OK. The pub was interesting to look round. It is set back from the road opposite the fire station.
18 Jan 2009 01:01
Had a couple of Wickwar beers last month when I visited but found it a little small for its popular location. Difficult to get seats, but those in were friendly enough and we enjoyed our time there. The larger of the chaps we were with had a struggle on the spiral staircase down to the gents loos though.
18 Jan 2009 00:57
Visited this pub last month for Sunday lunch and it was well served by a friendly landlord. It was as if he couldn't do enough for us, and there was plenty of veg served for the 4 of us. Enjoyed Castle Rock Blackbird too. They have extensive alteration plans on the walls.
18 Jan 2009 00:53
Visited last month and really enjoyed the Bath Ales here. Had 3 including Festival Gem and all in perfect condition. Enjoyed the friendly banter with the locals too.
18 Jan 2009 00:49
Called in last month and had a Bristol Beer Factory beer that was in good condition. Pricey though.
18 Jan 2009 00:46
Called in for some Bristol Beer Factory beers and enjoyed those we tried on the barge. When being served, the barman picked a glass up and it was dirty. He saw me looking and picked a bartowel up and cleaned the glass with it. I would hope there are cleaner habits in the kitchen. Didn't eat here, but food looked and smelt good.
18 Jan 2009 00:37
Visited last month and enjoyed it enough to return while on holiday here over Cheristmas and New Year. Enjoyed Blindmans Aardmans Modelmaker which seemed to be on every time I came in. Friendly local feel to the place. Lovely sarnies.
18 Jan 2009 00:31
Visited last month and found it to be a good clean Fullers house. Enjoyed Fullers ESB.
18 Jan 2009 00:28
Visited last month but did not like it much. Beer was not in good condition and the floor felt sticky to walk on. The ladies toilets looked like a severe overhaul was needed.
18 Jan 2009 00:22
Visited last month and found it to be a large glass and chrome type barn of a place. The music was far too loud for such a massive place with only a couple of customers in. Maybe staff round Bristol need loud music. Beer was fine.
18 Jan 2009 00:19
Visited last month and found it to be a clean tidy pub with a large eating area at the back. Enjoyed Butcombe Blond and Butcombe Brunel IPA but found the music too loud for comfort.
18 Jan 2009 00:17
Called in a few times while staying in the caravan park next door last month, and enjoyed the food more than the beer which was a little suspect at times. Beer expensive too. Large food pub really.
17 Jan 2009 23:25
The Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield
Love this pub. Better than Fat Cat in my opinion, but 2 first class quality real ale houses round the corner from each other would be my idea of heaven if I could live round here. Shame the area is so run down, but it looks to be getting a facelift in parts. I love the garden here, and the friendly staff make it superb.
17 Jan 2009 23:20
Love this pub. Love the beer here and the selection of beers. I would say better than the Norwich Fat Cat that I have been to a few times. Always aim to visit when in Sheffield as it is on the good pub crawl. First rate. Food is great too.
17 Jan 2009 23:16
The Riverside Cafe Bar, Sheffield
Visited last month when doing a crawl round Sheffield and although still basically empty, the beer range has improved. Enjoyed a Sheffield and Ramsbury beer. Like the terrace outside looking over the river.
17 Jan 2009 23:12
Visited this pub on the way back to the station after a crawl round Derby. Lovely pub with interesting rooms, and a varied beer menu featuring their own beers plus a variety from other micro breweries.
17 Jan 2009 23:07
Called in last month when doing a crawl of Derby pubs. Whatever pubs you select, this one must not be missed. Not just beer on tap but they have an impressive cellar run list up as well. Go round the pub and view the casks through the glass and say you are not impressed. Brilliant.
17 Jan 2009 23:04
Called in last month as I always do when in Derby and had a couple of beers to start the day's crawl round Derby. Managed to find 4 beers new
to me from the excellent screen showong beers on the pumps.
17 Jan 2009 23:01
Called into this friendly local pub last month and really enjoyed the 4 beers I had and the company in the pub. Good range of beers well kept, nd sometimes a new micro brewery will turn up on the pumps. Worth a visit.
17 Jan 2009 22:58
Late review from November. Went to sample their own beers but none were on. Both the Cairngorm and Salopian beers we had were in perfect condition though, and it was a true locals pub with a good atmosphere.
17 Jan 2009 22:50
The Admiral Benbow, Shrewsbury
Late review from November visit. Lovely pub serving good beer from local micro breweries. Enjoyed Six Bells and Ironbridge beers.
17 Jan 2009 22:46
The Jolly Brewmaster, Cheltenham
Late review from November. Had a Cottage Cromwell in this pub, and enjoyed having a wander round. There was a good beer range and friendly atmosphere.
17 Jan 2009 22:39
Late review from November.I liked this friendly local pub with Sharps Cornish Coaster on. I loved the dog who kept coming over to lean on me and have a bit of fuss made of it. Could have took it home. Nice atmosphere in the pub.
17 Jan 2009 22:37
The Moon Under Water, Cheltenham
Late review from November. Had a couple of beers from festival and were not the best I have had. Not the best kept Wetherspoons I have been to either.
17 Jan 2009 22:30
The Kemble Brewery Inn, Cheltenham
Late review from November. This is a brilliant pub. I loved it and the beers on offer too. Had a wander round as it was quiet, and it was a true local. Beer choice good, and I had a beer from Arbor. Lovely to see micro breweries around. Staff friendly and dogs entertaining.
17 Jan 2009 22:26
Late review from November. I like to take the bus ride out to this Arkells pub run by a lovely friendly lady who is happy to chat, even though we were strangers to her. It was quiet and felt homely. Lovely pub with good Arkells beer.
17 Jan 2009 22:23
The Lower George Inn, Gloucester
Late review from November. The beer was not at its best, and a cloudy foul tasting one was changed when I requested, but others not on top form. Enjoyed the banter with the locals in there though.
17 Jan 2009 22:19
Late review from November. Always seem to find my way to this pub when visiting Gloucester, and not disappointed with the beers. Two Bath ales this visit.
17 Jan 2009 22:16
Late comment from November visit. Had a couple of beers that were still available from the recent festival Beers were OK.
17 Jan 2009 22:14
Late review from November. Enjoyed a Sharps and Skinners on what must have been a Cornish themed weekend. Really lovely old pub with beautiful outside area.
17 Jan 2009 22:04
Late review from November. Not the first time here, but the first time I have seen the gorilla and the biplanes and the great skyline of skyscrapers. Very impressive. Enjoyed the beers too.
17 Jan 2009 22:01
Late review from November when we were staying at the caravan park. Found they had Robinsons Chocolate Tom at 6% on, and as I missed this one last time I saw it in a pub I wanted to try it. Was not disappointed. Lovely location for the pub and a large garden area.
17 Jan 2009 21:47
Late review from November when we stayed at the caravan park as we were there to visit the Bhurtpore beer festival. Ehjoyed the evenings in this pub though and were made welcome as well as enjoying the Caledonian and Wadworth beers. Had a great quiz night.
17 Jan 2009 21:44
Late review from November when we had a weekend locally so we could attend the beer festival. It was a great weekend with superb beer and food. Great pub with a brill atmosphere throughout the weekend.
17 Jan 2009 21:39
Late review from November beer festival. I love this pub, its staff and customers, but most of all its beer. Not just when there is a festival on either. It is a great place to be.
17 Jan 2009 21:13
Late review from November. An Ember Inn that has made it into the GBG and there was nothing wrong with the 3 beers we had here. Usual clean interior in Ember Inn style.
17 Jan 2009 20:17
Late review from November. Called in to see what festival beers were on, and enjoyed a Titanic and Badger beer, as well as one of the foreign ales. Quicker service than most JDW pubs, and an improvement from last visit.
17 Jan 2009 19:59
Late review from November. Always call in as beers can vary, but although the beer served well it has not had the atmosphere of the other York pubs.
17 Jan 2009 19:53
Late review from November, but this is another pub I like to visit when in York. Ever so friendly and has a true local feel. Beers from my area- Banks/Wolverhampton & Dudley/ now Marstons portfolio, but well served and always in tip top condition.
17 Jan 2009 19:50
Late review from November and glad to be back in York to revisit some of the good real ale pubs there. This is certainly one of them, and we enjoy the comfort of the library room. Great beers from Acorn, Wylam and the new Captain Cook brewery.
17 Jan 2009 19:45
Late review from November when we called in to see what real ales were on. Enjoyed a Cairngorm and Batemans here.
17 Jan 2009 19:41
Late review from November. One of the pubs on my list that I always visit when in York. Always a good choice available. Enjoyed Castle Rock, Hydes and Leeds beers this time round.
17 Jan 2009 19:37
Late review from November. Early for Rook and Gaskill and saw this one was open and what a lovely pub. Ever so friendly and enjoyed chatting with the owners while enjoying our Oldershaw, Riverside and Bateman beers. One of the few pubs I revisited while in York this time.
17 Jan 2009 19:34
Late comment from November. The food was brilliant, but would not change the beer that tasted of weak TSP. The other two beers we had with the food were fine.
17 Jan 2009 19:29
Late review from November. It was our last of the day and was getting crowded, but enjoyed the Everards beer here.
17 Jan 2009 19:26
Late review from November. Passing this pub and thought we would go in as I had heard there were decent ales here. Basic style pub, but the Milton and Old Mill beers were OK.
17 Jan 2009 19:23
Late review from November. Enjoyed the interior in his friendly pub down an alley off the shopping area. Beer good too.
17 Jan 2009 19:20
Late review from November. Not a GBG pub, but one we wanted to visit as we like Leeds beers. Enjoyed the beers, but not too sure of the modern interior.
17 Jan 2009 19:10
Late review from November. Had no problem with the pub or the Roosters and Moorhouse beer served.
17 Jan 2009 19:08
Late review from November. Large single roomed pub with distinct drinking areas. Pleasant and comfortable. Enjoyed a couple of Timothy Taylor beers.
17 Jan 2009 19:03
Late review from November. This is another pub with an interesting interior and we enjoyed a Batemans and O'Kells beer here.
17 Jan 2009 18:53
Mr Foley's Cask Ale House, Leeds
Late review from November, but we liked this pub. Lovely interior and the beers were varied and in good condition. Believe it may belong to York brewery from the number of York beers on, but we enjoyed Steaming Billy, Elland and Highwood beers on this occasion.
17 Jan 2009 18:50
Late review from November on our first visit to Leeds pubs. The Outlaw and Mordue beers were fine in this pub with its long bar.Didn't feel like a proper pub and as we were the only ones in, there was no atmosphere. We did not have time for food, but the menu looked good.
17 Jan 2009 18:45
Late review from November, and this was our first port of call in our first visit to Leeds GBG pubs. Tetley Mild was the beer I was after not having found it anywhere else before and it was great. Also enjoyed a Wells Bombardier. The interior style is worth looking at with booths and tiling.
17 Jan 2009 18:31
Late comment from our November stay at the nearby caravan site, and again made very welcome in this pub whether is for a session or a nighcap on our way back to site. Always a good choice of beers on. Lovely interior and had a chat with locals and American students at the bar area in the entrance lobby seating area as the rooms either side are often full.
17 Jan 2009 13:46
Late review from November and another must when visiting York whether for beer and/or food. Found 3 new beers for me this visit all served in usual excellent condition.
17 Jan 2009 13:41
The Yorkshire Terrier Inn, York
Late review from November and another York brewery pub we always call at when in York. The beer was as not well served as in the 3 Legged Mare, but they are good for choice so may have been a one off.
17 Jan 2009 13:37
Late review from November visit, and my first time at this pub. Attracted by the sign outside showing they had a range of real ales on. There was also a beer festival for Guy Fawkes night about to start, and they had a stillage set up outside with a good selection on. Not in GBG but worthy of it. Good ale served in a proper pub with a great atmosphere.
17 Jan 2009 13:34
Late review from November and another pub always on my list for when I visit. Had 2 Steamin' Billy beers both in brilliant condition and at a much better temperature than the other York pub - Last Drop Inn.
17 Jan 2009 13:30
Late review from November and this is one of the pubs we always visit. Only had one as the beer was so cold it would do Wetherspoons proud. Shame really. Still a nice pub to visit though.
17 Jan 2009 13:28
Late review from November visit. We found bar staff friendly and enjoyed chatting about Bredog brewery which appears to be a favourite of the customers. It had run out when we visited so we had Moorhouses Blond Witch. Love the place and will go every time we get up country to York.
17 Jan 2009 13:24
Late review from November visit when their festival was on. Better choice here, but mainly the foreign ales from cask. Westgate Bonkers Conkers that is really another Greene King available. Different style but looked very sterile.
17 Jan 2009 13:21
Brigantes Bar and Brasserie, York
Late review from November visit. Always on my list of pubs to go to for the beer, and the food is worth trying too. Enjoyed the Leeds, Fernandes and Wentworth beers. As the Wentworth was a Strawberry one, they gave me a taste of the foreign Timmermans strawberry beer and it knocked the Wentworth well into the shade.
17 Jan 2009 13:18
Late review from November. Disappointing choice of beers from the festival Had Exmoor and the foreign Anker ale. Typical JDW but prefer the proper pubs in York.
17 Jan 2009 13:15
Late review from November when we had a week in York. Enjoyed a Badger beer here. Not to be confused with the Wetherspoons Punchbowl pub. This one is a REAL pub.
17 Jan 2009 13:12
The Triangle Tavern, Lowestoft
Late review from October. Don't get to Lowestoft often, but this is a must when we do. Friendly staff and good beer. Enjoyed Otter and Oakham ales.
17 Jan 2009 13:07
Late review from October when we called in while waiting to change buses for Lowestoft. Enjoyed our Hobgoblin, and also had a Cottage beer.
17 Jan 2009 13:03
Late review from October when we visited for the beer festival. Had a Brains and Woodfordes beer that were OK but not outstanding. Always worth popping in to see what is on offer though.
17 Jan 2009 13:01
Late review from October, and I have to agree this is one of the best in Norwich for atmosphere and beer quality. Enjoyed our beers from Wolf and Beeston breweries.
17 Jan 2009 12:58
Late review from October when we spent a week in Norwich to visit the beer festival. This was easily the best we visited for the good selection of quality real ales from micros.
17 Jan 2009 12:55
The Reindeer Pub & Kitchen, Norwich
Late review from October. Called in for a carvery to find it had changed hands and no longer did Sunday carveries, but the food we had was excellent, but agree that the Elgoods Golden Newt could have been better. It was busy that Sunday lunchtime, so maybe they go for the food.
17 Jan 2009 12:52
Late comment from October when we were visiting GBG pubs in the area. Don't like to think that this pub is still under threat of closure. Always visit when in the area and enjoyed our Oakham beers as well as guests from Brentwood and Great Oakley.
17 Jan 2009 12:48
The Wortley Almshouses, Peterborough
Late review from October when we came in to visit GBG pubs, and this was a new one for us. Very interesting pub and we were able to have a look round as it was not busy. Enjoyed our Sam Smiths OBB at its usual reasonable price.
17 Jan 2009 12:45
Late review from October when we came to revisit GBG pubs and found a festival on in this excellent barge pub. Had 14 excellent ales over the two days we were visiting. Well done on ale selection.
17 Jan 2009 12:42
The Coalheavers Arms, Peterborough
Late review from October. Really loved this pub and chatted with the friendly lad serving the excellent Milton beer. GBG shows it only opens lunchtime on Thursdays so we were lucky to get in as we don't usually do pubs evenings. Would have been a shame to miss out. Hope it gets the locals back though as previous reviews show that it deserves their custom.
17 Jan 2009 12:38
The Palmerston Arms, Peterborough
Late review from October. What a lovely pub belonging to Batemans yet giving so many from other micros too. Interesting way to serve the beer, and the Downton and Phoenix we had were in tip top condition.
17 Jan 2009 12:32
The Hand and Heart, Peterborough
Late review from October when we stayed a couple of nights at Ferry Meadows so we could visit the real ale pubs and what a find this one was. Lovely atmosphere and interesting decor. Ehjoyed our Pot Belly and Jennings ales here.
17 Jan 2009 12:27
Late review from October when we came into Stamford to revisit Good Beer Guide pubs, and this one was new to us. A real friendly local atmosphere, and excellent beers. We enjoyed 2 Cottage beers.
17 Jan 2009 12:22
Late review from October when we came into Stamford to revisit some of the best real ale pubs. Were not disappointed, and enjoyed our Humpty Dumpty and Tydd Steam beers.
17 Jan 2009 12:18
Late review from October, and I loved my wander round this classic pub to see the rooms upstairs and downstairs. Could not fault the quality of the Ufford and Hook Norton beers we had, although they were a little pricey.
17 Jan 2009 12:13
The Drapers Arms, Peterborough
Late reivew from October. Enjoyed a couple of Newby Wyke guest beers, but not a lot else to say.
17 Jan 2009 12:07
The Red Lion, Hockley,jewellry quarter
Late review from October when we visited for a private function, and really liked this pub with friendly staff, lovely rooms and atmosphere. Had Purity and Wye Valley beers.
17 Jan 2009 12:02
Late review from October when this was the third of the 3 pubs doing pub-tic-tram-sport that we visited. The most disappointing for new ale choice, but we did have 2 good quality beers here.
17 Jan 2009 11:58
Late comment from October when visiting to do the Pub-Tic-Tram-Sport beer festival, and this was pub number two of those participating. Enjoyed 7 beers from the bar, cellar and the stillage in the lovely small room overlooking their oasis of a garden. Great choice of ales and all tip top condition.
17 Jan 2009 11:56
Late comment from October when we called in while doing the Pub-Tic-Tram-Sport beer festival as we didn't want to miss it out. Enjoyed our first taste of their own Little Ale Cart beers - Number 3. Agree with the good food, friendly banter with staff and customers are what makes this place a gem.
17 Jan 2009 11:52
The Hillsborough Hotel, Sheffield
Late review from October when we visited Sheffield to do the Pub-Tic-Tram-Sport beer festival that we thoroughly enjoyed. This was the first of the 3 participants we visited, and we had 6 great beers from their list. Always a must to visit whenever we come to Sheffield for good beer quality and great food too all at reasonable prices.
17 Jan 2009 11:48
Late review from October when I called in on my way back to the station. The Hambleton beer was great and there was a friendly atmosphere with the few locals in front of the welcoming fire.
17 Jan 2009 11:44
Late review from October when we called in on our way back to the station. Enjoyed a Harviestoun guest. Love the outside area here overlooking the river.
17 Jan 2009 11:42
Late review from October when we went to the beer festival and it was as excellent as last year's. No problem with beer selection and quality or the food.
17 Jan 2009 11:37
Like to pop in here on my way back for the bus after visiting the Wellington, and usually find a guest ale or two new to me. One of the better JDW's for service and beer.
17 Jan 2009 11:35
The Lost and Found, Birmingham
Late review from October when I had a Jennings seasonal. Very impressive interior but empty of drinkers.
17 Jan 2009 11:33
I was writing belatedly, my reviews from October and what a shock to find this pub closed. OK the decor was not up to much but the festival was first rate and the staff friendly. What a shame. I had not been before but spoke to the gaffer who was enthusiastic about having more festivals.
17 Jan 2009 11:30
Late review from October. I have enjoyed coming here for the beer festivals, and the October festival was first class. Love the beer, friendly staff and atmosphere. OK, I don't know what it ls like other than festivals, but can't see why locals shouldn't support it.
17 Jan 2009 11:25
Late review from September visit. Brilliant place and enjoyed our guest ales from Bays and Summerskills breweries.
17 Jan 2009 11:20
Late comments from September. I am not a local. but would like to be. Always come when within holidaying travel distance and have done for years. Great beer and atmosphere. Enjoyed 3 of the Barum beers this visit.
15 Jan 2009 12:15
Late comment from September. Enjoyed my gravity pulled Spitfire at this friendly local pub.
15 Jan 2009 12:11
Late comment from September. We had 3 decent beers here. Cottage, Barum and St Austell.
15 Jan 2009 12:07
Late comment from September. Hadn't read comments prior to visit and only went for the beer as it was in Good Beer Guide. Had no problem with beer, and didn't have long as we went out to catch a bus that didn't come so had a long walk to civilisation.
15 Jan 2009 11:56
The Lethbridge Arms, Bishops Lydeard
Late comment from September visit. Walked up from the station for a beer and had no problem with beer or staff. Enjoyed 2 Cotleigh beers.
15 Jan 2009 11:43
Late comment from September. Enjoyed an Exmoor Ale and Otter Bitter while waiting for the bus back to Minehead. Both served in good condition in this pleasant pub.
15 Jan 2009 11:39
Late comment from September. Enjoyed a Clearwater beer here. Rather quiet.
15 Jan 2009 11:35
Late comment from September. Caught a bus from Minehead as we had heard of this beautiful village and we did enjoy our Exmoor beers in this loely pub.
15 Jan 2009 11:33
The Queens Head Hotel, Minehead
Late comment from September. Enjoyed a couple of Exmoor beers in this quiet pub.
15 Jan 2009 11:29
Late comment from September, but we had good beers in this chain type pub, and they were Yeovil and Cotleigh. No problem with food either. Yes there were Butlins crowds and kids, but there is a Butlins there so you have to expect it.
15 Jan 2009 11:27
Love this place for beer and friendly banter, and yes I am lucky enough to be a short bus ride away. Congrats on the CAMRA award. Keep up the good work. Managed to see "WELLY" the cat on my last visit. Putting weight on!
15 Jan 2009 11:23
I always call into the Anchor when doing a crawl in Birmingham, and like the last reviewer, can find the ale quality to be suspect. I think it depends on the day you go actually as to how long the beer is on. Weekends very different to mid week visits. Agree it is a real pub and not just a bar.
15 Jan 2009 11:15
Always worth calling in on any trip round Birmingham, not just if in Digbeth. Eddie and the locals make this place what it is, and always a suprise from the choice of guest beers. First rate quality pub.
15 Jan 2009 11:07
Late comment from August. Bought 4 of their Cropton beers to bottle and take away due to driving there.
15 Jan 2009 11:01
The Golden Lion, Barnard Castle
Late comment from August. Not too clean round the tables. Had a Jennings beer that was average.
15 Jan 2009 10:55
The Duke of Wellington, Newcastle
Late comment from August. Enjoyed a well served Brewsters beer from friendly staff here.
15 Jan 2009 10:49
Late comment from August. Enjoyed the ales in this pub. What a choice. Mallinsons, Outlaw and 2 Brewdogs (one 8% and one 10%) all good condition and very much enjoyed.
15 Jan 2009 10:45
Late comment from August. Great pub with atmosphere and good ales. Enjoyed Hop Back and Rudgate beers.
15 Jan 2009 10:41
Late comment from August. Cracking pub serving good ales. Enjoyed Brewdog and Saltaire beers here.
15 Jan 2009 10:38
Late comment from August. Enjoyed 3 Coach House beers at this friendly pub.
15 Jan 2009 10:33
Late comment from August. Enjoyed a couple of real ales in this lovely pub.
15 Jan 2009 10:27
Late comment from August. Enjoyed a Mordue beer in this lovely interesting pub.
15 Jan 2009 10:23
Late comment from August. Good spoons and good ale choice. Had 2 Big Lamp beers.
15 Jan 2009 10:20
Late comment from August visit. �6.20 for 4 halves of Deuchers made me go to the bar to query price for this 3.8% beer. I was told �2.90 a pint and �1.55 a half. That is one big mark up for half pint drinkers!!!
Also had a Fyne beer. Nothing wrong with quality but a rip off on pricing.
15 Jan 2009 10:15
The Cask and Barrel, Edinburgh
Late comment from August. Had a Hadrian and Border but not as good a pub as it was in my opinion.
15 Jan 2009 10:08
Late comment from August. Enjoyed my Davenports beer brewed a few miles from home but a new one for me.
15 Jan 2009 10:05
Late comment from August. Another new one for me, and enjoyed beers from Hadrian and Border, Strathhaven, and Cairngorm. Good selection.
15 Jan 2009 10:02
Late comment from August. Enjoyed my Sulwath and Caledonian beers in this spoons pub.
15 Jan 2009 10:00
Late comment from August. Enjoyed my Houston beer in this quiet pub.
15 Jan 2009 09:57
Late comment from August. Enjoyed a Kelburn beer on this visit.
15 Jan 2009 09:55
Late comment from August. My first visit to this lovely Good Beer Guide pub, and we enjoyed beers from Stewart and Taylor breweries.
15 Jan 2009 09:53
Late comment from August. Enjoyed a couple of Kelburn beers here.
15 Jan 2009 09:48
Late comment from August. Enjoyed a Hop Back and George Wright beer here.
15 Jan 2009 09:46
Late comment from August. Grand pub up a lot of steps. Enjoyed 2 Stewart beers.
15 Jan 2009 09:43
Late comment, butb we enjoyed Isle of Skye and Fyne beers here in August.
15 Jan 2009 09:38
Late comment, but we enjoyed a couple of Inveralmond ales here in August.
15 Jan 2009 09:36
Late comment, but we enjoyed our Dent and Black Sheep beers here in August.
15 Jan 2009 09:33
Lovely friendly pub with good quality ales at a great price. Informative barman who told us a bit of the history of the pub. Screen showing footy results was not overbearing. One to go back to.
4 Jan 2009 09:23
Our first time here, and I did have a Youngs beer, but I found it an interesting pub to wander round. A train was running round on lines along the back wall. Lovely division of rooms. Didn't have time to eat, but the food smelt and looked great and didn't cost a fortune. Loved the beer list with real ales listed followed by "begrudgingly" for the list of lagers etc. Would come back on my next visit to Bristol.
4 Jan 2009 09:15
Wonderful friendly pub we had gone to a few times during our fortnight in Bristol. Paul and his team made us so welcome even though we were strangers to his bar. Good selection of beers available, We were invited in for New Year's Eve, and what a fantastic night they gave us. Deserve their place in the Good Beer Guide. Lovely to see a true local that is so people and dog friendly. Scoobie the spaniel welcomed everyone too. Well done.
1 Jan 2009 10:02
Went in the Coalheavers in Peterborough and was told this pub is now open as a Milton pub. Will be visiting while in Norwich for the festival this week.
25 Oct 2008 15:29
Nearly missed this one, but walked down from the Hawkshead tap before catching the bus, and it is a real pub. Hadn't a lot of time, but enjoyed a Keswick beer.
8 Oct 2008 11:18
Hawkshead Brewery Beer Hall, Staveley
Called in to try the Hawkshead beers following my visit to Ings, and was not disappointed. We enjoyed the beers available.
8 Oct 2008 11:13
Called here by bus in August as I had heard they were now brewing, and what an experience. The two of us had 10 excellent different ales while there, along with a superb meal. Loved the photos of the dogs on the wall.
8 Oct 2008 11:10
Friendly roadside pub serving well kept ales when we called in during an overnight stop in August. Would like the council to clear up the folliage on the path needed to walk to this pub though as it is dangerous. Would like to call again and try the meals too when next in the area.
8 Oct 2008 11:01
The City Inn (Tavern An Dre), Truro
Lovely pub a short walk from the centre with a community local feel to it. Good ales and a suntrap of a garden. Always visit when on holiday in the area.
8 Oct 2008 10:57
Ferryboat Inn, Helford Passage
Caught a bus to visit this pub in August, and had quite a walk down to it, but what a fabulous location. Really enjoyed sitting outside with a couple of good ales, and also spent some time on the beach by the river. Couldn't eat there as we had the treck back up for the bus to face, but it did look good.
8 Oct 2008 10:51
Lovely pub up steps away from the town centre. Enjoyed a couple of Sharps beers here when we visited in August.
8 Oct 2008 10:47
Lovely pub serving great beer. Friendly landlord and interesting interior. Another chance of the Grandmas Weapon Grade Ginger Beer at 5.5% when we were there in August. Great so will be back next year when in the area again.
8 Oct 2008 10:42
I had no complaints about this "spoons" pub when we were there in August, and enjoyed the beers we had. Daytime so not over busy. Better than the "spoons" creche in Truro 100%. By creche I really mean the under 10 year olds who outnumbered adults! This one was great.
8 Oct 2008 10:38
A good ale house with great beers served by a friendly landlord. We called in August and enjoyed the beer and the Grandmas Weapons Grade Ginger Beer at 5.5% was a killer. Will call again next time I am down in Cornwall.
8 Oct 2008 10:34
Always call in here when in Truro, but the quality of the beers can be variable. Food is first class and usually a good choice of real ales.
8 Oct 2008 10:29
Called in while doing a bus trip round some of Cornwall's real ale pubs, and found this to be a friendly local selling good quality real ales.
8 Oct 2008 10:24
One of three pubs in Chacewater, and serves decent real ale, although the Britannia further up the road is the better pub for meals and ales in my opinion.
8 Oct 2008 10:21
Ran in here out of the rain to wait for the bus, and enjoyed a Skinners beer. Friendly local pub.
8 Oct 2008 10:13
Had a couple of great Skinners beers when we visited in July this year. Great to visit by bus, but bringing a car would be difficult for parking. Lovely location by river.
8 Oct 2008 10:11
A bit late writing up, but we had a super time here working our way along the spingo pumps in July, and loved the 6.8% special. We too found the honey and apple a little strange, but always visit when in Cornwall. Brilliant place.
8 Oct 2008 10:03
A welcome sight when I walked from St Ives to Hayle, and what a lovely garden to enjoy my real ale in.
20 Aug 2008 15:09
Lovely pub with a superb garden . Really enjoyed relaxing with the good ale on offer. We were too late for food that afternoon, but could not fault the beer.
20 Aug 2008 15:06
This is what a local should be. Great landlord serving great beer from a board with great choice. We have called in when on holiday for a few years now, and at last his own brewed Penzance beers were available and excellent too. I wish I lived 400 miles closer to this one. Best in Cornwall by far. No food available at time of calling, but food was not my reason for visit so it still gets a 10/10.
20 Aug 2008 15:03
Had a couple of great St Austell beers here soaking up the sun and atmosphere from the seating in front of the pub by the road. Yes handy for a brill pasty shop and welcome after a walk to the mount.
20 Aug 2008 14:58
Friendly pub with a small bar and a lovely back room with sofas. Looked quite cosy. Enjoyed an Otter and Skinners beer.
20 Aug 2008 14:54
Had a walk from town while doing Good Beer Guide pubs and enjoyed our ale sitting in the lovely sun trap of a garden.
20 Aug 2008 14:50
Beer quality was not up to standard, and like a lot of this chain, better lighting would be an improvement.
20 Aug 2008 14:48
Always call here to check out the real ale on offer, but agree that the board does not always reflect what is available. No problem with the beer though.
20 Aug 2008 14:45
Friendly pub full of locals, but I wish they would leave a gap at the bar to allow customers to get to it for service. Only one of the three pumps had ale on, but it was in good condition.
20 Aug 2008 14:41
This pub is a lovely multiroomed friendly pub with a good food menu and good real ale on. Enjoyed our visit on our wedding anniversary in July.
20 Aug 2008 14:38
Always visit when on holiday in Oban, but was disappointed in the beer quality this time. It seems that when nearing the bottom of the barrel the staff move it to let more beer through leaving it cloudy and not too pleasant to drink. Shame. It is a nice pub in good location though.
19 Aug 2008 11:26
The Tarrington Arms, Tarrington
I totally agree with comments made below. Our frst visit and we had a wonderful lunch from a set menu at very reasonable price. Wished we lived nearer to this one. There were 3 ales on and the Spinning Dog one I had was a little cloudy but tasted OK. Wye Valley was clear and I think that Spinning Dog brewery has the problem, not this pub. Will be back.
9 Jul 2008 17:41
Another disappointing visit as another beer being served from the bottom of the barrel. They tasted it and said yes it was getting to the bottom, then gave us another half of the same horrid beer. The Northumberland beer was OK but it seems to be their own beer that suffers, and it doesn't have so far to travel. I am wondering how it gets to stay in the Good Beer Guide if it stuggles to serve decent beer.
9 Jul 2008 10:16
Always a pub to visit when in Hereford and we enjoyed our Wye Valley Trekkers and Butty Bach on this visit. Have intersting rooms and an excellent courtyard area. Interesting features on the walls too. Friendly staff.
9 Jul 2008 10:10
Called in on our way back from Ledbury for a drink and to consider eating and were met at the door by a young man saying Are you eating here. That was a black mark as I don't like being approached in this way on entry to a pub. Although all the tables were not set for dining, most were. We got our Wadworth ales and a menu and the choice was good so we decided to eat there, even if a bit pricey. The meals were first class, the best we had while in the area I would say, and when I asked for gravy - I do like a lot, thgey brought a jug out for me. Portions good too. All young men working there, and seemed popular. Need to take away the over zealous welcome mat to be first class.
9 Jul 2008 10:05
Didn't have a lot of time to spend here as we dashed in for a quick half while waiting for a bus. Had a decent Wye Valley Dorothy Goodbodys Golden Ale. Friendly landlord and lovely pub dog. Very quiet when we were there.
9 Jul 2008 09:56
Black and White half timbered building serving Wadworth ales. Another deserved Good Beer Guide entry with good beers, and another reasonable priced and interesting food menu.
9 Jul 2008 09:51
Called in while looking up Good Beer Guide pubs in Ledbury and found it to be a charming old pub up a narrow lane of quaint shops. Had a Cottage beer and one the landlord wouldn't give the name of as there was a competition running to win a gallon of beer if you could guess the brewery and beer. Food menu looked good, but we were a little early to eat.
9 Jul 2008 09:49
Went looking for this pub for Sunday carvery as stated in the Good Beer Guide, but was told they are no longer on. We settled for the Sunday lunch and it was well served with good meat and veg but only 3 small roast potatoes seemed a bit skimpy. Enjoyed it though. The starter of Carot and Orange soup was excellent, and they had intersting breads on the table. No problem with the Wye Valley beers on tap.
9 Jul 2008 09:44
Called in for breakfast on our way to the excellent Hereford beer festival. When they arrived after a long wait the egg didn't appear cooked and it was taken back and promptly exchanged. Good beer though and an 8.2% at Wetherspoons prices cannot be bad.
9 Jul 2008 09:38
Called in for breakfast on our way to the excellent Hereford beer festival. When they arrived after a long wait the egg didn't appear cooked and it was taken back and promptly exchanged. Good beer though and an 8.2% at Wetherspoons prices cannot be bad.
9 Jul 2008 09:38
Friendly multi roomed town centre pub with traditional ales. A guest beer would have been a welcome sight, but the Wells and Youngs were enjoyable.
9 Jul 2008 09:32
The Woodcolliers Arms, Bewdley
Enjoyed a visit to this charming pub just off the centre of Bewdley and had a couple of ales from local breweries, Kinver and Ludlow. Comfortable old style pub with friendly staff deserve its Good Beer Guide entry.
9 Jul 2008 09:17
Enjoyed another visit to the Bell for the June beer festival with a good choice of well kept beers. I always make a point of calling in when in the area as it is the best around. Well done John and your team.
9 Jul 2008 09:12
Recommended this pub after a visit in April. Modern looking Wetherspoons. They are proud of their loos in this pub. Enjoyed the Grrene King Abbott Reserve at 6.5% here.
6 Jul 2008 11:01
Recommended this pub after a visit in April. It is on a village green, and we enjoyed real ales from Wells and Wychwood.
6 Jul 2008 10:57
Stanley Jefferson, Bishop Auckland
Recommended this pub after a visit in April. Enjoyed a couple of the foreign bers available from the Wetherspoons festival list at this pub. Both were excellent.
6 Jul 2008 10:54
Stanley Jefferson, Bishop Auckland
Recommended this pub after a visit in April. Enjoyed a couple of the foreign bers available from the Wetherspoons festival list at this pub. Both were excellent.
6 Jul 2008 10:54
Recommended this pub after a visit in April as I had heard of the famous Suddaby's pub. No longer brewing, but it had a Suddabys beer on, previously Malton brewery. Also enjoyed beers from Hambleton and Eastwood breweries.
6 Jul 2008 10:50
We were staying next to this pub at the caravan site in April, and it is mainly a food pub, although we did have a Greene King's Morland Old Speckled Hen. Large popular pub.
6 Jul 2008 10:45
Recommended this pub after a visit in April as it had good real ales available. Enjoyed one from Fernandes and one from Durham brewery. Recently refurbished.
6 Jul 2008 10:41
Recommended this pub after a visit in April. Enjoyed real ales from Daleside and Wold Top breweries. Appears to be a perfect all round pub to suit all tastes as it has good choice of ales and ciders, and good food too.
6 Jul 2008 10:37
I suggested this pub after a visit in April. Enjoyed beers from Black Sheep, Sharps and Yorkshire Dales breweries. Popular for food and music.
6 Jul 2008 10:33
I was advised to call into this pub by those running the Cardiff beer festival and what an unspoilt gem it is. Why can these buildings not be preserved in some way. Once its gone - its gone. Shame.
6 Jul 2008 10:16
I was advised to call into this pub by those running the Cardiff beer festival and what an unspoilt gem it is. Why can these buildings not be preserved in some way. Once its gone - its gone. Shame.
6 Jul 2008 10:16
Dashed up to this pub before catching a bus, but it was busy so I didn't manage to get served before having to leave. Lovely interior, and one to make sure of when next in the city.
6 Jul 2008 10:12
Enjoyed a Tomos Watlkin beer, and had Marston Old Umpire that may well be Old Empire. Nice pub.
6 Jul 2008 10:09
Enjoyed a Cottage and Bullmastiff beer in this interesting pub. Great to see choice of ales and deserves to be so popular.
6 Jul 2008 10:06
Called in while at the recent Cardiff beer festival, but did not have any of the available beers as I too was looking for guests.
6 Jul 2008 10:02
Enjoyed my Wyre Piddle, Piddle in the Hole beer at this riverside pub in the charming village. Popular for food too.
6 Jul 2008 09:45
Another great visit to this first class pub in the centre of Birmingham, and enjoyed beers from Derby, Worfield, Morton, Acorn and Tower. Good beer in perfect condition, and friendly staff make this a must when in Brum.
6 Jul 2008 09:42
The Royal Oak, Ellerdine Heath
First time in a long time that we had visited this pub and enjoyed the Sharps beer we had. Used to come for the cider festivals a few years back. It was known as the Tiddly then. Always a good pub with friendly staff and locals.
3 Jul 2008 12:26
The Shrewsbury Hotel, Shrewsbury
Enjoyed a couple of real ales with my food at a recent visit. Agree on the garden. It is still a typical Wetherspoons though.
3 Jul 2008 12:23
Have had reports of this pub and its fests for a couple of years, and just managed to visit for the first time for the May beer festival, and it is a cracking pub with friendly staff, and a good knowledge of their ales. There is now a micro brewery, Fallon Ales, and all the beers tried were good. It was great sitting in the outside seating area in the sun enjoying the ales.
3 Jul 2008 12:20
This is a superb pub and serves good quality real ales and plenty of them too. Lovely food at reasonable prices make it a good place to spend a bit of time. Multi roomed and situated under the arches of the railway.
3 Jul 2008 12:15
What a brilliant pub. My first visit and it was great to get the full range of the Pennine beers on, and all very enjoyable too. I had only ever had one of the old Porter range before so had a great time. Was told it is now safe for 5 years at least.
3 Jul 2008 12:11
Last port of call on my real ale bus trip, and really enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and good real ales. Plenty of ale choice, and yes this is a real pub. I do like the Welly in Brum though as it is my local.
3 Jul 2008 12:06
Called into this pub while doing a bus pub crawl in the area. 4 real ales on and we tried Taylor Landlord. There is a U shaped bar and a couple of rooms off the bar.
3 Jul 2008 11:56
Enjoyed both the real ales sampled at this pub while touring round by bus visiting real ale pubs in the area. Lovely pub too.
13 Jun 2008 17:13
Enjoyed both the real ales sampled while doing a crawl round by bus visiting Good Beer Guide pubs and any others we fancied in the villages visited.
13 Jun 2008 17:10
Caught a bus to Diggle and walked up to the pub. Wewere early and sat outside in pleasant surroundings till they opened up. Lovely location I agree, and well worth the visit. Good ales served by a friendly landlord.
5 Jun 2008 19:14
Called in and had an excellent meal and suprised to find real ale also being served as not all these eating establishments stock real ale.
5 Jun 2008 19:06
What a great place. Another recommendation that came up trumps. Great choice of well kept beer served by an extremely knowledgable and friendly landlady. Managed to get there more than once during our holiday, and will call again any time I am in the area.
5 Jun 2008 19:03
This is a pub I always read rave reviews for and thought I would never visit, but this year we made it and what a great place. Excellent choice of well kept beers.
5 Jun 2008 18:59
Another pub on my visit list and I too love to look round the interior tile work. We had a superb meal too on our last visit, and the ale choice and quality is brilliant. Some good strong brews too.
5 Jun 2008 18:56
Another pub on my must visit list when doing a Manchester crawl. Was pleasantly suprised on my first visit by the ale choice, and have never been disappointed.
5 Jun 2008 18:53
The Smithfield Hotel, Manchester
Always on my pubs to visit when doing a crawl of Manchester. Good beer and friendly staff.
5 Jun 2008 18:51
I found this pub in Summerseat while doing a crawl of Good Beer Guide pubs, and what a delightful place. There were a lot of Rangers fans in following the match with Russia in Manchester the day before, but they were in good spirits and playing football with the dog. The beer was excellent and the staff friendly.
5 Jun 2008 18:43
What a lovely pub. Great journey to get there up a cobbled lane by bus. Set in a delightful village with grand views from the garden. Served excellent Leyden beers and we sampled 4 of them.
5 Jun 2008 18:39
This is a fantastic pub and we called in a few times while on holiday for both the real ale and the food. Great selection of beers changed between visits and all well kept. Staff friendly and they have a lovely garden area too.
5 Jun 2008 18:35
This is a lovely pub and we called a few times while on holiday in the area, and most of the time it was fine, but I returned a beer I thought was off and was told it was fine and would not be exchanged, then found the pumpclip had been turned round as the beer was finished when I next went to the bar.
4 Jun 2008 23:23
Called in a few times while staying at the Caravan site in Burrs Park, and the food was good but the beer was not always in good condition. They did change regularly so had a good turnover of ales. Noisy when a football match on TV. Interesting layout, and lovely child friendly garden.
4 Jun 2008 23:11
This is a lovely pub I had not been to for a few years, and so called in while at the Banbury beer festival, and enjoyed the Lees beer that was on.
4 Jun 2008 23:07
Enjoyed a couple of beers in this pub with its interesting interior.
4 Jun 2008 19:12
What a fantastic pub with brill ales served by friendly landlord. Excellent condition in great surroundings. Not only a good selection of their own Atomic beers, but a good selection of guests from micro breweries.
4 Jun 2008 19:08
Enjoyed a Wells Bombardier in the sun trap of a garden at this friendly community local.
4 Jun 2008 19:04
Lovely friendly pub and we enjoyed the Petite Blonde too. Also had an excellent Oldershaw beer.
4 Jun 2008 18:59
Called in early afternoon, and just in time for an excellent meal to go with the excellent ales. Lovely interior.
4 Jun 2008 18:56
Enjoyed my visit to this friendly pub. Long single room with a TV at one end and darts at the other.
4 Jun 2008 18:53
Enjoyed my real ale in the sun trap of a courtyard of this grade ll listed pub.
4 Jun 2008 18:35
Enjoyed the food, the views and the beers in this pub. A beer that was off was changed without question.
4 Jun 2008 18:23
Enjoyed a couple of the best bagettes for a long time at this pub while sampling the excellent selection of real ales on offer. A wonderful suntrap of a beer garden, and spacious enough for both smokers and non smokers to enjoy.
30 Apr 2008 22:13
Has a great trip to sample some Sadlers beers, and were not disappointed. Tried the Mud City Stout and at 6.6% it tasted great.
30 Apr 2008 22:06
This was the best pub of the day for scooping different ales for me, and I enjoyed 3 different Durham beers. The Houston beer was off, but it was replaced. Got into a conversation with one of the friendly locals, and enjoyed my time here.
30 Apr 2008 21:59
The Shakespeare Tavern, Durham
This pub was recommended to us, and I enjoyed my Robinsons beer. We were in a small room, and it was very quiet.
30 Apr 2008 21:55
Enjoyed a new beer for me from Durham brewery at this lovely riverside pub. I had a wander outside and the garden area is very long down to the river, and must be lovely in the summer.
30 Apr 2008 21:49
Enjoyed my Castle Eden Ale while having a wander round this charming pub. The bar was busy, but it was quiet in the lounge.
30 Apr 2008 21:32
Called into this pub and it was busy during the day, but I was served by friendly staff. Enjoyed my beer while looking out over the square.
30 Apr 2008 21:15
I agree with everything said so far. I rate this one the best of all the pubs I did in Co. Durham this time around, not just Durham City. Enjoyed chatting to the lady behind the bar and some of the locals too. Wandered around to have a look at the decor of all the rooms, and it truly is a gem. Had some excellent real ales too from the North East breweries.
30 Apr 2008 21:10
Called in while doing a crawl of Durham and enjoyed a couple of Northumberland beers. Typical Wetherspoons.
30 Apr 2008 21:04
The Beaconsfield Hotel, Barnard Castle
Enjoyed a couple of Adnams beers in this large multi roomed pub recommended to us by family living in the area. We were in the lounge, and there is a conservatory and beer garden.
30 Apr 2008 21:00
Locomotion Number One, Heighington
Came on the train to find this Good Beer Guide pub, and was not disappointed with the beers offered. It was very pleasant in the outside suntrap.
29 Apr 2008 01:03
This pub was recommended and I could not fault the real ales on offer. The decor was a bit iffy to say the least, but it was a friendly pub.
29 Apr 2008 00:59
The Old Scalby Mills, Scarborough
Walked along the front to this pub and arrived like a drowned rat in a massive downpour. Enjoyed good real ale and black pudding a friendly local had put on the bar while my coat dried off in front of the fire.
29 Apr 2008 00:34
I called on the last day of their festival, and only IPA and Pedigree on. Asked why when the festival was still current and was told by the girl serving that she was not allowed to put new beers on so I left.
29 Apr 2008 00:23
This is a lovely pub with a good selection of ales and friendly staff. Enjoyed chatting to the barman who knew his ales.
29 Apr 2008 00:11
The Ivanhoe Hotel, Scarborough
Not far from the caravan site, we called in and were tempted to an excellent desert, but the ale was very pricey. Paid �3.24 for 2 halves of Old Peculier - a strong beer I know, but the first time I have paid over �3.
28 Apr 2008 23:33
The Town Wall Tavern, Coventry
This is one I love to visit while in town for the beer festival, and never disappoints. It has character and is a friendly place to visit too.
28 Apr 2008 23:28
I enjoyed my visit to this intersting pub while attending the recent beer festival. I look for unusual guest beers, and love the intersting rooms in this pub.
28 Apr 2008 23:20
The Three Tuns, Sutton Coldfield
Called in while in the area and found a delightful pub with different seating areas of varying styles, and I loved the central courtyard idea. There were screens all over, but did not intrude over conversation. Lovely Thwaites beers served, and although we didn't eat, the menu looked good.
11 Apr 2008 00:02
Called in on Tuesday and found 4 beers new to me. There would have been 5 but I had to return one as it had gone off and it was replaced - no problem. Still a brilliant pub for finding new brewery beers.
9 Apr 2008 23:23
Called in while looking for beers from the festival list, and managed to find a couple. Condition of the ale not as bad as Pear Tree, but not sparkling. Not my favourite spoons, and must admit I only call in when a festival is on.
9 Apr 2008 23:14
Always call in for a carvery while in the area, and usually have to book due to its popularity. As we were on the camp site next door we were able to visit Friday and Saturday, and an excellent meal we had too. Had Woods Shropshire Lad and Shropshire Lass and a Hop Back beer on Friday, and on Saturday a Newmans and RCH beer (Firebox 6%) were on. They are a bit pricey to spend a session there, but very good while having a meal.
9 Apr 2008 23:07
Called in to see what was on out of the festival beers. I had been in a couple of times to find only one beer off their list available, but at this visit there were a couple of the international beers on. Unfortunately the Cookie beer was past its best, and although they replaced it, the Yo Ho beer was nowhere near the one I had in Worcester. Poor cellar staff I reckon.
9 Apr 2008 23:00
I visited this pub as it has appeared in the Good Beer Guide, It is very modern and therefore appears cold compared to older traditional pubs, but there is nothing wrong with the service or the beer. Good choice of ales too. The young management deserve to do well.
2 Apr 2008 14:53
This is a popular town centre Victorian pub that is now in the Good Beer Guide. It is very interesting to wander round, and has a heated courtyard. I enjoyed a Jennings beer here.
2 Apr 2008 14:44
This is a lovely pub by the canal in Wolveley. I enjoyed a seasonal beer from Marstons.
2 Apr 2008 14:39
Called in to see what was on offer from their festival list, and found a couple I had not had. Always look in while going back for the bus from the Wellington, and usually find a new beer to try. I have no problems with this Wetherspoons.
2 Apr 2008 14:26
Another enjoyable early evening spent with friends round a table with an excellent selection of ales to choose from. All in brilliant condition and promptly served. Also enjoy the anticipation of waiting to see what is to come on by watching the beer list on the screen when one of the beers is finished.
2 Apr 2008 14:23
Enjoyed my visit yesterday as there was the best choice of Wetherspoons beer festival beers available thay I have seen so far. All those I had were in excellent condition. Well done.
2 Apr 2008 13:54
Lord Burton, Burton-Upon-Trent
Called in for breakfast before going to the Burton beer festival and was disappointed by the choice of beers available from the Wetherspoons own festival The beer chosen was OK but the breakfast was poor as most of the items were cold. Very dark inside, but the garden area looked brilliant.
31 Mar 2008 10:14
It was quiet when we called in shortly after opening, but it was a warm welcome we got and what a good choice of ales available. We wandered round the rooms and enjoyed the real fires. They do so much make a difference to the feel of a pub.
26 Mar 2008 23:54
The Coach and Horses, Shrewsbury
This is a lovely friendly pub with a good choice of ales. Interesting rooms, and a back bar as well that we nearly missed with different ales on.
26 Mar 2008 23:38
Called in on spec as we were passing while doing Good Beer Guide pubs and found a friendly local with a good guest real ale on.
26 Mar 2008 23:34
Pleasantly suprised by the choice of beers for a Banks pub, and enjoyed those we tried. Friendly staff able to give information about the ales being served.
26 Mar 2008 23:30
What a lovely local pub this is with friendly staff and good ale. The garden is great with the old timbers forming an interesting smokers shelter.
26 Mar 2008 23:25
This pub was a favourite before the smoking ban as it was a non smoking pub, and it is still a gem for real ales.
26 Mar 2008 23:22
This is a typical Ember Inn with good food and ales on offer. Spacious and clean.
26 Mar 2008 23:17
A nice pub with character and we enjoyed the choice of real ales on offer as well as the meals.
26 Mar 2008 23:12
What a lovely pub. We walked in from Chester and enjoyed the ales on offer. Friendly staff made us welcome, and we enjoyed the comfortable surroundings.
26 Mar 2008 23:08
The pub was busy when we called but we managed seats and eventually got served at the bar through the queue and those hogging the bar area while talking after getting served. One of the beers we had was returned as it was not right, and I had a job convincing the staff to change it. A friend took his back to ask if it was OK and managed to get the beer changed for both of us.
26 Mar 2008 23:04
I enjoyed a visit to this pub in 2004 and was looking forward to visiting again this year. We enjoyed the choice of ales and had no problem with the television screens as they were not loud. It was busy but we had no problem with the service. Lovely outside area by the canal.
26 Mar 2008 22:52
Lovely L shaped drinking area round the bar. Wooden floors nd comfortable seating. Good choice of ales on offer, and friendly staff.
26 Mar 2008 22:46
Called in for a meal and enjoyed the Station House ale on offer. Really hectic and had a wait for service.
26 Mar 2008 22:42
Great to find a beer festival on when calling in this Good Beer Guide pub. Had a wander round the rooms, and enjoyed the variety of ales on offer.
Difficult to find a seat the next time we called and were driven crazy by the loud speakers for the football that is screened on all 3 floors. Standing room only and we nearly left but did secure a table to have a meal. Could do with a quieter area. Enjoyed the food, but were glad to get out despite the good ales.
26 Mar 2008 22:38
I visited with friends while staying in Chester for Easter and enjoyed wandering round this interesting pub while drinking the excellent real ale. Yes - there were a lot of rules on an outside board as to who was welcome, and the pub did close shortly after we left, but it is one to visit while in the area.
26 Mar 2008 22:33
This is a community local, and they were enjoying their football on the TV when I called so it was a bit noisy. It is the brewery tap for Shardlow brewery, so there was a brilliant choice of real ales on, guests as well as their own. The decor in the ladies was first class. Bright yellow with giant sunflowers and dozy bees painted on the walls and doors.
19 Mar 2008 14:50
What a wonderful place this is. A converted farmhouse made into a pub/restaurant and a real ale brewery too. Heaven, especially as the food was a brilliant carvery. A lot of wooden lodges were being put up round the carpark, so could be a good place to stay. The real ales were excellent, and the staff friendly.
19 Mar 2008 14:46
Popular pub overlooking the river Trent with a good selection of real ales. Two interesting rooms. Had Tollgate and Black Hole beers and enjoyed both.
19 Mar 2008 14:40
This is a friendly local on the outskirts of town with really old fashioned decor, a bit of the 50's feel to it. The customers and staff shared a lively banter and it was very much a community local. Papers laid about on seats and a large old TV standing in one corner gave it a lived in feel.Enjoyed my Pedigree too.
19 Mar 2008 14:35
The King and Castle, Kidderminster
Lovely station pub with a choice of real ales. Enjoyed the Wyre Piddle house beer, and a couple of guest beers.
19 Mar 2008 14:17
Ye Olde Seven Stars, Kidderminster
Lovely friendly pub with good real ales. They have a take your own food policy. I don't know if this is abused but one table had about 4 children aged around 2 and it was a bit noisy as they supplied the kids with their food and drink. Brilliant garden for the summer.
19 Mar 2008 14:14
Lovely pub with good choice of real ales, and plenty of interesting rooms with lots of old items on shelves. Food menu was great, and so was the food.
19 Mar 2008 14:10
Service was a bit slow, but we were served with reasonable real ale. Had to take a load of crockery off an uncleared table before we could get our drinks on. Extremely busy, but a member of staff advised us on other real ale pubs in the area to try. Toilets clean.
19 Mar 2008 14:07
While staying in the area we had a walk to this village local and enjoyed Jennings Amber Ale. The pub had a good atmosphere and as strangers we were welcome.
19 Mar 2008 13:58
Called in on my way down to the Lamp and enjoyed a Burton Bridge real ale. It was a bit noisy from the racing from Cheltenham on the screens, and all those in the bar including the staff seemed to be very involved in betting on the races. No problem with the beer though.
12 Mar 2008 14:51
Called in as I was visiting the Good Beer Guide pubs in the area, and enjoyed both the Wells Bombardier and my food. There was a great choice of reasonably priced food, and I was served by friendly staff.
12 Mar 2008 14:47
This was a nicely laid out Wetherspoons with a good choice of real ale. Clean and tidy with a lovely fire burning. Enjoyed my beer. Lovely garden area for summer visiytors, and an upstairs seating area. Friendly staff and good service.
12 Mar 2008 14:43
The Rawson Spring, Hillsborough
This is a pretty new Wetherspoons and is lovely inside. There are a couple of rooms off the main area, and a lovely outside seating area too. The beer range is excellent for a Wetherspoon pub, possibly because of its location in a prime real ale trail hotspot. Well worth a visit each time I go to Sheffield.
6 Mar 2008 11:59
Visited this charming local pub in August 07 while in Worcester for the beer festival that didn't happen due to the floods last year. Enjoyed a Hop Back beer while looking round the interesting rooms in this friendly local.
6 Mar 2008 11:56
Visited this Good Beer Guide pub in July 07 as it was a true free house and had removed keg beers. Enjoyed beers from Consett and Fenland breweries. Went into the outside area as it was packed inside.
6 Mar 2008 11:49
Visited this charming friendly hotel bar while in Newstead for the Mansfield beer festival in March last year, then again for the Ashfield festival in June. An outlet for Oakwell bitter and Old Tom. Interesting rooms to wander round while enjoying the beer.
6 Mar 2008 11:42
Visited this lovely old pubwhile doing a crawl of Coventry, and enjoyed a Titanic beer. Large L shaped bar area, and an interesting clock table in one area. They pride themselves on the number of real ales they sell, and it was well served. Large garden.
6 Mar 2008 11:33
Had a drive out to this Good Beer Guide pub for a meal in April 07 and enjoyed both the meal and beer in the outside seating area with its pleasant surroundings by the river. Good selection of ales available in this converted old mill, and I enjoyed the Wolf and Woodforde's with our meal.
6 Mar 2008 11:28
Shrubbery Cottage, Stourbridge
I visited this pub while doing a Stourbridge crawl in April 07 as it was in the 2007 Good Beer Guide. I was there before opening time so sat out in the pleasant garden that had been a putting green as the markings were still on the lawn. Enjoyed my Holdens bitter.
6 Mar 2008 11:24
This was a hard pub to find when I visited in April 07. It was in 2007 Good Beer Guide and I was doing a pub crawl of Stourbridge at the time. It was quiet at the time of my visit, and I enjoyed the Banks beer I had there.
6 Mar 2008 11:21
Visited this large pub with its ornate decor in November last year, and enjoyed the Old Bear and Daleside beers on offer. Not all pumps had beer available for a Saturday afternoon. Comfy seating areas and friendly staff.
6 Mar 2008 11:17
Shoulder of Mutton, Strumpshaw
This was a large pub with Adnams beers on offer when we visited in October last year. Felt a bit put out by the locals sitting round the bar as it was difficult to get served and the atmosphere was not too friendly towards us as visitors, so we didn't stay long.
6 Mar 2008 11:12
Mariners Tavern, Great Yarmouth
Enjoyed a visit to this friendly pub in October last year. There was a good real ale selection available, and comfy sofa seating. Enjoyed wandering round, and there were interesting paintings on the walls.
6 Mar 2008 11:09
Went looking for this pub while in the area last October as we knew the landlord from the Bartons at Birmingham, and he kept a good cellar. We did not expect to find such a wonderful pub. Lit by candles as there is not electricity throughout, and a lovely atmosphere from boating and walking visitors. A bit of a nightmare to find by car but well worth it. Great food and great beer. Had a wander round as it is an interesting pub.
6 Mar 2008 11:06
Visited this pub in October 07 as it was a new Good Beer Guide entry since I was last in the area. It is not set up like a pub inside as there is a Chinese dining room next door, and the pub area is more like a waiting area to be seated in the dining room. They do however serve good real ales from a traditional bar area. We were unable to get food as it is advisable to book, so went outside to enjoy our ale. It was great as on the next table a man was playing a guitar for the group with him, and it was a lovely evening.
6 Mar 2008 11:01
Enjoyed a visit to this Good Beer Guide pub while in Bridgnorth for the beer festival in September 07. It has been renovated to a great standard, and serves good real ales both from the bar in the pub, and a new bar outside where the brewery is. There are plenty of handpulls with a good choice of both their own Bridgnorth beers and guests.
6 Mar 2008 10:55
Enjoyed a visit to this Good Beer Guide pub while in Tamworth for the beer festival in September 07. They stock local real ales, and we enjoyed a Blythe beer as well as one from the bigger Oakham brewery. An interesting old pub to wander round.
6 Mar 2008 10:51
This is a true local that we visited in August 07 while in the town for the beer festival. Enjoyed a chat with locals while drinking Jennings Fish King. Comfortable pub with a friendly atmosphere.
6 Mar 2008 10:47
Visited this lovely Good Beer Guide pub while in Plymouth for the beer festival in July 07. It can be entered from 2 different streets, and they lead to different atmospheres in the bar areas. Great seating outside one entrance for people watching while enjoying the good beer.
6 Mar 2008 10:44
Visited this pub in July 07 for a meal while on the way to the Lizard. Enjoyed both the lasagne and Skinners Betty Stogs in the large clean bar area.
6 Mar 2008 10:40
At last I have found this pub here. I suggested it months ago when it reopened as it will become a real ale haven, but it is in Wednesfield and I have always looked for its posting there. It is a short bus ride from Wolverhampton on the 559 and is a real old fashioned pub with a good well stocked real ale bar with excellent ales on offer. There is a back room with piano still there, and it is being lovingly done up. They have started having beer festivals and the next one is 21 - 24 March 08.
6 Mar 2008 10:36
I visited this Good Beer Guide pub in June 07 and found the ales to be in good condition. The beers were from micros rather than big breweries, and I enjoyed ales from Nottingham and Kelburn breweries. It is an interesting pub to wander round and look at the rooms.
6 Mar 2008 10:30
Enjoyed our local real ales while on a visit to this pub in July 07. It was busy, and we did have food but it was not really up to scratch - probably because it was so busy. The added attraction is being able to go into the jail area from the pub, and that is really worth a visit.
6 Mar 2008 10:25
Called at this friendly local while staying at the ostrich farm to visit Tewkesbury beer festival in February. Enjoyed the Bass served, and tried the Guinness Red for the first time.
6 Mar 2008 10:22
I visited this pub in December 07 and it served Wadworth and Sharps beers, but they were not to a very good standard. Popular with young locals and was a bit noisy. There was a dining area where it was quiet though.
6 Mar 2008 10:18
This was a delightful find in York, recommended to me by someone in one of York's other real ale pubs. This is not a pub but a cafe bar, yet there were 3 real ales on offer when I visited in December 07. The ales offered were also from micros and I had a Hambleton Belly Warmer. Although the ground floor level is small, there are rooms upstairs and I enjoyed wandering round too. It is an old timbered building and I hope it does well.
6 Mar 2008 10:13
Visited this pub in November 07 and it was full of enthusiastic sports fans watching a large screen so was a little noisy. Had a Caledonian and Black Sheep real ale, and both were average condition.
6 Mar 2008 10:07
Visited this comfortable single room pub with plenty of cricketing memorabilia around the walls in November 07 and enjoyed the atmosphere and the beer.
6 Mar 2008 10:04
Called in on a Monday early evening and enjoyed a Moorhouse and a Coach House beer. There was a good choice of beer, and the customers were friendly in the front bar. The rear rooms are lovely, but were quiet when I called, and there were quite a few enjoying the seating in the large area to the rear of the pub. Best one to visit when in Moseley.
5 Mar 2008 23:17
Goose At The Fighting Cocks, Moseley
It is some time since I visited this pub and I was pleasantly suprised by the interior now. I enjoyed wandering round while drinking the excellent ale. It was not busy at the time and I had no trouble with the service. Food menu looked interesting too, and it was great to see the choice of micro breweries on tap.
5 Mar 2008 23:01
I speak as I find and on Monday I tried one of their new dishes from the menu, and it was great. Well cooked and very tasty. The beers were also superb and I have noted it as one of the better Wetherspoons in the area, certainly better than the Pear Tree where you almost need a torch to find your way around it is so dark.
5 Mar 2008 22:57
I visited this pub in August 2007 and it was a wonderful pub. I had tried visiting a few years ago when it was in the Good Beer Guide but it was always closed when I visited. It is now back in the 2008 guide and belongs there. Good food and superb real ale.
5 Mar 2008 22:49
The Burton Bridge Inn, Burton-Upon-Trent
Enjoyed a selection of Burton Bridge ales while visiting the town, and also the excellent reasonably priced food. One to visit when in the town. Lovely rooms with a homely feel to them.
5 Mar 2008 22:37
Called in while on a visit to Burton, and found it to be a modern bar with the chrome look to it. Clean and tidy with no real atmosphere. The ales were good, and they also served from the stillage area that could be viewed through a large window.
5 Mar 2008 22:32
Enjoyed a good selection of beers on this visit, including their own Ale Mary. Also enjoyed the food and won't miss this pub when in the area.
5 Mar 2008 22:23
Called in before going to the beer festival as I wanted a good breakfast, and it was a good breakfast too. The toast was served on two separate plates, not dumped on top of the beans like some Wetherspoons served it, or left for two to try and spread butter and jam on one plate. The beer was varied and excellent too.
17 Feb 2008 23:05
Visited this wonderful pub to enjoy the beer festival being held this weekend, and enjoyed some superb ales. It is a great pub to wander round and admire the decor, and the food is also something they should be proud of. A well run ship with friendly staff.
15 Feb 2008 23:36
I had a lovely Tuesday session in the Wellington, and found 5 new beers, including an Isle of Purbeck and Ufford that I have not seen very often. Great to see beers from newer breweries on offer.There was a lovely atmosphere due to the friendly staff and customers
14 Feb 2008 10:27
Enjoyed an early evening visit to this delightful friendly pub. A couple of guest beers were enjoyed in tip top condition from Elland and Howards Town breweries.
14 Feb 2008 10:18
Combermere Arms, Wolverhampton
This is a friendly multiroomed pub with interesting features. There is a covered courtyard, and it has apparantly got a tree growing in the gents. I enjoyed my real ale, and there were plenty of people enjoyng food when I was there.
10 Feb 2008 13:05
Somers Sports and Social Club, Halesowen
When visiting Halesowen this is a great club to call into with a fantastic range of around 10 real ales, and friendly staff. The club is in an old house in extensive grounds, and in the summer the outdoor seating area overlooking the bowling green is very pleasant.
10 Feb 2008 13:01
Great Western Arms, Moreton in Marsh
Called into the Great Western on New Years Eve for a meal at lunchtime, and enjoyed the meal and our Hook Norton beer in this pub with a modern lounge and beautiful views.
10 Feb 2008 12:43
I hadn't been to this pub for a while as I had poor beer on a couple of visits, but had heard there was a Saltaire beer I hadn't tried so risked it. I was pleasantly suprised as the beer was good,as was the service. Will call again when back in Sheffield.
10 Feb 2008 12:02
The Hillsborough Hotel, Sheffield
Another great visit to the Hillsborough, and I was tempted by the liver and bacon at �4. Excellent value. Enjoyed the Church End and Bridgnorth beers with my meal.
10 Feb 2008 11:59
I called in to this old pub on the main blue tram route towards Hillsborough, and enjoyed a Castle Rock and Wentworth beer. I had been in January on my last visit to Sheffield. The pub has been having renovations done, and the windows have been done since my last visit. The beer prices here are the cheapest I have come across with one of the beers at �1.10 a pint. Both excellent quality too. Deserves to be on the real ale trail. Not far from the Hillsborough Hotel.
10 Feb 2008 11:52
Another visit to Sheffield, and again enjoyed my visit to this pub. It was quiet, and we enjoyed a new Abbeydale beer for us, and a Globe beer. Both excellent. I have eaten here before, and the food was good and reasonably priced.
10 Feb 2008 11:45
The Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield
Always on my Sheffield agenda when doing an ale trail, and never disappoints. Excellent ales and food, great staff, and like the Fat Cat, has a cat in residence (all pubs should have one). Enjoyed my Alehouse and White Rose beers along with a steak pie. Great atmosphere.
10 Feb 2008 11:40
Called in as usual when visiting Sheffield, and enjoyed a Kelham Island and Tigertops beer. The lady behind the bar has always been friendly when I have called, and she chatted about the wheat beer from Tigertops, so knows her beers.
10 Feb 2008 11:35
Had a great time here on my visit to Sheffield with a wide variety of real ales on the bar. Friendly staff and enjoyed the banter with both staff and customers while enjoying the good quality ales. Always one to visit.
10 Feb 2008 11:26
Called in to pick up a new Acorn beer not had before, and found it pleasantly quiet as it was lunchtime. At my last visit in January I didn't have anything as I had gone in for a breakfast, and they had run out of food due to the local derby footy being played. The beer was good at this visit.
10 Feb 2008 11:18
I suggested this pub a couple of times in 2007 when doing the real ale trail in Sheffield as this bisto bar has opened up on that trail. It started with two real ales, but now has three on offer, and the breweries are not the standard big firms, but smaller micros so it is worth popping in.
6 Feb 2008 10:31
We called in this pub as it was a new entry in the Good Beer Guide since our previous visit to this town. I was pleased to see that they served beer from micro breweries rather than just standard major breweries, and we enjoyed Storm Ale Force in this friendly pub.
6 Feb 2008 09:56
We use the caravan site up the road from this friendly local, and I was suprised to be recognised by the barman 12 months after my previous visit. The food and real ale was excellent on this visit on 18.1.08.
6 Feb 2008 09:53
Flying Childers, Stanton In Peak
I suggested this pub after a visit in June 07, and so cannot remember a lot now. It was a pleasant pub and I had an excellent Tom Wood's beer. The history of the pub was on the wall I remember as it was named I believe after a racehorse.
6 Feb 2008 09:50
Darlington Snooker Club, Darlington
I suggested this one following my visit in June 07, and because I was pleasantly suprised by the range of real ales available. I had beers from High House, York, and Yorkshire Dales brewery, all well served by friendly knowledgable staff. Definately one to visit in Darlington.
6 Feb 2008 09:47
Redesdale Arms, Moreton-In-Marsh
I visited this smart bar on 31.12.07 while spending New Year in Moreton in Marsh, and enjoyed an excellent Courage Best.
6 Feb 2008 09:40
I visited this pub on 4.12.07 while looking up Good Beer Guide pubs, and although it looked to be a friendly back street local, I was disappointed to find no real ale available. There were 2 handpumps showing Ansells beers, but I was told the only beer being served was M & B keg.
6 Feb 2008 09:36
I have had 2 great visits this month. Last week I attended the presentation of CAMRA pub of the year 2007 and a great night it was too. I was there again last night for my Haggis and Neeps. There was a superb selection of Scottish Ales, well served as usual in this friendly local.
25 Jan 2008 11:10
This is a grat pub to drink in and eat in. Loely choice of real ales, and in good condition too. The passageway down by the toilets has been done up since my last visit, and very nice too. Lovely rooms of character and superb garden. Great place tovisit.
25 Jan 2008 11:03
Enjoyed another visit to this lovely dog friendly pub. No problem with the beer or the service.
25 Jan 2008 11:00
This was a nice clean looking pub when we visited, very much for the locals. Could do with real ale selection from some of the micro breweries instead of standard for the guest ales.
25 Jan 2008 10:58
This is a lovely pub to visit. It still has interesting small rooms and they serve good quality real ale from a variety of breweries. By a canal and boatyard, and holds real ale beer festivals.
25 Jan 2008 10:56
The Coach and Horses, Weatheroak Hill
This is a first class real ale pub with a great selection of their own beers and a good variety of guest beers so it is always good for a visit by real ale drinkers. There is a good choice for food in a basic bar area, a comfortable lounge, or in the restaurant that has been added on to the pub. The garden is a haven in the summer too. Great place to visit anytime.
25 Jan 2008 10:53
This looked a nice clean pub, but could do with some interesting guest real ales on.
25 Jan 2008 10:49
The Blue Bell Cider House, Hockley Heath
Called in while doing a tour round Good Beer Guide pubs in the area, and found this to be a delightful pub by the canal. ovely warm fire, and it was great to see a guest real ale from a brewery that was not run of the mill. Good quality ale too.
25 Jan 2008 10:46
We called at this pub as it was in the Good Beer Guide, but were disappointed by the quality of the real ale on offer. We had both Wells Bombardier and Marstons Pedigree, but they were not quite up to standard. Maybe as it was just after New Year, but that should not be the case. The pub is very nice inside though, pleasant surroundings to drink in.
25 Jan 2008 10:38
I visited this charming pub in October and suggested it then. We were staying in Norwich, and were having a look for interesting real ale pubs in the Good Beer Guide to visit. The pub was quiet as we got there for opening time, but we spent a pleasant hour chatting with the landlord while drinking the beer on offer. We had a Wentworth, Brentwood and Bateman beer, all in good condition.
7 Jan 2008 00:56
I visited this lovely friendly pub in July 07 and suggested it for this site then. It had good real ales on offer in pleasant surroundings and the food was good too.
7 Jan 2008 00:30
This is by way of an apology as it was not this pub where the lady left the bar to serve food. I had no problem with service here.
3 Jan 2008 17:55
This is a great looking pub, and it is usually full so something must be right. I was wary about going back as I had been served from glasses on the drip tray that had been standing for a while last time I was there, but my drink was served from the pump, although from where I was standing I could see a glass on one of the trays.
3 Jan 2008 15:07
It was rather busy when we called, but we were able to find a seat and enjoyed a Brakspear beer we had not seen before. Good atmosphere.
3 Jan 2008 15:01
Enjoyed a lovely meal and excellent real ales in this friendly pub. It was busy being Saturday after Christmas, but we had no trouble getting served and the food was prompt.
3 Jan 2008 14:57
The Bookbinders Ale House, Oxford
Enjoyed a Shepherd Neame seasonal beer well served in this friendly pub. Plenty to see with intersting decor.
3 Jan 2008 14:54
Looks a back street local, but is comfortable and friendly serving good Fullers beers.
3 Jan 2008 14:51
Visited this pub a few years ago and spent �3 a pint for Adnams Broadside. Current price is now �3.20 for the Broadside and also for Hook Norton Old Hooky. Apart from beer prices it is a nice pub.
3 Jan 2008 14:48
Enjoyed a Hardy and Hansons (G.King) and Davenports in this small friendly pub. Lovely cosy feel to the pub and nice decor.
3 Jan 2008 14:04
The Black Bear, Moreton in Marsh
Called in a couple of times while in Moreton for New Year, and decided to see New Year in at this pub. Great choice as we had a super time. Closed to newcomers from 10pm, then we had a bit of Karaoke and screens showing festivities from other places. Lovely friendly atmosphere and good buffet laid on at no cover charge. Staff brilliant, and we were reluctant to leave near 2am. By the way, enjoyed the Donnington Ales and the malt whisky too.
3 Jan 2008 13:55
In Moreton for a few days to clebrate New Year, and called in a few times while here. Real Ale was OK with regulars and one or two guests coming on.
3 Jan 2008 13:50
Enjoyed a couple of Wentworth beers on our visit this time. Was busy with food and this has to be a good sign of its popularity.
3 Jan 2008 13:35
Oh I do like this comfortable friendly pub. Called in on our last day in York when doing the rounds, and it was the only one I wanted to stay in. The locals as well as the staff were so friendly. It was a shame about the W & D tie, but there was a Bateman Rosey Nosey and Marstons Ugly Sisters, so there was a better choice than most W & D houses.
3 Jan 2008 13:31
Another great York brewery pub serving a good selection of guests alongside their own fine beers. Enjoyed a York seasonal and an Oldershaw stout.
3 Jan 2008 13:26
A lovely old pub with a great interior. Good choice of Wentworth beers on. Had the Rampant Rudolph at a good 6.2% and it went down very well. Service not too good as the one girl working kept having to leave the bar to serve food.
3 Jan 2008 13:24
The Yorkshire Terrier Inn, York
Another good York brewery pub with guests. Enjoyed the York Decade and Castle Rock Robin.
3 Jan 2008 13:19
Always like to call into this pub when in York, and enjoyed an Outlaw and Daleside beer this time. Sat in the panelled room with the books, and actually got a couple of the books down for a browse as it was quiet in there. Always wanted to do that. Friendly staff and fine ales.
3 Jan 2008 13:16
Enjoyed an Oldershaw ale in this fine York brewery pub. It is good to see such an excellent choice of beers. Comfortable and friendly atmosphere too.
3 Jan 2008 13:12
This is another pub we enjoy visiting when in York on holiday. It also gives us an excuse to get up on the walls for a walk. Brilliant choice of ales well served by knowledgable and friendly staff.
3 Jan 2008 13:10
This is always a must as we are always made welcome. Handy for caravanning visitors to pop into when going out in the town, and calling back in for a nightcap. Good choice of real ales. Like the layout. Enjoyed a seasonal Salamander and a Rudgate stout on my last visit this time.
3 Jan 2008 13:07
This is another must for real ale lovers coming to York. Lovely comfortable pub with a good choice of ales on offer.
3 Jan 2008 12:58
This pub is a must for any real ale fans visiting York. Intersting interior and excellent food. Good choice of ales available and served well by knowledgable staff. What more do you want. Near enough to the station to pop in.
3 Jan 2008 12:54
Brigantes Bar and Brasserie, York
I picked up a Christmas menu for this pub in my local in Birmingham, and as we were going for Christmas called in for a meal on 23rd. We were not disappointed by either the excellent food or the choice of real ales on offer, and enjoyed particularly the Leeds Midnight Bell. Excellent.
3 Jan 2008 12:51
Enjoyed a Highgate seasonal beer here while visiting for Xmas period. Handy for station.
3 Jan 2008 12:46
Called in on a busy Tuesday evening before Christmas and had 5 excellent beers. Enjoyed the banter with customers and staff. Much nicer without the smoke when it is so packed. Difficult to see the bar at times with so many drinkers sitting and standing in front of it with their drinks, but when it is so busy there is nowhere to disperse to after service.
19 Dec 2007 12:47
Called to visit for the beer festival, and had not been since Fantasy brewery festival days. Enjoyed the selection on offer and there was a good choice of new breweries too. The beers were in good condition, and the staff were friendly and helpful.
17 Dec 2007 23:33
Called in for the recent beer festival that I had not seen advertised but heard about in the Vaults. There was a good range of beers available, and I enjoyed those I had.
17 Dec 2007 23:29
Came to Leicester for the various pub beer festivals, and enjoyed the selection of beers and the company in this pub. I had no problem with any of the beers served from the stillage, or with the staff serving the beers. Enjoyed the cheese and onion bap too.
17 Dec 2007 23:25
Called in for the beer festival, but found the staff very confused by what beers were available. Although the festival was advertised as 14-16 Dec a lot of the beers were not coming on until the following Thursday, and every time someone asked for a beer she had to check if it was on or not. The quality of the beer I had was great though.
17 Dec 2007 23:21
Called in for breakfast prior to going to beer fetivals at the Vaults, Criterion and Ale Wagon. Ordered 2 breakfasts and had 2 halves of beer. Checked receipt and found the wrong table number had been entered so back to the bar to have it corrected. Long wait for breakfast, lad was looking for the wrong table number! When the plates came, one had no hash browns and the other no mushrooms. Had a laugh with the folks on the next table as they were having similar problems. He took the meals away, and returned with one plate, the one without the mushrooms. Told him again there were no mushrooms, and it went away again. We were finally served with 2 breakfasts that by now were nearlly cold. Not one I would aim for again.
17 Dec 2007 23:15
After waiting 15 minutes for service today, I asked for a half of the Ventnoe Golden Bitter as I had not had it before. I had looked along the clips to see the real ale on offer before deciding on my choice. The barmaid went along the bar and I could see her pulling a beer off, and she brought a pint back. She did go back to get the half I had asked for though. I was puzzled as I had not seen the Ventnoe further up the bar, so I went and had a look to see what I had been served. It appeared to be Greene King Abbott, so I waited till she was free again and asked what she had served me. She said the Ventnoe had run out (even though the clip was facing customers) so SHE decided to serve me the Abbott!!!!!! This is not what I expect from ANY pub. I did get my money back as I did not want the cloudy Abbott.
17 Dec 2007 23:05
The George and Dragon, Much Wenlock
Lovely village pub with a choice of real ales in a cosy atmosphere. Had a Hobsons and a Titanic beer. The outside seating area looked as though it would be pleasant in the summer.
10 Dec 2007 00:10
Congratulations to the Anchor for being awarded Birmingham CAMRA pub of the year 2007. Gerry and the staff deserve the praise for the excellent beer they serve from the micro breweries, both from new and old favourites. Nice to see the decorators in too. Well done.
6 Dec 2007 21:46
Called in as it was a Good Beer Guide entry that I had not visited before. Chain pub that had a welcoming feel to it and I had no problem with the staff or the beer.
6 Dec 2007 21:41
Called in as this pub is a Good Beer Guide entry I had not visited before, and as it was early, it was quiet. It may be a chain pub, but I found no problem with the staff or the real ale. Looked welcoming too.
6 Dec 2007 21:38
Visited this stylish bistro early on a Tuesday lunchtime and is was quiet, and I had a Church End beer. It was served well enough, but �3.00 a pint for a 3.8% beer seemed a little steep.
6 Dec 2007 21:11
Called into this pub on a recent visit as we had found a Young's guest beer last time we visited, but the extra real ale handpumps appear to have been removed. The beers available were mainstream real ales but were served well, and we enjoyed the food we had too.
6 Dec 2007 21:09
The Crown and Trumpet Inn, Broadway
Visited this pub a few times for both the real ale and the food last weekend when the shops were opening late. Had no problem with either, and enjoyed the Stroud, Stanway, RCH, and Taylor beers. The Saturday night entertainment was first class.
6 Dec 2007 21:03
Although I live in the area I had not been to this pub before, and visited today with a rambling group doing the Canal and Rea Valley walkway. We had booked a meal in advance, and what a feast it was. A two course meal for �3.95 was unbelievable good value, and superb food. It is a Marstons house so the choice was limited to Banks and Pedigree, but I enjoyed my visit there.
28 Nov 2007 23:12
Ye Olde Murenger House, Newport
Easily the best pub we visited in Newport with excellent ale and friendly atmosphere. Had a wander round to see the different areas and enjoyed the unchanged over time kind of feel to the place.
28 Nov 2007 22:55
Called in for a couple of beers and a meal, and had no real problem with the beer, but was not over impressed with the food.
28 Nov 2007 22:50
I enjoyed my visit to this pub but was a little disappointed by the short supply of real ales. I had heard there were 10 on, but we called on the Thursday of Dudley beer festival and there were only about half that number on. The beer was excellent though, and it is a lovely pub with a large conservatory.
28 Nov 2007 22:46
Enjoyed a visit to this friendly Holdens pub in Bilston and the beer was excellent. I love looking round the walls at the posters and the character drawings, and as I was told by the lady behind the bar it is like a museum.
28 Nov 2007 22:41
I visited this pub along with friends on a Saturday afternoon and was made very welcome by Colin and his friends. It was quiet so I had a chance to look around the pub. I had been before, and although female, looked forward to another visit to this wacky pub. Colin put one of his records on in the lounge and we had a friendly chat about his beer that we were enjoying. I would visit again when in the area.
28 Nov 2007 22:30
The Brewers Arms, West Malvern
Had a trip to find this Good Beer Guide pub, and it was certainly worth it. We enjoyed the food in the company of the pub cat, and had no problem with the quality of the beer. Enjoyed the hospitality and the views.
28 Nov 2007 22:14
Sheffield University Bar 1, Western Bank
This is now the University Arms, and is a real ale bar. It was the second pub I visited on the beerfest shared by 3 pubs, and the first time I had been here. The staff were so friendly and a lot of the beers were in a conservatory that lead out into a lovely grassy garden. All the beers were good.
9 Nov 2007 18:11
I visited for the beer festival being shared by 3 Sheffield pubs, and found an excellent range of beers on offer. The beers were in good condition even though we were drawing off the first of the day, and they usually have about 12 beers on offer that include guests from micros. It is a massive room but the decor is good.
9 Nov 2007 17:55
Old Moseley Arms, Balsall Heath
What a lovely pub. It was very welcoming and the rooms were great with fires burning early evening. No problem with the real ale selection or quality.
7 Nov 2007 13:58
Recommended by drinkers outside a crowded Dispensary as somewhere without football on the TV. What a lovely cosy friendly pub. We sat in the snug area, and enjoyed our real ales and chat with the locals. Smashing pub.
6 Nov 2007 12:26
My second visit to the wonderful pubs in this city, and we found it was getting crowded early Saturday evening. There were about 13 ales on offer though, and we enjoyed our selection from the micros.
6 Nov 2007 12:16
What a lovely pub for friendliness, beer choice and quality, and decor. It is so easy just to stay in the front bar, but the back has to be seen. There are serving hatches through the fantastic glass that forms the back of the bar, and a large dome in one of the back rooms too. The large pork pies went down well with the beer.
6 Nov 2007 12:13
Intersting multi-roomed pub serving Okells beers and guests from micros. Staff were fiendly, and some of our party had food here. I enjoyed the real ales from Barum and Hornbeam breweries.
6 Nov 2007 12:05
Enjoyed the selection of Cains beers in this clean, friendly pub. Had a wander round the rooms and was amazed with the tiled room off the bar area. Wonderful column and fireplace.
6 Nov 2007 11:53
Friendly pub near Lime Street statin. Comfy seating in large rooms. Going upstairs to ladies I found a large funstion room with a beautiful coloured glass dome at the top of the stairs. Choice of 4 real ales including a Wyre Piddle micro as well as local ales.
6 Nov 2007 11:50
This is a lovely single room pub with a good selection of real ales on offer. Beers changed while we were there, and all were good. There is a large courtyard at the back.
6 Nov 2007 11:35
Very busy pub but what a good choice of ales. Too packed to move around comfortably so stood by the door with my drink. Will need to visit again next time I am in Norwich to get the feel of the pub at a quieter time.
30 Oct 2007 08:31
Was worried I wouldn't make it to this pub as it didn't open till 5pm, but was so glad I went towards the end of my Norwich crawl. Found a couple of Tindall beers and enjoyed the conversation with the landlady and one of the locals who knew my old stomping ground at Hartlepool. Great atmosphere and great beer.
30 Oct 2007 08:28
Lovely friendly local pub with a good atmosphere. Served up good ale.
30 Oct 2007 08:23
The Duke of Wellington, Norwich
Plenty of ale choice as a glass area behind the bar houses a lot of casks. Spent a bit of time here sampling the selection. Comfortable friendly pub. Always on list to visit when in Norwich.
30 Oct 2007 08:17
About 8 mainstream beers so could do with a couple of micro guests. Chose a Courage beer not seen before. Corner pub with good outside seating area. Liked the smaller room with bedpan and loo seat trophies on the wall.
30 Oct 2007 08:13
Tiled floor but comfortable bar area. Wonderful choice of real ales from about 13 handpumps served from 2 bars. Agree it is great to see beers from local micros rather than the bigger breweries that feature almost everywhere else you go to.
30 Oct 2007 07:59
The St. John's Head, Great Yarmouth
Friendly landlady who made my driving husband a cup of tea while I sampled the real ale. Not the best ale in town though.
30 Oct 2007 07:53
Tucked away in residential area, friendly pub with a chatty landlord. One room bar area. Enjoyed the choice of real ales and the conversation with landlord and customers.
30 Oct 2007 07:50
A lovely pub with a good choice of real ales available. Friendly staff.
30 Oct 2007 07:41
Comfy community local with friendly staff. Conservatory area and garden. Great choice of ales and would have loved to have had the time to sample food from the menu on display.
30 Oct 2007 07:37
A large room with massive bar area, and lots of handpumps dispensing their own Chalk Hill beers and guests. Comfy seating. Enjoyed the beer, particularly a new one for me, the Chalk Hill Gold. Always on my itinary when I visit Norwich.
30 Oct 2007 07:33
Two storey pub by the river with an outside area downstairs. Served good beer.
30 Oct 2007 00:39
Had a laugh with the locals in this pub while enjoying the Green Dragon beer on offer. Very nice they were too. Sat at the circular table - no problem.
30 Oct 2007 00:26
A good selection of ales greeted us on entering this pub, and we selected a Tindalls beer as we don�t often see it. A lovely conservatory area looking out into an outside seating area.
30 Oct 2007 00:10
This is a lovely pub with a good selection of ales both from hand pump and by gravity, and the list of beers available was very impressive. I chose one of Fat Cat Brewery beers, and was a bit put off to see that I was getting my beer served from a pint glass standing on the drip tray. When I queried why, I was told it had just been pulled and was OK. Watching that drip tray, I saw beer go from the glass into someones pint, then later another part filled pint glass appeared on the tray. Landlord said it had been wrongly pulled then that it was his beer. I was told that it was not their practice to serve beer this way, but I found it disturbing in a pub with a good reputation.
30 Oct 2007 00:06
We walked through this pub to the carpark where there was a beer festival in the crows nest, a large outbuilding well set up with stillages. It was a lovely day and we enjoyed our ales in the garden. A couple of the beers were a little cloudy but enjoyed nevertheless.
30 Oct 2007 00:02
The Reindeer Pub & Kitchen, Norwich
Called into this pub as we wanted a carvery for our Sunday dinner, and it was a good meal. We enjoyed a couple of Elgood beers while having our meal, and were tempted into trying an excellent desert too. The staff were polite and friendly
30 Oct 2007 00:00
The Old Joint Stock, Birmingham
I called in to sample one of the Beowulf guests in this fine pub, and had a wander round. The view over the balcony has to be seen to be believed. It is a fantastic pub to look round from ground floor level, but if you get a chance have a wander upstairs too. I had no problem with the service or the quality of the beer.
17 Oct 2007 23:01
The cat is called Welly. It has featured on pump clips and I believe is a star on photos in both ladies and gents loos. Was in a playful mood when we called in on Saturday. Beer was good too.
17 Oct 2007 22:43
What a wonderful pub with helpful friendly staff. We went for their beer festival for the first time and the beers and food were first class. Such a good choice to be enjoyed.
17 Oct 2007 22:38
Called in for the first time following my visit to the festival at the Crown. Lovely friendly pub serving good real ales from micros.
9 Oct 2007 00:20
The Old Contemptibles, Birmingham
Called in for the first time as we had heard it had been done up. The decor is certainly good, and I had a wander round including the toilets upstairs. The beer range could do with a guest or two from micros, but those tried were in good condition.
9 Oct 2007 00:16
Another good night in the Wellington, and although there were only 2 new beers for me, I still enjoyed some old favourites. Agree it is hard to stay for only a couple as the range on offer is so good.
9 Oct 2007 00:12
It is great to see this pub fully open after the recent Sheffield floods. It is close to the Kelham Island Tavern, and well worth a visit by those seeking real ale while in the area. 10 beers on offer served by friendly staff. They also serve good quality reasonably priced food.
26 Sep 2007 14:34
I have started going to this Abbeydale pub while doing a real ale crawl in the area as there are 10 beers on offer, 5 Abbeydale and 5 guests from micro breweries. Tasting notes are shown for each beer and the staff are friendly and know about their beer. They also have a good choice in bottled beers.
26 Sep 2007 14:31
Called again to put a note through the door to wish them all well with the major refurb following the floods. Always call, always give my wishes, and look forward to the reopening.
24 Sep 2007 10:32
Enjoyed 3 excellent ales and lunch on Saturday when we called at this friendly pub. Always visit when in Sheffield.
24 Sep 2007 10:28
Called in last Thursday to attend the beer festival, and had some good beers. As well as chosing beer from the pumps, we can chose beer from the cellar if it is tapped ready as they will do cellar runs if they can bring beer up in 2 pint jugs. It is a pub I never tire of wandering round to admire the decor. I am also a fan of the excellent Thai food. The staff are friendly and the regulars are .. well .. interesting.
24 Sep 2007 10:19
I was disappointed on a visit last week to find that of the 5 beers on the pumps when we called, only 2 ended up drinkable. We did get to see the Spinning Dog brewery at the back, and were given somne of the bottles, but had expected to spend some quality time in this interesting pub.
24 Sep 2007 10:12
The Gate Hangs Well, Stoke Prior
This is a lovely cosy pub serving good food and an excellent choice of real ales. Enjoyed our visit last week.
24 Sep 2007 10:04
The Railwaymans Arms, Bridgnorth
Called in while attending this years beer festival held at the station and enjoyed the beer from the new Bridgnorth Brewery. There is a nice atmosphere and friendly staff. A good mix of clientele.
16 Sep 2007 12:27
Lovely Cains pub, and there were guests on too. Enjoyed the friendly atmosphere.
11 Sep 2007 14:46
The Fly in the Loaf, Liverpool
What a lovely pub. Enjoyed the beer from a wonderful range on offer. The decor is great and I had to go and stand in the pulpit!
11 Sep 2007 14:43
I agree with the last comment that this pub is a gem. Enjoyed all the beer on offer - all new to me. As there was so much beer to drink, had an excellent meal too to help the beer go down.
11 Sep 2007 14:41
This was a lovely pub to wander round and see the rooms, and also a lovely pub to drink in. Friendly staff serving well kept beer.
11 Sep 2007 14:37
Called in while doing a crawl of Liverpool and enjoyed the Gales beer I had here.
11 Sep 2007 14:31
This was my first pub on a visit to do a trail round and what a brilliant start. Great beers from a good range on offer served by friendly staff in a brilliant pub. I had a wander round as I love to go when pubs are quiet to have a look round.
11 Sep 2007 13:44
The Cat and Fiddle, Clyst St Mary
We were attending an event at West Point Showground, and they did not serve real ale, so we were pleased to find such a good pub within walking distane. We booked a table for the Saturday evening, and had a lovely meal with our Otter Ale. The deserts were also super.
3 Sep 2007 23:23
We had a struggle to get into the car park in this popular pub. The beer was fine but although the food looked good we were not ready to eat. Some outside tables by the car park.
3 Sep 2007 23:19
I couldn't believe what a lovely pub we were visiting while at an event at West Point Showground. So many lovely beers on offer from casks and drinking at a table overlooking the river. We did go in to see the rooms in the pub and were delighted with the lovely rooms. Would love to have this one as my local. Brilliant beers served by friendly staff in a charming pub in a super location. Heaven. We really enjoyed the soup and crusty bread too.
3 Sep 2007 23:13
Called in at the end of a day going round the real ale pubs in Derby on my way back to the station. Enjoyed a couple of well served ales from the knowledgable staff. Picked up a leaflet for the forthcoming beer festival at this great brew pub.
30 Aug 2007 00:36
I enjoyed my visit to this pub on a Tuesday night coming back from he Wellington in town. I heard that changes had been made and wanted to see them for myself. The beer range was good and enjoyed, and the staff and customers in the front bar were friendly. The rear rooms were virtually empty but a few were enjoying the evening in the garden where most changes have been made adding a wooden smoking area, a marquee and gazebo. Maybe a little too much for the summer, but probably welcome in the winter months.
30 Aug 2007 00:29
Always worth a visit when in Worcester. Ususally a good choice of guest ales when I call in.
28 Aug 2007 11:21
Always a must to visit when in Worcester. Friendly staff and excellent ales. Never been disappointed.
28 Aug 2007 11:19
The Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield
Great to see one of my favourite pubs back to normal with new flooring but no change to the excellent quality of the ales and food. So glad to see the garden in full bloom too.
28 Aug 2007 10:56
Another pub we always call in when visiting Oxford for its good beer range. Enjoyed the real ales on offer.
15 Aug 2007 11:11
We called in last Friday, as we always do when in Oxford, and yes, there was a good range of beers available. I was disturbed to see that they were pouring beer from glasses standing on the drip trays to serve to customers though. When I heard someone say they had received beer this way, I went to watch from the side of the bar and asked staff why they were doing it. I was told the cellar was not cold enough so the beer had to settle. They said it only stood for 10 minutes and if not served to customers it was thrown away. Weird. Wonder how CAMRA would take the practice. I did have beer served straight from the pump on the back bar and it was in excellent condition.
15 Aug 2007 10:48
Enjoyed an Elgoods guest ale as well as one of the Youngs on offer. Noticed Wells beers appearing too now. Large room where the bar is, but some quieter rooms. also an outside area that always seems lively with conversation.
15 Aug 2007 10:37
Far From the Madding Crowd, Oxford
I love this pub and always call when in Oxford for its excellent range of real ales, and friendly staff. Good food is also available.
15 Aug 2007 10:19
The Fox and Goose Inn, Brent Knoll
Called in on a busy Sunday but felt welcome, and enjoyed both the meal and the real ales on offer.
15 Aug 2007 10:09
Lovely cosy feel to this friendly pub serving good quality real ales.
15 Aug 2007 10:03
The Thistle Park Tavern, Plymouth
Once home to Sutton Brewery, it is still the tap for their beers now brewed as South Hams. Quiet when we were there, but I imagine it will be a lively pub in the evenings.
15 Aug 2007 09:23
Quiet friendly pub that looked like pubs used to be before themes became the rage. The staff were friendly and the Bass well received.
15 Aug 2007 09:21
The Fisherman's Arms, Plymouth
Lovely community pub where we felt welcomed as we went into the bar area. Had our drinks in the lounge that has a raised rear area. Lovely barrel tables.
15 Aug 2007 09:18
A lovely pub with interesting rooms on different levels. Lovely to look at but would need to take care when full I would imagine. Good selection of well kept ales. A lovely outside seating area too.
15 Aug 2007 09:09
I was a visitor for the Plymouth beer festival and called in on the Thursday when looking for the festival venue. This is a poor Wetherspoons. The tables were disgusting. I had to move plates and glasses, then found the table itself was so sticky and grubby a cloth must not have been over it for days. There was a poor beer choice for a Wetherspoons, considering the town would be full of beer tickers for the festival. We were going to have a breakfast on the Friday there, but considered it too dirty a pub on the customer side to take a risk with the meals from the kitchen.
15 Aug 2007 09:04
The Weary Ploughman Inn, Churston Ferrers
Lovely friendly pub serving good quality food and a variety of real ales. Situated by the steam railway station.
15 Aug 2007 08:25
The Pilchard Inn, Burgh Island
Enjoyed the walk over to this charming pub over the sands so didn't experience the sea tractor. The beers were great, but one of the things I like to do is wander round a new pub and I was prevented from doing this as the main bar was for locals and hotel residents only. The small bar for visitors made me feel I was being served from a kiosk and I thought it took some of the pubs charm away.
15 Aug 2007 08:10
The Fox Inn, Chaddesley Corbett
This is a Good Beer Guide pub, and we called in to see what beers they had on offer, and enjoyed an Exmoor Gold. Looks a nice clean country pub.
19 Jul 2007 16:23
Old Crown Inn, Stourport On Severn
Walked along the riverside to have a meal in this popular pub, and were not disappointed by the meal or the beer we had. It can be busy and tables take a long time to get cleared, but we enjoy coming here when in Stourport.
19 Jul 2007 16:15
Called in on a crawl on 5.7.07, and have never seen it so quiet. It was great to be able to have a chat with barstaff and the other customer in there, and as usual I could not fault the beers tried.
19 Jul 2007 12:52
The Hillsborough Hotel, Sheffield
Called while in the area and the three beers I chose were in excellent condition as usual. There is a lovely conservatory area at the back with outside seating round it for smokers.
19 Jul 2007 12:49
The New Barrack Tavern, Sheffield
Called in following the Don Floods, and found it quiet so had a meal with my excellent beer. The hot chilli was certainly that, and I will put it down for a meal again. Brilliant.
19 Jul 2007 12:46
The Riverside Cafe Bar, Sheffield
Called in on 5.7.07 after the Don Floods and found that high ground had saved this riverside pub. Enjoyed my beer on the balcony overlooking the Don.
19 Jul 2007 12:27
The Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield
Called round to give support on 5.7.07 after the Don floods, and found they were still working on the damage, but expected to be back in business in 2 weeks. Good luck to this first class pub.
19 Jul 2007 12:23
Called in 5.7.07 after the Don Floods, and found 4 real ales being served over the bar from casks. They have done a magnificent clear up and although the cellar was not done yet ( a fish was rescued and returned to the river I believe!), they had managed to get real ale on. Heard they have now got ale back on the pumps. First class pub.
19 Jul 2007 12:20
Called in here after doing a trail of 10 Black Country pubs, and still found room for the beers on offer. It was the last day of June and there was supposed to be a smokathon going on, but it was not unpleasant. Tempted into having the 9% Kinver Nine Lives with the welly cat's picture on it. Lovely friendly atmosphere for a city centre pub at 10.00pm. Looking forward to the clean air from tomorrow though!
6 Jul 2007 11:43
One of the last pubs I visited on a recent crawl of the area, but I couldn't miss it out as there is always a good choice of real ales on. It was packed to overflowing, but we got prompt service and the beers were excellent.
6 Jul 2007 11:38
I loved the rooms in this pub, and the corridor alongside the room with the bar type stools. Has a homely feel to it, and the beers were good.
6 Jul 2007 11:25
Called into this charming pub with a lovely homely feel. Locals and staff friendly and the beer range and quality excellent.
6 Jul 2007 11:22
Doing another crawl of the area, and this time sampled the food as well as the beer. There is a raised dining area, and the food was very good as was the beer. Still a first class pub to visit.
6 Jul 2007 11:19
The Jolly Crispin, Upper Gornal
Enjoyed my vsit to this friendly pub. The beer range was good and enjoyable.
6 Jul 2007 11:16
Lovely interior with small Victorian bar serving different rooms that are worth a wander round in. Good beers from its own brewery as well as guests. Friendly staff.
6 Jul 2007 09:57
Had a good breakfast here to start my crawl of the Gornals and enjoyed the beer I tried too. Typical spoons - not enough staff and slow service.
6 Jul 2007 09:52
What a lovely village pub with a great beer range. It was busy but friendly and we were made welcome. We had our dinner at an earlier pub, but were tempted by the desert, and it was no problem for us to have desert only - superb. The ales were good too.
26 Jun 2007 13:01
The Monsal Head Hotel, Monsal Head
We were a little put off by the long queue as we didn't want to eat here, but everyone in front of us were ordering food, and staff found it difficult to get through the queue to serve at the tables. The stables bar is a fascinating place though as it still has the stalls that had been used by the horses, but it means space is at a premium and it was packed when we called. I had a problem with one of the ales that had to go back as it was sour, and I was told the barrel needed changing. Very little beer pulled off the new barrel and I found the next one still had a sour taste. The beer choice was good however and the other beers we had were fine. Overworked staff I guess under pressure.
26 Jun 2007 12:57
The Lathkil Hotel, Over Haddon
This was a lovely setting to have our lunch with a superb choice of real ales. The food was well laid out so you could see the choice available and was very tasty. No problems with the excellent real ales either.
26 Jun 2007 12:50
The Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield
Back in Sheffield for the beer festival and had a great day sampling 15 brilliant beers in a great atmosphere in good company. Helpful informative staff and good food served. Heaven.
26 Jun 2007 12:37
Had a real ale here on my way to the Kelham Island beer festival, and was not impressed with it. Other than that, it appeared a typical Wetherspoons.
26 Jun 2007 12:35
The Hole in the Wall, Darlington
Not a lot of real ale choice in this pub, but we had a well kept John Smith's Magnet.
26 Jun 2007 12:29
Found a Highgate beer (local to where I live) that I had not had before in this very friendly local. It is another on my list to visit when in Darlington.
26 Jun 2007 12:22
Found a Banana flavoured real ale here and enjoyed it in the seating area outside. Had a suprising choice of beers.
26 Jun 2007 12:20
Number 22 Alehouse and Canteen, Darlington
Another must visit pub when we get into Darlington from the midlands. Great beer and great staff who found time to have a chat about some of the beer names. Locals friendly too.
26 Jun 2007 12:16
The Quaker Coffee House, Darlington
When we visit Darlington we always visit this real ale house. We are never disappointed by the beer on offer.
26 Jun 2007 12:10
The Langdon Beck Hotel, Forest-in-Teesdale
Looked out for this isolated Good Beer Guide pub while visiting High Force, and found a welcoming pub atmosphere. Enjoyed our real ales, and were tempted by the good food on offer - not disappointed with either.
26 Jun 2007 11:56
The High Force Hotel, Forest-in Teesdale
Enjoyed a quiet visit to this hotel while visiting High Force and tried the two Darwin beers that were both good, the Cauldron Snout especially.
26 Jun 2007 11:50
This is a good Wetherspoons and I call in on my way back to the bus from the Wellington. I usually manage to find a beer that I haven't had before as their guest ale ranges are good. The non smoking has always been a draw too.
26 Jun 2007 11:37
Wanted two beers and had to return one that had gone to vinegar. Disappointed that we could not have a refund but had to have another beer we did not want. The quality of the other beers were good though.
25 Jun 2007 21:46
I have heard so much about this pub that I had to catch a tram on a recent crawl round Nottingham. The area was a bit quiet but the pub was busy and the ales were good. Plenty of choice and worth the visit.
25 Jun 2007 21:44
A pleasant busy non smoking pub and served good beer too.
25 Jun 2007 21:41
The Vat and Fiddle, Nottingham
Called in on a crawl round Nottingham and enjoyed the beers in pleasant surroundings.
25 Jun 2007 21:37
Fellows Morton & Clayton Ltd, Nottingham
Tried one of their own beers and a couple of guests at this canalside pub. Beer reasonably priced and so was the food.
15 Jun 2007 17:10
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham
Came into Nottingham to do a real ale trail and this one was a must. Brilliant pub with atmosphere and best visited when quiet and have a wander round. The way it is set into the castle walls is truly amazing and the rooms must all be seen and appreciated. So many facts written in frames round the walls. The beer was good too.
15 Jun 2007 17:02
The Royal George, Shoreham by Sea
There was no real ale on in this Pub and Carvery so we just had the meal. It was OK for the price I suppose but I have had better. Didn't bother with a drink as we were doing the real ale trail and were saving ourselves for the delights to come.
5 Jun 2007 12:16
The Waggon and Horses, Brighton
Had another excellent Harveys Sussex here while on the ale trail. Sat outside in the sun - lovely.
5 Jun 2007 12:09
This is a large pub that has the appearance of one of the food chain pubs, but I did manage to get a Harveys beer untried so far this week and it was another good one. The staff were friendly and I had a look round the many rooms. Large outside seating area.
5 Jun 2007 12:02
I have managed 4 days and 20 pubs on the ale trail plus a few others, and managed not to drink either Fullers or Greene King, and I enjoyed my Brains Rev James here. Staff were friendly but it was quiet for a Saturday.
5 Jun 2007 11:59
Enjoyed my Harveys Knots in May in this delightful friendly pub. Some of the locals took photos of us as though beer tickers were a rarity.
5 Jun 2007 11:56
Called on the ale trail and enjoyed a couple of beers. No problem with staff or locals - friendly enough. Didn't make me gloomy but I was near the end of 17 pubs in a day!
5 Jun 2007 11:53
A welcome sight after the walk uphill, and was not disappointed with the Gales beer which we had in the delightful upstairs garden with a postbox in it!
5 Jun 2007 11:50
Visited on the ale trail and sat outside in the sun. Looked to be a small one roomed bar area - beer fine.
5 Jun 2007 11:46
Called in for a quick one on the ale traile and enjoyed my Shepherd Neame. Very quiet for a Saturday.
5 Jun 2007 11:44
The Battle of Trafalgar, Brighton
Lovely friendly pub. I was able to look round and found the large rear garden. Beers enjoyable in good surroundings.
5 Jun 2007 11:39
Pub was very quiet when we visited so we were able to chat with the landlord. Very friendly, and enjoyed the beers. Had to go into the garden to see the sign over the gents - used beer department...
5 Jun 2007 11:36
Had a bit of a walk here, but enjoyed our Gales beers in a suntrap garden. Staff friendly and beers first class.
5 Jun 2007 11:32
A stranger to the area, I enjoyed my Saturday visit to this back street local, especially drinking the excellent ale in the suntrap garden with its roses and fushia.
5 Jun 2007 11:30
This pub was recommended before I came to the coast, and I was not disappointed by the service or the beer. I tried 4 of the Kemptown beers on offer, and they were served in good condition. It looked a lively friendly pub.
5 Jun 2007 11:17
Appeared to be better than Brighton Wetherspoons and enjoyed the beer. The fish and chips were terrible though. The main menu meal had less on the plate than we normally get on the 2 for the price of one meal. Could do better. Loos were in a terrible state.
5 Jun 2007 11:12
The Duke Of Wellington, Shoreham by Sea
Lovely friendly staff and although quiet, enjoyed chatting to the landlord and a customer at the bar. Plenty of good real ales on offer. Is still in the renovation process. Was recommended to me for its Dark Star range, and I was not disappointed.
5 Jun 2007 11:06
The Elephant and Castle, Lewes
This is an intersting pub to walk round, and see the various heads on the wall - one still had his Xmas bells on! Enjoyed my beer. Looked as though it comes alive evenings but was quiet for a Saturday afternoon.
5 Jun 2007 10:52
This is a charming pub, and I enjoyed the real ales on offer. We got seats by a game called toad in the hole that I have never seen before. Judging by the CAMRA mags in the stand, it is well visited from all over the country and rightly so. Went back the following day and found 3 different beers on. Brilliant.
5 Jun 2007 10:47
This was my first pub on my first visit to Lewes, and I really enjoyed the selection of ales. One from Northumberland and one from Shardlow tried. The garden was a little out of the way having a fire escape entry. Nice clean pub.
5 Jun 2007 10:41
We got here and found it closed, but did come back in opening time. So glad we did. What a truly brilliant friendly local pub. Great beers, great staff and great customers. We were strangers and were made so welcome.
5 Jun 2007 10:35
The Buckingham Arms, Shoreham by Sea
This was another great pub to visit. 11 handpumps to choose from and the beers were great too. It was a hot day and we stayed in the lovely suntrap of a garden enjoying the ales....heaven.
5 Jun 2007 10:30
The Red Lion Inn, Shoreham by Sea
Intersting range of ales enjoyed on our visit here and there were nice views too.
5 Jun 2007 10:26
On my first visit managed to get a reasonable beer. Went back next day for one of their breakfasts, and found so big a queue at the bar we gave up. Not the best Wetherspoons I have been in.
5 Jun 2007 10:02
Wow! This is truly a gem for lovers of micros. What a variety and good quality too. Called in more than once in the 4 days we had here, and found all beers first class. A true gem.
5 Jun 2007 09:56
Called in here as it had been recomended before I came for the Hepworth beer. Intersting rooms to look round. Unspoilt.
5 Jun 2007 09:53
Enjoyed 4 Harveys beers and a meal in the lovely gallery area. Intersting layout.
5 Jun 2007 09:51
Called in on a recent visit to Brighton and enjoyed my first Harveys beer here.Pleasant one room bar with lovely big windows.
5 Jun 2007 09:48
The Basketmakers Arms, Brighton
Enjoyed my visit looking for real ale in Brighton, and visited this pub a few times while on holiday. Enjoyed Gales beers and the guests.
5 Jun 2007 09:43
Got a map from the local police to help me find this one and was glad I did. Really enjoyed my visit and the ales on offer.
5 Jun 2007 09:02
Saw this one on our way into Witney and called as we left for a carvery as we love them. To find real ale on too was a bonus. Lovely views at the back.
5 Jun 2007 08:58
Enjoyed an Exmoor Stag beer while looking at the books on sale. Friendly pub with an intersting garden area.
5 Jun 2007 08:55
We were on holiday in the area looking for real ale, and felt welcome in this pub while enjoying the beer.
5 Jun 2007 08:52
Enjoyed a breakfast and a couplke of Wentworth beers when in the area for the Barrow Hill Rail Ale festival. No problem with meal or beer.
4 Jun 2007 11:43
Called on my way back to the station, and what a grand selection of well kept ales. A couple of milds enjoyed while eating a whopper of a cheese and onion bap. Great pub to visit when in Derby.
18 May 2007 12:51
Enjoyed a Whim beer here from the good selection available. Seating area outside is overlooking the river.
18 May 2007 12:48
One of the pubs on my list of those I must visit when in Derby. I have never been disappointed with the choice or the quality of the beer.
18 May 2007 12:44
Called in while doing a crawl of Derby and met new landlord who has a keen interest in real ale, so this pub will be one to go back to. Enjoyed the beer served.
18 May 2007 12:42
Visited for the Mild Beer Festival and had a great time sampling the many milds on offer as well as a good breakfast to set me up for the day. On my list of places I must visit when in Derby as it the best Wetherspoons I know of for choice and quality of beer.
18 May 2007 12:39
Lovely friendly pub with well kept beers and cosy atmosphere. The guest beers can turn up something out of the ordinary.
18 May 2007 12:34
Visit on a weekly basis for the excellent carvery, but how I wish they would get at least one real ale on. Won't drink creamflows so have to make do with fruit juice.
15 May 2007 11:27
Ye Olde Gate Inne, Brassington
Found the pub to be full of friendly locals in the main bar, and the restaurant seemed a bit dark. My Marstons Pedigree was fine.
15 May 2007 11:14
Enjoyed my real ale out in the garden area and it was lovely by the bowling green. So peaceful. No problems with the beer or the pub.
15 May 2007 10:16
Lovely interior and friendly staff. The Banks beer OK but a guest would have been nice.
15 May 2007 10:14
The Waggon and Horses, Halesowen
What a choice. Plenty of good quality real ales on offer and friendly staff serving too.
15 May 2007 10:10
Typical Wetherspoons but I enjoyed the beer I had on my visit. Had some different breweries available.
15 May 2007 10:07
It is always quiet in the afternoon when I visit this pub but I do enjoy looking round pubs and there are plenty of features to see here. The beer is good and Spinning Dog brewery is just outside and can be seen from the rear of the long room. There are plenty of Spinning Dog ales to choose from, and usually a guest.
15 May 2007 09:32
Called in on way to the bus station and was pleasantly suprised by the amount of different beers were available making it one of the better ones for choice. Had to return a cloudy beer, but had no problem having it replaced, and the beers we drank were great.
15 May 2007 09:27
One of the must visit pubs while in Hereford and was not disappointed at this visit. Enjoyed our beers and wandered round the busy rooms to get a feel of the pub. All rooms busy and the playoffs on the TV being enjoyed. Will be interesting to see how July 1st affects it as it was rather smokey.
15 May 2007 09:22
Called in at the end of a CAMRA visit to Highgate Brewery and had a great time in this lovely pub. Beers were in excellent condition and it is a pub to wander round and explore the decor in the varying areas around the bar. A must and easy to get to from town. A few stops along 33.34.51 and 52 bus routes. Have enjoyed many a meal on past visits, and also hosts popular beer festivals - the next one being in June.
15 May 2007 09:18
Called in a couple of times last weekend and enjoyed both the beer and the food. There was only one cask ale on both days, but it had changed. There is a pets corner in the large garden.
15 May 2007 09:11
We came to New Quay to visit this Good Beer Guide pub and were not disappointed by the friendly welcome we received. The car park up the lane is not very big, but we walked through a pleasant outside seating area to the bar, and found a guest beer from our own locality in the Midlands. I enjoyed the chat over the bar while enjoying a Welsh beer.
10 May 2007 13:57
Called in while visiting West Wales and had a lovely meal with ahalf of Camerons Trophy. We ate outside as it was a lovely day, and I had no problem with either the food or the beer.
10 May 2007 13:49
This was my first visit to one of the Crown's beer festivals and what a wonderful day I had. Lots of interesting and well kept beers from the 34 hand pumps, and I have never experienced cellar runs like this before. Great day in a lovely friendly pub. I have noted October date for the next festival.
4 May 2007 12:00
Called in while waiting for the Crown to open, and found this a lovely no smoking venue with 6 beers on. Great choice of breweries, and I enjoyed my beer in the friendly atmosphere.
4 May 2007 11:56
Had another good session in the Wellington this week drinking first class beers in a friendly atmosphere. The dart board seemed popular too. We had the added bonus of a visit from the Welly-cat. Purrrrfect.
4 May 2007 11:51
I used to visit this pub frequently before it was revamped by a chain. There used to be an excellent choice of real ales but things changed when the selection went down to 4 and the prices went up. Went to see how things were qnd found it busy with diners but there are 2 bar areas, and the staff were all working in the restaurant bar leaving those waiting in the other bar feeling frustrated. No problem with the quality of the beer when received though.
29 Apr 2007 22:13
What a grand visit to this pub with a selection of the Sheffield Brewery beers on offer and plenty more besides. Always a must when visiting Sheffield, and has got better. Good pub, good beers, good company.
29 Apr 2007 21:58
This pub is now very smart since the photo above was taken and the change in ownership has not taken it from the popular blue tram route crawl of Sheffield. Excellent ales being served on this visit with helpful tating notes on the board with the beer listings. All beers sampled of excellent quality and I look forward to my next trip.
29 Apr 2007 21:51
Always worth a visit as they get new breweries and unusual beers in. Regular beer festivals held too. An intersting pub with various rooms including the non smoking room separated from the main bar area by a partition, and a quieter lounge area away from the main bar with its pool table.
29 Apr 2007 21:39
The Bentley Brook Inn, Fenny Bentley
Went to sample a few of the Leatherbritches Ales but was disappointed to find only two on. Enjoyed them though but would hope to find a better range available on my next visit. Lovely outside seating area.
29 Apr 2007 21:07
The Old Poet's Corner, Ashover
What an excellent pub for good quality ales. There were a few Ashover brews but a good choice of gusests too. The pub was busy with diners but staff were efficient and we would call again when in the area.
29 Apr 2007 20:53
Called into this friendly local while doing Good Beer Guide pubs in the area, and we were tempted by the menu as well as enjoying their beer.
29 Apr 2007 20:45
We were first in so it was quiet. Shame there were no Hardy and Hanson beers on, but the lady said only Greene King available. Enjoyed my Moreland Original sitting outside despite the busy road alongside the seating area.
29 Apr 2007 20:38
It was my first visit and I really enjoyed this friendly local - the best one I had visited on my Stourbridge and Wolleston crawl. There was friendly banter with me as a stranger, and with the lady behind the bar. The garden has to be seen - if I hadn't a train to catch I could have sat out there all afternoon.
19 Apr 2007 14:19
Not just a case of the beers showing not being on, but the special offer food menu was showing food that was not available. Appeared dark and airless in the no smoking area so moved with our food to a table in the main room. The first real ale ordered was served cloudy but was changed when I told the staff it did not appear to be right. Disappointing.
16 Apr 2007 00:43
The Town Wall Tavern, Coventry
Enjoyed an excellent Adnams while looking round this friendly pub. One room taken over by sports fans watching the telly, but they were friendly and chatty as they let me through to look round the pub. The Donkey Box was novel and I was suprised at how pleasant it was just leaning on the cushioned sides in this small pleasant room with its own outside door. Worth going through the developing area to find it.
16 Apr 2007 00:36
Forgot to mention that before trying the beer, we started with breakfast that was served short of some of the items advertised. This was rectified when I went and queued again to ask for the items. They also served other diners black toast, and the toast and preserves for some people arrived on the same plate as the breakfast - on top of the baked beans!!
16 Apr 2007 00:28
Called in while visiting for Coventry beer festival but found it disappointing as the two beers we asked for were not on despite the pump clips facing the customer. An annoying trait and we gave up and left.
16 Apr 2007 00:23
Although the beer was good in this pub, we didn't stay as the only seating was in an area where a speaker was playing a very loud radio programme. Couldn't understand why, and the quieter area of the pub was packed.
16 Apr 2007 00:12
This was a large pub and we had stopped for food. Sat in a pleasant garden area and enjoyed the beer served with the meal.
16 Apr 2007 00:09
Walked up for the Castle pub but found it closed so called in to this pub instead. Not in the Good Beer Guide - why not - it serves great beers and is worth looking round at the various nooks and crannies. The food menu looked good but with a bus to catch we were unable to sample any.
16 Apr 2007 00:03
The Champion of the Thames, Cambridge
This was a lovely friendly pub, and although I was unsure what I would drink in a Greene King house, I had a Belhaven beer and enjoyed it. Would love to visit when it opens so that I can wander round as it was too packed to be able to look round properly.
15 Apr 2007 23:55
The pub was rather full when we called, but we managed to get seats outside to enjoy the real ale on offer. No keg - this is one to visit again. Free wireless internet access available too.
15 Apr 2007 23:48
This was yet another lovely community local that served an excellent range of beers in good condition. It was a warm day and the outside seating area was popular but it is great to be out in the fresh air enjoying a good ale.
15 Apr 2007 23:42
The Live and Let Live, Cambridge
What a brilliant pub and how great it is to see a different range of beers. Enjoyed the beers and friendly atmosphere of this community local.
15 Apr 2007 23:17
Used to have a breakfast before starting a crawl in Cambridge. Beer clips showing when beer not available. Typical Wetherspoons.
15 Apr 2007 23:13
A hot sunny day by the river, 100 beers on offer and good ones at that, served from a lovely barge / pub and a marquee set up in the beer garden. Heaven.
15 Apr 2007 23:08
What a lovely pub. We enjoyed 3 guest beers before heading off to the station - amazing as we had been to a festival at Charters. It is certainly one to go back to so I hope the petition works and a way of keeping it open is found. Lovely to see the brewery through the windows.
15 Apr 2007 23:03
The beer was good, but it was a back street pub, quiet when we called and I preferred the outside garden area to the dingy interior. Not a lot of beers on when we called in.
15 Apr 2007 22:59
The Drapers Arms, Peterborough
Called in on our way to a festival and enjoyed the beer. No smoke - great.
15 Apr 2007 22:55
Called in after Moseley beer festival and wondered why I hadn't been before. What a delightful place. I enjoyed my Hobgoblin while looking round. Left the front bar area to a lovely tiled rear passage with both a smoking and anon smoking room off it. Great to see in these days of one room pubs. Another suprise was the outside seating area - on my visit this was a suntrap and I could have stayed all day. Will be back.
15 Apr 2007 22:22
The Whitefriars Olde Ale House, Coventry
I was lucky enough on my visit to this pub to be in the company of someone who knew its history and got a guided tour. The well in the corner, the outside drinking area, the lovely fireplace in the downstairs room, then a tour upstairs. Wow - was I impressed. There are a few different sized rooms plus a small area with only one table and a couple of chairs. The open beams were great and it all looked so old. It is well used though and and is somewhere quiet when there is music downstairs. Oh - and the beer was great too.
15 Apr 2007 22:17
Called in while doing a crawl, and found it a friendly pub. It was quiet due to the time of day but looked a community local. I enjoyed my beer there and it is always nice to see a piano in a pub. One of the locals told me the area was being revitalised and explained how businesses were getting grants to help improve the area.
15 Apr 2007 22:09
The Rose and Woodbine, Coventry
Dashed to this pub thinking it closed at 4pm, but found it is now open all day. Very friendly locals and staff, and I enjoyed my beer in a pub that was obviously the hub of the local community.
15 Apr 2007 22:02
Had a lovely walk along the canal to this pub, and enjoyed the real ale served. I had an excellent meal but went outside to eat it as there were heaters on around the restaurant area that I found uncomfortably hot. Could spend ages looking round the ols signs in the bar area. Was packed with a mixed crowd. Staff friendly and polite.
15 Apr 2007 21:47
This is a pub I have always made a point of visiting when I come to Mansfield for the beer festival, or in the area for other reasons. It is too good to miss. Enjoyed my beer on this visit and we had excellent value food as well.
15 Apr 2007 21:35
Called in while in Mansfield for the beer festival and found it to be one of the better Wetherspoons.
15 Apr 2007 21:31
Called in while visiting Mansfield beer festival, and enjoyed the beer sampled here. It has a lovely community feel about it.
15 Apr 2007 21:22
The Gatehouse Tavern, Coventry
Enjoyed my visit to this town pub. There was a sports screen but there was a nice area outside for those not interested in the sport. Enjoyed my half in this friendly local.
13 Apr 2007 11:11
Visited on a recent crawl and found it a delight to wander round the various rooms, nooks and crannies. No smoking area too. Had a good quality meal while enjoying my ale in this old pub of character. No problem in having a taste of the Hanby Cherry Bomb either.
13 Apr 2007 11:08
Visited on a recent crawl and had no problem with the quality of the beer or choice. Enjoyed looking round the pub, and was shown the other rooms and outside area for festivals. Would appear to be a drinkers pub.
13 Apr 2007 11:03
Visited on a recent crawl and found it had a nice local feel about it. Enjoyed my half in the outside seating area.
13 Apr 2007 11:00
Impressed with the choice at this Wetherspoons, and chose one of the 3 Rugby beers available. Staff efficiant and friendly. Pleasant outside seating area in warm weather.
13 Apr 2007 10:57
This was the first pub visited on a recent crawl, and I wandered up and down looking at the pump clips, saw a Greene King IPA only on offer and walked out. I did not want to start my crawl with that one in a Hardy and Hansons pub. All the while I was there, the staff showed no inclination to serve me either.
13 Apr 2007 10:55
A lovely pub with atmosphere and busy when we called. Liked the fireplace and had a walk round to get the feel of the place. A pub not to be missed when in Banbury and served good quality Hook Norton Ales. Guest a bit pricey at �3 a pint.
29 Mar 2007 12:59
This was a new one to us this visit and it was great to walk in and see a bar with such a good range of beers and all in good condition too. It was quiet when we called, but I liked the small rooms towards the back and the fact that there is a no smoking area. Don't rate the pale furniture that gives it an unlived in cold feel, but that will probably feel different when the pub fills up. Deserves to do well for the serious drinker after real alke.
29 Mar 2007 12:52
A typical Wetherspoons, but there were staff serving so there was not too much of a wait. They did have guest beers on over their usual range and it was in good condition.
29 Mar 2007 12:48
The pub was full of cheery conversation when we called in and was another popular pub and busy. Had a Bass here that was in good condition.
29 Mar 2007 12:41
When I saw the menu I wished I had eaten in this pub. It was busy and seemed popular with the locals. Reckon there was not a lot of call for real ale as the only one on offer, Brakspear Bitter seemed a little past its best.
29 Mar 2007 12:39
The Butchers Arms, Kings Sutton
This was a quiet pub when we called and we had Hook Norton Hooky Bitter that was the only ale on. We had a meal but it could have been better. Too many hard peas like bullets and only about 10 chips.
29 Mar 2007 12:34
I cannot fault the beer and enjoyed a couple here. Also good value lunchtime food. Was not overcrowded and atmosphere friendly. Worried about being shortchanged by �5 about 15 minutes after seeing another customer short changed by the same amount.
26 Mar 2007 13:20
Large open room with little atmosphere and screens showing cricket when I was there. Not an atractive pub on the inside but the best choice of beers on the day. I enjoyed a Ringwood and a Gales beer and both were served by friendly staff.
14 Mar 2007 23:57
I had a well served half of Jennings Snecklifter in this very interesting pub. There was a lovely atmosphere in all rooms, and I liked the snug and bar area. Plenty to see as you wander round.
14 Mar 2007 23:51
The Shoulder of Mutton, Tettenhall Wood
I had a long walk from Newhampton down Wood Road to get to this pub and was disappointed. The one room was pretty full of diners. The staff were friendly and I enjoyed my half of Banks Original but was very uncomfortable with the heat in the room and the smoking area and non smoking area are in the same room.
14 Mar 2007 23:48
The Newhampton Inn, Whitmore Reans
I started my crawl at this pub catching a 501 bus. Enjoyed my half of Landlord and a look round the rooms. There is choice of real ales and a friendly atmosphere.
14 Mar 2007 23:41
I called in on a crawl of Wolverhampton and enjoyed my Enville at this community pub. Pool table in one room, and a cosy feel to the other room.
14 Mar 2007 23:37
This is a grand pub with good food and excellent beer. It was busy when we called but we were politely attended to, and we had no problem with the service at all. Went into the garden area and saw the brewery and there was no problem when I asked if I could take photos. A pub not to be mssed when in the area.
12 Mar 2007 09:28
Called in to see what was on offer from Wadworth, and it was really quiet with few customers despite it being lunchtime. Asked for Bishops Tipple and it was not really clear. The pub itself could be quite cosy with some armchairs and sofas in the room, but the quality of the real ale needs to be improved.
12 Mar 2007 09:25
Lovely pub and great interior. A guest beer would have been welcome but I did enjoy the quality of the beer served. I called around 12 so it was quiet, but I was able to have a look round.
8 Mar 2007 11:21
The Tap and Spile, Wolverhampton
Called in while doing a crawl and loved the old fashioned interior but HATED the big screen which really does nothing for the pub. A great pub to wander round the rooms. Snug and a room at the front have serving hatches into the bar area. Great beer and friendly atmosphere.
8 Mar 2007 10:39
Moon Under Water, Wolverhampton
I was in early and ordered a breakfast but no beers to tempt me. One lady was abrupt but another couldn't do enough for me. Food was good. More beers were on by the time I finished eating, but still not tempted.
8 Mar 2007 10:35
The Great Western, Wolverhampton
I was doing a crawl round Wolverhampton and called in before catching train back. WOW .. What a great pub. I had taken a photo outside, and still had camera in my hand and had a laugh with staff posing for shots. Brilliant pub. Had a wander round while drinking the Holdens monthly special. Lovely pub with well served beer in friendly atmosphere.
8 Mar 2007 10:32
The Swan In The Rushes, Loughborough
Great to see a non smoking room giving us somewhere decent to eat. Choice of ales brilliant at good prices. Enjoyed 3 Brains beers, Castle Rock Hazel and Batemans Valiant while having a lovely meal, also at reasonable cost. Friendly staff makes this THE pub to visit when in Loughborough.
4 Mar 2007 18:50
Went looking for this pub following a visit to the Loughborough Beer festival and must admit I was disappointed. There was nothing wrong with the beer and I had Highgate Lone Wolf, M & B Mild and Downton Quadhop, but I was glad to get out. The loud music on the screen didn't do anything for us as a group trying to have a conversation. The quieter part of the room at the other side of the bar was full and smokey.
4 Mar 2007 18:45
Came into Loughborough for the beer festival, and missed the bus so popped into this pub for a quick one. Had Wychwood Dirty Tackle which was fine. But what a noisy pub. The loud music does nothing to keep drinkers in. It might be a young persons pub, but if so, why was it nearlly empty at around 8pm.
4 Mar 2007 18:38
The Anchor Inn, Sutton Bonington
Friendly local with a lot of youngsters. Lovely log fire. Good quality beer - had Brains Saint Davids Ale. Only downside was the amount of smoke, but this won't be a problem soon.
4 Mar 2007 18:26
Called in while trying the newly reopened Vine and was not disappointed with the Marstons Old Empire. Although quiet when I was there, had a friendly local feel about it.
28 Feb 2007 17:05
Called in while trying the excellent Vine up the road and found it to have a couple of guests on that were not the run of the mill beers. Quality good and so was the food from helpful staff.
28 Feb 2007 17:01
On a recent visit we were served with very cloudy beer and it was put onto bar as though fit to drink. It was exchanged for another when asked, but bar staff should know when a drink is not fit to be served. The replacement though not brilliant was drinkable.
11 Dec 2006 00:11
This is one I always visit when in the area as there is always a good selection of real ales on. There are two separate areas being served from a central bar. There are interesting rooms in the pub, and the food is also good.
11 Dec 2006 00:02
Called in for a bite to eat and there was a smoke free room available for diners. Enjoyed an excellent Archers beer with my dinner.
4 Dec 2006 18:12
Always call in to check the board and usually find something new to try. An old fashioned one room pub that is usually quiet. Lots of beer bottles round the pub with labels from yesteryear. Never had any problem with quality of the beer.
4 Dec 2006 18:09
Called in for a bite to eat and enjoyed fish and chips wrapped in newspaper! There was not a great deal of choice of ales, but we washed our dinner down with a good Flowers Original. Has an interesting word across the top of the bar, and if you ask what it means it costs you a donation to charity. Very much a community local.
4 Dec 2006 18:04
The Old Bulls Head, Lower Gornal
Called in for the recent beer festival advertised as 12 ales. Unfortunately only the 4 own brews plus 3 others available at any one time. I did get a look at the brewery and enjoyed banter with with the landlord while sampling his good beer. At the time of my visit there seemed to be more children than adults in the bar giving the impression that it is the centre of the local community.
4 Dec 2006 17:25
This is a recent bar that is serving excellent real ales although it has a wine bar feel about it. Lovely location by the canal with tables and chairs outside. The handpumps are on the back of the bar and the barrels can be seen supplying the handpumps behind the bar area. An unusual set up but the ales served could not be faulted. There seemed to be a kitchen full of chefs but had quite a wait for service at the bar.
4 Dec 2006 00:42
Enjoyed another visit to this excellent pub while visiting Lower Gornal and was not disappointed by the choice or condition of the beer.
4 Dec 2006 00:32
On a couple of visits recently I have found this pub to be quiet, but enjoyed the oportunity to wander round the interesting set up of rooms while drinking the beer that was in good condition. The decor could do with a bit of attention, and I did not enjoy the noisy TV.
4 Dec 2006 00:28
The Barley Mow Inn, Kirk Ireton
Went looking for this one, but did not realise what a gem it was. So friendly and packed despite the early visit. Good ales served direct from barrels in excellent condition. Had a wander into the other room too - completely unspoilt place with lovely fires burning.
4 Dec 2006 00:23
Called in to sample the Cropton Ales and were not disappointed with the beer at all. It was quiet and had a modern feel about a pub that had history.
4 Dec 2006 00:19
The Lion Hotel & Restaurant, Belper
We called in on a visit to Belper recently but although the young man serving spoke with enthusiasm about real ale, when we returned one that had soured, there seemed to be a reluctance to exchange it. The other ale sampled was not a problem.
4 Dec 2006 00:17
A visitor to Belper I was pleasantly suprised after the climb up the hill to find the pub, that we had landed in time for a beer festival, and what a grand evening we had in this friendly local pub. Excellent beer, friendly staff and locals, lovely fire shared with a huge dog (also friendly)I will be back when we are in Belper the first weekend of January.
4 Dec 2006 00:09
A friendly local pub I called in while a visitor for a weekend recently. Good quality and choice of beer. I wished I had had the time to try the bar billiards and skittles as it is good to see these games still around.
4 Dec 2006 00:04
Called in rather early, so found it quiet with little atmosphere for a city centre pub by the shops, but the beer condition could not be faulted.
4 Dec 2006 00:00
The New Barrack Tavern, Sheffield
A very busy pub that I enjoy visiting on my crawls as the beers are in good condition and a good selection too. Never managed to eat here yet as I have never managed to get in when there is a table free, but one day....
3 Dec 2006 23:57
The Hillsborough Hotel, Sheffield
This is one I have added to my Sheffield crawls as it has got better and I now enjoy the food as well as the beers. Good choice in good condition.
3 Dec 2006 23:53
Another great pub not to be missed on a Sheffield crawl. Excellent beers and good company.
3 Dec 2006 23:51
The Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield
Called in a couple of times while visiting Sheffield recently as this is one not to be missed. Excellent reange of ales on offer on both occasions.
3 Dec 2006 23:49
Called in a couple of times while in Sheffield recently, and found a good variety of excellent beers.
3 Dec 2006 23:47
Called in for the beer festival recently, but although this is a mecca for real ale drinkers I was disappointed with the condition of some of the beers on offer. Maybe it is only a problem when a festival is on as I have been in and found all beers excellent before. I wouldn't miss it on a trip to Sheffield however as the choice doesn't disappoint.
3 Dec 2006 23:42
Called in on my way back from Sheffield and enjoyed a half from the wide range on offer. A lot of interesting rooms to wander round and a good atmosphere. Close to the station so a good one to visit when there is time between trains.
3 Dec 2006 23:37
Cosy pub but often a long wait for service. Beer quality not bad but it does vary. Why does it have to be so dark though.
14 Nov 2006 23:23
Had a couple of excellent beers from friendly bar staff. Good to be served at a Wetherspoons by staff intersted in the beer they are serving, and taking time to let me know the breweries coming soon.
14 Nov 2006 23:18
Had 9 great beers in a brilliantly friendly atmosphere with good banter with the staff and customers alike. Was not in a smog and found prices comparible with other town centre pubs.
14 Nov 2006 23:12
The Swan With Two Nicks, Worcester
Lovely pub to have a wander round when its quiet to see the different styles in the rooms. Tried the two Sharps beers available and enjoyed both. Friendly staff.
14 Nov 2006 23:06
Always a pub to visit when in Worcester and I enjoyed 5 halves of excellent beer at this visit. The food was also excellent from a varied menu at reasonable prices.
14 Nov 2006 23:02
Friendly pub serving Hook Norton Ales. Dog friendly and sport was showing on TV screen. Had a half of Hook Norton Flagship in good condition.
14 Nov 2006 22:56
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Red Lion Inn, Blackwater
It must be over a year when I suggested this pub, and all I remember is that is was recommended to us for meal deals, and we went to try it. We did enjoy the meals, and they served real ale too, but cannot remember what we had now. Giving it the benefit of the doubt with the rating as it was a popular pub. It is on a bus route from Truro.
10 Oct 2010 19:34