BITE user comments - huntsbeer
Comments by huntsbeer
The Uxbridge Arms, Notting Hill
The best quality beer of our entire evenings trawl. Price is sadly reflective of this being a tied lease I would expect - from the day Whitbread betrayed their heritage. Glad to see that it, and the Landlady haven't changed a bit. Lost in a time-warp but so friendly and welcoming can't wait to go back.
28 Mar 2013 13:45
Came up from Souwf London to what I consider to be one of the few true Gastro with a small G, pubs. Great relaxed atmosphere, yes the clientele can be a reflection of the area but no ethnic cleansing was visible to me, all seemed cool. Pub across the road was empty in comparison. Swallow and Swift from Trumans was a decent pint. The staff were all friendly, the service great. Happy to pay service charge on the food despite not being a Yank, cos someone had to prepare it, carry it, and probably gets minimum wage not London minimum. Not paying SC in the States equals the Electric Chair doesn't it? Surely you don't pay only if it's sh@t?
28 Mar 2013 13:41
The Warrington Hotel, Maida Vale
Sadly the beer quality did not match the stunning and unusual decor. Faucet Inns seems more like force it down- sorry chaps
28 Mar 2013 13:25
Bankes Arms Hotel and Country Inn, Studland
These negative comments do seem puerile; no ketchup, staff shout order numbers etc. Whats wrong with asking, getting it yourself. Why do people these days seem to think that they should be waited on hand and foot by people probable on minimum wage?
The prices here are NOT outrageous, the portions are huge, the dressed crab to die for and the beer is some of the best in both choice and flavour.
I am a Publican in London, and this is easily one of my favourite pubs in England. Yes, it could be better, but we can all improve in that area, can't we! Next time you winge, please spare a thought for people working 100 hrs plus a week, trying to find staff who want accommodation included (when there is non reasonably affordable), will likely move on once trained (if they even finish training) and have to deal with massive seasonal changes often made worse by the increasingly more volatile British weather. How do you cope when ordering fresh food for a Bank Holiday only to get cleaned out by a Coach load of visitors on the Friday, who didn't pre-book/warn you, and all your suppliers have closed for the weekend?
I was a publican for 18 years, which is why I stopped serving food, it's massively time consuming, costly and greatly under-appreciated. Find yourselves a slave or shut up moaning, you don't deserve a decent pub!
Thank you to all the staff at the Bankes who made my short stay for the Festival well worth the 10 hour round trip. Whenever I come down my kids are treated as Kings and Queens. My top three in the area, being this, the Castle at Lulworth, the Red Lion in Swanage. I would have voted 9/10 but as I suspect some petty local nonsense in the ratings, I've gone for a 10. Happy New Year to all!
27 Dec 2012 17:03
The County Arms, Wandsworth Common
Real mixed emotions here. Looks like a Geronimo/Youngs affair so the beer choice is slightly better. About 10 of us with another 10 kids came on Fathers day quite early. The Doombar was ok the Ordinary better ( which was free to Dad's, thank you) so it would normally be disingenuous to criticise However my pals Fish was great but the chips were nearly scorched earth-looked re-cooked. The Steak special while reasonable had been sliced (which can hide the truth of the cut) and could only have been 4oz max. I wouldn't mind but at �22 I think that is a bit rich. In fairness they took my pals Fish n Chips off the bill. The place is very nice, service reasonable considering the day, and the kids had a great time with the childrens entertainer. The starters were great especially the potted crab.
29 Jun 2012 10:03
A truly great example of a traditional London pub that caters for its niche market without having to decorate it so, thus keeping its original feel. The pies are legendary, the beer alas is Youngs or their confusing allied relationship with Wells. Staff were lovely, steak Mirabeau sandwiche top notch, and London Gold best of the lot. Not a lot else to say other than I am starting to feel like I'm writing like every other bugger- need a break
19 Apr 2012 14:12
Great anytime from early afternoon till about 7pm then, if like me you are getting old, put your earmuffs on or get out the megaphone. Otherwise nice relaxed gaff, urban chic and truly independant, decent choice of ale in bottle, but after 15 years could do with a change of choice. Only freehouse for miles.
12 Apr 2012 11:46
Popped on on way thru to Highgate, much better than my last visit, beer in good nick, male staff no ditzy girls so not much to look at but good beer and service, nuff said.
12 Apr 2012 11:26
This is undoubtably a great find. As far as trad pubs go in Highgate it doesn't get much better.The Mordue Spring Tyne was exceptional. The beer, comfort and friendly service kept us from continuing on for dinner. I wish we had tried their Tapas rather than launch on up the road to the Red Lion and Bull.
12 Apr 2012 11:06
Not a bad stretch of road for pubs. Nicely done up albeit gastro in style. The North American bric a brac seems slightly at odds with this by way of being too artfully placed. Each to their own. What matters of course is the beer and service which was pretty good. The Bull's very own American Pale Ale is the most balanced example from a British Brewer that I have had so far and the Chicken wings are both generous in portion and spot on for taste. My main pork main was a tad disappointing, small portion of pork, beans overcooked, but the crackling was er..cracking! But it seems I chose badly as my three mates were all happy. All in all very pleasant.
12 Apr 2012 10:50
Trafalgar Freehouse, South Wimbledon
Congrats for winning the SW Camra Pub of the Year again!
11 Feb 2012 02:23
Last post is a tad strange as sadly the pub has been boarded up and closed for nearly a month.
11 Feb 2012 02:13
If you need to get away from the omnipresent Wells & Youngs, Green King and other also rans, if you need a decent pint of beer, a welcome from sincere people, a shrine to what a good traditional pub should be without being milked. You need the Cricketers! This is exactly as it says on the tin, an archetypal traditional British pub, without the mincing, preening, overpriced food and drink one so often sees from brewers that should know better. Great atmosphere on Rugby days and a warm welcome from the Landlord and Landlady. Rivalled only by the Engineer at Henlow. When is the next beer festival? Many thanks.
15 Jan 2012 14:39
Have to say begrudgingly, that this has improved immensely. not a fan of the group other than the Avalon, this is probably due to Laura. Without wanting to sound sycophantic, it would seem we have a manager that understands the drink side of the business is as important as the gastro. Hopefully the powers that be will recognise this as it is a common mistake by 'gastros' to ignore this core market. The roast dinner on Sunday has to be the most reasonable, but good, and therefore best value in the area. Thank you
8 Jan 2012 15:46
Came here a few months ago for the Beer Expo, amazing! A great pub (freehold) which whenever I am down in Sussex I try to reach via a slight detour. Dom and Tony are possibly Sussex's best pub entrepreneurs. The Beer Expo wasn't just a beer festival, it featured Pete Brown the Beer Writer, comparing beer to literature, a scotch egg off, and much more. It may not sound too 'non cardigan' but I assure you it was inspiring. Just goes to show other publicans what is achievable if you are not 'tied'
8 Jan 2012 15:14
I have a massive affinity for the people behind this pub, they don't accept the status quo within the industry! It appears to be a co-operative long before the pubco's established their despicable behaviour towards their tenants, and forced co-ops into being fashionable nay a necessity. An all rounder of a pub, sometimes to it's detriment, it seems to be a jack of all trades. Is that bad wisdom or prudent in recession? Time will tell, but in the meantime , "Power to the People"
8 Jan 2012 14:53
The Northcote, Clapham Junction
Sadly beer not great on this, my second visit. Had to move on to bottles of Camden Lager( if i have the name right). Staff good, atmosphere and vibe v. good but almost everyone eating. We left to find somewhere quieter(the DRAFT HOUSE) which probably indicates that they have their market segmentation bang on, if not to our taste.
8 Jan 2012 14:41
Very good pub off the beat and track a touch but much preferred to the Abbeyville. Good everything, including I'm reliably informed by the missus, the Clarke Kent lookalike behind the jump. Great operation in a rapidly declining area. Cheers Steve n Clarke.
8 Jan 2012 14:34
The Claret Free House, Addiscombe
Great choice of beer, felt a bit clique'ee, but probably down to my ugly mug. Service great, a tad under invested but where isn't these days. Probably wouldn't seek it out but for the great choice of well kept beer.
20 Nov 2011 17:28
Great community pub, deservedly Croydon Camra pub of the year, even if they probably sell more lager. Solid, reliable, no airs and graces just honest, decent hard working Guvnors with great beer and reasonable food.
20 Nov 2011 17:21
Having read the post by claphambarman, the phrase 'people in glass houses' rings aloud. Shame. While I would agree that portions may be small for the price-�16 for ribeye beef roast. It is ribeye and the quality was excellent. We came without a booking, the staff were exceptionally helpful- even ringing a late customer who had reserved a table, to see if we could take it. The only negative in my book was that the barmaid was on her own and swamped with having to serve drinks for the numerous foodies and cover anyone at the bar. Must have been about 50 people seated. Come on guys rota on some help you can afford it. The Harveys was exceptional and many thanks to the very helpful maitre'd
15 Nov 2011 06:16
A lovely and well presented pub. Came here on a recent late Sunday afternoon and had a cracking dinner. It had clearly been busy, with the remnants of family's out to lunch enjoying the convivial atmosphere. Pride not so good, Titanic was in good nick. It is pricey, but you get what you pay for- usually.
15 Nov 2011 05:48
Like the Eagle in Battersea, this is a greatly underrated pub. Run by the same couple for over 25 years, which goes to explain why its such a steady ship. The beers are always well kept and staff friendly.A greater choice of late- we had some delicious Twickenham beers. A solid consistent locaI, may it long continue. I think the landlord has been ill recently so best wishes.
15 Nov 2011 05:38
A great little backstreet pub. Haven't been here for some time but greeted well all the same. The plastic glass argument aside, I reckon Dublad was unlucky. These guys could teach pubs in Clapham a thing or two about service. Always attentive the staff here are lovely, which is why I am sure the underlying community spirit is so high.
15 Nov 2011 05:25
The White Horse, Parsons Green
A great huge monument to beer. The choice is astounding, and even more so when considering its an M&B pub. Food surprisingly good too.
15 Nov 2011 05:17
A bizarre oxymoron of a pub. A lovely looking Victorian nay Georgian pub from the outside. Inside it is characterless but for the Landlord Dave, sadly one one swallow doesn't make a summer. The comments here are bizarre if only for the fact that I have pals who go here quite regularly due to the fact they won't live without Lambeth air strapped to their backs in tanks. The staff with the exception of Dave are generally hopeless, and Dave, who has been reminded of this on numerous occasions seems incapable of providing anything but jellyfish managerial guidance. He's too nice to a fault. It has the jump on others in the area for location but Green King beer all tastes the same these days, so perhaps lager is the way forward. Hopefully with support locally it will survive the rigours or recession.
13 Sep 2011 00:28
A welcome retreat from the homogenous offerings of the west end. A legendary landlady who deserves her success. An honest price for an honest pint in a land that seems to have lost its fiscal reality.
13 Sep 2011 00:09
This pub is an orgy of nostalgia and brick a brac, and should be preserved as the Landlords legacy. It has cheered up of late and great to see many of the younger crowd flocking to a more traditional pub, perhaps recognising the demise of vacuous trends on the high street. Would be lovely to see you give the Rose opposite a run for its money on ale with an increase on choice- shouldn't be hard when put up against Green King.
12 Sep 2011 23:59
Step back in time to a wonderfully clad Victorian boozer. This pub has probably changed little since the second world war and would be a perfect period backdrop for tv or film. I don't manage to get here as often as I would like, when in the area. Its a little of the beaten track but well worth the visit. A very clean and relaxed atmosphere with well kept regional classics. This is a pub operated with an unusual tradition in the 21st century, that of father to son- long may it continue.
12 Sep 2011 23:50
Has to be said this is the best by a long chalk, of the renaissance pub chain. Where the others don't seem to have any atmosphere or clearly defined offering this is clearly the flagship. Not a fan of so called gastropubs that hide a pureed potato under 3 sausages and extract �10 from the customer, this does provide fair value. It clearly hits the spot for the young middle classes to whom the Avalon moniker is probably lost (this place is cavernous but always packed at weekends). Well done to you guys and a decent pint too, even if it is not a mythical price.
12 Sep 2011 23:41
Must be one of the most underrated pubs in London. The choice of beer here is always extensive, the quality unparalleled. I have yet to suffer a bad pint even though it is an inevitable feature of 'live' beer.
Pilgrim Progress, Darkstar Hylder, Fyne Jarl, Old Dairy Cream Stout, Brodies, Surrey Hills Guilt Complex, Salopian Lemon Dream, and Blue Monkey 99 Red Baboons, all in peak condition. Who ever says a traditional boozer is out of vogue and heading towards extinction needs to swallow a pint or two here.
12 Sep 2011 23:22
What a great find down a side street in Clapham. Seeking refuge from the d1@&heads looting and loitering on the High street, the only pub defiantly staying open other than those in the Old Town. Great choice of beers, I had Hullabaloo and CastleRock HPA, the Eli had Stowford Press- can't remember what the boy had fizz wise but there was a choice of around 8. Very cosy, clean reliable looking boozer. The sort of place you could send a tourist friend and know that they won't get ripped off or let down. We moved out back for the smokers into a garden through an alley way- very tardis like. In contrast to the old charm of the interior, the garden with a gazebo style affair lined with Chinese lanterns and fairy lights, with colour splashes of cobalt and Caribbean blue. Seemingly a great place to eat with a Cornish Grill every weekend. Look forward to it!
17 Aug 2011 09:48
The Quayside, Whitstable
Nice, tidy and clean pub. As the name suggests, just off the Harbour. Had a very good Christmas roast which was exceptional value. 3 Big Screens for the footie but very relaxed for a Sunday afternoon. Pint of Boondoggle was in good nick and great to have something else other than Sheps' in Kent
14 Dec 2014 14:40