BITE user comments - jhclare
Comments by jhclare
Have been twice recently and had two completely different experiences, which may explain the mixed reviews here.
Once midweek - excellent service, knowledgeable and friendly staff and yummy food. Couldn't fault it. However...
Last night (a Saturday) - disinterested and aloof barmaid who, when asked which fruit beer she'd recommend - "I hate fruit beers" (!), then went on to mention another beer on tap "but it's only 5%". Really no interest or knowledge of Belgian beer and looked at me like I had two heads whenever I went to the bar. No table service at all, even though it wasn't busy.
Then, after last orders, standing at deserted bar to close tab and make payment - "The bar's closed" bellowed across the pub from a table of staff obviously wanting to knock off early. No apology when I explained I was waiting to pay, and surely they should have been doing the final rounds themselves instead of sitting chatting at a table? Really unprofessional.
A real shame - I doubt we'll go back, at least not at a weekend.
6 May 2012 15:20
This pub can be summed up as:
- great drinks selection
- above average food
- lousy staff
- lousy toilets
- sometimes feels more like a nursery than a pub due to selfish parents
- bad layout
- why is half the seating always reserved?
It has potential - the drinks selection is great. It has an outdoor non-smoking section (hooray!) which is enforced too. It is let down badly by poorly trained bar staff who can't multi-task, a very crowded bar (what's with the pillars and people standing blocking the bar chatting?).
The toilets are always abysmal. No soap (yes, I actually wash my hands after using the loo unlike most people in there...), wet floors, wet toilet roll everywhere (note - it's supposed to go in the toilet, not on the floor!). They really need to be inspected and cleaned hourly during busy periods.
These days we prefer The Princess of Wales.
22 Jul 2009 12:30
This is my local - been there a few times purely because it's convenient and on our way home.
It has such potential. Unfortunately the landlord doesn't really know who his market is.
The last time I went in, they had NO ALE. At all. I asked in disbelief and was told "we don't do it any more as it wasn't selling".
What the...? It probably wasn't selling because it was badly kept and was boring stuff you can get anywhere. They have John Smiths - you may as well drink dishwater.
The rest of the drinks selection is the same generic "London Pub Lager" fare... disappointing.
Hither Green has a large number of young professionals and families and is crying out for a decent gastro pub selling a good selection of continental beer, real ale, and a decent wine selection.
It is a great building and it could do really well if someone had the guts to do it right.
As it is, we make do with Railway, Zero Degrees and the Princess of Wales in Blackheath (which aren't perfect by any means, see reviews).
22 Jul 2009 12:17
The Lord Northbrook, Lee
A totally lovely pub and incredibly professional and friendly staff. Never came here before the overhaul, but all I can say is I really wish The Station in Hither Green would have the same treatment!
6 May 2012 15:26