The John Barleycorn, Goring

Not realy a pub anymore,though in the corner bar bit the beer is fine.Under new manargership and no-smoking before the national ban.They have a few organisational things to iron out- though they seemed to handle the Easter Holiday mob quite well- but once that's settled,these pleasant people with their above average food should be a great success.
Their only 'opposition' would be the overpriced Miller of Mansfield with its embittered northern manager or the riverside Swan Hotel - lovely setting but ghastly

12 Apr 2007 15:08

The Catherine Wheel, Goring

Found the place wandering around the village this Easter weekend-Probably the last real pub left (did not try the place near the station) though even here the god profit was dictating meals rather than draught beer- which itself was good, served up by friendly if fearsome antipode-an (?) ladies. Even had a genial drunk tottering around the bar on Saturday evening -possibly a deportable crime in genteel Goring

10 Apr 2007 22:28

The Hop and Berry, Islington

As long as you realise this is not a pub in the normal sense-or not at least the Saturday night we were there-this is a good place.Packed with diners,including a bling heavy hen party that must ahve strayed from Upper Street,it is wise to book.They did find a place for the two of us,infront of the fire,were perfectly charming and not put out that all we wanted was a selection of starters.Washed down with an interesting bottle of red,a pleasant if not inexpensive light supper.A good antedote to the effects of a film gorefest that had put our nerves on edge.Will be back.

29 Jan 2007 12:53