Swan Hotel, Southwold

Standards of service remarkably variable from year to year. We try it on holiday each year and is unreliable. This year bar staff courteous but fairly clueless and inattentive once your food order has been taken, don't seem to notice (or care) how long you have been waiting. Food disappointing for the price. Manager-type person is bustling but pretty ineffectual unless you are bound for the restaurant, in which case you will get fawned over! Have a drink here but if you want to enjoy yourself, head for the Red Lion where they really understand food and service.

19 Aug 2008 08:41

The Red Lion, Southwold

Really great place. Adnams good as always, food excellent with unbelievably generous servings. Staff unfailingly friendly and polite even though they are always busy. You get the feeling your custom is welcome and don't get overlooked waiting to be served even if 'only' a seasonal visitor. (Sole Bay Inn are you listening?)

19 Aug 2008 08:30

The Sole Bay Inn, Southwold

Very disapppointing and pretty rude staff; if you are not one of the Summer Theatre crowd it is hard to get served, in fact even if you have just ordered and a luvvie comes in the bar staff will instanhtly break off getting your order! Not a good advert for Adnams (do they ever fo mystery shopping on their pubs?) and there are of course plenty of other places you can choose instead.

19 Aug 2008 08:24

The Lord Nelson, Southwold

Unfailingly great ale and friendly service. Sitting outside the Sailors' Reading Room on a summer evening with a pint of Broadside is an unbeatable pleasure. And now there is East Green too!

19 Aug 2008 08:18

The Ship, Ripley

Lived in Ripley for many years and although the pub itself is very attractive I would not describe the landlord and wife as remotely welcoming. Occasionally less than usually hostile but never welcoming!

15 Aug 2008 10:50