The Feathers Public House and Kitchen, Rickmansworth

The drinks are way too expensive, but the decor, staff, food, beer and environment are all perfectly pleasant, price you pay I suppose.

21 May 2010 13:36

Coach and Horses, Croxley Green

Apparently run by the same guy as The Artichoke, it's a bit bemusing how this one is nearly 'right' and the other one so 'wrong'. Food is good and reasonably priced, service is good and friendly to boot (they were quiet evenings admittedly), there's TVs for sport and doesn't appear to attract louts, the ales are good too. There looks like there is a nice garden for kids so will pop back with mine in time.

21 May 2010 13:04

The Sportsman, Croxley Green

Lovely proper pub and better than it used to be. Recommended.

21 May 2010 12:50

The Artichoke, Croxley Green

I've recently moved back to Croxley after 10 long years away (everyone comes back don't they?) and I was very much looking forward to visiting one of my old haunts, The Artichoke on The Green
There are (were) not many things better in this life than relaxing out on the green with a cold pint, cheerfully served, and enjoying the view and watching Croxley go about it's business. But WOW, what a difference 10 years make. It's absolutely shocking.
The interior has been ruined, the new decking to the front is cheap, tacky and nasty, without mentioning the hideous tropical plants. It's rarely open, and there's a POOL table inside where the regular old soaks used to sit and spend money. No they've clearly been scared away, does a pool table make up for their revenue? Of course not. Our pint glasses were dirty and the choice of beer poor. How can the authorities let such a beautiful LISTED building be treated with such obvious contempt?
I asked the nice girl behind the bar where all the customers were (it was fairly mild, overcast but sunny, in the old days it would have been 3 deep at the bar minimum), she was adamant that the pub had always been quiet, even though I tried to assure her it used to be rammed to the leaky rafters day and night.
I suggest the current incumbent has very little idea in the way of customer service, or idea of how to run a pub. Please Mr current Manager, do the decent thing and find someone who knows how to run and take care of such an historical hostelry.
The nice couple who run The Sportsman down the road must be rubbing their hands together.
How very, very sad.

21 May 2010 12:46