BITE user comments - mps77
Comments by mps77
The Old Bank of England, Fleet Street
I'm with JdeP on this one. Used to drink here a lot. The interior is still amazing.
But it is pricy even for the area, and I'm also not sure either that the beer quality is what it once was.
Resting on it's laurels somewhat IMHO.
16 Feb 2012 18:08
Probably a fair comment about beer variety Steamer1; tend to drink Crouch Vale, Harveys etc. if in here, as they are the sort of beers I prefer, but if that sort of thing is not to your taste could see the range as being a bit samey.
Very good though all told; can get very busy first thing after work especially on a Thursday or Friday but usually quietens down after an hour or two.
16 Feb 2012 18:06
North and South Wales Bank, Wrexham
Can't disagree with the last poster; the ale is great value and well kept, but like a lot of places in Wrexham (much as I love it...) I can't rate it above 6 because of the clientele and feeling it could always kick off (have seen it happen) at any time when you don't expect it.
16 Feb 2012 18:02
I like the place even more since the refurb. Good for the carvery and food; well kept Wrexham Lager and a good range of mostly local cask ales.
Touch and go between this and the Royal Oak/Polish Embassy (which doesn't seem to be reviewed on here yet) opposite which is the best pub in Wrexham these days, but I'd probably just go for the Lion. Atmosphere makes it feel more like a pub, though the Royal Oak is also very good. Certainly you didn't have 2 quality ale pubs like this in the town (and the Lloyds, nag's head and Horse & Jockey are also OK as well) when I was growing up in the place (moved away now) 20 years ago!
16 Feb 2012 18:00
UK CAMRA pub of the year for 2012, and well deserved, in what (NE Wales) used to be a real ale desert. A must visit if you are in the area.
16 Feb 2012 17:56
The Live and Let Live, Cambridge
Very good in my view; I prefer the Salisbury and Cambridge Blue in this part of Cambridge slightly but am splitting hairs somewhat. All three are extremely good and worth checking out.
12 Nov 2010 16:58
Slightly odd opening hours, you don't find many pubs closed on a Saturday afternoon these days. Whether there are restrictions on the licence or similar I don't know as the nearby Live and Let Live also shuts for much of a Saturday afternoon which I would think would be a busy time of the week for most pubs as well.
But aside from that quibble and in the face of strong competition in this part of Cambridge from the Live and Let Live and especially the Cambridge Blue I would rank it as my favourite pub in Cambridge. The range of beers at the Cambridge Blue is better, but there's always 7-8 on here and a varying selection, and I just find it slightly more lively and a slightly more interesting mix of people than at the other two pubs i've named.
Very good indeed
12 Nov 2010 16:57
Very good indeed, with a staggering range of always well kept ale and a good mix of people.
12 Nov 2010 16:54
It's a perfectly alright pub if a little small, and the quality of the beer has always been excellent to be fair.
But there are a couple of downsides in my view (and both may be deliberate policy in terms of the type of punter this bar wants to attract).
First, always seems to be large areas of the bar, which is small enough to start with, reserved or seemingly reserved as half the time the reserved areas don't have anyone sitting there.
Second the prices are an absolute rip off, no other way to describe it.
12 Nov 2010 16:52
I would agree with Strongers. Hadn't been in for some years until recently as always found it pretty low grade a few years ago, but it's definitely improved quite a bit and is a decent enough option for watching sport. 6/10
12 Nov 2010 16:50
Metropolitan Bar, Baker Street
Not bad as Wetherspoons go; quite a mixed clientele, perhaps a little more upmarket than your average Wetherspoons as it's a commuter pub. Usually has a decent range of beer on, and tend to find it better kept than at some wetherspoons as well. Rating is about right in my view.
12 Nov 2010 16:49
I have to be honest I was a bit disappointed.
It looks like a pub which has been spit and sawdust/rough and ready back in the day but which has been refurbished in a way that only half works.
May have got it on a bad day but the beer wasn't in as good order as previous reviews might have suggested (tried Batemans XXXB and Doom Bar) either; it was alright but no better than that, just my opinion.
It's an OK pub in my view, but I wouldn't rate it any higher than that.
12 Nov 2010 16:47
Seems a bit hit and miss how many beers they have on (and often they are all Fullers aside from the Butcombe which seems to be a regular and tasty) at times. Classic interior and good to have it back; a solid 7/10
12 Nov 2010 16:43
I must admit I found the staff fine and knowledgeable about the excellent beer range. Didn't eat but the pub was doing a good trade in food as well, menu looked good; but the main thing all the beers were in excellent quality. Really like this place, and would rank it above the Harkers and Albion as my favourite pub in Chester now, and will be back
12 Nov 2010 16:39
I wouldn't say it's anything approaching a 9/10 pub to be honest, even allowing for West Hampstead being pretty poor for pubs/bars (although the Alice House which is quite new and which doesn't seem to be up on here is worth a look though pricy).
That said the Railway is a lot better under the new management than it has been in years. I agree it's a decent bet for sport, they seem to have pretty much everything on, and they are making an effort with real ale at decent prices as well.
I rated this (it would seem) 5/10 a couple of years back, but it's worth a 7 post the new management who have improved it significantly. It's a decent enough local pub now though, as opposed to anything really special.
18 Feb 2010 09:54
It's a place you'd meet at then move on really, serviceable for a pint or two but you wouldn't go out of your way to go there. Very touristy, averagely well kept (in my view) Mc Mullens. 6/10 kind of place.
16 Dec 2009 17:39
Significantly better than you'd expect given the location, and the rating is perhaps a little low. Prices reasonable also, �2.90 for Landlord (they had 5 real ales on, which is impressive for the location) that was above average in terms of how it was kept. It is very small though, and can often be overcrowded, that is the negative.
16 Dec 2009 17:37
The Crusting Pipe, Covent Garden
very good selection of wine, and not too pricy for the area. there are a couple of meantime beers available in bottles as well, so covers all bases.
great setting in terms of people watching, and you often get street entertainers/buskers playing outside.
much better than most places in the immediate area, nice ambience, and helpful staff. a little bit so-so in my view when it comes to food, but i'd happily recommend it, especially for central covent garden. not too touristy either.
16 Dec 2009 17:35
Ye Olde Swiss Cottage, Swiss Cottage
It sells very cheap (sam smiths) beer. That however is all this place has going for it, it is a bit of a dump to be honest. Location not good, staff not good, and clientele let's just say "mixed"
11 Dec 2009 11:28
This place had been badly on the slide in my view, and 6 months ago I would endorse all foghorn said, I got the distinct impression the place was being run down and lined up for some sort of property development.
Appears to be a new landlord and staff their now though (or I think perhaps an old landlord who has returned to be more accurate) and it's much busier again, and getting back towards the pub it used to be again. Definite signs of improvement, and the Landlord was better kept than it was when i'd last been 6 months or so ago. Good range of continental lagers also.
11 Dec 2009 11:26
The Pembroke Castle, Primrose Hill
very average indeed. not terrible, but really nothing to write home about.
11 Dec 2009 11:23
Very good for food. You wouldn't really go in just for a drink. It is classic Primrose Hill in terms of clientele, atmosphere, decor, everything. That won't be to everyone's taste, but what it does it does well.
11 Dec 2009 11:22
It is far more a gastropub/restaurant than a pub really. Haven't eaten here for some time, but it certainly used to be very good indeed (though pricy) for food. Their is a bar area though. It may have been different and more busy in the bar than usual as it was a Thursday near Christmas, but I felt perfectly relaxed and comfortable just drinking there. Also the barman was very chatty to me and my friend. Only stayed for one pint, but the St Peters Golden Ale was in very good order.
It won't be to everyone's taste, and it is more a food place, but an average rating of 4.4 in my view is very harsh. May have caught it on a good day though.
11 Dec 2009 11:20
The Princess of Wales, Primrose Hill
It seemed rather more a "local's" pub than you would expect for the area, though not unfriendly. Bar staff seemed fine, though perhaps not so good as to rave about. I tried the Tiger (the guest ale) which was good, and the Pride which was average.
I would agree the place has been "talked up" somewhat. It is a perfectly decent local, and that in itself is quite something in this part of London. I wouldn't go out of my way to go back though. 7/10 for me, though I could just as easily have given it a 6.
11 Dec 2009 11:17
Now known as the Alice House, and whilst not great a vast improvement on Cane, Eclipse, the Irish bar whose name I forget now and everything else that has been on this site before.
West Hampstead is pretty dire for pubs/bars, and in the context of the area it's not bad now. Red Stripe and Peroni on draught. Did pay �4 for a pint of Peroni mind; it's is still very overpriced, but the atmosphere, decor and staff are a major improvement on eclipse.
26 Nov 2009 16:39
Everyone in the area should try it once. But probably only once! Can't beat the description "foul and all the more hilarious for it. Never been anywhere quite like it". Sums it up perfectly.
26 Nov 2009 16:34
Very attractive setting, but I think it makes it's money on tourists, not repeat business. Expensive, poor service, very clinical and nowhere near as good as it could be or perhaps thinks it is.
17 Nov 2009 15:49
Very good old fashioned boozer; good staff, good beer, mix of punters, recommended.
17 Nov 2009 15:47
I quite liked the old Wheatsheaf, but this place is vastly better.
Spacious, with a real mix in terms of clientele, and an excellent range of very well kept beers. It even seemed to have a TV with sky sports as well; generally speaking most pubs with sport on TV veer towards the average or worse, but this place was great, and is a real find for general drinking and for watching matches. A gem as stated.
17 Nov 2009 15:46
Fantastic range of very well kept beer, and a friendly clientele. Would strongly recommend this pub.
3 Nov 2009 09:21
Some of the recent comments are spot on.
I went to this pub on Saturday for the first time in many years. It used to be a complete dive, with a rough and ready clientele about 5-10 years ago, when I went drinking in Earls Court rather more than I do now, so was wary of meeting friends here.
However it's perfectly fine now. Tried the Adnams and Davenports Knee Trembler. Quality of the beer was fairly good (fairly good as opposed to great). Pub was a lot cleaner than I remember it, and staff were perfectly fine.
It's nothing amazing, but it's vastly better than it used to be and deserves credit for improvement so 6/10.
3 Nov 2009 09:17
Living off it's former glories and reputation plus I suppose the location which is undeniable excellent in the summer now, and no more than a 5/10
28 Oct 2009 15:32
Indeed, the Brew Dog "Nanny State" was something most half proficient home brew experts would have been ashamed to have knocked up. I don't understand, apart of course from the hype and clever marketing, the appeal of that brewery; all their beer is woeful. And there's always one of them on here.
The selection of bottles is very impressive, especially in terms of continental lagers. But they are pretty expensive. In terms of what is on draught that does vary, but the choice (brewdog aside ha!) is usually pretty good. Prices vary dramatically but generally the draughts are better value than the bottles.
I've always found the service to be reasonably good to be honest. Can get very cramped. Customers vary, but edge towards the trendy/Hoxton types.
28 Oct 2009 15:30
pretty decent local; mixed clientele, reasonably good thai food and has sky sports. bit less pretentious than some nearby places but without being in any way chavvy/pikey.
27 Oct 2009 17:13
Top quality brewery pub, both for food and beer. Highly recommended.
19 Oct 2009 17:48
best pub in the area by a country mile, especially since the very sad demise of the Archury Tavern. tried the chiswick and pride, both very well kept. quite interesting traditional decor/architecture as well, bit of an old gin palace.
19 Oct 2009 17:46
it's a pity it no longer really shows sport, as it was easily the best place to watch games in the area. however, to do a decent refurb like this, which seems to attract a mixed crowd and be more female friendly, i guess you have to lose the football. i agree it's a very good bar indeed now.
19 Oct 2009 17:44
The Conduit of Tybourne, Bond Street
Improved a lot since it re-opened as the Coachmakers; music can be a bit loud, and it is for a youngish crowd, especially downstairs, especially on thursdays/fridays, but pretty good and well kept good range of beer
19 Oct 2009 17:42
It's a good pub, probably the best in the immediate area. Beer is well kept, and the piano nights are interesting, and a taste of London's past. However the staff are professional, but not especially friendly, and whilst it's decent I wouldn't say it's close to being one of the best 30 pubs in the UK. 7/10
19 Oct 2009 17:41
still a bit run down, and still a bit iffy in terms of clientele, but the management do seem to be making an effort and improved on previous management, and the beer is pretty well kept.
16 Oct 2009 12:38
The Salt House, St John's Wood
Food place really and certainly overpriced, but it's not as bad as soon reviews suggest in my view in an area bit lacking decent pubs/bars. 5/10
14 May 2009 12:33
Much quieter than it used to be on my last visit.
Only one guest (i.e. none Fullers) ale on, something from Castle Rock, which was perfectly fine. Chiswick well kept, ESB and Pride less so.
This pub is nowhere near as popular or good as it was pre Fullers' takeover; it is still better than anywhere in the immediate area, and don't want to exaggerate criticism but it has lost something. 7/10 now.
30 Apr 2009 11:52
Well yes, Fullers are a proper brewery, agree with that totally and respect the company greatly.
However they aren't great in terms of their policies on allowing any or many guest ales. Often that doesn't matter, as Fullers beers are better than most. However it is an issue with a pub like this which has always been great for it's range of guest ales kept so very well.
Touch wood Fullers don't spoil it. The Mitre could never be ruined, but if it just ends up selling Fullers beers it would certainly diminish the pub.
30 Apr 2009 11:49
The view is excellent, and I didn't have an issue with the service either I have to say. I would however concur about the condition of the beer. I had pride, and it was just about drinkable, nothing more.
20 Mar 2009 08:46
Most pubs like this are either good for beer, and you wouldn't eat there, or the food is very good but you wouldn't really just go in for a pint.
This pub is very good on both fronts, and that must be down to the bar team and staff who are very friendly and efficient. Slight minus (in my view) is the beers are invariably all theakstons with few if any guests, but they are invariably well kept and this is a really good all round pub with a good mix of clientele.
18 Mar 2009 13:49
best pub/bar in chester in terms of the quality and range of the beer in my view.
18 Mar 2009 13:42
cavern of a pub; it is similar to yates' but slightly better though still characterless. fine for watching footy in though.
18 Mar 2009 13:40
Decent enough understated pub, and very handy for the main shopping area. Beer well kept.
18 Mar 2009 13:37
I can't add a lot to the recent reviews, both in terms of the positives and negatives of this place. It is very idiosyncratic, and I like the place for it, given Chester hasn't got as many top class pubs as you'd expect compared to what it probably should have.
Food is very good, beer is always well kept with a decent range, but undoubtedly the landlord is full of himself, the pub is living off it's reputation somewhat and the opening hours are very erratic indeed. Can often go and it's shut.
7/10 on balance the good points outweigh the bad, but the reviews sum it up well and it's definitely not for everybody.
18 Mar 2009 13:36
It's a real throwback of a pub. Especially for this part of London.
Like something out of the 70's, a Life on Mars type pub. Not necessarily a good thing, or a bad thing, although on balance i'd tend to the view it's a good thing places like this still exist, especially in ec1. Bitter isn't amazingly well kept though, so 6/10
5 Feb 2009 16:39
i'll still give it a 6/10, as the food (it is a gastropub, and closer to a restaurant than a pub) is often still very good. but even that is more hit and miss than it was. service is also not fantastic, and getting a seat is often very difficult. i think this place is somewhat living off it's reputation now.
5 Feb 2009 16:23
quirky, with an excellent atmosphere. in an area of decent pubs and bars i'd probably rank it top in the clerkenwell area.
5 Feb 2009 16:21
Decentish pub and mix of punters, but pricy for drinks and agree a pretty grumpy barman, so knocks it down to 6/10
28 Jan 2009 12:56
awesome building, must see if you haven't been, but agreed it is perhaps resting on it's laurels and a bit complacent.
20 Jan 2009 15:05
Rumour is Fuller's have bought this pub, time will tell if that's true.
If so that is a real shame. Nothing against Fullers beer, I quite like it, but the range of beer here has been fantastic down the years, and Fullers aren't known for selling much if any guest ales in their pubs....
20 Jan 2009 15:03
La Brocca upstairs bar, West Hampstead
s'alright, nothing special but given the paucity of decent bars and pubs in west hampstead it is alright. serves amstel, guinness and budvar on draught, plus a decent wine list. food is quite good. service variable though, often quite poor. there are some amusing photos of the owner, who as dominic says is enormous, with the likes of Martin Johnson, Shane Warne and others; quite funny to contrast those sports stars with the owner standing next to them! 6/10
20 Jan 2009 14:53
The Hung, Drawn and Quartered, Tower Hill
Decent beer, and atmosphere, better than most in the area.
26 Nov 2008 12:26
The Liberty Bounds, Tower Hill
used to be a decent spoons, but rubbish now, because of the utterly appalling service as many have already said.
26 Nov 2008 12:25
It is still an absolutely wonderful pub, but as with the Jerusalem Tavern nearby it is usually simply too busy to stay long there now. Possibly becoming a victim of it's own success and/or too many people now know about it!
31 Oct 2008 15:08
very much a local's pub. much more an estate pub than what you'd expect so close to marylebone high street.
11 Sep 2008 08:50
Top drawer old style pub. Good selection of well kept beer, and very friendly bar staff/locals. 8/10
18 Aug 2008 12:58
�3.50 for a pint of Sharp's doom bar really is stretching it, even in this part of town. The beer was better kept yesterday when i went in though than for several years, definite improvement as it's been on the slide for a long while. Also seemed to have been a refurb, or at the very least a tidy up of the place as well.
8 Jul 2008 10:57
Has seemed alarmingly quiet recently, which is a bit worrying with all the pubs that are closing. Would recommend this place, well kept Shep Neame beers and a good old school pub. 8/10
8 Jul 2008 10:55
No.77 Wine Bar, West Hampstead
Apparently re-opening shortly as a restaurant cum bar called Cini (modern european theme according to the notice on the door). Unclear whether it'll be mainly a restaurant, mainly a bar, or a combination of both yet.
24 Jun 2008 14:21
best pub in shrewsbury with great character and friendly staff and punters.
19 Jun 2008 14:14
went there on a friday night as has a late licence. band playing, disco, and very cheesy/tacky, but a good atmosphere and a laugh.
18 Jun 2008 17:13
Of course there are so many pubs/bars in the area. And yes it is pricy and a bit corporate. But an average rating of 2.7/10 is laughable, that suggests a place that is truly horrendous, and this place is not that and has a reasonable range of beers. Average.
5/10
18 Jun 2008 17:10
Very well kept Speights, and as said the full range, which is very good news.
It always seems very quiet though, a bit like drinking in someone's living room. Don't know why but this place never seems to work as a bar (it's gone through several different identities down the years). Do hope it does well but think it may struggle judging by how quiet it seems to be.
4 Jun 2008 13:08
The average seems a little low. Decent choice of beer, and well kept, and of lager especially continentals (kuppers kolsch, budvar dark etc.). Good mix of people as well. Downsides, the shape of the pub means it gets very crowded, but that can't be avoided. Also I've only eaten here once but was disappointed. Perhaps the best place to drink in on marylebone high street though so 7/10
28 May 2008 16:10
The Great Western, Wolverhampton
It warrants it's rating. Been in here a few times, and exceptional choice of beer, all very well kept, and good cheap food. I wouldn't argue with saying it's in the best 10 pubs in the UK either.
14 May 2008 17:35
Still worth a look, but whereas I'd once have ranked this the best pub in Mayfair, if not Central London, the quality of the beer has been average last couple of times I've been here. Perfectly drinkable, perfectly OK, but in comparison to the quality in the past, when everything was very well kept, not quite the same.
8 May 2008 17:04
The Only Running Footman, Mayfair
Never really seen anyone eating in here, effectively half the space is wasted with the "dining area" which if you sit down when not eating (bear in mind it's a small pub and gets crowded) staff get v.stroppy about. Agree it's a pub with an identity crisis, so many good eating options in the area, it should just focus on being a pub.
8 May 2008 17:03
I agree, you would barely know the pub had been refurbished, it's so similar. Just tidied up a bit around the edges. Recommended still.
8 May 2008 17:00
It's a Walkabout. Does what it says on the tin. Lot of people hate them. I wouldn't drink in them all the time, but now and again they do the job, and whilst it's not a great place it isn't in my view as bad as most people make out.
18 Apr 2008 16:46
as decent a pub for away fans as you'll find in the whole country; staff very good, friendly and mc mullens beer very well kept. literally seconds to the away turnstiles as well. spot on, except not always open after the game.
28 Mar 2008 15:06
all the three previous comments are spot on; horrendous place.
26 Mar 2008 13:50
pretty decent for a station pub, and good craic when irish are playing.
11 Mar 2008 12:49
It's a Walkabout, does what it says on the tin, no more, no less.
Better than anything else in the immediate area, although I appreciate that's not difficult.
11 Mar 2008 12:48
The Southwark Tavern, London Bridge
Could be an excellent pub, as several others have said, and the beer is usually in good order, but i'm also marking it down badly for the terrible slow service.
11 Mar 2008 12:43
The Princess of Wales, Charing Cross
Not a bad pub for a quick pint or to watch the football.
7 Mar 2008 15:13
Boadicea, Charing Cross Station
worst station pub in the UK in my view, in the face of pretty strong competition.
7 Mar 2008 15:11
i agree the service and attitude to customers here is very poor.
7 Mar 2008 15:09
St Stephens Tavern, Westminster
For such a touristy area this is an excellent pub. Good service, good Badger beers well kept, fairly sensible prices and good mix of clientele.
7 Mar 2008 15:00
The Salisbury, Leicester Square
Nice interior, beer well kept and decent value for money for the area. However given the pub is usually busy it is understaffed most of the time (the staff are fine, but not enough of them) to enough of an extent it's a problem.
6 Mar 2008 13:00
Beautiful interior. Jennings' cumberland ale, Pride and Tim Taylor all very well kept indeed on last visit.
The only problem with the place, in particular given it's size and shape, is that it is almost always busy, perhaps a victim of it's own success and too busy, but cracking pub.
6 Mar 2008 12:41
I'm not a huge ABO fan either; but as stated it gains for the location, and in terms of service/type of punter attracted etc. it's pretty good for an ABO.
5 Mar 2008 16:29
Top drawer pub, there were 9 or so on tap and gravity last time I went in (can't entirely remember as all were well kept and had rather too much!).
Much improved in the last year or two, and very good indeed for a pub so close to a station.
4 Mar 2008 11:23
Richard John Blackler, Liverpool
I would echo most of the previous comments; it could be a decent pub, but the time to get served is terrible and attitude of staff often poor (though they are grossly overworked). Avoid.
4 Mar 2008 11:21
Very hit and miss.
Sometimes it's busy, good atmosphere, plenty of real ales on, and it's then well above the average station pub.
Other times I've had the same experience as Jon, hardly any of the handpumps on, and place totally empty.
4 Mar 2008 11:19
quite an old school boozer, and a local's pub, but perfectly alright and perfectly friendly crowd. i can only speak from personal experience, but never been any hint of racism in the times i've been in there.
4 Mar 2008 11:04
No.77 Wine Bar, West Hampstead
This bar has now closed. Victim of a new landlord apparently, no doubt soon to be re-opened as an estate agents as West Hampy hasn't got enough of them already...
Shame. Was an esoteric place, and you could feel a bit out of it as very much a regular's bar, but interesting, good on rugby days, and reasonable food (though that did deteriorate a bit over time).
Use your local pub or bar, scary amount closing at the moment!
4 Mar 2008 11:02
The Crown Posada, now there's a pub.
Absolute classic; it does get very busy though.
6 Sep 2007 14:56
definitely agreed it's one of the best pubs in north london. tim taylor landlord was in perfect condition, and the food/wine is also decent here.
6 Sep 2007 14:51
All the TT range were on at the weekend, although only paid a brief visit both the Mild and Golden Best were in cracking form.
Wonderful little pub, wish I lived closer by. Best place in Putney by a mile.
28 Aug 2007 12:01
Powers always seemed pretty busy, so i would have said the business idea worked. Always liked the place; good guinness, good mix of clientele.
This place is as bad as everyone says. Give it 6 months in this format, it just doesn't work and isn't getting the punters in by the looks of it.
Real shame.
24 Aug 2007 14:48
The Barrowboy and Banker, London Bridge
In most other areas this would be a very good pub, but with the Globe, Market Porter, Wheatsheaf, George Inn etc. so close it's only a 6/10
17 Aug 2007 15:43
The service is very good; with a great range of well kept beers (6 last time i went) on.
The only downside is the place does get very busy, and is perhaps a victim of it's own success in terms of that, especially given it's a very narrow bar area; but if you go at quieter times it's a cracking pub.
16 Aug 2007 10:22
wish i didn't live the other side of london to here; concur with everyone else it seems this is a wonderful pub, with excellent beer.
13 Aug 2007 13:39
The Victoria and Albert, Marylebone Station
very poor, even for a london station pub.
go to the hobgoblin or globe if you're waiting for a train instead.
13 Aug 2007 13:37
alright; but (and i know other people who take the same view) whilst the beer is still alright, it (especially the hobgoblin) is by no means as well kept as it used to be.
was once a very good pub, now only reasonable
13 Aug 2007 13:35
better inside than it looks from the outside.
perfectly alright place for watching football or a quick pint.
13 Aug 2007 13:34
good bar staff, good clientele, excellent range of beer (well kept) including guests; quality pub.
13 Aug 2007 13:32
i would say this is the best pub in brighton.
won't be to everyone's taste, but as a quiet real ale pub it's excellent.
13 Aug 2007 13:30
always found the beer pretty well kept; and they seem to have a proper guest on now (dark star when i last went). however the beer is fairly expensive, and the food extremely so. 6/10
13 Aug 2007 13:28
not bad at all, especially for the area, always found the beer well kept.
13 Aug 2007 13:27
Woeful. Doric Arch is 100metres away maximum, and has train departure boards in the pub, so there is no excuse for anyone to end up in this dump.
13 Aug 2007 13:25
Two guest ales on when I last went, which is very poor compared to this pub in it's pre Fullers days.
But the Dark Star hophead and Fullers discovery were both very well kept, and the bar staff are friendly and knowledgeable so not going to mark this pub down too much. Would give it 7/10 now, it's still massively better than most station pubs and the pit that is the Britannia on Euston concourse. But it isn't comparable to the pre Fullers era for beer range.
13 Aug 2007 13:23
excellent find, with well kept beer and good for food as well.
8 Aug 2007 11:43
Under new management (July 2007 i think); pretty impressed when I popped in.
8 Aug 2007 11:42
The beer is always well kept, with a great variety.
However I wouldn't necessarily agree about friendly staff; have always found they have a fairly poor attitude to customers, though that may well be different for regulars.
8 Aug 2007 11:40
Generally a good variety of Cains on offer and well kept. Like this place.
6 Aug 2007 17:37
Found this place by accident with a couple of friends going as away fans to Luton.
It's a wonderful pub; very well kept beer with guests, friendly and mixed clientele, good choice of wine, bits and pieces of food as well. Saying it's the best pub in Luton by a mile would be damning it with faint praise; this would be an excellent pub wherever it's location and well deserves it's high rating.
2 Aug 2007 15:38
service is erratic, and that's being generous. prices are a rip off. it has potential, and is not quite as bad as many of the comments suggest; as the outdoor area is nice in the summer, but it's got to be marked quite low due to the prices.
31 Jul 2007 11:31
I'm not a wetherspoons fan as a rule but this is easily one of their better branches.
30 Jul 2007 17:08
The location is fantastic, but the staff are so-so and it's Sam Smith's, I don't mind there pure brewed lager or the Old Brewery bitter now and again, but it has the huge obvious downside of Sam Smith's only selling their own product....
30 Jul 2007 17:07
great location, beer always kept very well, and the selection constantly changing.
did used to think of it as a hidden gem, but it seems much busier these days, think a lot of people have cottoned on to just how good it is!
30 Jul 2007 13:36
Five real ales on; the tim taylor landlord was in good condition.
Perfect location, with a huge beer garden. It is a bit a haunt of green welly brigade though, and am marking it down to 7/10 for that, and for being surprised (given it was a lovely day and very busy) it shut 3pm on the dot on a sunday, turning away it seemed to me a lot of potential custom.
30 Jul 2007 13:34
Totally different it seemed to me than the Bull next door, aiming for a different market.
A drinker's pub, as opposed to a food place and a more down to earth clientele, and a fairly decent pub (not particularly a Greene King fan but the beer; Old Speckled Hen and Ruddles was in good form).
30 Jul 2007 13:32
very much a gastropub/food place; the london pride was so-so when i visited.
somewhat sloaney/4x4 set clientele, but the girl serving was very sweet, chatty and friendly.
30 Jul 2007 13:30
very well kept beer, and friendly staff and clientele.
good variety of local beers along with regulars (adnams, youngs special) and good for beer festivals.
probably the best pub in hitchin.
30 Jul 2007 13:28
interesting place, a good deal of history, going back to the war.
good mix of eastern european's and locals. excellent draught beer (budvar/pilsner urquell) and very good for food.
won't be everyone's cup of tea, but i like it.
30 Jul 2007 13:27
acceptable (no more, no less) station pub for a quick pint or if you're waiting to meet someone.
gets pretty busy before big matches at wembley, being so handy for the tube.
30 Jul 2007 13:25
The Black Lion, West Hampstead
the revamp has worked well.
sure it is a bit corporate but west hampstead had been missing a bar like this; with decent beer, reasonable food and a nice vibe (eclipse doesn't really count due to the prices and lack of draught beer). much busier than the old black lion, which didn't really reflect the area and people living in NW6, used to be.
30 Jul 2007 13:23
Vivian Arms, Wellingborough
The last time we went back here (for football) Snarling Mallard which would be about last April (2011) or so very much got the same impression I'm afraid. Had gone downhill quite a lot since my 2008 review.
28 Feb 2012 17:41