BITE user comments - nich52
Comments by nich52
A great pub, and the beer is normally good, if expensive. Previously, the staff have been friendly, although the landlord might seem a little eccentric. On my latest visit however, the barmaid was surly and not in the slightest bit welcoming. She was more interested in reading her newspaper than serving, and I have to say that I felt that I was an irritation to her peaceful morning, rather than a paying customer. Maybe this was a one-off, and don't let this discourage you - the place is well worth a visit.
22 May 2013 13:58
Beer was OK, reasonable choice and in good condition. Not much character, but nothing to complain about.
8 Mar 2012 16:21
The Churchill Arms, Kensington
Much too busy - couldn't get a seat, and getting served involved fighting your way to the bar and a long wait. Not a pleasant experience. As others have said, I'm sure it's fine when it's not crowded, but I was there on a Wednesday night - I hate to think what it is like at the weekend!
8 Mar 2012 16:19
Some strange comments about the pub and landlord here. He has always been friendly to me. The beer is wonderful, though not cheap. The music is good and the atmosphere is great. I can't fault the place - if you want to use your mobile, go outside or go somewhere else.
21 Sep 2011 14:36
I had been very disappointed on my previous visit about a year ago, but I'm glad to say things have very much improved. Very busy in there on a Tuesday night - excellent range of ales and very good prices for central London. My pint of Doom bar was faultless and cost only �2.75. Highly recommended and I'll be going there again next time I'm in the area.
13 Jul 2011 12:32
The Blacksmith's Arms, Rotherhithe
Nice pub. He only had London Pride, but it was good. He didn't seem to be drunk, and was extremely polite and friendly. I would certainly recommend a visit if you are in the area.
8 Jun 2011 18:09
Nice back street pub, friendly landlord and good service. Old fashioned decor, but that is fine with me. Beer in excellent condition on the day of my visit. The only real pub in the area as far as I could make out.
8 Jun 2011 18:04
Fantastic selection of beers - but outrageously pricey! I am not rich enough to pay their prices.
3 May 2011 15:20
Superb pint of Timothy Taylor, best time to visit would probably be a weekday afternoon if you want a bit of peace. Lovely jukebox upstairs with obscure records.
30 Mar 2011 14:01
I loved my visit to this pub - OK, I've only been there once, but the barmaid was very friendly - I didn't see any of the rudeness described below. It is expensive but what do you expect in this area? The beer was worth it. Adnams Gunhill, it was superb - and I don't usually like Adnams much. The interior jumble is a bit contrived (the 'coal' stove is gas) but it makes for a nice enough atmosphere.
Too pricey to go there much, but well worth a visit.
9 Mar 2011 20:26
Continuing to offer a good selection of beers......my only complaint is that they don't seem to have enough bar staff on duty at busy times like Saturday night.
12 Dec 2010 13:16
The Hope and Anchor, Islington
Loud music, quite a good atmosphere, but not the place to go for a chat. No real ale when I visited, just keg rubbish. They did have Green King and Old Speckled Hen, but both had run out.
31 Oct 2010 16:52
Big, busy pub, handy for Clapham Junction and a good place to meet up with people. Very good selection of ales and the ones I tried were in excellent condition. Nice interior, not too noisy, plenty of room. My only gripe is that the beer is a bit expensive, but all in all a very good pub.
1 Sep 2010 09:01
It has been tidied up since I last visited, but not so much that the atmosphere of the place has been spoiled. I think it's really nice inside now, and the beer was excellent as always. Worth going out of your way for - definitely one of the best traditional pubs in Croydon.
2 Mar 2010 21:39
Trafalgar Freehouse, South Wimbledon
Great place, can't recommend it highly enough if you like a traditional pub with excellent real ales.
25 Feb 2010 17:09
The Strutton Arms, Westminster
A fairly mediocre city pub - nothing much to say about it, good or bad. The pint of London Pride I had was good. The Speaker, just round the corner would probably be a better bet if seeking a pub with a bit of character and some excellent ales.
14 Feb 2010 17:41
Typical Young's pub, but not typical in only having 'ordinary' on tap, and nothing else. Slightly tatty inside, but unpretentious. No food on offer, not even crisps when I visited. OK if you want to have a quick pint or kill some time, but not somewhere to make a special journey.
20 Jan 2010 21:06
The Swan and Sugarloaf, South Croydon
Union jacks and tattoos everywhere - you only have to look at the clientelle to see what kind of pub this is. Avoid.
27 Oct 2009 17:59
Crowded as you would expect on a Saturday night, but excellent beer (Wandle Ale) and nice chips.
4 Oct 2009 12:35
Beer was fine, if a bit expensive. Bar staff friendly enough, and the toilets are fantastic...in fact it's worth a visit just to see the bogs.
9 Sep 2009 16:03
Shaws Booksellers, Blackfriars
Good beer but expensive - not what I would call a real pub, more of a restaurant that sells real ales. Worth a visit though.
4 Sep 2009 22:00
Williamson's Tavern, Mansion House
Good place, and the beer was excellent. Avoid the 'special offer' meal deal though - You get about 6 chips, a deep fried guppy, and a thimble full of mushy peas.
4 Sep 2009 21:58
The Hole In The Wall, Waterloo
Busy and a bit shabby, but with a good selection of beer which was in great condition when I visited. Noisy in the big bar, but there is a quieter bar out the back. Worth a look.
12 Jul 2009 12:09
The Seven Stars, Chancery Lane
I've heard several people say similar things about the strange behaviour of the staff, and if it's all true, then it's inexcusable. Personally, I haven't had any problem at all, so will continue to use it. The beer is great, maybe it's best just to keep well away from the staff.
12 Jul 2009 12:06
Large pub next to the tube station, convenient for a meeting place. Beer was OK, interior nothing special. I very much like half_tuppence'c comment, that he will DEFIANTLY visit here again. Me too!
16 Jun 2009 18:04
I agree with Nickthefish - it's better than most Wetherspoons. The ales are always too cold for me in these places - resulting in a strange lack of taste. However, my pint was quite reasonable. The food was cheap and fairly filling although it wouldn't win any prizes.
16 Jun 2009 18:00
The beer (Butcombe) was good but served in short measure. My drinking companion's glass was also less than full. Food and beer very expensive. Interesting place though, full of little nooks and crannies. If they had given me a full pint I would have rated 8 but it's a 7 for me based on this visit.
16 Jun 2009 17:57
Good pub, beer in good condition. Interior quite pleasant, would go again if I was in the area.
16 Jun 2009 17:54
The Dorset Arms, East Grinstead
Large, slightly tatty, town centre pub. Had good pint of of Abbot and some reasonable food. Bar manager seems professional and friendly.
28 May 2009 16:36
The Old Bank of England, Fleet Street
Typical large Fullers pub, nice interior, good beers, plenty of room. Barmaid could barely speak English, but never mind - nothing to really complain about.
27 May 2009 12:41
This pub came highly recommended but was pretty disappointing. The diabolical smell coming from the toilets (like a chemical factory) was off putting as soon as we got in the door. The Timothy Taylors Landlord was off so I had some other ale from Cornwall, which was stale and musty- although not quite bad enough to cause a scene about. I then went for London Pride thinking it would be a safe bet, but this too was a long way from being in perfect condition.
They have a very good selection of ales - at good prices too, but if they are in poor condition, this doesn't count for much. I would rather see just 3 or 4 ales but all in tip top condition, than ten dodgy ones. I will give it another chance another night, but this visit was a let down.
27 May 2009 12:37
The Seven Stars, Chancery Lane
Excellent little pub, full of character. People friendly (including the fat black cat hogging the bar stool) superb beer. Strange toilet arrangements, but nevertheless, I shall go there again.
27 May 2009 12:28
The Jerusalem Tavern, Clerkenwell
A gem of a pub, but as other people have said, very busy in the early evening which can make it difficult to find a seat. The office people thinned out at about 8.30 and it was fine then. Traditional in every sense, they have a good range of St Peters beers to suit most tastes, in excellent condition.
The bar staff are friendly and the pub has a good atmosphere. Well worth a visit and I would go again if in the area.
17 Mar 2009 14:46
Absolutely extraordinary place in the shadow of Clerkenwell church. Large and brightly lit 'Laurel and Hardy' themed bar, with pictures and models of the pair all over the place. Only three people in there when we visited, along with a wine tasting group tucked in one corner.
The first thing that hits you when you walk in is the terrible smell of urine mixed with chemicals coming from the toilets. Truly horrible, and when you actually go in the bogs, the smell is enough to make your eyes water. It's beyond me how the wine tasters could judge the bouquet of their Cote du Rhone with an all pervading whiff of 'wee' and domestos whafting around. It's no wonder the bogs stink as there is no ventilation in there - no fan or even a window, just a little hole in the glass which is nowhere near sufficient.
I had a pint of Sharp's Cornish, which was fine, no problems there. This could easily be a very nice if somewhat eccentric pub, but please sort the toilets out! No-one wants to drink a pub that smells like a public lavatory!
17 Mar 2009 14:39
Trafalgar Freehouse, South Wimbledon
Very friendly and a fantastic selection of beers at very reasonable price, great little place - long may it continue.
6 Feb 2009 14:48
I can't fault this pub, it's near perfect. Excellent beers from the Hopback brewery at reasonable price. I wish I lived near this pub. Well worth seeking out if you like good traditional pubs.
6 Feb 2009 14:45
Trafalgar Freehouse, South Wimbledon
Interesting back street pub, with nice selection of quality beer. I had a couple of pints of Th'ruppeny Hop bitter, which was superb. Tiny little bar - most of the pub seemed to be given over to a dart board. I would ditch the darts altogether and have a few more tables for people to sit at, because it really is very cramped in the bar.
Definitely worth a visit, even if you don't live in Wimbledon. I will definitely go there again. I wish there were more pubs like this!
8 Jan 2009 11:27
The Wibbas Down Inn, Wimbledon
Huge pub with a good range of beers, and great prices. Greene King IPA at 99p a pint is a good deal by any standards. Unfortunately, beer in Wetherspoons pubs just never tastes quite 'right' to me. I had some kind of Winter Ale which was almost undrinkable. The 'Pedigree' was not too bad, but too cold and tasted metallic. The only one I enjoyed was the Abbott, and that was nothing special. Good place to meet and possibly get a bite to eat, but lacking in character and atmosphere.
8 Jan 2009 11:18
Excellent pub, very good beers in good condition, with unusual guest ales. Nice friendly staff. definitely worth a visit and I will certainly be going there again. Beer a bit pricey but what do you expect in central London.
10 Sep 2008 12:00
Nice enough place, nothing to complain about. No loud music when I visited, good selection of decent beers, plenty of room. Worth a visit.
10 Sep 2008 11:55
Great little pub, excellent beer in good condition. Very small. The chap behind the bar wasn't particularly welcoming, but this place is well worth a visit.
10 Sep 2008 11:44
I didn't really want to go in this pub at first, but I was pleasantly suprised when dragged in by a friend. It is nicely refurbished and very comfortable. No annoying football on TV and no loud music. Toilets are immaculate, you could eat your dinner off the urinals (although I wouldn't actually recommend it)
My first pint of Youngs was extremely warm and flat, but I asked for a replacement and the lovely barmaid give me a new (cooler) pint from another pump without any hassle, which was perfect. If you love back street 'locals', this probably isn't the place for you, but I would recommend anyone to at least give it a try.
16 May 2008 00:45
Great pub, great beer, nice atmosphere - but who on Earth put up those awful floodlights outside? Instead of appearing like a friendly, welcoming, back street local, it looks more like a frozen food depot on some industrial estate. They are awful! please get rid of them!
18 Mar 2008 12:13
Very sorry to hear that it is closing. There must be a market for this kind of bar. Great beers, and friendly people, I will certainly drop in before it goes.
20 Nov 2007 17:41
The Dog and Fox, Wimbledon Village
I found it to be a breath of fresh air after the noisy, smokey dives down at the bottom of the hill. Good beer and room to sit comfortably and have a chat.
Maybe I am just getting old, but I will probably go to this pub again.
24 May 2007 00:45
The Prince of Wales, Wimbledon
This could be a good, convenient boozer, however it is spoiled by the over-loud, crappy music blaring out all over the pub. You can't hear yourself think, let alone have a conversation. The beer is OK, the staff reasonably friendly. I asked for the music to be turned down, but was told "it's the computer" - Really?, well unplug the bloody thing then! Only stayed for one pint because of the racket.
24 May 2007 00:38
I was unlucky in that I went to this pub on the night of a big football match. Packed out, Noisy, smokey, horrible. Roll on July 1st.
24 May 2007 00:30
Very small and busy pub close to Trafalgar Square. Great selection of ales, and the pint I had was good. Two friendly ladies behind the bar - this is a good little pub that I will go to again.
4 Nov 2006 17:26
Lovely pub, good beer and friendly staff. Yes, everyone will stare at you when you go in, but this is Cornwall and you have to expect it. Highly recommended if you like traditional pubs and beer.
31 Oct 2006 15:57
Wonderful pub. The Bass has always been absolutely superb when I have been in. I don't live in Plymouth any more, but every time I go back, I always go to the Dolphin. Long may it remain just as it is.
31 Oct 2006 15:49
The Swan and Sugarloaf, South Croydon
Lovely building, but terrible dump of a pub. Needs a total refurb and new management. If you love a good pub with good beer - this isn't one.
31 Oct 2006 15:44
Superb pub - always a nice pint, friendly staff. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a traditional pub atmosphere with probably the best beer you will find in Croydon.
31 Oct 2006 15:38
Great, traditional pub, serving a lovely pint. Eccentric but friendly locals. Let's hope it stays as it is for many years to come.
31 Oct 2006 15:32
The Crown and Sceptre, South Croydon
Nice little local - the beer is almost always good. It can get a bit smoky, and would benefit from a better extractor fan. I could do without the football on TV all the time, but I realise some people like it.
31 Oct 2006 15:27
The Alma Tavern, Wandsworth Town
Busy pub, even on a Monday night. Nice pint of Ordinary. Ideally located next to the station.
31 Oct 2006 15:23
A traditional little pub, just right for a few pints and a chat. Friendly staff and a very good pint of ordinary.
31 Oct 2006 15:21
The Star Tavern, Belgravia
A nice place to have a couple of pints, and the beer is excellent with a good choice, if a bit pricey. When I visited, the barman was friendly and welcoming. The toilets are the best you'll see in any pub around the area, and if you are lucky, you might see a mouse running around the bar.
22 May 2013 14:02