BITE user comments - oakhamsbeermonster
Comments by oakhamsbeermonster
First visit for a year or so. Last time I went for an Elgood's which was soupy but it was changed with apologies. Earlier this evening I had a buntingford aramis, single hop beer from a new hop so I stuck with it for half a pint before taking it back. It tasted like the malt was bad, in the same way it's very obvious when Adnams beers have been on a bit too long! Asked for a half of oakham JHB, not my favourite, but nevertheless reliable and very difficult to mess up (as someone who has looked after Oakham beers for over 5 years) and was asked to pay for it. It was so cloudy I could barely see my finger through the glass. Returned the beer and was not offered a refund when we said we were leaving. For a pub that publicise the fact that they were branch pub of the year 2010 they need to drastically improve the quality of the beer.
On a personal note, it's quite a friendly pub, we went there to play bar billiards and everyone was very nice. The slightly over-the-top Christmas decorations might offend epileptics but it's cosy. For this reason it's earned its one point out of out of ten.
19 Nov 2012 20:20
This pub has recently been accredited as food pub of the year, by Adnams, I believe. As an Adnam's pub I did expect a few more beers being served and my pint of Explorer was pretty flat to be honest. The Bitter was superb but only 3 cask ales, one of which was definitely below par, even for an untied pub.
Food was supreme. I had moussaka with hand-cut chips instead of salad served with no fuss or incident. Said chips were beyond reproach and clearly were in potato form not an hour before they were served. It seems that this place is favoured by actors as I was told that someone from gavin and stacey was having lunch with alf garnett when we were there. Puddings far exceeded expectations ranging from brownie to baked cheesecake via home-made icecream.
I cannot say enough for this rural place. It's located bang-smack in the middle of retirement country but still it provides superb service from the bar and waiting staff as well as reasonable ale and top-quality food. When I first saw the menu I took a sharp intake of breath but after eating was highly satisfied.
17 Jul 2010 02:08
A truly authentic real ale pub with a penchant for belgian beers. The range is to say the least extensive, occasionally I have heard customers tell the bar staff where their bottle of choice is located!
Food ranges from standard chilli or bangers and mash to an excellently presented sea-bass. A bonus feature being that you can get smaller portions for the main menu items. This leads into the fact that this is a very family-friendly pub. The recent overhaul of the garden area is such that children can roam around on either astroturf of Mill Road Cemetary which is well-respected by the owners (notices placed around requesting customers keep it clean and don't take drinks there). A wide range of fruit juices and non-alcoholic bevearges is available.
The atmosphere is amicable and patrons tend to converse more than in more formal and 'professional' local pubs such as the kingston. I got the impression that the landlords enjoy owning and running the pub more than operate from a distance as they are ever-present with insightful recommendations, particularly with regard to the continental bottled beers which are basically a mystery to most customers.
Well-run, VERY busy friday and saturday due to sheer capacity, although recently waiting time has decreased. Regular extensive beer-festival efforts, far more so than local competitors. Very much a local's pub welcoming everyone and anyone with a smile.
17 Jul 2010 01:56
The Devonshire Arms, Cambridge
I releatively recently had the chicken supreme, as it is labelled, the stinking bishop chicken breast wrapped in bacon. It was EPIC in terms of taste, if I were to have one small quibble though, it would be that there was only a few beans and potatoes, very nice as they were, veg aren't expensive and I had expected a bit more in terms of sides. I understand that Dom and Jo have very little input in terms of the kitchen aspect and this in no way degrades my appreciation for this excellent pub. Another nine, I think.
17 Jul 2010 01:40
Elvis' transformation of this place was total, the pool table has been replaced by a sofa, no drum and bass, only his eclectic mix of vinyls played at a comfortable volume. The Geldart seems to have built up a good regular crowd and can get very busy. As it's a food pub you might want to book a table to eat. Last time I was there, the reserved tables were already laid so I felt I could not sit down and have a few beers before the reservation arrived as at the Kingston. The food is fantastic, as mentioned, the range of exotic meats is very nice although I'm not personally a fan of this hot-rock thing it does allow you to cook your meat exactly how you want it! Bit pricey for me but the food is great so that's just a personal thing. Ale is kept well and there is always a decent range of at least 4 including a darker one in the winter. All-round good atmosphere.
24 Feb 2010 14:28
The Devonshire Arms, Cambridge
A very welcoming and authentic real ale pub. Although MIlton reigns supreme here (5 of 8 ale pumps plus a token Cassels cider - yuk!) the guest ales are always well kept and well chosen. The most obvious advantage over other local alehouses this place has is the attitude of the management/staff which is far more relaxed, and less business-like.
I have enjoyed everything from Milton's standards Dionysus, Sparta and more impressively, Nero, to Bank's and Taylor's produce but more importantly Buntingford's 5.9% porter which sold remarkably quickly while I was there. I poked my head around the door on opeing night and the local enthusiasm has not depleted since then. There is a quirky system operating the till which tells staff or customers precisely how much beer remains in the cask so if you see fit you can choose a beer based on its freshness.
Full marks for creating a worthy addition to the Cambridge Beer Quarter's appeal. Instantly rivalling such established names as the Kingston, Live, Blue and now Elvis' revamped Geldart, the Dev (as it was once known) is totally unpretentious and focuses purely on ale. Food and a small smoking area hopefully to follow. A fresh competitor for the Blue and Kingston to consider as rail-ale rivals..
24 Feb 2010 14:13
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The Empress, Cambridge
First visit for a year or so. Last time I went for an Elgood's which was soupy but it was changed with apologies. Earlier this evening I had a buntingford aramis, single hop beer from a new hop so I stuck with it for half a pint before taking it back. It tasted like the malt was bad, in the same way it's very obvious when Adnams beers have been on a bit too long! Asked for a half of oakham JHB, not my favourite, but nevertheless reliable and very difficult to mess up (as someone who has looked after Oakham beers for over 5 years) and was asked to pay for it. It was so cloudy I could barely see my finger through the glass. Returned the beer and was not offered a refund when we said we were leaving. For a pub that publicise the fact that they were branch pub of the year 2010 they need to drastically improve the quality of the beer.
On a personal note, it's quite a friendly pub, we went there to play bar billiards and everyone was very nice. The slightly over-the-top Christmas decorations might offend epileptics but it's cosy. For this reason it's earned its one point out of out of ten.
19 Nov 2012 20:20