BITE user comments - pchaimba
Comments by pchaimba
The Baskerville Arms, Lower Shiplake
Still a top pub serving good food and good ales. Serving beer from the nearby Loddon brewery a definite plus point.
26 Feb 2014 22:42
Pleasantly surprised by the quality of food served at the Plowden Arms, much better than I was expecting. Serves three well kept ales. Worth a visit.
26 Feb 2014 22:38
This can be a busy place so always worth booking for food. Fortunately even without a booking they managed to accomodate us with a bit of shuffling about. Nice place which is mainly for food although there is a smallish bar area with a few tables too so you can come here for a drink only. We found the food to be very good, there is a range of Brakespears ales which also was in good condition.
13 Jul 2011 21:10
Alas I have had similar experiences here to the post below in relation to food. It is a shame as it seems the new Tennants are trying to make an effort and there seems to be plenty of events going on here. I'll certainly would say go down for a drink, use the large beer garden and enjoy the special events they hold. I'll probably hold off the food side keeping an eye on how that side goes.
13 Jul 2011 21:06
The Shoulder of Mutton, Playhatch
No complaints about this place with good food and service provided. Two real ales and seeing this is a Greene King pub, great to see Loddon Hullabaloo is one of them (nearest pub to the Loddon brewery which sells their beer) and the beer was in fine condition. There is a pleasent beer garden too. My only complaint is that it is closed on Sunday night so can't pop down here for an end of weekend half.
13 Jul 2011 21:03
I've managed to get into this pub now and further to my previous comments I can confirm much effort is made in terms of the ales on offer. The Loddon Hoppit was in good condition. Not the prettiest of pubs and as I mentioned before, despite being connected to the leisure centre, has a no children policy.
18 Mar 2011 19:43
A reprieve for the moment. Previous plans fell through so business as usual. Food continues to be served at lunchtimes and a selection of real ales remain with one changing guest ale.
18 Mar 2011 19:31
Went here for the first time last week after seeing the boards advertising the Cask Ale Festival currently going on so though it must be worth a try. The so-called festival consisted of Courage Best, Directors, Bass and Spitfire - hardly anything original that could not be found elsewhere at better establishments especially given that the Loddon Brewery is only up the road which would not have taken much effort to source an interesting beer from. I sampled the Directors which was well kept. Only coming in here for a drink I could however see the poor levels of service described in other posts being made to wait on a couple of occasions whilst the server finished their chats; I don't think I'll therefore risk coming here for something to eat, for a drink perhaps, but I'll not go out of my way to do that.
16 Mar 2011 14:08
Went here on a wednesday evening, very busy earlier on but quietend down later. Had a couple of pints of Bombardier which were well kept; nothing really terrible about this place but it really didn't get me excited in any way.
13 Feb 2011 21:26
Great range of beers but as mentioned in the previous post, damn noisy.
27 Dec 2010 14:29
Fine pint of Badger beer and fish and chips, excellent way to spend Christmas Eve lunch.
27 Dec 2010 14:26
A lunch stop the day before Christmas eve. IPA was on good form today and the food was good. I'm not a regular in this place but my experience is that this place has improved compared to where it was a couple of year ago.
23 Dec 2010 16:48
Must have had too much much dodgey ale when writing this entry since the last sentnence in the post below should read "I did have to point out however the state of the London Pride when it reached the end of the barrel however there was no quibble in replacing for an alternative brew."
1 Nov 2010 16:35
A deceptively large pub which appears to cater for the Premier Inn next door, we visited here to meet up with friends for Sunday lunch. The Sunday lunch was fine although nothing really to write home about. It was clear when we arrived that there was a staff shortage so the meals took a while to get to us although when the place calmed down a bit the staff were much more attentive. Beer side, three ales were available all of which were well kept. I did have to point out however the state of the London Pride when it reached the end of the barrel and there quibble in replacing for an alternative brew.
1 Nov 2010 13:24
The quality of Ale has improved here as has the range. As well GK IPA and Abbot appears to be a guest ale called Tom Dick and Hardy which was a clear tasty pint and well kept. Personally I think the overall rating is a little low for this place and whilst there are far better pubs in the area there are also far worse. I would not say avoid this place, but then again I would also not say go out of your way to go here.
1 Nov 2010 13:06
So dragged into this place again despite my previous review, seems to be London Pride available now so at least a Real Ale option exists. Still not really somewhere I would choose to hang out for reasons discussed previously. I have however upped my rating slightly
26 Aug 2010 16:33
Great location for a bank holiday monday walking stop. OK we parked next door and never really got too far with the walk. 3 nicely kept real ales, Ringwood Best , Doom Bar and Adnams. Had a band on outside on the Monday which wasn't too bad either. A nice unexpected stop.
1 Jun 2010 17:42
Popped in here during a walk on Sunday around lunch time. Butcome beer was excellent. Staff welcoming and found somewhere for us to enjoy their excellent Sunday lunch. Unsuprisingly very popular location for both beer and food. Would be happy if this was my local.
7 Feb 2010 22:44
Popped in for a quick pint of Raven Gold which was excellent. Being a Saturday night it was very busy, just relieved not to have pumping music. Worth a look
7 Feb 2010 22:40
Two ales on today of which the Butcome was very good. Sunday lunch was good and seemed to be a popular destination.
31 Jan 2010 21:17
This pub has somewhat of a bad reputation. Decided for a visit on a Sunday afternoon whilst in the town centre to judge for myself. From the outside it looks grotty but often it is what is inside which counds. Fight your way through the smokers who are not willing to leave the entrance free for others to easily pass by and you will be inside, which at first glance is not particularly inspiring. Then you find that this is another desert of real ale only selling lager and blue based booze. If you find yourself in the area wanting a drink, the better option would be to purchase your can of Special Brew from the near by Waitrose and drink it in the car park shouting at the pigeons.
17 Jan 2010 19:33
Strange that a pub that is part of the lesiure centre does not apparently have the correct license to welcome children in so if you're a family wishing to stop by for a drink, this is not the place to go. Shame really because from the short time I was in the premisis, I could see already that there was a greater effort in the real ales than most other pubs in the Woodley area. Alas, no chance to sample them to see if they were in top condition.
17 Jan 2010 19:15
Mulled Wine available for Christmas and was very good so I was told. Meanwhile I sampled a Doombar or two which was excellent - certainly no complaints there. Our group enjoyed some good food and a good evening; we'll be returning.
17 Dec 2009 21:41
This "Closed" pub sells a good range of real ale, both pints I tried were in good condition. Certainly better than some of the Open pubs near by.
28 Nov 2009 12:02
A really popular pub and it's nice to see the ales are kept in great condition - Seafarers Ale was on; I can confirm both that and the Pride were very good.
28 Nov 2009 11:55
Recently had a minor refurb (new tables, painted, door entrance changed to catch out the regulars etc). Nice to see a second Ale on here now so in addition to the London Pride, Adnams is now available. Seemingly with the addition of the second ale, you do have at least half a chance of one of them being on and so far this has been the case.
26 Nov 2009 23:47
Was here again today after being outside in the really heavy rain. A top pint of IPA by the wood burner was a treat. As ever a warm welcome from the Landlord and the food was great.
14 Nov 2009 20:27
Seems that an effort is made with the beer here. Good to see a couple of beers from the local Loddon Brewery available as well as Sharp's Doom Bar; the Hoppit was on good form. Music can be a bit pumping in here which personally for me spoils it.
1 Nov 2009 21:04
Well it is certainly quite a lively place early on a Friday evening, and given the amount of staff behind the bar this is obviously the norm. The age of the pub itself is not matched by the surrounding 1960s style housing which gives it more character than most "estate" pubs. Stayed for a pint of London Pride which was fine but left to try and find somewhere a bit more peaceful.
1 Nov 2009 21:01
Can't say I was too excited about this place. Food was fine but it is a Hungary Horse so you should know what to expect in the type and quality of the food. Supposed to serve two ales but seems to be a lottery whether you can find one of these available (never seen both on yet). Specked Hen I had last week was OK.
11 Oct 2009 19:24
Has become the Ivory Lounge. Layout the same as before with the decor updated. If you liked it before you will probably like it again, if not then you still won't. If you've not been before, you can still use the previous reviews to make your judgement.
3 Sep 2009 12:43
Change in Landlord who has reverted the end pump to being a guest ale - and some fine choices have been made over the last couple of months.
3 Sep 2009 12:31
Pub is currently closed again. Seems that there is activity so lets hope the new incarnation will provide a better future.
3 Sep 2009 12:26
I too got a message through this site from the Landlord indicating the change in management and beers. There is no doubt that the place looks smarter and the service / welcome is much better. When I arrived there seemed to be a Greene King guy sampling the beers and ticking boxes so I was expecting a great pint. The comment I put last time was "A bit cloudy but drinkable" and dissapointingly the IPA I had this time can be described in exactly the same way. Food on the other hand was good. The pub is certainly moving in a better direction and I hope the beer quality and consistency does improve because Central Bracknell is so in need of a good boozer,
3 Sep 2009 11:00
The Travellers Rest, Caversham
A suprisingly good pub given the Chain Pub feel created by the signs. Often with these chain pubs the first thing to go is a proper pint of Ale because of the bother / effort in maintaining them however this is not the case here with three ales on tap - London Pride was on at a very reasonable 2.09 per pint which was very good, also available was Timothy Taylor's Landlord and if I recall correctly an Admans beer.
As well as the drinks being reasonably priced, food is also pretty cheap and whilst not the finest cuisine ever is perfectly fine.
You will notice a lot of people around in black ties - this is the nearest pub to the Crematorium so this place does a roaring trade in wakes.
10 Jul 2009 12:32
A good new addition to the pubs in the Bracknell area, Peacock Farm is on the edge of the new Jennett's Park Development - the building however is original in that it is made up of the old farm buildings. Being a Hall and Woodhouse owned pub, this pub has the usual Badger Beer range of ales although they do like to serve these ales in fancy stem type pint glasses. This is very much a pub for going to have a meal and the general reputation so far is good and the time I went there I could not disagree. I'd rather there was a bit more of a nice relaxed seating area if you were going just for a drink but there is also outdoor seating for those hot summer days I am anticipating this year.
7 Jun 2009 22:25
Good proper pub full of character with good selection of 4 ales - The Timothy Taylors was on top form the other night when I was there. I'm in the group saying "mathewb - you are very wrong, go and get your larger based drink around the corner in the numerous Ikea furnished pubs"
7 Jun 2009 22:11
Suprised at the low average rating since randomly stopping in there the other day. Had a couple of pints of Ringwood which was excellent. Sharp's Doombar was on as was London Pride and Wadworth 6x. Food was also really good and to top it all, there's a laundrette there in case you need to wash your smalls.
31 May 2009 20:02
Just come back from a Family fun day held at this pub organised by the local Thames Valley Harley Davidson group for Charity. Really good day apart from the complete dis-organisation of the bar. If you are going have an event at least put on more than two members of bar staff and as landlord be around or have someone around with the authroity to sort out the various issues that will occur with lots of people around - serving stopped at one point because of no till-roll. Gripe aside, pub itself on the outside looks quite picturesque although inside is somewhat tired. Apparently Bombardier and Corage Best are the real ales available but not today ... larger all the way.
25 May 2009 22:07
At least there is a different range of beer here; Sharp's Doombar, Otter Ale are two regulars on amonst others. Can't comment about the attitude of the owners - bar staff seemed reasonable to me. By no means the worst pub in the village as commented elsewhere.
23 May 2009 21:31
Every time I go in this place I find the locals and interesting bunch - quiet it aint! Spitfire and London Pride on in terms of ales. I had a pint of Pride, not great but passable.
23 May 2009 21:27
Thought I'd go in there for a quick pint as I had not been in there in a while. For mr the place never really stood out as a pub to visit and it's only redeeming feature was that there were always a couple of real ales on in good condition. Alas this is no more and there are better pubs in the area.
23 May 2009 21:22
Despite the departure of Joan who had her own skill of listing pies, beer and pies are still top notch.
4 May 2009 22:36
I've been there twice last week at lunchtimes since our office is around the corner. Yes, it is a Beefeater with the normal fare (seemed fine on both days I ate) but the bar has some character. They only sell one real ale which is London Pride but it is kept well - better to have one in good condition rather than many in a not so good state.
4 May 2009 22:27
I really should check this site more before selecting somewhere to go and eat. I was here about 18 months ago and we had a great night out with good food. Alas this time around was completely different. I ordered mussels which were overcooked to the extreme and the other dishes ordered by colleagues were not brilliant. Service was slow on what was not a particularly busy night. IPA on tap was OK which is the only positive. This was on a Monday night when there was one of the worst bands I have heard in ages.
4 May 2009 22:23
Currently serving London Pride and Spitfire real ales which all the times I've been have been in good quality condition. As a Beefeater, the menu is the same as found in all Beefeater resturants, but never had cause for complaints on what comes out of the kitchen. Get down there on a Sunday afternoon, enjoy a drink and enjoy watching the local Bagshot team play cricket.
4 May 2009 22:15
The Tin Goose, Heathrow Airport
With BA moving most of their flights to Terminal 5 I've not been to Terminal 1 in a while so it was nice to find this pub Airside serving a decent pint of London Pride. Traditional Real Ale people may find the beer served a bit cool for their liking (which I can only imagine is to suit a more international market) however it was clear and well kept. Also available is Adnams on draught. Food wise tried the Bangers and Mash which were OK given where I was. Certainly for where I was a much better pub than expected.
26 Jan 2009 23:36
Suprisingly empty when we went in there last Saturday night at around 8pm although the 6 locals in there certainly made up for that on the noise they were able to produce. Nice pint of London Pride which was well kept in what is a comfortable smart pub. To be honest if I lived over the road I might be having a couple in there joining in the loud banter too.
26 Jan 2009 23:25
Good location to go if you are waitning for a train at Waterloo station since it's right out the back of the station. Good beer although interestingly shuts at 11pm; I say interestingly because they have a sign suggesting to speak to the bar staff if you missed the last train since there is accomodation here - surley if the last train is 1.05am, this pub is long shut, and the bar staff we have long gone.
11 Jan 2009 17:16
The Jack Horner, Tottenham Court Road
Popped in here for a quick pint of Chiswick which was a good. Reasonable priced food and beer here. I'd go back if passing the area.
11 Jan 2009 17:09
Went in The Bridge for a Friday lunch pint. Had a pint of green king IPA which was a bit cloudy but drinkable. The food was average. Not the sort of place to be making a special trip too but OK.
11 Jan 2009 16:51
Had a few pints of Adnams (Doombar was off that night) in here just before Christmas. Bit pricey but the beer was well kept - there also seemed to be a good range of ales. Food also served.
4 Jan 2009 23:01
The Hare and Hounds, Donkey Town
Good pint of Badger Beer in here although at �3.00 a pint there are cheaper places for a pint of good beer. None-the-less seems a good local boozer with plenty of different real ales available; sure I'll be back there at some point.
4 Jan 2009 22:52
Top pub. IPA is consistently well kept and the food is good. Landlord and landlady always make you feel welcome.
4 Jan 2009 22:43
I went in there as I needed somewhere which provided wireless access and the Hope Tap claims to provide free internet access. Although it did connect it kept dropping out. At least the ale was in good condition and as ever at a Weatherspoons, cheap. The comment made by "mericet" about the Hope Tap consisting of "old men who smell of pee" certainly has a ring of truth in it. Whilst waiting to be served the old man in front of me certainly had an offensive aroma about him enough that made me feel somewhat ill.
7 Dec 2008 20:59
This pub (and Pantiles the night club) is now closed has been knocked down and flats are being built
27 Aug 2008 17:13
This is the best pub in Bagshot or Camberley area for real ale. Recently Timothy Taylors Landlord has been added to the regular's list which includes Hogsback TEA, Spitfire, Timothy Taylors Mild. There is also normally a guest ale on.
Food is only served at lunchtimes. During the week it is not open all day and closes from 14:30 to 17:00.
It is a proper traditional pub. Smoking area recently been built out front with more seating outside the back.
Despite previous comments made the staff are friendly enough. The landlord sometimes comes across a bit grumpy but I think that's just because he's not into smalltalk really - that should be forgiven seeing his ales are consistently well kept.
10 Aug 2008 21:03
On a hot summer's day when you can sit out side by the water you might consider this place but avoid in the evening (especially Friday / Saturday) unless you're really into drinking alchopops and are happy being having your conversations being drowned out by loud music. A typical "booze Britain" pub.
6 Apr 2007 18:41
An amazing transformation from the previous dingy incarnation that was the known as the Nag�s head. Now refurbished, a large range of real ales in a completely non smoking environment. Certainly has my vote.
6 Apr 2007 18:30
The Red Lion, Henley-on-Thames
Great pub. Would suggest that they serve some of the best homemade burgers around.
26 Feb 2014 22:53