BITE user comments - pedalandapint
Comments by pedalandapint
Our first visit to this pub. Ales on offer were Gem, 6X, Henry's IPA and Stonehenge Pig Swill which was my choice. The Pig Swill was in superb condition, very tasty and served at a good temperature. The pub, for a Thursday night, was surprisingly busy, most tables were taken with diners. the menu was not very extensive - maybe 10 choices, but those choices looked quality meals. I had Lamb shank which was very nice and hot - it did need additional gravy/jus to stop it being too dry but that was the only problem. My wife's vegetarian selection of goats cheese was good but could have had more salad / vegetables to accompany it - certainly more than what was offered.
Desserts were very good indeed. Price, ambiance and service was very good for this class of service and I will be visiting again in the not too distant future.
22 Apr 2011 07:34
The Wheelwrights Arms, Monkton Combe
Visited this pub for the first time last Wednesday, pleased to see it was open all day as I arrived there after a long cycle ride mid afternoon. As expected at that time of day the pub was virtually empty so service was of course good! The Butcombe on offer was very good and not as expensive as I thought it could have been considering this is a gastro pub rather than a village local. The food choice was good but looked a bit pricey, hopefully the tastes will justify the cost. It is a shame to lose a good village pub where you could chat about the meaning of life etc but to survive these days as any sort of pub it has to diversify and they've obviously decided an upmarket pub will do well in this location, it's either that or go the way of many other pubs (e.g. The Viaduct Inn) and close altogether?
Hopefully they'll acknowledge that it is still in the heart of the village and a community asset as well as a business so maybe they could rethink their business model just a bit to create a small drinking snug etc for locals who do not want to dine there every day?
22 Jan 2011 13:45
Decided to go for a couple of beers in here last Friday after hearing good reports. Quite a large choice of beers, usual Marstons selection of beers, 4 in total plus at least 3 guest ales (I think 1 had just gone off). All beers were good but selection of guest ales although individually good were quite similar to each other - Xmas ales. Probably on offer after the Xmas period so they may have been cheap, good taste but too similar to each other?
Bars were very busy for what is difficult time for pubs and I don't think they anticipated such a busy night as only 2 bar staff were on - both working their socks off. An additional barmaid arrived, not working, just for a drink but luckily she helped out to alleviate the rush.
All said a very good local pub, well run with a very good choice of beers and the food also looked good as well.
16 Jan 2011 20:36
Not been here for a long time as we felt there was something missing but having now read previous reviews can agree with the pub seemed to lack drive or what it was really trying to achieve?
On this visit I'm pleased to report all has changed, Gem & Doom Bar available and both were very good. The pub was quite busy but it never felt too packed and there was a good ambience about the place. I think I now understand what is meant by a 'community pub'! Lots of locals who seem to have this place as a venue to eat, drink and talk not just a drinking hole or a place to eat and leave empty by 9-30 as so many pubs are these days. Very welcoming and friendly place, more so inside than out as the exterior has no real frontage so it looks a bit of a old fashioned style pub?
Well worth checking out on a more regular basis
17 Oct 2010 13:33
Visited last Friday and all as described by previous reviewer 'Blackthorn'. Doom Bar and Tribute were available (1 pump clip turned around). Tribute was excellent and wish I had time to stay for another. Bar staff polite and good service, pub overall is good and bigger then you think from outside.
Excellent local and wish it was closer to my home
17 Oct 2010 13:24
This is a superbly located pub directly alongside the river by a weir so it never fails to attract lots of customers. The beer is usually of a very good standard (could be improved on a bit I think) - usual suspects, Butcombe, Doom Bar and a few changing guest ales but the main thrust of the business is food so its never really going to be a mecca for serious hop sniffers like us.
The one big disappointment for me about this pub is that despite it's location just a stones throw away from the busy Bristol to Bath cycle track and subsequently attracting lots of thirsty cyclists the cycle 'racks' take the prize for the most unsuitable piece of welded construction alleged to be suitable for this purpose. I did email the landlord a few years ago about this subject and he said the matter would be addressed during the current refurbishment but it never actually happened. It would be good if the landlord reads this and acknowledges the trade that cyclists bring to the pub and changes those ridiculous cycle racks.
Lucky for him I'm OK with his beer!
26 Sep 2010 21:30
Great pub, full of genuine character, Butcombe straight from the barrel behind the bar where there is a fantastic mural painting of the local area. We did go there primarily for the Sunday lunch (2 courses for �12-50) which was brilliant, great food and very good service.
I don't know what there is not to like about this pub, good job it's 20 miles from where I live as if it was closer I'd spend far too much time in there, it'd cost me a fortune & I'd have to get trousers with elasticated waistbands!
They do have some very nice rooms to let either B&B or on hotel basis, maybe that's the way to go..........
Quintessential English coaching inn.
26 Sep 2010 21:16
Called in here on Sunday and had a very good lunch (two for �10 - special opening offer) and an excellent pint of Butcombe. Other beers on offer were Courage Best and Doom Bar (I think). Cider - Addlestones ? was also available.
The pub was quiet but very civilised, hopefully they've finally got rid of a few local nutters who spoil it for everyone else and maybe they're hoping to pick up some trade from new flats nearby. Bar staff very friendly and service was quick and polite. Be happy to spend a few hours in here just having a beer or two, lets hope this pub gets a decent following.
For what it's worth I think this place is owned by the same people who own the Hen & Chicken in North St and that is a very successful pub so lets just have a bit of patience and get in there to support it?
13 Sep 2010 19:50
The Hen and Chicken, Bedminster
Also visited this pub before the Millwall game, wish I stayed..........!
Good crowd and a nice pint of Doom Bar. Staff were efficient and helpful on a busy day. Enjoyed it so much went back on Monday night with my wife to sample their "2 pizzas for a �10" offer. Doom Bar still in good condition and teh pizzas were very good indeed as was summer pudding.
'Garden' area is in reality a yard, concrete area which they have tried to cheer up with a few benches etc and an undercover area, probably could improve this area quite a lot at not too great expense?
Definitely always worth a visit
25 Aug 2010 21:57
Recently visited this pub after a long absence due to perceived lack of choice of ale i.e. usually only Courage Directors.
I don't think there was much choice this time but what they had - Wyvern HPA, was superb. The pub itself must have new owners / landlords as the feel of the place is not a drinking pub for rugby types which I felt it was years ago? Very good ambience, food looked excellent and staff were happy, efficient and pretty (sexist pig!). Definitely make a point of visiting here again in the near future.
25 Aug 2010 21:51
Been in here for the last two Sundays for lunch. Beer was excellent - I had TT Landlord both occasions, also has Doom Bar, Gem & London Pride. Very good service by friendly bar staff. Food was also very good and brought to the table in record time - less than 3 minutes! Very wholesome food, no pre prepared or microwave stuff here.
Garden and surrounding countryside are lovely.
Difficult to think what else you could add to make this pub even better except free beer?
2 Aug 2010 17:35
On a flying visit (sorry about pun) to a trip out of Gatwick could not resist the chance to check out this place.
Harveys was in great condition, pub itself although a big eating place was still somehwere where you could find a quiet corner for a chat over a pint or two. Food we had took a while to arrive due to the volume of punters on a Saturday night but the food itself was very tasty & hot - something many pubs seem to forget about!
Difficult to find something not to like about this pub?
Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.
25 Mar 2010 22:21
As previously noted there is only mainstream beers available - Bass & Butcombe BUT...........both are superb! Straight from the barrel these beers were in perfect condition - like angles p******g on your tongue!
Very welcoming bar staff who despite a busy football night took time to check customers were happy and well fed & watered.
Only had a sausage sandwich to eat but it was also pefection itself.
Lots of comfy sofas and chairs to lounge about in, good to see a bar billiards table available.
A must visit on anyone list who is in the area
25 Mar 2010 22:16
Quite smart and cosy old pub on busy main road with large car park at the front. Beer is from Wadworths plus a guest ale all kept in good condition by helpful staff. The pub attracts a more mature person and people who like to have conversation not just sit and stare at a TV whilst sat in the pub, food is served and is of a good quality.
On our visit we had Malt & Hops which was a bit sour and was changed with no problem by the landlord for a pint of Wadworths Swordfish a blend of 6X beer and Pussers Rum, very nice and warming on a blustery night.
Pub was a bit quiet for a Saturday evening and deserves more business as it tries to maintain a bit of class in the midst of many other pubs reverting to the cheaper end of the market in both style and clientele!
15 Nov 2009 19:59
Excellent pint of Otter Ale. Also available were Doom Bar, Courage Best & Bath Ales Gem. Food was good with large portions and reasonable prices with a good choice of food. Real pub, real people - older style pub without TV, pool or any other distractions, good welcoming staff. Great pub to have a meal or just sit be able to chat without other distractions.
9 Apr 2009 21:54
The Cock O' The North, Henleaze
This pub has now changed it's name to The Westbury Park Tavern. Not yet visited it since name change, hopefully the pub & beer has changed for the better?
3 Apr 2009 18:51
The Old Lock and Weir, Hanham Mills
Nice cosy local in the Winter months, great riverside pub in the Summer. Ales on offer usually consist of Otter, Wadworths, London Pride etc (they usually only have 4 pumps) which are all in good condition. Friendly staff who are quick enough and polite - strange how staff in independant pubs are always better than the chain pubs?
Food is always value for money, nothing to fancy just good honest food.
Nice to walk to here along the towpath alongside the river.
31 Mar 2009 20:20
The Elm Tree Inn, Hanham Green
When will this pub drag itself into the 21st century? It seems to be in a time warp, you almost expect prawn coctail and chicken in a basket to be on the menu! Beer is usually always OK, just never that little bit better to say you've had a great pint. Beer is always Butcombe or Courage Best, nice enough but why not push the envelope a bit, try a few different ones or even a small beer festival - buy a few mini casks (only 5 ltr!) from various local brewers and open them as required - not too much to waste?
Atmosphere is also a bit lacking due to high ceiling in the pub and the slightly older clientle (even older than me..), at least it is still open and I guess it always will be. Lets just be thankful for that these days.
31 Mar 2009 20:14
Open again! Seems to be OK and looks like it'll be open for a while. Strange pub, quite large outside but small inside - I don't think Doctor Who will be impressed! The do have usual John Smiths etc BUT to be fair they do have at least one real ale on (Butcombe last time I visited) which is changed on a weekly basis - usually changing on a Friday night so it gets used up over the weekend.
Friendly enough place, attentive bar staff, small car park, a place you think has potential to do better if it continues as it is now.
31 Mar 2009 20:07
In here last Friday and once again they had no guest ales..........all they had were their usual offerings of Abbot, Green King or Courage Best. I did enquire of one of the bar staff why no guest ales were on and he said they had just gone off (what all of them, and no one could be bothered to change just one barrel...?). To be fair it was quite a busy Friday night and not very nice when a few local(?) pond life louts came in and started a fight with the bouncers who quickly kicked them out. Police were called and they pushed off to another local pub where they also caused trouble later on.
How stupid are these people? they continued to smash their fists against laminated glass panels in the door, hopefully they spent a night at A&E with a broken fist and non functioning brain cell.
Time to give this place a miss until things are sorted out.
31 Mar 2009 19:59
Good pint of Butcombe in this really nice welcoming pub. Suprisingly big inside with pool table at one end, TV screen in main bar area and music which was not to intrusive so people could talk without having to shout. Friendly bar staff, efficient and quick. Will visit here again soon!
21 Mar 2009 17:59
First visit to this pub. Very clean and tidy, welcoming atmosphere with a good mix of clientele. Beer is Fullers range with Butcombe as the guest ale, we had Discovery which although only 3.9% was very tasty especially after an excellent pint of Golden Hare (4.4%) at The Wellington. Will visit here again in the summer to see what the garden etc is like.
21 Mar 2009 17:55
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The Fox and Badger, Wellow
Called in here for refreshing pint on cycle ride to Frome. Butcombe & Doom Bar were on offer as were a few ciders. The Butcombe was top notch, good condition and temperature. The pub was reasonably busy for a Monday lunchtime with mostly locals in residence. The food - only had time for BLT, was good and served quickly with a variety of breads offered. Bar staff were quick to serve an welcoming.
Quite a big pub inside with various nooks & crannies, could probably do with a bit of updating to make a dedicated dining area perhaps and it would be good to try to make more use of courtyard area which was had kitchen equipment on various tables. Outside seating area on quiet country road is OK but could possibly do with a couple of flower planters to brighten it up and make it separate from the road?
Pleasant enough local pub and would be happy to call in again anytime.
2 Jul 2013 18:00