BITE user comments - persist_artist
Comments by persist_artist
I'm with Dogtrain on this place. Beer choice limited, Hophead, Long Man Best and Harvey's. Hophead a bit indifferent and quite expensive. Food was ok but again expensive for what was only really a poncy sarnie. I'll go back under duress.
6 Apr 2017 18:51
I'm with Dogtrain on this place. Beer choice limited, Hophead, Long Man Best and Harvey's. Hophead a bit indifferent spend quite expensive. Food was ok but again expensive for what was only really a poncy sarnie. I'll go back under duress.
6 Apr 2017 18:49
Ye Olde Smugglers Inn, Alfriston
Sorry about the predictive speller stuff by I guess you will get my drift.
2 Apr 2017 16:25
Ye Olde Smugglers Inn, Alfriston
This is probably the most expensive pub in East Sussex at £5.00 per pint if very indifferent quality beer that has travelled all of 2 miles to get there. Dont get ripped off here, try the Plough and Harrow in Litlington, just diwn the road. Better beer, better prices £3.60 a pint today, better garden, I'm sure the food is better too, it certainly looked it. Its a better outlook with a very large car park, the service is better too.
2 Apr 2017 16:23
Lovely Youngs pub with very friendly staff. I agree with the comment below about guest beers and prices. Probably won't rush back here though.
26 Jul 2015 09:04
Great visit yesterday. Top notch beers, attentive staff and food looked good too although we didn't eat there. Food was a bit pricey but I guess in keeping with other pubs in the area. Surprisingly the beer wasn't too expensive, comparatively, at £15.20 for 4 pints. Nice Victorian pub that I'll probably go back to soon.
26 Jul 2015 08:53
Bit disappointed when we visited yesterday, only 1 real ale on, Punter. Not bad but not at its best I'm guessing. Anyway, not a bad pub overall but like loads of others in the area way over £4.00 a pint.
26 Jul 2015 08:43
Good range of beers from some local breweries. Tried most of 'em and didn't get a duff one. At £2.85 a pint it was touch and go whether to go home or not. Very friendly folk but be warned, all the blokes sound like Peter Kaye which is probably not a bad thing. Really enjoyed my short stay here and we say down south, this is a proper boozer. Nice one fellas !
11 May 2015 20:29
Went in on Thursday evening. Cracking pub, cracking beer and at £2.40 a pint I was in serious danger of not leaving. 10 real ales to choose from and I'd not seen or tried any of them before but the ones I did were just great. Gets my vote for best Northern Pub I've ever been to. Thank you!
14 Mar 2015 10:11
Just got home with my 4 pint carry out for lunch tomorrow. On dropping in I had to try a pint of Hophead just make sure my carry out would survive till lunch tomorrow, Xmas day. Tasted OK to me! It turns out I've had the last 5 pints out of the barrel. Nick, the landlord changes the barrel then grabs my carry out and pours it down the ruddy sink. He isn't happy with it; the beer not the sink which is up to snuff just fine. Its swiftly refilled with Hophead out of the fresh barrel. So, the question you have to ask yourself is, "is your local boozer anywhere near as good as this ?". Nah, didn't think so !
24 Dec 2014 18:26
4 quid for a pint of a very iffy ale recently. I'll add this to my list of pubs not to go back to. Only thing I could say in its favour is that its dog friendly.
26 Nov 2014 18:20
The Duke Of Wellington, Shoreham by Sea
Best pub for miles around IMHO! Dog friendly and lots of covered sitting areas in the garden, they even have a log file in the garden too. The ales were quote varied and not all the usual suspects either. The Brodie's was lovely and she who must be pillioned, loved the dark beers. They have a Pizza Menu from the place around the corner with 20% discount. Our was delivered very quickly, piping hot and very tasty. Live Jazz combo yesterday when we visited. Great way to run a boozer. Can't wait to go back!
23 Nov 2014 14:42
The Newhaven folk didn't make a go of this place sadly. The current landlord seems to be trying hard but for me he I smissing the point. Not one decent real ale on when I went back last week. It looks like if you want lagers, meat raffles, croaky harry etc., you will be in luck. Shame not to have at least a couple of well kept ales during Seaford Live. It might have tempted me back.
16 Sep 2014 18:45
Please be aware of the new dress coded here! Jock strap and flippers are no longer acceptable LOL. Sorry Nick ! I'll try harder next time.
Oh, by the way, a NEW hand pump has just been installed !!! So, its Harvey's, Hophead and Doom Bar plus AN Other.
What ever it is is bound to be good! This place does sell duff beer, just rags you a bit for being scruffy ! PMSL !
19 Aug 2014 18:55
The Earl Of Burlington, Eastbourne
Has there been a change of management here recently ? Been coming here for years mostly with my dog. Its quite pleasant to sit out the back and have a couple of beers and a meal. Range of beers was rather pitiful yesterday with only really Young's and Snecklifter of any note. Both were really too cold for me. Anyway, I was asked to drink up and leave as dogs are not allowed in the "garden".
12 Jun 2014 10:23
Its been renovated. Called in at lunchtime a couple of weeks ago. The smallish garden and terrace out back are being renovated too. Nice friendly pub that is also dog friendly with a pub dog roaming freely too. Food looked OK but .... One of the most expensive pints I've had lately, £3.80 for a local beer. I know other local pubs that are more reasonably priced so probably won't bother coming back.
25 Apr 2014 07:11
The Plough and Harrow, Litlington
Impresses me every time I visit what is one of my local pubs. Can't remember ever having a duff pint. It can get very busy but usually the bar staff are up for the task and waiting to get served has never been a problem for me here. On the 3 recent visits Long Man Copper Hop was top notch. I guess it ought to be traveling all of 300 yards from the brewery. Compared to other pubs around, the prices are very competitive too !
18 Apr 2014 11:01
Been in here twice recently during the warmer sunny days around lunchtime. Both times the place was not very full. Both times I left without being served. There was only one person serving behind the bar and it was taking sooooo long to deal with customers. I'll give it one more try before I decide whether to use my invisibility for good or for evil.
18 Apr 2014 10:55
The British Queen, Lower Willingdon
Friendly staff and a little hurried by the large number of diners lunchtime yesterday but noticed I was waiting and apologised. Its a DOG FRIENDLY place too. Nice selection on hand pumps, Doom Bar, Harveys and Long Man APA (£3.65) plus a real cider. APA was in good nick. Its on a bus route or two, about 15 mins from Eastbourne Station. Worth a visit I guess.
3 Apr 2014 13:15
This place has just undergone a refurb. It is now called The Cuckmere Inn and is under new management.
Those of you who know this place will be relieved to know that the service is still very poor and if anything worse. My buddy waited over 20 minutes for a cup of coffee. I gave up waiting to get a beer from the very limited selection of real ales and left.
On the plus side though, there are STILL DOG FRIENDLY inside the place!!!
2 Apr 2014 08:24
Beer festival today, What a waste of time! Waited over 10 mins to get served. Gave up and went inside. Waited over 10 mins to get served. Won't bother again, plenty of other pubs in Lewes where I'm nor as invisible!
5 Oct 2013 20:30
Went back in the other night. Although there was still a good selection of real ales, it looks like the days of cheaper beer here have gone, sadly.
27 Feb 2013 18:41
WHAT A RIP OFF !!! CHEAPEST ALE IS 4.25 A PINT !!! Won't catch me in here again !
15 Feb 2013 17:19
A quick update. Dad is back in the pub. Hours are now from 4 PM. Hophead still good and the cheapest (£2.90) around for miles.
26 Nov 2012 10:21
A quick update. Dad is back in the pub. Hours are now from 4 PM. Hophead still good and the cheapest (£2.90) around for miles.
26 Nov 2012 10:20
The Plough and Harrow, Litlington
It just keeps getting better here!!! Robin pulled us up a lovely pint of Long Man AMERICAN PALE ALE on its debut afternoon today. All 6 hand pumps working and apart from the Harvey's we tried them all. All in very good nick too. Proud to count this place as one of my locals.
18 Aug 2012 09:18
The Plough and Harrow, Litlington
Been a while since my last review, but a regular visitor here so time for an update. The Long Man Brewery, some 200 yards up the road is now in full swing and all 3 were on when I walked over today. The Sussex pride was Ok but near the end of the barrel and Robin changed it just after I mentioned it wasn't at its best. The new barrel was though, as where the Sussex Ale and the Long Blonde, (Father Son and Holy Ghost ! Posted a photo !). Didn't try the Hophead for once and I'm not a fan of Harvey's but well satisfied with the other 3. The pub is very dog friendly even when our one got a bit lairy after a few beers. Couple this with very reasonable prices (�3.00 to �3.20). Lots of diners here this lunchtime and the passing food looked very good although I didn't try any. Still one of my favourites. Thanks Robin and the gang, keep it up!
24 Jun 2012 18:25
The Plough and Harrow, Litlington
Been a while since my last review, but a regular visitor here so time for an update. The Long Man Brewery, some 200 yards up the road is now in full swing and all 3 were on when I walked over today. The Sussex pride was Ok but near the end of the barrel and Robin changed it just after I mentioned it wasn't at its best. The new barrel was though, as where the Sussex Ale and the Long Blonde, (Father Son and Holy Ghost ! Posted a photo !). Didn't try the Hophead for once and I'm not a fan of Harvey's but well satisfied with the other 3. The pub is very dog friendly even when our one got a bit lairy after a few beers. Couple this with very reasonable prices (�3.00 to �3.20). Lots of diners here this lunchtime and the passing food looked very good although I didn't try any. Still one of my favourites. Thanks Robin and the gang, keep it up!
24 Jun 2012 18:25
This place is deffo taking the mick, �3.80 for a pint (Dark Star Hophead at �3.60). Saturday 5th May 2012 lunchtime. Won't be back here in a hurry!
14 May 2012 17:49
Noooooooooooooo ! Such very sad news ! One of my favourite pubs although I will say I always seemed to arrive just after a sought after beer finished. I have such fond memories of this place and spectacular ales even though I've only been a few times. BUGG'RIT !!!! I'm now wearing a black arm band, RIP Standup and thank you so much.
14 May 2012 17:43
WOW !!! What a transfivemation ! This place has really come up in the world, 5 reals on hand pump plus another 10 or so for a beer festival. Wish it was like that when I lived here. Apparently its also CAMRA West Essex Pub of the year 2012. Attentive staff and didn't have to wait very long to get served. Its going foodie too so it seems and although I didn't try any several folk said the scoff was good. Got a funny feeling I'll be back soon.
21 Apr 2012 18:39
The Duke of Devonshire, Eastbourne
ScotchMissed is spot on with the review. Its an OK place for a nibble and a pint at a very competitive price. Don't expect the frills and you won't be disappointed.
15 Apr 2012 15:03
Oh yeah, sorry, the outside photo needs an update. it looks quite different now.
15 Apr 2012 14:53
Most recent reviews seem pretty accurate. Its a foody pub that does good beer in a very pleasant part of the Sussex countryside. Although we didn't eat here the food looked good if a tad pricey. It gets busy at food times especially in the tourist season and it keeps odd hours too. It does have a phone though and on calling today I discovered I could book a lunch table (not required) and I was given a good run-down of the beers available and told todays hours. Today they had on a new beer from the new brewery in Litlington LONG BLONDE. Very nice but I don't think it will ever surpass HOPHEAD for me. Reason for today's visit was the Plough and Harrow in Litlington had run out of LONG BLOND. I'm glad I made the effort to get here. It won't be my last visit.
15 Apr 2012 14:52
My 3rd visit to this pub a few days before Easter. Oh dear, what a shame. Not that many beers on offer. Otter ran out, Old Hooky ran out and virtually all that was available was dark beer. My mate had a pint of something or other dark stuff and left over half of it, it went flat inside 5 minutes. I hope its simply a victim of its own success rather than a pub starting the slippery slope of demise. Very disappointed having made the effort to get to this out of the way pub. Not sure I'll bother next time.
14 Apr 2012 10:22
One of only a few DOG FRIENDLY pubs in Eastbourne. Glad to see they were doing a roaring lunchtime trade yesterday. Their Buccaneer ale was in very good nick too.
16 Jan 2012 16:53
Stumbled in this afternoon. Ruddles Bitter �2.00 per pint and �1.50 during happy hours (4 to 7) nearly stumbled out much later! Daniel the Asst Manager told us he was lookng to put on some more real ales and wanted recommendations. WOW !!! Nice move ! I'm not local to the area so I hope the local CAMRA guys can get in and give hime some advice ! I hope these new folk can make a go of this large pub. They seem to be starting out well, lets hope they keep it up and turn it into a decent boozer.
17 Dec 2011 18:12
Yep, staff problem ! Waited ages to try and get one of their interesting looking beers. Nobody wanted to serve me so after 10 mins or so I left, beerless and found a nice little boozer up the street.
17 Dec 2011 18:02
This place has new landlords. Apparently they used to run the Con Club in Newhaven (?) and seem to be spoken of highly by those I've talked to. I really hope they make a go of this place and turn it back into a place I'd like to go to again. Good luck and welcome to Seaford.
20 Aug 2011 15:35
Walked over 5 miles to get here yesterday lunchtime. They really should have a health warning sign outside this place!
�3.50 for a pint of Hophead!!! I nearly had a coronary.
Knew I should have stopped at the Rose Cottage in Alciston instead.
16 Aug 2011 14:41
Oh yeah, nearly forgot, COUNT YOUR CHANGE PEOPLE. I nearly got diddled out of a fiver today.
9 Aug 2011 19:11
Something wasn't quite right here. Popped in at lunchtime today, same as loads of times before. Hardly anyone in and the Hophead wasn't too good, flat and less flavour than usual. Ordered a cheese baguette as usual and played hunt the cheese, compared with previous visits where the cheese was in chunks, rather than thin slivers. Next time I eat here the Devil will be using ice skates to get to the office and I'm not too certain about a return for a beer either. Plenty of other good places around. Probably migrate to the Basketmakers.
9 Aug 2011 19:09
Visted (twice) the week before Easter as the pub at Birling Gap was shut. Each time both Beachy Head beers were very good. Foody pub and a bit small inside but masses of diners on the benches outside, hardly an empty one in sight. Dog friendly pub too. Food looked good and lots of folks saying how good it was. The service looked pretty good too with 2 or 3 nice young ladies ferrying it back and forth. One even brought out a dish of water for the dogs. Just across the green a local shop sells bottled Beachy Head beer, in case you fancy a carry-out.
29 Apr 2011 08:56
Changed the opening hours recently. Not open now till 3PM on Mon + Tue. Also a very nice young lass (Chrissy, late of the Wellie) now running the bar and doing a very good job. The other plus is the Hophead is still good, despite Nick's dad being barred from the place for some time.
29 Apr 2011 08:47
Our 2nd favourite pub in Lewes. Very friendly place. Real ales in abundance and constantly changing. Always seem to have a beer to suit all palates. Never had a duff beer here or had cause to complain. It seems they know their trade very well. It can get very crowded at times and being a bit small it might take a time to get to the bar. Persevere ! Its worth it.
17 Apr 2011 09:03
Walked here on Thursday lunchtime from the Rose Cottage. Big imposing country pub and very welcoming. First thing that struck me was it was hyper clean and completely unlike the Rose Cotage. A bit too sanitised and updated perhaps. There are no handpumps here, it comes straight from the cask in the backroom. I imagine the shelf life could be very short if the room isn't chilled a bit more. All the beers were Harveys and in good nick on our visit, I'm not a Harveys fan. The pub is also more food oriented as there is little bar space and most of the other areas are filled with tables. It also has a large beer garden. The prices are expensive even compared with other expensive pubs in the area. �3.40 a pint and almost �10 for cheesy chips and houmos with pitta bread. Prefer the Rose Cottage. Won't rush back but might drop by again if passing.
15 Apr 2011 10:59
The Rose Cottage Inn, Polegate
Nice to see a proper pub doing well on a Thursday lunchtime. 2 real ales, Hophead and Harveys Best both in good nick. The main business seems to be food as with many other pubs in the area. I didn't eat here as I only wanted a sandwich and there were none on offer from the extensive menu. The friendly welcome we got was wonderful and the busy staff were also very welcoming. The big black cat, Snowie and the African Grey parrot (caged) just added to the nice feel the place has. I really liked this place and will be back very soon for sure. There is a large beer garden if the bar and restaurant are crowded as I imagine they could be on sunny weekends. Lets just keep it our secret and not tell anyone about this place shall we?
15 Apr 2011 10:47
Went back here just over a week ago and again this afternoon. Today only 2 real ales on Hophead and M & M. Both times the Hophead was definitely flat. I won't bother with this place again.
19 Mar 2011 17:24
Dropped in yesterday afternoon. 4 real ales on and the 6X was pretty good. Exterior belies a decent pub. I prefer this to the other 2 local pubs personally. I'm told it gets mobbed on a Sunday between 12 and 3 as they drop real ale prices to �2.30. Happy to join the queue at those prices.
16 Mar 2011 14:08
Visited on the bounce from the Counting House round the corner. Locals pub but welcoming by staff and locals alike. Youngs Special was good but, like the Counting House, expensive. Probably won't bother coming here again, better pubs not too far away with better real ale selection at cheaper prices.
14 Mar 2011 09:27
The Counting House, Eastbourne
Looks like a foodie pub but then again it was just after Sunday lunchtime. Only 2 real ales on and 1 of those was past its best. Arundel Trident was OK though. Hardly any change from �5.00 for a pint and a half makes this place too expensive for me to want to come back when I can get better beer cheaper within a few minutes away at the Eagle.
14 Mar 2011 09:22
Visited on 15th Feb just before 2PM. Managed to get a baguette before the deadline at 2 but sadly no real ales on and I'm not a Euro-Fizz lover. Prices not to steep. Very friendly staff and a river front outlook though not very scenic. Could imagine this place would do well on warm Summer days. Seems to be a music venue judging by the posters on the bar walls.
24 Feb 2011 09:50
We walked here from Seaford last week, my second lunchtime visit. The first was Summer 2010, it was mobbed. The beer garden then was very nice and just right for a lunch. Parking can be a problem in busy periods I guess. This time a few diners and a few locals, who proved surprisingly friendly, as did their dogs (in the other bar) too. The food is a bit expensive I feel, as is the beer although in line with some of the other rural pubs in the area. Our lunch of prawn/crayfish baguette and sausage and onion baguette, both served with chips and salad garnish was good but at over �15 for the 2 I'll take a picnic next time. 3 real ales on, Broadside, Young's Gold and Harvey's. Youngs was OK, didn't try the others. Muddy boots are catered for at the door with a variety of supermarket plastic bags to wear as over shoes. As regards friendliness, I've always found it to be better when its a 2 way street, not disappointed here.
24 Feb 2011 09:26
Its practically the same as it was back in Nov 2009. 2 differences I noticed, you now have the choice of straight or jug glasses and CAMRA cardholders get a discount on production of membership card. The hophead was very nice and my buddy enjoyed the Ruby Mild too.
24 Feb 2011 08:53
Visited on Saturday 12 Feb just after 2 PM. Its right on the A27. Its a family foodie pub although we didn't eat there. Our friends enjoyed their lunch though. Had a couple of real ales on and the Hophead was very good but very expensive. Not much change out of �5 for a pint and a half. Didn't stay long at those prices but seemed a friendly place. My local in Seaford currently sells it for �2.60 a pint, 20% less. One plus is that there is a bus service to Lewes/Alfriston that stops outside the pub on a Saturday.
24 Feb 2011 08:46
Monday 10th Jan 2010 18:00 hrs. NO HOPHEAD !!!!
Second prize, Tribute on at the Old Plough 2 doors away at �2.70.
10 Jan 2011 22:49
HOPHEAD ALERT !!!! The landlord's dad is about to go on holiday and the Hophead is nearly gone. It won't be back on for a few days until dad gets back. Keep checking this space for updates on the continuing Hophead situation.
6 Dec 2010 15:27
Not as rough as some other pubs in the area. Yes its a sports bar, yes it has several flat screen tv's yes it can get noisy. However, its pretty clean and there is a seating area with sofa's in the back section. Harvey's, Bombadier and Dark Star Hophead real ales. Only tried the Hophead, one of my favourites and like the previous poster, its there because of the licensee's dad who is quite a real ale connoisseur. You just know its going to be good.
2 Dec 2010 15:17
Sorry to hear the landlord, Graham died recently. Hope the pub keeps going though.
7 Oct 2010 16:22
Jeffisgame is pretty much spot on I'm afraid. You have to pick your time to go here and its best to visit out of peak times if only for the pretty good ale selection. Don't think this place can make its mind up what it wants to be and sadly I think the loud lager punters will have the final say.
7 Oct 2010 16:20
Liked this place. Mid afternoon on a weekday so the place wasn't too busy. Good selection of ales and those I tried were in good condition. The rottweiler (Rocky ?) is even friendly too. I can see why this pub would be very popular.
7 Oct 2010 16:13
I 'umbly agree with Uriahheep, not really worth going out of your way for. Only 1 real ale on other than Harvey's and that wasn't in very good nick. Still, I needed the stamp for the ale trail. Won't bother with the trail next year if this place is still on it.
7 Oct 2010 16:06
Only came to the place because I was doing the Ale Trail. What a find ! Superb selection of ales. Only problem was they are not open all day so I joined the queue outside till they did. So glad I waited.
7 Oct 2010 16:00
Getting very expensive compared to other pubs close by. Noticed a few familar ex-Cinque Ports faces in the Welly using their Welly loyalty cards. I think twice about using the Cinque now.
7 Oct 2010 15:47
Went back here on Sunday to get out of the rain. Its been done up and looks pretty good. Still the same 3 beers, Abbot, IPA and Olde Trip on the go plus 2 guests. Looks like they are feeling the pinch a bit, they now have a loyalty card programme like the chippy round the corner. The place has gone Aussie, even the wine list is virtually all Aussie and there is a dirty big tree fern in the eating room. The food seems to be a 'cook it yourself' thing, I guess its the town equivalent of a beach barbie. One of the most expensive pubs in the town! So glad it was only a short shower.
18 Aug 2010 09:39
The Watermill Inn, Burgess Hill
Must have caught them on a bad day yesterday. The Goddards Ale of White had just finished (replaced while we were there) and they only had Fullers ESB available. It was in reasonable condition. Nice of the landlord to apologise though. Despite that, the place is easy to get to although parking locally is a problem if you come by car. I got the feeling its very much a locals pub although we seemed to be welcome.
18 Aug 2010 09:27
Visited this place yesterday lunchtime. Its on the Brighton Camra Ale Trail, the reason for our visit. Very disappointed! Its a foodie pub judging by the number of tables in the place. I didn't eat there, last food orders is at 2:15 PM. This place is well out of the way and not easy to get to. It is dog friendly though. The bar staff, 1 lady, was friendly but service was very slow. At the time there was hardly anyone in the pub and it wasn't a problem but I can imagine that if the place was busy then there might be quite a wait. Of the 5 beers on hand pump only 2, Harveys and London Pride were available. The London Pride was not at its best either. At �4.75 for a pint and a half its way too expensive to tempt me back again.
18 Aug 2010 09:18
Cliff and Lindsey took over this place in December 2009. It has a very good restaurant and accomodation too. Haven't tried the ales in a while but I really enjoyed the place last Summer. I've got a funny feeling that Cliff and Lindsey's enthusiasm is going to ensure this place does very well.
11 Mar 2010 08:16
Dropped in today for an afternoon session. Yes, I can see that this place would not be to everyone's taste. No big telly, no pool table, small bar 5 real ales, unusual Euro beers on tap and bottled. Me, I loved it. The 4 other clients when I visited were all very chatty and friendly as was Matt the Landlord. He brews his own beers upstairs and the China bitter I had was spot on but just to make sure, I had 2 pints before heading home. Hepworths Old Ale + 2 Everards on tap too. Mrs Persist_Artist is gonna love the draught cherry beer I reckon.
Unlike others, I think I'll be back and soon.
25 Nov 2009 18:22
PRICE UPDATE !!!!!
ST Austell Tribute is STILL ON and is STILL GOOD!!!! The price of a pint is now even less too, �2.40, WOW !!!!
Food here is OK as well as cheap too, 2 could eat out here and have a beer and get change from �15.00.
7 Nov 2009 10:08
The Chamberlain Hotel, Aldgate
Popped in here on a flying visit to London as I saw a Fullers ale I have never tried before, Red Fox. Wish I hadn't bothered; it was drinkable, just but at �3.50 for a pint I won't be in too much of a hurry to get back here, especially with the Crutched Friars and a Wetherspoons within a couple of minutes walk. My local pub in Sussex does Bass IPA for �1.99 and St Austell Tribute for �2.40 per pint as well as 3 other real ales all priced below �2.61.
C'mon Fullers, I'm not a rudy politician, I have to fund the price myself.
7 Nov 2009 10:03
I agree with all the last 5 reviews, nice welcoming proper local boozer with 4 good real ales, Harvey's Best, Bonfire Boy, Armada and one other. Visited on Saturday 31st Oct and one half of the place was packed with footy fans. Not a problem, the other half was laid out for dining and the scoff looked good with generous portions. The couple on the next table offered us their untouched bowl of chips that they were too full to eat. The Halloween decorations were also over the top but quite novel. I'll be back here even if its a bit of a hike from the station.
1 Nov 2009 10:42
Not sure but believe this pub might be under new management as the folks from the Eagle, just down the road were popping back and forth with Halloween decorations. 2 real ales on and the Proper Job was perfect. Smallish pub with a good atmosphere and perhaps appealing to a younger age group. I liked the place and would definitely check it out again when next in Eastbourne.
1 Nov 2009 10:34
Visited at 2:15 on Saturday 31st Oct. They close at 2:30. A good sized pub with 3 real ales on. It looked like it was mainly an evening foodies place. The beer was not at its best. My buddy had his Abbott changed but even the second one wasn't up to snuff either and he left over half of it. My London Pride seemed a bit past its best but was drinkable. The staff were very friendly but that might be because we were the only customers in the place. All told, I'm quite glad it closed at 2:30, there are far better pubs not too far away.
1 Nov 2009 10:26
Another nice pub. Timmy Taylors was in good nick. Very friendly staff, especially the manager who we spoke to at length about some of the nice pictures on the walls. No large screen TV and seemed a pub for the more discerning customer. Never ate here but the menu looked good and apparently the food is home cooked. Altogether a nice place for a quite drink and perhaps a meal.
1 Nov 2009 10:07
Liked the place despite the big screen footy on a Saturday afternoon. Bare board floors a nice range of unusual real ales (if perhaps a little too cold) and friendly staff. The lady cleaning the tables told us that they recently took over this place a few weeks back and are intent on doing it up. I was short changed but I'm going to say it was a mistake rather than deliberate.
1 Nov 2009 10:02
Visited this place a couple of weeks ago. Was surprised to see beer from Beachy Head Brewery. The two that I tried were very nice but then you would expect that, being less than a mile from the brewery.
However, the staff who served us (two different people) who were very polite drew the pint with the glass sitting on the pump stand and consequently there was a rather large head on our beers. I got a very surprised look when I politely asked for the pints to be topped up. They duly were but I think I detected a certain reluctant attitude BOTH times. I hate having to ask for my full measure, it should be automatic surely.
The food looked good and there were plenty of folks eating. Lunch finished at 3PM promptly.
The pub is dog friendly too.
26 Aug 2009 13:46
Just like CAMRAMAN2 says, nice selection of unusual beers all in good condition and all at very good prices. The Dark Star Expresso was most enjoyable. The place is a bit out of the way and could do with a face-lift but was OK. The locals were all very friendly as was the lady serving.
18 Aug 2009 11:22
Yep, went back and saw Tribute was still on at �2.60 per pint. There are other cheaper beers too. The young lass who served me was very pleasant and when she was half way through pulling the pint she stopped and held the glass up. " I don't like the look of this sir, I thinks its gone, will you wait while I change the barrel ". Too right luv, I don't mind waiting. Blimey, very impressive, she seems to know her stuff. Changes barrel, pulls up half a bucket from the new one, to flush the line through and then pours a couple of halves, just to make sure. Very nice too. Guess I'll have to go back again tonight.
23 Jul 2009 15:34
Proper down to earth boozer. More real ale than you can shake a goblet at (oops sorry, JUG, not a poncie place at all). The sarnies looked spectacular too. Had a really nice mid-week evening here rubbing shoulders with the very friendly locals. Loved the measuring stick on the wall of the gents loo. Still pondering over the proper usage for it though.
21 Jul 2009 12:56
Went to this place a few times just over a year ago. Tried several real ales but didn't find one that was in good condition so never went back. Ate there on one of the previous visits, food not bad. Looked in the other day as they now seem to have the CHEAPEST BEER PRICES IN SEAFORD. They were quite busy too with lots of folks eating there. Wow !!!! All real ales less than �3.00. Had a pint of St Austell Tribute. Very, very good; so I had another. Going back tonight, hope its still on and in good nick. This place has gone up in my estimation. Even the young bar staff seemed very keen to serve.
21 Jul 2009 12:27
The Basketmakers Arms, Brighton
Called in just before lunchtime. What a treat, a proper pub with some decent beers including the usual suspects from Fullers Brewery. The Gales HSB was excellent as was the Seafarer (?). Friendly attentive staff who serve topped up pints. Locals seemed friendly too. Plenty of folks eating so I guess the food was good. Looked like a comprehensive menu too. Will put this place (along with the Evening Star) on my my do list for the next time I go to Brighton.
17 Jul 2009 13:14
The Basketmakers Arms, Brighton
Called in just before lunchtime. What a treat, a proper pub with some decent beers including the usual suspects from Fullers Brewery. The Gales HSB was excellent as was the Seafarer (?). Friendly attentive staff who serve topped up pints. Locals seemed friendly too. Plenty of folks eating so I guess the food was good. Looked like a comprehensive menu too. Will put this place (along with the Evening Star) on my my do list for the next time I go to Brighton.
17 Jul 2009 13:14
Liked this place. Only been during the day so can't comment on the noisy entertainment of an evening. Seemed quite a few younger folks here but all very friendly. Beer was good, sampled 3 or 4 in the end and all were good and a lovely varied selection too. Just managed to get the last cheese salad roll at lunchtime. That too was good and very fresh. All told a great pub with good ales, food and a friendly bunch too. I'll be back as soon as I can.
13 Jul 2009 13:08
Ye Olde Smugglers Inn, Alfriston
Walked here from Seaford a while ago. It was PIE WEEK as regards the menu, when we visited and my wife loved the curried pidgeon pie. My lunch was also very good. The ales were superb, they had Timmy Taylors Landlord on when we were there, one of my favourites and it was spot on. This place seems better value for money than at least one of the other pubs in the town and gets my vote. Quite conveniently there is a bus stop outside; the bus goes to Seaford so it saved us walking. I reckon the other pubs will have to go some to beat this. I might not bother trying them now though.
7 Jul 2009 17:27
Had a couple of duff pints lately. Some of the staff seem to have disappeared too and the service wasn't too attentive last time I was there. Its not the same as it was a few months back and I don't go in as much as I used to. I've been gravitating to the Cinque Ports instead and noticed quite a few folks that I used to see in the Welly are now here also. Sad to see a pub lose its charm and reputation as far as my custom is concerned. So easy to lose customers, so hard to get 'em back.
7 Jul 2009 17:16
The Plough and Harrow, Litlington
Loved this place. Walked here via High and Over and what an oasis. 4 good real ales on the go and 2 of them were spot on. Would have tried the other 2 as well but had to walk home. The food looked good too. Heard the barman explaining to a prospective luncher that the bass was caught yesterday immediately off Beachy Head. Comfortable, inviting, friendly and helpful staff and good beer too. Please don't tell anyone about this place, lets just keep it as our secret shall we. Don't want it to get to popular and crowded like the Golden Galleon down the road.
17 Jun 2009 09:09
I live quite close to this pub and went there with some buddies on Sunday afternoon for a pint before walking home. Couldn't get in the door the place was that busy. In the end we didn't bother. Went back yesterday lunchtime and it was quite quiet. Had a nice couple of beers and a snack lunch which wasn't too bad. Our friends enjoyed it.
17 Jun 2009 08:52
Was told the food here was good, especially for Sunday lunch. Bit reluctant to go as the real ale selection is not as good as other pubs in the area and I've had a couple of dubious (but drinkable) pints. I now drink cider here (philistine). However, the Sunday lunch was quite good. The lamb shank was delicious and the veg was good too. Quite a large serving. There were quite a few folks eating there so advisable to book a table for Sundays I guess.
5 Jun 2009 11:05
Been in several times since the re-furb. Always seem to gravitate to this pub. Had a nice walk along the prom on Sunday morning and ended up for a pre-lunch pint in the Welly again. Yes its still clean, yes its still friendly, yes the staff are very attentive yes they had 6 good real ales on and now they have installed a grand piano in the main bar too. Bloke (Dennis) tinkling the ivories was seemed quite good to me and would probably got better too had I stayed for a few more. Do like this pub and the St Austell Tribute is a bonus in my opinion.
18 Nov 2008 12:51
Blimey, what a difference to this place now. I called in very quickly during the Music Festival and the place was packed so I didn't stay long. Pity 'cos there was some great music being played. Anyway, went back the other night and WOW, 4 good real ales served topped up to the brim. A quite extensive pub grub menu and some of the large bar now laid out as a dining area. Nicely done. Oh yeah, nobody called me Gandalf this time.
13 Oct 2008 14:21
Agree with the clique comment. Looked very promising with several real ales avbailable. Stood at the bar waiting to get served for over 15 mins., even when nobody else was waiting. Got fed up in the end and used the Theo's instead. Now pondering how to use my invisibility.
25 Sep 2008 23:29
Been here once before but didn't like it as only had Harvey's Best on. Popped in again tonight as I saw they had 4 real ales available. Very busy. Lovely pint of Youngs. This place could easily grow on me. Bit of a down to earth pub; very nice.
5 Sep 2008 20:36
Oh YESSSSSS!!! Proper pub. 3 real ales, sadly only Spitfire, Greene King IPA and predictably Harvey's Best but all passable. As they say in France tho' the piece of restistance was MARMITE CRISPS!!! Clean, tidy, with friendly staff who pour topped up pints and the food looked and smelled good too. Don't tell anyone though.
1 Sep 2008 20:26
Currently closed for a re-furbishment. Hope they don't take too long!
22 Aug 2008 17:11
Blimey! Been here once and from the reviews it doesn't seem too promising. Bit of a shame really as I did enjoy the Timmy Taylor Landlord even if the glass wasn't topped up and its probably my local too. I only had a sarney one lunchtime and that was good too. I guess I'll use another pub till the reviews get better.
29 Jul 2008 19:55
Liked this place! Younger generation bias but OK. Great scoff too. Beer garden was nice and sunny and just the right place for a lunch. Only had 1 real ale on though, Harvey's again.
13 Jul 2008 16:52
Pub for the younger generation but very friendly. Only 1 real ale on when I went recently, Harvey's Sussex, predictably. Most of the clients kept calling me 'Gandalf', can't think why. Good beer garden which often has live bands on if the weather is decent.
13 Jul 2008 16:49
Def a locals pub. I've just moved into the area and was made very welcome. Seems they always have a rotating selection of 5 decent real ales and sometimes even 6. Never had a duff pint yet and they do seem to fill the glass here too. Looking forward to becoming a local.
13 Jul 2008 16:44
5 mins walk from Grays Station a quietish Free House that caters for all, even the real ale drinker. Usually 3 or 4 guest real ales on hand pump that are always well kept and changed regularly. Knowlegeable and friendly landlord.
19 Nov 2005 10:46
Too many beers, too little time. I'll be back, but next time with me carry out bottles!!!!
18 Nov 2005 19:48
Shed load of real ales, (usaully 8 or 9), Woodforde's, Adnams and other more 'fringe' beers, all well kept. Very friendly place, I go once a year and they still remember me. Often has a beer festival in Summer. Hub of the real alwe universe in Suffolk.
18 Nov 2005 19:46
Love the place! Don't get there too often unfortunately. Nice selection of 'Home-made' beers you won't find anywhere else. Long may it prosper!
18 Nov 2005 19:40
The White Hart, City Of London
Nice pub, good beer, very friendly landlord and open on a Saturday. Not only that but a West Ham fan to boot. Even got pictures of West Ham United winning the World Cup in 1966 !!!!!
18 Nov 2005 12:08
The Pride of Spitalfields, Shoreditch
Bugr'it, though this pub was the best kept secret EVER. Fantastic pub despite being a bit out of character for the area. Only place for miles that regularly does Crouch Vale beer.
18 Nov 2005 11:58
Proper village pub with 3 well kept real ales. Not sure if they still do the '25-a-side cricket match'.
18 Nov 2005 11:52
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The Old Boot, Seaford
New owner (some time ago) and new management more recently. Better selection of beers and the food looks pretty good too although I've only had sarnies. The big thing though, IT'S NOW DOG FRIENDLY although at busy dining times they ask you to stick to a certain area which is not a problem really. Most weekdays lately they have been running happy hour in the afternoon too. This is the best I've seen this pub. Let's hope it continues.
25 Apr 2017 14:41