BITE user comments - polonius948
Comments by polonius948
18 of us gathered here for a friend's birthday meal for which they set up a long table in the atmospheric back room. I wasn't involved in the arrangements but as far as I could tell nothing was too much trouble for the friendly and attractive staff. The food was excellent without being showy, just what you'd hope from an above-average pub restaurant.
Before and after we spent time in the cosy 2-room front bar. Landlord Christan was a godsend for this beer drinker - insisted that I try each of the THREE IPAs on tap (Brewdog Punk, Adnams American and a citrussy, super-hoppy 6% Oakhams Green Devil) but was also happy to run to the cellar to draw a lifesaving pint of weaker beer later on! Late licence for residents, though they seemed pretty liberal with it for everyone there.
As a bunch of friends and family generally 35 and older it was exactly what we wanted. Not to everyone's taste, but I wish it was nearer where I live.
7 Feb 2012 09:59
The Victory, Walton on the Naze
Visited on a very sunny Monday afternoon and sat in a lovely little sun-trap of a pub garden. Friendly young barman (well, friendly to my wife at least, little scamp) and a pleasant welcoming atmosphere from locals. Wife fell in love with resident cat.
Sadly there was only IPA and Abbott (the guest was off) but they were reasonably priced and exceptionally well-kept for this part of the world. Didn't eat but menu was quiet enticing simple fare and others seemed to be enjoying very much. Would go back.
Advertising music nights Friday/Saturday.
4 Aug 2011 18:40
The White Lion Hotel, Great Longstone
Was a little surprised at the extremely high ratings for this pub on a beer site. The good things first - it's very attractively done out and comfortable, especially the little tap room with a real fireplace, books and board games. Staff were all extremely helpful and friendly.
However, it's almost entirely set up for sit-down eating rather than casual snacking or drinking. All tables bar one or two high ones near the front are reserved for dining (and the Friday we were there, booked solid all night). Furthermore, they only had two rather anaemic Robinsons ales on, with the rest of the bar given over to uninspiring mass-market lager. The food was decent and well-presented, but not exceptional for the price.
I can't blame them for the approach they've taken and they are clearly doing a roaring trade. But I'd say that you can get better nearby (especially beer-wise) if you're willing to head out to the smaller villages.
9 Jul 2011 18:35
On a very busy street in the middle of Bakewell, which was a shock after our walk through deserted hills and farmland! Seemed like an odd place to me. Beer well-kept but unexceptional (Banks's and Brakspear) and barmaid was a little distracted (carried on a conversation about washing machines with a local chap whilst serving me). Wouldn't rush back.
9 Jul 2011 18:25
Top, top village pub that we visited whilst doing a short walk around Ravensbrook and Water-cum-jolly. We both loved it. Mixture of walkers, locals and older tourists, bar staff couldn't have been more friendly and helpful to us and everyone else.
Unsurprisingly they are big on food. We stuffed ourselves with delicious, inexpensive locally-sourced mains and desserts (even the little plates are big!) But beer certainly doesn't take second place. 4 local ales on tap - Buxton Kinder Sunset, Abbeydale Absolution, Blue Monkey PG Sips and Barnsley Bitter from Oakwell. Had the first two, both faultless. Highly recommended.
9 Jul 2011 18:17
The Monsal Head Hotel, Monsal Head
Amazing location overlooking Monsal Dale and the viaduct, unsurprisingly popular at peak times. We popped in for a quick afternoon pint so it was relatively quiet. Barman was dealing with food as well, but was friendly and helpful when I did get his attention. Didn't eat but food looked good from others' plates.
Tried their own Stable Ale which was a decent albeit unspectacular Best, and the Moor Top from the Buxton brewery which was a very citrussy dry blond. Both well kept (especially if you're use to London beer like me!) but IMO there are better offerings beer-wise nearby (the Packhorse a case in point).
9 Jul 2011 18:04
We were staying nearby in Cressbrook but I made a beeline for this place after reading the reviews. Homely little place, tiny main bar full of close-knit locals plus a few tourists (like us) having a bite to eat in the back bar. Only had mains but food was fairly simple, delicious and inexpensive (compared with others in the area at least).
Tried two of the four Thornbridge ales on and they were both beautiful, especially the Jaipur Strong Pale Ale. Friendly barman very happy to chat with me about the beer when he wasn't serving drinks, delivering food and clearing tables! Definitely recommend this over the bland Robinsons offerings in Great Longstone.
9 Jul 2011 17:56
The Nelson Head, Horsey
Visited on a wet September weekday afternoon with wife and our 5 month old. Very quiet, just a local chap with his dog and a few hardy walkers. Roaring log fire was going, and Bowie playing softly in the background. Made to feel very welcome by extremely pleasant barmaid, who let me try a few beers and chatted happily throughout. Settled on the Mardler's Mild then a pint of Norwich Castle, both great. These are the places that make British holidays worthwhile despite the foul weather!
20 Sep 2013 21:41