BITE user comments - scaldow
Comments by scaldow
Used to (very occaisionally) go into this place when it was the Hogs Head. Bland, characterless, same old, same old chain pub. Haven't been there again in 18 months.
Just came back from a brief lunchtime session, and was amazed at the transformation. Not a physical one, mind (apart from the green paint job outside) just a completely different feel to the place. Good beer (guest for today was T.E.A. from Hogs Back in Tongham), well kept and a splendid array of bottled as well.
OK, there is still quite a range of the usual Eurofizz and alchopops, but this is central Chavtown after all (even Graham down at the Beer Circus has a few J2Os in the back of the fridge!!). Chefs specials on the menu were mouthwatering in description and better on the palate (�3 for a HUGE ploghmans with some of the ripest Brie I've had in a good while).
Love the Book exchange btw, and look forward to a spirited game of Kerplunck some night soon.
Outstanding work folks, and may be back later today for the Heavy Metal night.
25 May 2007 14:28
Royal Oak Inn, Staffhurst Wood
OK, so I missed the Port night (mea culpa!!!) but took the landlord of the Beer Circus down for lunch this last weekend (and if anyone might appreciate a good pint it would be he!), and he was most appreciative of the Horsham (I left it to him to make the call, no guidance required!). His one critique was that they didn't quite offer the same range of beers that he did (!). But when I suggested that he didn't quite offer the same cuisine that they did, he wound it in and enjoyed his fine Ridge Farm beef. Oh, and he really liked the dogs, particularly Beefy (although I doubt he could have eaten a whole one!!).
21 Mar 2007 23:12
Without a doubt, the only place worth its salt in Croydon!
Let me qualify that comment.
If you want cheap eurofizz, alchopops, loud music and sports on the TV, then this is not the place for you.
If, however, your preference is for well kept Real Ales, fine draught and bottled beers (to 14%! won't name the brand but those who know, KNOW!!) from Belgium, Holland, Germany, and all points East and West, wonderful ambiance, minimalist decor (and functional bathrooms), and intelligent and challenging clientele and conversation (plus the occaisional loud colonial!), then this is surely the jewel in the crown.
The beer menu is approaching half an inch thick (most of which are usually in stock) and should offer inspiration to even the most hardened of beer afficianados.
Graeme, Ana, Ula, Fiona and Dion do a fabulous job providing sustenance and entertainment night after night (supplemented by the occaisional live band, quiz night, and games evening (29 high Jenga, most entertaining!!).
Our host, Graeme, suffers from being a Rugby League fan in a world of Union fans, but, in spite of this, is one of the worlds finest lickspittles and a character of the first order.
Short note about the under 21 rule. Graeme is unlikely to have a problem with mature, erudite, and personable people of any age. Take the piss and you'll ruin it for everyone else, including Gueuzefan!
17 Mar 2007 09:10
Royal Oak Inn, Staffhurst Wood
Can't think why anyone but a barking loon would take issue with this superb local gastro pub. I was momentarily distracted when I saw the sign to the West that declared 'gastro pub & bar food' since the two are hardly usually synonymous, but having now tasted both, I can categorically say without fear of educated contradiction that you will have to go a Hell of a long way to better the bar food in this excellent pub and onto a different continent to find a better Sunday Roast.
The pure delight and the immense pleasure of the flavour of the beef was only supersceded by the waiter, when posed with the question 'Ridge Farm, where is that?', pointed out of the window to the North and responded 'See that farmhouse up there on the ridge...........?'.
Julian not only knows how to source excellent quality, local produce, he also knows how to incentivise great staff into this fine hostelry to prepare and serve it. Whilst I would not consider myself an expert when it comes to Real Ale, I would have to say that the Horsham Ale was eminently drinkable and the ciders from the keg were truly superb.
But whilst other gastro pubs in Surrey, Kent, and Sussex might allude to a cellar, to come across an excelent Pinchon Longueville and a very fine Chateau Palmer cheek by jowl on the wine list was a very welcome and unexpected surprise. And(?), allow my break from grammar for a brief reprise, to then discover that Julian carries Ports from 1958, many by the glass is a very special surprise, should one need anything more.
But, quite simply, the magnum opus of this little jewel of a pub is the public bar, not least for its spirited and welcoming clientele, but moreso for the fact that in a pub of this quality, a major contibutor to the character of the bar is the local dogs (all working I hasten to add, and not permitted to roam as far as the restaurant).
On the recent afternoon we spent there the labs and retievers were all wet and muddy and friendly (having spent, as I understand, most of the preceding morning out pigeoning), but were a delight and exactly what I would expect to see in a bar of this character and calibre and I salute you! (However much to the chagrin of our Califorian friend who far preferred the very lovely blonde barmaid!!).
Julian, wondeful place you have there! So much looking forward to the Port Night (once a month with a 'dash' of nice cheeses, allegedly, more about that later). I guess the more you put in the more you get out, eh!
5 Mar 2007 23:17
The Half and Half, Croydon
Extraordinary! The place has been closed since January and it still has the third highest rating of any pub in Croydon!
Come back, Graeme! All is forgiven!
7 May 2008 18:20