BITE user comments - shand83
Comments by shand83
I just found a receipt in my pocket from yesterday's drinnks in the Cask... �4.60 for a pint of Dark Star IPA.
Visited after seeing John Martin at the Tate. A good selection of laughably overpriced ales on the pumps (why can the Wenlock Arms offer the same variety of cask ales for around the �3 mark?), and some of the worst decor I've ever seen in a pub. Made the most of it though and sampled the Cosmic, Dark Star and Acorn IPA's, all of which were in immaculate condition (whch you'd expect at these prices, in fact at these prices I'd expect an extra half thrown in for good measure). The staff were friendly and attentive.
Seemed to have a plethora of trappist beers, and ciders too, if that's your thing. Tbe hand-cut chips were great and the food looked good. I wouldn't return though due to the high prices, nasty interior and lack of atmosphere.
Ps I can confirm that several rugby-shirted toffs were in attendance, braying loudly about the Tory party's regeneration and probably buggery in the quads.
17 Oct 2011 09:35
Been a few times, and like this place very much. It's never actually been that busy when I've been here, and I've bagged a window seat relatively easily. Always offers well-kept beers with the option to try. The dining area was the only part of the place laid up for diners, and this was seperate enough so as not to imping on the atmosphere of the pub side. I have ordered food from the bar a few times and it has always been great. If you're into engravings there are loads and loads of wonderful examples on the walls. Spent the evening of Feb 2nd 2001 here, the night the whole of london was snowed in, and it was great to look out onto the river with the blizzard descending.
A winner!
30 Aug 2011 16:21
Been a few times, and like this place very much. It's never actually been that busy when I've been here, and I've bagged a window seat relatively easily. Always offers well-kept beers with the option to try. The dining area was the only part of the place laid up for diners, and this was seperate enough so as not to imping on the atmosphere of the pub side. I have ordered food from the bar a few times and it has always been great. If you're into engravings there are loads and loads of wonderful examples on the walls. Spent the evening of Feb 2nd 2001 here, the night the whole of london was snowed in, and it was great to look out onto the river with the blizzard descending.
A winner!
30 Aug 2011 16:20
The George and Vulture, Hoxton
Dropped by here last night, for the first time in a few years. Both the Pride and the Spring Sprinter were excellent, as you'd expect from a Fuller's pub. I also had a pizza, which was just ok. Nice big windows and outside drinking space.
20 Apr 2011 11:50
Advertising those prices will save a lot of people the bother of entering the Radcliffe Arms.
15 Apr 2011 02:21
Made the massive error of popping in here on Mothering Sunday, very busy with families occupying every available seat, and a packed dining room. Eventually we snared a couple of barstools, and I enjoyed a couple of pints of well-kept Betty Stoggs. The pasty and chips was good, as was the open crab sandwich, which was happened to be pretentiously served on a slate tile. These were delivered in prompt fashion despite the pub being obviously busy. It became a bit more comfortable after it emptied out a bit. The outside seating is propbably lovely on a warm day.
12 Apr 2011 17:03
Decent pub that served a good pint of Proper Job. Cosy interior with a friendly landlady behind the bar. There were a couple of groups dining who seemed to enjoy the food, which judging by the below comments is held in high regard.
12 Apr 2011 16:53
The comment below isn't too far off the mark... a quayside pub with an estate pub feel. The bar is lacklustre and the dining room looks like it has been tacked on and isn't in keeping with the rest of the place. I did play pool there, under the glare of an enormous flat screen TV. Decent pint of Tribute but probably won't return.
12 Apr 2011 16:48
Lovely pub with a historic feel, and the most enjoyable pub to spend time in on a tour of Fowey/Polruan/Bodinnick area. My girlfriend and I were the only two people in the pub for a good few hours on a Monday afternoon having walked from Polruan to get there. It's a cosy pub offering Sharps' Own and Cornish Coaster, both of which were in top nick. Lots of paraphernalia on the walls in the bar, and a seperate dining room as well as outside seating. The barmaid mentioned that they were missing a set of darts which I took to mean that this was an option, although no dartboard was evident. This would only add to the appeal. Looking forward to a return trip.
12 Apr 2011 16:44
My favourite of the Fowey pubs. A characterful interior that actually hints at it's history, Proper Job, Tribute and one other, maybe Tinners, were on. I stuck to the Proper Job, which was decent. There was a pool table located in a seperate room, and a dining room which again was seprate from the main bar. It was hard to choose from the menu which offered an attractive range of meals, but plumped for the Crab and Mussel soup, which was very good, and the mackerel bap which was superb, and highly reccommended. Only gripe was that there was no escaping the noise from the table of 3 children in the window seats.
12 Apr 2011 16:34
Just OK. Only Tribute or Tinners on, the Tinners was ok. The seats outside are a plus as to be honest the interior is really nothing to write home about, and I'd agree with the comment below regarding the restaurant atmosphere.
12 Apr 2011 16:26
400+ years od and decked out like pub nouveau crossed with someone's conservatory. The outside seating overlooks the harbour and over to Polruan, but it loses the sun come the afternoon. Had a decent pint of Betty Stoggs Big Sister in here, but the decor left me cold.
12 Apr 2011 16:23
I like the Wenlock Arms, a lot. 6 (or 8?) beers on, can't actually remember. I do remember that the APA and Hophead were in great condition. Characterful interior, and serviceable toilets. I was there recently from 5PM til close and saw the clientele grow from about 7 to a vibrant buzzing atmosphere by closing time. A triumph.
12 Apr 2011 16:07
I took a friend here off the back of some good reviews. Not what I expected. Here's what you need to know.
- Four pounds and forty pence for a bottle of Brooklyn IPA.
- Eurotrash dance music on the stereo.
- Four pounds and forty pence for a bottle of Brooklyn IPA.
The clientele seemed to be a mix of tourists and suits-just-finished-work.
A big fat fucking zero.
22 Feb 2011 18:19
The Rose and Crown, Stoke Newington
Been here a few times now, it's a spacious, lovely-looking place with attentive bar staff and well-kept beer. The Haggis Hunter that is on at the moment is in superb condition. Yet to try the food but the menu is very tempting. A great pub.
31 Jan 2011 10:27
Nice little pub with two Otter ales and 1 guest, all well kept. Welcoming landlord and landlady who also deal in very good food. A pool table and dart board also feature. A must when I'm in the area.
18 Jan 2011 12:51
A lovely pub which I'm happy to have as a local. Definitely has an air of 'well-kept secret' about it. Agree with the choice of ales, they could add another one, and perhaps keep the existing ones in slightly better nick. No-nonsense, delicious cheeseboard on offer. This place really comes into it's own in the winter when the fire is going.
14 Jan 2011 14:33
A welcoming pub with a nice atmosphere and good thai food. PLenty of nooks and crannies to grab a seat in. Yet to have a bad pint here, and I've had a few. No complaint about the varied customer base. A good pub, and these should be cherished!
13 Jan 2011 18:25
BEWARE!! This place applies a stealth, as in unmentioned, anywhere, 12.5% �service charge� for bar snacks. I was told this was added as a �tip�! Arrogant twats. Anyway, read on for a further review.
Visited yesterday. The Cadogan is a vast space, and looks as if it could be part of some hotel in the Highlands. Nice. Some attractive taxidermy and artwork. It was quiet on a Wednesday afternoon, just 5 other customers in total for the 90 minutes I was there (the less said about them the better). Boring selection of beers, Pride, Adnams Bitter and John Smith�s cask (sarcastic �mmmmmmm!�). I was served a short measure of Pride which was topped up on request.
Dropped in after a trip to the Natural History Museum, and, although it looked nice, it felt very empty and I won�t be hurrying back.
13 Jan 2011 17:55
Very friendly local pub (save for one dickhead attention seeker), compact and cosy interior with some interesting local history photos but as mentioned, it's expensive at 3.50 a pint. If you want to watch a football match in a pub I'd recommend it.
11 Jan 2011 18:37
The Pakenham Arms, Clerkenwell
Good selection of ales, I had three very good, and relatively cheap, pints of Hogsback RIP in here last week. My friend and I also ate; the food was superb, especially for the price. My burger and his pie, including chips, was all clearly homemade. Agree to an extent about the interior, we were there on a quiet-ish monday afternoon and it seemed a bit cavernous but I would reccomend the place and will definitely go back.
7 Dec 2010 13:25
The Florence Tavern, Islington
What has happened to this place??? Now a sky sports hell hole by the looks of it! Put one foot through the door and turned around.
16 Oct 2010 13:10
The Duke of Cambridge, Islington
Visisted on monday night. A lovely space, but draughty due to doors being wedged open for whatever reason. However these were closed on request by the friendly, relaxed staff. The selection of drinks is good, but I have to agree with the previous poster, I was very surprised when every pint I was served was flat as a witch's tit. Tasty, but flat. I will return but this needs to improve.
16 Oct 2010 13:08
OK if you're stopping off for one whilst waiting for a train, but the modernised interior does nothing for the atmosphere. Nice pint of Abbott.
1 Oct 2010 05:10
Dark, dated interior, sketchy clientele, ugly kids' play area out back. Could be a lot better.
1 Oct 2010 05:00
They need to lose the crap lager and get some B&T pumps in. Then this pub would be infinitely improved. Lots of character, and plenty of potential.
1 Oct 2010 04:58
Great pub, with two sides to it, the lovely old bar area with stripped wood floorboards, and the smaller, dated lounge area. I will always choose the former to sit in the window and spend an afternoon playing cards or reading the paper. Pumps were the same as below on my last visit, a good selection and the Shefford bitter was excellent. The jukebox was on, as was the tv in the lounge area, but very low so neither interfered with the atmosphere in the bar. Fresh rolls available at the bar if you're hungry.
A great pub to spend the afternoon in.
1 Oct 2010 04:55
No that I advocate violence but the 'Thin chap' referred to by drinkydrinks is dying for a punch. He even managed to put a downer on an evening I spent in the Hideaway across the road by reserving a massive area for his birthday then getting the hump when only one of his party turned up and other people started to use the tables.
Anyway, the St John again, yes the lad Chris and the Italian lad are top notch, had a great pint of -/80 in there recently as well as a selection of the best starters. Still warrants an 8.5 in my book.
15 Sep 2010 19:04
The staffing situation has improved since the last post evidently, there i s now a chap working in there who I think used to work in the St John, who capably dealt with our food and drinks order on saturday. Everythig else I agree with. I had a very good sea bream, and will be returning for more soon. Good games selection.
16 Aug 2010 17:30
The Jolly Brewmaster, Cheltenham
Great choice of beers, unfortunately only got there about an hour before closing so could only try two, the Jack's Pale Ale and Red Stag, both very well kept, and served by a knowledgable barman. nice interior with hops decorating the bar. Big garden with plenty of seating. I was in Cheltenham visiting friends, and will definitely return to this pub next time. Highly reccommended.
19 Jul 2010 11:01
I visited the Kings Arms on Saturday whilst on a weekend break in Detling. A nice pub, well-kept beer (Harvey's Sussex Best, HSB and Pride) and a nice lunch (field mushroom with feta, Wild Boar sausage sandwich) tackily presented on massive, square plates. Sat in the blazing sun in the large beer garden, lovely. So nice I decided to return for sunday lunch. Same again, nice pint. However when the barmaid made a mistake with my change I was treated quite rudely, said barmaid insisted on consulting a calculator with her back to me for quite a simple bit of maths while another member of staff who had seen/heard what had happened reimbursed me without question. I walked away with said barmaid still with her back to me tapping away at the calculator and grumbling, visibly put out and with no word of apology. This, understandably, got my back up. My duck spring rolls arrived, hilariously presented (think of one of the courses served up in the opening sequence of American Psycho, but an Aldi version) swiftly followed by my girlfriends vegetarian 'Nut Roast'. On closer inspection, the 'Nut Roast' part of the course seemed to be missing. I returned this to the bar staff, who informed me that the 'Nut Roast' was in fact present and consisted of 10 cashew nuts that had been browned in a pan. What a pisstake. They offered me a refund and I left.
Apologies for length, in summary: good beer, great garden, nice food prepared by someone who doesn't have a clue, attitude from one member of staff.
12 Jul 2010 10:26
This needs a recent review - ale always very well kept, superb food, particularly the seafood platter (take the usual precautions with the oysters) and great interior. Beware a stealth service charge if you sit beyond the till in the bar area.
Love it.
6 Jul 2010 16:00
Having taken owen_b2's pork scratching comment with a pinch of salt, I am now eating humble pie (not scratchings) as I saw this with my own eyes the other day. The culprit was a chap I have always called 'the Pirate', think he might be french, gold hoop earring, stubbly beard. Plain wrong.
That said, the Abbott was great and the pheasant's egg top notch with a bit of celery salt.
6 Jul 2010 15:52
Jolly Butchers, Stoke Newington
This, to me, seems like an ale house for people who don't like ale. Everything they served tasted like it had been artificially flavoured.
27 Jun 2010 14:18
The Queens Head / Easton, Clerkenwell
Went here for the first time on Saturday night, and I think the reviews and ratings need a bit of an update, as there seem to be some changes since 2008. Maybe the owners have taken note of the numerous negative comments on the internet, because our waitress was literally falling over herself to make sure we were satisfied. This was almost balanced out by an encounter with a cock of a barman when we first arrived, but as our lady offered to fetch us drinks from the bar we had little contact with him. The Landlord we had was well-kept, and the food delicious. The menu looked great, gastropub prices, but the chicken leg was really quite good as was the bruschetta starter.
I'd come here again to eat, but the atmosphere was typical gastro-pub, ie not there in abundance, so not the sort of place I'd just pop in to for a drinnk.
28 Apr 2010 08:21
The last couple of times I have been I have noticed several new members of staff, all of whom have been most friendly and welcoming. There is also now a soundtrack of northern soul, Stax and Atlantic being played over the stereo. A vast improvement.
22 Apr 2010 09:10
As said, good for a few beers, McMullen cask is as good as you'll taste, and relatively whopper-free as it's off the main drag. Few Kings Arms exiles to watch out for, though.
3 Mar 2010 19:35
This pub was a pleasant surprise. I had low expectations but was met with a good selection of well-kept ales at decent prices. Tim Taylor and Pride are the resident ales, with 4 or 5 guest ales, varying in colour and strength. I also ate in the restaurant upstairs, receiving an OK pub fish and chips and some surly service form a stressed out, overworked spanish(?) waitress for �7.
I was quite taken aback by the appearance of the bar manager in the downstairs bar, about 20 stone with a massive gut hanging out of the bottom of her shirt. Not exactly what you want to look at when thinking of ordering food, but it could save you a few quid I suppose.
I will definitely go back there, especially as it is very close to work.
1 Mar 2010 19:30
This place is OK. Just OK. The Landlord and Deuchars varies in quality form week to week, left-of-centre decor and the taxidermy makes a nice conversation piece, especially if you're taking an out-of-towner there for an afternoon drink. Go in there of an evening from Wednesday to Saturday, and you're bound to get more than your fair share of whoppers to contend with. What do you expect, you're in Soho. not tried the food yet but I will soon, their stock-purchasing policy seems nice and it looked pretty good on the plate.
Limit your visits to lunchtimes/afternoons and early week evenings, and you should retain an untarnished view of the place.
1 Mar 2010 19:25
Should be renamed the Nuthouse. If you want to get the full experience of what Bedlam must have been like in it's heyday, the Nuthouse is recommended. About 80% of the clientele are geriatric and mad, the other 20% are of varying age and can mostly be seen staring into the distance or laughing randomly and with great vigour at seemingly nothing. Try a Sunday evening, when the place is usually crammed with with (entirely harmless) fruitloops. The effect is quite intoxicating, and you may leave a different person.
That said, it's probably the best Wetherspoon's you'll visit, a varied and constantly changing selection of beers, cheap if not the best-kept. It's warm and has plenty of seating, although seeing as it seems to act as the local retirement home this is in quite high demand so be prepared for someone to shuffle off the mortal coil before you can rest your legs. Bit of a depressing interior but like someone has said, some interesting artefacts about.
I shall continue to visit for a cheap pint, but whenever I am a bit more flush I far prefer the Prince of Wales just over the road..
9 Feb 2010 09:36
This is well overdue a review. A lovely little place off the beaten track.
Such a shame that both times I have been there I have been served a crap pint of Master Brew (T Taylor 'off' both times) by an insubordinate ameoba of a barman. I would really like to go back and try the food but this may result in me glassing the little sh*t. I think I will take a deep breath and have a go because it has potential as a venue and the menu looks promising if they can deliver. However the service here can and will spoil your visit, and as such, a 3/10 is awarded.
1 Feb 2010 14:40
The below quote just about sums this place up, although you can add well kept ales and a clean, cosy atmosphere to that. A glance at the menu tells you that some ingredients are locally sourced, which is nice to know. If you're in Henlow and want to eat, this is the pub for you, but for a drink the Engineer's Arms wins hands down.
"Standard pub grub served in a timely manner from a friendly face."
1 Feb 2010 11:48
Good gastro pub, couple of doors down from my flat and I'm glad to have such a good pub so close by. Great if you're going in for a drink, a variety of well kept beers and a lot of light from the big windows. Good amount and spacing of seats, although if there are only two of us I prefer to sit at the bar. Very good scotch eggs and scratchings on the snack menu, and food ordered on the pub side arrives promptly and without hassle, to a very good standard (even my favourite, the jellied pigs head, is from outdoor-reared pork).
The problems start when you want to eat in the restaurant. It does get very busy and the staff, although older than average which is quite reassuring, are at worst surly and at best plain weird. I've eaten in the restaurant four times and wouldn't opt to again. If I want food there I avoid busy times and order in the bar.
Summary: Well kept ales, excellent food, but beware the restaurant at busy times.
1 Feb 2010 11:39
The Swimmer at The Grafton Arms, Holloway
I like this pub very much. It's a short bus ride away and I try to get down there a fair bit. The food is very good and fairly priced for higher-end pub fare, the good variety of beer is well-kept and served by friendly and often knowledgable staff. London Pride and Butcombe is always on the It's great to have a pub in the area that actually gives a sh*t about what they are serving.
Cosy, good atmosphere even when not busy, ok jukebox and great taxidermy otter. I bring out-of-town friends here when they visit, and they have all approved.
1 Feb 2010 11:25
The scotch eggs and sausage rolls are truly amazing, not only this but this pub can back up its great food with a good selection of well-kept beer, with one rotating pump. Great taxidermy and a beautiful framed map, nice big windows let in plenty of light.
My only critiscism is the reservation system here, on trying to reserve a table over the phone one sunday I was told it was not necessary, but on turning up found most of the tabels in the bar area had reservation notices. So we just waited for one of the centre tables to come free. Have turned up that bit earlier ever since and have had little trouble being seated, although the weekends are ALWAYS very busy.
If you can get seated the food is brilliant, if not, you can stand and enjoy a great pint.
1 Feb 2010 11:07
What a pub. Grew up in the village and still return every so often, and always pay a visit. This is a pub that is proud of its great selection of beers, a true free house. The ales and ciders on offer were all listed on a chalkboard with details of each, and the bar staff were exceptionally helpful and friendly, if not completely up to speed with the products. However the landlord is on offer for any expert advice.
Very nice, great value home made rolls on offer at the bar.
The only critiscisms I could make would be the orange colour scheme on the outside, and the slightly 'farty' aura that tends to hang around in an encosed space full of old geezers. This disappears when the fire is lit (an open fire!).
A triumph for the village and the area.
1 Feb 2010 10:59
Prince Of Wales, Covent Garden
Went for a wander round Holborn yesterday and unfortunately popped in here.
Crap pint (watered down?) of Spitfire, served by someone who clearly didn't give a shit.
less than no atmosphere, whoever mentioned 'older-than-it-seems' decor was spot on.
The food looked terrible and several tables were heard complaining of hour-long waits, but I would never have ordered any in there anyway.
No loo roll in the ladies.
Small pubs, one that care about the customer and their product, close by the hundreds, but terrible places like this survive.
An unmitigated, thudding failure.
1 Feb 2010 10:42
The Oak and Pastor, Archway
These reviews have been hijacked by staff, which is a real shame and totally ruins this site.
Anyway, went in there on Saturday, beer was ok, not great, layout is fine, decor is half tasteful period style, half ikea shite.
Going for dinner soon so we'll see how the food is but for now, they should be ashamed that they've been bumping up their own scores.
26 Nov 2012 19:25