BITE user comments - stropmag
Comments by stropmag
Now demolished and flats built in its place. No great loss to be honest.
29 Aug 2017 07:37
My word! This place is now as busy as it used to be back in the 70s if the evidence from my recent visit is anything to go by. Good bright atmosphere and staff who really seem to know what they're doing and never having to ask that dreaded question "Who's next?" even when under pressure. It makes the Rising Sun at the other end of the High Street look like a morgue.
6 Dec 2012 17:47
OK, the upgraded rating has been earnt. This has to be one of JDW's best. The staff are now as efficient and friendly as one could reasonably expect of a concern this big. My only gripe (and it is apparently a common one amongst JDW customers countrywide) is that too much time is taken in the making and serving of coffee at the expense of the beer drinkers. A dedicated coffee station might be the answer with the staff member assigned to routine tidying or something when there is no call for the caffeine.
6 Dec 2012 17:36
A really good pub this. Nothing not to like about it. On my recent visit a tour guide arrived unannounced to show a group of tourists what a traditional London pub was like (at least I think that was the idea). She waltzed in with a crocodile of students, showed them the bar and the bogs and waltzed out. Never a thought to buy a drink. The manager looked a bit gobsmacked but was uncomplaining. You wouldn't get away with that in many London pubs!
5 Dec 2012 14:26
The Creeksea Ferry Inn, Wallasea Island
From a local news report it would appear that this pub is now 'derelict' and damaged by fire. I would check before making a visit.
21 Jan 2012 17:23
This place continues to improve. From an admittedly low base it has ascended to something resembling a friendly, well run establishment. Whilst catering for a largely young clientele on Friday and Saturday evenings the older punter is certainly not discouraged from enjoying a decent beer at reasonable prices.
On my most recent visit there was a rather strange quite elderly looking man at the bar ordering a non=alcoholic ginger beer for himself and a coffee and brandy for his male companion. I thought this a little odd at 9.10am but I guess they found it odd that I was drinking my first pint of beer so early. Anyway, the staff of the Blue Boar are obviously a broad minded bunch as I noticed the ginger beer drinker slip over to the condiment area and fill his pockets with an assortment of sauces and seasonings- I'm sure the bar tender was aware but was able to turn a blind eye. Perhaps he felt sorry for the old boy who rather resembled a near destitute European farmer. The improvement in service is nearly enough to warrant a rating upgrade but I shall visit again in the new year before deciding on such a move.
25 Dec 2011 16:26
I refer readers to my earlier comment. Nothing has changed bar the management.
28 Apr 2011 19:28
The Coach and Horses, Billericay
This remains Billericay's best pub but the prices continue to favour (is that possible?) those with a high disposable income. I know it is not possible to match the Wetherspoon's Blue Boar on price but the difference is truly noticeable. Great little pub but pricey and for that reason I have to stick with an earlier score of 8.
28 Apr 2011 19:24
The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak
Just one year on from my first visit I returned and was not disappointed. This remains a great pub with an excellent selection of ales and ciders served by knowledgeable people, if unsure of one's choice of tipple a sample is offered without hesitation. A great little pub. I'm even upping my score for this place- it deserves a 9.
28 Apr 2011 19:06
Apparently very child friendly in so far as it is alleged that there are many very young looking low life who frequent the place. local press reports say that the police have obtained an urgent review of this pub's license due to the number of violent incidents in recent times. Although no date has yet been set, interested parties have been invited to make their views known by the end of Aug.
11 Aug 2010 18:52
Not a review exactly but a snippet of news. This potentially very good pub has, I hear, got a new licensee who is experienced and respected in the trade (well, that's what I'm told). His mission? To turn the place into a decent and profitable pub. He'll have his work cut out but it was once such a place (30 years ago), maybe it could be again.
30 Jul 2010 21:36
Pat_Bateman, I certainly take your point but I think you should not read too much into the highly subjective points system on BITE. As they themselves say "reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously." I know nothing of the other pubs you mention but I have reviewed 'Ye Olde Mitre' and awarded it 8 points (the highest I've ever awarded) and I stand by my review. If, as you suggest, there are people manipulating the site to their own ends that is unfortunate. Personally I couldn't be bothered and am surprised that anyone else would be so mean spirited.
24 Jul 2010 20:28
A recent visit left me with the feeling that I'd be unlikely to make a habit of frequenting the place. Nothing worth mentioning in the range of beers from what I recall. I was left with the impression that the staff member on duty on the particular (quiet) Saturday afternoon I visited was well qualified, if only in so far as she had clearly known the inside as well as the outside of a bottle of spirit in her time.
There were a friendly bunch of obvious regulars holding court in the saloon bar so all was not lost as they seemed to be enjoying themselves- mind you, they might have found something to laugh about at a war crimes trial.
18 Jul 2010 17:21
On the first and third Wednesday of every month the basement of this pub becomes the venue for Sweet Wednesday, a club for transvestites/ transexuals so, if you have any hang-ups in that area, best to avoid Wednesdays as there is bound to be a little seepage to the upstairs bar. If it sounds more interesting and more fun than your average Kings Cross offering, it might be worth saving your visit for a Wednesday. Your choice.
18 Jul 2010 16:07
The late may bank holiday saw a right old fracas here according to press reports. A number of people seriously injured when a couple of louts from the darker regions of Essex (suspected) decided to launch an attack on the local clientele for no apparent reason. Still, if you go to the Ivory rooms, do you need a reason?
30 Jun 2010 18:56
I'm surprised I failed to post a review when I last visited 2 years back as it's a pub worthy of note. Well, it hasn't changed much and, in my humble opinion, is well worth dropping into if you are in the area. My recent visit was following a heavy session at the nearby Southampton Arms so my recollection of The Pineapple is a little hazy but I do recall enjoying a couple of pints of decent cider. It was a busy night (certainly for a Monday) but I found the patrons and staff very friendly. Perhaps the patronage varies according to the day or time of day.
6 May 2010 19:36
The best pub in Chelmsford? I'm not sure about that. I wouldn't like to try sliding a fag paper between this and the neighbouring Orange Tree in terms of quality.
It is a good pub but I think Roger Protz (I believe it was he who put it in the ST's 25 best list) might have been suffering from an excess of exuberance, if not real ale, when he gave such praise.
3 May 2010 10:59
The Pride of Spitalfields, Shoreditch
Still a shining example of the sort of establishment every publican should strive to achieve. Worth going out of one's way to visit.
3 May 2010 10:52
The Coach and Horses, Billericay
The change in tenancy seems to have had no detrimental effect whatsoever on this, the best of Billericay's pubs.
3 May 2010 10:48
The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak
What an excellent little boozer this is. Great range of traditionally brewed ciders. The scotch eggs seem expensive at 2.50 GBP a throw but these were the best that I've ever come across and one of these is sufficient for lunch unless you have a very big appetite. It's hard to believe that this place could be as quiet as it was on the Monday afternoon that I visited, however, it was getting quite busy by the time I left (8pm).
Another point of interest is that the unobtrusive music comes from real vinyl on a real turntable.
This place really deserves to do well but, being selfish, I hope it doesn't do so well that it becomes uncomfortably busy.
27 Apr 2010 10:03
So much improved since my past visits! Friendly, efficient and enthusiastic young staff- a transformation in this area and a clear management success. The impression may have been enhanced by the surprisingly good 'Real Ale festival' which is supplying an impressive choice of well kept ales at BBP 1.89 per pint- excellent value.
A house that the Wetherspoon chain should be proud of. I would not have said that (and didn't) a couple of years back.
15 Apr 2010 12:38
It's been nearly a year since my last visit and not a lot has changed. Gold Label barley wine was on offer at what I considered a very fair price but, then again, one has to offset the saving against the cost of the stab resistant kevlar attire that I would recommend wearing if visiting.
The bar staff deserve a medal for friendliness in the face of the enemy.
19 Mar 2010 18:08
The police presence was for an EGM of the BNP. The choice of venue must speak volumes about this pub.
14 Feb 2010 19:58
If you are on a budget flight this place is worth spending some of your hard earnt cash in. The prices are not outrageous given the sort of money JDW are probably paying to the airport operators. If you are going 'posh' wait until the drinks service arrives on the flight and save your money- also leave room in the pub for your less fortunate travellers (like me). Beers are nothing special but better (IMHO) than one might expect. Staff are efficient and good humoured. To be fair I can only rate the place without making allowances for the location and associated negatives so my rating will not be high. A good reason not to rely on ratings too much.
8 Jan 2010 18:46
It's a shame to be reading what I have suspected for some time given reports I've received from friends who have visited The Hoop in the last year. I have to say that I have not visited for over 18 months having been out of the country but on my last few visits I had noticed a change for the worse.
Some of the natives have always had a reputation for being decidedly unfriendly towards those who are visiting 'their' village from the surrounding towns. They clearly have a truly unwarranted superiority complex. Much of this I could see rubbing off on the licensee and family- God knows why they would consider themselves great or good!
I can sympathise with Fran911 but perhaps this pub is the last place you would risk being 'naughty' (so you only have reserved sympathy Fran).
This used to be a great pub which I have used on occasions for over 30 years. I'll be giving it a visit in the spring but I suspect I'll be disappointed and that it might be my last visit. There are fewer and fewer good pubs around but the truly good will survive, this one, on evidence is no longer good enough.
24 Dec 2009 19:37
My word! There have been some strong views expressed lately. Hopefully all will now return to strictly pub review. The comments at least tell me that this old favourite is alive and flourishing. It's been a few years since my last visit but I look forward to April when I leave my current residence (Thailand) for a short trip to UK and, almost certainly, the hallowed doors of this great public house.
13 Dec 2009 20:18
My experience of this pub is a little out of date but friends have recently confirmed my observations. Great value food. Clientele might take a bit of getting used to but mostly decent people trying to enjoy a pub on the outskirts of the social imbiber's hell that is Basildon. You could do an awful lot worse if in the area.
19 Apr 2009 19:28
Being self-exiled from Blightey I have not had the opportunity to visit this establishment recently but friends tell me that it continues to offer good all round service, beer & food. I trust their judgement & , after all, there's not a lot of competition in close proximity.
19 Apr 2009 19:19
It's not the staff here who are the problem (yes, they can appear slow and lacking in motivation) but the real problem is with the clientele. I've always taken the view that a pub is what people make it. On this basis the customers here are guilty of pubicide. How many miserable, self pitying mugwumps can one stand in one sitting? There are the odd market traders popping in for a top-up. They seem an ok bunch, if a bit over loud on occasions. Then there are the, apparently resident, benefit dependent all day drinkers discussing the day's best investments at Coral's. Perhaps there is a case for reducing the price of booze to take home from the supermarket or old fashioned off- licence.
19 Apr 2009 18:59
The John Logie Baird, Hastings
On a recent flying visit to this corner of the world I had occasion to escape my companion's preferred haunt of a certain Battle's hotel 'Orangery' restaurant for this rather different source of refreshment. I can't say it lived up to the promise suggested by a previous review (that of one being fifty something and getting arseholed for a fiver) but that's inflation for you. It was Friday night so was I was a little disappointed not to find some fifties something offspring to accompany me back to Battle. It seems to me that a fiver doesn't command the same respect as it did when I was a lad.
19 Apr 2009 18:00
The Pride of Spitalfields, Shoreditch
I hope nothing much has changed as I have to confess that it was some months ago when I was last at this venue, I've only just found my notes. This is a real gem of a place. Good beer in pleasant surroundings served professionally by lady of good humour. What more could one ask for? Well, a cheese and onion sandwich perhaps. Part of the small but traditional pub menu on offer. The sandwiches are freshly prepared and are cut thick with a good filling at a reasonable price. Well deserving of the 8 points I've awarded this place.
11 Apr 2009 11:48
Regrettably, this place is getting a reputation for changing it's licensee more often than my ex changed her attitude and recent experience means for the worse (true of my ex too!). Ideally sited at the far end of the High Street and a stone's throw (literally) of the mainline rail station, it should be a magnet for weary commuters in need of relief from the global turndown. Instead it is a dull place that looks to be on the verge of it's own financial crisis.
25 Feb 2009 17:09
The Coach and Horses, Billericay
When I was back in Blightey I paid my usual visit to this excellent (still) establishment. The only criticism, if one could call it that, is that the beer is a bit pricey. Every other aspect of the place is to be commended. I have heard that my ex had occasion to visit recently and found the food not to her satisfaction. Well, I found her not to my satisfaction. It's the first negative comment I've heard regarding the food so either it was a bad hair day for the chef or same for ex (the latter I suspect!).
25 Feb 2009 13:35
The Pride of Spitalfields, Shoreditch
Pleasant traditional pub this. Decent value sandwiches. Surprisingly civilised given that it is within crawling distance of Liverpool St. Stn. Brewer's Gold a welcome pint. A good starting point if you're out for a Brick Lane curry. Good finishing point too, come to think of it.
24 Jul 2007 11:56
There seems to have been some improvement since my last visit. Certainly value for money and a good selection of beers. The young staff are friendly and appear eager to please. There does seem to be a problem with management though, those staff that are on duty seem to be wandering around whilst the queue at the bar lengthens. I imagine they are busy doing something but it's not apparent what exactly. Especially good for a 0900 slurp!
25 May 2007 08:14
Part of the Harvester chain I believe. The usual beers are on offer. The food is good and fairly priced. I found the staff to be friendly and helpful. A decent find in a culinarily challenged town.
4 Dec 2006 19:24
Pleasant and courteous service on the morning of my recent visit. Fair selection of beers and the pint I sampled (to my eternal shame, I can't remember what it was) was pleasing enough. Early in the day it does rather resemble a converted factory. I imagine the reason for this is that it is something of the sort.
30 Nov 2006 23:48
Airport bars have a reputation for lacking atmosphere, something to do with the transient nature of the clientele no doubt. In this respect this place does not dissapoint. On the plus side prices can be lower than some local pubs and, to be fair, the staff do seem to want to please. If you're stuck at the airport and hungry eat here, if you want to eat for pleasure go to the Curry Inn in Horley....but of course you can't because you've already gone airside.
19 Nov 2006 21:41
Friendly and helpful staff suffering some boorish clientele. A bit pricey given that a pint of a well known brand of fizzy cider costs 46p more than at the major bar in the departure lounge of nearby Gatwick Airport. Certainly busy but not a lot of competition in Horley.
19 Nov 2006 21:29
NSJW makes some good points. Service is unpredictable to say the least. To be fair, they just haven't got a clue. Value for money is what you must aim for here and you must expect to wait even when it's a quiet 1000 Wed Morning. The staff are half asleep!
18 Nov 2006 16:33
The Coach and Horses, Billericay
Good beer. Proffesionally run friendly establishment. Not just the best pub in town but, frankly, the only one worth visiting. The Billericay bum fluffery seem to have left this place alone....thank God!
21 Oct 2006 21:25
Billericay Brewing Company, Billericay
Not really a pub as such. Very good beer from the microbrewery and a good stock of bottled ales from the same. Great to sample a couple of pints and get goods advice from the proprietors however.
29 Aug 2017 07:46