BITE user comments - tommo5
Comments by tommo5
The Fox and Hounds, Carshalton
Very spacious inside, loads of alcoves, but definitely no bar billiards table here. The barmaid advised us it went about five years ago.
29 Aug 2011 18:46
A great little pub, immaculately furnished. Very quiet though, just ourselves, a couple of regulars and a very nice looking and chatty barmaid. Beer prices were very reasonable.
Yes it had a b -b table, albeit a Supreme. Reasonably well looked after and set up to be quite straight, although I suspect it has an MDF base rather than a slate - which sometimes caused the ball to do funny things. Only stayed for the one game, but altogether a pleasurable experience.
29 Aug 2011 18:44
Reopening August 2011 after a complete refurbishment and having been closed for two years.
The days when it was a rough and ready K & B pub hosting good ole bar billiards are long since gone.
Gourmet food from now on.........new website Crabtreesussex.com if you want to see a sampler.
18 Aug 2011 16:22
Used to visit here a long, long time ago (and the Foresters up the road) for bar billiards. None now, how about bringing it back ?
12 Aug 2011 20:48
Good old country pub with an ancient bar billiards pedigree. Bring it back, would love to have cause to visit again!
12 Aug 2011 20:46
Has always been a good old pub. Apparently bar billiards can now be played here (after about a 20 year absence). Hope it takes off again which will give me cause to revisit.
12 Aug 2011 20:44
This should have been my favoured local as I used to live nearby, but I've never liked it as the atmosphere was hostile. Full of roughs and chavs.
12 Aug 2011 20:40
Looks inviting from the outside, but I'm still bearing a grudge from 1974 when the next pub up the road, the White Hart was pulled down and the landlord sent us a message that we (bar billiards players) wouldn't be welcome to use his pub. Our teams went to the Michell Arms (Maltshovel) instead.
12 Aug 2011 20:35
The Tavern on the Green, Pound Hill
Haven't used this for years, since Crawley Chess Club had their base nearby in fact, and we used to pop in afterwards to wind down. One of the better Crawley drinking houses.
12 Aug 2011 20:28
Going back a few years now, but visited here with the Horsham team for bar billiards: our captain worked his charm on the landlady and we got a lock in ! Really friendly pub with a great atmosphere.
12 Aug 2011 20:20
The Queen Victoria, Rottingdean
Briefly had bar billiards about ten years ago but it never really took off. Quaint atmosphere, reminded me of pubs in the Isle of Wight.
Was good to visit on a day out.
12 Aug 2011 20:10
Came here a couple of times at the turn of the century for Eastbourne v Horsham bar billiards. Nice friendly pub and they put on some nice food for us.
12 Aug 2011 20:07
Has survived the test of time, unlike the poor old Snipe which used to be opposite. A proper feel about it, enjoyed the visits when we used to come here for bar billiards (a long time ago.)
12 Aug 2011 20:04
Lunchtime haunt for the Royal Sun Alliance workers. I used to prefer the Bell (long since demolished) as I found the Hurst Arms (as it was) a bit pretentious.
12 Aug 2011 20:01
The Vinols Cross, West Hoathly
Used to be the Vinols Green and is the only pub left in Sharpthorne now that the Bluebell has been turned into a private house. Novelty setting as the photo shows. Used to come her for bar billiards, donkey's years ago.
12 Aug 2011 19:58
Visited whilst on holiday. At the time there was a good vinyl record store just round the corner, but on second visit it had gone. Not a bad place.
11 Aug 2011 18:23
Stopped off for sustenance and sat in the beer garden to eat. Excellent setting and it was a nice drop of cider too.
11 Aug 2011 18:20
Bright and spotless inside. Have visited twice, first time nice meal and no problems but the last time there was some implausible reason why they couldn't feed us.
11 Aug 2011 18:17
Yes, was closed for refurbishment when we tried to visit so can't really comment.
11 Aug 2011 18:13
The Harbourside Inn, Charlestown
Great location pub, and catered for our hungry family when we descended on it - and at a reasonable price.
11 Aug 2011 18:09
The Fox and Grapes, Wimbledon Common
Enjoyed this on the last visit...gave up trying to get parked for the tennis, and watched it all afternoon in the pub instead !
10 Aug 2011 16:48
The Horse and Groom, Wimbledon
Been here a few times to eat but none of them recently. Have to come again sometime.
10 Aug 2011 16:46
The Jolly Brickmakers, Redhill
A bit basic inside, but any pub that still has bar billiards is fine by me.
10 Aug 2011 16:43
Visited on an 'Ind Coupe' pub crawl in the last century. Was a bit out-of-the way to find but friendly enough inside.
10 Aug 2011 16:42
The Canterbury Tales, Canterbury
Nipped in for a swift one prior to theatre-going at the Marlowe opposite. Place was heaving. Pleasant though.
10 Aug 2011 16:38
Victoria Hotel, Burnham on Sea
Visited here a couple of years ago with the wife. Nice decor. Had a very tasty and well-presented bar snack. Nice pub.
10 Aug 2011 16:33
The Crown / Glastonbury Backpackers, Glastonbury
Good for if you're passing trade, we sat outside with a drink and bar snack. Very pleasurable.
10 Aug 2011 16:31
I'm sure I've got the right place after checking locations, pictures etc but it wasn't the New Inn but was the Queens Head or similar. If I'm right we had a really, really nice meal, good value, and the setting inside was beautiful. Scores ten.
10 Aug 2011 16:28
You could hardly find a pub in a more picturesque setting. Despite this our visit was less than memorable.
10 Aug 2011 16:22
Yes, nice memories of last time we were out this way. Our meal was tasty and the beer was good.
10 Aug 2011 16:18
Same as Dwayne here, except last visit was 40 years ago. Locals were very friendly and chatty and insisted I tried the scrumpy......3 pints later I was flat on my back. Will never forget it.
10 Aug 2011 16:16
Terrific location, and the tea gardens opposite are worth a visit too.
9 Aug 2011 22:27
Good place to come for decent ale. Had been recommended to me and I wasn't disappointed.
9 Aug 2011 22:25
Historic in that it staged the first 'Sussex Bar Billiards Open' 18 years ago. Huge inside and had a really nice atmosphere as I recall.
9 Aug 2011 22:20
Always was a pub with a wonderful atmosphere when we used to come here for bar billiards (last century).
9 Aug 2011 22:18
Always was a pub with a wonderful atmosphere when we used to come here for bar billiards (last century).
9 Aug 2011 22:17
Spaniards Inn, Hampstead Heath
My wife and I visited here once on a nice sunny day. We had a great meal and liked the pub very much.
9 Aug 2011 22:15
Shame if it is to close, good riverside pub in a brilliant setting.
9 Aug 2011 22:12
In competition with the pub opposite, the Green Man. Has its own character, nice in its own way. Had bar billiards (all too briefly).
9 Aug 2011 22:10
A proper pub with loads of railway memorabilia. Used to be a top venue for bar billiards - happier days.
9 Aug 2011 22:09
Closed ? Shame, came here once with a team from the Bell, Horsham for a three-way sporting challenge. We lost at pool, tied at darts and won at bar billiards. A great evening.
9 Aug 2011 22:05
The Raynes Park Tavern, Raynes Park
Brought here many moons ago by my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. In those days (1990s ?) it had not one but two bar billiards tables side by side. Expect those have long since gone, but I'll never forget it.
9 Aug 2011 21:59
Visited a couple of years ago on way back from the cathedral. Pub was quite busy, and the landlord kindly opened up and upstairs room for the wife and I to dine. Very satisfying meal and nothing seemed too much trouble. Scores a perfect 10 for us.
9 Aug 2011 21:55
The Stepping Stones, Westhumble
Haven't visited here since the mid-70s when it had two bar billiards tables in the main bar, side by side. Ind Coope in those days, and the pub was on our ale trail. Revisited afterwards with my brother and sister.
9 Aug 2011 21:51
Stopped here once for a meal and glad we went out of our way to find it.
9 Aug 2011 21:46
Greyhound Inn, Blandford Forum
Nice place to sit outside and have a quiet drink, pleasant atmosphere.
9 Aug 2011 21:43
The White Hart Hotel, Sturminster Newton
Have stopped off here twice for refreshments after visiting the cheese shop nearby. Both times we've enjoyed a substantial meal, reasonably priced.
9 Aug 2011 14:40
Visited this whilst on holiday and found it a quaint and fascinating place. Family room was ideal for the granddaughters. Enjoyable.
9 Aug 2011 10:51
The Partridge, Partridge Green
Always been a bit of a rough dive, the bar billiards the only cause to enter the portals. None now, sadly.
8 Aug 2011 22:20
Closed ? Shame, used to like coming here. Music, and, on league nights, bar billiards.
8 Aug 2011 22:15
Wife's firm had a special party and barbecue here once. We had a really great time.
8 Aug 2011 22:10
This is the Queens Head, Barns Green - not to be confused with the Queens Head, Horsham. I remember it as a nice village pub with bar billiards - bet there isn't any there now !
8 Aug 2011 21:59
The Oddfellows Arms, Pulborough
The last time bar billiards was played in Pulborough it was in this pub. Arun, Swan, Waters Edge, Rose & Crown - all gone.
8 Aug 2011 21:56
The Sir Roger Titchbourne, Alfold Bars
Popped in for a drink once. Quaint, typical atmosphere for a country pub.
8 Aug 2011 21:47
The Three Horseshoes, Cranleigh
Had a young clientele when last visited (long, long time ago).
8 Aug 2011 21:43
Has bar billiards, but not for much longer.......have heard the team are looking for a new venue.
8 Aug 2011 21:41
Haven't visited this since it was the Blacksmiths Arms, many many moons ago. Good memories.
8 Aug 2011 21:31
The Blacksmiths Arms, Adversane
Came here once for our (Railway B'hurst) annual celebration dinner. Excellent meal, I had snails in garlic sauce.
8 Aug 2011 21:28
The Elephant and Castle, West Chiltington
Went in here once and was a bit spartan. Still, another pub lost. Pity.
8 Aug 2011 21:25
The Rose and Crown, Codmore Hill
Think it's yet another oriental restaurant now. Shame.
8 Aug 2011 21:21
The Squire and Horse Inn, Bury
This was a famous venue for bar billiards when it was the White Horse (in the last century). Many fond memories of visits here.
8 Aug 2011 21:18
Haven't visited since this was the Fox & Hounds, but remember it as very pleasant then. If a lot of effort has been put in to smarten it up then good luck to the owners.
8 Aug 2011 21:14
Used to be on the main Horsham-Worthing road and now it's tucked out of the way ! Used to be an inviting stop off on the journey down - or back. A real, traditional pub.
8 Aug 2011 21:10
Used to be on the main Crawley-Brighton road, with the next one down being the Queens Head (now a private house). Trade must have been hit with the new road being built.
All oak beams, quaint, good restaurant and nice atmosphere.
8 Aug 2011 21:05
Lovely old place full of character. I miss the next pub down (Kings Head) which was supposed to be haunted, and a friendly local in the White Harte once clued me in on the whole legend.
8 Aug 2011 20:59
Ate here once with the wife when we had first met. Meal came to �26 thirty years ago! Haven't been back since.
8 Aug 2011 20:54
Used to be a great pub for bar billiards when Trevor ran it - but that was a good many years ago.
8 Aug 2011 20:42
Used to be a great pub for bar billiards, sadly none now. Probably gone downhill anyway with Jordan living near by.............
8 Aug 2011 20:41
Only visit was by 15 of us on way back from the Isle of Wight bar billiards tour of 1977 ! No b-b's but we were thirsty and played pool...
Inviting place.
8 Aug 2011 20:38
Whilst revisiting old childhood memories of the area with my brother, we looked in for a quick pint. Had a nice atmosphere.
8 Aug 2011 20:36
Stopped off here for a quick one on my way back from football. There is no bar billiards despite being featured above, and the landlady confirmed this was got rid of by the previous landlords, 2 - 3 years ago. What a great little pub, though: clean, tidy, bright, nicely furnished, with a pool room, large screen TV and an expansive beer garden. And the beer even tasted good.
6 Aug 2011 21:21
RIP the Nelly, first pub I ever drank in. Had a 'Coronation Street' feel about the place.
5 Aug 2011 22:28
Okay, lets keep the reviews on this one as wacky. I remember this as the Red Lion, it had champion pool teams, and I played bar billiards from here for one season.
Will forever be grateful for the night I knocked the landlord up at 1am having run out of petrol on the way back from a Mods and Rockers meeting in Brighton, and he siphoned some two stroke from his lawnmower into my scooter to get me on my way !
5 Aug 2011 22:24
Holds some good memories of when it had a champion bar billiards team (late 1970s) and I was a part of it ! In those days "Saturday night was the night for fighting" - can still see those tables and chairs being broken.
Nowadays, as the Shades, it the place to nip into during the day for a swift half. Long may it last.
5 Aug 2011 22:15
Can't see the point of a public house which isn't open to passing trade. I live close by, but it's never had much to offer.
5 Aug 2011 22:08
Friendly atmosphere, good food. An enormous Travelodge has been built behind it for anyone fancying a stopover.
5 Aug 2011 21:58
Had a couple of business lunches here when with Thales. Good hospitality.
5 Aug 2011 21:54
Visited a couple of times when it first opened to the public, but remember it as very pricey. Nice decor and decorative barmaids, though.
5 Aug 2011 21:52
Previously the James King, but I'm old enough to remember its original guise as the Black Swan. That was the roughest spit-and-sawdust place imaginable, I was served with a bottle of brown ale which the landlord picked off the shelf and blew an inch-thick layer of dust off !
We had some nice meals there when it first became the James King, and I would imagine that that would be more of the standard now. But it was still difficult to break the old habit of wiping my feet on the way out !
5 Aug 2011 21:49
The Flight Tavern, Lowfield Heath
Beer garden always seems full as you drive past, and must admit its pleasant sitting out there with a glass of cider on a hot sunny day.
5 Aug 2011 21:39
Well we enjoyed ten years of the Windmill hosting bar billiards and for a couple of years it had four teams! Then a bar manager from Wales took over and systematically made us feel unwelcome. It was always a pub though where it took ages to get served, the barmaids had their favourites and you stood there like a lemon waving your fiver as you couldn't get anywhere near the bar.
Took my son and his girlfriend there once and once was enough as a fight spilled over from the pool bar. Well shot of the place.
5 Aug 2011 21:34
Came here a few times at the turn of the century when they had a bar billiards table (albeit one of the narrow, unplayable ones). Unfortunately the strong smell of food is intrusive and inescapable, especially if you have no wish to eat !
5 Aug 2011 21:24
Only pub I've ever been banned from. I wonder if the embargo imposed by that nasty little landlord back in 1983 still applies ?
5 Aug 2011 21:18
Came here several new years eves ago..... place was heaving. Couldn't move, don't remember much else.
5 Aug 2011 21:16
Have eaten here a few times, always reasonable without being spectacular.
5 Aug 2011 21:12
Gatwick Manor Hotel, Lowfield Heath
Expansive building, prolific use by the local factory estate for business lunches (been to several). Brilliant decor and atmosphere. Not too expensive considering the proximity to the airport.
5 Aug 2011 21:10
The White Horse Inn, Priors Dean
Visited here at Xmas 2005 for a car owners club (RX/8) meet including Christmas Lunch. Pub very difficult to find, driving around in the hills above Petersfield for 45 mins before chancing upon it.
But the 19 of us all enjoyed tasty fare from the varied menu, and excellent waitress service. A day I'll always remember.
5 Aug 2011 21:05
Bar billiards: beware if you ever have to play HAB, he's super-human. Had to play him just after qualifying for a tournament for the top 16 performers on the circuit and my score was 10, HAB scoring 19,000 !
But on to the pub - very roomy, nicely furnished, and welcoming. The beer is good and the food excellent too. And you sense that they put a lot of effort in to make your visit a pleasurable one.
4 Aug 2011 16:48
This pub does not really exude cosiness, could do with an internal refit with some nicely arranged comfortable furniture. The bar billiards table is an excellent attribute though and the pub hosts a very strong team.
4 Aug 2011 16:37
Someone said 'everything a pub should be' and I'll second that......good beer, pretty village location, courteous staff - and it's even got bar billiards.
4 Aug 2011 16:30
Used to like coming here when they had bar billiards - a good many years ago.
4 Aug 2011 16:26
From memory, a really out-of-the way pub with a good atmosphere.
4 Aug 2011 16:22
My notes from the year 2000..........
In the course of our quest for a possible venue to which to move a ready made team of players, we sought out the Black Horse at Hookwood, which had an ideal little room perfect for bar billiards. But instead of using our offered contact, the landlord had had his hands tied by the brewery and - lo and behold - a Leisure table suddenly appeared: a 'Narrow SAMs', difficult to score a thousand on. Within a week the timer had broken, and the table stayed like it with an 'out of order' sign on it for a month.
I rather timidly suggested to the landlord that this might be a good excuse to reject the Leisure table and get a 'proper' one. This went down like a lead balloon and on my next visit there was no table at all, and I was informed there was no further likelihood of there ever being one.
Obviously such rudeness means that I haven't been back, but the pub must of held a certain charm to tempt us there in the first place, and I do remember they did a good jacket potato lunch at a reasonable price.
3 Aug 2011 16:04
Pub has a quaint atmosphere and the people are pleasant enough. Occasionally have to come here for an away bar billiards match - and the table is one of the most difficult ones to score on that I've ever known - and I've been playing 40 years !
3 Aug 2011 15:52
Quite often stop off here for some sustenance when on the way to Eastbourne, as the beer garden looks so inviting.
Apparently a bar billiards table has just been installed, so even more reason to visit.
3 Aug 2011 15:46
The Horns Lodge, South Chailey
Great venue to come to for bar billiards. Not being able to sit anywhere near the table because of the committee meeting of the bonfire society was offset by the excellent roast tatties that they put out for the teams. I like this pub ! Apparently they stage some good live music acts, too.
3 Aug 2011 15:42
Yes, renamed the Atlas, and a revered home of bar billiards at its best, Jim (4-times World Champion) plays from here. A good place to visit.
3 Aug 2011 15:37
Tried this out for refreshments before going to a concert at the Old Market. What a refreshing surprise! Reminded me more of a London pub than Brighton. Service was excellent and the pizza was good value. I'd give it full marks.
3 Aug 2011 15:32
The Watermill Inn, Burgess Hill
Bar billiards is a bit of a focal point in the left hand bar - unless it's quiz night where you have to make yourself scarce ! The local team are pretty formidable, and the food they lay on for the visiting teams is very good. It helps having an interested landlord.
3 Aug 2011 15:25
Bar billiards. The team here participate in the Lewes League. Came here with the Redhill team and we were looked after very well with a free Sunday roast before we went off to Tunbridge Wells in the evening. Top marks from me.
3 Aug 2011 15:18
Staged bar billiards here for a few years at the start of the century. Decor was smart enough but I remember the beer prices as being a little expensive.
3 Aug 2011 15:14
This pub has a unique piece of history as it was the first one to have a Tarratt bar billiards table - in 1930. As in a lot of cases, this was ousted with the advent of the game of Pool in the 1980s. The local pool team here, though resisted the attempted coup to re-establish bar billiards here in 2007.
3 Aug 2011 15:08
Was subject to a ram raid in March 2009 ('A Mitsubishi Shogun
ripped a massive hole in the front of the building after smashing through a wall into the lounge bar, leaving a scene of destruction.') which answers an earlier question.
Haven't been back since it re-opened as the bar billiards table had been moved out and is now in the Eight Bells. I do remember it however as a good venue, with good food and and extensive choice of wines on offer.
3 Aug 2011 14:49
The Limeburners Arms, Newbridge
Good old country pub with oak beams and atmosphere. Chippy the landlord is celebrating his 30th year behind the bar - and on the bar billiards table. He is revered locally as he puts a lot into the game.
3 Aug 2011 14:38
Has bar billiards and is very supportive of the local league. The pub itself is a treasure and not the sort of place you would find unless you knew where to look for it as it is stuck in the middle of a wood!
3 Aug 2011 14:34
This used to be my local back in 1970, when I first got married.
Here I was taught how to play bar billiards 'properly' but most of the old boys that I played in the team with are probably dead by now. Ye Olde Six Bells will, however, always hold a place in my heart.
3 Aug 2011 14:25
Extract from own notes dated April 2009:
Received a tip-off that The Royal Oak, Ifield now has a bar billiards table. Visited the pub and played two games on it. It is a Tarratt rental and was only installed today.
The landlady (Sharon) states that she loves the game and the table is 'her baby' so even if it takes a while to catch on there the table will be retained at all costs.
It appears to be a good slate and cloth, but with the usual cushions that kick down, and most unfortunately an enormous gap in each corner where a ball firstly gets trapped and then finally disappears, swallowed up by the table never to be seen again ! There is no table lighting at present, either.
Sharon is well aware of the shortcomings and is going to get Tarratts back to sort it out.
It could be a decent venue for bar billiards, there is sufficient space in the bar where the table is situated. But Monday night being darts night is to be avoided.
3 Aug 2011 14:18
This pub is a victim of town planners: on the main road between Horsham and Crawley, but only easily accessible from the Horsham direction........come from Crawley and you have to go almost into Horsham to the big roundabout and double back, four miles out of the way !
So obviously I haven't put myself out to visit since they got rid of the bar billiards at the turn of the century.
3 Aug 2011 14:06
The Frog And Nightgown, Faygate
Yes, quaint and charming as previous commentaries imply. When ending your visit by car, though, best to recover your tracks by going back to the main road, as the lane towards Rusper gets more and more narrow with some scary hairpin bends.
3 Aug 2011 13:59
I remember coming here in the last century when they had bar billiards. Landlord was friendly, but it was a typical Charringtons pub - a square room, garish, and rather soulless.
2 Aug 2011 19:31
The Emma Hamilton, Wimbledon Chase
Turn the clock back ten years and you have the only pub in the Greater London area that staged league bar billiards. Sad when this was discontinued.
2 Aug 2011 17:50
I remember this as a good place to eat (Hungry Horse) - and the bar billiards matches staged by the Redhill League. None there now of course, and off the beaten track, so I haven't been back to re-visit.
2 Aug 2011 17:43
The Cricketers Arms, Wisborough Green
My thoughts are nostalgic-based too - of a great landlord (Ian) bar billiards matches, and the best jukebox for miles around (it had Led Zeppelin for goodness' sake!)
Don't want to spoil those memories so I will remain locked in that time warp....
2 Aug 2011 17:39
Recall this as inviting from the outside and vibrant inside, full of young people. There's worse places around!
2 Aug 2011 17:33
A bit pokey. Haven't visited this century, but I remember the bar billiards table taking up the whole of one bar - doubt if it's there now.
2 Aug 2011 17:30
Bar billiards - are you sure? To my knowledge there hasn't been a table here since 2004. Was a good place to visit though, very roomy, though they always seemed to have problems with the toilets flooding. A haunt for dubious women, my mate was propositioned once - and he's in his seventies !
2 Aug 2011 17:26
This is from memory from when they had a bar billiards table in the Sports bar - and in the days before the smoking ban: Horrible, smoky dive, subjected the whole evening to snidy comments from a certain member of the darts team and a fight nearly broke out between him and the home captain. A great relief when the bar billiards team moved to the Watermill.
2 Aug 2011 17:19
Came here as starting point for a car owners club (RX/8) meet: didn't eat but had drinks in the beer garden. Looked a nice pub, very pleasant.
2 Aug 2011 00:10
Came here on a car owners club (RX/8) meet. Food was good, it was a hot sunny day, no complaints at all.
2 Aug 2011 00:05
Historic, unspoilt and atmospheric. Daphne du Maurier would be proud.
2 Aug 2011 00:01
Yes, we visited during the course of a Heartbeat nostalgia trip involving a journey on the N.Yorks Moors railway. Pub was a bit busy so we finished up having our meal at the pub across the road.
1 Aug 2011 23:58
Pleased to see that the garden is still a revered feature. Enjoyable memories.
1 Aug 2011 23:50
Had an overnight stay here once with the wife and daughter before the refit, and our accommodation was very comfortable. A nice place, fond memory.
1 Aug 2011 23:48
We too found this when on the way to visit St Catherines Lighthouse.
I can't remember it being called the Buddle Inn then, though, but I have the right place from the description of flagstone floor and wood panelling with lots of alcoves. They served us a good meal and the memories of our visit were fond ones.
1 Aug 2011 21:03
Tantalizingly, found this place on the last night of our holiday (pre-2000). At the time, I rated it one of the best places I had ever visited. Returning a couple of years later, the bar billiards had been replaced with a revolving pool table, but the atmosphere was still great.
1 Aug 2011 20:58
Shame if it's closed for good. Went out of our way to visit (including the long walk uphill) whilst on holiday as we heard it had bar billiards. Landlord was friendly enough.
1 Aug 2011 20:53
The Watering Hole, Perranporth
Australia comes to Cornwall ! Have a treasured holiday snap of my wife sipping a glass of beer with the sands in the background and a game of beach volleyball going on. Scores a perfect ten for me.
1 Aug 2011 20:49
The Bay View Inn, Widemouth Bay
Great holiday pub. A long time ago now, but the wife and I visited and we were able to play loads of games of pool without any interference.
1 Aug 2011 20:46
The Crown On The Bridge, Caversham
Brightly painted inside. They do a good pint here and I hope the bar billiards takes off. Nice atmosphere.
1 Aug 2011 20:43
Plough at Blackbrook, Blackbrook
This was a good stopping-off point when visiting Dorking from the Crawley direction. They did a good pub lunch and it will be a shame if it's now closed for good.
1 Aug 2011 20:40
Big old round blue disc on pub facade was the first thing I used to see on waking up when I used to stay at my grandparents' as a child (they lived in Riverview, opposite). Have visited a few times as a grownup and the inside always appeared a little bare and soulless.
Typical K & B house, i suppose.
1 Aug 2011 14:55
Olde Coach House, East Preston
Closed, and what a tragic waste. Was a good pub for a couple of years when 'tarted up' which included the installation of a bar billiards table. Sussex Finals were held here just after it was renamed from the Fletchers Arms. Landlady now lives in Jersey.
1 Aug 2011 14:49
The Winning Post, Plumpton Green
Fond memories of when it was called The Sun and we used to visit here for bar billiards.
1 Aug 2011 14:37
Ansty Cross Inn, Haywards Heath
Situated dangerously on a busy roundabout. They tried to have bar billiards here once, but they stuck it the wrong place, hard against the bar, and unsurprisingly it didn't take off. Memories of my visit was that the drinks were a bit pricey. No reason to re-visit.
1 Aug 2011 14:10
The Richmond Arms, West Ashling
Visited here with the Horsham team when it used to be a centre for bar billiards. A fantastic selection of different ales on hand pump - never seen a pub with so many. Had a good atmosphere, too.
1 Aug 2011 14:04
Last visit was a few years back as near the stop-off of the dragon boat racing. Memories were a good selection of ales, and an ancient narrow bar billiards table taking up the whole of the room to the right.
Wonder if it's still there now ?
1 Aug 2011 13:59
A nice place to visit in the summer for a Ploughmans lunch in the huge conservatory. Will keep going back. Quaint front bar, a bit like being in a library.
1 Aug 2011 13:54
Very spartan interior the last time we visited. I think they had just installed a big TV and we were able to catch the end of the tennis.
1 Aug 2011 13:48
Nice atmosphere, a bit olde worlde, better than the other pubs in the village.
1 Aug 2011 13:43
Pub looks so inviting from the outside. Inside a bit soulless. The wife and I had a 'Hungry Horse' menu meal but it was nothing special.
1 Aug 2011 13:41
Fond memories of visiting here for the bar billiards (none now, sadly, that was back in the last century.)
1 Aug 2011 12:07
The Queens Head, West Chiltington
Fond memories of visiting here for the bar billiards (none now, sadly).
1 Aug 2011 12:06
The Five Bells, West Chiltington
Fond memories of visiting here for the bar billiards (none now, sadly).
1 Aug 2011 12:04
Fond memories of visiting here for the bar billiards (none now, sadly).
1 Aug 2011 12:03
Built on a sort of cliff.
Fond memories of visiting here for the bar billiards (none now, sadly).
1 Aug 2011 12:02
The Mucky Duck Inn, Tismans Common
Fond memories of visiting here for the bar billiards (none now, sadly).
1 Aug 2011 12:00
Fond memories of visiting here for the bar billiards (none now, sadly).
1 Aug 2011 11:59
Just how a lovely old rustic village pub should be. Long may it continue, trapped in a time-warp.
1 Aug 2011 11:57
Very nice pub to come out to on a Sunday lunchtime, beautiful setting.
1 Aug 2011 11:53
The Crab and Lobster, Bembridge
Had an excellent value-for-money jacket potato with salad here once, but it was a good many years ago.
1 Aug 2011 11:50
It's a good while since we visited here, but I remember it as a good haven for a tired and hungry tourist.
1 Aug 2011 11:44
The Plough & Attic Rooms, Rusper
Have never liked this pub, the smell of the food cooking is too overbearing. Prefer the Star.
30 Jul 2011 23:16
Nice atmosphere pub, strange layout of rooms inside. Although my last visit was with a group of ramblers and we sat in the beer garden!
30 Jul 2011 23:15
Have eaten here once with a party, and was rather disappointed. Would always use The Gate as a better option.
30 Jul 2011 23:12
From the sound of it, the place hasn't changed since I stayed here on honeymoon in 1970 ! Would like to re-visit sometime while it's still there.
30 Jul 2011 23:02
Is this still here ? Wow, came here for a meal whilst on honeymoon in 1970 and had the best meal ever, and they laid out the red carpet for us. Will have to revisit some day.
30 Jul 2011 22:59
Came here a few years ago for a car owners meet when about 15 Mazda R/X8s invaded the village.
We were made most welcome, had a lovely meal(the venison sausages) and I have nothing but praise.
30 Jul 2011 22:52
Visited this pub a few years back whilst on holiday (we come from Sussex) Wonderful experience having fish and chips from the shop next door and being able to eat in in the beer garden on a sunny day with a glass of ale !
Will make a point of seeking out if ever in the area again.
30 Jul 2011 22:43
If it has closed, that's sad, it used to be a good bar billiards venue, so fond memories. Mind you, I'm going back thirty years !
30 Jul 2011 22:34
Top venue for bar billiards (the League representative side play matches here). A bit quiet when we visited, but food good, and have nothing but praise.
30 Jul 2011 22:29
I used to like coming here for the bar billiards. Nostalgia rating 10/10.
30 Jul 2011 22:24
The Marquis Of Granby, Sompting
Our visit was ruined by chavs propping up the bar - obviously resentful of bar billiards taking over their pub. Such language, and in front of women ! Still, it's gone now, which gives a good excuse not to revisit.
30 Jul 2011 22:22
Nice pub with a quirky though impressive setting for the restaurant as mentioned. Shame they removed the bar billiards table.
30 Jul 2011 22:16
Shame they got rid of the bar billiards, this was one of the best league venues and I enjoyed visiting.
30 Jul 2011 22:13
Pleasant enough inside, but beware leaving the pub at night through the rear exit. The garden is landscaped, but dimly lit and I slipped and could have broken my neck.
30 Jul 2011 22:09
Traditional unspoiled pub with a great atmosphere. Top-line bar billiards is played here. And we always get a good welcome, good music too... Gets a '10' from me.
30 Jul 2011 22:01
The Court House Inn, Thrapston
Fond memories of 24 Nov 2008 - the pub hosted a 9-a-side Northants v Sussex bar billiards challenge. We must have been mad to make a 280-mile round journey but the company was superb and we were well looked after, the evening culminating in a sumptuous curry for all the players. The right-hand bar was perfect for such an event.
30 Jul 2011 19:21
The wife and I once made a slight detour to St Ives for a spot of lunch on our way to holidaying in Norfolk.
The pub was not that easy to find - I counted at least nine for what is a relatively small town, and at one stage we found ourselves in a dead end having driven down through the market on market day !
Anyway - what a great pub. Really spacious and perfect for bar billiards. After a delicious jacket potato with prawn filler, and armed with glasses of cider, we had a game on the table, a well-maintained Jelkes. Very fast on the break, a shade downhill. But otherwise very 'true' and the balls easy to get back.
Amusing sign on the wall in front of the table "POACHERS WILL BE SHOT" - also an amusing framed photograph of four women each nursing a pig.
30 Jul 2011 19:03
The wife and I stopped off here once for lunch on our way to Norfolk. The pub faces onto one side of the very charming Market Square of Swavesey.
They had sold their last of the jacket potatoes, but sustenance was found in the form of cheese toasties and a couple of halves of Strongbow (non-watered down).
A very nicely-maintained Jelkes bar billiards table was there, demanding to be played, and it is a very easy table to play, the only slight criticism being that the table is hard against a wall, rendering impossible any shots to the right-hand 50 off the cushion - or the last 200 shot on that side.
All in all a very nice pub with friendly bar staff.
30 Jul 2011 18:56
First visit to this pub was in 1977 as part of a touring bar billiards team from the mainland. At the time I rated it 'the best pub in the world'. Not sure about that now, but still try and pop in whenever we're visiting the island.
28 Jul 2011 17:49
RIP Windmill, was a good pub for bar billiards....used to enjoy going there.
28 Jul 2011 17:32
The Preston Brewery Tap, Brighton
No bar billiards anymore since the privately-owned table got vandalized. Fond memories though of visiting here with the Redhill team: we got hammered, but where else can you witness girls snogging each others faces off in the pool room?
28 Jul 2011 17:23
We're told the table at the White Horse - Lindfield has been taken out again (only lasted a couple of months). Landlady said it was through lack of interest. Just hope she hasn't chucked it in the duckpond opposite.
26 Jul 2011 22:52
A difficult pub to seek out, except from the direction of the A22. Once found, it is a delightful place to visit especially on a summer's day.
This pub really takes a pride in its cuisine, and we've eaten there several times and can't fault it.
26 Jul 2011 22:46
Motivated by a claim on the Youngs website that this pub had bar billiards, I decided to investigate, and these are my findings from Jan 2010:
Categorically, there is NO bar billiards table in the Greyhound, Lingfield.
Quite olde worlde inside, some comfortable leather furniture, but a pool table where the bar billiards once was (2 years ago, according to the landlord - sadly it never took off).
26 Jul 2011 22:38
Notes from a visit of Apr 4th, 2008:
Went out of my way to visit this one on my way to a gig tonight.
Yes, the table is still there. It's in a nice little side room that reminded me of the one at the Star and Tipsy Toad in Jersey.
It's a Bar Billiards Ltd one, so I wouldn't imagine it will be there for much longer. (I was pushed for time so did not engage the landlord in a discussion on it).
Shamefully downhill (wasn't anywhere near to getting the break as everything raced onto the pegs) but nothing radically wrong with it that a bit of levelling and TLC wouldn't cure.
Probably one of the last bastions in London of a dying game. Which for me seems a great pity.
25 Jul 2011 23:30
Sorry a bit late, but these are my notes from a visit on July 14, 2007:
The wife and I visited the Selkirk in Tooting on a beautiful sunny day, prior to taking in the football 'friendly' Tooting & Mitcham v AFC Wimbledon.
Drinks were expensive - �3-18 for two halves of cider (That was then !)
Nice atmosphere though, there's a huge conservatory leading out into the beer garden. Parking a nightmare.
The bar billiards table: One of Ken Hussey's, post-war Jelkes with thrupenny bit legs. The muckiest surface I've ever seen, couldn't have seen a brush for about 5 years. Rolled left about a half ball all over, once I was able to suss it, got the break and the split going at the end and got a 3k break on it. All things being equal, a very nice table and have seen a hell of a lot worse.
As with many non-league tables, they're never in the right place, this one has a leather settee alongside the entire left flank of the table. backing on to it. I had to laugh when wifey had to do a shot by walking round the other side, kneeling on the settee and playing the shot with the cue leaning over the back of it. I've seen everything now.
25 Jul 2011 23:24
The Glasshouse Stores, Piccadilly Circus
Notes from a visit on 11th December 2009:
Last night on the way to the Little Boots concert in Shepherd's Bush, the wife and I fitted in our investigation of London bar billiards pubs number 3: The Glasshouse Stores.........
Interestingly, we couldn't get a game on the table, as it happened to have a competition being played on it amongst 13 men in suits - the annual London Inter-Insurance Company Executives challenge !
I must say the pub had a surprisingly good atmosphere and the 'locals' were exceedingly friendly. Tempting as it was to reposition the pegs in the right place for them, and offer to raise the right hand side of the table to counteract the massive right hand drift, I managed to resist as, basically, they were making the best of the bad conditions - and a huge cheer went up when the youngest lad there 'banana'd the red ball back into the 200 hole !
Pub and table are exactly as shown in the link, apart from the table having 'mushrooms' :o - the pegs got stolen apparently.
I would think that bar billiards here has sufficient interest to be there to stay for some while.
25 Jul 2011 23:13
The King Charles I, Kings Cross
Notes from an attempted visit on March 27th this year:
Our plan was to have a drink and maybe a meal at the King Charles I at Kings Cross before going on to our evening entertainment. When it came to it, we found the pub was boarded up (debatable whether for refurbishment or simple closure). And no clue in the form of a notice on the exterior.
In view of the most recent comments we'll put it down to bad luck and try again some time.
25 Jul 2011 23:05
My notes from a visit on 27th March this year:
A completely fruitless search in our quest for London Bar Billiards on this occasion.....our plan was for my wife and I to have a meal and a game before taking in a show in the evening.
A short walk across Clerkenwell Green from Farringdon tube station brought us to the Horseshoe, a tiny pub, but the doors were closed to the hungry tourist. Could just be their chosen hours of business, though, not all pubs having to be open all hours - not even in London.
25 Jul 2011 22:57
Notes from my visit on 31 Jan 2010:
Easy enough pub to find, it's sandwiched on a five-way junction between Dalston Lane and Amhurst Road. It's huge and seems decidedly bare inside (lack of furnishings other than tables and chairs) but it had a red baized pool table in one corner - and low and behold a smart-looking Jelkes bar billiards table in another corner.
Pegs were in the correct place (unusual for a London pub) but on trying the break shot the object ball made a direct line for the 50 but then deviated away sharply at the last moment.
Farbeit from me to try and alter it, but with the table rolling alarmingly to the right, obviously the two left legs are set too high and it shouldn't take a genius to level it up - it's what the leg adjusters are for - yes ?
Anyway, I played it as I saw it for a bit of fun and almost managed a thousand break making some ridiculous allowances on shots. Apart from a D with more craters than Mars, the cloth and cushions seemed in very reasonable condition.
No sign of landlord Steve, just one dolly bird doing the bar, who served me with a half of vile, cloudy cider, of which I could only manage a couple of sips before having to make tracks for my concert.
Bar billiards somehow seems right here, and is no doubt popular with the locals, but scores on it are going to resemble 4-pin all the time it's so out of level, with no hope of nurturing any local prowess.
25 Jul 2011 22:45
I visit this pub once a year when Surrey come to play Kent at bar billiards.....we always get a tremendous welcome and the table must be one of the best-maintained in the country. Agree with Ivanski about the toilets, tho.
25 Jul 2011 13:43
My notes from a visit in April 2008:
What a difficult place to find ! For the uninitiated, when travelling north on the A217 Reigate Hill-Sutton road, take a left at the big Tadworth roundabout, road marked B2032 to Walton-on-the-Hill.
About a mile down the road, soon after a crossroads, you hit the village and see a big pond on your right and a big white building over to the left. That's the Blue Ball Pub. At this point stop because you have reached Withybed corner: To your right, before the pond, there is a solitary pub sign with a Bell on it, and the start of what seems like a choice of two bridle paths. Choose the one forking right and drive very slowy as it's an un-madeup road, very humpy and bumpy and full of potholes. After about a half a mile of this, suddenly you come to the pub in the last place you would expect a pub to be.
It's a charming little place though, very welcoming with a log fire. Sure enough there is the bar billiards table in the right-hand bar. It's in a nice little area and the table ain't bad either. Set up to be downhill, but playable nonetheless.
We had a couple of games on it and then asked the landlady if they had a team. Her answer was that it's only played for fun, but very popular with youngsters. We hinted at the discontinuance of rental arrangement situation, and I got the impression that the landlord loved having the table and was more likely to want to buy it than to let it go.
Our parting shot was that our Redhill League could always do with a new team of keen youngsters, and should they ever wish to apply to join the League their application would almost certainly be viewed favourably.
24 Jul 2011 22:52
This is a great pub for bar billiards (teams from Sussex and Kent come to play here, and there is a "thank you for the hospitality" framed certificate on the wall from a Northamptonshire touring side).
And besides that, it's a great pub anyway !
24 Jul 2011 16:12
The Brewers Arms, Burgess Hill
Used to have insufficient room to swing a cat, but much better now it has expanded (took over the shop next door). The bar billiards has now been moved here which means less encroachment from the toilets and tv. The Pool has also been brought in from out of the cold.
The landlord provides good food, and the beer and soft drinks are at reasonable prices.
24 Jul 2011 15:56
A really nice setting as befits the ladies bar billiards team which plays from here.
24 Jul 2011 15:48
Fond memories of this being my local in the 1980's: it had bar billiards then and the best jukebox for miles. Nowadays more of an eaterie, but not much else has changed, particularly the gravelly car park !
24 Jul 2011 15:45
The Jolly Tanners, Staplefield
Always had a nice ambience, good place to go for a Ploughman's lunch.
24 Jul 2011 15:39
No, there's no bar billiards there now. Can't say I miss going there as the drinks were so pricey.
24 Jul 2011 15:37
A welcoming pub, once you have successfully negotiated the narrow gap through to the back carpark. Hassan the proprietor really looks after you.
24 Jul 2011 15:34
Quaint, built on a slant. Has always been a great venue for bar billiards.
24 Jul 2011 15:31
What a shame it's gone, there was so much history about the place.
24 Jul 2011 15:28
Forgot to mention the downside - a badly designed car park. Avoid the bay nearest the road, it juts out and you also have to avoid the concrete blocks unless you want to foul the underside of your car.
24 Jul 2011 15:23
After re-opening as the New Sussex Hotel, no discernable difference! Bar Billiards table takes pride of place, the team are current UK Champions.
24 Jul 2011 15:18
Obnoxious locals hold sway over any interlopers: "You're standing in the way of the (widescreen) telly" boomed out from miles away at the other end of the bar.
Has a privately-owned bar billiards table......find a better pub for it, Ros !
24 Jul 2011 15:12
Should have mentioned:
* Sky TV screens
* Quiz nights
* Award winning Beer garden
* Kiddies playground
* Sunday Carvery (reasonably priced).
24 Jul 2011 15:08
No, there's no bar billiards anymore, I know I played in the team. Landlord used to charge us over the odds for the team's sarnies and then eat most of them himself ! Pub was featured on TV's "60-minute Makeover".
23 Jul 2011 23:57
The Railway Inn, Billingshurst
Ah the dear old Railway....atmosphere hasn't changed since I first started popping in after youth club - 40 years ago! Recommend the bar billiards and the Stella Artois on draught.
23 Jul 2011 23:52
Not one but two bar billiards tables. Great atmosphere pub, friendly landlord and landlady, close-knit band of regulars. Dearest pub for miles though.
23 Jul 2011 23:45
Top venue for bar billiards, although situated in a rather soulless and claustrophobic room. Main bar area is pleasant, a quiet place to have a pint and read your newspaper.
23 Jul 2011 23:41
Does this still qualify as a pub? It looks more like the Shimla Indian Restaurant from the outside.
23 Jul 2011 23:35
Now has bar billiards, which is reason enough to prompt a future visit.
23 Jul 2011 23:30
Well-appointed pub restaurant with varied menu, have been using regularly for several years, never had an unsatisfactory meal yet.
Some entertaining locals prop up the bar on weekdays, builders and decorators, plumbers, double glazing fitters 'between jobs'. Darts and a very successful bar billiards team, though you probably won't see the table except on league night as it gets locked away between matches !
23 Jul 2011 23:19
A good pub for bar billiards with two league teams though Terry will argue to the contrary.
22 Jul 2011 16:18
The George and Dragon, Shipley
Oh for the days when we used to all cram into the public bar on bar billiards league night. Anyone over 6ft would bang their head on the way in!
22 Jul 2011 16:15
Used to enjoy the bar billiards there, but sadly no table now.
22 Jul 2011 16:11
Great pub for bar billiards with a country feel about it. The log fire will really warm you up !
22 Jul 2011 16:10
Kudos for still staging bar billiards, which it has done for 40 years or more.
22 Jul 2011 16:06
Best pub in Horsham and the only remaining one staging competitive bar billiards.
22 Jul 2011 16:04
Used to be a top venue for bar billiards and hopefully one day they will stick a table in again.
22 Jul 2011 16:02
The old pub (Green Dragon, a favourite bar billiards haunt) seemed to suffer when the (Witherspoons) Lynd Cross opened in competition.
Now a gastropub.
22 Jul 2011 15:59
Used to be my favourite local when it was the Michell Arms and had bar billiards.
22 Jul 2011 15:56
Used to be a good venue for bar billiards, sadly no table there now.
22 Jul 2011 15:54
Used to be a good pub for bar billiards, but no table there now.
22 Jul 2011 15:51
Yeah, now the Wabi Japanese restaurant. Apparently take a mortgage out if you want to eat there.
22 Jul 2011 15:49
The Hope, Carshalton
Looks a bit downmarket from the outside, but has a nice spacious carpark, and very welcoming inside.
A really great atmosphere, lots going on and the staff rushed off their feet serving meals - mostly through to the beer garden.
Bar billiards table with its own room in a back bar, the landlord gave us a handful of free tokens and removed the cover for us. Table very straight and playable despite being a narrow SAMS.
We stayed on for a pub lunch, wifey had ham, eggs and chips and I had sausages, onions and mash. Excellent and good value too.
Very pleasant clientele, no chavs, no screaming kids, no hint of a tattoo and not a mobile phone in sight (- we come from Crawley! ) They did a nice drop of Stella too. A perfect ten from me.
29 Aug 2011 18:50