BITE user comments - wellinformed
Comments by wellinformed
The Grape and Grain, Crystal Palace
They have got a huge banner up advertising their next Beer Festival, 5th - 8th Oct, over 60 ales and ciders, i have been to the previous festivals and they are fantastic, well organised and some superb ales, definitely worth a visit.
19 Sep 2012 10:34
The Grape and Grain, Crystal Palace
If you want cheap, then Wetherspoons is where you go, if you want quality, then The Grape & Grain. I've always found their ales great value, and importantly, great quality, i guess its horses for courses, but the Grape and Grain remains a firm favourite of mine and i can't recommend it enough.
7 Jun 2012 12:59
Popped in for the first time on Monday evening, very impressed, good selection of unusual lagers and four cask ales, the ales were all on top form the Windsor & Eton being particularly good. I didn't eat but the food looked good, and a reasonable for a Monday, early doors. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.
2 May 2012 11:55
The Craft Beer Co, City of London
I finally got around to visiting last night, Jury service at the Bailey put me in an area i don't normally frequent. I must say my overall experience was mixed.
The beer as you would expect was good, Clerkenwell Pale ale brewed by Kent Brewery was very good, Dark Star American Pale Ale was also in fair condition.
However i found the bar staff monosyllabic, the decor cold verging on clinical, the atmosphere lacking and the heating non existent. As has been mentioned the pricing is Jumbo, �5 for HALF a Pork Pie....... Really ?
I am going to give it another go, Monday night at the end of January is never going to be packed and i think its only fair to see if it performs better when busy.
There is no doubting that the concept is good, it just needs tweaking. Get the bar staff talking to customers, rather than reading newspapers and ignoring people, maybe put up some brewery memorabilia to make it feel cosier, the huge mirror looks great, add to it, and turn up the heating, when you've only half a dozen people in the pub, and they are all wearing coats its a fair indication its cold.
31 Jan 2012 11:11
The Grape and Grain, Crystal Palace
Spring Beer Festival 2nd - 5th March 2012
60 Ales and ciders from the best micro brewers across the UK.
Food available all weekend, Live music, discounts for CAMRA members on ale & food.
Free Entry
22 Dec 2011 11:17
Jewel/Bar Blanca, Piccadilly Circus
I have to say that i normally avoid these "funky" type establishments, however the better half fancied a change, and a glass of vino, pronto ! So despite my misgivings we crossed the threshold. Whoever coined the phrase "style over substance" very much had this place in mind. Garish colours, lots of chandeliers and a shoddy selection of bottled eurofizz. Surely if you are in the heart of the west end, you can use a bit of imagination when stocking bottled lagers, however despite this, she who must be obeyed was eyeing the wines so, discretion being the better part of valour i sidled up to the bar. There were two other people being served, by two bar staff, one of whom i took to be the manager, so no long wait, you would think.
Well you would think WRONG, after five minutes of standing there, without any form of acknowledgement, not even eye contact, i got very bored with waiting.
Now 5 mins is not a long time in a busy pub, but in a pub with only a dozen people in it, and two serving (?) and being next in line, and being ignored its a very long time. After eight long minutes even the wrath of her indoors couldn't stop me from suggesting an alternative venue. Thankfully she agreed and we decamped to The Blue Posts, Rupert St for instant service and Summer Lightning.
Moral of the story, if you think its going to be bad, at least give them a chance to prove you right !
26 Oct 2011 12:13
The Grape and Grain, Crystal Palace
Beer Festival 7th - 10th Oct 2011
60+ ales from Micro's across the country
discount for CAMRA members on food as well as ale.
Live music each night of the festival plus Hog Roast on Sat 8th.
13 Aug 2011 11:15
New landlady took over a couple of weeks ago, the Doombar was especially good as was the Harvey's, Friendly and swift service despite the pub being packed on my visit on Monday evening. Looks like this place is on the up, a good place to drink if you can't get in the Harp, which since its deserved POTY award is increasingly difficult.
11 Jun 2011 12:15
Good pint of Landlord, great Sunday afternoon Jazz band and a quirky quiz upstairs on a Tuesday eve. One of the better pubs in Soho. Oh, and the staff and management are very friendly and quick.
14 Apr 2011 13:19
The Fox and Anchor, Smithfield
The Sorcerer i had was in pretty good nick, but i would prefer a glass, rather than the pewter tankards. The pub is in need of an overhaul, the once beautiful tiles outside are filthy and the whole place smacks of needing a bit of TLC. At the prices they charge, they could surely afford to spend a bit more on cleaning !
14 Apr 2011 13:14
I have to say this place serves in my opinion the best Sam Smiths i have tasted, over the last three or four years i pop in sporadically but am always surprised by the quality, i am not a huge fan of Sam Smiths beer but this pub is making me change my mind. On my last visit i had a chat with the new managers and they are very friendly.
14 Apr 2011 13:05
The Bookbinders Ale House, Oxford
Had a couple of reasonable pints in here the other day, lacking in atmosphere, and whilst i appreciate and like the unusual decor i do feel it could do with a good clean. I noticed a sign proclaiming "for sale" so hopefully things will improve.
There were only three ales on, but space for ten, that speaks volumes
14 Apr 2011 12:54
Love this little gem of a pub, a couple of great beers in here the other day, can't praise highly enough.
14 Apr 2011 12:48
Had a great couple of beers in here a few days ago, beer quality is excellent, service good, and always busy.
14 Apr 2011 12:46
Popped in a couple of days ago for the first time in two years, beer quality has dropped, my Betty Stoggs was somewhat lifeless, hopefully not a regular thing as this was a fine Oxford watering hole
14 Apr 2011 12:44
The White Hart, Crystal Palace
Went in last weekend, only ale was Porter, not my favourite style of ale and unbelievably no dry white wine for the lady. The mis-management in this pub is becoming legendary.
18 Mar 2011 11:07
The White Hart, Crystal Palace
Went in last night, no real ale and no interest from the staff. There were glasses strewn everywhere and again the staff were too busy talking to their friends to care. It is dirty, overpriced and poorly managed. It had begun to pick itself up but a change of management a couple of months ago has seen a sharp decline. It should remember it has a lot of competition in the area.
13 Aug 2009 12:05
The Grape and Grain, Crystal Palace
just to keep you updated- we now have FREE live jazz every sunday (1.30-4pm), with more live music coming up in june & july. also , we'll be showing the lion's tour of south africa live, with a special offer on beer & food. and a book club( 2nd meeting on 2nd june 8pm) . so plenty to keep you occupied!
22 May 2009 20:23
Went in the other day for the first time in ages and walked straight out again, flilthy, glasses everywhere and full of idiots and drunks. This place is everything that is wrong with JDW.
17 May 2009 17:26
So six months on and its about what i expected, beer quality average at best and served without the merest hint of a smile or gratitude. I suppose you pays your money and takes your choice.
17 May 2009 17:23
The Bear and Staff, Leicester Square
Always a good pint in this lovely little oasis from the supermarket pubs around the West End. Taylors landlord was in particularly fine form.
I have to say thought this website was "Beer in the Evening" not "Sausage in the evening" !!!
28 Jan 2009 12:08
No real ale anymore but a friendly sports led boozer with live music Karaoke etc at weekends. Well run and good fun, nothing more nothing less.
22 Jan 2009 16:45
Pretty ropey pint of Hooky bitter the other night, first time i've been in for years and although its cleaned up it still seems to attract the same unattractive collection of drop outs and kids. Think i will leave it for another few years.
22 Jan 2009 16:42
Last night i had the best pint of OBB i have ever had, really shocked me as i am not a great fan of Sam Smiths, last night changed my mind. Cracking little back street pub with great staff and firendly locals. Well worth a visit.
21 Jan 2009 12:11
The Butcher's Hook and Cleaver, Smithfield
Went in last night, good pint of Discovery, staff were friendly enough, typical Fullers house, not outstanding but reasonable. There are worse around !
21 Jan 2009 12:04
Has a real locals feel to it without being clicky. Good beer and friendly staff
a great little find and handy for the train station as has been said. Worth seeking out.
26 Nov 2008 20:11
I like what has been done to this pub, it did have a pretty bad clientele but the sympathetic refurbishment has cleared out most of the bad apples.
The beer is Hook Norton and served reasonably well, if a little pricey. However its town centre. All in all worth a visit for the ale drinker especially given the lack of good ale pubs in Banbury
26 Nov 2008 20:04
Reasonable size open plan Youngs house, good pint of Tribute on my visit and very friendly Aussie staff. Worth a visit if passing, not outstanding but clean, tidy and well presented, with a good atmosphere.
26 Nov 2008 19:59
Reasonable just about sums it up, nothing out of the ordinary in the way of beer, or food for that matter. Decor is ok, again nothing remarkable, friendly landlord though, its a pop in if you are passing job, rather than a seek it out.
26 Nov 2008 19:47
Pleasant little pub spoilt only by its prices, �3.90 for Caledonian Deuchars
now i know its Mayfair and i know its Guy's place, but even so. However the place was busy and the suits and wannabe "it girls" seemed happy enough paying the extortionate prices. To be fair the beer was on good form and despite the price i stayed for a couple, (more fool me) purely because of the good atmophere. So the moral is, if people will pay it, you can charge it. I hope my local doesn't read this !!!
25 Nov 2008 19:31
I have to agree with most of the other reviews, great location, poor, dirty and untidy inside. Very average pint of GK IPA altogether a pretty uninspiring visit. Varied mix of customers from suits to tourists to builders. The staff whilest not offensive were not exactly welcoming. Surely lessons to be learnt here Spirit Group ?
25 Nov 2008 19:23
Proper little pub, Sheps beers, and on reasonable form on my visit. Mainly locals and suits, and a very pleasant atmophere. Much better choice to visit than many in the area.
25 Nov 2008 18:58
Very good pint of Landlord in this strange shaped, mock Tudor pub that somehow feels fake but also feels peculiarly right. Expensive, well its Mayfair but it is a great stop off on a crawl, or somewhere to drown your sorrows if the better half is shopping and armed with your credit card !
25 Nov 2008 18:54
Typical Wetherspoons in decor, although clean at the moment, only because its only been open a week or so. If i am honest i am not a fan of Jdw however some are better than others and the jury is out on how well run this place will be. Five or six ales on, nothing particularly inspiring but to be fair the Hooky bitter was reasonable. Time will tell with this one, hence no mark yet.
18 Nov 2008 19:02
Went in again a couple of weeks ago for the beer festival twenty or so beers on all in exceptional nick. Particularly liked the dark beers, and a good idea to have them all together on the bar. Can't say i noticed any toilet smells (paul69) but the place was packed. Reckon this has to be hands down the best pub for ale in the area.
5 Nov 2008 12:03
I agree with other reviews, slightly scruffy with more of a town than gown feel to it,some excellent ales on tap and friendly enough service. As has been said already not outstanding but worth a visit if in the area.
21 Oct 2008 13:57
Superb pint of Pride on my last visit, cheery staff and the natives are friendly. Good find, and not too full of suits
14 Aug 2008 20:25
Not a lot to reccommend it, usual JD'S perhaps slighty dirtier than some although i have seen worse.
Customers are about what you would expect. Visit only if like myself you are desperate.
9 Jul 2008 19:16
Mcmullems pub, so the beer is what it is, however in reasonable nick, nothing special bout this place but nothing paticularly bad either. Handy for the motorway
8 Jul 2008 19:19
Nicholsons pub, usual boards with various sausages and the usual beers, Landlord, Doombar et al. Have to say all in good nick and since its makeover a pleasant find amidst the plastic posers paradises that litter the high. Worth a look if only for the courtyard which on a nice summers evening ? is charming.
8 Jul 2008 19:13
Back working in the area and popped in after an absense of a couple of years and i have to say its gone downhill, and has been mentioned three quid for a pint of pride is a bit excessive, especially as they can't be bothered to clean the toilets.
3 Jul 2008 20:28
The Deddington Arms Hotel, Deddington
Quite expensive, however a reasonable range of ales and in good nick. Food is pretty good too, worth a visit.
3 Jul 2008 20:20
Went in here for the first time last weekend, reasonable ales, but the pub had an atmosphere of a fight about to happen. Didn't hang around to see if i was right !
3 Jul 2008 20:17
Went in here for a lunch a couple of days ago, reasonable food, good pint of Youngs, nothing outstanding about this pub, but nothing wrong either.
There are worse out there.
3 Jul 2008 20:13
Now refurbished and open as The Dog & Gun. Sad to report no real ales. The make over was much needed but gives it a really corparate feel. Its clean tidy and the landlord is a nice enough chap. But for me it is characterless and worse,aleless.
1 Jul 2008 19:09
The Blue Boar Inn, Chipping Norton
Had a very good pint of Godiva whilst sitting outside, as has been said, not a fantastic pub but worth a look.
17 Jun 2008 18:06
Easy to miss pub off the beaten track even though its right in the centre of Oxford. Passable pint of Landlord but nothing really stands out about this pub except its remarkably cheap wine �1.90 for a 175ml.
3 Jun 2008 17:36
As has been said alraedy great art decor interior, rather little else to reccommend it. No real ale and only passable service. Menu is limited but cheap.
3 Jun 2008 17:32
The Bookbinders Ale House, Oxford
Always a pleasure to visit this pub. The staff, although different every time i have been, are always pleasant, polite and helpful. The beer is always great and regularly changing, despite being a Gk pub.
On the MORSE TRAIL so expect tourists mingling in with the locals and students. Worth a visit to see a good example of a back street boozer with well kept ales and well behaved locals.
21 May 2008 19:05
Far From the Madding Crowd, Oxford
Unusual pub this one, quite a modern feel to it, but essentially an old fashioned drinking pub. Lots of pump clips adorn the wall back of bar, and there is always a good selection of ales. I have only ever had good quality beer in here, even on a Monday afternoon.One of the best ale pubs in Oxford
20 May 2008 20:56
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham
Overrated regarding the beer as its now Greedy King, however the building is quite spectacular and well worth a look, perhaps instead of drinking beer a glass of tap water may help GK to think about their takeover policies
20 May 2008 20:50
Now renamed the Red Lion, but thats about the only thing that has changed. Bad service, from start to finish, awful beer, Taylors Landlord cloudy and warm and frankly i disliked the place so much i didn't bother to change it i just left. It epitomises the dreadful chain pub. It really is one to avoid.
20 May 2008 20:35
I finally got around to visiting after hearing and reading a lot of good reports. I must say i wasn't disappointed. There were seven ales on, all in great condition, sip before you sup policy, i love it !
This place used to be one of the biggest dives in the area and has been transformed over the last three or four years. There is a huge collection of pump clips that bear testamony to the throughput of ales. I didn't eat but i must say the food looked good. It is a strange shaped building, quite small frontage but extends back a long way with two bars, a dining room and a small enclosed patio. As has been said before one of Banbury's best kept secrets. Do not miss.
17 May 2008 12:14
Changed a bit over the years,still serves a good selection of ales although not all in great condition.
I have been here and had fantastic beer and also very poor beer, shame its so hit and miss. If you are doing the Soho pub crawl its one to try and fingers crossed you will hit them on a good day
2 May 2008 14:36
Good meeting place in Oxford circus, varied mix of customers all surprisingly friendly for a west end pub. Service was a bit slow, but the Taylors Landlord was in excellent condition. Monday night is comedy night in the cellar bar and great value for only a fiver. Good range of ciders on draught too.
2 May 2008 14:31
Cracking little Soho pub thats oozing charm and glorious old fashioned bar decor. It is tiny so getting a seat is nigh on impossible, but its worth it for the ale. Al fresco drinking in the summer, if we ever get one,also good for spotting the luvvies, Brendan Gleeson was in on my last visit,mean spirited sod didn't buy me a drink though ! If you are around Soho its a must
30 Apr 2008 17:29
When in Reading for the rugby at the majeski this pub is a must. It has a fantastic selection of ales and on match days (Rugby that is) is full to the brim of both home and away supporters. I'm not a huge fan of Irish bands but in here, it feels right and moreover after a few beers,actually good. The atmophere after the match is great, plenty of good humoured banter between supporters but never a hint of trouble. I suspect it may be different when its soccer, but if only for its beer this pub is worth a visit.
21 Apr 2008 18:52
About ten years ago this was a proper pub, four real ales, switched on management, and for a west end pub a bit of character. All this was on the ground floor level, in the cellar bar they had karaoke,discos etc at the weekends, and the upstairs bar was a piano bar with a very funny, very camp pianist. It was a real provider of choice, if you didn't like loud music you stayed in the traditional bar, but then it went the way of a lot of pubs and became plastic. No ales, no choice and no atmosphere. Its now dirty, badly managed and in need of some adult customers. Why?
When will thes pubco's learn that if it ain't broke don't fix it.
21 Apr 2008 18:01
I used to use this pub a lot six or seven years ago and was pleased to see it hasn't altered. Still good quality Fullers, and as has already been mentioned a chav free zone. Lots of character and good food and a garden.
21 Apr 2008 17:49
Surely if GK want to move forward in the right direction then a visit to this pub should be a must for their execs. A superb example of well kept ever changing beers from a large selection of micros and of course the usual GK stalwarts. The pub is hard to find, tucked away in the back alleys of the city but is worth the struggle (ask at The White Horse for directions) The food is the usual fayre from the brewery titans, but this pub is about beer and frankly it doesn't need anything else, yes it has a lovely garden, yes the decor inside is fine, but its all about the beer. This may be the best beer in Oxford if not then certainly the best choice.
21 Apr 2008 17:41
This is a proper pub, very small in area but huge in atmosphere. At least four good ales normally with Skinners or Landlord on.Gets very busy, due to its size, but is definately worth a visit.
21 Apr 2008 17:30
Charming example of a Cotswold pub, lots of character and indeed a character of a landlord. Good choice of ales but very well known for its ciders. As has been mentioned the beer festivals are a delight. Always worth a visit.
21 Apr 2008 17:13
The George Inn, Barford St Michael
I like this pub, it is very much the heart of the village and is run by a great landlord who loves his ale. This is reflected in the quality and i must say i have never had anything less than a great pint in there.As a freehouse there are usually less mainstream ales available and as ever always a warm welcome. As a wet only village pub its hard to beat, oh he also runs a super beer festival.
21 Apr 2008 17:07
This is a food pub, through and through, however without the food it would have closed, so whats worse?
Anyhow as food pubs go it is outstanding. Its just won a Michelin Bib Gourmond and it serves one of the best pints of Hook Norton Bitter in the area, not bad for a food pub ! Large garden which i suspect gets very busy in Summer.
20 Apr 2008 19:21
The Zetland Arms Hotel, Warwick
Love this pub, super pint, well pints, of Black Sheep on my last visit and a great mix of customers. The landlady was very friendly as were the staff and in the summer the garden is glorious. Well worth a visit
20 Apr 2008 19:14
What a shame, five years ago this was by far and away the best pub in the area. It was clean, well run and had a good selection of real ales, albeit rather mainstream, but kept well. Now the chav element that the old landlord kept out are back with a vengence.The pub is dirty and feels as if no one cares. This is a major landmark and its a tragedy.
20 Apr 2008 19:05
When in the Toon this is the one to visit. Great beers, decor, staff and customers. A real delight.
20 Apr 2008 18:59
Had a few superb pints of Landlord in here which were incredibly cheap. Usual M & B style of decor but good service and a friendly crowd. Handy for the Holiday Inn Express next door
20 Apr 2008 18:56
Super little Sheps pub, once a local of mine, always good fun spotting the luvvies in between performances and some cracking beer. A real oasis in the West End
20 Apr 2008 18:51
This used to be my local ten years ago, and i was stunned to find recently that it no longer sells draught ales, only the nitro variety. For a Sam Smiths pub this is incredible.
20 Apr 2008 18:47
I've always enjoyed this great little pub. The ale choice is farly uninspiring, but is always good quality. And despite other comments i have always found the staff pretty good. For a West End pub its a good find, especially in summer.
20 Apr 2008 18:43
The only word for this plastic pub is shabby, shabby interior, customers,shabby poorly trained staff and unless you have a couple of hours to spare forget about food. And why pretend to have a huge range of ales when invariably there are only one or two actually on
14 Apr 2008 03:28
Whatever happened to this place ? Used to be a cracking pub, great sports venue, music venue and a ressonable lunch venue. Unfortunately, pubco buys it and puts 13, yes 13 different managers in a year.
Now under new ownership hopefully it will improve.
14 Apr 2008 03:23
I've been in a few times, foods ok, not nearly as good as the Masons Arms, but i do feel it lacks any atmophere, the staff are friendly enough if a little pompous i just feel that it hasn't quite got the wine bar vibe and is more of a restaurant where you can drink if there's no one eating.
14 Apr 2008 03:18
Had several very good pints of Bath Gem last week and i have to say i rather like this eclectic pub.Very friendly staff and a clean tidy pub. Worth a visit especially as the Jerico Tavern is next door
12 Apr 2008 20:18
One of my favourite pubs, if only for the large collection of ties, however i have never been disappointed with the beer or service and normally Taylors Landlord is a good enough reason for a visit when in Oxford
12 Apr 2008 20:13
What a fantastic pub, very well kept ale, good service and a great clientele one not to be missed.
12 Apr 2008 20:10
When its open, and it does keep strange hours, this little pub is a joy, almost like stepping back in time. My last visit i had a very good pint of Archers in a cosy and atmospheric bar. Yes it does have faults, why the need for the tv, especially to show Pop Idol and the like, but there are a lot worse out there.
12 Apr 2008 20:07
Friendly landlady, and a great pint of Black Sheep
typical London suburban boozer, but nice enough crowd when i visited. Get the feeling that it is a footie pub although no tv's on when i was there. Handy for a quick pint at lunchtime or when waiting for the train, probably not somewhere to take the wife
12 Apr 2008 18:29
The Banbury Cross or The Banbury chav as i prefer to call it. It certainly has a cross section of people, and on a Saturday night a very cross section of people.The beer if on is Wells and Youngs and not very well kept, the staff are friendly enough, though i suspect alcohol has something to do with that !
It is a blokes boozer with t.v. dominating and music irritating.
12 Apr 2008 17:17
Really fantastic building, full of charm and history, sadly has recently been allowed to wind down.The currant tenents are leaving in November and have taken their eye of the ball somewhat, the beer quality has dropped as has the quality of some of the customers. It is still a pub to visit when in town and hopefuuly it will get back on track, it deserves to !
12 Apr 2008 17:10
The Elephant and Castle, Bloxham
Best Hooky beer in the area, it is a boozer, but in a good way, friendly staff and customers, with a great atmosphere, log fires etc make it a welcoming retreat for the beer drinker
12 Apr 2008 17:05
Charming little pub from the outside, however on entering it reminded me of the scene from "An American Werewolf in London" when the two American tourists enter the remote moors pub, pretty unwelcoming to say the least. Granted it was midweek and fairly late but the landlord ? was churlish at best. The beer resonable, i've had better Hooky at The Elephant and Castle in Bloxham, and the choice limited to Hooky.All in all a disappointment. Which begs the question, how did this pub win the Pub of the year competition ? Are the rumours true ?
12 Apr 2008 16:55
Back to wellinformed's profile
The Grape and Grain, Crystal Palace
They are holding their Spring Beer Festival on 1st - 4th March, with over sixty real ales and ciders. This will be the sixth one, they have two a year, Autumn & Spring, I have been to all the others and they just seem to get better and better.
9 Jan 2013 12:10