The Queens Head, Eye

The Queens Head has recently undergone an extensive renovation project under the new owner and while retaining its charming beams and 'old pub' feel, offers a sympathetically modern and bright bar and pool area with spacious beer garden.

Ales are well kept and gravity fed from the keg behind the bar and with Adnams being a personal favourite. Also noticed Doom Bar on my last visit.

Pub food is served with interesting dishes such as the Tapas great for sharing over a couple of drinks.

Eye once again has a community pub to be proud of and is definitely worth a visit.

13 Jun 2011 16:30

The Five Bells, Earls Colne

Brilliant pub and the best I have found yet! I�ve frequented this establishment as much as my liver permitted over the last seven or so years and never been disappointed.

Darren the landlord and his wife have gradually developed the pub over this time and there are now three distinctive areas catering for all requirements. At one end of the bar, through an arch is the games area with big screen tv, pool table, board games and a fruity; in the middle (where you arrive) is a traditional county bar which has been sympathetically updated and decorated creating a comfortable and cosy environment and at the far end, a restaurant with an upstairs lounge. All elements come together harmoniously without interfering with each other (ie. you can play pool and watch football / cricket, then retire to the bar for a relaxed beer and then onto the restaurant for dinner - perfect!) Log fires in winter add to the atmosphere and a well maintained beer garden overlooking the fields is great in the summer.

The food is always excellent with the menu consisting of mainly English classics with a few other cuisines thrown in regularly to keep things varied. It is also worth checking the specials board. While not the cheapest in the area for food, I believe in paying a little more for something that is locally sourced, fresh and well prepared and therefore deem it good value. Dishes are also labeled with food allergy sufferers in mind with many �Gluten Free� options.

Leaving the most important to last: the beer! Always a great selection of ales to choose from (something like five guest ales at a time I seem to remember) and well kept. There is also the usual selection of lager, range of ciders and decent wine list to choose from.

The service has always been excellent and the staff are warm, friendly and most importantly when busy, efficient!

Considering the amount of time I�ve spent in this place, I could write an essay but will conclude that it�s a great pub and well worth a visit!

24 Dec 2009 11:02

The Grapes, Limehouse

I�ve visited this pub numerous times over the past few years and while nothing remarkable, the dark interior and d�cor do create a cosy atmosphere. The small area out the back also offers great views over the Thames.

The service was quick as the pub was relatively quiet, however, the barmaid serving could be described as unfriendly and aloof at best.

We had the intention to eat but the bar menu was extremely limited (four mains if I remember) and the restaurant menu was exclusively fish (The Italian �La Figa� just up the road is great if you fancy something substantial).

The Adnams was good and well priced.

So, a nice cosy historic pub for a quick pint if passing but don�t expect service with a smile or extensive bar food menu.

24 Dec 2009 10:16