The Plough and Horses, Cove

Visited twice. Very limited food menu. Bar has a grubby feel to it. On the plus side, the service is cheerful and friendly, but rowdy & foulmouthed behaviour in the bar did not encourage a return visit.

7 Aug 2007 13:54

The Old Courthouse, Cove

One of the better pubs in Farnborough (though in fairness there's not a great deal of competition!). Good reasonably priced food and a good range of well kept beers, though they do tend to be a little overpriced. In fact, the beers are probably the most expensive - along with the "Thatched Cottage" - in Farnborough. For example, there is a massive difference of 25p a pint of Stella between here and the Ham & Blackbird.

The "Courthouse" barstaff are generally pleasant and helpful, but I'd pick out Katrina ("Kat"), who works weekday lunchtimes for special mention. In an age when one is lucky to even be greeted by barstaff, Kat makes a point of acknowledging customers even when she is busy serving. Just a little touch, but the discerning customer really appreciates a simple "I'll be with you as quickly as I can". Bar staff take note!

Attitude can be somewhat brusque at closing time, which is bloody irritating if you've just spent the evening putting a lot of money into the till!

Overall, a good pub worth visiting, though like so many pubs these days there's very little atmosphere and it can be clicquish.

6 Aug 2007 17:56

The Alexandra, Farnborough

This has never been the most solubrious or welcoming of pubs, but it's gone further down the pan since John was replaced as manager a few weeks ago. They serve a good pint, but the service is absolutely dreadful! There is a regular barmaid who has a vocabulary of only four words: "There yer go" and "Cheers". Do not expect a cheery greeting or normal pleasantries like "please" and "thank you" in this pub!

Rowdy and foulmouthed behaviour is tolerated - even encouraged - here, so don't even think about going in for a quiet evening!

Clearly rundown, this pub could do with a radical clean up! It has a grubby "feel" to it and the toilet doors are filthy. The management obviously do not expect the clientele to wash their hands after using the loos as the hand drier in the gents has been broken for months!

I would definitely put this pub alongside the "Trades" and the "Queens" as pubs not to visit in Farnborough.

6 Aug 2007 17:21