The Black Boy, Winchester

There's nothing contrived about the Black Boy. It's decor has built up over the years (unlike some other pubs in Winchester, it's true), although it is starting to look a bit tired and grubby at the edges. The outside drinking area, with its oak-supported roof, is great. And the beer's well kept, as well.

23 May 2011 20:45

The Queen Inn, Basingstoke

Yes, what has happened to the Queen Inn? This used to be a pub people travelled to, with a great reputation for food. But when I dropped in on a Saturday lunchtime, looking forward to a sandwich/pub lunch during a long-ish walk, it was all but deserted. It was soon clear why. The interior was dark, the decor very tired (with a lot of 'pub red/floral' carpet) and the air was scented with chip fat. And while the lager was well kept and the the staff were nice, the food was dismal. I had a cheddar sandwich was made with supermarket sliced bread, catering pack 'cheese' and Branston pickle, with a sad looking slice of tomato on the side. To add to the disappointment, it was priced as if it was going to be home-made bread, with local cheddar and pickles. As others have said, it looks as if the Queen Inn has kept its old menu and prices, and let drop its quality and standards. A real shame.

22 May 2011 17:12