The King Edward VII, Stratford

Been coming to this pub for only about 18 months, but until the change of ownership was a regular haunt of ours. Quiz nights were buzzing, food and drink was of excellent quality, and the atmosphere very welcoming.
When it changed hands just before the Games, there was a severe lack of stocks, in drinks and foods. We thought maybe it is just the change over, and went back a few times to see if it improved. The stock level has improved, at least we can get more than one sort of wine, but the food has gone very downhill, almost to the level of false advertising, and the drink prices went higher than expected.
For example, last night we had burger and chips with coleslaw, and wild mushroom risotto. Well we had to complain about the lack of coleslaw with the burgers, which used to be amazing. We were told it is now at the base of the burger. So we lifted the meat up and sure enough, at the bottom on top of the bun was four, yes, we counted them, four strand of cabbage which we assume was the coleslaw.
The wild mushroom risotto was plain recooked rice, not risotto rice, with a few bits of what looked, and tasted like, tinned button mushrooms. But the dish was definitely NOT risotto, more like left over Chinese takeaway rice with tinned mushrooms.
We felt the bar was overpriced, food way overpriced, service nonexistent, manager surly and couldn't care less, and we could have maybe put up with the overpriced food if it at least bear some resemblance of the descriptions on the menus.
What was once a very nice pub I feel have sunk so low down, as a group we will not be going back. Given it a long enough time since the change over for some improvements, and can see this is as good as it will be, and that is not anywhere good enough for a pub.

25 Feb 2013 11:14

Rileys, Chelsea

Think it's the best pub for miles around. Bit rough, local people and friendly without being sickie lurvie dovy. Cheap drinks, and great music.

Bear in mind I only go in there Friday night on the way out elsewhere and I have to say it is always great. Not been there at closing times ot othe rnights, but think more of a bloke's bar who enjoys cheap drinks and classic music from 70's to current rather then the latest hip hop hit.

31 Oct 2008 16:31