The Carpenters Arms, Loughton

I don't know what's happened to this pub! I've frequented it for years infrequently as I'm not local. I've always enjoyed the good beer & friendly atmosphere.
I visited it with 2 friends on my recommendation at about 10.00pm on Wednesday the 1st of May 2013. The first thing i noticed was the distinct smell of cigarette smoke. I assumed this was coming from outside. I asked what real ales they had available & was told only IPA. As I like this it wasn't a problem. When it was poured though it was very cloudy. The barman did not seem to notice but I said I wasn't prepared to accept this. The barman agreed that it wasn't really drinkable. I therefore had a soft drink as I don't like keg beer.
We went into the rear bar and were horrified to discover a man sitting at the bar smoking a cigarette in full view of the barman!
I didn't finish my drink & left never to return.
Further, the pub was almost empty (except the smoker & a couple of other obvious regulars). The decor & upholstery in a dilapidated state. A chicken or egg situation as to whether the pub's in a poor state because of the lack of customers or the lack of customers is due to the poor state of the pub!
I do feel they were allowing the man to illegally smoke as they didn't want to upset one of the few paying customers. Unless he was the licencee who simply didn't care!

2 May 2013 15:14