The Alma, Uckfield

Just been, having read various reviews (as my usual Friday quiet place, where I can enjoy a pint and the cricket on TV, or read my book, had been flooded out) � I wish I hadn't bothered. When I set foot over the threshold at 2pm, I was informed that the kitchen was 'only just' open (despite it being advertised as being open till 2.30). I can't help what time I finish for lunch some days.

The pub itself looks nice enough inside but there's not much of an atmosphere. However, it is nice to see the old games and an active darts scene in there.

Considering it's a Harvey's tied pub, the quality of beer could be a lot better -�it was fizzy and tasteless in comparison to say... the same pint at the Trevor Arms in Glynde. Harvey's Best is supposed to taste of something � I really couldn't manage the pint because of the fizz.

The food was dull ��OK, as far as this pub is concerned, being a veggie seems to mean you like lots and lots of salad (more than twice as much as the main item???). I would much prefer to have a meal where the main item is warm (not just the sauce). Something like a veggie variation of the Nachos would even suffice (the menu said 'freshly cooked to order' did that mean six minutes instead of five in the microwave?). For what I had, the price was a bit out of order (then again, that seems to be par for the course for anything veggie these days) � two slabs of veg loaf and a small pot of tomato-y something for six quid (with 'salad').

Thankfully, the beer price is reasonable � most Harvey's houses are to be honest, that's its main redeeming feature.

I'll be waiting for my normal Uckfield escape hole to dry out before drinking in town again.

6 Aug 2010 15:24

The Cobweb Inn, Boscastle

Every time I go anywhere near North Cornwall (which is every year - we travel up from East Sussex as we have friends there), I always nip into the Cobweb for a pint, as it's reasonably priced - much cheaper than some pubs that have been 'coining it in' since the flood and is more of a locals pub and not some tacky tourist extravaganza.

Also, they serve a good pint of Doom Bar!

The food's not bad - better than some of the 'freeze and reheat' garbage you get in the chain pubs.

5 Mar 2009 16:27