BITE user profile - farnook
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The Sussex reopened last Thursday (same owners as the Fox and Royal Oak as I understand).
I went in on Friday and the place was heaving. But there were plenty of staff and getting a pint quickly was not an issue. And what amazing beer they have too. The choice is almost too good and I would be amazed if they manage to keep busy enough to manage such vast turnover. All the better if they can as this place really deserves to do well.
The refurb is really excellent and they've done a great job of preserving its character but adding some nice fixtures and fittings in the process. The leather upholstery and wooded floor in particular look great. The garden is still work in progress but looking good already. Food is basic but they�re sensibly keeping the menu short and sweet.
The other real winner for me is a complete lack of TV screens. At last a pub where you can drink in peace and don't have to put up with the football rabble that used to frequent the place in the past.
1 Aug 2011 13:30
Lovely calm place. Nice range of beers and some interesting lager to boot. No nuts though!
11 Jul 2008 13:37
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farnook has been registered on this site since 11th July 2008
The Royal Oak, Hampton
My nearest pub and I'd love to give it praise but the Royal Oak simply doesn't deserve an ounce. It's just the scruffiest dump I've ever been in and whoever's running it, clearly gave up any interest in serving the community some while back.
Only popped-in once � shortly after we moved in - and couldn't believe that it's even worse on the inside than outside. Here are some of its lowlights:
Dark smelly interior
Threadbare carpets
Only one ale on draft (Spitfire) which was very badly kept when I visited
Grubby net curtains - so you can't see in
Tinny sound system booming out Magic FM or something similar.
Peeling paint and a really tatty exterior � helpfully this acts as a natural warning and puts most people from going anywhere near it�.
Such a shame as the area's reasonably affluent and I know that were there a more pleasant, vibrant pub in its place, it'd be a busy little local. In days where half decent pubs find it hard to survive, I fail to understand how this place keeps afloat...
I give it six months before the boards are up. Just hope someone who cares takes it on rather than Tesco :-(
15 Oct 2012 14:05