Flying Horse, Gatwick Airport

I visited this bar and also “the Beehive” this week, and noticed some negative changes compared to previous visit (last year): The selection of real ales was reduced to only 4 – 5 types of rather boring ales; If I remember correctly these were “Old speckled hen”, “London pride”, “Bombardier”, “Young’s Special”, “Doombar”, + one sold out. Nothing wrong said about these ales individually, but they don’t vary too much in taste. And there were no guest ales on tap. All these ale types have all been well established for many years, except Doombar, and I find it strange that this ordinary cask ale from Cornwall now seems to have been spread out all over UK. I looked forward to taste some local guest ales, but left the place in a disappointed mood after a pint of the boring Doombar at the price of pound 4,20.
How can the local breweries survive when the business is totally controlled by the big distributor chains?

28 Jun 2015 13:26

Sloop Inn, Bantham

It is not easy to get across to this pub if you are on the Bigbury-side of the river on high tide water level. The ferry connection is very poor; 10-11, and 15-16. So when arriving at the ferry quay 12.30 we were in trouble. And the ferryman did not show any interest in doing an extra trip.
We finally reached the pub at 15.10, and it had just closed.(Food served until 14.30, closing time 15.00)
It's a shame the connections are so bad. I am sure It would benefit the business on the Bantham side if more regular connections, as there are loads of tourists staying in the Bigbury-area.

1 Aug 2013 12:40

The Pigs Nose, East Prawle

Visited this pub for lunch for the first time last week. My first impression was that it looked a bit worn and untidy, so I was a bit concerned about what was to come.
But there was no reason to worry; we ordered Fish Pie, and it was delicious food. I guess at least 85 percent fish with boiled potato slices on top, served with green peas.
And they had 2 real ales on tap, from South Hams Brewery. We started with Devon Pride, and had Eddystone for dessert, both ales in top conditions. The Eddystone was tapped from a wooden barrel. A village pub absolutely to recommend.

22 Jul 2013 21:53