The Bunch of Grapes, Bradford on Avon

I've used the Grapes since the early 1990s, on semi-regular visits to stay with friends in the area. Happy memories of Clive, the landlord then, who remembered what beer I liked deespite only seeing me three or four times a year. And I had two good sessions there over Christmas 2008. Good beer and food, and welcoming staff. But I understand from my local friends (who I'm visiting later this month) that this year has seen a new landlord imported from London, whose mission seems to be to get rid of the regulars, dumb down the food to cliched pub grub and welcome younger customers with loud music and thoughts of a karaoke. So my future visits to Bradford will see me in the Barge and the Castle.

Pity...

2 May 2009 11:38

The Green Dragon, Lincoln

Recently expensively refurbished and re-opened, I spent a couple of hours there on a weekday afternoon - great feel with friendly staff, very good beer and the food menu looks terrific. Real Ale bar downstairs - by the waterside - expansive main bar with comfortable chairs and sofas and a properly old world feel (the building is 16th century) and an upstairs restaurant. I'll be returning regularly.

6 Jun 2008 15:38

Strugglers Inn, Lincoln

My favourite pub in Lincoln. Great food, a terrific selection of real ales, welcoming staff and interesting customers.

20 Oct 2007 11:09