The Marble Hill, St Margarets

Again, I am a local to the area.

This pub has a northern charm much like taverns I used to visit in the north of England.

The north of England 'pub' is loosing it's charm. I believe pubs like the Rising Sun will be more like my much loved warm, toasty, old school pubs, than the developing country up north. Not that the north's development is improving, just changing, what ever it I'm not happy and that's why I'm here.

Anywho, a lot goes on this pub and I believe there are loyal customers here. They have developed are really interesting set up of gigs and bands. Which, you would normally only see the likes of in Camden or Shoreditch or somewhere bloody ages away.

Unfortunately for this 'style' of pub people in St Margaret's don't want oldy worldy right now.

This may because there a many young families/ parents/ young adults here and they simply don't have time for an old school pub. They need high flying, bright, 'popular' pubs that make them feel in touch with the movement of the young people.

They love expensive cheap, second hand, mildy ruffled, arm chairs with modern art and a menu written on a black board. How gastro. How now.

Well the Rising sun has arm chairs that are great.

In regard to the food. I have not got round to trying a Sunday lunch yet, so it would be unfair to comment.

The alcohol is great. They have plenty and serve you at the table. Nice one!

Don't be put off if you go and it's quiet. Be clever and find out when a 'night' is on, and go then. Similar to a quiz night. You wouldn't go the night after, when everyone has been. Or maybe you would if you wanted peace.

Whatever, don't skit it until you tried it.

Sorry if my grammar and writing language is bad. I am not gifted with a pen (keyboard).

6 Mar 2007 23:05

The Crown, St Margarets

Dear All,

I am a local to this pub and before it was taken over it was alright.

I thought it looked promising when it first reopened - the staff seem interesting looking and they had a music night.

I have come to find that the pub is swormed with children. I don't mind this once and while, or in summer when it's lovely outside, it can be quite pleasant to have everyone of all ages gathered together.

However, I have noticed that the children's parents are all mates, and a couple of them work there from what I can gather (the serving behind the bar gave it away).

I feel this pub is used to congregate and has been taken over by the staffs mates. The group make me feel intimidated and unwelcome.

In regard to the beer it seems fine, it drinks well. I have no problem there. In fact if it's one night when the 'mates' are not there and if you maybe have a mate or two it can be nice sat around the big wooden tables, sipping on a Bacardi (who drinks Bacardi these days? me, I was introduced to a Barcardi, cranberry and fresh lime in Florida Keys - it's great).

So, back to the review.

I have too opposite opinions on the food. I have had a risotto which was pretty tasty. A bit claggy (gooky - thicker than sloppy) but filled me up. Another however, my brother ordered a burger last summer, and it not only took ages but when it arrived, and he cut into it, it was bloody, not just red, but bleeding.

I could not believe my eyes.

I had to take the plate myself to the bar, as no one was paying attention to our table, even though there was only us and two other tables dining, of a potential 25 tables.

There was no recognition from staff which I found uneasy having spent money on a meal for three plus drinks, and the chef (who was half there in mind) said she'd grill it a bit longer.

I am a fan of how Americans service each other. So to speak. So the Crown has no change in my review.

You make your decision. I've made mine.

6 Mar 2007 22:42