please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This pub's main virtue is that it is still open, whereas nearly every other local pub has closed. I have to say that since Wetherspoons next door closed, they have cleaned up their act a bit. There's more new outside seating both out front and at the back. The atmosphere there isn't too friendly either, particularly at weekends.
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Second visit to a pub called the Spotted Dog within a week, following the one in Digbeth, Birmingham last weekend. I think I prefer the Digbeth one. The Spotted Dog in Barking was an unscheduled stop for us. There were 2 real ales on - Davy's Old Wallop & Shepherd Neame Kent's Best. The Old Wallop was in a poor condition. However, the Davy's Port was nice, albeit pricey. No sign of this pub closing, as mentioned in the previous review. But it certainly seems to suffer tough competition from the much busier adjacent Wetherspoons.
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Just heard that this pub is closing. Not at all surprised because it has always been overpriced, had a restricted real ale selection and what there is, often badly kept. The same familiar story, a lovely local that rather than try and compete with a wider selection at competitive prices, chose the greedy route of constant price rises and relying on diminishing loyal customers. What could have been a wonderful community pub (as it once was) AND co-existed with Wetherspoons next door (it's by a busy station for God's sake!) I hope I'm being too pessimistic and it will re-open as a free-house with 10 real ales, real cider, cheese rolls + pies on the counter and live jazz! - don't mind paying more for quality -bring back the sawdust!
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Didn't risk the bitter after my last visit but a pint of Kronenbourg set me back �3.87 - don't even pay that for it in Cnetral London let alone a tired boozer in Barking.
anonymous - 25 Mar 2012 11:50 |
Currently visiting a pub for every station on London Overground. Did this one for Barking. Was pleasantly surprised. A nice traditional pub, run by local brewery Davy and Co. A clink and doghouse bar at the rear and a nice courtyard at the back to get away from the hustle and bustle of Barking High Street. I like this pub.
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To achieve the tag of 'best pub in barking' would be about as difficult as achieving the tag of 'best jockey in Andrew Thornton's road', but this pub would stand up as a good un in any town. The staff are lovely, the locals are friendly, the beer is fine and the building is impressive. You can always find somewhere to sit and the resident Elvis impersonator is so good that i was convinced that the great man himself was indeed alive and well and living in Barking. That said i was also convinced that the lass opposite me that night was Megan Fox.....alas she looks more like Basil Brush. If you want a decent drink up in Barking head to the Spotted Dog, there's simply nowhere better for a good long way.
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This is a fantastic Pub, and since the sad demise of the Brittania, easily the best in Barking. I've been a regular for over 38 years, I remember when the floor was covered in a thick layer of sawdust and they had a rather expensive restaurant - The Clink - downstairs. The beer is well kept as always and the staff are the best I have encountered anywhere in the UK, and I've travelled most of it. Also I noticed that they are using one of my publicity photos I commissioned for. Keep up the good work Russell!
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One of a few remaining proper boozers in Barking. A few ales on - I tried the Old Wallop which was pretty insipid and uninspiring. It's okay but not really somewhere to make a special trip out to. Handy for Barking station and preferable (though a lot more expensive than) the Wetherspoon across the road).
anonymous - 29 Aug 2010 10:07 |
Large pub, right next to station (main line and tube), so very convenient. Divided into separate rooms ranging from quiet to loud (large TV screen), so it's easy to find quiet corner if wanted. Excellent range of food reasonably priced. 2 real ales. Friendly attentive staff. The loos leave a bit to be desired though...
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Strange cavernous place came in around five on Saturday as with romfordir thought the Wetherspoon would be too busy. It was empty when we arrived but the staff still managed to make us wait to be served and then wait for the drinks as they disappeared to another bar.
At six it was as if the lights had been turned on suddenly people coming in and service grinding into gear.......had two pints of Old Wallop the first was as my friend commented slightly too warm but no problem with the second round.
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Best and probably safest pub in Barking. Worth the extra pennies they charge for the drinks.
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Great pub,friendly staff and good food
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Yep deff nicer than next door just pricier, 8/10
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Wallop spiked with Port? Where did this "urban myth" come from? Wallop _was_ Courage Directors and is now Shepherd Neame Spitfire. However, there's _frequently_a problem with either or both of the cask ales - they're cloudy, vinegary. The Spitfire had bits in it the other day - like kettle scale.
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i will have to agree with everything thats been wrote about this pub , popped in one sunday night and it was quite , i took one look in the dog next door and thought nah looks packed , best judgement ive made , good drop of ale friendly staff and not too overly priced , well impressed was my first visit , think im on my 35th now , best pub in barking by miles
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Now even better, as Shepherd Neame Kent's Best has replaced the Courage Best!
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A proper traditional pub, much bigger than you realise at first. Dearer than the Barking Dog but preferable atmosphere in my book. Didn't realise the Wallop was Directors spiked with port - that explains why I sleep so well after a few here!
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I loved the atmosphere of this pub, especially after coming out of that dreadful pub next door. The only shock I recieved was being charged �1.20 for a packet of crisps.
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Easily the best pub in Barking, been coming here for years before and after West Hams games (always busy on match days). Shame the sawdust has gone. Big pub with loads of room to sit including non-smoking area. Only let down is variation of decent beer (by the way Old Wallop isn't just Directors - it's been spiked with port - great if you fancy getting wasted).
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tanfantasic pub!!
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This is by far the best pub in Barking lots of little nooks and crannies and also very spacious. Bit disappointed that they dont have the saw dust on the floor anymore.
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Much nicer than the barking dog, but a bit limited, drink wise
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This is certainly a more characterful pub than its rival the Barking Dog (JDW's) next door. However, there's a very limited choice of real ale (Courage Best or Director's - sold as Davy's Old Wallop) and there are problems with this more often than is typical for such a busy pub. Too often the same type of beer is fine in one bar and ropy in the other. From time to time they have music - most likely to be someone singing along to a CD. This rules out any conversation, making the Barking Dog with more, cheaper (Director's about �1 a pint cheaper!) and better beer and no music an attractive proposition.
anonymous - 15 May 2005 19:55 |
The best pub in Barking town centre, without doubt.
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Good pub - spacious, airy, good range of drinks, not too busy on a Saturday afternoon (in contrast to nighbouring Wetherspoons).
anonymous - 5 Dec 2004 13:24 |
The Spotted Dog was once a Victorian alehouse, although much changed today. The outside facade was altered in the 1990s to compete with the nearby Barking Dog. It still has some fine old fittings, and has no frills. It has a lovely atmosphere, and is a local meeting point! The beer-garden is like an oasis, and you do not realise you are in Barking at all.
Ian - 17 Nov 2004 10:05 |
courage best & davey's old wallop aka directors. no fancy carpets & soft furnishings here like wetherspoons etc. a big old proper boozer.
kevin - 17 Sep 2004 15:11 |
excellent pub, good beer, jolly atmosphere and is still like a good old fashioned pub with all the fixtures and fittings !!!
Sarah - 29 Apr 2004 02:16 |
excellent pub, good beer, jolly atmosphere and in the style of a true old eastend pub !!!
Sarah - 29 Apr 2004 02:09 |
EXCELLENT FRIENDLY PUB AND GOOD CUSTOMERS.
PAUL - 23 Aug 2003 01:22 |
